Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Miles & Momma Monday on a Tuesday

I'm a slacker guys.  I'm also too busy with my 4 jobs to consistently post...I'm working on it.  I also haven't photographed my outfits in the last 4 days (See?  slacker.)

Anyway, we had an awesome weekend with my parents - jam-packed with activities.  We spent almost no time just chilling at home.  It was a welcome change.

Thursday, we waited patiently for Grammy & Papa to arrive.  Miles had to go to bed long before they got there, but he passed the time prepping for his future career as an MLB All-Star (#pickrick).

Friday morning we headed downtown for the parade.  I was pretty disappointed.  We were at the state capital's 4th of July parade and the Governor wasn't even there.  We figured he was probably at a parade in a city that's full of people more likely to vote for him, but disappointing nonetheless.  The turnout was also really lackluster.  I've been to smaller parades in smaller towns that had way more people than this...but it meant we got good seats.  So there's a plus.

Miles had a great time waving his American flag, signing his very own copy of the Declaration of Independence, and running around on the mall.  He couldn't have cared less about the parade - he didn't watch most of it.

We had steak and asparagus on the grill for dinner - it was really good.  Then we were off to the fireworks.  It was Miles' first fireworks show, so I was interested to see how he did.  I was optimistic - our neighbors had been lighting off fireworks for 2 weeks and he slept through them every time.  He didn't even blink when the rifles were fired or the fire trucks horn blared at the parade.  And just as I suspected, the fireworks didn't phase him.  He watched with interest when they first started, but quickly lost it and started playing on his stroller.


 Saturday, we headed over to Kalamazoo to watch my cousin umpire a Northwoods League game.  We had a great time and he did an amazing job.  He even got booed by the whole stadium and got into an argument with the home team manager.  It didn't end in an ejection, which was slightly disappointing, but still entertaining overall.  I only wish I had gotten to sample the Bearclaw Burger - which is a 1/4 burger, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and coleslaw sandwiched between 2 giant glazed donuts (mmmm....but #thisiswhyimfat).


Sunday we had our traditional goodbye breakfast at the local Coney Island (though I had a chicken gyro and lemon rice soup, because I'm just not a breakfast person), then sent Grammy & Papa (& Aunt Caitlin) back home to Tennessee.

Miles and I spent the rest of the day chillin' home.  He had a fabulous time with his Melissa & Doug Nesting Blocks (which are the best. toy. ever.), then took a 3 hour nap while I caught up on Jamberry training.


After such a fun weekend, I needed a break.  Hence why this post is a day late - but it's here and that's what counts!  Until next time friends...stay chelish.






Saturday, July 5, 2014

Social Media Mixer #6

Welcome to the 6th week of the Social Media Mixer, a brand new social media link-up started when the Weekday Mixer and Social Media Sunday joined forces. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 5 - we had 138 blogs and numerous social media link-ups!

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The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!

Welcome your hosts!

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 Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Angel from Sew Crafty Angel | Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise | Teresa from Crafty Wife | Julia from Minivan Dreams | | Liz from Look by Liz Lewis | Kaitlyn from Three Sisters and Us | Shana from Technotini | Anni from Grapefruit Princess | Tiffany from Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter | Ce Ce from A Chicago Mom |  Jillian from Baby Doodah | Brittany from BrittanyBullen.com | Holly from Southern Mom Loves

And welcome your guest hosts for July!

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Bonnie from LadyBlogger | Chelsea from That's So Chelish... | Tara from Anything & Everything | Aysh from Words n Needles | Amanda from Old House to New Home | Krissy from Hot Commodity | Jen from Twenties Chic | Victoria from Giveaways 4 Mom | Maria from Simple Nature Decor | Breanna from Brepurposed

And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...

Little Blue House

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"Living the life of all things caffeine, little girls, and glitter!!"

Voguish Mommy

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"This website was created in hopes to inspire moms to get great advice on parenting, read up on some delicious recipes and catch up on some amazing fashion trends. Now, I’m not saying I’m an expert in any of these areas. But I do hope that this site comes as some kind of entertainment to those of you out there that need that 5 minutes of ‘me’ time while your little one is snoozing!"

Making More...

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 "Hello and welcome to Making More!  I started this blog because I love to talk about food and cooking! I am especially interested in showing that healthy eating doesn't have to be "too expensive". I don't know anyone who has as much time as they would like to have or a limitless budget. My patients frequently tell me that it is too expensive to eat in a healthy way, but I disagree completely! I really enjoy showing them that it doesn't have to be that way."

My Salt, His Light

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"I’m a Wife and Mother of a blended family, a full-time Marketing & PR executive, public speaker, Sunday School teacher, aspiring entrepreneur, Paleo eater, natural hair lover, Bible believing, Holy Ghost filled, modern-day Christian woman. I’m usually a very private person, however after wrestling with the idea for a while, I have decided to take a step out into the blogosphere to document and share my thoughts, experiences and life lessons I’ve learned along the way.  My Salt, His Light chronicles my steps as I seek a closer relationship with my loving Savior Jesus Christ, and grow into the best “ME” I can be."

This Is Motherhood

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"This Is Motherhood is a blog dedicated to making parenting fun again. I hope you’ll stick around to enjoy all the stories, recipes, crafts, pictures, and unsolicited advice! My name is Bea. I live in the middle of nowhere in Vermont with my husband and our two year old son, Wolfy. We inhabit fifteen acres and a falling-down farmhouse that we remodeled ourselves."

Simply Bubbly

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"Hello! My name is Denise, and I am a California born transplant, NYC-obsessed, Social Event Planner. I have a lovely 3 year old daughter who loves to pretend she is a bird, and a boyfriend that I met at the diviest bar in the entire city (How I ended up there, now that’s a good story). I run a young professional woman’s organization called Scene Stealers NYC, as well as a variety of meetup groups. I have been About me sectonblogging for about a year now, and I am in the process of starting a company. I have been known to wear dresses in 32 degree weather, channel Martha Stewart every now and then, and can generate songs that rhyme for everyday, mundane things for my daughter’s pleasure. I am the official Diet Guinea Pig, have an affinity for making lists, and would be set if I had a Champagne dispenser in my kitchen. If I’m not perched in front of this computer, you can find me eating outside at a boozy brunch, taking this city by storm in any way my mood drives me, figuring out new ways to balance out this crazy life, all while trying my darnedest to live my best life ever!"

Katherine's Corner

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"Hello and Welcome, I’m so happy you are here at Katherines Corner ( formerly known as Go Ask Katie). I’m Katherine (some call me Katie) and I am honored by your visit to my blog and your interest in learning more about me."

How Do The Jones Do It?

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"I am a forty-ish mom of two awesome kids that is striving to live a life of balance physically, spiritually, mentally, financially, and in the most organized manner I can!  I’m constantly looking for ways to learn and grow. I love to try new things and see what sticks. I hope to explore with you!"

Home Is Where The Heart Is

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"Home Is Where The Heart Is is my personal blog on news and tips on many topics in every day life in the home. My two toddlers keep me busy. When I’m not also cooking, cleaning, or working, I love to take some me time and write. You can find me writing about kids, health, fashion, my favorite recipes, ways to make your home better, and so much more."

Mommy Life After PhD

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"My name is Jennifer and I'm a work-at-home mom to four beautiful kids with my darling husband.  After earning my Ph.D. in Mass Communication, we decided it would be best if I worked from home to meet the needs of our family--and also because daycare costs are astronomical!  But you know what? Staying home with the Crazies gives me the opportunity to share (i.e. vent about) our life with you on this little BLOG!  It's a dash of mommy life with a splash of kiddie stuff bubbling away in a big pot of humor and sarcasm."

Displaced Yinzer

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" Jocelyn is a Displaced Yinzer moving from Pittsburgh to Central Florida in 2012. Currently exploring all that Florida has to offer, she shares new things her family finds to see and do in their new location. She writes about family, products, gardening, moving away from home, and so much more. Join Jocelyn on her journey!"

Ramblings of a Marine Wife

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"Hi there, I'm Kara. 30ish. Mom to 2. MBA holder. Lover of coupons, sweepstakes, and freebies.  Small town girl at heart."

Meet The B's

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"That's B for Brzuchalski! We're newlyweds who just bought our first home! She's a nurse. He's a financial analyst. We have two cats, only they act like dogs. We're both a little strange, and we like it that way. She's obsessed with all things DIY/decor/home, and he's levelheaded enough to keep her on track. Follow us as we work together to create our dream home."

A Town Girl's Life

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"Hello friends, I am Sarah. I am 20 something married to my best friend and expecting. This is a bit about me.... photographer, food crazy, horse lover, crocheter, hair braider, artist (armature), pin addict, blog doer, vintage lover, saved sinner. : )"

The Mommy Mix

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"I started The Mommy Mix in February of 2013, on my maternity leave with my second child, just as a means to escape, not in a physical sense of course. I felt that I needed somewhere I could rave or rant about the things I loved and cherished most in my life - my family, hopes, dreams, fears. Since than I have started to write reviews on products that as a family we love and from time to time have even hosted some giveaways."

Life's Little Projects

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"My name is Amie Jo.  I married the man I’ve loved since I was 17.  I am a mother to 2 remarkable children.  I am a former teacher turned stay at home mom, and loving it, even when I am not.  I am so glad you are here."

Momfever

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"Welcome to Momfever!  Welcome to my humble abode! Pull up a seat and have a read. I'm a mom of five kids and wife to one husband. On Momfever I write about everything that interests me, and that's a lot."


If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!
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Are you ready to start mixing it up?? Then, let's go!

Make sure to add the button below to your sidebar to invite even more people to join the fun!
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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Get your JAM on!

Well...after countless posts and comments about how much I love their products, I have decided to become an Independent Consultant for Jamberry Nails.  I am so excited about taking on this new venture and all the great things that I know are in store!

If you haven't seen my past posts on the subject, here's a brief overview of Jamberry:

Jamberry Nails was founded by 3 sisters in Utah in 2010.  Jamberry Nail Wraps are a vinyl wrap that is heat bonded to your nail, giving you a manicured look with no chipping, peeling, or fading for up to 2 weeks (and 6 weeks on your toesies)!  And because they are a wrap, there is no dry time - once it's on, it's ON!  They're also all made in the USA, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Formaldehyde free. I mean...what's not to love?

Yesterday, in the process of doing my nails I was interrupted to do all of the following:

  • Chase toddler around house
  • Let dog outside
  • Play with toddler outside while waiting for dog
  • Pick up dog food that toddler spilled all over the floor
  • Keep toddler from falling off the furniture
  • Wash potatoes
  • Cut and cook chicken
  • Chase toddler around house
Tell me how you're going to do all that while waiting for nail polish to dry.  You can't - you'll get nail polish everywhere and your nails will be smudged instantly.  My nails looked just as good after doing all those things as they did before.  And because there's no drying, I was able to do a couple of nails, chase toddler, do a couple more nails, chase toddler again, and so on until my nails were done.  I didn't have to worry about trying to get it all done in one sitting - which is SO convenient.  

They're also a great value.  Most wraps are $15/sheet.  Each sheet will get you 3-4 manicures and about 2 pedicures.  Here's my sheet after doing 10 nails yesterday:

You can see how much I have leftover to do my next mani or pedi!  All $15 sheets are always buy 3, get 1 free as well.  So that works out to about 2.81 per manicure...Not too shabby!
We have over 300 nail designs to choose from - so you're bound to find something you like...but if you don't or you're just feeling extra creative, we also have a Nail Art Studio where you can design your own wraps.
And they're not just for the big girls.  We have a line of Jamberry Juniors, just for the little fingers!  Some of the junior designs even have coordinating adult wraps, so you can do fabulous Mommy & Me Manicures!

There's so much I can tell you about Jamberry and how much I love it, but I'll leave you with one last tidbit.  This month we launched a brand new product - StyleBox by Jamberry.

This is a monthly subscription box that gives you at least $30 worth of product a month, including an exclusive wrap made just for StyleBox subscribers.  

I would encourage all my readers to check out this fabulous product.  And now for my shameless plug - I am available for parties.  Not in my area?  No Problem.  We do Facebook or Catalog parties too!  You'll get to try out a sample, play some fun games, win prizes, drink some wine with your closest girlfriends, and walk away with a boatload of hostess rewards...Our hostess reward program is one of the most generous I've seen.  You should really think about it...come on...you know you want to!  Check me out on facebook for more info!

**Disclaimer** I am an independent consultant for Jamberry Nails, therefore, I get paid commission for any product I sell.  However, I would not be a consultant if I didn't truly love this product - the opinions on this post are solely my own and I don't receive any benefit from the company for posting it outside of commission I might make from generated sales.




Wednesday, July 2, 2014

What (Not) to Wear Wednesday - wk 2


Here are this weeks submissions for What (Not) to Wear Wednesday.  Your judgement is welcomed and expected... :-)


 I try to take weekends off of all blog activity, so I didn't get photos of my outfits on Saturday/Sunday (ok...that's just an excuse.  I just forgot to take them and/or didn't want to show because I reverted to lazy chelsea...deal with it).

Thursday: Chambray Shirt - Old Navy, Red Pixie Pants - Old Navy, Leopard Print Flats - Charlotte Russe
Friday: Free Hugs Tee - Victoria's Secret (Old/Similar), Jeans - Old Navy, Pink Chuck Taylor's - Converse
Saturday (Not Pictured): BFM Tee - The Chive, Jeans - Old Navy, Pink Chuck Taylor's - Converse
Sunday (Not Pictured): Mint Striped Tank - Old Navy (Similar), Black Shorts - American Eagle, Mint Flops - Old Navy (Similar)
Monday: Lace Top - BKE (Similar), White Boyfriend Pants - Kut from the Kloth, Black Flats - Old Navy
Tuesday: Top - VonMaur (Old), Skinnies - Old Navy, Brown Flats - Body Central
Wednesday: Striped Tee - Christopher J. Banks (Old), Skinnies - Old Navy, Black Flats - Old Navy

My thoughts:
Fridays are casual days at work, so I took full advantage.  Monday, I'm not so sure about the black flats with the outfit.  But I'm not sure what I could have done instead (I'm required to wear closed-toe shoes at work...).  Wednesday, I woke up realizing I had forgotten to turn on my alarm the night before.  I was already 15 minutes late for work and did. not. care.  Can you see it in my face and overall posture?
Overall - I need more accessories.  It's one thing to wear better shirts/pants/shoes, but to really make an outfit, I need to accessorize.

Your turn.  How did I do this week?