Easy Lilac Spring Flower Nails

I'm back with another super quick and easy nail art tutorial using gel polish from Gel Two, glitter from Magpie Beauty, a gorgeous stamping plate from Uber Chic Beauty and stamping polish from Hit The Bottle.

This tutorial is just to show you a feature nail thats's subtle, but effective. I'm going to start a playlist of easy nail art tutorials that anyone can do, on my YouTube channel and try and get something up each week.

I've added links to all the products used in the description bar below the video.  If you would like to see something in particular, just let me know in the comments and I will endeavour to give it a go.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Bundle Monster Enchanted & Snake Charmer 1 Collections

I got sent some gorgeous gel polishes from Bundle Monster recently and the other day I got to have a play with them.

I got sent two sets; the Enchanted collection...

The Enchanted collection consists of three thermal colour changing gel polishes that are beautifully pigmented and apply like a dream.  You can buy the individually or as as set of three and Bundle Monster ships worldwide.

The other set I was sent is called Snake Charmer set 1...

The Snake Charmer collection is gorgeous, gorgeous and stunning!!!  It consists of three beautiful shimmering iridescent glitter gel polishes.  These are totally mind blowing and the video doesn't do them justice.

Bundle Monster gel polishes are not a professional brand so they are very accessible and totally worth it.  They are lovely to use, cure beautifully and remove like a dream.

Click here: Bundle Monster to purchase or the link is in the description bar below the video.

Stay tuned for the next video.  I will be using the colour pops to do some stamping with some Bundle Monster stamping plates.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Yours Loves Sascha Gossen | Hit The Bottle | International Giveaway

Finally I've got a video up on my YouTube channel featuring set 2 of the Yours Loves Sascha Gossen stamping plates, from Yours Cosmetics and 12 of the new stamping polishes from Hit The Bottle.

The stamping plates are gorgeous, well etched and uniquely designed.  They're an absolute pleasure to use and I can't wait to get my hands on the next two sets.  I highly recommend these plates.  They're about the same size as a credit card, so easy to store, and they feature good size designs.  Even someone with longer than average nails would comfortably be able to use these.

The 12 stamping polishes are lovely, as are all the Hit The Bottle stamping polishes.  They're amazingly pigmented and stamp brilliantly over any colour.  Hit The Bottle is an Aussie brand and has distributors in several countries.  You can search the website for your closest distributor.  Do yourself a  favour and order some if you want great quality stamping polishes.

I've also got an international giveaway running in this video where you can win yourself a set of the Yours Loves Sascha Gossen set 2 stamping plates.  You need to head over to my Instagram account - @dixiegirlxox - and find this photo, and follow the rules:

Good luck everyone and don't forget to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE with all your friends.  The more the merrier.  All rules must be followed to be eligible to win. 

All products I've used are linked in the description bar below the video.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

Rimmel London 'The Only 1' Lipsticks - New In

I had a lovely delivery a couple of weeks ago from Rimmel London Australia and I've just gotten round to (slack I know) taking some photos.

I got sent six beautiful lipsticks from The Only 1 range and I'm excited to try them all out. There are 12 shades, which you can see via the link above.  Rimmel London also have a nifty little 'Try It On' section so you can see what the colour is likely to look like. 

I thought in this post I would just tell you a little about the lipsticks and show you the colours I got sen.  Then once I've had chance to road test them I will do a full review and swatches.  I don't like to put up videos or blog posts until I am 100% sure what I think of the product.

I should also mention here, yes these are a PR sample, but my honest opinion will be given.  I won't be biased in any way.

That said, I do absolutely adore the six colours that were sent to me.  More often than not there's at least one or two shades that I absolutely will never wear,  but with these I love the look of every one of them!  Depending on my mood or where I am going I wear everything from nudes to hot pinks and sultry reds.

The Only 1 claims to be 'a no compromising all-in-one lipstick that is challenging the lipstick history'.  It also claims to have high impact colour, all day staying power and moisture. 

Up until recently I've been a predominantly matte lipstick addict but with my lips getting so dry, I've been collecting a lot more formulas that promise hydration but with great wearability.  So let's see how these stand up to the claims.  

I've had some beautiful lipsticks, both matte and more hydrating formulas, in the past from Rimmel London so I have high hopes for The Only 1. 

Here are the colours I received:

110 - Pink A Punch

120 - You're All  Mine

200 - It's A Keeper

510 - Best Of The Best

600 - Peachy-Beachy

700 - Naughty Nude

So that is all six and I am going to go and try these out and I'll get back to you will my thoughts and some lip/arm swatches very soon.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

A Day With The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Today I had the priviledge of attending an intimate breakfast with the Chief Executive and Producer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Brigadier David Allfrey, MBE.

The Brigadier retired from the military in 2011 to take over this incredible coveted role after 33 years of service.  His military career included command of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG) - including 2 operational tours in Kosovo.

It was a delight to spend time with this brilliant, funny man who is not only the producer of one of the most sought after shows in the world, he's also had us in stitches explaining Arg's skiing exploits from The Only Way Is Essex!

Brigadier Allfrey explained to us The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not just a spectacular show, but is the conduit for improved business relation between Governments, opening up important local and international trade opportunities and allowing a diverse array of military groups to work together. 

The Tattoo has been performing since 1950 and has reached a staggering 14 million people.  Annually the audience is around 220,000.  This is only the fourth time in history that the Tattoo has been performed outside of Edinburgh.

Brigadier Allfey indicated that 37% of ticket sales for the Melbourne show have come from outside of Victoria, with many of these being international.  He also mentioned that the Tattoo has sold more tickets than some of the world's biggest rock bands.

It was an absolute pleasure to be able to meet the Brigadier.  He is so passionate about the role he performs, and the Tattoo itself.  He is dedicated to expanding the reach of the Tattoo and hopes to bring it to more countries in the coming years.

Later in the day I attend a press conference at Etihad Stadium with Brigadier David Allfrey and the narrator of the show, Alasdair Hutton, OBE TD.

We were then treated for a full dress rehearsal and photo opportunity.  My husband and I were captivated by this magical event and cannot wait to see the show in front of a live audience when we attend on Sunday.  The haunting melodies of the Scottish Pipes and Drums had me in floods of (happy) tears.  This show will not disappoint.

Below are a few sneak peek photos and a short video to wet your appetite.

If you would like to attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, I believe there are still a few tickets available for the Sunday performance at 1.00pm.

For more information and ticket sales, please visit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website.

For bookings please visit: Ticketmaster or phone 136 100.

If you are lucky enough to be going to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, have a fabulous time.  This is truly a spectatular experience.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

MoYou London Valentine's Plates

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching and MoYou London recently bought out three new plates in their Festive Collection.  The three plates are obviously Valentine's plates and I have been lucky enough to secure two of them.

As usual, the designs are unique, beautiful and well etched.  While I don't often use the very small images, they come in really handy for people with shorter nails.  I have swatched plate 42 and I've added the video below.

All the products I've used are listed in the description bar below the video.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

GHOST The Musical

GHOST is currently playing at The Regent Theatre, Melbourne and is a clever musical adaptation of the 1990 Hollywood blockbuster featuring the late Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn and the unforgettable Whoopi Goldberg.

Ghost The Musical is set in modern day New York, telling the love story of Sam and Molly.  Sam is tragically killed during a mugging, leaving Molly struggling to come to terms with his death.

Molly meets psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who tells her she can hear Sam, who wants Molly to know she's in danger....

Directed by Tony Award winner, Matthew Warchus (Director of Matilda) and choreographed by Ashley Wallen who is internationally recognised for his work with Kylie Minogue, GHOST The Musical is a wonderful adaptation of the movie we all know and love.

Strong performances from Rob Mills (Sam Wheat),  Jemma Rix (Molly Jensen), Alex Rathgeber (Carl Bruner) and an outstanding performance by Wendy Mae Brown (Oda Mae Brown).

Clever use of lighting, special effects, illusions and props help you engage with the story line and characters. 

Make sure you take some tissues - this one's a tear jerker!

The seating at The Regent Theatre is very comfortable and spacious, giving you plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs.  If you take your children, be sure to ask the ushers for a booster pillow. 

There are several bars throughout the building that serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with several choices of snacks.

GHOST The Musical season details:

Website: GHOST The Musical

ADELAIDE

Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, King William St, Adelaide Dates: From Thursday 7 January, 2016

Press Night Saturday 9 January at 7pm

Times: Evenings: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday 8pm

Matinees: Wednesday 1pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm

(Sunday 31 Jan 1pm & 6pm)

Prices: Adults from $74.90 to $129.90, Concession from $64.90 to $99.90

Groups 6+ from $84.90

Transaction and payment processing fees apply

Bookings: BASS 131 246 or bass.net.au

MELBOURNE

Venue: Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne Dates: From Friday 5 February, 2016

Press Night Saturday 6 February at 7pm

Times: Evenings: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday 8pm

Matinees: Wednesday 1pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm

Prices: From $64 to $134. Transaction and payment processing fees apply

Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

SYDNEY

Venue: Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, Sydney Dates: From Friday 18 March, 2016

Press Night Saturday 19 March at 7pm

Times: Evenings: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday to Saturday 8pm

Matinees: Wednesday 1pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 3pm

Prices: From $64 to $134. Transaction and payment processing fees apply Bookings: 

Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

PERTH

Venue: Crown Theatre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood Dates: From Saturday 21 May, 2016

Press Night Saturday 21 May at 7pm Times: Evenings: Tuesday to Saturday 8pm

Matinees: Saturday 2pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm

Prices: From $64 to $134. Transaction and payment processing fees apply 

Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

Groups 12+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278

Easy Elegant Bridal Nails

I spent the afternoon doing my nails and as they're longer than normal I like to do something subtle in the way of colour and nail art.

This is the idea I came up with so I decided to film a bridal nail art tutorial at the same time as I feel this would be perfect for some brides.

I do like to get a friend to do my refill but I always do the art myself.  I've used  gel polish as the base,  Magpie Beauty glitter and Uber Chic Beauty for the stamping plate.  I used Hit The Bottle polish for the stamping.  All of these links can be found in the description bar below the video.

Enjoy,

Dixie Girlxox

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Coming to Melbourne

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is coming to Melbourne.

As a child growing up in the UK I used to watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on TV every year and I always loved it.  I remember the feeling of excitement I used to get, so you can imagine how happy I was when I found out that the Tattoo is coming to Melbourne.

In 65 years the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have only performed outside Scotland three times. Sydney in 2005 and 2010 and Wellington New Zealand in 2000.  This is the first time the Tattoo have visited Melbourne and there will be over 1,200 performers participating.

The Tattoo is currently produced by Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, who took over production in 2011.  Brigadier Allfrey served with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. 

With a selection of the best bands and performers from around the world, the show will feature a full sized exact replica of Edinburgh Castle.

The Castle replica costs $1 million and is 25 meters high.  The Gatehouse is where the performers will enter and this has been painstakingly made like a film set from plywood and timer suspended on a scaffolding frame.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is so popular around the world, it attracts a TV audience of 100 million annually and a live audience of around 220,000 in Scotland. 

You will be treated to a once in a lifetime experience of colours, sights and sounds featuring, the extraordinary lineup listed below:

• The UK Military of Defence Bands
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Highland Dancers
• Shetland Fiddlers - Hjaltibonhoga
• His Majesty the King’s Guards of Norway Band and Drill Team
• Top Secret Drum Corps
• The Tongan Royal Corps of Musicians
• The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band
• New Zealand Army Band
• Lochiel Marching Drill Team
• NZ Kapa Haka – Te Whanau-a-Apanui
• The Combined Military Bands of The Australian Defence Force
• The Pipes and Drums of The Australian Defence Force
• The South Australian Police Band
• OzScot Australia Dancers
• Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums
• City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band
• Manly Warringah Pipe Band
• The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes & Drums
• The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Caledonian Society of South Australia
• Tasmania Police Pipe Band
• The Western Australian Police Pipe Band
• Melbourne University Choral Society
• Australia’s Federation Guard
• Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers 
  
  

Known as 'The Voice of Scotland' you will have the pleasure of having the Tattoo narrated by Alasdair Hutton.  Alasdair has been narrating The Tattoo since 1992 and used be a journalist for The Age in Melbourne.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not to be missed and is playing at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne for a very limited time only from Friday 12 February until Sunday 14 February.

Details are as follows:

• Friday 12 February: 7.00pm

• Saturday 13 February: 1.00pm and 7.00pm

• Sunday 14 February: 1.00pm and 7.00pm

For more information about this fabulous even, please visit the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo website.

For bookings please visit: Ticketmaster or phone 136 100.