Mani Monday:Nail Care Tips+ Essie Nail Wardrobe Giveaway!

It's here!! The big day has arrived and, together with a lovely group of ladies, I am giving away a HUGE Mani-Monday prize!!  But, before I jump to that, I wanted to share a few of the ways I keep my nails in good shape.

Believe it or not - it all starts with the right diet.  If you are lacking nutrients in your diet that support strong healthy nails - then chances are you might have issues with frequent nail breaking, splitting and chipping like me.  I personally do not drink cow's milk and avoid most dairy, so calcium and vitamin d3 are great supplements for me.  And as for nail growth specifically - Biotin, Magnesium and Cod Liver Oil have helped strengthen my nails (and hair as well).  Of course you could just go out and by specially formulated Hair & Nails vitamins too.  

 **Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or pharmacist, so please check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet, especially if you are on other medications, pregnant or breastfeeding**

Other great things you can add to your diet are bone broths which are rich in minerals as well as  gelatins.  In the book Practical Paleo - there is a recipe for herbal tea infused gelatin, which is just amazing for a nice afternoon treat, with the added benefit that it helps your nails grow healthy.

 I just recently started using Essie Millionails treatment.  I saw an advertisement in a magazine for it, and it just sounded really amazing.  Guess what? It is!!  Since I started using it my nails have gone from thin and splitting to smooth and growing fast.  I couldn't be more excited to have it as a part of our huge giveaway today!

Another fantastic product is Julep Oxygen Nail treatment.  I use this a couple of times per week to give my nails a rest from polishes.  The best part of using it is that it is this perfect light milky pink - and it makes your nails look gorgeous and healthy, even when they may be a little roughed up from lots of polish changes.

My other tips for maintaining healthy nails are:

• Clean your nails regularly using a little scrub brush and warm soapy water.
• Keep your hands and nails moisturized, especially in cold Winter weather!
• Clean under your nails to keep dirt and residue from getting under the nail.
• Use quality nail polishes that are free from harsh chemicals that hurt your nails.
• Never peel your polish off - always use a conditioning nail polish remover!
• Don't bite your nails - use a file or clippers always! (Keep a file in your purse!!)

Are you a nail-biter?  What are your best nail care tips?

Now for the part you've been waiting for! Some of my very favorite ladies in blogging have joined together to give one very lucky reader a complete Essie Nail Wardrobe featuring 13 gorgeous colors, a base and topcoat and the millionails nail treatment ($135 Value)!  This is one giveaway you don't want to miss out on, so max out your entries!  For a close-up of the gorgeous colors with their swatches and details on the other products being given away, you can visit our Essie Giveaway board on Pinterest.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian Residents, 18 years of age and older!  

Good luck & share on!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

       

Mani Monday: Blue & Gold

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and a safe St. Patty's day!  Welcome to another edition of Mani-Monday!  This week I am sharing my favorite mani from last week featuring two gorgeous Julep colors!  First - I have two coats of Julep Donna - a creme peacock blue, followed by a somewhat gradient layer of Julep Vivien - a multi-dimensional gold glitter, topped with my go-to topcoat: Julep Freedom Polymer!

I am trying to figure out what to try next and I'm kicking myself for not getting the March nail wardrobe which was so perfect for Spring!!  Even the single box that I would have wanted is completely sold out now! *sad face*  

All is not lost though, I did sign up for a Julep Spring Mystery Box, my first time playing Julep roulette and hoping for the big win, which is the box with a pair of 3/4 carat diamond earrings!!  I think I would just flip out if that box came to me!  There is still time to order one of these fun boxes which are priced at $24.99 (including shipping) and promise a $70-$200 value!!  If you decide to try it out, please use my special referral code: 2493183 so they know I sent you their way! 

I guess even if I don't win the spectacular diamond earrings, at a minimum I'll receive a few fun new polishes...and if it isn't what I really hoped for, it won't matter too much because the new April box selection window begins in just two more days!!  I seriously can't wait, especially knowing they have at least 2 products I am desperate to get my hands on: Julep Strawberry Mint Lip Balm (available in the April Maven Secret Store) & the Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum they just confirmed will be in the box!!

Are you still on the fence about becoming a Maven? Don't be!! Get your FIRST BOX for 1 Penny! (plus shipping) use code: JULEPVIP at checkout!  You will get a fantastic box with at least two polishes and other goodies, usually surprises that are fantastic, you can cancel or skip a month any time, very easily (they even email you to let you know its time to either change styles, skip, upgrade, etc.)!  I'd love it if you'd sign-up using my referral link if I was the one to convince you to try this great beauty box! XO,

P.S. Don't forget to come back here NEXT Monday for your chance at winning this Essie Nail Wardrobe - brought to you by some of my most favorite lovelies, as well as my nourishing nail-care regimen:

Linking up today with Heather!


       

Mani Monday: St. Patty's Day with Julep

You guys, I'm proud of myself for attempting my first ever nail art using actual nail art tools! I know this trend of busy-ness on the nails is fading a bit and more simple, contemporary looks are on the rise - especially fun patterns and less variation, but I couldn't resist trying to do something fun and festive for St. Patty's Day.  On my nails: Julep Brandt (Creme Off Black), Julep Cindy (Gem Green) and Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat. 

P.S. Coming to Mani-Monday 3/25 - HUGE Essie Giveaway sponsored by several fabulous ladies! We have 12+ polishes plus a top & base coat to give away!  

Linking up with Heather for Mani-Monday!