Weekend Happenings

The weather really warmed up for us in Central Florida so it was a sunny weekend although I opted for lots of relaxing and catching up on sleep.

Finally Friday

The broken record in me is here to say how happy I am we've finally made it to Friday and the weekend, of course. I finished up most of my gift shopping on Cyber Monday earlier this week so I'm so happy to check that off the list!

Then it was on to decorating the house with outside lights, stockings, random decorations, and of course the Christmas tree being the biggest time-consumer. All was completed this week and luckily my tree is fake and pre-lit so that makes the process a bit easier.

My online shopping haul from Express (all items 50% off last week) arrived and everything fits perfectly which is a huge relief since I guessed my sizes. A friend of mine was raving about how comfortable the mid-rise jeans and leggings are and she wasn't kidding. I purchased two pairs (here and here) and won't be going back to regular fit. I also bought a couple of their silky zipfront tops which come in a variety of pretty colors, a portofino blouse for work, and the softest tunic sweater for any occasion. 

Did you happen to catch my guest post over at MakeupHER's blog about some Wedding Day Tips for soon-to-be brides? I also included a picture recap of my wedding to relive my big day and give inspiration for future brides out there.

Ok here I am talking about shopping again but I love that Ulta has OPI nail polishes on sale right now for 3 for $19 (plus you can apply this coupon to get $3.50 off a $10 purchase).

I made my way over to the Ulta store on Wednesday night and they were sold out of a lot of the colors but these are the three that caught my eye: Suzy and the 7 Dusseldorfs, Peace, Love & OPI, and In The Cable Car Pool Lane.

I'll leave you with a weird fact about my Lola. She has a fear of iPhone cameras ever since we got her as a puppy. Well not fear but she shuns them and will look away as soon as you pull out your phone to take a photo. BUT as soon as I bring out my big girl camera, she will sit still and pose as if she's a Victoria's Secret model. She's has some work to do in the fashion model department and maybe some braces to boot (kidding) but I love that she'll let me take photos with one of my cameras!

Linking up with my fellow Floridian blogger, Amanda from Meet At The Barre.

Happy weekend everyone!

Meet Amanda from Jamberry Nails + Giveaway

Amanda is an independent consultant from Jamberry who I've been working with to get fun nail wrap designs for different occasions. I recently posted my sparkly and festive nails for 4th of July weekend. I love that there are so many colors and designs to choose from and they aren't damaging to your nails. Plus they take only a few minutes to apply instead of going to a nail salon which can take 45 minutes or more. I wanted to introduce Amanda and Jamberry products on my blog for anyone unfamiliar with it or looking for new ways to spunk up their nails.

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Hi, my name is Amanda. I was born and raised in the Maryland area about a stones throw from Washington, DC. My husband, our three kids, and I have lived in the Orlando area for over five years. I do miss the cold sometimes, but don't miss snow storms! I love Jesus, spending time with my family, reading, watching TV and movies, Washington Redskins Football, and watching other sports as well. 

What are Jamberry nails wraps? 

Jamberry Nail Wraps are an alternative to polish and expensive salon visits! They are high quality, vinyl, heat and pressure sealed nail wrap that last for up to two weeks on your fingernails and up to four weeks on your toes! They are made in America, vegan friendly, gluten free, and non toxic with no dry time or chipping. They can be used on artificial nails and will not harm natural nails either. They're even safe for the little ones fingers and toes as well. They come in over 300 designs to fit the style and taste of everyone!

What made you decide to become a Jamberry Independent Consultant?

I was first introduced to Jamberry by a close friend from high school. I really loved how gorgeous all of the designs were, but I wasn't sure it would work for me because I had short brittle nails from years of nail biting. Plus, nothing ever lasted on my nails except acrylic or gel, so I didn't think these nail stickers would either. I was hooked when they stayed on for 8 days with no issues! Everyday I am constantly washing my hands, changing diapers, cleaning, doing laundry, and I am really rough on my nails. I was really impressed with them and decided to join for the 30% discount. A year later I have a wonderful team of 17 ladies I work beside and I love it.

What do you love the most about selling Jamberry nail wraps?

The thing I love the most about selling Jamberry, is that I don't sell it. I share it. I share the opportunity and a great product with people daily. I also love the opportunity Jamberry gives to help empower women to run their own businesses and dream big. I love showing people an affordable option that is stylish and practical. I also love that I don't have to have any inventory and that they can be ordered directly from the website and shipped right to your home from the warehouse in Utah.

Interested in learning more about the opportunity and joining my Jam Family? Click here.

How are Jamberry nail wraps applied?

The application method is pretty simple! That is one thing I am thankful for because I typically squeeze my application in once a week when I am catching up on TV shows I have recorded. You can watch our application video here or watch it and see the graphic below!

Also two IMPORTANT tips:

- Never touch the adhesive part of the wrap with your fingers or skin. You risk getting oils on the adhesive which can interfere with the ability of the wrap to bond with your nail.

- Always err on the side of using a smaller wrap. We like to say embrace the small gap. A good fit typically has a small gap and no one will notice anyway because it's on the side of your nails. This ensures it doesn't touch your skin or cuticles.

Are Jamberry nail wraps waterproof?

This is a definite yes! When they are applied correctly Jamberries are water proof. I have Jamsisters in Hawaii who live in the ocean and they get the same amount of wear as I do as a Mom who cleans and does dishes without gloves!

How long will the nail wrap application last?

An application should last up to two weeks on fingers and four weeks on toes when properly applied. I am not the best at waiting the full two weeks because I like change, so I normally change them out each week. The best part is even when you're ready to change them, they still look great!

What are some of your favorite nail wrap designs?

This is a hard question because I have so many! I love the Autism Awareness wraps because my son and daughter both have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Plus, Jamberry gives $2 of every Autism Awareness Wrap sold, back to the Autism Society of America. I am typically a big fan of mixing and and matching different designs and colors, but I still love classic and neutral looks as well!

Mermaid Tales

Commitment to Charity

Boutique, Gelato, & Sorbet

 How do you remove Jamberry nail wraps?

I have two favorite removal methods! One is using our Lacquer Remover and there is a video here. It's so easy and normally go to method because it leaves my nails smooth and clean afterwards. My second favorite is the Gentle Removal Method pictured below. It's easy as well and healthy for your nails.

 

Are Jamberry nail wraps kid-friendly?

They are very kid-friendly. They have designs called Jamberry Juniors that are perfect for little fingers and toes. Because Jamberries are non toxic you don't have to worry about exposing your little one to any harmful chemicals.

French Tip Bows and Little Mo Mo

Natural Leopard

Rose Gold Sparkle

Rosy Leo

Where can you buy Jamberry nail wraps?

Jamberry is only available through the Jamberry website itself, so you can order them here.

Thank you so much for having me, Emily! I really appreciate the love! You can enter the giveaway below!
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks Amanda! I really enjoyed learning more about Jamberry nails and I LOVE the Mermaid Tails nail wrap design! Those are definitely going to be my next purchase!

You can also find Amanda on Facebook and Instagram.

Jambery Nail Wraps: Festive Nails

I was so excited to try out Jamberry nail wraps for 4th of July weekend this year and I picked out a festive and patriotic design called Ka Boom.  I was nervous about the application process because I tend to have shaky hands and always mess up nail polish when attempting to apply with my left hand. That wasn't the case with these nail wraps and they applied very easily even with my slightly shaky hands. 

After speaking with Amanda who is a Jamberry Nail Consultant, I found out a few additional benefits of using Jamberry wraps including the fact that they're non-toxic, very cost effective compared to going to a nail salon, and come in so many beautiful designs for any type of occasion. 

 The package came with my Ka-Boom design nails wraps in 9 different sizes (18 total wraps however I can get two uses out of one wrap since my nails are fairly short), a manicure set (nail file, buffer, clippers, etc.), two alcohol wipes, a mini heater, and a top coat nail polish along with a cute Jamberry pouch to store everything in one place.



Jamberry provides several videos that I recommend watching before getting started such as this video with application instructions along with reading the process overview below. It literally takes seconds to apply each wrap so it's not a time-consuming or frustrating process by any means.

I love how my nails turned out and it was so fun wearing this design for the 4th of July while on a trip to Vegas. I'm so happy I have enough wraps left to re-wear this design and I'll be sure to order additional designs for future weddings, vacations, parties etc. 

Some other designs that I want to try in the future now that I have the full set up with mini-heater and manicure set. 

 

Check out Amanda's Jam berry online store to browse all of their design or you can also follow along and Facebook and Twitter.

Friday's Favorites & Weekly Recap

Happy Friday!

So happy to be finally adjusted to the time change and, better yet, the weekend is here! I have some fun plans for tomorrow and I'm always looking forward to catching up on some sleep. This week consisted of:

~ adjusting to the "spring forward" BS time change

~ lunch date with a girl friend at our favorite Thai restaurant
~ planning out the schedule for my upcoming trip and, not to mention vacation, back to Trinidad

~ sticking to our meal plan and healthy dinners at home

~ the ongoing struggle to keep my head above water with the life/work/blogging/sleep balance
~ happy hour yesterday with Kerri for $5 martinis and small plates. So fun catching up!

I'm sure some of you are gearing up to celebrate St Patrick's day this weekend. I will be out of town next week and don't feel the need to drink my weight in guinness and harp. Don't get me wrong, I love a good St Patty's celebration (see here and here) but this year, there's just too much going on.

Joining the lovely Amanda for her Friday Favorites linkup. 

Fun Nails for St Patty's Day
Love this green color with the gold sparkly accent nail.

Image credit

Favorite Fashion Find:
This Kate Spade Gold Plated Cuff. Not to mention they have a 40% of sale on everything going on now with code EXTRA40.

Favorite Beauty Product:
Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

St Patty's Recipes:
Loving this Irish Coffee recipe from ladies at The Sequin Notebook.

If you're looking for some party food ideas, I made this Spinach Crescent Bites recipe last year which was a party pleaser and perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Favorite Funny:

Have a lovely weekend!

Spring Things

This weekend we spring forward on Sunday and I'm looking forward to many things but mainly the change in weather. I know us Floridians don't experience brutal winters like many of you but we do get the sweltering heat of Summer so Spring brings comfortable yet sunny temperatures to enjoy more activities outdoors. Of course, losing that extra hour of sleep on Monday morning is the toughest part but once we recover from that, there's so much to enjoy.

My Spring Favorites: 

Reaping the benefits of strawberry season and trying some refreshing cocktails such as this Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe.

Colorful nails and Easter-themed designs.

Hosting our annual Easter dinner party for friends. I finally get to dust off and make use of all those serving dishes and the turkey carving set we got as wedding gifts.

Cadbury Mini Eggs have always been my Easter candy guilty pleasure. So glad they only come around once a year.

Spring cleaning and Easter decorating. I particularly love fresh tulips and Easter lilies to decorate at home.

I'm always excited to bring out cuter outfits that don't require layering with heavy sweaters and jackets.

                   

What's your favorite thing about Spring?

Weekly Recap & Ramble

Happy Friday lovelies! 

I took a a few days off from the blog this week. A lot was going on and I just really had nothing fun to ramble about. I also had a small case of writer's block, which I'm sure a lot of us experience from time to time. In my case, it starts to stress me out and I decided to just take a break and focus on other things this week. 

My week looked something like this:

#1: Moved into a brand new office building on Wednesday which is gorgeous. I'm not super happy that I had to downsize from an office to a cubicle but the space is modern and comfortable so I'll get accustomed to it.

#2: Started brainstorming for my new blog design. Woop woop! 

#3: Snuggled with Lola and watched TV in the evenings...while she snored. 

Here's proof:

#4: Got a mani and painted my nails this pretty pink OPI color (of course I can't remember the name now).

#5: Stuck with our healthy meal plan for dinners this week:
 ~ Chicken & shrimp kabobs

~ Baked salmon with broccoli

~ Skinny turkey fajitas

~ Chicken tossed salad

Felt like this at other times. #pms

#6: Enjoyed some red wine & blogging to top off my Thursday night.

#7: The most exciting of all is that we booked our trip to Vegas for 4th of July weekend!! I'm so stoked about this! I went for the first time last year January for a work convention and have been itching to go back. This time it won't be for work and we can do a whole lot more of the shows and fun stuff.

Any recommendations for shows while I plan our trip to Vegas?

Joining Amanda for Friday's Favorites & Tif for High Five For Friday.

Enjoy the weekend ladies!