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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Simply Stated #week4kindness

It's probably no coincidence that Random Act of Kindness week happens in February, a month known for candy hearts, chocolates and Valentine's Day. I wonder though what if it was more than just a day to tell someone you love them, but an everyday occurrence of appreciation of those around us.

I've been wracking my brain trying to think of the ultimate act of kindness that I could share with those around me. Paying it forward at Starbucks, baking cookies for the town fire fighters or giving out gifts cards to the homeless--all good things, but I was seeking something with a lasting significance. Ironically, I found the ultimate act at the grocery store in the middle of the check-out line the clerk turns to me and instead of saying "have a nice day" or "thank you" she just said, "God Bless You." It was so simple, yet it spoke volumes. In the midst of my hustle and bustle of grocery shopping and reigning in a wandering 2-year-old this woman blessed me with her words. Her kindness was free and beyond measure. My spirits were lifted, and what had started as a mom frazzled day turned into one smiles and sunshine.

You don't have to spend a lot of money or bake lots of food to be kind. Kindness comes from within. May your week of Random of Acts of Kindness be a kick-off for a year of kind words, thoughts and deeds.