Germany Nails - World Cup Champions

I created these nails in celebration of Germany's win in the FIFA World Cup! I have been following the games very closely; we have a contest going on at work where you can win some really cool prizes. There were over 10k people from the company participating worldwide so unfortunately I didn't win but I did score more points than some of my friends, so at least there is a little bragging rights.

 

These were just something simple that I threw together. I used tape for the middle finger and between the black and red polishes, of course I was too impatient for tape between the red and yellow so I freehanded that part, which is why it doesn't look as good as the rest. From afar this will be a fun look to sport at work!

Lazy Days of Summer - Flag Day

Today's theme in the Lazy Days of Summer is "Flag Day". I was thinking of saving this mani and posting on July 4th, however, since we have to go in order for the LDOS I didn't want to wait that long; i've been having fun with this one (and I'm sure i'll be able to come up with another fun mani for the fourth.... already have some ideas brewing)

Flag Day:

Polishes Used:
-Nailtiques - Formula 2 Plus
-Sinful Colors - Snow Me White
-Wet 'n Wild - Saved By The Blue
-Konad - Special White (Salon Express Stamping Plate)
-Red Striping Tape
-Out The Door - TopCoat

This was my first time using striping tape since probably middle school or high school. My biggest issue with it then was that it always seemed to peel up off my nails and not stay put; I was hoping with my improved nail skills and advancements in adhesive since then that I would have better results with this, but even as I am typing this I just feel like the tape is starting to lift (I used 2 layers of topcoat - any suggestions for next time? Maybe I should use Gelous?)

Onto the accent finger, the Salon Express plates stamp well but their "full nail" designs don't cover my entire nail at all, hence, why I went for a tips/half nail look with this. The plates would probably be fine for someone with smaller nails or even a child, on a positive note, the individual designs are pretty big and they all transfer very well.

Even with all my ranting and raving, I really do like the look of this mani and hopefully it lasts until tomorrow without me picking at it. LOL. So, some final questions, have you ever had any issues with striping tape, and if so what did you do to "fix" it? And, on a more personal note, do you have any plans for the 4th of July?