Paying It Forward With Jamberry Nails

It's hard having a pity party when I think of my friend Kristin. She is warm, bubbly and always smiling, but what most people probably don't see is her pain. Kristin, a mom of two elementary school-aged boys, suffers from several medical conditions that keep her activities limited and often times in bed resting.

I first met Kristin five-years-ago at my local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group. She was the MOPS coordinator and excitedly welcomed me into the group. Kristin was the life of the party at MOPS, and every two Tuesdays a month, us sleep-deprived moms had the best mornings ever-- coffee, breakfast, games, crafts, and adult conversation. Then she got sick, and was in-and-out of the hospital for tests and surgeries. Recently her precious family moved to be closer to her husband's family, yet through all these set-backs; Kristin is still smiling.

I don't know how she does it, but Kristin shared a few tips with me about how she saves her sanity and femininity in a house full of boys ( 2-boys, 1-hubby).

On keeping her Sanity- Seeing people smile is the best. I've recently started sending Random Acts of Kindness because it does my soul good. 

Her Femininity -I love makeup and of course doing my nails. I'm kind of obsessed with lip glosses!

Kristin volunteering at her boy's school Fall Festival.

Kristin enjoys doing her nails so much that she became a Jamberry Consultant. She was initially attracted to Jamberry products based on their quality and affordability plus it allowed her to raise money for her nephew going on a trip to Korea. That's Kristin for you, always thinking of others, but somehow she is figured out the correlation between helping others while persevering her sanity.

A Jamicure by Kristin.

"I giveaway (Jamberry Nails) almost more than I sell," says Kristin.  "I'm donating 90 gift bags to a girls beach retreat for example. It has however given me purpose and passion which makes me happy and that helps my family in every way."

Circumstances tell a lot about a person, and although Kristin's haven't always been pleasant; she is determined to make a difference. She encourages me when I'm struggling to keep my sanity and femininity, and about to attend the pity party. It's her example that that motivates me to look beyond myself and help others.

Kristin wants to brighten your day and help save your sanity. She's giving away a sheet of Jamberry Nail wraps. One sheet is equal to two manicures and two pedicures. Enter below to win. Also be sure to visit her online store at Kristin's Jamberry Nails.

What are some ways you pay it forward or give to others?



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Sanity Saving Tips in a House of Boys!

Don't get me wrong, I love my boys. I love their superhero parties, their boundless energy, their giggles and snuggles, but sometimes I want to do girl things. I live in a house of all boys- my husband, 2 sons and a dog- all boys. Since shopping and nails aren't priorities of the men in my house, I've created outlets to ensure my sanity and keep my femininity. Each month I will be sharing one of my sanity saving tips, and maybe you will find it helpful too.

I like to wear jewelry. Everyday, I put on my earrings, necklace, watch and occasionally a bracelet. I could be running out of the house to drop the kids off at school in yoga pants and a t-shirt, but I got my jewelry on, and it makes all the difference. It makes me feel polished and pretty even though I might look frazzled and frumpy. I like shopping for jewelry too and finding pieces that compliment a shirt for date night or a jeans & t-shirt kind of day. Shopping is difficult with boys. For some reason they rather run in circles around the store and bump into people. I discovered a way to shop for jewelry without the hassle of the mall, but with the convenience of nap time.

My friend Heidi, a busy mom of 4 (2 are boys), introduced me to Park Lane Jewelry, a direct sales jewelry company. Heidi shared with me her tips about saving her sanity while sharing her love for jewelry too.

How do you save your sanity and keep your femininity? 
Heidi: " I escape into books and movies. I also make sure that at least once or twice a month I connect with girlfriends. Ensuring my femininity sometimes is a struggle. I make sure to do something for myself. Sometimes it is give myself spa treatments at home- I love a good mud mask.  I also have certain items of clothing that I always feel pretty in. When I find myself in a rut of yoga pants and big t-shirts I make a point to find a reason to put my make up on and fix my hair. Even when I am in jeans and tee adding some simple sparkly jewelry always makes me feel pretty."

Why did you start selling Park Lane jewelry?
Heidi: "My initial reason for booking a Park Lane show was because I fell in love with a necklace that was out of my price range. I wanted to wear it for my wedding. When I booked the show the director Linda, said she thought I would be good at this. I politely declined. She asked me four times throughout the booking and ordering process.  When she was writing up my hostess order I decided I did want to do it. I have found that I am a better mom if I have something outside the house that is just mine.

How does your business help you save your sanity?
Heidi: "After the birth of Ellie, I had been suffering from really bad PPD and anxiety. Becoming a Park Lane director has brought me back to myself. I love the jewelry and of course love the paycheck, but the thing I am enjoying the most is connecting with other women. It is empowering to help other women feel beautiful just by sharing the product and opportunity that Park Lane has to offer.

What kind of advice would you give a mom who is struggling to save her sanity?
Heidi: "As a mom of both teenagers and a toddler the best advice I can give is to find someone, someplace that makes you feel like an individual. It is easy to pour so much of ourselves into our children that we forget the woman we were before we became Mom. Granted, Mom is one of the best titles I have held, but staying connected with the Heidi I was before I was Mom, makes me a better parent. It is not always possible to carve out a lot of time for yourself. Mothers groups are a great way to stay involved with your kids and stay connected with yourself. If you find that you are in a fashion rut (my go to is always my yoga pants and sweatshirts) put yourself together for no other reason than it makes you feel good.  One last piece of advice-do not compare yourself to other mothers. We all have our struggles, some just are not as visually apparent as others.

Share your sanity saving tips in the comments below, and you'll be entered to win this adorable Happy Feet charm necklace. Happy Feet is cute and sparkly, and he reminds of my love for running and jewelry. Be sure to check out Heidi's Park Lane site too!


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Keeping Your Sanity and Femininity in a House of Boys

Disclaimer- I love my boys and being a boy-mom, but Mama is a girl.

I couldn't take it anymore. I had enough. It was another rainy Saturday, and my hubby was sick in bed. That thing they say about when men get sick; it's all true. My two young boys were bouncing off the walls, and I was wracking my brain thinking of what to do. We ended up attending a Super Hero day at the bookstore and then dinner and playtime at McDonald's. Later that night, I was scrolling through Facebook and looking at what my friends did on this soggy day. About half of them went to the live performance of "The Little Mermaid" and the other half got pedicures with their little princesses. 

I am the only female in my house. Even our dog is a boy. I knew I wasn't the only mom struggling to keep her sanity and femininity in a male dominated house. I remembered the research paper I wrote in high school about breaking through the glass ceiling, and I realized my predicament took the whole glass ceiling theory to another level. More like baseballs breaking my glass chandelier. 

Found this at The Purple Polka Dot

Anyway, what's a mom in a boy-filled world supposed to do? Well, I made a list of all the girly, pretty, and relaxing feminine activities and things I enjoy. In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be sharing with you my girly-girl favorite things plus talking with other moms. Stay tuned to read about beautiful jewelry, manicures, pretty dresses, retail therapy and give-a-ways! 

Kindergarten Survival Tips for Moms

My son recently started kindergarten in one of the local year round elementary schools. It's been somewhat of a transition for him attending a new school and staying there longer than preschool, but I think it's been a little harder on me. I really thought I was prepared for this step, especially since he has been attending preschool since he was 3-years-old. Yet when the first day rolled around, I discovered I was less prepared than expected. I found myself daydreaming about the night Aiden was born. I remember holding his little 5 pound body, and wondering if I was doing it right. Aiden came six weeks early, but he was healthy and I made sure of that since that time.
Now, I need to trust that he will be safe at school for 6 hours each day. I know in my heart that he's going to a wonderful school with talented teachers and administrators. I'm his mom, and I still worry, a little. So, I gathered some tips to help us all cope with the changes.

1. It's OK to cry just make sure you do it when your child is not around. I've noticed when I'm brave in new situations my children tend do the same. Tuck some tissues in your purse and pull them out after school drop-off.

2. Walk your child to his classroom. Walking Aiden to his classroom on his first day of school allowed me to see his classroom and say hello to his teacher. Not only did it give me peace of mind, but it gave my son more confidence.

3. Get Involved! Our school has a wonderful PTA, and they are always looking for volunteers. I volunteered to work with the school's newsletter. Some teachers recruit parents to help in the classroom. Inquire with your child's teacher and the your school's PTA about volunteering. It's also a great way to meet new people plus make a positive impact in your child's education.

4. Plan a fun weekend Activity.  I love taking the kids to parks, museums and kid-friendly places when the kids are out of school. Our fun time will be reduced while they are in school, but I started planning a family activity on the weekend. It has lifted my spirits and has become an incentive for my son to try his best during the school week. Ideas include: picnic at their favorite park, visit a kid's museum, go bowling, or make a family craft.

Moms, we will survive, and our kids will thrive!