S. António Já S'Acabou!

Portuguese lovelies will understand this post's title fully, but for you in doubt let me just say that it's part of a popular song and it translates sort of like this: S. António is already gone.

And who is S. António you ask? Well, he's Lisbon patron saint and there's a lil more about him here, in case you're interested. It was his official day yesterday and it's a city holiday, something everyone appreciates.

From the 12th eve onwards the celebrations in his honour are on and basically it's happiness all around.

It's high fun in the 'traditional Lisbon neighbourhoods', where people dance in the middle of the street to the sound of popular music (aka 'música pimba'), the streets get decorated with colourful arches and balloons and flags, everyone eats sardines and enjoys some merry moments. 

And, because S. António, is also the saint patron of marriage - he's a machmaker really - Manjericos with popular love notes are everywhere for you to buy and offer to the one who owns your heart - awwwww :)

So, today, of course I had to go for a manicure celebrating all this as well :D

I tried to portray all the major symbols on my nails, still keeping it simple, so as not to ruin it

heheh

:))

All nails got two coats of white with OPI Alpine Snow.

Except, of course, for my ring finger, which I did in two coats of Inglot No.954, to highlight my 'abstract Manjerico'.

You can always get away with abtract anything ;)

I wish the colourful flags had come out better, but my red striper had mismatched hairs and they created the wispy look you see.

Oh well, I still think they're happy and bright and give you somewhat the fun ambiance you get to experience in 'Santos Populares' :))

My 'sardine thumb' was also done with two coats of OPI Alpine Snow, where I then drew a couple stripes with Golden Rose Nail Art No.116.

The sardine was drawn using a blue Staedtler Permanent marker, and I made her a smiley sardine, because that's just the right vibe ;)

Last, but not least, my favourite 'detail' of the whole celebrations.

As a sucker for romance and moochi-moochiness you already know that I am, I find Manjericos the cutest thing! :)

They have a lovely smell and the fact that they carry love refrains is just wonderful! <3

I did the vase using Purple Professional No.45, Perfect Lady N.76 for the details and a brown Staedtler Permanent marker for the outline.

The Manjerico leaves are composed of a dotticure using Rimmel London Jaded Glamour, Kiko Sugar Mat No.643 and Inglot No.985.

I hope not only that you liked these but also that you loved learning (if you didn't know already) about S. António Celebrations, in Lisbon :)

Let me know down below what you think and I hope you get yourselves a kick-ass Friday! :D

Hugs & Kissies,

Mina *