A - Z Blogging Challenge

No, I'm not talking about gifts in this quick post I'm talking about the A-Z Blogging Challenge.   Click on the link for more information and/or to join me in this challenge.   I have never participated in a blogging challenge before, but as you know I have been trying to blog just once a week on this particular blog so anything that encourages me to blog has to be good - doesn't it?

The difference with this blog is that I will up my ante so to speak as I will need to post every day (except Sundays) throughout April.   This in itself will be quite a challenge to me, but it only takes three weeks for something go become a habit so hopefully...........

But wait there's more - no I'm not about to sell you a set of steak knifes, but since you mentioned it here are some just for you.  

The challenge is about more than just blogging each day - I have to blog on a different letter everyday starting with A and working my way through the alphabet until I reach Q.

So what are your thoughts?   If you think it sounds like fun then why not join me and over 500 (at last count) others - here's the link in case you missed it last time -

A-Z Blogging Challenge

Japan Quake Relief Wristband

If you're like me you were glued to the television at the time of Japan's devastating earthquake.   I was in New Zealand at the time and all of a sudden Christchurch's disaster was pushed off of the news as we watched a proud country like Japan attempt to deal with a catastrophe of epic proportions.   I must admit I had to stop watching after a few days because the news kept getting worse and the news of the nuclear plant reminded me of the way the hairs stood up on the back of my neck when we heard of the Chernobyl disaster of 86.

Japan is going to need a lot of help to recover from the triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown and many people have offered help around the world.   So when I was wondering what to add to this post today and I came across these Japan Quake Relief Wristbands I thought - yes!

According to the company's website all proceeds from the sale of these wristbands will go towards the American Red Cross Aid to help Japan.   Bungie aren't the only people who are selling wristbands for Japan - Lady Gaga also has wristbands available from her site that say Pray for Japan.   the wristbands are much nicer looking in my opinion, but I've read differing views and it seems that only 50% of proceeds from these ones will be going to help Japan.

The Gift of Funky Nails!

You can have a great looking manicure with the latest in nail fashion.......or you could give it as a gift.   My daughter was after some nail polish for Christmas and so I got her nail stencils to go with it and you'd think she'd died and gone to heaven with the response I got.

If only I'd have known about Katy Perry and OPI's collaboration.    I'm sure that you would remember the red carpet gossip that occurred last year with Katy Perry wearing Russel Brand's face on her nails - is it any wonder that she now has her name put on a nail polish collection?

The key to this collection is what is called the Black Shatter Crackle and it's how the effects pictured are achieved.   You see nail polish manufacturers are putting a special ingredient into some nail polishes that give the cracked or shattered look to a nail.

You can't really give a gift like this without knowing how it works or you could end up with egg on your face so let me give you the steps involved.

First you need to start with clean nails and apply a base coat.    Next you apply the color that you want to show through like the blue, grey and pinks in the picture.   The key is to make sure that this color is well and truly dry before moving onto the next step which is to apply the black shatter crackle polish evenly - apply only a thin layer of this.

A top coat is optional if you're using this collection of nail polish - the black shatter crackle leaves a lovely matte finish all by itself.   If you prefer to have a high gloss finish then add your top coat.

If you have a teen they will absolutely love you for this gift.............guess what my tween is getting for her birthday?   I'm hoping to hide the fact that this product exists from her until I give her some, but with some uber-trendy friends (and friends moms) I'm not sure I'll be successful!