NEW Year! New Website!

*Running in hysterically* I can't believe I am almost one month late in wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2012 has been a very busy and eventful year full of blessings. I regret not sharing them with you. But I am back and ready to blog away.

One of my resolutions this year was to work on my procrastination. When it comes to doing anything productive for myself, I am the biggest procrastinator. I wouldn't say that I am a perfectionist, but I do believe that timing plays a big part in having a great outcome. For the last 5 years, I have made "revamping my website" a top 5 priority. And each year I felt like the timing just wasn't right.

Sometimes we need special dates as a motivator. So I chose my birthday, January 3, as my launch date. So far I have been receiving great responses from my peers, clients, and associates. I have incorporated new features for my clients, such as a client log-in and a VIP Membership.

I truly appreciate the support and referrals that I have received despite of my outdated site! Now without further adieu, I present the new and improved Oddball Dsgn website (www.oddballdsgn.com).

Magazine Nail 2.0

Hello! Some of you may remember my post from last year on how to stamp your nails using magazine pictures (HERE). Below is a new and improved method. ENJOY!

Project Time: 30 minutes

What you will need:
-Magazine page
-Scissors
-Clear Polish
-Cup of water
-Tweezers
-Nail File
-Polish Remover
-Q-Tips
1. Cut pattern from magazine into the shape of your nail.

2. Brush a clear coat of polish onto the piece of pattern.

3. Once the pattern is completely dry, drop it into a cup of water. Make sure the pattern side is facing upward. The clear polish creates a barrier that will keep the top dry. Let the pattern sit in the water for 3-5 minutes.

4. Use your tweezers to remove the pattern from the water. Place it downward into the palm of your hand and GENTLY remove the layer of wet paper.  You should now have a thin layer of color and clear polish.

5. Paint a thin coat of clear polish onto the nail that you are placing the pattern on.

6. Place the pattern onto the wet nail and GENTLY slide into place. The pattern can easily tear at this point, so please be gentle.

7. Fold down any access pattern on the tip of the nail and gently file away. Use a Q-tip and polish remover to clean pattern from your skin or cuticles.

8. Brush a coat of clear polish over the nail and WALLAH you're FINITO!

I would LOVE to see your magazine manicure, so please send your pics to davida@oddballdsgn.com or tag me on Instagram: @Graphchic. Enjoy :) 

Upcoming OPI Collections

In conjunction with Sony Picture's re-release of Spiderman (The Amazing Spider-Man), OPI has created an awesome line of  iridescent, vibrant satin and metallic shades.  Including a metallic shatter. I must say, I am definitely OVER the shatter phenomenon. The shades are: Shatter the Scales Your Web or Mine? (frosty warm medium pink), Call Me Gwen-Ever (Orange),  Into the Night (Deep Metallic Blue), My Boyfriend Scales Walls (Not Quite white, but the brightest gray), Number One Nemesis (A deep greenish-grey shimmer) and Just Spotted the Lizard (A metallic mix of golden-green chrome with blue, aqua/teal and pure green duochrome).

This collection is set to release early next Month (May 2012).

OPI is releasing a romantic collection in celebration of Vintage Minnie Mouse. How cute are these. The shades ares:  Nothin’ Mousie ‘bout It (pink sparkle with heart shapes), The Color of Minnie (fuchsia pink), I’m All Ears (Hot Pink), and If You Moust You Moust (pink).

This collection is set to release this Summer (June 1, 2012)

OPI is taking us through a tour of Germany as they set to release this gorgeous array of creamy neutrals and rich jewel tones this Fall. This collection seems like a perfect blend of subtleness, style, and edge. I'm exciting for this collection. The shades are: My Very First Knackwurst, Don't Pretzel My Buttons, Berlin There Done That, Dont Talk Bach to Me, Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!, Schnapps Out of It, Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs, Every Month is Oktoberfest, Unfor-greta-bly Blue, Deutsch You Want Me Baby, Danke-Shiny Red, German-icure by OPI.

Which collections and colors are you ready to try?

OBD Photography's First Award Nomination

"If you want to achieve some really big and interesting goals, you have to learn to fall in love with hard work." ~Steve Pavlina

"Practice, the master of all things." ~ Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Augustus



I've accomplished a lot in my career as an artist. But being placed on the ballot for the upcoming Fashion Awards MD 2012 has been one of the most surprising accomplishments of all. I know I know, I haven't won anything just yet, however being recognized and categorized amongst the best is rewarding within itself.

Ok, now on to the truth...these types of things make me so nervous. And I mean like stomach bubbling, sweaty palms nervous. I've never been much of a competitive person or the type to boast about being the best. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm GREAT!! These feelings aren't about self doubt, in fact I am very confident in all that I do. But I'm much more comfortable being great behind the scenes. This interesting fact makes me a total walking contradiction because I am very outgoing and I DO like the spotlight, hey I'm a Capricorn - we generally love attention lol.

I didn't realize how introverted I've become until I saw the email above. I knew that I was nominated in the general voting process, but to make it through 10,000 nominations instantly put me in a zone.  I'm super excited and extremely shy about the award ceremony. But nonetheless, I've proudly accepted my nomination.

To learn more about the fashion awards, go to www.fashionawardsmd.com. To vote, please go to http://www.fashionawardsmd.surveydaddy.com/s/fashion-awards-md-2012-official-voting-ballot-730pm .

I'd like to hear from you. How do you deal with shyness?

What I'm Lovin' is BACK!

Oh how I've missed compiling some of my favorite items to share with you viewers. I've gotten a few emails requesting that I continue to showcase my favorites. So without further ado, I bring you my lastest list of MUST HAVES...Enjoy.

1. Revlon Whimsical: I spotted this milky mix of baby blue and copper & pink glitter and immediately thought of Deborah Lippmann's Glitter in The Air. The polish is very opaque, so I pair it with a baby blue base. For $3.75 vs $18, it was definitely worth it.

2. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle: To liven and brighten my face this is my go-to item. I especially love this on my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and brow bone. A lot of my highlighting powders tend to be a little heavy. This MSF is light enough to highlight naturally.

3. MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel: I like to mix a couple of these bronzing drops into my tinted moisturizer for a pretty golden sheen. 

4. Physicians Formula Happy Boosting Blush in Rose: I'm a sucker for adorable packaging so I just had to have this item. This is my very 1st product from them and I am impressed with the pigmentation. This mixture of light & dark pink, and muave give the cheeks a light pink highlighting sheen. It's faint aroma of flowers is what's supposed to cause a sense of happiness, but I didn't notice a change in mood. Overall this is a great daytime blush.

5. Philosophy Falling in Love Perfume: Sweetness in a bottle perfectly describes this fragrance. It's one of my favorite daytime perfumes.

6. OPI Fly: This was my favorite color from the Nicki Minaj's OPI Collection. A true turquoise polish is a must have for the spring.

7. MAC Viva Glam Nicki: Another one of my favorites out of all of the Viva Glam shades. This shade is the most perfect shade of pink.

8. MAC Kissable Lipcolor in Scandelicious: I own other MKLs, but this by far is my absolute favorite. This BOLD and true to color Fuschia is perfect for a lovely night out. The formula is not as glossy as a lipgloss and it has the staying power of a lipstick.

9. Rabito iPhone case: A phone cover this adorable makes every call, email, or text a happy one :0) It comes with a detachable bushy tail that acts as a stand.

(Top to Bottom: Mac Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel, MAC Viva Glam Nicki, MAC Kissable Color in Scandelicious, MSF Soft & Gentle) (Side: Physicians Formula in Rose)

New Betsey Johnson for OPI

Betsey Johnson teamed up with OPI for one of the cutest and feminine collections I've ever seen. The collection features spring ready hues: Alley Cat, a purple-fuchsia hue; Cartwheels on the Catwalk, a seafoam green hue; XOX Betsey, a sandy nude hue; It’s My Pink!, a hot pink hue; Forever Wild, a black-grape hue; Sparkling Personality, a silver glitter; and Pushing Your Luck, a deep red hue. Bonus: It’s My Pink!, the hot pink color, is also a scented polish.

The collection will be released in Sephora on March 1!

curlBOX: For natural and curly hair

Yahhh another monthly addiction...Curlbox is an exclusive, affordable and effortless way to experience new products for curly hair. Although I truly believe the best way to get results from products is consistant use, this CurlBox may be on to something great. For $25 a month you will receive 5-7 hair samples of hair care products for natural and or curly tresses.

I've finally started seeing results from the brand that I use (Aphogee), so I have no personal need for the curlBOX. However I think it is an awesome concept for women looking for the right hair products.
Check out Curlbox at http://www.curlbox.com/

Cover Showcase: Get the Look

With Wife Extraordinaire Returns Part 2 being released this month, I wanted to showcase the makeup look that I did on cover model, Feven.

Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC45
Cheek: MAC Blush in Pinch Me
Lips: NYX Lip Pencil in Fuchsia, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia
Eyes: MAC Paintpot in Blackground. MAC Pigment in Naked.
Brows: MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

My Brief Stint with JewelMint

Ok so I must admit that I became quite spoiled with the monthly gift boxes from Birchbox, although I later cancelled my subscription. Even with a monthly fee, there is something satisfying about getting new things every month. With that said, I was once again suckered into signing up with JewelMint. Jewelmint is a site that offers different pieces of jewelry each month for $29. In that month's fee you will receive ONE piece of jewelry of your choice.

I love costume jewelry! I actually prefer it over being drenched in diamonds. However, $29 is rather steep for ONE piece of costume jewelry. Well let me rephrase- $29 is steep for not-so-cool pieces. You have the option to skip a month, in which they will not charge your card. However, I have not been succcessful in fully cancelling. I MUST make that a priority this week.

These sites have great concepts, but it gets rather boring after some time. Here are the items that I received in my 3-month membership.

I absolutely adore their packaging!

Their selections are usually just OK, nothing I would be anxious to purchase in a store.

Hey Stranger!

Hello Viewers! I know that I haven't been a good blogger lately, I've been super busy. I am writing to say that I will resume with blogging after the New Year.

I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous New Year :o)

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Sales

Ok Dolls, I've compiled a great list of BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY online sales. ENJOY!

In honour of Black Friday, MAC is reissuing limited quantities of their coal black cult classic, Dark Knight Cremesheme Lipstick. Only available online Friday.

1. Too Faced is offering 50% off vintage set + Free shipping. Use code: BLACK11 (Friday)

2. Sephora will have 10 Specific items will be $10 each (Starts Thanksgiving day)

3. Urban Decay is taking $20 OFF of Books of Shadows IV Also get eye shadows, mascara, glosses, and colored pencils for $6. Nail polish sets and eye palettes are $12. (Friday)

4. ButterLondon is taking 30% OFF entire site for their Friends & Family celebration. Use code: CELEBRATE11 (Now through Monday)

5. The Balm is offering 40% OFF entire site. Use code: BLACKFRIDAY (Friday)

6. SaksFifth is giving a $25 gift card to those that spend $100 on and beauty products or fragrances. Use code: BEAUTYSFA (Friday)

7. YSL Beauty is offering 20% OFF on entire site and free shipping over $50. Use code: FRIENDS (Friday)

8. Lorac is offering their Cyber Monday beauty set priced at $100 for $25. (Monday)

9. Tarte is taking 30% off the entire site and $15 off limited edition Holiday items. (Monday)

10. Nars is taking 17% off orders of $70 or more. (Friday)

11. NYX Cosmetics is taking 50% off entire site. (Friday)

12. Smashbox is taking 20% off entire site. Use code SBXFF11. (Now through Monday)

Lorac Holiday Haul

The holidays are approaching! And nothing screams LET'S CELEBRATE more than high shine gloss and sparkly looks. With the high request of holiday parties, I took a special trip to stock up on some sparkle glitz and glam. I particularly went to LORAC's section because they seem to have a vast array of shimmery products.

I started with the LORAC Little Black Palette. This super sexy packaging holds 4 of the most pigmented and creamy baked eyeshadows and a mini shadow primer.

I picked up the LORAC Bejeweled Lip Gloss Collection. 5 lipgloss for $25 was a steal. These sizes are .11oz. A regular lipgloss is .17oz for $22. I liked the combination of colors and the jewel encrusted tops. LORAC's lipgloss has great staying power and the formula isn't super sticky.

(top to bottom: Red Ruby, Peach Moonstone, Bronze Topaz, Hot Pink Sapphire, Rich Garnet, Pink Diamond)

I also picked up LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre. If you could extract blood from a fairy, this is what it would look like. This product is pure sparkle in liquid form and is used as a top coat over eye shadows.

A mini drop of the 3D lustre.

Fall Leopard: The New Black

From the Runways in Paris to this month's Cosmopolitan cover, leopard print has been dominating the Fall Fashion scene. Paired with a bold red lip and patent leather belt, it can be just as sophisticated as BLACK.

I gathered some of the hottest leopard pieces for the fall.

1. Topshop Leopard Leggings
2. Asos Scarf
3. Leopard Capsleeve Dress
4. Bebe Wedge Calf Hair Bootie
5. Escada Leopard Blazer
6. Topshop Leopard Dress
7. Topshop Satin Leopard Dress
8. BUTTER London Leopard Nail Sticker

Miss Piggy for MAC

Miss Piggy has become quite the businesswoman and Beauty Icon over the years. She has her own polish with OPI and now she has collaborated with MAC in what they call "The World's Most Perfectly Pink Eye Shadow." This adorable collection launched today and is available online only.

Her collection includes an eye shadow in Miss Piggy Pink (frosty midtone blue pink), lashes, and an Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black.

I already own the Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black and it is my least favorite eye liner from MAC. It's great if you like a subtle liner or cat eye. It applies very faintly. If you like a more intense liner then I would suggest MAC's Superslick Liquid Eye Liner. Below is a swatch of both to compare.

(Top: Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black - 2 swipes. Bottom: Superslick Eye Liner in On The Hunt - 1 swipe)

Dear Diary: How can I get ME back?

You may have recently gone through some hard times and you can't quite figure out how to regain your confidence. Whether you've just broken up or lost your job, devastating times seem to weigh heavier on women. We are still expected to maintain our sanity while being a mom, a homemaker, or simply a shoulder for another girlfriend. Here are a few things that you can do to get YOU back.

1.) Dress up for NO Reason: Have you ever been dressed a little fancy for a place that didn't require the effort? For instance the grocery store or to pick up the kids from school? You would either get funny looks or someone will ask "Why are you so dressed up?" Deprogram yourself to believe that a party is the only time to celebrate. Throw on those 4-inch pumps in the back of the closet and celebrate the NEW YOU.

I love wearing heels in the most random places, especially the airport. No matter the time of my flight I always fly the friendly  skies in a pair of pumps. It's so fun and it gives you a sense of celebrity. People wonder who is she and where is she going. Don't let the attention intimidate you. You need the confidence boost at this point. Of course it's more comfortable and easier to wear sneakers, but again deprogram yourself to thinking that you only have to dress up for obvious reasons. Getting YOU back is a celebration!

2.) Exercise: Being physically fit plays a major role in having self confidence. You don't have to be overweight to exercise. Everyone needs a healthy heart no matter their size. If you are a little intimidated with going to the gym, try yoga or zumba.

3.) Surround yourself with positive people: Positive people are usually happy with themselves and the way their lives are going. These are the types of people than can quickly uplift you. Get rid of the negative friends. Besides, will they be happy for you once you're in a better place?

4.) Complete some of the things on your bucket list: It is important to broaden your expectations and experiences to avoid making the same mistakes over again. Try something that you've never done to remind yourself of how rewarding life can be. Each time you try something new you will be able to look back on your life and clearly see what was lacking. Do you want to go back to those times?

5.) Daily Affirmations & Positive Reads: Trade in your daily fix of celebrity gossip for inspirational books. Continue to read them for the positivity reinforcement even if you start to feel like you are on track.

Here is a list of some of my favorite positive reads:
-Miror,  Miror by Venesha
-Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It by Kimora
-Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every Day of the Year by Joel Osteen

Other ways to get YOU back:

-Set goals and execute them

-Become your own best friend

-Compliment others

-Sit in the front row

-Remember what you’re good at

Gold Digger Nails

I took NARS Bad Influence and SEPHORA by OPI Only Gold For Me to create Gold Digging Nails.

1. Start with a base coat.
2. Apply 2 coats of NARS Bad Influence.
3. Once dry, apply a full coat of SEPHORA OPI Only Gold for Me.
4. Once dry, apply another coat of SEPHORA OPI Only Gold for Me on the tips of the nail. Apply enough coats to intensify the glitter on the tips. This gives you the digging for gold effect.
5. Apply a clear top coat.

A dupe color to NARS Bad Influence is OPI You Don't Know Jacques. They are pretty much the exact same color.

MAC Violetta

MAC Violetta debuted last year in the Disney Venomous Villains Collection as a PRO color. MAC has re-released this Amplified Purple shade as a regular color. It's slightly similar to MAC's Girl About Town, but a little darker. I love the color, and it has a slight shimmer.