A Cheap way to have beautiful nails....and fast.

I started doing this about 6 months ago because I needed to feel pretty...everyone needs that right? When I was doing them today I thought "HEY! I need to blog about it." Ignore the cuticles. Enjoy.

 

 

 

When I tell you I am cheap. I am not kidding. I HATE spending money at a salon. I used to all the time before I stopped working and even then I HATED it. 1. It took entirely to long. 2. I felt like I had to tip even if it took all day. 3. I hated the way the place smelled. YUCK!

 

After Christmas I really felt UGLY. I needed a cheap way to have my nails look elegant. I bite them. GROSS. They break off and  I just have yucky brittle nails.

 

Prowling through the nail color aisle in Walmart I saw these. (you can also buy them here)

 

 

It was like light came down from the heavens and the angels were singing!--Can you hear them?? At $5.97 this was a STEAL! I could afford to mess them up once and not break the bank...right?? So I took the plunge.

 

**I get the clear ones with the French tip. They look more "real" and "natural".

 

I put Caden to bed and while Adam was watching some survivor man... I jumped in with both feet!

 

Everyone who has had their nails done knows how they put these on...its NOTHING like that.

 

Step one.

Wash hands

 

Step two.

Get a paper towel fold it in half

 

Step three.

Open box

 

Step four

Take the nail file and lightly file your nails so they are rough

 

Step five

Push back all of  your cuticles because you'll want the nails to fit under them.

 

Step six

Size up the nails to yours...all 10 of them and lay them out on your paper towel.

pinky to thumb, thumb to pinky

 

Step seven

Open glue

 

Step eight

Starting with the left pinky cover the nail with glue. Not a lot...but coat it like the first coat of nail polish. Attach nail. Making sure the initial attachment is under the cuticle and straight.

 

Step nine

MOST IMPORTANT PART!

Hold the nail down for at a MINIMUM of 20 second. Don't skimp. Making sure there are no bubbles.

 

Step ten

Continue on with the rest of the nails.

 

These guys last a good two weeks. Unless you break one. I do yard work in them, I clean with them...I do everything with them and they work as good...or better than acrylic nails.

 

Try it let me know what you think!

xoxo

 



Making your ends meet!

Since I began my new career as a stay-at-home mom I have struggled with the idea of not bring in any income. I do feel like I contribute by doing other things around the house, but I still feel like I need to bring in money. Thought I would share a few ways I help bring in money. Enjoy.





I first started my Mary Kay business just to get my discount, give me something to do and to make sure I could pay for my addiction. Its been a great way to meet moms! I have some great friends I have met through Mary Kay. Its turned into more than just a hobby. Its been an outlet for me in so many ways. It has been a FANTASTIC choice for me. There have been many women that have been in college who have decided to drop their major and did Mary Kay full time and have been extremely successful in Mary Kay. Its as real as you make it.

My second favorite way to make money is through apps on my iPhone. Yes you read that right. Some have apps for other OS's but not many. Its paid for Caden's birthday cake, our family pictures, extra Mary Kay, bills!!! You must have a PayPal account, but that is pretty easy to set up. I promise they wont disappoint. Some are more involved than others and some pay faster, BUT they are PAY! If you are in town or shopping at a store its a quick way to make an extra few bucks! I did have one called Rewardable. I would stay as far way from that app as possible.

I think we also forget about coupons bringing in money. Saving money is just as good if not BETTER than driving around getting jobs. If I can get toothpaste for free I am all about it! My most recent app I found is called Boxed. It is fantastic! Free Shipping no monthly fees! Its like a Costco without the lines or membership fees! (However nothing beats a Costco hotdog...you are right.) Its got everything from Organics to Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile soap. Its got cleaning products to personal hygiene and everything in-between. There is a $25 minimum order but that is easy enough.

I am so cheap now that its become painful to spend money. I HATE shopping in any retail store for new clothes. --Except bras and underwear those are still new-- If I can find a better price, or THINK I can find a better price I will do it first.

My favorite place to shop for groceries is Aldi's. Hands down no if's ands or buts about it. It drives my husband crazy spending money other than his place of business. Where else can a girl get a can of veggies for .49? AND THEY ARE GOOD! I make my list and go there first. I can usually spend about $125 for two weeks. (It has lasted a month before but I hate getting that low on groceries.) We hardly ever eat out and Adam takes lunches to work. You do the math.

Discount grocery stores. We have one local called Wise Buys. I find the most amazing deals here. They have a local butcher so their meat is fresh. Their veggies are local so they are fresh. I bought corn last week 6 for $1.00! Can't beat that! Their cans can be a little dented and a little to much dent isn't good. I usually buy their Rotel when they have it. Its normally $1.25 at Walmart and I get it for .25. Can't beat that price. Some things are expired so always make sure you check dates. (You should be checking them any where you shop anyway)

Thrift Stores. My mom helped us appreciate them when we were younger. Its been an obsession since my sister and I have become older, but can you blame us!? We find awesome deals! We don't have my favorite place to shop- Savers and DI like they have in Utah, but I have found a few clean ones here. The LoveLady in Birmingham not only has a clean store, great prices and great sales,but they have I think the most amazing mission I have seen. (Outside our church ran DI) I love shopping at thrift stores that I know the money I am spending is going to a good cause. Make me feel good about my used purchases. Find a local thrift store that you know your money is going to a good cause.

 Hope you enjoyed and learned a few things!

xoxo





 

A little appetizer until tomorrow. You are welcome.

My sister did this and I thought it was a nice little change. She is a pretty awesome blogger. I lust after her camera all the time. Maybe someday. Enjoy and stop by tomorrow. 

Making : Plans to see my Mom in Atlanta.

Cooking : Pork Chops with homemade mashed potatoes WITH the skins, sautéed mushrooms and young peas...

Drinking : Diet Coke. I am out of Mr Pibb...I know its my only unhealthy thing I do right now...back up off me.

Reading :To train up a child by Michael & Debi Pearl and Six ways to keep the "Good" in your boy by Dannah Gresh. I know I am boring. Told you.

Wanting : To live some where that I don't get eaten either by mosquitos, gnats, or no see ems... 

Looking : For ways to keep our dogs cool during the hot summer months. Thinking about a window fan and auto waterer so they have fresh water all the time.

Playing : Trains...shocked?

Wasting : Leftovers. At least they are going to the dogs. All good things.

Sewing : I am in the middle of a quilt...its been in the making for about 10 years...yeah I know.

Wishing : I knew what the next few months held in store. I hate surprises.

Enjoying : The peace and quiet this morning.

Waiting : For payday...its to truth. I hate having bills in the bill holder.

Liking : My day planner!

Wondering : How I can get rid of processed juices and make my own.

Loving : Listening to superstation 101.1...I love me some Leland Live!!

Hoping :This year will be the year we will get pregnant.

Marveling :How well my almost 3 year old has done potty training.

Needing : My nails and hair done.

Smelling : Peanut Butter no bake cookies cooling on the counter. I made them last night.

Wearing : Walmart t-shirt and yoga pants. (don't worry I don't wear them out of the house)

Following : The elections.

Noticing : How filthy my windows are...didn't I just wash them two days ago. SMH

Knowing : How blessed I really am to be able to stay at home with my son.

Thinking :I need to get one more bale of hay for the dog kennel and a net for the little pool down stairs.

Feeling : Lazy. My beds are made...but I feel like I need to clean something. Maybe the windows.

Bookmarking : Homeschooling. We may hold off about starting. Boys seem to do better when they start later.

Opening : a new box of toothpaste. I really want to make our own but scared to.

Giggling : at my son's imagination.

 

We cover up so we don't get bites...we still get bit. I am also trying to teach modesty. Don't mind my burn pile.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo