Recently on the Makeup Alley Nail Board there was a fun thread where everyone posted their screen names and the other members “dared” us to try colors we don’t normally wear. A couple gals commented that I wear everything so it’s hard to pick. That’s pretty much true with the exception of sheer and white polishes. The colors suggested to me were China Glaze Tie The Knot (pictured), a white creme, neon pink, bright blue (e.g. Essie Aruba Blue) and metallic black.

The first two are definitely something I haven’t worn before so I’m going outside my comfort zone and painting my nails in a sheer tonight and then an opaque white or cream colored polish later this week. Even though my nails are all wrecked from cleaning up my newly redecorated living room, I’m dreading the idea of removing my vampy mani to put on a sheer. I have very detached nails so the length of my whites, even when short, make my nails look fake. Even so, I’m going to give sheers a chance.

So everyone, I now dare you to try something different and new and not very “you.” What color will people think is totally unexpected to see on your nails? Or what color are you afraid to try?

I was tagged by All About The Pretty to list the 5 Things You Don’t Know About Me.

1. I was a chronic nail biter. Like a seriously gross and habitual nail biter. Blech! I started using polish as a deterrent and here I am today. A full fledged addict.
2. I worked at an amusement park in Ohio, Cedar Point, for 4 summers during college. I was a ride operator for 3 of the 4 summers I was there. I climbed to the top of what was, at the time, the world’s tallest roller coaster. The Magnum XL200. It’s windy and scary 201 feet off the ground.
3. I have an irrational fear of birds. I don’t know if it’s something that can be passed through genes but my mom and I both freak out and practically fall into the fetal position if a bird comes near us. This past summer, a bird got into my house through the furnace and I hid in my room. HID FROM A BIRD!!
4. I am addicted to popcorn. I have an innate love of popcorn. It’s the one food I crave most. When I was a child, we would buy bulk bags of kernels because my Dad and I would snack on a bowl almost every day. This was back when bulk shopping really meant BULK! Kettle corn at fairs is my kryptonite.
5. I’m a dedicated Barenaked Ladies fan. A friend from college dragged me to one of their concerts in the mid 90′s (I’m totally dating myself) and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve been to every show that’s come to town since. If I could hang out with anyone famous, it would be those guys.

I found this article on the CareFair website and thought it was useful.

Try a Comfrey Foot Bath for an Ingrown Toenail

Toenails that have grown into the flesh of the foot can be painful and long-lasting. Ingrown toenails can be caused by ill fitting shoes, improper trimming, a toe injury, an infection or they can be genetic. The next time you have an ingrown toenail try treating your toes with a comfrey root foot bath.

Fill a plastic shoebox or other small container with ½ gallon of warm water, and ½ ounce of comfrey root. Soak the affected foot for 20 minutes, and then use a tissue or piece of cotton under the nail to keep it from curling into the skin. Comfrey root can be purchase online and at health stores. Seek medical attention if your ingrown toenail has not improved in a few days, or has become infected.

Soak Brittle Toenails in Sesame Oil

You can soak broken, brittle toenails in sesame oil to strengthen and protect them. Warm some of the oil by itself or with some olive oil and soak your toes for 10 minutes at a time. Sesame oil is an Ayurvedic remedy for brittle nails.

Remove Polish Stains with Denture Cleaner

If nail polish stains plague your precious toes, pop a denture tablet
into a container with warm water and soak your toenails. The cleaner should help remove stains, and if it needs some extra help use a toothbrush to scrub toenails.

Cut Toenails Straight Across

One way to avoid ingrown toenails, nail infections and nails growing in
crooked and painfully is to make sure to cut toenails straight across when manicuring. When the nails are cut straight the side of the toenail has no chance to dig into your skin.

Clean and Disinfect Cuts Promptly

When you stub your toe or cut a toenail down too far and cause it to bleed, clean and disinfect the cut as soon as it occurs to avoid germ contamination and infection. Pour a capful of full-strength hydrogen
peroxide on the sore and let it breathe to allow the cut to heal.

Eat Lots of Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Biotin for Healthy Toenails

A diet rich in foods with omega-6 fatty acids is beneficial for toenail strength. Eat cold-water fish to get more in your diet, like salmon. Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 and is important in breaking down fatty acids and aiding cell growth. You can get more biotin in your diet by eating lentils, peanuts and soybeans.

There are a couple of interesting remedies in this article that I’ve never heard of before. I didn’t know the power of sesame oil or comfrey root.

Another solution for removing stains is Bubble White, you can find it or something similar at most beauty supply stores. Also, I highly recommend taking Biotin supplements or eating biotin rich foods if you want your nails to grow faster. I take 2000 mcg of Biotin daily. Of course, I’m not a doctor so you should always check with one before starting any supplement. And a word of warning. Biotin will not only make your nails grow faster but your hair too, ALL your hair. My razor hates me.

I am so honored that Glamour’s Beauty Insider Blog has chosen to mention little old me. As a longtime subscriber, the beauty section is always the first place I flip to when my new issue arrives. I’m just so excited that Andrea likes what I have to say. I’ve been following her advice for years.

I have to give a big THANK YOU to Annie at Blogdorf Goodman for her wonderful post about me. Without it, Glamour never would have found me.

Who knew that a little polish freak like me could get this kind of attention? I hope that means I’m doing something right. Now, check out their Blog and let me know what you think.