Merry Christmas from Florida! I spent yesterday on the beach with my family, and they decided to make a snowman out of sand. Too bad the tide washed it away shortly after this picture was taken, but that's a risk when playing with sand =D

I hope you all have a safe and fantastic holiday. Stay safe! I'll see you all in a few days.

Holiday Gift Guide | The splurge items under $100

This one is a little last minute. It's about 10:30 AM as I start writing this, on Thanksgiving, and I decided to pop out another gift guide for you all =) This one is more expensive, so it'll be splurge gifts. Nothing too crazy, though. I kept everything under a $100. I realize that this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I figured why not? If anything it may give one of you an idea to find a cheaper alternative. I have a theory that goes with every item on this list: if it holds my essentials; money, car keys, phone, etc. it needs to be quality. By that I mean I don't want any accidents where things break, or rip, and I run the risk of losing something. Some items are too important to lose. No purses here, surprisingly, just small things =)

I did not include any phone cases. I do not own an iPhone, and therefor I cannot speak for any of the plethora of pretty cases that they have. There's a huge selection out there for you Apple phone users, so I doubt you need my opinion ;-) If I HAD to choose, I would go with either a Tory Burch or Kate Spade case.

Kate Spade Owl Coin Purse: $98 I think this thing is absolutely adorable, and I am loving that owls have gained popularity over the last few years.

Fossil Wallet: $40 My husband has one very similar to this one. He likes the magnetic clip to hold receipts, and random piece of papers. I wouldn't recommend keeping cash, or checks there though. True story: he lost one of my checks that way. Other than that, it's great. Fossil's leather is great quality, and ages really well. In my opinion it looks better the older it gets.

Tory Burch Robinson Slim Card Case: $85 I have been lusting after something like this for a while now. I really want something for those small bags that can't hold a full sized wallet. Something like this is great if you know someone who doesn't carry a large bag, or wants something small to hold all those store loyalty cards without stuffing their wallet full. So many possibilities! EDIT: They have one in the Kate Spade Outlets for $40. There is a sale going on, but I'm not sure how long it will last: 50% and then take 20% off the gifts table (where this card is located).

Kate Spade Leroy Street Stacy: $98 I have to say that Kate Spade is my go to for wallets. I've had mine for over a year, and it looks a good as it did when I bought it (the leather is more pliable, and softer, though). The only suggestion that I have is to check out an outlet. They're cheaper, and you can often catch them when it's half off. Mine was around $40, I believe, and worth every penny. The only difference from what I can tell is the cloth lining, and the name. But, that's typical for an outlet item *caugh caugh* Coach.

Vera Bradley Hard Sunglass Case: $22 Vera Bradley's quality if phenomenal, especially considering it's cloth. I have items that I had back in 2006 that look brand new. A hard case for those larger glasses is a must, especially if you're like me and cary a few heavy items in your purse. Don't want to squish them! The color pictured is Canterberry Magenta, which I am loving at the moment.

Vera Bradley Zip ID Case: $12 I have one of these in a much older print. Another great item for those small bags, but this one is more secure, and good for on the go as well. There's only a place for an ID, and everything else lays in another compartment. No slots, so everything just hangs out together like one big happy family.

That's it! I don't think I'll have anymore gift guides for you all this year, so I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and if you're going out tomorrow/tonight for Black Friday, be safe! 

Check out my other gift guides:

Target | $30 and under

Ulta | Under $40

Miscellaneous | $15 and under

Holiday Gift Guide | Misc. $15 and under

The final installment of this years gift guide. This time I gathered up a bunch of random gift ideas that I thought of. Hopefully they give you some ideas =)

Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint- $5 I've mentioned this before, but I love love love peppermint scented products. I was thinking about doing a Bath and Body Works gift guide, but then I realized that it would be completely biased towards all things Peppermint =)

Tervis Tumblr for him- $11-$15 You can never go wrong with a tumblr, and I know my husband would love this one. It says 'Life is Better at the Cabin' and it has a little log cabin patch. I think it's adorable, and a great gift.

Xhilaration Tech Gloves- $9 While it's nearly unnecessary to wear gloves in the winter where I live, I know that a lot of you do. I remember seeing tech gloves years ago, but they weren't as mass produced as they once were. I really like this set because it comes with three of them in three different colors; white, grey, and black.

Jasmine La Belle bath poof- $3 I had to include this. It was too cute to pass up!

Kong Holidy Felt Mice- $5 My cat loves anything with feathers, and mice. We have tons of mice scattered around the house. Can't go wrong when you mix the two, right? You'd probably get one very happy kitty, and let's face it; it's better to have them on our side.

Great Choice Bone Value Pack- $6 (on sale for $4.19) I love getting toys for my dog, but she tends to be a bit picky (ropes and tennis balls are always a safe bet with her, though). I think this pack has a great variety, and at a good price. 4 toys: a rope, ball, squeaky toy, and a soft one. Endless hours of fun!

Do you buy presents for your pets?

I actually used to have a dog that would tear the wrapping off the gifts. It was quite cute.

Check out my other gift guides:

Target | $30 and under

Ulta | Under $40

Splurge | Under $100

Holiday Gift Guide: Ulta | Under $40

I have not have the chance to browse Ulta yet, but from what I see online, they have a pretty nice selection. I love the gift sets that include "the best of" a certain brand. It really provides the opportunity to sample the brand.

I had a lot of fun with this one. I picked a few brands that I would love to try myself, as well as some picks from some of my personal favorites.

Butter London: $24 There are two of these Take 2 sets; Fire, and Ice. I prefer Fire over Ice. That red is just absolutely gorgeous. The colors in this particular set are: Rebel Fox and Brass Monkey Top Coat. In Ice you get: Bluecoat and Leccy Top Coat.

H20 Plus: $30 I'm surprised at what's included in this set. It's a very generous variety. I've only had the opportunity to try out a few of their products. Disney uses them as their shampoo set in their hotels. What's included: Eye Makeup Remover, Mud Mask, Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Treatment, Sea Salt Body Wash, Body Scrub, and a Hand and Nail Cream. 7 products is a lot for $30. It's a fantastic gift. Sadly it's online only, but its hard to beat that price.

China Glaze: $20 Snow Buddy set. It isn't Christmas without a holiday set from China Glaze! I love these little things. Other than that adorable polar bear, the nail polishes included are; There's Snow One like You, Be Merry Be Bright, and Elfin' Around.

The Body Shop: $7 I know, another Body Shop product? This one is different, I promise you. Coconut Shower and moisture Gift Set. Shower Cream and Body Milk with a coconut scent. How much more pampering can you ask for?

Benefit: $36 This is one of those sets that I was talking about earlier. Show Me The Love set comes with They're Real mascara, Benetint, and the Porefessional Mini. Also, something that they don't mention, there's also a cute tin. Talk about the reusability options there.

What do you think of gift sets? Do you love them, or hate them?

Check out my other gift guides:

Target | $30 and under

Miscellaneous | $15 and under

Splurge | Under $100

Holiday Gift Guide: Target | $30 and under

I was browsing Target, and I started to take note of some of the gift sets that I saw. Some of these are actually gifts that I plan on picking up for my own family members.

EOS gift set- $5 Both a lip balm, and a lotion are included in this set. I saw this in the Christmas section and I was so excited. I plan on picking this up for a few family members, as well as possibly one for myself. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone.

Essie minis- $15 These are all from the 2013 Holiday set. Essie mini bottles are so adorable, and the colors are beautiful.

Real Techniques- $30 Sam's picks! It's all of her favorite brushes. This one, unfortunately, is only sold online, but I think Ulta may possible have it in stores.

Burt's Bees- $15 Burt's Bees has a ton of sets out this year. This one in particular comes with a hand cream, cuticle cream, my personal favorite lip balm, and a hand salve. Basically everything you will ever need in life.

The Body Shop- $15 I love their coconut scrub. I wish that they sold these inside the store. You can pick it up online. It's a great gift for that lady (or man) who likes to pamper themselves.

This is also only what I saw online. In the store there were also duos from Maybelline (I saw Baby Lips, and mascara), NYX sets, ELF has A LOT of sets in the store from eyeshade palettes to nail polish, Revlon, a few more from EOS, and probably some that I didn't even notice. Just because it's not online, doesn't mean they don't have it.

What gift sets should I be on the lookout for? Which ones do you plan on getting?

Check out my other gift guides:

Ulta | Under $40

Miscellaneous | $15 and under

Splurge | Under $100

Sally Hansen for Easter

I used one of the Sally Hansen strips that I picked up on clearance last year. I originally intended on wearing some with butterflies imprinted on them (also picked up on clearance, yes I've been holding onto them for this long), but these were such a pain, I decided to stick with these for the week. I used the gel from the insta gel strips to make them last longer, and so far they're holding out. The pattern reminds me of a picnic blanket.

I don't know if they got old, or I got a bad batch. The first pack I tried gave me the biggest headache. The clear strip that you're supposed to pull off kept getting stuck to the nail polish strip, causing me to rip about 7 of the 10 strips. One of the ones I did manage to get off lost it's stickiness almost immediately. Basically my pointer finger, and my pinky are the only ones that have the strips from that pack on them (left hand), and my pinky I had to fight with to save it. The other pack was fine, no issues with it at all. It worked normally. I want to say it was a bad batch. Logic tells me that both packs would be ruined. I'll let you all know if the butterfly one is like this. This means that the strips could have an expiration date, but I personally don't think that's the case.

I fought way too hard to just let them come off after a few days. Taking them off is not going to be fun..

Anywho, I hope you all have a fantastic Easter! I'll probably blog before then, I haven't had much to say lately. Nothing to review, no beauty hauls, nothing really. I have a book haul that I could do, but I'm trying not to bog the blog down with book stuff. I've been good with two a month, and the occasional review.

What are your plans for Easter? Anything special going on the nails? Last year I did a little layering manicure.

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Bits of Random: Holiday Tag!!

Today I bring to you a 10 Question Holiday Tag.  This tag began at datyorkLOVES, and it's a bloghop. Want to participate? Please do! All you have to do is do the tag, post it to your blog, go to her blog, and add your link! So easy, and it's a great way to gain new followers, or find a new blog or two. It's super simple.

On to the questions!

What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

 - I love the decorations. It always reminds me of family, being together, and being loved by those closest to you.

What is one of your family traditions?

 - We always open up our stockings on Christmas eve, and then have dinner on Christmas day. Simple, but still a tradition.

What's your go to polish or nail art design?

 - Definitely China Glaze Twinkle Lights. It's like Christmas in a bottle!

What holiday(s) do you celebrate?

 - Christmas =)

One think you REALLY want for Christmas?

 - The complete, and honest, truth? New prescription eye glasses. Mine are broken, and I don't like them. I'm actually really easy to please.

Best gift you have received?

 - Oh geeze, Im not sure. I think it would have to be a necklace with a violin pendant that my grandma gave me the year my grandfather died. It was meant to be his last gift to me (everyone in my family got something that year), and I just love it.

Where would you like to spend the holidays?

 - At home with my husband. Told you, I'm easy to please! It would be nice to have a white Christmas for once, none of this 80 degrees crap Florida pulls every year.

Have you ever made a snowman, snow furniture, or a snow angel?

 - First: I had no idea people made snow furniture, the more you know! Second: Since I am a native Floridian, and don't venture out to other states during Christmas, I am bound to a life of neverseenshowitis. So no, I have never done the above.

What is the weirdest gift you have ever received?

 - Oh geeze, I don't know! My husband ended up with a jack last year, but he works on cars for a living, so that maybe isn't so weird.

What's your favorite holiday cookie?

 - Anything with peppermint in it! I am a peppermint addict this time of year.

Olivia loves to sit under the tree =)

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holiday gift guide for the nail polish aficionado

1. Jewel Tones Gift Set  2. Twisted Peppermint Hand Cream  3. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Wine Not  4. The Best Pedi Prep Ever! and Julep Foot File duo  5. Burt's Bess Tip & Toes Kit  6. China Glaze Makin' Memories Gift Set

Normally I don't put together a gift guide, but then I remembered a lot of fantastic sets that I've seen this year. This gift guide is a collection of almost everything a girl needs to have beautiful hands and nails. I threw in number three because I have fallen in love with this color. I hope this gift guide helps, and they're actually all a pretty good price! The Julep items are on sale, and if you're a Maven you should be able to get a discount, or at the vary least free shipping!

Happy Holidays, everyone. Stay safe!

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My July 4th Manicure

I apologize for not post this yesterday. This is the first time I did anything related to this holiday. I'll be honest, it's not one of my favorites. Since I first started showing rabbits any holiday that includes fireworks gives me anxiety. Having rabbits for nearly half my life, and most living outside, you can imagine how worried I was about them. We're quite close to where our town celebrations, and it's not uncommon for me to bring in the ones who look frightened. Most are not bothered by the noise. A lot of mine have gone through the noise before, so I felt a little more relieved. Because of this I was feeling partially patriotic so I decided to take the simple wrap and follow the Julep Pinterest NOTD idea.

As you can see I made a smaller tip, I prefer this look with my French tips. I also only put two starts, and placed them on specific nails. This nail polish.. *sigh* America you are not my favorite nail polish. The way I described this to my husband is that I feel like someone took a glitter sh*t in my bottle. The brush was covered completely in clumps. It wasn't too bad to apply, but it was clumpy. With this polish, from what I've seen, is 50/50 on clumpness. I did have stars in mine, and there were reports of people not have any. It was also a pain in the rear end to get smooth and I applied at least 5 coats of top coat, which will explain the bubbles.

Regardless of the headache, it looks pretty!

Polish used:

China Glaze Frost Bite

Julep America

Revlon Colorstay Top Coat

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China Glaze - Twinkle Lights

I took these pictures, and added the name to it a little less than a week ago. Well, here is China Glaze Twinkle Lights on top of Essie Marshmallow

These are one thick coat of this bad boy. It is so pretty!!!! I love Twinkle Lights, it's Christmas in a bottle.

Frenchie-Oui

I love Oui, if that wasn't obvious. I decided to make it into a french manicure!! I've been doing a frenchie for the past few days, and unfortunately I want a solid, plain color. I'm thinking about Chinchilly. It's such a nice grey.

OMG I am falling in love with Zoya colors. The only thing keeping me from ordering these nail polishes (aside for my ban) is that I HATE HATE HATE paying for shipping. I've always been like that. Whenever I would need another order from Clinique, I would wait for them to send me an e-mail saying that they had free shipping for the next few days. I think I'm going to save up, and buy a bunch of Zoya in bulk. I may wait and see if they do the same thing as they did last year for Earth Day. Idk, I just want a lot from them, and I want it to be worth it, with the whole shipping thing and all.

Do you like the Mickey ornament? I wanted a prop, and my mom just put this one on the tree. It's so cute! Here's another of my manicure:

So, until next time, Toodles!!

NOTD - Festivities

I really really like how clean my nails look, if that wasn't obvious. Here is is:

I used all China Glaze (with the exception of my usual french manicure under colors). From the Let It Snow collection: Holly-Day, Poinsettia, and Champagne Bubbles.

NOTD - A whole lot of nail polish

I redid the french tip on Wednesday. I just couldn't stand how my ring finger looked, I had to shape it, and redo the french tip. I decided to pair China Glaze Twinkle Lights on the tip. Turned out quite nice.

I used the same nail polish, and order as in this post: Clicky

Trip to Sally's

I talked my husband into making a trip to Sally Beauty Supply. I needed a new base coat, my Essie one was on it's last leg, and it was at that gummy stage. Time for a new bottle!!! I had my eyes on that huge bottle of Beauty Secrets base coat. 2.5 fl oz for $6? Yup, I'll take it. I hope it's actually good. I will say that the brush has the potential to intimidate some.

Seche Vite on the left, Beauty Secrets on the right.

I didn't have an issue using it, but those who are unsure of using their none dominant hand will have issues with it, for sure.

I also bought 5 nail polishes there, all (but one) from the different Christmas/winter collections:

China Glaze Let It Snow collection:

$7.99 for the box

Here is what was in the box:

China Glaze Poinsettia

China Glaze Twinkle Lights (Christmas in a bottle!!)

China Glaze Holly-Day

China Glaze Champagne Bubbles (not sure why it's crooked)

Orly Holiday Soireé collection:

Orly Oui

It even came with a little nail file!!! So cute. I'm applying this one today, so expect a review tomorrow.




This one is an oldy, but goody:

China Glaze Peachy Keen (2010 Up & Away collection)