July 2014 archive
Classy, Comfy Outfits on a Bargain Budget
What to wear today? Always such a struggle, especially at 6:45 AM. I pulled out a mint pocket tee and paired it with a comfy A-line stretch skirt, threw on flats that didn’t quite match (it was dark!) and headed to the office. I was partway through my day when I realized three things: everything I was wearing I had already owned for 1-3 years, I had paid next to nothing for them, and the whole ensemble was comfortable and fabulous. The top I’d bought several years ago on discount, the skirt was a clearance item and the shoes I’d bought at DSW. I’d passed up tons of more expensive items in my closet that day for this old, dirt cheap outfit, which has become one of my favorites. It proved to me once again that what matters is not how much you spend on your outfits, but what you buy.
Shopping Tips for Getting a Quality Wardrobe on a Bargain Budget
Here are my shopping tips for making the most of your wardrobe dollars, at any price point:
1. Fabric. Is it a good quality fabric? Does it feel soft and durable in your hands? Does it look like it will keep its shape through many washings? My favorite fabrics are non-itchy wool, cashmere, silk, rayon, modal, tencel and cotton. If it’s poly or acrylic it’s probably going back on the shelf (unless it’s really, really cute).
2. Fit. Does it flatter your figure? If it makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious about your flaws, put it back. There’s something better for you out there and trust me, your time is worth too much to spend it adjusting your clothes and not feeling like a hottie.
3. Comfort. Are you happy wearing it, or can you not wait to take it off? Try running, jumping, and squatting in the dressing room to make sure you’re comfortable in it before you buy.
4. Color. Does the color make you look pale (bad) or vibrant and healthy (obviously good)?
5. Timelessness. Is it a trendy pattern or cut, or one that will stand the test of time? It’s totally fine to spring for fun, trendy pieces that will only be here for a season, but I try to spend less on these as I know they will need to be replaced soon.
I hope these tips inspire you to wear what’s best for you, not just what’s expensive and trendy.
Tips for growing healthy nails, naturally
How to Get Long, Strong Nails
I’m blessed with healthy, fast-growing nails, almost to the point of annoyance since I need to trim them every week or two. Now before you get super jealous, know that this does not mean I have luxurious, quickly growing hair. Quite the opposite, I have brittle hair that refuses to grow past a certain point and I would trade my nails in a heartbeat to have better hair. But if you’re on a quest to get healthier, longer nails, there are some natural nail tricks that don’t require toxic chemicals or salon trips.
Everyone from nail salon artists to my dental hygienist have complimented my naturally long nails. I often get asked how I get my nails so long, which I never had a good answer to. I never did anything special to my nails, or really gave them much thought. I would shrug it off as good genes and explain that they just grew that way. But when I started putting some cause and effect pieces together, I realized that some of my habits were affecting my nails. Here are some tips I’ve found that can make a huge difference in your nail health.
5 Tips for Longer Nails, Naturally
1. Eat as healthy a diet as you can manage, filled with good fats and a variety of vegetables and skip the junk (especially sugar and highly processed foods). I’ve noticed that during times when my diet wasn’t the best, my nails constantly broke and wouldn’t grow long. What you put in your body really, truly affects how it functions and looks.
2. I started taking fermented cod liver oil capsules, and while it sounds gross you can’t taste it at all. After just two weeks, my nails have never looked better. And they haven’t broken or chipped, even though I’ve been gardening and cleaning without gloves.
3. Biotin, a B vitamin, is known to be great for growing hair and nails. I I try to take it every day for my hair. It’s fairly inexpensive and you can buy it at a health food or vitamin store. (Note: consult a health professional before starting any dietary supplements.)
4. Keep nails filed neatly, and if you do get a snag or rough edge file it smooth to prevent further breakage.
5. Go all natural: give your nails the chance to breathe by going polish-free at least one week every month.
Have you ever tried any of these? If you have a trick for healthy nails, I want to hear it! Thanks for reading and good luck growing those pretty nails.
