Here are some projects that caught my eye this week:
~Fall Booth via Shabby Love
7 hours ago
Monday, September 8, 2014
Inspiring Project Ideas {link party features}
Is it Wednesday already? How's your week going? I hope you'll stick around, because tomorrow I'll be showing off a new craft tutorial! (yes, I'm trying to slowly ease back into creative blogging) I've got some creative inspiration for you, and today I'll be sharing some Features from the weekend link party. If you're new to the blog, I take a couple of days each week to let other bloggers showcase their project ideas here, and I take a day to feature a few of my faves. We have crafts, home decor, DIY, recipes, party ideas, organizing, tips and tricks, seasonal projects, and more!
Here are some projects that caught my eye this week:
~Fall Booth via Shabby Love
Here are some projects that caught my eye this week:
~Fall Booth via Shabby Love
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Fit Made Fun Day!
This post brought to you by LeapFrog.// Interrupting this weekend's link party to let you all know about a super fun event today, Fit Made Fun Day, sponsored by LeapFrog!
LeapFrog, one of my favorite brands to work with, is collaborating with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS to create a 3-hour event (from 1pm - 4pm) on the beach in Santa Monica (North of the Pier and by the exit to Lot 1550 on PCH ).
While a DJ spins KidzBop tunes, local children and their parents will enjoy healthy snacks as they gear up to become the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS holders for “Most children making sand angels on the beach,” “Most people hopping on one foot,” and “Most people doing a swim dance.” Also attending the event is the celebrity talent, soccer star Mia Hamm (yes, the Mia Hamm!), who will lead the competition. Children attending will also enjoy a few photo ops along with the musical entertainment.
How can I be involved if I am not a Santa Monica local?
I don't live in California, but doesn't this sound like a fun day? Why not make an effort to round up the kiddos and the dog, and take a hike, bike through the neighborhood together, walk downtown, or visit the playground to get all those wiggles out? There are a lot of ways to be actives as a family. I sent some interview questions to Mia Hamm, and she'll be sharing ideas for getting the whole family active, so stay tuned!
How is LeapFrog encouraging kids to be fit?
LeapFrog has just released the LeapBand, an activity tracker that comes with eight different customizable pets from LeapFrog's popular Pet Pals franchise – a cat, dog, dragon, monkey, panda, penguin, robot and unicorn – which can be customized by color and name.
With their very own virtual pal, children can play 10 preloaded active games and challenges with access to 40 additional free challenges. Basically, you move and earn points.
I'll have a review of the LeapBand on the blog at some point, but for now, I can say that it looks like a must-have for younger kiddos for this year's Christmas wish-list!
How do you and your kids stay active?
I will receive product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. I was not financially compensated for this post.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.
What is Fit Made Fun Day?
While a DJ spins KidzBop tunes, local children and their parents will enjoy healthy snacks as they gear up to become the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS holders for “Most children making sand angels on the beach,” “Most people hopping on one foot,” and “Most people doing a swim dance.” Also attending the event is the celebrity talent, soccer star Mia Hamm (yes, the Mia Hamm!), who will lead the competition. Children attending will also enjoy a few photo ops along with the musical entertainment.
How can I be involved if I am not a Santa Monica local?
I don't live in California, but doesn't this sound like a fun day? Why not make an effort to round up the kiddos and the dog, and take a hike, bike through the neighborhood together, walk downtown, or visit the playground to get all those wiggles out? There are a lot of ways to be actives as a family. I sent some interview questions to Mia Hamm, and she'll be sharing ideas for getting the whole family active, so stay tuned!
How is LeapFrog encouraging kids to be fit?
LeapFrog has just released the LeapBand, an activity tracker that comes with eight different customizable pets from LeapFrog's popular Pet Pals franchise – a cat, dog, dragon, monkey, panda, penguin, robot and unicorn – which can be customized by color and name.
With their very own virtual pal, children can play 10 preloaded active games and challenges with access to 40 additional free challenges. Basically, you move and earn points.
I'll have a review of the LeapBand on the blog at some point, but for now, I can say that it looks like a must-have for younger kiddos for this year's Christmas wish-list!
How do you and your kids stay active?
I will receive product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. I was not financially compensated for this post.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Weekend Bloggy Reading :: Link Up!
Happy Friday! Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. Fridays are fun because this is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week here at Serenity Now, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects!
*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!
This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.
Did you miss any of this week's posts? On Tuesday, I told readers why I've fallen in love with having cute nails, and on Thursday I showed you how to apply Jamberry-- easy peasy! There were also some awesome features from last weekend's link party on Wednesday.
*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!
This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.
Did you miss any of this week's posts? On Tuesday, I told readers why I've fallen in love with having cute nails, and on Thursday I showed you how to apply Jamberry-- easy peasy! There were also some awesome features from last weekend's link party on Wednesday.
Time to link up your best post of the week!
Thursday, September 4, 2014
How to Apply Jamberry Nail Wraps (A Step by Step Photo Tutorial)
On Tuesday, I told you all about why I am in love (and a little bit addicted to) with Jamberry. Today, I'm going to show you just how easy they are to apply! I've got a step-by-step photo tutorial to share, but you can also view some application how-to videos on Alison's Jamberry website. It may seem like a lot of steps at first, but once you've done an application or two, it is a breeze and goes so quickly!
If I can figure 'em out, anyone can! Here's a step by step photo tutorial for you.
Supplies:
1. Dish soap (you want something without oils in it). At home, I use Dawn Free and Clear.
2. Alcohol wipes
3. Mini heater or hair dryer
4. Small, wet wash cloth sealed in a Ziploc bag (Microwave it for 10-15 seconds, or until very warm)
5. Nail file
6. Cuticle pusher
7. Nail scissors or nail clippers
8. Your favorite new set of wraps!
9. Optional: coordinating polish
*Note: You can use Jamberry application supplies (and they're great), but I often use a hair dryer, rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, and wooden cuticle sticks (you can pick them up in any beauty supply aisle at WM, Target, etc).
Instructions:
1. Wash hands thoroughly, scrubbing nails to remove any oils.
(You may also want to soak the fingers nails of each hand in a bowl of white vinegar after washing.
*Note: For kids, I add a step of having them soak their fingers in white vinegar for a minute after washing their hands. Follow up with wiping that off and then cleaning each fingertip as you go with rubbing alcohol. Kids' fingers are oily!
2. Carefully push back the cuticles of each nail.
(You can also push a cuticle cream that dissolves really stubborn spots)
3. Choose your wrap design! These are "Siesta," which was just discontinued, but there are over 300 designs to choose from online!
4. Use the clear sheet to decide which wrap fits the first finger you want to do.
5. Use the alcohol swab (or a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol) to scrub the first nail clean.
6. Use the nail scissors to trim the amount of wrap you will need (I usually just cut it in half) and use a cuticle pusher to lift it off the sheet and hold it in front of the heater or a hair dryer until the wrap begins to "curl" just slightly. This keeps you from getting your finger oils (ew) on the back and it activates the sticky part.
7. Use the cuticle pusher to continue holding the nail and carefully lay it down on your nail. Then press very firmly, especially on the top edges of your nail.
Tip: Use a cuticle pusher to continue to press the nail down. You can also add the step of using a wine cork for pressure as well.
8. Press your nail, wrap side down, into the warm washcloth in the baggie. It will be HOT. You need the heat to bond the wrap to your nail. Try to hold it for 10 seconds or so. (I sometimes have to microwave my baggie again for 15 seconds or so)
9. Repeat pressing the wrap down on the nail, using the cuticle pusher and/or the wine cork.
10. Repeat the process for the next nail, and so on. If you're painting an "accent nail," do that as your very last step.
11. The nails with the wraps on them will be crinkly at the edges. Don't freak out. Just use your nail scissors to trim the excess. Sometimes you will need to trim your fingernails at the same time if you have big chips like I did.
12. Use your nail file to file in a 45 degree angle downward to finish off your seal and make the edges nice and neat.
13. Use your baggie for one last heat seal and smooth with your cuticle pusher.
And now you have pretty nails!
I really can't say enough good things about Jamberry. Designs that might look a little "busy" on the shopping cart screen translate so nicely on tiny little finger nail sheets. I love the patterns now!
You can visit Alison's Facebook page to learn more about Jamberry, ask questions, and to request a free sample.
*You can also order through my current online party!**
Who's ready for girls' night in?!
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.
If I can figure 'em out, anyone can! Here's a step by step photo tutorial for you.
Supplies:
1. Dish soap (you want something without oils in it). At home, I use Dawn Free and Clear.
2. Alcohol wipes
3. Mini heater or hair dryer
4. Small, wet wash cloth sealed in a Ziploc bag (Microwave it for 10-15 seconds, or until very warm)
5. Nail file
6. Cuticle pusher
7. Nail scissors or nail clippers
8. Your favorite new set of wraps!
9. Optional: coordinating polish
*Note: You can use Jamberry application supplies (and they're great), but I often use a hair dryer, rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, and wooden cuticle sticks (you can pick them up in any beauty supply aisle at WM, Target, etc).
Instructions:
1. Wash hands thoroughly, scrubbing nails to remove any oils.
(You may also want to soak the fingers nails of each hand in a bowl of white vinegar after washing.
*Note: For kids, I add a step of having them soak their fingers in white vinegar for a minute after washing their hands. Follow up with wiping that off and then cleaning each fingertip as you go with rubbing alcohol. Kids' fingers are oily!
2. Carefully push back the cuticles of each nail.
(You can also push a cuticle cream that dissolves really stubborn spots)
3. Choose your wrap design! These are "Siesta," which was just discontinued, but there are over 300 designs to choose from online!
4. Use the clear sheet to decide which wrap fits the first finger you want to do.
5. Use the alcohol swab (or a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol) to scrub the first nail clean.
6. Use the nail scissors to trim the amount of wrap you will need (I usually just cut it in half) and use a cuticle pusher to lift it off the sheet and hold it in front of the heater or a hair dryer until the wrap begins to "curl" just slightly. This keeps you from getting your finger oils (ew) on the back and it activates the sticky part.
7. Use the cuticle pusher to continue holding the nail and carefully lay it down on your nail. Then press very firmly, especially on the top edges of your nail.
Tip: Use a cuticle pusher to continue to press the nail down. You can also add the step of using a wine cork for pressure as well.
8. Press your nail, wrap side down, into the warm washcloth in the baggie. It will be HOT. You need the heat to bond the wrap to your nail. Try to hold it for 10 seconds or so. (I sometimes have to microwave my baggie again for 15 seconds or so)
9. Repeat pressing the wrap down on the nail, using the cuticle pusher and/or the wine cork.
10. Repeat the process for the next nail, and so on. If you're painting an "accent nail," do that as your very last step.
11. The nails with the wraps on them will be crinkly at the edges. Don't freak out. Just use your nail scissors to trim the excess. Sometimes you will need to trim your fingernails at the same time if you have big chips like I did.
12. Use your nail file to file in a 45 degree angle downward to finish off your seal and make the edges nice and neat.
13. Use your baggie for one last heat seal and smooth with your cuticle pusher.
And now you have pretty nails!
I really can't say enough good things about Jamberry. Designs that might look a little "busy" on the shopping cart screen translate so nicely on tiny little finger nail sheets. I love the patterns now!
You can visit Alison's Facebook page to learn more about Jamberry, ask questions, and to request a free sample.
*You can also order through my current online party!**
Who's ready for girls' night in?!
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Inspiring Project Ideas {link party features}
Is it Wednesday already? How's your week going? Yesterday, I shared about why I love Jamberry so much, and I'll show off an application tutorial tomorrow. I've got some creative inspiration for you, and today I'll be sharing some Features from the weekend link party. If you're new to the blog, I take a couple of days each week to let other bloggers showcase their project ideas here, and I take a day to feature a few of my faves. We have crafts, home decor, DIY, recipes, party ideas, organizing, tips and tricks, seasonal projects, and more!
Here are some projects that caught my eye this week:
~Pedestal Table Makeover via Revolutionaries
~Vegetable Soup Recipe via A Bountiful Love
~Teacher Lounge Makeover via Lookie What I Did
Here are some projects that caught my eye this week:
~Pedestal Table Makeover via Revolutionaries
~Vegetable Soup Recipe via A Bountiful Love
~Teacher Lounge Makeover via Lookie What I Did
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Why I Love Jamberry Nail Wraps (Plus a Free Sample and Online Party!)
Today, I'll show you guys why I am addicted to Jamberry nail wraps, and also tell you how you can get a FREE sample to try them out for yourself. In a few days, I'll share a step-by-step photo tutorial of how to apply Jamberry nails. Plus you can join my new Fall Facebook party and win some wraps for yourself!
What is Jamberry, anyways?
So, when my sister, Alison, called me all excited and told me she was going to be a new Jamberry consultant, I was was like, "Oh, um...wow. That's great." And in my head, I thought, "So, my sister is going to be selling jam or something?" Contrary to my initial reaction, Jamberry has nothing to do with jarred fruit spread. It's way cooler than that!
Jamberry nail wraps are high quality, vinyl wraps that can last for up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes. There are no harsh chemicals and they are not polish, so there is *no dry time, no chipping, and no smudges!*
Why did I fall in love with Jamberry?
Where do I start?!
I never do anything with my nails, ever. I am terrible at painting them, my nails break constantly, and the polish wears off or chips within hours. It didn't seem to matter if I paid for a manicure, either. This is me:
When my sis mentioned that Jamberry wraps last for around 2 weeks on fingers, I was curious. The wraps run about $15 a sheet, but with the durability and amount of wraps on a sheet (at least 2 manis and 2 pedis) make them much more affordable than going to a nail salon.
Also, can you really see yourself painting the elaborate designs yourself? My kids would dismantle the entire house by the time I finished painting one nail...ain't nobody got time for that!
Not to mention, I can do my own manicures now, in the comfort of my own home...and I can do the girls too with the Jamberry Juniors. They said they feel like it's a spa day...such fun "mommy and me time." There are designs that will fit just about anyone! These are totally MY nails:
If you're concerned about the wraps and chemicals, this infographic lists all the ways Jamberry stays away from the "icky stuff."
I love how I can dress up my outfits now because my nails are like an extra accessory. They may look a little "busy" on the screen or page, but trust me, they look amazing applied! The new Fall designs are here, and these are just a few of my faves:
How can you get some Jamberry?
**You can join my Fall Facebook party; it's open now, but will go private later this evening! You can request a FREE SAMPLE, ask questions, and win stuff. If you RSVP and join the party today, you'll also be entered to win a free sheet of wraps! No pushing you to buy, but Alison is also doing fun Giveaways and incentives during the party! It's all online, on Facebook...no going out or getting dressed up.
Host your own Facebook party with your friends! Join my party, book one for yourself, and you'll have the opportunity to earn lots of free nails.
I hope you'll give Jamberry a try. They are fun for girls' nights in, mommy and me time, stocking stuffers, birthday gifts, new mom presents, and more!
Current party special:
*If you have questions, be sure to visit Alison's Jamberry Facebook page! She would love to help you discover how much fun Jamberry can be.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.Why did I fall in love with Jamberry?
Where do I start?!
I never do anything with my nails, ever. I am terrible at painting them, my nails break constantly, and the polish wears off or chips within hours. It didn't seem to matter if I paid for a manicure, either. This is me:
When my sis mentioned that Jamberry wraps last for around 2 weeks on fingers, I was curious. The wraps run about $15 a sheet, but with the durability and amount of wraps on a sheet (at least 2 manis and 2 pedis) make them much more affordable than going to a nail salon.
Also, can you really see yourself painting the elaborate designs yourself? My kids would dismantle the entire house by the time I finished painting one nail...ain't nobody got time for that!
Not to mention, I can do my own manicures now, in the comfort of my own home...and I can do the girls too with the Jamberry Juniors. They said they feel like it's a spa day...such fun "mommy and me time." There are designs that will fit just about anyone! These are totally MY nails:
If you're concerned about the wraps and chemicals, this infographic lists all the ways Jamberry stays away from the "icky stuff."
I love how I can dress up my outfits now because my nails are like an extra accessory. They may look a little "busy" on the screen or page, but trust me, they look amazing applied! The new Fall designs are here, and these are just a few of my faves:
And the holiday wraps?! I die!
How can you get some Jamberry?
**You can join my Fall Facebook party; it's open now, but will go private later this evening! You can request a FREE SAMPLE, ask questions, and win stuff. If you RSVP and join the party today, you'll also be entered to win a free sheet of wraps! No pushing you to buy, but Alison is also doing fun Giveaways and incentives during the party! It's all online, on Facebook...no going out or getting dressed up.
Host your own Facebook party with your friends! Join my party, book one for yourself, and you'll have the opportunity to earn lots of free nails.
I hope you'll give Jamberry a try. They are fun for girls' nights in, mommy and me time, stocking stuffers, birthday gifts, new mom presents, and more!
Current party special:
*If you have questions, be sure to visit Alison's Jamberry Facebook page! She would love to help you discover how much fun Jamberry can be.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Weekend Bloggy Reading :: Link Up!
Happy Friday! Welcome to my Weekend Bloggy Reading link party. Fridays are fun because this is the day of the week where other bloggers stop by to link up their best post of the week here at Serenity Now, and readers get to browse tons of fun project ideas. If you're new here, don't forget to "Follow" or subscribe so you don't miss future parties and projects!
*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!
This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.
Did you miss any of this week's posts? I shared an inspiring Back to School Advice round-up on Tuesday, full of tips and ideas that both touched my heart and motivated me to start the school year off right. There were also some awesome features from last weekend's link party on Monday!
*Please be sure to read my guidelines before you add a link--I've had to bypass so many great projects lately because they didn't include a link back to my blog in the post!
This party is a great place to showcase your very best post of the week (home decor, crafts, party ideas, recipes, DIY, tips and tricks, etc.) and to see what else is out there.
Did you miss any of this week's posts? I shared an inspiring Back to School Advice round-up on Tuesday, full of tips and ideas that both touched my heart and motivated me to start the school year off right. There were also some awesome features from last weekend's link party on Monday!
Time to link up your best post of the week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
