IMO: Best Frugal French Manicure

Source: sallyhansen.com via Mikki on Pinterest

Disclaimer: I've no ties to the manufacturers or retailers listed in this post. I purchased the products myself, and these opinions are 100% my own.

Back in December, I got a French manicure for an upcoming party. I loved the look but couldn't afford to continue having the service done regularly. So I decided to try to DIY it! For less than $20, I was able to pick up the supplies at Wal-Mart: pink nail polish, top coat and this Sally Hansen French Manicure Pen.

I've really enjoyed using this pen! I'm able to control the flow of the paint, and I like that the paint covers in one coat, provided I shake it well and prime it by pressing the tip down a couple of times.

Here's what I do: 

1. Shake the pen, and then press the tip down on the inside of the lid until the paint begins to flow.
2. Freehand the white tip and allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Pool a good bit of the pink paint on the bottom half of the nail and then pull the brush upwards lightly and quickly (until you gain some experience, you'll re-wet the white paint, causing it to smear). Allow this coat to dry. I use Confetti "Pink Paradise."
4. Saturate the top coat brush until it nearly drips and apply quickly to nails. I repeat this step a couple of times a week. I use Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Top Coat.

DIY French Manicure (Day 5)

Don't fret about getting the any of these products on your skin. Use a little Vaseline after the nails dry and it will come right off. The first try was not so pretty, but I began again every weekend, and now, ten tries later, I quite like the look. Under close examination, one will see imperfections, but it's an easy trade for a cheap, DIY French manicure!  

My Mother-In-Law

Mimi and Papa, my parents-in-law

My mother-in-law, Mimi, celebrates her birthday this month, and I thought it would be nice to introduce you to her! She entered my life twelve years ago, as the matchmaking partner to the mother of my best friend from college and was instrumental in my meeting my husband!

One of Mimi's most exceptional qualities is her steadfast, LONGsuffering love for her children. I wasn't there when she was raising them, but I know from their accounts that even when they tested her, she remained fiercely loyal and confident that they would reach their potential. She supported them both as they took part in numerous extra-curricular activities. Blessedly, I'm sure she would tell you that she has indeed seen all of them become successful, both in their professions and in their families.

She has extended this same love to her six grandchildren, eliciting strong connections to their Mimi. She goes out of her way to spend time with the ones that live within driving distance of her home, taking them for extended stays, which normally include shopping, story telling, fingernail painting and other one-on-one time. She does the same for those who live far away from her during their visits to her home.

Another standout characteristic Mimi exhibits is a life-long faith. She has lived her faith during difficult circumstances not limited to a wayward child, chronic health issues, and surviving a tragic automobile crash that took the life of a brother. She professes this faith and takes seriously the role God has given her to teach her grandchildren about the Lord. One of her ministries is to visit with the elderly members of her church and community, sometimes taking them out to lunch or delivering fresh fruit baskets to them. 

My life and the lives of those I love have been richly blessed by Mimi's generosity, love and faith. I am thankful that God gave placed her in my life! Oh, and I can't leave without mentioning her incredible beauty, but I suppose she would tell you it isn't all that remarkable, considering that she's only 29 ;)

Flock Together Blog Hop 3/27

Originally published in 2012 as part of a weekly blog hop — a kind of online meet-and-greet where everyone shared a post and wandered from blog to blog.

Welcome! To participate, simply...

1. Link up: Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."

2. Find new friends: Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love (Linky Followers, Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, etc.). Kindly pass by the ones you don't.

I try my best to follow EVERYONE who joins the hop, but it helps if you leave a comment letting me know you're new here. Also, please sign up for Linky Followers! It's a great alternative to Google Friend Connect.

This week's Fine feathered Friend is Cassie at 

I'm a full-time, cloth diapering mommy of a curious toddler named Wolf Prince. This blog explores our adventures in todderhood and beyond. 

I hope you'll stop by Cassie's blog and become a follower, especially if you're a mom of a toddler! Even though we're past that stage in my home, I've enjoyed reading her tales about her family and home, especially the post about their newly adopted dog! She also offers giveaways and linky parties. Be sure to check her out first this week.


Want to be featured as next week's Fine Feathered Friend? Click here to find out how. It's free and easy.

Need a little help?

• If this is all new to you, click here.
• If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that might be just your cup of tea! Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.
• If you see empty boxes with red x's instead of pictures in the linky, try clearing your cache (Go to Tools > Internet Options > Under the General tab and Browsing History section, click "Delete"> check Temporary Internet Files > Delete > then refresh or reload Mom's Best Nest).