Chaos, Direct Sales, And Mommy Time

Direct sales have invaded and taken over my Facebook feed. Between Jamberry (which I've tried and love for my toes!), 21 Fix, Keep, and who knows what else, I'm overloaded with equal parts guilt (some of these friends are really friends, and I want to support them), annoyance (am I just another part of their "business" and that's it?), and the wondering if all those shakes/wraps/fixes really work (and if they do why isn't everyone doing them??).

Honest moment disclaimer. I'm not a fan of any kind of fix, etc, because I wonder why people can't find a way to do it themselves? And, a "fix" implies your broken...and after 21 days, you won't be. Now, sure the support systems of some of these things is really amazing for some people! I get it, we are all different. But, the problem is I have so many other things (Legos, food, training pants, food, food...I have two little boys!!!) that it is just crazy to spend more money on things like this, at least for me.

There's a bit of crazy happening in my life, mainly the daily chaos of raising two little boys and the struggles of trying to do what we love as a way to support our family. And all that other stuff. Like the dishes. Laundry. Sweeping the floor. Getting a shower more than twice a week.

In the spirit of my New Mommy, New Rules once upon a time dream, I'm getting back to basics. Tips, learnings, good times...

For today, get outside and enjoy the beauty of the world. Green, lush scenery and flowers in bloom, the scents of herbs growing in your garden, the sound

s of cicadas showing up for their once in sixteen (or is it seventeen?) years...read a real book in the sunshine (don't forget the sunblock!).

The rule for today? Do something for you, maybe with your little ones or maybe just for you.

Even if it's just a quick shower.

posted from Bloggeroid

Oh Dem Bones! Jamberry Review

Time for myself is one of my most precious commodities, and add to that anything much beyond a shower is just about at the realm of impossibility.

But, with two lil dudes, money is still an issue. Cause diapers, fresh fruit (my boys loooove raspberries, and just about any other fruit they can get their lil hands on!), snacks, and three kinds of milk, money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Luxuries are just that. Luxuries.

But, once in awhile, I love to paint my nails and polish my toes. However, that in and of itself is a huge task. Either I smudge as I go from picking up lil guy, getting juice/snacks, or breaking up the newest toy battle or I barely even get two painted in five minutes.

After being inundated with invites and being unknowingly included in various parties on Facebook and groups, I became anti-Jamberry. Not only did I become annoyed that everybody seemed to be using our "friend" status to try to sell me something, no one asked if I would be interested. They just assumed.

Fast forward six months...

Lately, I've finally found my I'm not just my mommy stride. Well, some days I do. Which means there are days when my hair actually gets brushed (and sometimes even styled!), a bit of makeup is applied, and even brushing my teeth after each meal...or snack.

I decided it was time. Or, I should day I saw a Jamberry design that I loooooved. An mandala (I yoga for sanity, health, and with my lil dudes!), which led to finally reaching out to a friend who touted the amazing results of Jamberry and was a consultant. A habitual nail biter, which I often witnessed firsthand, she actually had nails (for her, anyway!) even though she ran an at home daycare that looked pretty good even after a few days.

I broke down after seeing the super adorable Halloween offerings and ordered. I had planned to treat myself to a pedicure, so four sheets were about the same. Plus, to be honest, I rarely enjoy a pedicure...too much on my to do list to sit still that long and make small talk.

They arrived..and sat waiting for some action for more than two weeks. I admit, I was intimidated due to my polish with lil dudes experience. But, yesterday, I gave in. Mostly because Halloween is just a few weeks away and didn't want to have wasted them.

And, after a bit of a shaky start due to a bit of caffeine (I drink a cup of half caff once in awhile), I successfully used a hair dryer, scissors, cuticle stick, and nail file to apply six spooky nail designs along with polishing the four extras with a quick drying metallic OPI nail lacquer.

Side note...the nail lacquer already chipped once. Sigh.

Easy, once I figured it out. And insanely adorable. Plus, I felt a bit like me again...which only makes mommy even more ready to take on the day!



Only two days in, but with the endless hand washing, baking, toy fixing, and battery changing, not a problem in sight.

I kinda like you, Jamberry. And Dem Bones.

posted from Bloggeroid