The Nail Revolution?


The last couple of weeks, I have been completely sidetracked by something called Jamberry nail wraps. Evidently, three ingenious sisters have come up with vinyl decals for nails. Not only are they more durable than nail polish, they are easy to apply, too.

I was very skeptical about these from the beginning. I’m hard on my nails, and polish only lasts 2-3 days for me—hardly worth the effort. I got a free sample to test it out. I was kind of nervous about it, and I just knew they would end up all over my cuticles instead of perfect and smooth like the photos online. Applying them was really anti-climactic. It was way too easy and over way too soon. And then I didn’t have to wait for my nails to dry, which I kind of missed out of habit.

But the strangest part was they actually did last 10 days for me. I did dishes, laundry, bath nights, yard work, even repainted the bathroom (along with all the taping). They still looked great!

Chalkboard Hearts
Despite addressing common nail polish drawbacks—and having ethical testing and production standards—the focus of Jamberry’s sales technique is mainly visual. Get a group of women together and start showing them the designs. The range of styles has something for everyone’s taste. Even me (and that’s not easy to come by—think hippie meets goth—see Chalkboard Hearts for a perfect example).

The vinyl material can be printed with any design, and Jamberry has over 300 to choose from. As if that’s not enough, you can upload your own images to their online nail art studio, and custom design a sheet of nail wraps for a small extra fee. The design possibilities really are endless.

No more chipping, no more drying time, no more expensive nail salon visits. No more destroying your self esteem after trying to replicate the intricate nail art you find on Pinterest. They are calling it the Nail Revolution. And you know what? I think they are right.

Do they enrich my creativity or distract from it? That’s entirely debatable. 

Achieve the Impossible

Only those who attempt the absurd...will achieve the impossible. -M.C. Escher

Paint Like a Child

It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. -Pablo Picasso
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.   –Pablo Picasso

Color Words Brain Game

Thinking creatively is about breaking out of the typical pathways for thought processes. Exercise your creativity with this color name game. This is a hard one!




















More information on this exercise.

Fresh Air

Brooding in the dark can be restorative, but so is basking in the sun!



During summer, we tend to think of fun in the sun, but being outside helps your mind work better, too. Taking a break can make you more productive. Being outdoors reduces stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which hinder fluid thinking. 

Get some fresh air. Go for a walk or run. Picnic for lunch. Visit a local park.

Breathe. Release the stress of the day and enjoy connecting with nature. Refresh your mind. Revive your spirit.

More details on benefits of getting outside.