I did something that I'm embarrassed to talk about

[ellyp]

I got fake nails!

It is really not me to have such nice nails and I'm a bit sheepish whenever someone notices. I decided, though, that I have noticed that I take care of myself better overall when my hands are in nicer shape. I figured if I got fancy nails that would make me treat myself to more girly things like dressing nicer and such. I just wish I had Virginia here to tutor me because I have lost touch with that side of me. I used to pay attention to fashion but, honestly, I feel overwhelmed with that these days.

My hands look so pretty now though! ;D The nails are not long at all (the lady told me if she made them any shorter the fake white part would be gone!) but they are quite a change from my usual beat-up version.

Now, how do I type in these? I keep making tons of mistakes!

[Saved]

Good for you Elly, You deserve to do things for yourself. You can't keep giving. That will drain you. I am so pleased for you. My daughter does my nails when I have the time. I don't care for it but it is time together that we enjoy. I can ship her down for the summer. She would stop getting after me about nails, hair, fashion ( she often comes shopping if I need something because she says Dad will tell me everything looks good so he doesn't hurt my feelings LOL ). She comes with her own money and money to pay for some of the groceries)! Laura. <><

[miatia]

I used to love getting my nails done. Embarrassing is having one of them fly off at work. We were troubleshooting some code so I had co-workers next to my computer when the nail tipped up like the hood of a car. It was so funny (and it hurt). Needless to say, I wear my nails short now.

[tristanznina]

Elizabeth, Good for you! We all need to treat ourselves! Yes, you get QK goodies, however; you need to take care of yourself!

Have a good evening!

[beth]

Gal, I'm so GLAD you stopped to smell the roses. Well deserved and so proud of you for taking some time for yourself. I'd do a high five with you but I don't want to break one of your new nails

[ellyp]

Miatia -- I can see why you stopped getting the nails when you type so much. (Ouch to your boo-boo nail too!) I know plenty of women do the nails and have typing jobs but they just must be so talented because it is very hard for me to type right now! If you all see typos in my messages at least you will know why.

Cheryle, my QK collection has been my link to sanity! I started collecting when my youngest was 6 months old (so 1 1/2 years ago). I think finding a community of wonderful women that are totally into QK too has fueled my addiction (more like pouring gasoline in a fire!). My QK lifestyle at this point has kept me sane because I feel isolated at home since I only get to talk to little people all day long. Instead of paying a therapist, I buy QK. How's THAT for justification! ;D

Beth and Laura, I'm trying to take baby steps about taking care of myself. Did you know I had to pay a babysitter $20 so that I could go out and get these nails as well as run to Walmart? It's crazy to me but, funny thing, I have been feeling pretty upbeat and well-rested today. Hmmmmm. I see a link!

[Virginia]

Way to go! Pretty nails deserve nicer rings (at least that's what I tell Chris ;D).
I bet that you feel like Cinderella with the pretty hands.

Jul 6, 2008 16:59:58 GMT -5 ellyp said:

Now, how do I type in these? I keep making tons of mistakes!

One button: Spell Check

[ellyp]

See, Virginia, I just KNEW you'd come up with some good advice to me! Do you know that I don't even wear my wedding ring because it feels too fussy to me? I will go through my rings and bring some out and work on remembering to put them on. I got out of the habit because I don't see many people that often during the day....well, unless you count the Costco check-out people. I do put on makeup but I've stopped wearing much jewelry.

I've got to go shopping for some new clothes but I am at such a loss as to how to do it. I don't have much time away from kids so I need to be productive. I could go to someplace nice like Nordstrom's (they are so very helpful there, I have found) but I don't have the budget! Any suggestions? I just need a couple of very flattering, fun outfits to go to my and my husband's 20th high school reunions in a few weeks. I don't feel like wandering the mall but I am afraid I might end up doing that.

I'm just trying to feel like a girl again!

[Saved]

Hi Elly, I am so glad that you are feeling up and more like yourself today. A Babysitter? Well who would expect you to take children out when you are pampering yourself. I am so pleased that you allowed yourself time just for Elly! We all need to do that! Laura. <><

[Virginia]

What state do you live in?

Here in the East Coast I love going to T.J Max, Marshall's, Filene's Basement and A.J Wright.

In Washington State I loved going to Nordstrom Basement and Ross.

And in Texas I loved Dillard's, Macy's and Ross.

I hate paying retail and I love brand names, so I try to go to that type of discounted price stores and pay about a 50% (sometimes way less) that what I would pay in another store.
Unfortunately for my husband, my A.J Wright is about 2 minutes walking distance from home and about 30 seconds driving, so I am always in there finding my treasures. Friday I bought a very nice Nine West yellow satchel purse for 4.99!!

Now,about the babysitter, try co-opt with another parents (ones that you can trust of course), so you can take care of their kids one day, and they take care of your children another day. It will give your children the opportunity of sharing with other children, save you money (that you can use to buy that extra must-have accessory or QK die) , and build a friendship with the parents as well. And what is not to like about that?

If you don't know many people in your neighborhood try websites such as www.meetup.com and look for Stay at Home Moms aka SAHM groups in your area.

Good luck and keep on shining. ;D

[scrappinmomof4]

.........everyone deserves to be pampered!!! Enjoy it!!! ;D

[dutchgirl]

Way to go Elly!!! Every girl needs a little pampering every now and then..

My nails are a mess too, but the reason for that is that I bite my nails. Started doing that when I was 6 and I never stopped....

I have found a way to try to get over it though. I now cut them very short, so there is nothing left to bite

[ellyp]

Jul 7, 2008 11:01:30 GMT -5 @dutchgirl said:

I have found a way to try to get over it though. I know cut them very short, so there is nothing left to bite

How do you work with all those tiny bits of die cuts then?! I find my nails so useful for helping me there but, of course, I don't know how I will be able to play the same way now with this thick things on. My nails are a tool for me (hence the terrible state they are in) so it's so strange to not be able to use them.

[dutchgirl]

Jul 7, 2008 12:39:32 GMT -5 ellyp said:

Jul 7, 2008 11:01:30 GMT -5 @dutchgirl said:

I have found a way to try to get over it though. I now cut them very short, so there is nothing left to bite

How do you work with all those tiny bits of die cuts then?! I find my nails so useful for helping me there but, of course, I don't know how I will be able to play the same way now with this thick things on. My nails are a tool for me (hence the terrible state they are in) so it's so strange to not be able to use them.

I have my tweezerbee and my quickstik to solve that problem..

[Saved]

Boy, You girls had me there. I read Angelique's reply and though that somehow in my absence we had gone from nails to plucking eyebrows and hair removal. I just can't leave my post I see. I hate to miss anything. Angelique are you feeling more rested after you full day of running around? ;D ;D ;D Laura. <><

[Virginia]

Have you checked Young, Fabulous & Broke ?

I also bite my nails. I did it all my life until I was 18 and got an engagement ring. I used to bite my nails so small that sometimes I would get them bleeding (just a little bit), but now I go and make a manicure every other week, and the week off I get them painted there. If you know how to do your own manicure try do it and keep your nails filed, and it should take the temptation of pulling those little pesky little bit of nails.

And for the dies, as Dutchgirl recommended, the quickstik will do. For me if the most valuable scrapbook toll that I own.