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Putting Jamberry Nails to the Test

Posted on November 7, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

When I was little, I was fascinated with my Nana’s nails. I would go with her to watch the manicure process which took forever back in the dark ages. Between visits, Nana would allow me to treat her cuticles, clean then, and polish my own nails.

I have always loved the look of shiny nail polish, but it never stays put. It isn’t just an issue of chipping, it will actually pop right off. I finally gave up and just do my toes for the summer months.

In September, a friend invited me to a virtual Jamberry Nails party. I was intrigued and watched the videos of applying them. Since I have had problems with polish staying on my nails, I opted to try just one sheet first. Yes, the autism awareness nail photo above is of Jamberry nail wraps. While I was nervous applying them, the YouTube video and instructions really helped. I had a few items that I realized I needed to do for my next application, but was pretty impressed with how they looked.

Not only did they last, they stayed on my fingers for 13 days and still looked amazing. Sure my nails grew out and the tips showed wear and tear, but they were still there. On day 13, one of them snagged in my hair. I was home alone and stuck, so I pulled and it came off. Since they say they last 1-2 weeks for a manicure, I was not upset at all.

For Halloween season, the boys helped me to pick out some fun new Jamberry. Fright Night arrived and I put them on last Tuesday.

What I love are the small details. Each finger is slightly different.

Once again, my Jamberry manicure is going strong at eleven days and I am hooked. I am eyeing Jamberry wraps for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and winter fun. In a house full of boys, pampering my own nails every so often makes me smile and my nails are happy and healthy before, during, and after.

Have you tried Jamberry yet?

Right now I am hosting an online Jamberry party (disclosure, I get fun stuff when people order). It is taking place until November 12 and there will be additional fun on the Facebook page. Let me know if you would like an invite. Oh and for super creative types, you can design Jamberry’s as well. I have seen some amazing fun Disney style options and other ones as well. So check out the options and let me know what your favorite design is. I have to admit, the Gobble Me Up for Thanksgiving are super fun and cute, plus the Let It Snow make me think of Elsa from Frozen.

Categories:
me moments shopping

Hues of Blue Crochet Blanket

Posted on May 19, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Last summer, I finished my first big crochet project and quickly fell in love with granny squares. During the fall, I was itching to get something else started while making hats, wristers, and other small projects. At some point in the process, JSL begged for me to make him a blue blanket. I was not entirely sure where I was going on this crafting adventure, but over the last 24 weeks it has grown, and grown, and grown. If you follow me on Instagram, you will be able to look back and see when I bought many hues in blue and really got this project started.

The week after JSL’s surgery, all of the individual granny squares were made. We took a field trip to Nana and Papa’s house to use their floor. While JSL did not select all of the yarn colors (they were limited in Caron Simply Soft), I wanted him to make the final design. He really enjoyed figuring out the pattern and setting it up.

After all of the rows were connected by single crochet, I took the blanket back to see how big it really was going to be. I had a little helper jump on top to give you a size comparison.

I had hoped to finish the afghan before JSL’s birthday, but there was just too much going on. Days later, I was able to surprise the kiddo with the completed blanket when he woke up in the morning and snuggled under it.

I do believe he was a happy camper, though he keeps telling me several are not really blue. I remind him they are blue-green and acceptable given the circumstances. Next, I will be using the colorful combination below for a new project.

So what knitting, crocheting, or craft projects will you be working on this summer? I

It's Me

In case you missed JSL’s antics while helping with the pattern, I shared a little video on Instagram from that day.

Categories:
arts and crafts crocheting me moments

Capturing Natural Beauty on the Go

Posted on April 28, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The classic saying states that you need to stop and smell the roses. How many of us can genuinely say that we do this? My guess is not many because of the hustle and bustle that exists in society. These days, many of us are often guilty of having our faces stuck behind a cell phone or other device. I have to admit that I am often guilty of this. During the warmer months, I enjoy heading outside with the boys. I have my smartphone with me, but try not to be as connected. Of course, my phone is often the camera that I have with me. Right before JSL’s surgery, a surprise arrived for me. Thanks to being a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I was sent the new Samsung Galaxy S5. The timing was amazing as the spring flowers are starting to pop up all over the place.

It really is hard not to stop when walking around to take in the beauty of the flowers. After this past winter, many of us likely wondered if we would ever see the lawn under all of the snow and ice. Thank goodness, Mother Nature takes the time to remind us of the beauty that is possible. Sometimes, we have to be patient waiting for the colors to emerge.

While waiting, I often spend time looking at Papa’s beautiful indoor plants that are blooming. It is hard not to stop and take a photo. What I was not expecting was being able to capture the shimmer on the Orchids and the texture on the other beauties.

Each day I try to take some time to look around and appreciate the flowers, the blue sky, and the special moments with my family. What are your favorite items to stop and take a photo of during the spring time?

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5 to test out and share ways that I use it in my life (can not wait to explore this gorgeous phone). I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
flowers and plants me moments Technology

Time for the 2014 Ultimate Blog Party

Posted on April 4, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

April can only mean one thing in the Blogosphere. It is time to get hopping from blog to blog to meet new friends, and say hello to some from the past. Yes, it is time for the…

I really do enjoy The Ultimate Blog Party because it reminds us to head back out into the blogging community to do what we used to do all the time. You remember what that was, right? Oh the good old days of roaming around and leaving comments to our fellow bloggers. Now when so many people reading blog posts on Feedly or mobile devices many of us (including myself) are guilty of saying they will leave a comment later. So pull up a chair, have some delicious goodies, and let me introduce myself.

My name is Beth and I have been writing on The Angel Forever since February 2007 when I was expecting my second son. I wanted a place to capture memories and be able to vent. All these years later, my blog has given me opportunities and experiences that I never would have imagined. Even more important, my blog has allowed me to meet some amazing people online and in real life who are now my very good friends.

The Angel Forever is a lifestyle blog where I write about my life. I have been married to TechyDad for almost 13 years and we have two boys, NHL 10 and JSL 6. I often write about books that we are reading for Tuesday Tales and participate in the fun Disney Wordless Wednesday to show my always present #DisneySide. As an educator, a passion of mine is Public School Advocacy. This week we joined countless families around New York State who had their children refuse the grade 3-8 ELA exam. In addition to this, I am an autism advocate who tries to educate others. Why? Well, two years ago, our son was finally diagnosed as an Aspie. Now I strive to help others to understand his perceptions of the world. Knowledge is power and the more people know, the better the level of acceptance will be.

In a way, blogging is therapeutic for me. It gives me a way to express how things are going in our life and share our adventures. Plus, in life there are no limits, so something fun or important is perfect for sharing here on The Angel Forever. Some of those items are our Whovian/geeky side, my fondness for tech items (I am a Verizon Lifestyle Blogger), my creative side with arts/crafts/knitting/crocheting, and travels to museums near and far.

We hope to share more of our travels and life experiences as we keep on swimming.

Are you participating in the Ultimate Blog Party? If you are, please let me know your post link and I will be sure to stop by. If not, why not join the fun? Take some time to look around and enjoy. I look forward to the fun over the next week and beyond!

FYI, you can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

It's Me

Previous posts about education and autism advocacy:

Categories:
Blog Hop bloggy friends me moments

Tuesday Tales – Diving into Divergent

Posted on April 1, 2014 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It is no joke when I say, I just started reading Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Many of my friends have read the series and suggested it over the last few months, but I was reading other items that were on my must read list. The other day, I finally decided that I really wanted to know what everyone was talking about. I downloaded the book to my Kindle App and started reading. I have not read a lot of the book, but so far it has really captured my attention. I want to know more about the characters and the world that they live in.

The movie was just a short time ago and more of my friends have been swarming to see it on the big screen. I have been careful to try to avoid the spoilers because I want to experience the book for myself in my own mind. This book trailer shares the suspense that I feel as I am getting underway with this book.

I keep reading when I have time here and there while waiting for meetings, appointments, or the kids to get out of school. I can not wait to read more about Beatrice Prior and the dystopian Chicago world that she lives in. I want to know more about the five factions that the people devote themselves to when they turn sixteen. What are the real differences between the Candor, the Abnegation, the Dauntless, the Amity, and the Erudite? Only time will tell as I continue to read and play catch up on the series. Some days I really do wish there were more hours in the day for reading.

Have you read Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant yet? I would love to know your thoughts on this series. As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.