Duct Tape!

Nail technicians I find are crafty people and wear many hats in life.We are therapists, friends, co-workers, moms, wife's, and magicians! I find myself laughing when the other day I had a client walk through the door of the spa with duct tape around her nail to prevent it from splitting! I was not only laughing at her but also at myself. My chair had split at the beach and remembering the last time I was at the hardware store i saw pink duct tape. I thought I could just duct tape it and no one would know. I was impressed with her creativity. Then I started thinking about the time I used nail glue on one of my girls toys she had broken!Or the time I used Black nail polish on a shoe I had scuffed! I also had a squeaky door on my nail station which solar oil fixed that in a jiffy. I call the art of finding a solution to a problem with unconventional methods! Who Knew nail products had multiple purposes!

Who's Your Daddy

Alright, I know this is not all dads! But it is a cute picture capturing the innocence of life. Every father's day I struggle with getting my father something unique and special. What do you get someone that has helped you out so much in life and your family. A dad that has given you an easier path, given you advice that sometimes you didn't always want to hear. My father has had his struggles with alcoholism. I think of all my younger years growing up in a house of egg shells and turmoil. I often let the past go and focus on the presence. My father has been sober for over 20 years and Im grateful to know the man he is now. It is quite a accomplishment to succeed in overcoming such an awful addiction. Im happy his granddaughters get to see what I missed growing up. A thoughtful, caring, smart grandfather that loves them. I see the way he looks at his granddaughters and that makes me appreciate my father for who he has become. I tell him all the time how much I appreciate him. I think fathers day should not be celebrated on just one day, but everyday.

Nailing New Trends

As we all know you can never go wrong with a french pedicure! Its a timeless look and brides are now sporting it with bedazzled flip flops!
OPI recently came out with there newest nail polish called Shattered. It's a nail polish that goes over your regular polish to give it a "shattered" look. Ive tried it on a few daring clients. Honestly not a big fan. Another new trend to come is wild blues, greens and purple toe and nail colors. Hmmm I guess im a traditionalist at heart. Nail art I don't mind if its on one toe! Not every toe. To much distraction for me. A simple flower or gem is good. Over doing nail art can look somewhat obnoxiousness. But as we all know The client is always right! If you are in New York they are providing the new Dashing Diva Caviar Nails. That's right they glue what looks like Caviar to your nail polish! If you try them and don't like them I guess you can always have a snack at your fingertips!

Say Goodbye to Bacteria

After several studies done by the board of cosmetology, doctors and other professionals in this business, they have found it is impossible to accurately clean and sanitize whirlpool pedicure spas. In researching the issues of cleanliness on these tubs, I decided to replace my whirlpools with soaking pedicure bowls. As a business owner, I did not want to be responsible for knowing I could give my client a fungus or infection. B-Polished wanted to provide a cleaner solution. A lot of my clients miss the jets, but when I explain the whirlpools are bacteria pools they are happier with my decision. I'm happier with less noise from the whirlpools and giving my clients the safest pedicures around!

5 Reasons Why Pedicures are Fabulous!!

5 Reasons Pedicures Are Fabulous!!

1. After a long winter in socks its nice to get those heals exfoliated and have them not snag on the sheets when u climb into bed.

2. The cuticles pushed back and cleaned up.

3. Nails clipped and filed so they don't stab your partner!


4. Soaking in a hot stone bowl thinking summer is around the corner.

5. Relaxing with a hydrating foot rub and leg rub, to diminish the dry white skin!

Business Exploration Tool

This new social media is taking a new level to advertising. Its a competitive tool for finding local businesses in your area. Ive been ramping up on my business,B-Polished, and exploring all avenues in advertising. I must say Foursquare is the next big thing in the "Facebook" era for businesses. Not only fun but entertaining. It allows clients that come to my spa to have "real time" reviews, as they sit and enjoy there services.This means a client can post her fabulous pedicured feet on my Foursquare page and show off my work to future clients. I can also have discounts for client check in's to my foursquare page. There are Badges to be awarded and prizes to capture on this exciting new Foursquare!I'm hoping to open a few new doors and get connected with expanding my clientele by having my regular clients post there favorite services. Not only with words but pictures! Ive always believed in promoting from within, so come check out the latest from B-polished.

Shellac

Yes everyone this is the new Hybrid polish that lasts up to two weeks. I have some clients that have gone 4 weeks without a chip! Great for those that are not so delicate with there hands. In review this new polish is exciting because its taken nail polish to a new level of performance. Come try it out and see what the talk is all about. Brides love it because it stays shinny and lasts threw the wedding and honeymoon! Creative Nail is leaving the competition behind. Why didn't I think of it......

Princess on and off the ice

Thursday night we attended Walt Disney's Princesses on Ice. My good friend Jodi works with brain injured survivors. Moe, a 65 year old women that was institutionalised and abused after her brain injury is lucky to have my friend Jodi now as her caregiver. Jodi is a special person that takes care of her and several others. As a part of there program she receives special gifts from merchants for these special people to have a better quality of life. Jodi asked if Brisla and i wanted to attend " Princesses on Ice"at the Verizon in Manchvegas with several brain injured young adults. Having a brother with Autism and growing up around handicapped people I was enthused to share the night with the people that need cheering up the most. Brisla and her little friend Sarah were so well behaved and helped out and listened to us as things were a little chaotic with wheel chairs, mentally challenged people, and a large group of strangers. I was enjoying the show when several times I looked over at Moe and realised she was more intrigued with the happiness Brisla and Sarah where expressing. Moe smiled as she watched the girls enjoy the show. I wondered what she was thinking. As i looked around the several wheel chairs of people Jodi told me there sad stories. One women when she was in her 30's was in a car accident. She was happily married with a daughter at the time. After her accident her husband divorced her and she very rarely sees her daughter. She wears a helmet and doesn't know where she is most of the time. But her smile warmed my soul as she also stared at the girls and she was also smiling. The other women sitting beside her was institutionalised after her brain injury and at the hospital she had all her teeth pulled with no meds because she was biting. Unfortunately she was also rapped by staff, this might have been why she was biting. Moe's parents, put her in a institution because they said at a young age she was permissicous and they couldn't handled her. Back then they experimented in shock therapy and she no longer can speak and was also abused physically and mentally in hospital. Now my friend Jodi and her parents are her primary caregivers. It made me really appreciate my girls and wish those who where so caught up in life's "what about me" syndrome would step out of the box and appreciate everything around us. We are the princesses that get to enjoy every little thing. So stop the Bitching People and be thankful. I'm glad my Little girl is exposed to such array of life's situations. She said to me today, I had so much fun with everyone, do u think the people enjoyed it.

This little Piggy

My husband and I experienced the most unique set of services I have ever received. I have traveled a lot in the past, every palace I have been to I have
tried to incorporate a massage or pedicure into my itinerary. Comparing services and trying to pull different techniques into my own business.

Upon arrival of this very small sanctuary, we received tea and a friendly welcome. It felt very earthy and very relaxing with the Zen music playing in the background. A young man lead us to our chairs down below the main level to a dark brick basement with a waterfall and comfy sofa chairs. I was intrigued because from looking at the place it wasn't anything special just a relaxing, soothing, inspired environment. I thought "Why Hadn't I seized this Idea in all of my Years in the Spa Industry!"

No Polish, No cuticle triming, No ex foliation of dry skin or calluses! Just a soak, rub and tea. Don't get me wrong, it was very peaceful and worth every penny. Yikes was it expensive. But all and all I have my brain now going a mile a minute in the road to a new endavour. Stay Tuned..........

The Little Red Card Journal

I gave this little red card journal to my husband for Christmas. A client told me about this special journal to write back and forth to each other in. We always have good intentions of keeping our cards, but some get misplaced, lost, or played with by dogs and chewed to pieces. I love the thought of writing little notes to each other on special occasions, or even not so special occasions and having something we can both cherish and pass on to our children. They will be able to share it with there families and so forth. Happy 2010 everyone....

Let Them Eat Cake

We made it 2 years!! They say the first couple of years is the hardest. I believe it. Throw in an instant family, a new career path for my hubby, an economic down-slide in my business, changing houses (twice) and a baby on the way, I think we've concured and won whatever obstacle has fallen in our paths. Gabe and I are celebrating our lives, our trials and our commitment. We also wanted to thank all of our families for there support. Truly we believe we are blessed to be so lucky with our healthy children and unique family blend. It all works. Im looking forward to many more years of traditions, watching our children grow up in the house that Gabe grew up in, and making this house ours. I love this picture due to the fact i told Gabe i would feed him his cake nicely. Yeah right. He shouldve know better........

Naughty or Nice

The Elf on the Shelf book was recommended by a long time client. I must say its a little pricey but worth it in the means of bribery and getting a little help around the ranch. After reading the story a few times, Brisla has realised every action of helpfulness is appreciated. The elf travels to the North Pole every night to inform Santa if you have been naughty or nice for that day. In our house we have modified this little story. If you have been helpful and nice the elf leaves a little gift in your advent calendar. We found out last night someone awoke on the wrong side of the bed, (not Brisla) because there was no prize in our calendar. I'm excited to have this new tradition in our family and cant wait till next year when Adalyn can take part in the festivities. I have a feeling it will be a challenge for the mischievous one. I will love to see this in action.

An Elfs Work is Never Done

Here we are approaching the most important Holiday event of a child's life, Christmas. Of course besides there birthday.Ive always loved X-Mas. The image of Santa flying to all those houses with a big red sack always intrigued me as a child. I also was amused that it was alright for Santa to be fat, jolly and happy. Wasn't he worried about his cholesterol! Thus because I was always watching what I ate for my next modeling gig. Yes, I was a child model. Maybe that explains the constant urge to eat sweets and be happy with whats inside. Back to the subject at hand. I'm an Elf. I would rather give then receive. I like to spread cheer and try to be thoughtful to those who are around me. It gives me a sense of who i am. A helper. I believe I received this trait from my father. He would give u the shirt of his back if u needed it. This year they had a giving tree at daycare in which of choosing one gift to give i choose two. Instruments for Adalyns classroom, and Flash Cards for Brisla's room. I also stopped by the N.H.S.P.C.A and gave them a bag of dog food, kitty litter and cat food. With two weeks left and all my shopping done I'm patiently awaiting Christmas and hoping I can make all my people happy. Merry Christmas, Peace out.

Brining Forth Old Traditions

This is an advent calender. My mother in law "Mimi" revised my husbands after many years of being kept in storage. I loved the fact that this was his when he was little and now our little girls can use this for our future holiday traditions. Our girls will get much, much use out of it. I love it every morning, when Brisla wants to open the door to see what prizes the Elf has left. We recently bought a book called The Elf On The Shelf. Our Elf is named Zart. He repots to Santa every night weather you have been naughty or nice then leaves something behind the door from Santa, himself. It puts a smile on my face and I cant wait till next year when they both can appreciate this old tradition. Thanks Mimi, You Rock.

Breast Augmentation

Today, I experienced the most uncomfortable boob squishing mechanism. During the process I thought to myself, "A man must have developed this torture contraption." Nancy was the nurse that assisted me, as the tech prepared the machine. Nancy asked about my life and if I enjoyed being a mom. I told her it was the toughest, most unselfish, giving job I have ever had. Not only was I the mom, chief, laundry person, grocery shopper, bed changer, late night kid soother, and pet person, I loved my family. It is rewarding and I loved my job. Kind of like a nurse, she exclaimed. They spend all there time making people better and in the end there payment is to see there patients healthy. Then they go home to take care of there family's. As I sat for ten minutes to wait for my results, I envisioned the time when i took my mother down to Brigham and Women's Hospital of Boston for her breast surgery. I thought Im too young to go threw that. It aged my mother by 20 years. I see her today and cant believe im looking at the same person that was so healthy 4 years ago. Nancy came out and said "Bethany, you are fine." My tests came back clear but since Breast cancer is in my family, amongst other cancer I must have this done more frequently then the average person. I felt old at 37.

Putting your best foot forward

Check out my new Chuck's. They're sparkly leopard print and I love them. The girls are fascinated by all the glitter. I love to be unique and not follow the pack or copy other people's fashion sense. We all have our own hang-ups, mine are shoes. At one point in my life I had well over 250 pair. I've scaled this number way down now that I have kids and don't have the room to store them. Shoes are my "feetish" because no matter how much weight you loose or gain they always stay the same. Unless you get pregneant. Then watch out you, tend to go up a half a size. Yikes. I had to give away a lot of shoes during this time in my life and went threw withdrawls. But im slowly adding to my collection once again. I will always be a shoe freak and I will always put my best foot forward.lol

U Get What U Pay For

To All My Wonderful Clients....

Just a message from your nail tech extraordinare. I would like to pass the word on about some unmentionable salons that are putting acrylic and other chemicals into there polish to make it last longer. Unfortunately what they are doing is not only poor business practice but also effecting your nails. This will decrease the nail bed from being able to breath. Which said will tell your body to produce less protein for your nails in thus will cause breakage and peeling. This could also damage your nail bed permently. Having fixed a clients nails recently, who couldnt get an appointment with me and went to one of these chain "Nail" salons. I was upset to see the condition of her nails after taking 10 minutes to remove the product. Usually a 2 minute process. She has more hangnails and nail damage then ever and has booked out several appointments with me. One other client mentioned, while in Boston she had decided to get her pedicure done on a spare of the moment and saw them putting acrylic nail glue into her polish. YIKES....
Lesson Learned...U Pay For What You Get......

Paying the Bill

Hi, Midnight here. I just turned one. In fact I celebrated My birthday with Brisla. I'm THE CAT here at Chicken Chatter farm. Well actually there is another but Sckreech stays in, he's older then dirt and doesn't like to play with me. Hes grumpy. I was an indoor cat till we reached this awesome house in the woods. Now my beautiful mom lets me outside. I love to chase the dogs. One of them gets distracted by me and always tries to catch me. I know where her boundaries are and she often forgets (not the fastest mouse in the shed) and gets zapped. I often stop turn around and laugh at Tinkerbell. The other Fiona is, well Im wondering if it actually is a dog. Im bigger then her. Shes annoying because she always wants to mount me. I think shes gay. on another note, Ive been paying my rent by catching all the mice, squirles and chipmunks in the hood. Dad loves it. Hes proud of me because I even eat the bodies and just leave the head and tail so less of a mess to clean for him. Ive been tempted to eat those dam chickens but i know mom would shot me. So I just chase them around the yard sometimes. Keeps them on there toes. I love my mom. She loves to rub my head at night and i protect her by sleeping at the end of the bed. But boy Dads feet make me want to puke!

Crafters on Chicken Chatter Farm

These Markley girls are serious crafters. Here we are making a miniature Barn because as everyone knows Brisla love Horses and all animals as much as her mom.
Of course her little sis has to get her fingers dirty to. Mimi is also getting a little dirty weather she likes it or not. So much fun on Chicken Chatter Farm.

One Egg, Two Egg. No EGGS

These girls are slacking. We have dwindled in egg production on Chicken Chatter Farm. Today, we received none. What is going on. People have told me this would happen. I thought these chickens with the best coup on the block would love there condo and thermal pain windows with there high efficiency roost, this would keep them on the production line. I gave a little talking to them tonight. I picked up Madonna and told her being the one chicken in charge, she needs to step up to the coup and get the girls back in business. The family's counting on them. That the disappointment on Brisla's face was priceless when there was no eggs to put in her basket today. Well all and all Thanksgiving is coming.....Just kidding. I love those girls.