Archive for April 2014

Languages around the World

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Chaldean Alphabet

So, last night I had a dream. I woke up really disoriented, and thought to myself, "Huh, I didn't know I had it in me!" In my dream, I spoke 4 different languages, pretty fluently I might add. It was actually kind of scary how well I did, but this gave me the idea to write a post all about languages today!
As a trilingual individual myself, I have run across all sorts of languages. When I was growing up, my father spoke Chaldean (another dialect of Aramaic) with my siblings and I, and my mother spoke Arabic. I also obviously know English. Now I know what you are thinking, but you are wrong! Aramaic is NOT the same language as Arabic. I don't know any fluent speaking Arabic people that will understand the Aramaic/Chaldean language if someone speaks to them in it. 

Let's take, for example, the phrase: What's your name?
In Arabic it would be: Ma ismuk?
In Chaldean it would be: Mela Shimouhk?

Now do either of those sound similar? Okay, the spelling might low key have a similarity, but trust me, if you know how to properly say both of them, you would know there was a big difference. 

Anyways, for me language has always been a big part of my life. My father made us (my brothers and me) sit down every summer and teach us how to read and write in the Chaldean language. It was pretty awful, considering we were children who didn't have long attention spans and it was the summer. I absolutely hated these classes! However, my father told me that one day I would come and thank him for all those grueling hours of torture, learning, and he was right. The older I get, the more I want to learn, and the better I become. I thank God he never let up on the teaching, because I am so happy to have gotten to learn this language. It made me want to learn so many others. I also have a knack for picking up other languages quickly too! I took French throughout high school, and I was really good at it. When I started college I knew I wanted to continue to do it, and so I am either striving for a minor or a major in French, (depending on how many classes I want to go through) as well as my science degree. 

As I was peacefully in my slumber, I got to experience how much I actually know in French, Arabic, Aramaic, and of course, English. You never actually know how much knowledge you have of a language until you are put to the test, by having to go to that country, or having a conversation with someone from that country. I know from experience that sometimes you blank, and have no idea how to say something that pertains to the conversation, but it's okay! I used to feel really stupid sometimes when I couldn't get my thoughts across, and the person I was having a conversation with looked at me with a funny expression on their face. My advice is that you just have to relax, and let the words come to you, instead of just forcing them out. It starts to become easier, and you learn a lot faster that way. At first you will sound kind of awful, because the way you sound out your words are different then the way another language sounds out theirs, but don't be discouraged. It takes a while to actually sound like you are from that country, so don't be afraid to practice. If people laugh, just say, "at least I'm learning, what are you doing with your life?" 
It will make people: 
1) Become agitated, and they will reply back with a snarky comment, in which case you know you got to them. 
2) Make them actually wonder what they are doing with their life.  
3) They will apologize, and go home and do something productive. 
Trust me, knowing more than one language is beneficial to everyone who's anyone.
So, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about another language you are interested in, just shoot me an email (akhobeir@gmail.com) or comment back. I am more than happy to lend some help and/or information on this topic :) I hope you have a wonderful and productive Tuesday!

Source


Question:
1. What other languages do you know?
2. How difficult was it for you to get accustomed to the language?
3. What are some other languages would you be interested in learning?

~Alhana 

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Memorable Monday #2

Monday, April 28, 2014

Sarah, Me, and Krysten


Happy Monday Everyone!
Today, I'm going to be talking about two of the most precious people in my life, and those are my littles. What I haven't mentioned about myself is that I belong to a sorority called Theta Phi Alpha. I joined in my freshmen year of college, and during the fall semester I became a big! I not only got one little, but two! To me, it was the most exciting news I could have ever received. I absolutely love spoiling both of them. When I was first told that I ended up with two, I about freaked out! I think I got a two-day's notice before big/little week started. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about, it's the week that the "big" is supposed to shower the "little" with gifts, leading up to the reveal. The littles don't know who their big is for the whole week, but sometimes they will get hints incorporated with their gifts! 




Well, as I said before, I was freaking out! I had a huge inkling that I was going to get one of them, Krysten, for sure, because for one, I'm the one who recruited her, and two, she was one of my best friends even before she joined. However, I did not think I was going to get Sarah, but when I did, I rushed to the craft store the very next day and bought tons of stuff for crafting! I had already made all of Krysten's gifts, bought her her very first letters, and had everything done before the week started. I kid you not, it took almost a week to craft all of her stuff, so you could imagine my anxiety when I learned that I would have to buy, craft, and have another set of letters made within two days! I also had this very strict code of showing no favoritism, so I had to even out the different gifts I gave throughout the week. I also did not want them knowing they had the same big, so I had to organize my thoughts and gifts on different days. I wrote them letters, so one of them got cursive handwriting, and the other received print. I took all the precautionary measures of making sure they didn't find out about me. Trust me, it was hard! They got a basket full of presents everyday that week, and it was hard to hide the baskets once I got onto campus. 




I was a bit nervous, because neither wanted to be a twin, and I knew I was headed for a bit of trouble once reveal day came along. I did try to make the blow a little more comforting by spoiling them to the point of insanity. I know when I initially went through and got my big, I didn't want her to have another one for a while. I wanted to have all of her attention. Plus, a bond between a big and little lasts a lifetime, and you want a little that matches you so perfectly that you two could be one person. Nevertheless, I lucked out and acquired two of the best littles a girl could ask for! We do everything together. There is not a day that goes by that I don't talk to one or the other. They are the most wonderful, kind, and caring sisters that I have had the pleasure of getting to know. I don't know what I would do without them either. They keep me sane, and whole. I would not change anything about them. I am so proud of everything they have done and will continue to do in the future. I am also incredibly pleased and honored to be their big (even though they can be a hassle sometimes). Love you both! <3





~Alhana 

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One Day is All it Takes

Saturday, April 26, 2014


One day is all it takes. It can be the start of a new beginning; the blossoming of a new flower; the day meant for exploration into a journey that has yet to be discovered.

Source
A fear that I used to have was failing. I didn't want to be the one to try something out and have it go horribly wrong. I hated disappointing myself, as well as my friends and family. Every decision I made was calculated according to experiences I have witnessed from others, and if they had an awful outcome, I would not do it. However, I came to a realization that you can't just sit and wait for something to happen, you just have to do it.

Source
My outlook on life was a lot different a few years ago. I was careful, and looked at the world as a place of torture. My experiences with life were not that of good ones. I witnessed so much bad that I forgot there was also good. I saw and/or felt the pain of death, heartbreak, anger, violence, and corruption. I saw a side of people that was terrible. The people I surrounded myself around had an attitude full of negative energy. Every time I was around them, I felt myself being sucked into a void of hopelessness that I just couldn't get out of, as hard as I tried. I wanted to help those people so bad, but when they told me their burdens, I didn't know how to cope very well. I knew that helping meant listening and giving helpful advice to people who had problems, and that's what I did, but every problem they had, made me feel like it was mine too.
Nevertheless, I got older, I became stronger, and I learned to cope with all sorts of problems. I started to learn that life is what you make it. Your attitude reflects your outlook on life. Each story that I was presented with was also a blessing in disguise. As I got older, I started to think back to the stories I had listened to, and incorporated them to my own life stories. The sadness and anger I felt growing up, made me the person I am today.
I can proudly say that I experience life to the fullest. I make decisions and take the chances I could not previously take. My approach on life, people, and the world shifted. I now look at the beauty that everything has to offer; I try not to take anything for granted. I now know how to help others with problems that will benefit them and myself in the long run.
The lesson that I have taken with me is that it's okay to feel sad and angry. It's part of what makes us grow, but it also should not keep us from taking a leap into the unknown. That leap may lead you to do something great in this world, that you would have not done if you would have stayed frightened of the possibility of something going wrong. I think my past has really shown me an important life lesson: to love and to be happy.
Source
There will come a day where you will think to yourself: it is time for a change, and if it has not already happened, then my challenge to you is to take a leap of faith. Have faith that everything is going to work out. Have faith that the outcome of your exhausted state will change, and you will become someone who has a purpose in life. Your purpose is to be happy. Happiness is difficult to maintain. Life sometimes drags you down, and you are once again in a state of melancholy. However, just remember, even in the bad times, there is good. Look at the beauty surrounding you, whether it be nature, people, or yourself. When you take that beauty, and "put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day," for you will not know when you will need it. Those who utilize the chance at achieving their full potential will be the ones that remain happy, healthy, and centered.

Source
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present 
-Jim Rohn


~Alhana 

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Birthday Celebrations

Wednesday, April 23, 2014


 I wake up in the morning and see a vase, wrapped with tissue paper. I tear off the paper, and see the most beautiful flowers inside. My brother pops his head up, (he was hiding under the bed) and screams, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
I look up and smile at him.
I grab my phone and look at all the missed calls I got, as well as the text messages. I see that I have 15 notifications on Facebook, but decide to check it later. My brother then tells me to start getting ready, because he's taking me out. I open the door to my room and see two birthday bags outside my door. Naturally, I put them on my bed and rip the tissue paper out of them.
I look inside and see the best birthday gifts a mother could give to her daughter: designer items!

My mother has this habit of spoiling her most beautiful and loving daughter around when it comes to birthdays and christmas. Well, let's just say out of the 365 days of the year, I'm spoiled 300 of those days. The other 60 days I might be having an attitude, not around her, or "forgetting" to check my phone, but I do appreciate everything she does for me!
This year I would say she outdid herself. Let's take a look at the goodies I got this year:


My mother knows I love all kinds of purses, and what does every girl love to get? Purses from designer origin! She got me gold and cheetah, cross-body bags from Juicy Couture. I have a couple of designer purses like Coach and Calvin Klein, but this one is my very first Juicy Couture bag, so it's pretty exciting! (She also got me a pink jumpsuit kind of ensemble from them too!)


The next precious item I had the pleasure of receiving is my first pair of Burberry flip-flops! I've never actually owned anything from this designer, so it was a very nice surprise when I opened the box and found these beauties inside. 


I think out of everything I have gotten, this was my very favorite. My mom had told me that they were having a closeout at Pandora, and she started buying the charms that would be discontinued, throughout the year. I have one pandora bracelet from years ago, and there was little space on it. So, I was super glad when I found not one, but three bracelets in my Pandora box. This is one of the best all time presents I have ever gotten. 

I never tell my mother enough of how much I love her. She gets me more then I deserve. In my family, I would say that I get spoiled the most. I want for nothing. My brothers, parents, and friends all treat me like a princess. They help me when I need it, they give me what I want, and they treat me with the utmost respect. I am one of the luckiest girls alive! I have the best family and friends someone could ask for. So, if you are one of the people I was referring to, and you're reading this, I would just like to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.
~Alhana 

Home: where you treat your family like friends, and your friends like family.  
-Proverb

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Easter Time

Sunday, April 20, 2014


As I'm sure you know, it's Easter day!! I'm assuming everyone has done something or another for Easter this year. Well, I've been really busy for the past week. It's finals week for me, so unfortunately, I've done nothing all day, but write a research paper that's due tomorrow! I haven't touched my writing utensils or looked at my blog at all, so I apologize in advance if you don't see another post until Wednesday. 

However, even though I've done nothing all day, I still got the chance to look at my wonderful basket of goodies this Easter! Okay, so basket is an understatement. I actually got a couple boxes of sour patch kids, but you want to know what? I don't even care! I'm happy that I had my family over my apartment to spend this wonderful day with me. I got to hear my brothers play outside with my puppy. I had the chance to smell the sweet aroma of dinner cooking in the oven. I witnessed my family laughing and bonding in the living room. It's always rare when I get to see everyone in my family under the same roof, and I thank the Lord everyday that we are all happy and healthy! I hope that your Sunday was as magical as mine!
-Alhana 


Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
-Michael J. Fox





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The 5 Years Tag

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Sometimes, I find myself thinking about what I will be doing in five years. Thus far, I have come up with me still being in school, doing what I need to be doing in order to achieve a career that will benefit me in the future. However, I have never really just taken the time and thought about what other things I will continue to do. A couple days ago, I was tagged by Kayla from Microscope Beauty to be apart of something known as "the 5 years tag." This tag post really made me sit and think about something I would be doing five years from now that is not just focused on school, which is blogging!


1.) How long have you been blogging?
I actually just started blogging within the past two weeks. I had been wanting to start for about a year, but never had the time (or the courage) to start until now!

2.) Do you think you'll still be blogging in 5 years?
I would like to hope that I will still be blogging in five years. I've always kept a journal by my side since I was old enough to write, and if I'm able to write in there, then I'm able to write on here too. Even though sometimes, life gets really busy, I still feel like it is something that I want to continue to do. I really love writing, and this just helps my skills, while entertaining an audience!

3.)What is something you want to change/improve about your blog?
For me, I know I have a LOT more to learn. I want to photograph better pictures, and I still want to learn the technical stuff in running a blog. I only know the basis copy, paste, and upload buttons, and I would really like to learn how to use the other nifty gadgets on my screen! I also want to continue to improve my writing technique as I go along. 

4.) Who do you still hope you'll be blogging friends within a few years?
I hope within a few years I'm still close to my friends who blog, because they have taught me so much already, especially my friend Kayla, who helped me get started! I also hope to meet new people in the blogging community. I've seen some pretty great people through their blogs, and I would love to continue to get to know them. 

5.) What keeps you going when it comes to blogging?
So far, what keeps me going when it comes to blogging is my love for writing, and my ability to achieve my goals. When I set my mind on something, I always tend to do it. I have these life goals that I set for myself, and I have every intention of completing every single one of them. I want to do extraordinary things with my life, and for me, blogging is one of them!

6.) Where do you find inspiration when you're stuck?
When I am stuck and I need inspiration, I go to a friend. I usually ask for an idea, and from there my imagination runs wild with me. I love to twist different ideas up, and make them something unique. I know I am still in my beginning stages of my blog, and I haven't had much trouble thinking of something to write about, but I am creating a list for future posts. 

I Tag:
Anyone who wants to join in on the festivities! Just make sure if you have a blog, let me know if you decide to do this post. I would love to see what your 5 years tag looks like!

-Alhana 

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Memorable Monday #1

Monday, April 14, 2014


We all have those family members who mean the most to us don't we? Well, today, I'm going to take you down my very own memory lane. I have the best family a girl could ever ask for. My family means the world to me, but today I would like to give a special shout out to my younger brother, Antoine. Sure, we have our good and bad days, but at the end of the day we always hug and makeup.

My brother and I are only a year and a half apart. We used to do everything together growing up! We used to play house, gold fish, and dress up. Okay, so I used to MAKE him play dress up with me, but at least it was in boy clothes, and not girl clothes, right? I wasn't that awful of a sister.

However, as we both got older, our interests started to change, and we went through that "I hate you" stage that almost every single sibling goes through. All through middle school and some of high school, I used to despise looking at his face. Though, as we all know, life moves on, and we start to slowly mature. When I started driving at the age of sixteen, and my younger brother got into high school, we started to rekindle that close bond we both had when we were children. I think we got out of the "hating" phase pretty early, since I know so many people who are in their twenties and still don't speak to their siblings.

Now, on those rare days we are both not busy, we have brother/sister dates! Sometimes he surprises me by going into my room and obnoxiously yells at me to wake up and get dressed. Other times, I wake up to breakfast in bed (those are very rare occasions).

When I am sad, he will try to cheer me up; when I am angry, he will buy me something to make up for what he's done; when I need someone to talk to, he will make some popcorn, and come sit next to me in my bed while I vent. We do so much together, and I can proudly say that he is one of my best friends. I do not know where I would be without the support of my younger brother.

I feel like everyone has the potential to have this type of bond with their siblings, you just have to have some patience. I have two brothers, and both of them are my rocks that I can always count on.


I always make sure to take the time and hang out with both of them! Here are a few ideas on sibling dates:

  1. Going to the movies
  2. Going out to dinner
  3. Playing paintball
  4. Going out on a walk
  5. Going to the shooting range 
  6. Playing Mini golf
  7. Playing in the backyard
  8. Going to the gym together
  9. Having a spa day 

What sort of other activities have you done with your siblings? Is your relationship at the stage of achieving "best friend" status?

Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring, quite often the hard way. 
- Pamela Dugdale


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What was Supposed to be Fabulous Friday

Saturday, April 12, 2014



Happy Friday! Okay, so today isn't Friday, I know, (actually it's now closer to Sunday) but this post does have everything to do with what happened Friday!

So this past weekend, I was given concert tickets for my birthday to see Birdy and Christina Perri. I am an absolute fan of them both, and was dying to see them on their tour this year, and my wish came true thanks to my fabulous friend/sorority sister, Krysten! We had tons of fun too! The concert was in Detroit, and she had a limo pick us up right in front of the apartment, which was awesome! I felt kind of famous walking when I got in because everyone was staring at us! This was my second time in a limousine, and honestly, I don't remember what my first time was like since I was five when I first rode in one. 




So, an hour later we arrived in Detroit, and we had to wait in line. It was an AWFUL wait. I tell you, it was the most excruciatingly painful experience of my life. I seriously had had to pee for about two hours. By the time we got there, I couldn't hold it anymore. It physically hurt to take a step as the line started to move! We were in line for so long that I told my friend if I did not go pee soon, I was going to pee my pants (at that point I did not care). So, we got out of line and walked across the street to a McDonald's. Imagine my dismay when a worker there said that I needed to buy something before I could be buzzed into the bathroom. Krysten, being the heroic person that she was, bought a cookie, and I booked it to the bathroom. I never knew how wonderful it could feel to finally get to a bathroom and pee, but now I know not to take it for granted! 

So, we both did our business and went back across the street to wait in line...again. The show had already started, but honestly, I didn't mind too much; I knew this bathroom story was one in a million! I was still having a blast waiting in line. We finally got through to the concert, and both singers turned out to be amazing! Their powerful voices showed pure talent, and I could feel their happiness flow off of them while they preformed. This concert was one of the best I had been to, and I'm glad I got to go to it!

It soon finished, and we were heading back to the waiting limo outside. This time it was dark, so the lighting inside was fabulous! We put up the volume of the CD we were listening to, and jammed out to our own beat! We finally got off the exit of the highway, and our driver opened the top of the sunroof, and we stuck our heads out and saw the most amazing view! The wind made our hair flow like we were movie stars, and everyone turned their heads as we passed by them. Some even waived, or "hooted" at us (yes we "hooted" back). As soon as the driver stopped, we had him take some pictures of us, and he then opened the door and helped us out. We came upstairs, and both started talking nonstop about the crazy fun we had. We both agreed that it was definitely a night that could never be forgotten. 





So, here I am once again, on a would-be-Friday, showing you a fabulous time. I also wanted to take the time and say that every friday, I will try to start posting videos of my YouTube performances, so in honor of the concert, I have decided to play on the piano/sing a rendition of Skinny Love by Birdy. I hope you enjoy!!

-Alhana 


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Mood Stabilizers

Thursday, April 10, 2014





Do you ever have those days where you're just feeling really down;
You don't know why, but you just can't shake that inevitable feeling of unhappiness?

Well I have those kinds of days ALL the time. I kid you not! People see me on a day-to-day basis and think, wow that is one happy, easy-going girl; but at least one out of the seven days of the week, I am having a very off day. Anything could set me off at anytime. It could be a meager hello from a family member, or a weird facial expression from the barista from my favorite café. It just depends how bad my mood really gets. 

Honestly, you never know what to expect when you get in one of those fowl moods. It could be for numerous reasons like: stress from school, stress from home life, stress from everyday life, (any kind of stress really does ruin any hopes of a good mood) not getting the last piece of chocolate cake your mom made, or being stuck in traffic on your way to an important business meeting. 

However, through years of experience, I have learned to control those emotions, and turn my frown upside down! 

Here are a list of different ways to make your day that much better:
  • Dogs
    • I have a dog at home, and even my worst of days are made better with my little ball of fur by my side. As soon as I walk through that door, he is there to greet me. He gives me kisses, he plays with me, he comforts me when I want to cry, and he even cuddles with me when I want to lay down and take a nap. He is my adorable sparkle of sunshine. 
      • However, if you don't have a dog, you could always go to your local pet store! There is a store that sells puppies right next to where I live, and before I owned a puppy, I used to go and see all the puppies! They even had little play pens you could go into, and play with them for as long as you wanted. 
      • If there are no pet stores near you, you could always go to the humane society and play with the dogs there too! 
      • Or you know, you could always buy a puppy for a longtime companion. I would recommend to anyone to get a dog. They really do relieve stress and stabilize any kind of mood.
My Puppy, Giorgio :)





  • Music
    • Music soothes the heart and the soul. It does not matter what you are feeling. Every genre is available to fill your emotional needs. If you are sad, you listen to Taylor Swift. If you are happy, you listen to Happy by Pharrell Williams. If you feel like getting pumped, listen to techno music! If you need to do homework and can't get into the mood, listen to classical music. The world of music is at your fingertips, and it is best to use it to your best abilities!

  • Nature
    • Go outside, and smell the fresh air! Really take in your surroundings of the world around you. In the winter, you get to see the most beautiful landscapes ever. Sure, it might be cold, but the frozen tress and snow white ground is a breathtaking picture. The spring is something beautiful to look at too. It is full of regrowth and rejuvenation. Everything about spring screams beauty. I just went outside today and smelled the air. I could feel the springtime around me. I spun around with my arms in the air, feeling weightless and happy. I sat and did a bit of homework on my patio, on top of my roof, and was confounded by the beauty around me. 
Today's view of the sunset :)

  • Breathing 
    • Take the time to stop everything you are doing and take a breath. Close your eyes, and count to five. Breathe slowly--in through your nose and out through your mouth. Think of nothing. Empty your mind to a blank white slate. Forget your mood and your troubles, and let go for a few seconds or even minutes. It might not change your day, but it will make you think about what is really bothering you, and will make you feel a lot better.
  • Exercise
    • Exercising really helps decrease your stress levels, and alters your mood for the whole day. You feel better mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When I feel like the day couldn't get any worse, I like to do some aerobics. Running, especially, helps let go of any lingering stress and anger. If you don't know what to do to help yourself feel better, then get on your treadmill or go outside and run your butt off! I promise, you will feel so much better.
  • Laugh
    • Even if you don't feel like it, laugh a little! Laughter is great for everyone. Think of something funny, or go on youtube, and look up a funny video and laugh. At first it will feel forced, but sooner or later it will feel easy. Your laugh will be that hard laugh that will make you feel a lot better deep down in your abdomen. If nothing else, just remember that laughing actually is a calorie burner. It really works out your abs, and makes them toned! Do you laugh enough? Well, here is your chance to get your bikini body back for the summer. (Okay, it might not, but what can it hurt?)
My Mother Laughing 

uncontrollably laughing...

Try each idea out for yourself. You will see some kind of change, which has the potential of altering the way you look at certain things in life. What are some other ways you alter your mood?


Every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun's shining or not. 
-Marty Robbins 


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The Beauty of Nail Care

Monday, April 7, 2014






I always go through these periods in my life where I am obsessed with growing out and putting all sorts of polish on my nails. There are all sorts of ways one can do their nails!

  1. Sometimes I have my friends paint them (like the picture with the notes on them) 
  2. Other times I have them professionally done (like the red and blue polished nails up above)
  3. Though, most of the time I do them myself
To be quite honest, I have an awful OCD about my nails when I decide to take care of them. One slight chip and the whole thing comes off! Then I start over again with a color that is usually a contrast to the previous one. Do you ever have those times where you get like that? I really hope it's not just me. 

When I was younger, all I ever did was bite my nails, but then I started going to someone to do them for me and I had to stop. I didn't want to have my money go to waste! However, when I got into college, the inevitable happened--I became completely broke, and needed every penny for necessary everyday living. Therefore, I had to give up my luxurious life of nails. 

Well, as you all know, college happens, and you start biting your nails again. For some reason, whenever I get stressed, I always bite my nails, even though it's a bad habit. I'm sure everyone has a bad habit they have a hard time stopping, right? 

Although, when I learn to deal with my problems head on, I can usually stop in no time and get back to my skills as a painter! Well, a painter of my nails, that is (I can't really paint anything other then stick people). So, today I am going to show you how to do it all yourself!

I used to always paint my nails with just the polish, but I didn't know why it always chipped, why my nails felt so brittle, or why my cuticles got to be such a hassle. Eventually, though, I learned how to do it. As the years went on, from preteen, to teenager, to adulthood, I learned the tricks I needed to know, to make my nails look like they were professionally done. 

Make sure you have the following: nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail clippers, nail filer, base coat, top coat, and nail polish.



  • I first start off by taking any leftover nail polish, and then wash my hands.
    •  I recommend using a remover where there is a sponge or hard bristle on the inside, (picture above) so all you have to do is stick your finger in the bottle and twist. All nail polish comes off, and it's very clean and easy. The leftover polish on skin, or on edges of nail can be removed with a cotton ball or Q-Tip. 
  • You then go about removing cuticles. I buy cuticle oil that helps me remove the cuticles, and softens the skin around my nails. It makes my fingers look really healthy too! I then take the nail clippers, and remove the cuticles, making sure not to cut up the skin. 
  • Next, I use the nail filer. 
    • Make sure to get the filer that has a harsh side and a softer side. I shape my nails with the harsh side, and then polish the top of my nails with the softer side. It will look baby soft and well manicured. 
  • Then you put the base coat on (the base and top coat keep nails from chipping, and make them stronger). Make sure to use nice even brush strokes. Start from the top of your finger to the tip. Make sure that it is not globby either, or else it will not even out. I usually press the brush lightly that way it thins out and it covers my nails easier. Wait about 5-10 minutes for them to dry.
  • Then put on your first layer of polish. Put on the polish the same way you put on the base coat, that way you will have a nice, even coat (Any excess polish that gets on your fingers can be taken off with a dab of polish remover and a Q-Tip). Wait 10-15 minutes to dry. Repeat this process one more time to get a thicker coat, and wait another 15 minutes or dry enough to be able to lightly touch them. 
  • Finally, put on the top coat, and wait about an hour before you do anything.
    • I usually wait about 90 minutes before I touch them, because then they are fully dried, and when you press hard on them, your fingerprint does not show up on the nail. 
Viola! Do-It-Yourself nails :)


I know that other ways to do nails are just as efficient. What other tips are there to help make your nails look professionally done? I hope you enjoyed the quick tutorial! Have a great Monday :)

-Alhana  

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