No One Wants To Talk About This

No I'm not talking about miscarriage today. I'm talking about something less important but important none the less. I'm talking about something that 35 million people around the world have experienced.

Nail fungus.

totally my thumb nail

Ewwww, gross! Yuck! I know that's what you are thinking but guess what? It can happen to you! It happened to me a few months ago and I want to bring more awareness to how it can start and how to get rid of it.

Take a look at these beautiful nails. Look at all the fun, colorful designs that I displayed.

 

How did I go from super cute nails to a nail fungus? Well let me tell you. For a year, I was going to a nail salon about every three weeks. I started with fake nails being placed on my real nails and once my real nail became long enough they could just start filling them in. I kept doing a fill for months. My real nails were doing great and growing out like clockwork. At least that's what I thought. Once day I was working and I noticed that my thumb kept itching. I noticed that it was a little red and swollen around my nail. I was only a few days away from getting my next fill so I decided to go home and remove the gel color to see why my finger was itching so bad.

I got home, removed the gel color and once my fingernail was clean proceeded to immediately freak out at what I saw. My nail had black underneath. The sides were completely loose from the nail bed and my poor little nail was barely hanging on. So then I took off all of the gel polish and took stock of my real nails. I had this black fungus under 8 of my ten finger nails. Guess what I did once I calmed down? I called the nail salon and cancelled my appointment. I told them that I got a nail fungus from them and their response to me... We can give you some free nails.

Um... no. You need to learn how to clean your tools.

Think about it. Even if they clean the tools, all it takes is one person who has a nail fungus to have picked the same polish that you do. If miss may over there picks that seafoam green you were eyeing for vacation and has a fungus that's going all over the brush that's in that polish bottle. You use the same one and then bam! So obviously the salon wasn't watching this or they weren't cleaning their tools after each use.

So then I went on a 9 month quest to get rid of the fungus. I tried over the counter nail fungus. I tried a prescription cream. The doctors took a nail culture and still couldn't get a final name on what kind of fungus it was. Then I started asking my friends, my mom then suggested that I try Apple Cider Vinegar. I went out and bought the biggest bottle that I could find of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar that I could find, got a bowl and dunked my fingernails into it for 5 minutes at a time. Have you ever just smelled it? It's a very strong smell. My fingers would reek of the smell but I didn't care because guess what? After two uses, I could tell my nails were looking a little better. The fungus started to pool together under my nails and was getting closer and closer to the edge. 

Once the fungus got so close, I actually had to dig the fungus out and trim the nail to the quick. I thought I was going to lose all of my nails. I had to keep trying things. I had to explain to people that my nails were not going to cause them to immediately get it by being in a room with me. It was rough but after a few months the fungus was gone and then began the long repair of getting my nail shape to take hold. Because the fungus had lived in the dark under the gel paint, it had got really strong and reshaped how my nails looked. Slowly, my nail beds took their normal shape and finally 10 months later my nails are starting to finally go back to what they were before. Granted my nails are really short but that's better than a fungus and that's better than them being an inch from falling off.

I have no idea if I'll ever go back and get my finger nails done again. If I do, I definitely won't be going back to that same salon. I'm also going to ask them about how they clean their products and how often they change out their nail polish. Remember it can happen to you! Even if your just getting a manicure. So ask questions! Watch them clean their tools! Ask for a new nail filer, etc! Keep your nails looking good and fungus free!

5 Days of Springing into Spring Fashion

In my fashion quest to not wear jeans every single day of the week, I busted out some vibrant, prints and kept advancing towards summer fashion. We had a few days of 75+ degree weather so short dresses and sandals was a must.

 

I started out my week by getting my nails ready for spring/summer. This is a DND polish called Kinky Pinky and I love it! It's so bright and summery. 

Short Overalls.

These short overalls are super comfy and I'll be packing these for vacation. I can see myself walking around Dollywood in them. They also have pockets and my fanny pack will fit right over top of them. I paired them with a pair of Jessica Simpson wedges.

Orange Plaid.

I've had this dress forever but only worn it maybe once. It's really light and made from a linen fabric which keeps me cool when it's hot outside.

Pink and Brown.

This dress is perfect for work or going out. It's comfortable and long enough for either occasion.

Blue Floral.

This dress is a little short for me but it's cotton and really comfortable. It's also perfect for super hot days because it's breezy. I love the bright colors and blue is one of my favorite colors to wear.

Want to see my weekly fashion daily? Come follow me @jmomiller

Saturday Smiles

Every Saturday, I try to post five things that made me smile during the week. Often I find myself getting caught up in the small stuff but this year I'm making an effort to be conscious of it. This year is about being happy and finding happiness even in the small things! Want to join me? Go ahead and post your Saturday Smiles!

1. The Prince Concert

I went to the concert only knowing three songs and now I'm a Prince fan. He was great! It was literally just him, a microphone and a piano. He played for over two hours and he was just fantastic!

2. Our St. Patrick's Day Décor.

3. Galaxy Nails.

I love anything to do with space. Since I watched the Martian a few weeks ago my passion for space has been reignited so when I asked my nail lady to hook me up with some space nails she indeed did!

4. Birthday Planning.

No seriously it makes me ecstatic! I can't wait!!!

5. This wedding photo...

What's making you smile?

Christmas 2015

Christmas has come and gone and now the countdown begins again to the next Christmas. It's only 362 days away, that's how I'm going to look at it. Before we countdown to next year, let's take a look at what this Christmas brought us.

On December 23rd we started our Christmas shopping. Nope, I'm not kidding. We were so busy with the wedding we didn't do our shopping until 2 days before Christmas. We hit up one store and literally did all of our shopping there until we were finished. I also had my wedding manicure removed and got my nails decked out for the holiday. These beauties will be with me into January...

note the entrance of my wedding band! (First manicure after the wedding)

We spent the rest of the 23rd wrapping presents and I got my baking skills on. I made peanut butter cookies and for the first time made smore bars. The smore bars were a big hit and they were extremely easy to make. All you need is some fudge brownie mix, a bag of marsh mellows  and a box of graham crackers. They took about 40 minutes to bake. This is how the turned out...

On Christmas Eve we spent the day relaxing and in the evening headed to my in laws house. I proudly wore this shirt the whole evening...

On Christmas I was able to Skype (thank goodness for technology) with my mom and we were able to watch each other open our gifts.

 

Since my mom and I didn't get to physically be in the same place for Christmas, I took on the role of making Christmas dinner. I made an entire ham by myself along with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. I also made baked macaroni and cheese. I was going to make another dessert but decided we had too many sweets in the house already. Next week I'll make a peanut butter pie.

We had a pretty low key Christmas but next year we will do it up big! I should mention I got some amazing Christmas village pieces to start off my new Christmas project for next year!

5 on Friday

1. Empire.

We binged watched season 1 over the last week and now season 2 is here! I didn't realize how big of a following this show had till the past two weeks. Maybe I was hiding under a rock when season 1 was playing out each week? But now I'm noticing Empire is everywhere. I really enjoyed Jimmy Fallon's spoof the other day. Are you watching? I'm sorry but I'm a Boo Boo Kitty fan. Bigger question... did she give Lucious back that Richard Burrton/Elizabeth Taylor engagement ring? That's serious money!

 

2. Aquarium Nails.

 

I just discovered aquarium nails yesterday and it's all I've looked at on instagram for hours now. What's an aquarium nail? It's an acrylic nail that literally has water in it and moves on your finger nail. Most I've noticed incorporate glitter or stars but some are really elaborate making it look like a wine glass is moving, an hour glass etc. Check them out! I totally want at least on aquarium nail so I'll be calling my nail salon and asking if they offer it.

3. Fall television.

Fall television is finally back! I just want to state for the record, I'm still bitter that they cancelled Stalker in the spring and that it didn't get a season 2. Shame on you CBS because CSI Cyber really worked out for you...not. Can I get an amen that fall tv is back? I was getting desperate for something new to watch. Here's a small list of my dvr list...

Blind Spot- New

How to Get Away With Murder

Empire

Leftovers

Scandal
Dancing With The Stars

Madam Secretary

Quantico- New

Mysteries of Laura

 Life In Pieces- New
Grandfathered- New
House of Cards
Secrets and Lies
 

4. Kim Zolciak.

I love me some Kim Z. I've been watching her since the first episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Then of course, I watched her wedding and not her show Don't Be Tardy. When I heard she was going on Dancing with the Stars, I started tuning in to see her performances. I hadn't watched that show in years. I was completely shocked yesterday when I heard she had a mini stroke! She's only 6 years older than me so that's just crazy! I'm hoping she can continue on the show but I don't know if she will be. Get well soon Kim!

5. My boo...

Just because I love him. Good luck today!

3 Day Weekend Got Me Like Whoa

I don't know about you but I think I need another 3 day weekend to make it to Friday.

 

I haven't posted much on the subject because I really can't. In June, the 25th to be exact my soon to be mother in law was out on her morning walk and was hit by a car. After many weeks of being away from home she finally came home on Friday. She has a long recovery to go and we are hoping she can walk by our wedding. When she came home on Friday we were flooded with tons of family coming to see her and had a little party in her honor. I prepared and made a 16 pound ham. Have you ever made 16 pounds of ham? No. Well it's an experience.

 

I baked this ham in pineapples and brown sugar. It was good! I've also ate ham everyday since for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Anyone want some ham?

 

On Saturday, I totally screwed up my nail appointment. I talked last week about my strong nail game and I think that came back to me. I always have my nail appointment at 11:00a.m. The salon isn't super packed, I'm in and out early and have the rest of my day to do whatever errands or relax. I want in the door at 10:57 a.m. announcing I'm here and on time! And guess what... my appointment wasn't until noon. They were super nice and went ahead and took me. The girl that always does my nails, her 11:00 didn't show so it all worked out!

 

I also spent a huge amount of time knitting. I got sucked into the Michaels' Labor Day Sale of 30% off all yarn and got a few rolls. So I spent the weekend knitting 3 scarfs. I also made my soon to be mother in law a phone holder to put on her wheel chair. I mean clearly you have to have priorities when your hands are being used to wheel yourself around. Her phone is stored now!

 

I also consumed the following movies... because what's Labor Day Weekend without some movie watching?

 

How did you spend your Labor Day Weekend?

How To Have A Strong Nail Game

I use to never go to the salon and get my nails done. Then I got engaged and everyone started looking at my ring and would notice my nails. So I decided to start going and getting them sculpted. Did I mention I was a nail biter? I would bite my nails all the time but that stopped and my real nails were able to bounce back. I have really small hands so my short, little nails would stand out when they'd be painted. They looked even worse painted so I knew it was time to get some professional help. See how short and uneven they were?

Now my nail game is coming on strong! So how do you bring a strong nail game?

 

First you have a find a great salon. I found one and their perfect. They have hundreds of polishes, ample space and their super close to my house. The only thing that sucks about my great salon is that their so busy you HAVE to have an appointment to get in. They are literally that busy and packed every single day. Once I tried to call in and they had no openings for 3 days. Now I have a standing appointment for every 2-3 weeks with my favorite nail girl.

Second, you have to throw in a little sparkle. Who doesn't love the glitter?

Third, accent nail! Why have ten stubs all looking the same? Mix it up and show off that ring finger with a special design, color or sparkle.

Fourth, try some different designs on your nails. I've recently done an some color ombre designs and glitter designs.

Fifth, Don't be afraid to use bright colors! Now that we are getting into the fall/winter you can really do some great holiday designs.

 

Last, the shape! I go with square because I've always loved square. I have them round my edges sometimes if their feeling a little too sharp. When I first started going to the salon they would ask me what shape I wanted and started spouting off all these names. The only one I first knew was square so here's a cheat sheet incase you didn't know all of them either!

If you can't decide what to do with your nails on your next appointment check out my pinterest. There's tons of great designs and polishes on there. I'm surfing over there next to find something for my next appointment.

Weekend Review

Friday night, Beezy and I went to the Kings vs. Hornets game. We had heard that Michael Jordan was going to be in attendance. We got to the game early, ate some food and waited. And waited. And waited. Jordan never showed up! He was in town and it was his team playing but he never showed his face. Beezy was disappointed because he was wanting to see him. Maybe next year.

On Saturday, we went to Tower Café.

It's a historical landmark in Sacramento and it's a restaurant. I had never been there before and Beezy promised they had good food. I'm a sucker for breakfast so I was ready to be wowed. I got really excited that they serve all of their food on Fiestaware plates. We have those dishes in the house and I'm partial to them because their made in West Virginia. The breakfast food didn't disappoint either...

 

On Saturday, we had a few people who wanted to tour the house. Since we are trying to sell it ASAP that was a good thing. We had to spend the majority of the day away from home. So we spent the day running errands, visiting with his dad and step mom, washing the car and visiting the new house to see the construction progress. They have the privacy fence up now and plants in the front yard! Did I mention that we saw a HUGE dog?! We went to Old Sacramento yesterday and ran into this guy...

 

Sunday, we had more people coming into the house so we had to get out. It's kind of hard to relax when you can't be at home. So we made the best of the situation and tried to have a little fun... like getting my nails done.

I've been trying out different nail colors since December. Every 2-3 weeks, I go and get another color to try out. I think I know exactly what nails I'll have for the wedding but I keep checking and trying out new ones just incase. I have awhile before I have to make a final decision.

 

That was our weekend. We've sent out the majority of our save the dates and the rest go out tomorrow. I'm excited to have that done!