That Time I Wore Fake Nails...

Someone special aka my brother is getting married tomorrow and I am really excited for it! I am a bridesmaid with my beautiful sister who I knew was getting her nails done. I have rarely gotten my nails done so much so I think I could count on one hand all the times I have gotten a manicure. Anyway being the sporty lady that I am I have also never used fake nails or press on nails. Yesterday that changed! I tried Nailene's So Natural Short Everyday French artificial nails from Wal-Mart. The kit comes with a manicure stick, cuticle pusher, glue, adhesive tabs and nails. I really liked how there were 28 nails and 14 sizes to pick from to best fit my nails.

Anyway, the process for putting the nails on was really easy. Buff your nails and clean them with the tools provided. Then begin to pick the adhesive tabs and nails that fit you best. I would suggest picking the sizes and setting them out before you start, which is not what I did and wish I had. I found myself fumbling around with these very light nails with half my nails on and half off. Bad idea!

Here are the before and after shots. My natural nails are in good shape but look how regal and long they look with the press on help! For the 20 minutes it took me to put them on and, did I mention the $5 out of my pocket, I will take it!


I put these bad girls on after my little girl was put to bed so I got to enjoy them hassle free for a good 12 hours. The only problem was when the morning came I felt like I couldn't do anything! Picking up bobby pins was hard, texting on my phone wasn't easy, scratching my head was rough, and taking care of Lily was another story. I felt like I was scratching her every time I picked her up and opening her formula can took some work. I am curious how people wear these all the time, obviously not press on, but having long nails is hard work! Needless to say these fun nails didn't even stay on until 9am. It was a great experience but for a mom of a 10 month old, not for me. Maybe I will try them again someday but for now so long pretty nails.

Good news, taking them off was a breeze! Press down on the nail and slide off. There was some leftover adhesive but it rolled off under my finger and I cleaned up the rest with nail polish remover. Great product but not for ones with young children :) Now I am off to decide if I want to pay for a mani or go DIY, decisions, decisions.

After the Bump

How I feel about postpartum living is a love/hate relationship. I love my baby girl and am so lucky to be her mom. Loving my body has been a different story. I gained almost 50 lbs while carrying Lily and lost half of it within the first 2 weeks after giving birth. I was so motivated! I wasn't allowed to do anything for the first 2 weeks postpartum and had still lost weight.

It has taken me another 6.5 months to lose 19 more pounds. With 6 lbs left to go I am starting to realize even when I get back to my pre-baby weight my body is forever different. I can't wear my wedding rings which is a huge struggle for me. Adults of all ages look at Lily and immediately look at my left hand to see if I am wearing a ring. The disapproving looks that I get when I run errands hurt. I know I shouldn't care so much about what others think but I do. I am proud to be Mike's wife and I want to be able to wear the symbols to show it. I now find myself covering my hand without even thinking about it as I hold Lily. Hopefully one day soon I can figure out how to lose weight in my hands I guess?

Anyway my teenager jeans and shorter tops have been donated to Goodwill and I am slowly building a mommy wardrobe. T-shirts, tanks and cardigans are my weakness. The longer shorts, that aren't quite bermudas but have an inseam of 10" are fantastic! I got a pair at Gap the other day (see below). Now the model who wore these had no thighs, hips or butt so they look super loose. With my mommy body I have all those so they look much more fitted.

I also got a shirt today at Goodwill for only $3! I am so addicted to horizontal stripes. This T was a great find because the stripes alternate between white, grey, and black which help to hide my softer parts :) I hope to check back at Goodwill and other second hand stores often as the weather finally decides to turn to spring.


I have noticed that eating out less, a result of our new budget thanks to Dave Ramsey, has also played a part in my eating habits improving.

1.1.14 The day after we found
out we were pregnant

2.14.14 6 month postpartum

Here's hoping that coaching four days a week, cleaning 12 hours a week, working in retail 8 hours a week and chasing my cutie 7 month old the rest of the time will help me work off the rest of these silly LBS!