Quick Nail Art & a Short Family Story

Sometimes, like me lately, you just don't have time to sit down and do the nail art you really want to. An easy way to get a noticeable result is to use different types of polish.

For this mani I used Julep Paula as a base. If you're a purple/blurple lover, you'll love this. It's probably one of my all-time faves. It is SO gorgeous! For the tips, I used Sinful Colors Blue Persuasion. It's very similar in color, but it's textured. Since I did the tips freehand, they were far from perfect. So, I added a stripe of silver. I was hoping it would hide my messy lines, but alas, I need more practice with my striping brush too. Hahaha! I used Sally Hansen Color Foil in Sterling Silver for the stripe.

Julep Paula & Sinful Colors Blue Persuasian

 

Added a Stripe of Silver

Sorry, I know the pics suck, but I was originally supposed to pick up my half-brother from the airport that morning. As a matter of fact, the 2nd pic was taken while sitting at a Starbucks waiting. It was my first time meeting my half-brother and the first time he & my dad have seen each other in 37 years! It was such a happy week for our family. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and have a blessed new year!                                                                                               xoxo ~Tabi

Bonus: Family Pic! (Blocked out the kids' faces for privacy/safety.)

New Year's Day

JulieG Santorini Plus Nail Art

Hiya! Today is JulieG Santorini from the Cruise Collection. I love periwinkle colors so much, and this one doesn't disappoint in the least. There is a very faint shimmer that you can't really see on the nail, but you can catch it in the bottle. One thing I have to say about these polishes is they are super shiny even without topcoat. This one wasn't even thick like the others. Actually, it seems the 3 in this box were fine. Must have been a fluke, because this one is the quality I'm used to. Ok, on to the pics!

JulieG - Santorini

I decided to try a little dry-brush nail art. It was my first attempt and is obviously not that great, but I thought the idea was cute. It was a little busy, though. So, I thought well how about with a solid accent nail? Or AS and accent nail? And there you have it. Hehe.

Thanks for reading! I hope you're all having a great week. xoxo ~Tabi

NotD: JulieG Rio De Janiero

Second up in the JulieG/Jesse's Girl Cruise Collection is Rio De Janiero. This is a beautiful orchid/fuchsia color. All the polishes in this collection are a perfect grab of the Pantone Spring picks.

JulieG - Rio De Janiero

JulieG - Rio De Janiero & Maybelline - Beaming Blue

Isn't the color just stunning in the sun? With the bright blue and glitter it feels like something from the 80s... or perhaps Carnaval? Hehe. The Maybelline Beaming Blue is OVERLOADED with glitter. Like, to the point that I don't really like using it. The colors in the collection were pretty and I got 3 of them, but they're really only useable over a base color. On their own, it's a clumpy mess.

So, what do you think so far? Have you gotten the JulieG Cruise collection? Do you think you will? There's more to come, so stay tuned! ^_^  Later, lovlies!     XOXO ~ Tabi

NotD: JulieG Tahiti Swatch & Simple Nail Art

Well hello there! I know, I know. I said in the last post that I was back, but I'm for real this time. I think. Haha. So let's just jump right in, shall we? I ordered the JulieG/Jesse's Girl Cruise Collection from Groupon. While I love the colors, I think I got a faulty batch. It's a little thick so I can't use thin coats. What I had to do was be generous and remove the excess otherwise it wouldn't apply smoothly. I have other JulieG polishes and have never had this problem. So, I don't know if it's their fault or perhaps Groupon's. Either way, I still absolutely adore the colors. Especially this first one I'm showing you.

JulieG Nails - Tahiti

JulieG Nails - Tahiti

JulieG Nails - Tahiti & Sinful Colors - Blue Persuasion

JulieG Tahiti is not only a gorgeous springy/minty green, it also has a hint of glass fleck shimmer. There are so many shades of spring/mint green out there and most of them are cream. So, the shimmer really makes this polish. I tried to show it in a few different lights and then decided to do some simple nail art too. I used Sinful Colors Blue Persuasion for a simple tape mani. It's probably one of my favorite textured polishes. I just LOVE blue-violet colors.

So, that's all for now. I'm just getting back in the swing of things, so hopefully I'll be posting more regularly soon. Thanks to all of you lovelies who have stuck with me.     XOXO ~ Tabi

Fancy Schmancy NotD

I'm still having fun with  my scrapbooking scissors. Today, I have another tape mani but with brighter, higher contrasting colors. I had seen swatches of Urban Outfitters Flip Flop and absolutely loved it. It's the perfect aqua color. Not too minty, not too blue or green. Even though I've had mixed results with their polish in the past, I knew I wanted this. I also picked up Bandeau and a couple others that you'll see when I use them. So first, Flip Flop.

Urban Outfitters Flip Flop

Just gorgeous! It went on perfectly in two coats, no issues. Then I got tape happy. Haha.

Direct Sunlight

Indirect Sunlight

Florescent Lighting

I have no idea why my skin looks so discolored. Anywho, if it weren't for the crooked design on my middle finger, I would have absolutely loved it. I think the silhouette has a very eastern feel. Like, maybe Moroccan or Indian? I should do it again with red and gold. Hehe.

That's all for now. Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend!

NotD & Giveaway! ***CLOSED***

 So, I'm finally getting a new post up after...oh I don't know...FOREVER. Sorry! I hope you all have been well. Thank you for sticking with me through my inconsistent posting. (^_^;)

Today's nails are actually going to be an example of how you can use some of the items in my giveaway! So, let's get right to it, shall we?

First, the Prizes! Because we all know that's what we're really here for. (^_~)

UPDATED: 5 Polishes instead of 3!

Turquoise Studs

Scrapbooking Scissors

I've tried to give some examples of how versatile the scissors can be. I'm sure you creative types can find even more ways. Be sure to share if you do! 

EDIT: I also got the black for myself. All prizes are new. This pattern is also slightly different than the scissors shown. I used my own, but they didn't have the same ones when  buying for my giveaway. They're very similar though.

I would suggest using masking tape because it's easier to cut with these kinds of scissors. Or you could fold scotch tape in half so its thicker and easier to cut. You would have to leave the ends apart so you can pull it apart again. This will also give you longer strips which you can cut to fit each nail or for multiple stripes on one nail. It will save time and give you consistent thickness.

Tape Mani w/ Scrapbooking Scissors

Fancy Tape Mani

SinfulColors Get It On w/ Design

SinfulColors Get It On

 As you can see, the Leather Luxe polishes are matte. With only one layer of topcoat they have a finished leather look, but aren't quite as shiny as regular polish unless you add another coat. I bought Get It On for myself because I don't really wear or have many red polishes. I thought this would be a one I would actually use.

So, that's it. Sorry, but this giveaway is U.S. only. However, I plan to do another giveaway for my 1-year blogiversary and hopefully I'll have something for my international followers in that one.

Thank you all so much for all the support you've given me so far. There have been many times that I considered giving up on the blog, but you all kept encouraging me. I wouldn't have made it this far without you. So, even though it's really small, I wanted to do this to show my appreciation for all of you. XOXO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mint Mani for Talia Joy

I know I'm late, but one day isn't enough to honor such a brave girl anyway. So, here is my mint mani for Talia. I saw some Sally Hansen Sugar Coat colors on sale at Target and thought Sour Apple would be perfect.

Sally Hansen Sugar Coat in Sour Apple

 I mixed brands of textured polish for a shimmery, pastel dotticure. The dots are both JulieG Frosted Gumdrops polishes in Blueberry Fizz and Crushed Candy. The colors seemed to embrace youthfulness. Together with the sparkle in the Frosted Gumdrops, I hoped it would be a good representation. No matter your age, you can shine bright and leave a mark.

Textured Dotticure

Mint Mani for Talia Joy

For those of you who don't know, I lost my sister to cancer. So, this post is for anyone who's lost someone or knows someone fighting. My heart and prayers go out to you.

XOXO ~ Tabitha

Holo Croc Nails

Hi-dee-ho, neighbors! (Brownie points if you know the reference. Hehe.) Just a quick nail of the day post. I thought I'd try some stamping with holo polish. Did these crocodile nails with Wet n Wild - Ebony Hates Chris and stamped with Color Club - Over the Moon. Yes, blue not green. I was just having fun. I used Bundle Monster paste BM-224.

Croc Skin Nail Art

Yeah, so that's about it. Haha. I actually had a nice busy weekend. Dinner and drinks with some new friends, then my nephew's birthday today. After a late night I wish I could have slept in or at least gotten a nap, but alas that didn't happen. It was totally worth it, of course, but I dread starting the work week already behind on sleep. Anyone else think like this, or am I just getting old? Lol.

Well, that's it. I hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week. Later, Lovelies. ^_^

NotD Plus Bonus Adorable-ness

Hi hi. I haven't been doing my nails as much, but I think I'll be back in the swing of things soon. To be completely honest, I've been hooked on a manga call "Attack on Titan" or "...the Titans." If you're into Japanese culture at all, you probably know this is pretty popular right now. I wanted to read the manga before watching the anime, because you never know what you'll miss after editing. At any rate, it's pretty original and interesting. I'm really dreading reaching the end and it being a total let down. Anyone who reads can relate to that feeling, right?

Ok, enough of my geek talk. (^_^;) Today, I just have a quick NotD, no special nail art. This is Sinful Colors Candy Coated with Sation Band Beauty.

Sinful Colors Candy Coated and Sation Band Beauty

I love this combination. The colors reminded me of one of my lemmings, Girly Bits Indian Summer as seen here on Imperfectly Painted. I know it's not really that similar, but it just reminded me of it. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about Indian Summer since I first saw it. I know some of you serious polish-aholics can recall polish colors and names like nothing, but not me. So, to remember it all these months later shows what an impression that polish left on me.

Ok, so for the bonus material, I wanted to show you what my daughter did this weekend. She did this completely on her own, mind you! Haha. She got a Doc McStuffins purse for her birthday that you could color and decorate with these little gems. Well, she decorated, alright. Her nails, that is!

Yeah, I'd say she's well on her way to being a polish/nail art lover. Maybe makeup too. You see the box on the table in the first pic? Full of lip gloss and peel-off polish. Haha. That's mommy's girl!

Well, that's all for today. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

NotD: Gradient

Hi there! So, today I just have a gradient. I've been wanting to try one of these high contrast gradients. I just think they look so glam. I used OPI - Skull and Glossbones with Pomegranate Nail Lacquer - Improv Show.

Purple and Grey Gradient

I tried to show both hands in a two different views and the bottom left was the best nail overall. Haha!  This mani was far from perfect, but I love the dramatic look it created. Oh and let me just say, despite the name, Skull and Glossbones is a gorgeous taupe-y/grey. I just love it.

Are there any looks you love but haven't gotten around to trying? Are there any you'd like to see me attempt? Let me know! Thanks for reading. ^_^

More Geeking Out

So, my nephew saw my Star Trek nails and requested Pokemon nails. Well, who am I to refuse! I'm sure you all know Pikachu, but the others are Squirtle and my friend's fave, Umbreon. Then a Pokeball on my pinky since my hands and nails are so small. hahah. I used all polish so there are definite imperfections. Plus, I didn't start til after my daughter was in bed. I didn't finish til midnight. (o.O) Ok, here they are.

That's all for today. If there's anything you'd like to see or have me attempt (can't guarantee success), let me know. Thanks for reading! ^_^

Cuz I'm a Geek

I saw tons of Iron Man nails when 3 came out, but I haven't seen any Star Trek nails. Of course, I'm rarely on the computer on the weekends. I could have just missed them all. Anyway, here are mine. Simple, but unmistakably geek. Haha.

Star Trek Nail Art

 Also, sorry I haven't been blogging like usual. Not only have I been busy, but I haven't been motivated. I have so many other passions and hobbies that I've been ignoring, and I think I just need to find some balance between them all. I hope you all will stick with me. I've even considered just sticking with Facebook and Instagram instead of the blog. What do you guys think?

 Well, I'll be sure to let you know if I make that decision. Have a fabulous day. Xoxo.

Frosted Gumdrops - Frosted Tips 2 Ways

To continue my Frosted Gumdrops non-swatch posts, today I have two more to share. I decided frosted tips was a good play on the name. So, I did one over Crushed Candy and one with Blueberry Fizz as the "frost."

Remember how I couldn't get Blueberry Fizz opened? Well, my husband couldn't either. He's 6'2 and works out 4 times a week! In his defense, he also has really large hands, so gripping that little lid couldn't have been easy. How did he finally get it open? With his teeth. Yeah, so now my lid looks like this on either side. Haha.

Ok, on to the manis. The first is Crushed Candy with Sinful Colors Candy Coated. You see what I did there? LOL. Here it is.

JulieG Crushed Candy & Sinful Colors Candy Coated

JulieG Crushed Candy with Frosted Tips

Next, I decided to use Blueberry Fizz since it's blue and frosty looking. ^_^ This is over Millie, one of the new  Julep polishes I got. Sorry for the crappy pic. I was having issues with Millie. That's for another post, though.

JulieG Blueberry Fizz over Julep Millie

So, that's is for this post. Are there any ideas you'd like me to try with these polishes? Let me know. Have a fabulous weekend!

NotD: Rock Candy Plus...?

So, I know a lot of nail lovers out there took advantage of the Groupon deal for the Julie G Frosted Gumdrops Collection. That means, there are tons of swatches circulating and you don't really need another, right? So, what I'm going to try to do is find out what other nail art techniques will work with these. But I'm going to give you a swatch first anyway. Haha.

JulieG Rock Candy

Since they're textured, I'm pretty sure it will be nearly impossible to effectively stamp over it. So, my first attempt was saran wrap. I know it's not going to get the same effect, but I wanted to see what it would look like. I used black so it's easy to see, but I think I would have liked it much more with a different color. All the texture is still there, though. Anyway, here it is.

Saran Wrap Nail Art over Textured Polish

Sorry this is smaller. The other one was taken with my camera at home. I don't know why my phone pics are always so small. But you can click and enlarge it a little. So, what do you think? I think I'm going try sponging next. Any other suggestions?

As always, thanks for reading. Have a wonderful weekend!

Mini Haul & NotD

Okay, so it's more like a micro haul. I spent $4 at the Dollar Tree. (^_^;) But they had some new stuff since I last went...in November. Haha.

A basic black for a buck. How could I pass that up? Plus, I need a new black for stamping.

Look at this beauty! Who doesn't love iridescent glitter? I can't wait to try this one.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of bar glitter, just because they're a nightmare to remove, but it's spring and these were such pretty colors! We'll see if I actually get around to using them before spring is over. Haha. Now for the kicker.

Mylar shreds?! They're so gorgeous! Some of the shreds are kind of big, but can easily be cut. Okay, so this might not be as big of a deal for some of you, but there is something about iridescence that I absolutely love. From bubbles to a crow's feathers, it's just so beautiful to me.

Alright, let's get to the nails. ^_^ I don't know what made me do these. I'm not big on nautical themes or anything, but I just felt like doing something different. I used a striping brush rather than striping tape, so the lines aren't perfect. It was good practice, though.

Nautical Nail Art

Pure Ice French Kiss & Sally Hansen Golden-I

I used Pure Ice French Kiss, Sally Hansen Golden-I and some of the large loose glitters from my November Dollar Tree haul. I kind of had to, since I hadn't used any of it yet. You know, to justify buying more. Haha.

Well, I hope you all are having a good week so far. Thanks for stopping by!