I get asked, on quite a regular basis “how do you do it?” – the answer is quite frankly, I don’t have a bloody clue. But when I sit back and think about it, I’ve got a great support network (my kick-ass amazing mum & super mum-in-law), a wonderfully flexible job, a ridiculously hands-on baby-daddy and at the end of everyday there’s always a million things that need doing – but life’s far too short to be worrying about the dusting and the ironing (I know, I spend a lot of time talking about my ironing, rather than actually doing it!). But I haven’t just started writing this post to show off about the fab people around me et al – no no, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret I didn’t even know about. I didn’t realise I was subconsciously giving people the impression that I had all my shit together just from one very tiny thing…
It dawned on me, one evening at a very swish store opening. The owner of this store approached me and after a few minutes of chatting said, “I’ve met you with your fab kids twice now, and the thing that really really impresses me every time I see you, more so than your blog or your mothering, is that your nails are perfect!” Coming from a pretty cool, gorgeous 20 something, this rocked my world for that moment. Little did she know, the two occasions she’d seen me happened to coincide with the only two times I’d painted my nails in the past 12 months. But the fact was, she’d got the impression that whilst running round after 5 boys, a dog, blogging and working – I was somehow so super-organised and together that I always had plenty of spare time to paint my nails to within an inch of Sharmadean Reid (super mama and nail goddess in case you’ve been under a rock for a couple of years!).
That night was an epiphany, by having my nails sparkly, even if only for a day or so before they chipped not only made on-lookers amaze in my multi-tasking (read: if I’m painting my nails the kids dinner will be 10 minutes late!) but they made me feel a little bit more human. Call me superficial and slap my shallow butt – I don’t care, my nails were shiny and red, and I felt great! Maybe cos I’ve never really been “THAT” girl – the girl with the perfect nails; the girl with the perfect pony-tail; the girl who always leaves the house in enough time to grab a skinny latte (I don’t even like skinny lattes!) before a meeting, the girl at the meeting with the correct writing implements and stationary (although I buy all the stationary) – we all know THAT girl! But who am I kidding, not only am I not THAT girl, I don’t think I even qualify as a girl anymore, but I’m not THAT woman either! But if colouring in my claws every now and then can drag this sleep deprived, running late, hair not brushed (for at least 2 days), forgetful woman into a state of feeling fabulous whilst making 20-somethings marvel and overlook the puke stained jumper I’m most likely sporting – then it’s worth 10 minutes every now and then.
Now, I ain’t no beauty-blogger-guru, but after 3 pregnancies, with all their lovely hair and nail growth hormones and the cracked/brittle post-partem nastiness, I’ve gathered a few little tricks:
Firstly, I couldn’t live without this nail file; this hand cream is the most divine smelling must-have, like ever! If your nails need a little post-partem helping hand then this one’s for you; this polish stays put, is extra glossy and a bloody bargain; if you’re in a hurry, need hands on for baby care, then nail wraps are the easy way to go!
Nice nails looks like you have leisure time, such a good trick.
My version is getting a shellac manicure. If I’ve got a big event coming up (hello Blogtacular, I’m looking at you!), or preferably two or three events in a row, I get a proper mani. It looks super glossy, and even better, I can make it last at least 3 weeks. Nice!
If I’m super organised I cut and shape my nails beforehand, to speed it up in the salon. It’s rock hard and I’m out of the door within about 20 minutes, ready to look impressively put together for more than fortnight. Now where did I put that hairbrush…..
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Miss Ellie – that’s borderline organised, actually making an appointment! I usually get to the day and then think “ah, wouldn’t it have been fab if I booked an appointment for yesterday!”. I’ve never tried shellac, but if I’m gonna get 3 weeks from it I’ll give it a go! You know I’ll be looking very closely at your nails come next Blogtacular! x
Gah, don’t be ridiculous, I don’t ever manage to make an actual appointment, Jess! There are a couple of super cheap nail salons at the top of our road (gotta love East London) that, if you time it right, can usually fit you in within 10 minutes. Result! Let me know how you get on with Shellac, I am really not careful with my nails and it still lasts ages for me.
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You do make me laugh! Bugger, no cheap nail salons to be found in the burbs of West Sussex! I’m gonna get on my Shellac game by Xmas! x
I just read through your entire post going ‘yep, yep, yep agreed!’. Blogging and social media can make your life look how you want it too – they don’t have to see the utterly boring bits like cleaning the manky bits around the washing machine door (yesterday’s job). I don’t have a dog, and only have the one toddler – but I experienced being a single parent for his first two years. So many people ask ‘how do you do it?’ but the truth is we just get on with it because if we stop juggling, we’ll totally lose the plot. But every few weeks I head to the nail bar opposite my work during my lunch break and get my nails sorted. It’s an indulgence but my son always notices the new colour : )
Shellac is Deffo the way forward!! Super glossy and doesn’t shift for weeks (months on your toes) once you try it you’ll be hooked. I’m the only girl in my house too, even the animals are all boys!! Doing this little act of girlyness once in a while is my treat to me. Try it, you’ll love it xx
My cousin told me she goes to get her nails done just so she can leave the house and force her other half to look after her boys without constantly coming back to her with questions. She said initially she didn’t care about her nails and it was just an excuse to sit in a comfy chair and not hear crying and bickering! But now she loves her lovely nails. I must say I was going to try the same tactic!
Such a good tip, I WILL find the time to paint my nails today! It is Friday after all…