Jamberry Nails

I consider myself to be a total girly girl. I love fashion, jewelry, nails and SHOES...sweet Jesus I love shoes! So naturally, my lovely daughters have followed in my glittery footsteps. One thing they always love to do is polish their nails. I'm not even kidding when I say they must have 40+ nail polishes between the two of them. Jenna is still too little to polish her nails but I'm sure she'll be well on her way pretty soon. However, when I brought home a package of Jamberry Nails she was SO excited. See, Jamberry nails aren't polish; they're nail wraps. She's 6 and they were simple enough for her to do on her own.

Candace, at Jamberry Nails.net sent us 2 different styles. I got really excited when I saw they had a juniors selection! My middle daughter bites her nails so their small nail wraps were perfect for her. She ended up selecting the Zebra and Scribble Hearts.



Zebra and Scribble Hearts

 For my oldest daughter, who is 15, I went with a little more shabby chic look. For her pick, we choose Demi Rose



Demi Rose


Here's an actual picture of what they look like after being applied.

Finished product :)

You can also use these on your toes as well. Just make sure you use the hair dryer to help soften the wrap when applying. It takes a little practice but once they're on, they're so much nicer then actual polish. Instructions on how to apply and remove them are located here: Application and Removal

"Jamberry nail shields offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 250 designs"

If you're interested in ordering please contact Candace @ Jamberry Nails or her FB page: facebook.com/getyourJAMSon

Enter to win 2 FREE wraps, a Facial Applicator and samples of Greens!

I can't believe it's already May!! Summer time is going to be here before we know it! What better way to get started than with with a fabulous wrap, a facial applicator and some greens?! Well, you're in luck! Cristinas Wraps & More and I are hosting a giveaway and one luck winner will recieve all of these!

Below are some before and after pictures. I might be brave enough to post my own before and afters but I'm not sure ya'll are ready for that! HAHA

They ship outside of the USA! Whoo hooo

One winner will be chosen randomly by the Rafflecopter widget.

The winner will be notified via e-mail, so make sure you provide the correct address. The winner must respond within two days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another replacement winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cha cha cha Chia! Chia Seeds that is! If you don't know about this amazing superfood, you're missing out!

So, in my continued quest to become and stay healthy I came across Chia Seeds! These powerful little seeds provides SO much healthy goodness, your body will jump for joy. Or at least be healthier because of it =)




This is about the amount I put in my yogurt. Usually 1tsp


First let's talk about all the amazing health benefits these little gems provide:

1. Weight Loss – Chia seeds can be used in conjunction with your weight loss plan for faster results. Chia seeds absorb water 12 times their weight. They will expand, leaving you feel fuller longer which will help keep you cravings in control.

2. Omega – 3 – Chia is a great low-fat way to increase the amount of omega-3 in your diet. It doesn't come from any animals so it's great for vegans and vegetarians.

3. Gluten Free – Chia seeds are gluten free, making them a healthy way for you to bake and cook with less gluten.

4. Feel Energized- Chia has been proven to provide energy and stamina. Its large amounts of protein make it the ideal pick-me up when you do not want caffeine or sugar.

5. Anti-Oxidants – Chia seeds have copious amounts of anti-oxidants making them the most ideal age
fighter on the market. Anti-oxidants work to prevent free radical damage to your body. Since anti-oxidants work to keep chia seeds fresh, you will be able to benefit from the same powers for your body

6. Pack in nutrients – Chia seeds have no flavor and they take on the flavor of what they are added to. When adding them to your food, you will be able to add large amounts of benefits and nutrients without masking the flavor or adding fat.

7. Calcium- By weight, Chia has more calcium than whole milk, as well as other minerals that milk does not have without any fat. Since I stopped drinking cows milk and switched to almond milk, this has been very beneficial for me.

8. Cleanse– Chia works to clean your digestive tract and small intestine in a smooth and slow process. It works to remove built up material leaving your feeling lighter, cleaner and healthier. Basically, if you're ever constipated it will help get things moving.

So, now that we know a little more about this amazing super food how do you go about eating it? I prefer to sprinkle mine on Chobani Greek Yogurt, let it set for about 10 minutes and then enjoy. I prefer this brand because it's all natural with no additives, contains more protein than regular yogurt and has 3 types of Probiotics.



I usually buy mine from Sprouts Farmers Market

but they're pretty much sold every where. 

  Want to try some delicious Chia Pudding? You'll love this recipe! You can substitute almond milk with cows milk or whatever your dairy of choice is.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or agave
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chia seeds

Preparation

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine.
2. 2. Refrigerate 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
3. 3. Serve chilled or at room temperature

Picture via Google images



10 things you might hear from a parent while you're on the phone!

After trying to have MANY conversations with my sister on the phone, I realized we both often say the most random stuff.  Now, unless you're a parent, some of these might sound odd or even alarming.  She has 3 kids and runs a home day care and is even a foster parent!  Then of course I have my 4 little darlings. (Read: Wild loud banshees.)  At best, we're lucky to have a full conversation without interruptions. This got me thinking; do all parents and friends of parents, grandparents and so on, experience the same random shout outs as we do?  Take a look at my top 10 and tell me if you've ever yelled any of these out mid conversation!  Just another typical day in the life of a mom...


1. "Get down from there!!" 

I must say this 10x a day and even more when I'm on the phone.  I swear, just because I'm talking to someone doesn't give the green light to play jungle gym with the furniture and kitchen counters!

2. "Stop walking backwards with scissors in your hand"

 Gotta hand it to my sister, always safety first!

3. "What did you just wipe on me?"

Parents are like human napkins.  If you don't have kids and you've heard this coming from the other end of the phone line, you might have a raised eyebrow. Don't worry, it happens.

4. *Screaming*

That one speaks for itself.  This includes your screams as well as the screeching sound in the background. Don't be alarmed. Just stay quiet and wait for it to pass.

5. "Someone grab me some toilet paper!"

Don't judge me! Sometimes the only place I can have a conversation by myself is in the bathroom. There may or may not have been times I ran out of toilet paper during those few times. Let's move on...

6. "Turn down the T.V.!"

Seriously!  I can barely hear the person on the other line without added noise from your cartoon.  Ain't nobody got time for that noise!

7. "Put away the streamers"

I can be a somewhat crafty mom so this means I have odds and ends of streamers, yarn, glue, buttons and the dreaded word...GLITTER!  Since I encourage their imagination, my son likes to use streamers to make himself a mummy.  He's happy but it makes a HUGE mess!

8. Mommy! Mom! Mama! Moooommmm!!

THIS DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! Not to mention how annoying it sounds to the person on the other end hearing your mom 'call' name said over and over and freaking over again!

9. "Leave her/him ALONE!!!"

Kids seem to think when you're on the phone it means open season on their brother or sister! Of course, at this point, all hell breaks loose.  At which point you quickly put your phone on mute so the person on the receiving end doesn't go deaf when you start yelling at the kids to cut that shit out!!

10.  "I gotta get these kids in BED!"

This is a personal favorite of mine.  Mostly because if and when I do get a phone call, it usually happens to be right between 7-8pm. I have instructed just about everyone I know NOT to call me during this time. Not unless they want to hear my voicemail anyway.  Unless you're a parent you wouldn't understand the happiness that comes from having all the children asleep in bed. It's like the motherload of accomplishments for the day.


I'm sure there are plenty more I'm missing but for now those are my top 10.  One last quote that my dad says to me almost every phone call. I used to get annoyed at him, but now I get how frustrating it must be to have a phone conversation with me. =)

"Let me know if you're talking to me or the kids" - Dad

Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

So apparently Bitch is a Lifestyle thinks I'm a very inspiring blogger! Which of course is a huge compliment coming from a fellow blogger! Anyway, like most things, there are rules. I know, always a catch somewhere right? Some of which I listed below. So, let's get started!

                      First rule: State 7 things about yourself:

I am a Christian woman who believes in God. I was raised in a Christian home but haven't always done the best job at raising my own children with the same strict Christian beliefs. I'm working on changing that. I've lost my way several times over the years but have always turned back to Christ. He is my rock, my salvation and has blessed me in more ways then I can even count.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach! Anyone who knows me, knows this is my favorite place to be. Something about the ocean, the sand, the waves...just ALL of it. Except the parking. The parking is a b*tch most of the time. Anyway, I digress. I find it to be serene, healing and one of the most peaceful places on earth.

I have FOUR children who keep me VERY busy! Oldest daughter is 15, second daughter is 10, my son is 9 and my youngest daughter is 6. Geesh, how do I keep that straight? hahaha

 

Aren't they precious?



Recently, I've taken on a new outlook and have been trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I've learned A LOT about fruits, veggies, grains, vitamins, minerals, seeds, juicing, smoothies, refined sugars, good carbs, bad carbs etc...the list goes on and on.

I've been married twice. Once was to my oldest daughters dad and the other was to the father of my youngest 3. I learned a lot from both marriages. There were a lot of good times but plenty of "what the hell am I doing to myself" times as well. Second marriage was more friendly and felt like we were 2 roommates living together than a husband and wife. I could write an entire 3 part blog on that subject alone!

I've had 4 serious surgeries. The first one was when I was 16 y/o and my appendix ruptured. 18 years ago they didn't have or often use laser. Nope, I still have a pretty little scar on the right side of my stomach. Next two  were c-sections with the two youngest kids. The last one was when I got a major staph infection a week after having my youngest daughter. Apparently the incision got infected while I was in the hospital so I had to go back in and have ANOTHER surgery to remove the infected tissue. Gross, I know. Hope no one was eating when reading this.

I love talking to people. Listening to their ideas, opinions, what they like etc. I find it so fascinating how we all work and think so differently but yet all still have so much in common. This can be a curse though. Because then I feel like I might become too interested and then my crazy brains start working overtime wondering what? how? why? when? (I'm getting excited just thinking about it!)

So now I'm supposed to list 15 other bloggers for this award. Here are 15 of my favorite blogs for all various reasons. Some have great giveaways, some are pee your pants funny, some are inspirational and make you do some soul searching; while some have great recipes and encourage healthly living. Others just bring a smile to my face with their post, pictures and comments. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do =)


Life of a Spinster Broad

Holdin' Holden

SooperDad Blog of Awesomeness

Life songs of a busy mom

Stay Beautiful Within

I want a dumpster baby

Change one thing

That's It Mommy

Dad or Alive

All for my boy

Random thoughts and lotsa coffee

The Detailed Decorator LLC

Mom-troversial

So you think you can mom

Healthy & Fit Mama