For years and years I’ve had gel permanent french nails. They made my stubby fingers look a bit longer, and I loved the fact that I never had to worry about filing and polishing my own nails. Sure, the cost was a bit pricey at more than $50/month, but that’s the price of beauty, right?
Well, last week, out of the blue, I decided that I was going to take my nails off. Let my real nails “breathe” a bit, and save time and money by not having to go to the nail salon every week. That was a major plus for me. I had a standing appointment at the salon every other Monday at 4:30. When school is in, making it to the appointment wasn’t a big deal; I’d just head there after work. Now that summer has been here and my schedule is a lot looser, I really hated having that appointment time. It was smack in the middle of the day and it meant that I had to carefully plan the Mondays around the nail appointment.
Plus, I was getting bored with the look. Yes, my nails always looked neat and clean, but it was always the same look. I longed for black nail polish, or red, or pink, or a light champagne color. Being able to switch the color to suit my mood. A bit of variety, if you will.
So I went into the nail salon yesterday and let them know that I wanted to have the gel taken off. You would’ve thought I said, “please cut off my fingers,” from the reaction I received. Every single nail technician in the joint came over and asked me why I wanted to take the nails off. Even some of the regular customers asked me. It was weird. I just told them I needed a bit of change. End of story. I guess people are always looking for drama or a good story, but unfortunately, I didn’t have on for them this time.
So now my nails are “naked.” Yes, my fingers do look a bit more stubby. But typing is so much easier! Not that I had long nails, but my own natural nails are really short right now. But they look fairly healthy for just having the gel removed yesterday.
So now I’m going to use manicures as a reward for weight loss. I’m hoping to get them done once a month, but only if I make my goals. I’m thinking of making different goals each month. One month it might be to earn 25 Activity Points each week. Another month it will be to have gone to a WW meeting each week for the month. Another month it will be complete the EA Sports 30-Day Challenge or the 30-Day Shred DVD. Something achievable but challenging.
I know this post is probably boring for most of you, because of its navel-gazing nature, but I just wanted to document the change. We’ll see how long I can go with natural nails. I’m hoping to go for the rest of this year, and beyond. Why pay all that money for fake nails when I can maintain my own natural nails by keeping them healthy?
Actually, I think that’s what taking the nails off was all about for me. I’ve been spending this entire summer trying to get my body healthy through a variety of exercise and diet. I’ve made a huge lifestyle change in the past year as far as weight loss goes, and I guess keeping my own nails healthy and natural is part of that for me. It shows I can take care of myself, because healthy nails = healthy Bella.
Doing my nails myself will be something of a novelty for me. I was never very good at polishing my own nails, but maybe maturity has improved the steadiness of my hand? I think polishing my nails once a week, maybe on Sunday evenings, would be a good way to do something nice for myself and prepare for the coming week. Hmmm… I think I just thought of a new weekly ritual.
So now it’s time for me to go out and splurge on some fun nail polishes. Any suggestion for favorite colors/brands? I’ve always been a fan of O.P.I., but are there others out there that I should look into buying?
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