Mani Monday: Navy Polka Dots

I have been having a lot of fun doing my nails lately - Pinterest has gotten me addicted to trying new designs.  I decided I needed to order some dotting tools and brushes to try some of these adorable ideas.    Here is my first attempt at using the dotting tools.  :)

What I used:

Base Color: Robin by Julep

Accent Nail and Polka Dots: City Navy by Avon

Top Coat: L.A. Colors Top Coat

I signed up for my first Julep box last month and got two cute polishes.   One was a "juicy, watermelon red creme" called Rose that I used for the red in this manicure.  The other was a "Robin's egg blue creme" called Robin and is shown above.  

The box also came with some toe separators and some great smelling Pedi Creme.  I haven't been using it consistently enough to know how well it really works, but it smells wonderful and feels nice and light on my skin.  

The best news about this box is that I was able to get it for only a penny!  I tallied up the cost of these two polishes and the Pedi Creme and the total was about $50.  Yay for savings!! :)  I love getting a deal and I think this is a pretty fantastic one!  If you are interested in these kinds of savings, here's the link, and here's the code: PENNY

Happy Saving! :)

Linking up with:

PS. Have you entered my birthday giveaway yet?? Only two more days!!!!

Birthday Giveaway!!

Hee hee! August 9th in case you're wondering! ;)

It's officially my birthday month!!! :) What better way to celebrate than with a birthday giveaway, right?    I took 23 of my hard-earned dollars (cuz I'm turnin' 23!) and bought one lucky winner some of my favorite Avon/Mark products.  Here's what's up for grabs:

1. Avon Glimmersticks Chrome Eye Liner in Ultra Violet - This stuff is like gold to me.  Seriously.  I bought one just to try it out and loved it so much, I got another.  Then another.  My name is Jessica and I'm an eye liner addict.  The end.

2. Avon Naturals Blackberry & Vanilla Hand & Body Lotion - Smells sooo good!  You're gonna want to eat it... Don't.

3. mark. Self Sanctuary Peony Apple Scent Mist - More smell-very-good loveliness.  :)  L-O-V-E this fragrance!

4. mark. Salon Straight Shine Spray With Invigorating Orange - Works with all hair types and gives you a nice, glossy shine without weighing hair down.  And... it smells good too. :) 

5. Avon Pearlesque and Rhinestone Interchangeable Earring Set - I think these earrings are cute and darling, and yet sophisticated and classy all at the same time.  I don't have them yet, but have been contemplating buying myself a set... maybe a b-day gift to myself? :) 

6. Avon Empowerment Coin Purse - Cute little going out purse to add some splash to an outfit.  I also like this purse because 100% of net profits for this purchase is donated to the Avon Foundation to fund programs to end violence against women.

So there you have it.  I think that makes a nice little goodie bag, don't you?  One winner takes all.


Contest is open to US only.  It starts now and ends on the 8th at midnight so I can announce the winner  on my actual birthday.  :) Enter using Rafflecopter below.

Good luck!  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mani Monday: Olympic Pride

Ok, I know it's a little late in the day for this, but better late than never!  Tricia introduced me to the Mani Monday link up and I just can't wait 'til next week to join in on the fun.  :)  This was my attempt at being patriotic.  I saw a picture of some cool splatter paint nails and tried to get the same look.

What I used:

Base Coat: Blue (un-named color) from Funky Fingers

Splatter: White (#134A) by N.Y.C and Rose by Julep

Top Coat: L.A. Colors

The straw method was a little hard to get the hang of, these definitely get better with practice.  I also learned that next time I should use tape so my fingers don't get so messy in the process.  :)  But overall, I think they look pretty fun.

How are you representing your country this Olympic season?? :)

Go USA!

Linking up.... YAY! ;)

She Shares Friday

I started a new journal this week.  Which means I've actually been pretty good about keeping up with my daily devotions lately.  Maybe I shouldn't say this, but there's something about writing in a cute new journal that makes devotions a little more enticing than usual.

I gotta confess.... I've been struggling with the new #SheReadsTruth plan a little bit.  Taking a good chunk of time out of your day to just sit still, be quiet, talk to the Lord, and then listen for His quiet whispers.... it's not that easy.  I've been sort of procrastinating on it and as a result, I've been feeling real "stale" the past couple of weeks in my relationship with the Lord.  I feel like I'm not connecting; like I'm missing something.  Probably because I am missing something. (hello!)  I need to be connecting with the Lord each day.  And I know that.  It's just hard sometimes.

So this new journal has been helping me a little bit.  I've been writing out my prayers to help me stay focused.   I'm still struggling with the "being quiet and listening" part.  That time always seems to be the same time that I start thinking of all the other things I "need" to do that day.  Then I rationalize that if I just do them "real quick", I will be able to focus better for prayer time.  And we both know.... that list never ends.  Hence, the procrastinating.  I'm hoping that writing about this today will hold me a little bit more accountable and be the nudge I need to stop putting it off.  But I also know I need to just be disciplined and make it a priority.

Source

I've also asked Doad to start praying with me before bed each night.  My hope is that praying together will be a bigger priority for both of us - and maybe doing it together regularly will help make it easier for me to do on my own too.  It is so motivating to me when I see my husband leading me by example.  He takes such good care of me physically, financially, emotionally, but it is by far the most attractive to me when I see the way he takes care of me spiritually, especially by praying for me and with me.

So that's where I'm at this week.  I'm looking forward to these last couple days of our Prayer study.  Not because I want it to end, but because I get another chance to maybe hear some of the lessons I've been missing out on the past few weeks.





Thanks for letting me share. :)

Before and After: Hairstyle Hotties

I've been doing a lot of hair lately, and I thought I'd show off some of these beauties.  Last week resulted in a lot of fun hairstyles and gorgeous ladies walking out of my front door... what do you think? :)

My first appointment for the week was my cousin.  I had attempted to do pink tips for her previously, but the lightener didn't work very well and she was back for round two.  I absolutely LOVE how it turned out this time.  And do you see that huge grin on her face?  She loved it too. :) It's an awesome feeling when you totally nail the look they were going for.  She was practically giddy.

I also got to do my bff's hair.... *shameless plug*  Her name is Tiffany and you should check out her brand new blog, Rolling With Laughter! 

She went from light blonde to a darker, warm blonde with some highlights.  And then she let me spruce it up with a trim and fresh layers.  I love how much healthier it looks!  Aw, and she looks so happy too! :)

I was a very busy girl last week.

I worked at the office for three days, did lots of hair, and of course spent time sewing away on my surprise project.  :)  This week has been very busy too.  I am in at the office every day instead of my normal three days.  No sewing this week. *tears*  But I do have two birthday celebrations to look forward to attending and my sister is coming home from her missions trip to California.  I can't wait to see her, I've missed her TONS!

Now it's your turn! What have you been up to lately?  I'd love to hear from you!