My Memories Suite giveaway UPDATED!

For those that were trying to enter the giveaway yesterday, I sincerely apologize as the rafflecopter for some reason isn't working. I have now made it to where it has to be done in comment form and a random entry will be chosen as the winner! So go here: http://mylifeasasailorsprincess.blogspot.com/ and enter today!!!

Giveaway time! (MyMemories) (Starts tomorrow!!!)

It has come time for me to do the My Memories giveaway! My Memories Suite is digital scrapbooking but it's also SO MUCH MORE! I am so excited to have the opportunity to give this away to one of my lucky readers! Here are a few things I made with the software!

The first thing as you can see is a collage showing off my favorite things! The green drink is wine (it was St Pattys day so I added food coloring, lol)

 I made this for fun!

 And this is my Facebook Timeline Cover!

So as you can see, it doesn't have to be digital scrapbooking BUT their digital scrapbooking stuff is really awesome!
As a special for all of my readers, My Memories gave me my very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!


Good luck everyone!!!


These are mandatory:
1) Follow me via GFG and leave your name in the comments area!
2) Visit http://www.mymemories.com/store/category_search?search[category]=72 and tell me which digital scrapbooking kit is your favorite in the comments.


For extra entries:
3) Follow me on Twitter @DawsonsPrincess
4) Tweet about the giveaway and tag @DawsonsPrincess and @MyMemoriesSuite
5) Like https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-as-a-Sailors-Princess/121320551255750
6) Follow my nailventures @ www.nonakednailsallowed.blogspot.com

Family time

It has been so long since we have been to Indiana. The last time I was there, I was pregnant. That was last August. The last time Ryan was there, we were having our big wedding ceremony and  that was the end of May last year. It's been too long for both of us but that is all coming to an end on Friday because we are heading north FINALLY to see our family! Ryan graduates from his instructor school that day and should be home in the morning which makes me really happy because I am bursting at the seams with excitement and I want to go nowwwwwwwwwwww!

Not a whole lot has happened between the last time I blogged and now. My broken toe is healing slowly but surely and I started a nail polish blog so I wouldn't clutter this blog with my nail polish adventures. You can find it here: No Naked Nails Allowed.

I almost forgot! I am really excited to announce that I will be on Melissa Jaines military girl interview series April 4th! I will be sure to link you to the post once it is up!

Happy hump day!

New blog

I have decided to stop clogging this blog with all my nail polish stuff so if you would like to still see my nail polish stuff go here: www.nonakednailsallowed.blogspot.com and follow me there!

Nail polish makes the world go round

I am sharing some more frankens I made last night. I hope you all enjoy!

This one is called Purple Nurple

This one is called Dusty

This one is called Holo Crap! hehe.

This one is called Twinkling Mud

And this one is called Speckled. It reminds me of those little malt ball candies that come out around Easter.

The Nail Files

Today I am excited to feature a polish I made! A home made polish mixed with other already made polishes and glitters is called a franken. I personally only mix glitters. I make the colors myself.




I posted a few of my frankens yesterday and after I show you my featured franken, I am going to post the rest of them here!


This is called Tealing my Heart and it is the second franken I made. I made it about a month ago and just kind of shoved it with the rest of my polish on the shelf and forgot about it until last night when I joined a group on facebook dedicated to people that make frankens. I decided to swatch all of my frankens so I could share them on the group and I loved this so much that I reapplied it after swatching the others!

Notice that I decided it was time for square nails again? I'm happy that I made that choice :)

Here are the rest of my frankens!
This is called: Purple People Eater. It's a purple base with a light hint of scattered glitter and glitter flakes.

 This is called Pinky and the Brain. It's a sheer pink base with some glitter flakes and holo (holographic) scatter glitter.

 This is called Hulk Smash. It is a sheer green base with lots of scattered glitter, multi colored glitter flakes and blue hex glitters.

 This is called Glossy Mossy. It is a sheer green/teal base with a lot of scatter glitter and blue and silver hex glitters.

 This is called Supernova. It is a creme black base with green and blue scatter glitter

 This is called To Infinite and Beyond. It has a purple base with a ton of holo scatter glitter.

 This is called Spring Fling. It is a lavender base with lots of holo scatter glitter and holo hex glitters.

I don't have a top coat on any of these but with top coat they are all gorgeous! If you want to see my other 4 frankens, you can see them here: Franken Swatches!

Franken swatches!

Since I couldn't work out with Ryan last night, I decided to make some frankens!




This first one has been dubbed: Cuppy Cake (because that is what I call one of my best friends and she lovesssssss purple!)

This one has been dubbed: Jackie O My! because I am sending her to a friend named Jacqueline in a swap :) I had to name it after her!

This is Jackie O My! over Zoya Loredona.

This one is called: Birthday Girl because the glittery goodness reminds me of a birthday party and, well, it's pink!

Last but not least, I named this one Bride of Frankenstein because it is a purple base with green flakies and pink glitter!














Have you made any awesome frankens that you would like to share? If so, leave me a link!
Happy frankening!

What's your song

I chose this song because it was the only one I could think of that says the words clumsy, falling, tripping, and words like that. That describes my early afternoon day before yesterday, totally.

It was a normal day. As usual I woke up around 8, took Mocha out, smoked my cigarette, came inside, fed Mocha, went to the bathroom then Val got here. A couple hours later, UPS rung the door bell so I got up and tried to jump over Vals car seat (I use it to block her from going into the other room). Much to my surprise, I failed... Epically. Rather, I tripped over her car seat after my foot got caught in it while I was mid air, I landed HARD on my left knee and smashed my right pinky toe/foot.

It take a LOT to get the water works going for me and I was bawling. I knew something more had happened then just a couple booboos especially since once I gathered myself and got up off the floor, I couldn't move my pinky toe and if I put pressure on it, I about screamed from the pain. I decided it would be a good idea to not walk with that side of my foot so for the rest of the day I walked with the inside of my right foot. Ryan got home from school around 2 and Valarie was picked up around 5:30. After Val left, we went to the er where they confirmed I had broken my poor little toe.

It's a serious bummer because, as some of you know already, Ryan and I started P90X a week and a half ago. I was excited and getting into the swing of it! Day 6 proved to me that it did, in fact, get easier in time. Yesterday, Ryan had to do it without me. For the next 6-8 weeks he will be doing it without me for the most part. I can't do the cardio, legs and back, and well, I probably can't do most of it. I am going to attempt to do arms and shoulders today so wish me luck!

Todays guest post is from Samantha @ His Perfect Vision of Imperfection. I love this girl and I have become very close with her thanks to the blogging community and facebook.

Guest blogging is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but rarely have time for. Fortunately, I was able to scrounge up some for this one! My name is Samantha. I’m one of the few people that follow Brittany consistently who’s not involved with the military, but this was not always the case. You can get acquainted with that mess by going through some of my posts from last year, starting with this (although the real beginning was well before I started blogging). I blog over at His Perfect Vision of Imperfection a few times a week, but having a full time job, being a graduate student, traveling the US, and living my life for God hardly grants me enough time to blog daily.

A special thanks to your host, Brittany, of course. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to take up some of her post space.

1) I came to visit and we went out for a night on the town. Where did we go and why?

We went to Harry’s for some New Orleans style grub. Why? Because food in Tallahassee is generally terrible authentic Creole food is delicious. Then we met up with some of my friends and hit up the billiards. There’s not much in the way of Tallahassee night life unless you want to party with drunken, drugged college kids. And that’s just not my scene.

2) Coffee, tea or neither? Why?

Both! Typically coffee (coffee fiend here), but I love a good cup of Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apple Spice tea with real Tupelo honey (the very best honey ever cultivated).  Yesterday, my boyfriend, David, told me I should consider CAA…coffee addicts anonymous. I’ve limited myself to one cup a day, but I never miss it.

3) What made you start blogging and is that still the reason you blog today?

I started blogging because I started my very first Daniel fast. A Daniel fast refers to 21 days of fasting in accordance with Daniel’s quest for communication with God (see the book of Daniel in the Bible, for reference). It’s a diet of fruits, veggies, rice, and water for three weeks. I used my blog to relay the struggle of such a drastic lifestyle change, and as support for anyone bold enough to attempt it.

After my fast, the blog became a comfortable place to document my life, including my very unhealthy, up-and-down relationship and almost-marriage to an angry, dramatic, self-deprecating active military man.

But now, my blog writing resumes with a breath of new life as I become more comfortable with the blessings God has given me. I won’t say that I’m the most amazing blogger (I’m not), but I won’t say that you won’t enjoy it either.

4) What does your blog focus on?

I cook, travel, craft, praise God daily, and am currently training for a 5k; all with a spectacular man who’s busy finding his own way, but not too busy to spend nearly every moment of it with me. My readers are a very important part of my journey, so I try to paint my memories with words. The more love and faith I leak, the more it will be absorbed. I encourage the same to other avid bloggers.

5) Using the title of a movie, describe your life!

This one is hard. The new movie (though I have yet to see it), Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, is probably most applicable. I live in a lively, loud house with two other women and my puppy (who’s puppy sized and certainly hyperactive, but not really a puppy anymore). My boyfriend might as well live there too. I’m surrounded by similarly loud Christian friends who get together during the week to eat dinner, play silly board games, and watch tons of sports. I love my life and the people in it.

Thank you, readers, for taking time out of your day to catch up on my guest post. If anything, immerse yourself in love and the wonders of the life you lead. Embrace the chance you have to inspire change and live life with no regrets. Hope to see you again soon!

A return to normalcy

Well, kind of. Ryan checked in with his new command yesterday and started school this morning. He had to be there at 6:30 this morning so we are kind of back where we were when he was on the ship but it's only for 2 weeks :) Then he is on leave for a month and we go to Indiana to visit our family for 2 weeks of that month! I just really can't wait for the next 2 weeks to be done with so we can go, and then I also get time off work. We really can't wait to see our families and spend some real time with them. I also can't wait to check out some polish in Indiana lol. They have a Meijer there and we don't have one here so I am excited to check there.

And that's pretty much all I got!

Hey Sailor!

In honor of Ryan checking into his new command today, I decided to bust out an untried and I am really glad I did!

Just for some added flair I threw Essie shine of the times on over it. *drool*

Nail Files: Love O' The Irish

This week I am featuring my St Patricks Day mani that I named Love O' The Irish for obvious reasons. My middle fingers have a little heart on them! I used Jesses Girl Glee, then Sinful Colors Nail Junkie over all but the middle fingers and thumbs. I used Klean Colors Peaceful Heart on the middle fingers and thumbs. Also on the middle fingers and thumbs is some cute art! Happy St Patricks Day!!!

What's Your Song?

I have been thinking about the fact that I won't be listening to this song and comparing it to my life anymore. It makes me so happy!

Ryan checks in with his new command soon and then has school for 2 weeks. I can't wait for those 2 weeks to be over with because then we get to go to Indiana for 2 weeks! We have been missing our family pretty bad. Ryan hasn't seen his family since last May so it's been pretty close to a year. I feel bad for him. I got to go to Indiana in August because of the hurricane, though I was only there for 3 or 4 days. My parents also came HERE in November. I loved having them here.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!

My Memories Suite GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello all my wonderful readers! I have a special announcement! I am hosting a My Memories Digital Scrapbooking software giveaway! I am super excited to be hosting it because it is my very first sponsored giveaway! I have have giveaways before but they were nothing too special. Just books a journal and a photo frame. Anyway, be on the look out in the next week for the giveaway and enter for your chance to win this awesome software!

This week has been pretty amazing. Not only have the past 3 days been GORGEOUS outside but Ryan has also been home and I think that's the best part. We started p90x (for the third time in a couple years) on Monday and it kicked my butt, however, it's totally worth it. I can't wait to reach my goal weight and be mega hot again =D

Revlon Whimsical over Essie Smooth Sailing

I changed my polish twice in one day. That was a record breaker. Usually I will go at least 1-2 days (I have been trying to go 3-4 now). It wasn't because of my polish A D D though, it was because I just didn't like this:

I DO like the polish, I do. I just hated it over a dark color. Maybe I am crazy, I just didn't dig it.

I decided to use Whimsical for the first time and I am really happy I did! I did this mani on Saturday and I really love it. So much that it is still on my nails =)

Helloooooo gorgeous! I wasn't going to get Whimsical for a while because it was sooo hyped up but now I know why. She looks amazing over a darker blue!

I am incredibly excited that I will soon have 4 NerdLacquers. I have been dying to have a few ever since I first laid my eyes on them and the creator is being kind enough to do a group order for me and a few other girls. STOKED. Here are the ones I am getting:

I seriously can't WAIT to swatch these! Holy Grail... DROOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

Nail Filessss!!!

It's that time again! My favorite blog of the week =D
I just love this link up. Best. Link up. EVER.


Here are my nails for the past 3 days (I'm proud that I haven't done a different mani yet, lol. I'n notorious for a 2 day mani. I might have nail polish ADD.)

I am head over heels for the glittery, flakie goodness!
This mani is 2 coats of Chi Her Intelligent Constellation, 1 coat of China Glaze Fairy Dust and 2 coats of China Glaze (Hunger Games collection) Luxe and Lash.

LOVE <3

My Song

This week I am absolutely overcome with joy! I am going to sleep and when I wake up my husband will be home and off the ship for good. No more underways, no more deployments, no more duty every 6 days, no more not getting home until 5 or 6, no more people from the ship constantly texting him asking him questions about stuff. NO MORE!!!
Dear sea duty,
We win!
Love, Ryan and Brittany



The next 2 months are going to be pure bliss. Ryan will be on leave for a week, then check in with his new SHORE DUTY command, train for 2 weeks then be on leave for another MONTH. I am STOKED!!!

Dear shore duty,
Thank you for finally arriving. I have long anticipated you.
Love,
A very happy Navy wife

The wonderful Sailors Valentine is my guest poster for this week! Go check out her blog!

Blog Address:  http://www.asailorsvalentine.com/

1) I came to visit and we went out for a night on the town. Where did we go and why?

Probably the Movie Tavern.  I know that sounds really low key and sort of boring. But, I absolutely love going to Movie Tavern.  It's one of my favorite "night's out" with the Sailor, as we are both huge movie fans.  The Movie Tavern's great because we can see a movie and have appetizers, or dinner, all at the same time.  It's sort of a kill two birds with one stone kind of thing.  Since I am usually so busy with the kids, it can be hard to dedicate several hours to have dinner out and then see a movie, so the Movie Tavern's kind of the perfect solution.  It's also a great family outing.  So, I'd probably suggest this, as it's lots of fun, and I know Movie Tavern's aren't all that common across the country. 


2) Coffee, tea or neither? Why?

 I think I would have to go with tea, both hot or cold. I drink iced tea by the gallons, and before going on my diet, I loved having Sweet Tea and Arnold Palmers ,(lemonade with tea), on a regular basis.  Coffee, I enjoy very rarely, its the occasional frappacino, and I love gingerbread lattes during the holiday season.  But, generally I don't drink more than 4-6 coffee drinks in a year, and now because I am trying to lose weight, I don't drink it all.  Also, I prefer tea because I can drink flavored herbal types and not have to add any sweetener, because the flavor of the tea is good enough.  I'm also not a big fan of caffeine. 

3) What made you start blogging and is that still the reason you blog today?

Well I first dipped my heels into the blogging pond back in 2002 or so, but I didn't maintain my blog, because it got to be too boring and a tad bit depressing....just the ramblings of a single woman/single mom.  But I picked up blogging again back in late 2008, after finding out I was pregnant with my son, "Snapdragon."  I wanted to remember what I experienced during that time in my life, because I was pretty sure that he would be my last baby.  My pregnancy is obviously not the reason I still blog today. But parenthood is definitely part of the blog. 

4) What does your blog focus on?

My blog focuses on the day to day life of my family.  The challenges and special circumstances that come with being a military family.  It concentrates a lot on parenting, because I am mom to a teenager and a toddler. It's also just a forum for me to express my own feelings and thoughts about the world around me, and how things are constantly changing.  I also am planning to start my own feature, as well as hopefully getting around to doing some giveaways as well. And perhaps maybe even some recipe sharing. :) 

5) Using the title of a movie, describe your life!

The Never-Ending Story: I know that probably sounds funny, but I feel like my life is a story, with so many ups,downs,twists,turns and at times, unbelievable moments.  It's part of a chapter that is all interwoven into the lives of my family, my children, and the Sailors, and I think that family history, truly is a never-ending story.  Also, I think my life would be a great family flick, if it was being watched on a regular day to day basis, with all the hi-jinks my kids constantly come up with.  

My Own Thoughts: 

I just think it's really wonderful that there is such a supportive community out here in blog land for the Military Spouse and family.  It's been my experience, that a lot of the military wives I have met, seem to keep things bottled up.  So many have said to me, "suck it up." It seems to be the standard response when I have expressed any sort of emotion that was less than positive.  So, being able to read stories and relate to other spouses, who are experiencing the same types of situations I am, makes me feel not so alone. :)  

I've been nominated =)

The wonderful Anna @A Sweet Southern Mess has nominated me for this lovely award! Thanks so much sweety!

Here are the rules for the Sunshine Award:

1. Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog.

2. Answer 10 questions about yourself.

3. Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers.

4. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

5. Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Here are the 10 Sunshine Award questions:

Favorite color? 
This can't be a real question, lol. Everyone knows I'm obsessed with pink!

Favorite animal?
  My favorite wild animal is a snow lion. Domestic is dog! Mostly our dogder, Mocha <3

Favorite number? 
17. Don't know why, it just always has been.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink? 
Wild Cherry Pepsi!

Prefer Facebook or Twitter? 
Seeing as I could go a whole day without really getting on Twitter yesterday, I'd say Facebook.

My passion? 
I am extremely passionate about getting pregnant and being a wonderful mommy. Does that count?

Prefer getting or giving presents? 
Giving! I love shopping for people and seeing how much they love what I got them. Though I sure don't mind getting presents, lol.

Favorite pattern?

Chevron!

Favorite day of the week? 
Any day I don't work and the weekend when Ryan doesn't work either!

Favorite flower?

Lilys and Lilacs!

Here are the wonderful people I tagged:

Erica @ http://polishfixation.blogspot.com/

Sue @ http://www.asailorsvalentine.com/

Kelsey @ http://bearatsea.blogspot.com/

Becky @ http://beckyskaleidoscope.blogspot.com/

Whitney @ http://southernbelle23.blogspot.com/

http://mylifeinpolish.blogspot.com/

Neeka @ http://inthelifeofamilf.blogspot.com/

Brittany @ http://talesfromasailorssoulmate.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Duh @ http://mrsduh.blogspot.com/

AmyGrace @ http://the-polished-perfectionist.blogspot.com/

To my followers

Is there any specific polish you would like to see swatched? I have been thinking about doing a "swatch Saturday/Sunday" and would like to know if there is anything you want to see before I start just picking them myself (:

My Nail Polish Stash List:

CHI- Raisin The Roof (x2)
CHI- Risque Lingerie
CHI- Her Intelligent Constellation
CHI- Make Me Blush
-----------------------------------
Cherimoya- Tomorrow
-----------------------------------
China Glaze- Fairy Dust
China Glaze- Kinetic Candy
China Glaze- Urban Night
China Glaze HG- Luxe and Lash
China Glaze HG- Fast Track
China Glaze- Ahoy
China Glaze- Hey Sailor
China Glaze- First Mate
-----------------------------------
Color Club- Glitter Hologram
Color Club- Black
-----------------------------------
Essie- Smooth Sailing
Essie- Ballet Slippers
Essie- Shine of the Times (x2)
-----------------------------------
Finger Paints- Motley
-----------------------------------
Jesse's Girl- Glee
Jesse's Girl- Confetti (x2)
-----------------------------------
Julep- Jennifer
Julep- Brooke
-----------------------------------
Kleancolors- Neon Orange
Kleancolors- Barbie Pink
Kleancolors- Peaceful Heart (x2)
Kleancolors- Neon Purple
Kleancolors- Pinky Moon (x2)
Kleancolors- Charcoal
Kleancolors- Red Sparkle
-----------------------------------
L.A. Colors- Rainbow Glitter
-----------------------------------
Mary Kay- Sunfire
Mary Kay- Whipped Pink
-----------------------------------
Nabi- Purple
Nabi- Pink
-----------------------------------
Nicole by OPI- Wear Something Spar-kylie
Nicole by OPI- All Kendall-ed Up
Nicole by OPI- My Empire...My Rules
-----------------------------------
NYC- Times Square
NYC- Pink Promenade Creme
-----------------------------------
OPI- I Have A Herring Problem
OPI- Gouda Gouda Two Shoes
OPI- Unknown (old. label came off)
OPI- Did You Ear About Van Gogh
OPI- Pedal Faster Suzi
OPI- Pompeii Purple
OPI- White Shatter
------------------------------------
Pure Ice- Busted
Pure Ice- Crimson
Pure Ice- Flirt Alert
------------------------------------
Revlon- Flirt
Revlon- Minted
Revlon- Whimsical
------------------------------------
Rimmel- Hard Metal
Rimmel- Crystal Clear
------------------------------------
Sally Girl- 812169
Sally Girl- 812090
Sally Girl- Grape
Sally Girl- Banana
------------------------------------
Sally Hansen- Champagne Toast
Sally Hansen- Lacey Lilac
Sally Hansen- Royal Romance
Sally Hansen- Princess Cut
Sally Hansen- Deep Purple
Sally Hansen- Glass Slippers
Sally Hansen- Rockstar Pink
Sally Hansen- Sunrise, Sunset
Sally Hansen- Magenta Motion
Sally Hansen- Ice Queen
Sally Hansen- Fractured Foil
------------------------------------
Sinful Colors- Cinderella (x2)
Sinful Colors- Unicorn
Sinful Colors- Dozen Roses
Sinful Colors- Frenzy
Sinful Colors- Shirley & Buddy
Sinful Colors- Green Ocean (x3)
Sinful Colors- Zeus
Sinful Colors- Cream Pink
Sinful Colors- Rise and Shine
Sinful Colors- Nail Junkie
Sinful Colors- Forget Now
Sinful Colors- Neptune
-----------------------------------
So Easy- 698582
So Easy- 698520
-----------------------------------
Wet N Wild- 410A
Wet N Wild- 460D
Wet N Wild- Grays Anatomy
Wet N Wild- Teal of Fortune
Wet N Wild- Sugar Coat
Wet N Wild- Club Havana
Wet N Wild- Tropicalia
Wet N Wild- On A Trip
Wet N Wild- Through the Grapevine
Wet N Wild- Bite the Bullet
-------------------------------------
Venique- Twinkling Glitter
-------------------------------------
Zoya- Cassi
Zoya- Minka
Zoya- Kelly
Zoya- Reece
Zoya- Gwin
Zoya- Elke
Zoya- Savita
Zoya- Lorenda
Zoya- Lolly
Zoya- Fleck Effects Maisie
Zoya- Fleck Effects Opal
Zoya- Fleck Effects Chloe

Nail Files!

Have I yet said how much I love this link up? Well, I do! It's what got me started on actually sharing what I do with my nails with people. It has been a secret obsession of mine ever since I stopped biting them =)

Here are my nails:

I recently started dabbling in nail art and... making nail polish! I will be sharing the ones I have made pretty soon and if anyone likes them I JUST MIGHT sell them =)

My Song

Today, I just feel completely helpless. I feel like I can't handle anything. This depression has a firm grip on me. Just when I think it has stopped, it pops back up. I want my baby back. I want my baby back more then anything in the whole world.

All my fragile strength is gone