Lizzie Borden- Bed & Breakfast Trip: Part 2

*Note: If you haven't read part 1 of our trip, please click here to read.

Overview: My husband and I recently decided to travel to Fall River, Massachusetts to visit the Lizzie Borden House Bed & Breakfast. It may be a bit macabre, but the case is absolutely fascinating to me. (If you're not familiar with the story, check out wikipedia here for a quick overview).

92 Second Street, Fall River MA 
  
The barn (gift shop) in the back is not original, it was re-built.

I became a little bit obsessed with Lizzie Borden about a year and a half ago. I'm already quite addicted to history, and true crime stories. Lizzie's story really fascinated me. Not so much because she "allegedly" committed parricide, but more so because of the time period; (The murders happened in 1892). The way the case was handled (bungled?), how certain relevant circumstantial evidence was left out of the trial, and Lizzie's various stories about where she was at the time of the murders. "I was in the kitchen, I was on the stairs, I was upstairs, I was in the barn, I was eating pears...", and because after all that, she was acquitted! Once you delve into the story, it's really intriguing.

I found out the actual Borden house was turned into a bed & breakfast museum in 1996. (The house was built in 1845, the Borden's were the 2nd owners). I kept looking at the website wishing I could visit. Finally, I found out there's a bus terminal only a 3 minute walk from the bed & breakfast, and that kind of sealed everything for me. I booked the trip!



This is a long winded picture heavy post so please click below to continue reading!

Lizzie Borden- Bed & Breakfast Trip: Part 1.

Hello there. Long time, no blog. :)

My husband and I recently decided to travel to Fall River, Massachusetts to visit the Lizzie Borden House Bed & Breakfast. It may be a bit macabre, but the case is absolutely fascinating to me. (If you're not familiar with the story, check out wikipedia here for a quick overview).
Tour sign near the gift shop at the back of the house.
I became a little bit obsessed with Lizzie Borden about a year and a half ago. I'm already quite addicted to history, and true crime stories. Lizzie's story really fascinated me. Not so much because she allegedly committed parricide, but more so because of the time period; (The murders happened in 1892). The way the case was handled (bungled?), how certain relevant circumstantial evidence was left out of the trial, and Lizzie's various stories about where she was at the time of the murders. "I was in the kitchen, I was on the stairs, I was upstairs, I was in the barn, I was eating pears...", and because after all that, she was acquitted! Once you delve into the story, it's really intriguing. 

I found out the actual Borden house was turned into a bed & breakfast museum in 1996. (The house was built in 1845, the Borden's were the 2nd owners). I kept looking at the website wishing I could visit. Finally, I found out there's a bus terminal only a 3 minute walk from the bed & breakfast, and that kind of sealed everything for me. I booked the trip!

 92 Second St, Fall River MA
 This is a long winded picture heavy post so please click below to continue reading!

Reminder...

If you read last weeks blog post... 

I just wanted to remind everyone, I will still be posting casually on my Instagram & Twitter. Heads up: There will be other things mixed in with my casual nail polish posts, it's not nails only- reason for this is because I want to get back to what I love, and it's less stress for me. I am no longer doing any product reviews or sponsored content. Honestly, I'm not sure where this blog is headed at the moment... which is another reason for the break...

Instagram: http://instagram.com/tunaynamahal82 

*I am not currently accepting any products for review or advertisement. Emails for such solicitations will be ignored.

Cirque Colors: Coronation
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Mentality Nail Polish Scandal & Alternative to Gala

Updated August 2015:

If you would like an safer alternative to Mentality Nail Polish 'Gala', Model's Own Indian Ocean works perfectly! Just layer two coats over a turquoise base (I used Zoya Rocky below), and top with a matte topcoat.

Read more below....

A Break Up.

Note: I am not currently accepting any products for review or advertisement. Emails for such solicitations will be ignored.

After 4 years in the nail blogging world. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly....

Click below to read the rest of this post...

Faux Watermarble with KBShimmer In Bare Form

I've been wanting to try a faux watermarble. The design on my Bundle Monster BM-320 gave me the idea, and I've seen other mani's using stamps to give a watermarbled look. (For those of us that are watermarble dunces, haha!)


Click below to read the rest of this review...

Zoya Mystery Trio!

* Purchased myself.

Zoya recently offered another Mystery Trio, and I decided to take advantage of the $15 + free shipping offer. (The Mystery Trio is still available on their website, while supplies last).

A few months ago, Zoya offered a mystery trio along with their buy 3 full size Zoya's, just pay shipping deal. Apparently there was some miscommunication about the never released colors. The colors hadn't actually been offered for sale, but they had been given away at a fashion show, so they weren't exactly new shades.


This time, Zoya offered three never before seen, never released colors. :) And I was quite happy with the colors! If you still want to be surprised, I suggest not clicking below. But if you'd like to see the mystery colors and see swatches, click below to read the rest of this review!

Meet: Waffles, and Ben!

I'm behind on my pet posts, so you get two blogs today! :)

The weekend before Memorial Day, I had been wanting to bring a few boy ratties home for T.J.

With Jasper sick, and with his hind leg degeneration he had to be kept in a smaller one floor cage (which we call our hospital cage). That left poor T.J. all alone. I wanted to get him some brothers so he would have companions again. So on May 22nd, we brought home Waffles & Ben! My husband named Ben. And I named Waffles.
Click below to read more...


RIP Jasper: 2013 - June 2015

In May, Jasper started having health problems due to his age. What we thought was a minor sprain, turned out to be hind leg degeneration. He went from limping around to not being able to use his back legs. His kidneys were failing, he kept getting fluid build up (edema) in his back legs, and constant plugs, I would have to bathe him every day or else he would be covered in pee. It's really sad when your pets get into an elderly stage. We pretty much just kept him comfortable. I would give him children's pain reliever when he needed it, we gave him baby food, and ensure to supplement his diet, we moved him to a one level cage so he could get around without hurting himself.

June 1st was like every other morning. I got up for work, and checked on Jasper, made sure he drank from his water bottle, I pet him before I left. About two hours after I was already at work my husband texted me to say Jasper passed away. He hadn't seemed any worse that morning, though he was not in perfect health. I didn't even get to say goodbye to him. :( This coming week we are taking him to the vet to be cremated.

We brought Jasper and T.J. home in September 2013. Jasper was already a good 4-5 months old. I don't know his situation, but Jasper was one of their featured animal shelter rats to adopt, he came along with his own cage. 

Jasper was affectionate, and curious, but he could be stand-offish. I nicknamed him my Mr. Moody. He had this thing where he would always get on my night table when I had them on the bed. He knew he wasn't allowed to be on my night table, so he would do this thing where he would sit there and squint his eyes at me as if to say, "Yeah I know I'm not supposed to be here- whatcha gonna do about it?!" It always cracked me up. :) I'm going to miss my Mr. Moody he had a lot of personality. 




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Summer shades from SinfulColors!

✯ PR Sample ✯

I was recently sent six of SinfulColors new summer shades for review. There's a mix of fun shimmers, and glitters, including 2 of the new Graffiti Bomb Glitters. 


 
Please click below to read the rest of this review!

Paradise Sun Collection from @ZoyaNailPolish

✯ PR Sample ✯

Today I have the Zoya Paradise Sun collection. It's made up of 5 metallic polishes and 1 creme shimmer. You can purchase this collection individually or as a set on Zoya.com

Please click below to read the rest of this review!

Rainbow-licious Nails with ILNP Mega!

I've finally attempted stamping with multiple colors... and I am in love! I foresee a lot of different color combinations in my future with this technique. For my first attempt I wanted something bright and summery, and rainbow-licious. Is that a word? Hehehe. :)
 I started with a base of ILNP Mega. I used three coats. I then put a small strip of  Mundo de Unas: Neon Green, Turquoise, Purple, Fuchsia on my stamping plate. I scraped sideways and all the colors blended really nicely. I stamped with Winstonia Store third generation plate: W310, (the upper left image). I sealed everything with Seche Vita topcoat. What do you all think? I honestly can't stop staring at my nails this week. I love them! 
I'm also still crushing over my new work space. I love it! I can confirm the top is acetone resistant... I may have knocked a polish over and had to clean it up. If you haven't read my blog about my new space, check it out here. 
Have you tried stamping with multiple colors?
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Island Fun Collection from @ZoyaNailPolish

✯ PR Sample ✯

Happy Memorial Day! Today I'm sharing the Zoya Island Fun Collection. This is my favorite collection out of the two summer collections. These creams are so bright and vibrant!
Please click below to read the rest of this review.

Camouflage Nails with Zoya Jace.

✯ PR Sample ✯

Happy Memorial Day! I was up doing some late night nail art. Zoya Jace from the new Island Fun collection, gave me the idea to attempt some camouflage nails. :)

I started with 2 coats of Zoya Spencer for my base. Then using a dotting tool and a nail art brush, I dabbed on Zoya Jace, Nyssa, and Emilia. I used Seche Vite topcoat, and then decided to make everything matte with NYC Color: Matte Me Crazy topcoat. Not bad for a first attempt I suppose.
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Zoya Island Fun Cloud Manicure

✯ PR Sample ✯

I'll have a complete swatch review of the Zoya Island Fun collection soon, but for now I wanted to share a cloud manicure I created with four of the Island Fun creams. These four creams are my favorite out of the Island Fun collection.
Left to Right: Zoya Serenity, Nana, Talia, Cecilia.

I started with two coats of Zoya Serenity, and then layered each of the other colors to create a cloud manicure. I used Seche Vite topcoat.

Have you tried any of the colors from the Zoya Island Fun collection yet? 
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My own little space!

Well, hi there! No, I didn't fall off the face the earth. I'm sorry for the longer than usual blog break. My nails are finally starting to grow long enough where I feel comfortable taking photos, and overall I just needed a little break.

I'm off from work until Wednesday for Memorial Day, whoo! I have to work on some reviews to share with you guys. I will have the Zoya Island Fun, and Paradise Sun collection on the blog soon. I also have 6 new summer colors from SinfulColors to share with you as well. I will be super swatch busy this weekend!

I'm also excited because I finally have my own nail space! :-) I've never shared any posts about where I do my nails, because well, it was my dining room table. My very cluttered dining room table, lol. :-p I've wanted a table/desk to do my nails at for awhile. I've been eyeing this portable manicure table on Amazon for months. I watched the price drop from $100 down to $70, and I finally decided to order it. Free shipping! And- it arrived in 2 days! I set up my new space in the corner of our bedroom. My helmer fit perfectly beside it, the helmer is maybe inch to half an inch shorter than the table.
I store my light tent on top (or remove when I'm swatching), and underneath I have a basket for my clamp lamps, and boxes for other nail things. That mini cookie sheet there I use when I'm stamping, I put paper in it and stamp away while not worrying about making a huge mess.
The best part about this table is there was absolutely no assembly required. I only had to take it out of the box, the storage bag, remove the foam and bubble wrap, and set it up. The table itself is sturdier and more well made then I expected. It has wheels so you can move it around, and it easily folds up to store again if you need too. It also has a small plastic drawer underneath that I am storing some nail necessities in.

There's also a wrist cushion- for doing someone else's nails, but I decided to put that in the corner of my table to keep things from falling down where the table curves against the corner of the wall, and it also works to prop up my Ottlite and other things. ;-)

I ordered myself an upholstered folding chair to go along with my table, but that hasn't arrived yet. The chair I ordered also had free shipping. I may get a more comfortable chair eventually, but this was all I could afford right now.

I'm super excited to finally have a permanent and functional place to do my nails, take swatch photos, or use my laptop to write blog posts. I'm also looking forward to getting back to blogging and sharing with you all again, I've definitely missed it. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!


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Press Release: SUMMER 2015 FROM SINFULCOLORS




SUMMER 2015 FROM SINFULCOLORS
This summer, SinfulColors transports you across the globe with an on-trend collection of 29 hues that reflect the vibrant and eclectic chaos from around the world.  The fusion of saturated cream shades and dazzling neon appliqués channel the pulsating energy of a summer evening.  The offbeat blend of spicy reds, oranges and cooling blues are perfectly paired with henna appliqués and foil tips.  Juicy purples and pinks complement new matte glitter toppers that add a fashion-forward flair while graffiti-inspired splatter glitter topcoats capture the diverse and rebellious vibe of street art.

Let these 29 vibrant shades, 6 glitter topcoats and 5 appliqués from SinfulColors express your individuality this summer with an electrifying mani to remember:


PINATA BLAST GLITTERS

Baila Baila: Clear based peach & royal blue confetti flecks  
Fierce Fiesta: Multi-hued red, pink & yellow confetti          
Mamasita: Indigo splashed with ruby & white glitter

GRAFFITI BOMB GLITTERS

Color Tag: Rich navy with pastel glitter    
Paste-erd: Night-sky navy with periwinkle glitter                                      
Writing On The Wall: Shimmery black with ruby flakes

HENNA APPLIQUES

Foiled AgainLustrous rose gold appliques                                   
Henna I DoTribal-inspired delicate appliques 


NEON APPLIQUES

Hot Tips: Pop-art pink and vibrant purple appliques                        
Neon Splat: A graffiti-style blend of electric neon appliques
Swirl: Color-blocked bright yellow, pink & violet appliques


PRICE/AVAILABILITY:
$1.99 each, nail polish and appliques, at Walgreens and other mass retailers for Summer 2015.

Press Release: @ZoyaNailPolish Island Fun, & Paradise Sun!

✯ Press Release ✯



Introducing two new Zoya Nail Polish collections for Summer 2015, Island Fun & Paradise SunAll in the Big5Free* formula Zoya is famous for.
ISLAND FUN (creams)
Ready for an island vacation, these playful creams embody a tropical getaway! They are strong in color to balance the brilliance of the summer sun, with a flawless cream formula.

• Jace (ZP796) - Modern tropical green in a full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula. A green that is more muted than lime and surprisingly wearable!
• Cecilia (ZP797) - Classic teal in a full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula.
• Talia (ZP798) - True turquoise in full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula.
• Serenity (ZP799) - Summer purple in a full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula. Reminiscent of beautiful blooming irises, a harbinger of summer!
• Nana (ZP800) - Deep summer fuchsia in a full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula.
• Demetria (ZP801) - A vibrant poppy red in a full coverage and densely pigmented cream formula.


PARADISE SUN (metallics)
Fully saturated with a gorgeous micronized metallic sheen, these shimmering beauties are much like sunshine sparkling on water. Meant to be used as an independent color, these shades feature a full-coverage, densely pigmented formula.

• Genesis (ZP790) - Crystalline white with a micronized metallic pearl finish. Designed to look like micro-fine diamond dust!
• Selene (ZP791) - True teal with a micronized metallic pearl finish. A unique shade with an aqua fleck that resembles deeper
layers of ocean water.
• Oceane (ZP792) - True turquoise with a micronized metallic pearl finish that reflects the clearest blue ocean waters.
• Isa (ZP793) - Deep blue-based purple with a micronized metallic pearl finish and an aqua flash that embodies the beauty of exotic island flowers.
• Mae (ZP794) - Warm magenta pink with a micronized metallic pearl finish, reminiscent of vibrant Mediterranean flowers.
• Aphrodite (ZP795) - Vibrant summer red with a micronized pearl metallic finish and multi-hued flash that brings it to life.

AVAILABLE 05/05/15!ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!
$(US) Available in top salons, spas and on zoya.com
____
MORE BIG NEWS…
Watch LIVE as Zoya Nail Polish debuts the NEW Summer 2015 Collections – Island Fun & Paradise Sun on Periscope!
Join us on Friday May 1st at 12:30pm EST to meet the collection and talk with Zoya Creative Director, Rebecca Isa, on how the new shades blend with summer cosmetic and fashion trends. If you don’t have a Periscope account already, don’t forget to get it set up now!
Broadcast Time: 12:30pm EST
Follow Zoya on Periscope: @ZoyaNailPolish

*BIG5FREE, TOXIN FREE: Zoya Nail Polish Formula contains no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or camphor.

Zoya Earth Day Polish Exchange 2015!


ZOYA EARTH DAY NAIL POLISH EXCHANGE 2015 – STARTS TUESDAY - APRIL 21, 2015!


With over 300 shades rooted in a healthy philosophy, it’s no surprise that Zoya is committed to helping you green your beauty routine! That’s why each year we give you the opportunity to exchange any old nail polish bottles that you may have laying around your house collecting dust, or that are not BIG5FREE* formulas, for brand new toxin-free** Zoya Nail Polish shades. You can rest assured that your unwanted polishes will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Helping the earth is easy… all you have to do to get started is pick out your NEW Zoya colors at zoya.com, follow the instructions below and checkout. Let us do the rest!

How the ZOYA EARTH DAY NAIL POLISH EXCHANGE works
...


1.     Visit www.zoya.com and add a minimum of 6 bottles of Zoya Nail Polish (no more than 24 bottles) to your cart. Minimum 12, maximum 48 for professional accounts.
 
2.     Apply Code: EARTHLUV and a 50% credit will be added to your exchange order - free shipping included!
 
3.     Complete checkout and you're all set! If you need further instructions (including info for our professional program) on sending back your unwanted polish click HERE.

The exchange runs on the honor system, which means you are not obligated to send in your unwanted polish - we assume you're going to do the right thing! Many people donate the polish to a local cause instead, which we fully support. If you choose to send back your polishes, please check with your carrier of choice for shipping guidelines and restrictions for nail polish. For full promotion terms & conditions and instructions on how to send in your polish, click HERE.

USE CODE: EARTHLUV
Offer valid 4/21/15 - 4/28/15 (11:59pm EST)

* **BIG5FREE, TOXIN FREE: Zoya Nail Polish Formula contains no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or camphor.

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