Mani Mania!

I've kind of become obsessed with nail art recently, and I wanted to start a new blog feature showing off my manicures each week. To do this, I figured I'd start with a bigger post of the manicures I have pictures of, and keep in mind these are taken before I cleaned up the edges (which I will be doing for all my manis before I share pictures from now on). So, allons-y!

Colorblocked with some star stickers

Fishtail accent nail

Meownicure made with temporary tattoos

So there we are, my most recent nail art triumphs! I think I'll be posting these on Mani Monday every week. Thanks for reading!

-Andi

"It's been a very volatile year!" "...In the stock market?" "Yeah, sure."

Wow, so this month has been insane. So much good and so much bad happening around me all at once. My grandmother and step-uncle passed away. My grandmother's death is still really devastating to me at times. I'm so confused about it, it's hard to believe that someone who was once so vital, can quickly turn into a delusional shell, and then just...fade away. Her passing was beautiful, mom laid pansies on her chest. They were her favorite flower, and the last thing she planted in her garden before she got really sick. It looked way too much like she was just sleeping. I named my doula business after her, I think she'd like that.

Speaking of my doula stuff, I had an interview with a local hospital about a new volunteer doula program they're starting! It sounds like a great opportunity, I'm actually going there again tomorrow to do some orientation stuff. I also started a blog and facebook page for my business, so check them out!

Iris started walking and has two teeth now! She's too big, I want her to be this age forever.

We'll be moving soon, mid-August. I'm 90% sure I know where, but who knows what Nate has to say about that. He keeps changing his mind. The place I like has a pool, playground, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts and a fitness center with a sauna! I'd love to be able to start exercising, but that way even if I don't I can sit in the sauna and relax and come back all sweaty and say I did (just kidding!)

I learned how to crochet, it's a lot easier than knitting, but knitting is prettier. I'm not sure which I like more because of that, it's almost a toss-up.

I started playing Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and then just....nope. Too scary without Nate here! So I started playing Sword and Sworcery instead. Wow! Amazing game! Try it out, it's available on just about every system except the Virtual Boy! Also I purchased both games in the Humble Bundle, which I've talked about before. They're worth watching as well.

I'm going to try and push my limits as far as blogging goes, because I feel I've been unreliable. I'm going to try to actually use my social media accounts (twitter, tumblr etc) and blog here or on Franklin Birth and Prenatal every day, alternating days. Keep up with me, won't you?

It's Allliiiiivvvveeeeeee!!!!

I swear I haven't left you all, my laptop screen has begun malfunctioning so posts may be infrequent for a while until we get at least one of our home computers functioning. Just a quick update as far as that goes! Hope to write more soon!

Big Fat Summer Challenge

I'm thinking I'll do Jasifer's Lions Club's Big Fat Summer Challenge, just to push my comfort level a bit.

Image via-Jasifer's Lions Club

The challenge runs through July 31st, and she's running a contest on her blog (visit here for details) for who has the best outfits. Go join in the fun! I'm excited for some like the "Hi-Lo" challenge, but I won't lie, some of these sound really daunting to me. I'm 4' 11" so the "maxi skirt or dress" makes me think I'll be swimming in fabric, and don't even get me started on the cropped top! However, I will persevere (and maybe the cropped top challenge will motivate me to finally get off the couch!) How about you guys? Which challenge seems the scariest? Which would you enjoy tackling the most?

Fatkini or No?

GabiFresh has brought a lot of attention to the fatkini lately, and it's a welcome change! I feel like for so long the public opinion on the whole has been that bikinis are a thin person commodity, but the reality is that different bodies wear clothes differently. Does different mean any less attractive? Realistically it shouldn't. Some bikinis (and other items of clothing) that have been designed for plus-sized women would look awful on a lot of straight sized women, so why would we expect a woman with an ample bosom to feel comfortable in a string bikini top? That's what this trend comes down to honestly, comfort. By all means, if you do not feel comfortable exposing that much of your body in a bikini, then don't. Modesty is not a "fat person only" emotion.However, if you have the courage to feel confident in one of the most revolutionary modern swimwear designs available then do it! Why? Because if we desexualize our own bodies, media will continue to. Being plus doesn't make you less of a woman, so why should you hide your assets while others flaunt theirs? Personally, I wear a swimdress (which I recently noticed is much longer now that I'm not pregnant.)

I purchased it at walmart, when I was in a much lower place with my self-esteem. I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon, due to lack of cash, but when I do replace it, I believe I will be making the move to a "fatkini". I love my curves, and so does my husband, and those are really the only two opinions that matter. My final word: if a bikini, or slinky club dress, or tube top, or sheer blouse is what makes you feel sexy, then wear it! Confidence is the best accessory!

Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest yet? Why not? It is eye-candy galore! Check out these neat Pinterest finds.

 

1. Pineapple Flowers-Annie's Eats / 2. Almond and Berry Floral Cake-Lisa Hubbard Photography / 3. Braided Bun- The Beauty Department / 4. Sock Bun- My Thirty Spot / 5. Weekday Brunch Bag- Obaz.com / 6. Ombre Tights- BZRshop / 7. Cute Outfit Idea-What Would a Nerd Wear / 8. Sweet Cardi- Francesca's Collections

See what I mean? So many beautiful things to pin until I have the millions I need to buy them. Not only that but wonderful recipe ideas, and practical life suggestions. Follow me, won't you?

All pins referenced here can be found on my boards.

The Humble Bundle

Hey, just some quick indie developer love here guys. It seems the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, LIMBO, Psychonauts, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP; and Bastion have teamed up with Child's Play (an amazing charity run by the guys of Penny Arcade) to sell their games (and game soundtracks) in a "Name-Your-Price-Bundle" format, and you decide what portion of that goes to charity! On top of all that, the games are available for Mac, Windows and Linux!! Any price over a cent is accepted, but we should show the guys some love right? Go there now and pick it all up!