Nail Art: The 50/50

Apologies for the week hiatus. Life got crazy; and unfortunately, this blog is one of the first things to get neglected. (Along with my "health conscious" diet, which is probably another issue entirely...) 


So, hello again!
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I'm an avid follower of The Beauty Department--a website devoted to all things "beauty," giving advice on the best hair/makeup for various occasions or outfits,  as well as tutorials for hair/makeup/nails.


Usually, I just read the how-to's & browse the pictures, deeming most of the suggestions either too difficult for me to attempt or simply unrealistic for me to rock in my every day life. 


However, after seeing numerous DIY nail art pictures on TBD & Pinterest, I decided to give it a try.


I call this, The 50/50. (I didn't really follow a particular how-to, but here's the general inspiration: CLICK)

The Players: Gold & mint nail polish, office stickers, scissors, top coat.

The Players

1. Paint first color.
In this tutorial, it's whichever color you'd like on the bottom part of your nail.


2. After the first color has dried, place stickers on the nail. 
Since my stickers were large, I cut them into quarters. (TBD usually uses reinforcements.)
Place stickers on your nail depending on how much you'd like to keep the first color. In this case, I did about 50%.


3. Paint second color.

Step 1 - 3

4. After the second color has dried, carefully remove the stickers.
I found that peeling the sticker sideways is better than simply lifting it up. 


5. Add top coat. 


DONE! Your very own, two-toned nail art!

Voila!! 50/50!

This wasn't terribly difficult, but definitely not as simple as TBD makes it seem. If I did this one again, I'd place the stickers lower so the colors are less 50/50 and more 30/70. 


Either way, I'm pretty pleased with the results. I'm not the most patient or dexterous when it comes to nail painting, so if I can do it, you all most certainly can!


Follow me on Pinterest to see what other nail art I'm looking to try. 


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Have fun! Good luck! & Happy Monday!


xoxo,
trey

Bits of Happiness

As the weekend approaches (long weekend for some), I leave you with a few things that are currently making me smile, and hopefully will make you smile too...


1. Flowers in bloom!


Most guys don't understand the point of giving flowers, arguing the obvious--"they die." However, while the life of a bouquet of flowers is fleeting, the happiness it brings lasts so much longer. When in doubt, buy the flowers.

They're so friendly!

2. Emoji fun! I downloaded the emoji application for my iPhone and it's awesome.

On Valentine's Day, my cousin & I were discussing The Notebook. Here's a screenshot of part of our text conversation. 

If you love The Notebook, you'll instantly recognize where this is from. 

If you don't...well then you should watch it again!

Yes, our texts usually look like this.

3. A hilarious, loving piece of advice from my father about love & Valentine's Day...

As for not having a Valentine at this time. Remember, you want the right valentine, and not the wife beater - so be patient. Keep an eye out, and just be you. You are a good catch, and your future Valentine will be the same for you!

Thanks, Dad:

...for reassuring me that one day, someone will love me for me.

...for reminding me to always keep my eyes open, because love can be found anywhere. 

...for stressing the importance of patience, because nothing worth while ever comes easily.

...for knowing that my future Valentine will be just as awesome as I am. ;)

And finally...

...for reminding me that I want "the right valentine, and not the wife beater." 

Phew, I had almost forgot. :P
Ladies, remember that one! 

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Happy Friday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am not a fan of Valentine's Day.


Before everyone assumes it's because I've turned into a cynical, love-hating, single girl, let me just clarify that it's not the case.


In fact, I love, love.


I love being in love & I love seeing people in love. Whether it be between family, friends, or a significant other, I think love is everything.


My annoyance with Valentine's Day is mainly due to the pressure that it causes, which usually overpowers the actual celebration of love that it's really about...


Pressure to "define the relationship."
Pressure to get the right card/gift.
Pressure to plan something just right.
Pressure to not get your hopes up.
Pressure to not disappoint.
Pressure to not feel disappointed.
Pressure to not wallow in your single-dom & feel sorry for yourself.


Love should be celebrated every day. Now I know that's not realistic, but isn't an "I love you" card/gift more meaningful when you aren't expecting it?? Thoughtfulness because you wanted to, not because you were supposed to...


I'm not saying not to celebrate Valentine's Day--because really, why not have another reason to celebrate--I'm saying to think about celebrating love throughout the year, as well. :) 


Oh well, enough negativity! We'll just embrace it--Happy Valentine's Day!


To my wonderful family & friends who always make me feel so loved:

I love you & am grateful for you, every day. :)

pun-ny cards I sent out to friends. 

Love is the answer--at least for most of the questions in my heart.

Like: why we here? where do we go? & how come it's so hard?

-jack johnson, "better together"

xo, trey