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Are you "Creatively In The Midst" of holiday shopping?
Lipsticks or lip glosses? Although I can’t go wrong with a good long lasting lipstick, I find myself needing lip gloss here and there. I’d have to say that both work well for me. They both compliment the overall appearance of my lips and other lip colors. There’s only one hiccup(for me) when it comes to wearing lip glosses. They don't last as long as my lipsticks. Preferably, lipstick is my first choice. I’m finding t hat there are other necessary reasons to keep a few lip glosses in my cosmetic collection. I'm sharing a few of my “all under $10” top picks and why I personally like them. I’m not limited to these particular lip glosses. For now, I use these four brands based on the occasion or my need for them. They can be easily accessed over the counter! Take into consideration that I'm a non affiliated consumer. The post is my personal experience. The post is not intended to rate the products. Please read product labels before purchasing and usage. Thank you!
Before changing, returning, selling, or tossing your wardrobe have you considered these 5 possible mistakes? 1. Not being aware of your body measurements before purchasing... Not knowing your personal body type and measurements can be crucial to your overall look and style. It sounds simple to take some measurement tape and wrap it around the legs, waist, arms, thighs, and etc. It can be tricky when trying to find the perfect size for certain things. I hear many women say they have issues with bra fitting. I can relate. The bar can set the foundation for constructing the right style. The bra size is definitely a common and overlooked mistake. Knowing the correct bra size can be beneficial to the wardrobe’s outer appearance. The wrong bra style and/or size can make any wardrobe look awkward and unfitting. Could it be that you have on the right style, but the wrong bra? Check the bra first! Tip: It’s okay if you don’t know. It’s better to know. You can always search and locate a Certified Fit Specialist. Most department stores and seamstresses can advise you. Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. If it helps, gather a few close family or friends and include body measurements into a spa or shopping day. Better to know your size than to get dressed and be uncomfortable and surprised. 2. Underestimating your figure... What the world sees as the perfect size and body may not be ideal for many others. Your size and shape should only matter to the inner you. Your outer appearance could be missing the right styles, fabrics, or accessories. Those are simple fixes. Work with what you have. The size of your body frame shouldn't matter. Fashion is for you! Whatever you decide to wear, start demolishing the unnecessary insecurities and rebuild your style with confidence. You have to trust your judgement even if it involves the opinions of others. Let go of any insecurities when it comes to your own figure. 3. Putting your age before your shoe size… The famous singer Prince said you should act your age and not your shoe size. I totally agree with that. I also believe the opposite when it comes to fashion. Many feel uncomfortable wearing certain things because they feel it’s out of their time and era. Do you feel the same? If they sell the item in your size and you feel comfortable in the shoe, I say walk the walk. Wear the darn shoe! Don’t limit your style by your age. Eras change and so does fashion. Dinosaurs are extinct, but that doesn’t mean your style has to be. Wear the stilettos if you want to! Don't allow your age to determine your fashion sense. 4. Relying on trends… I have nothing against trends. I actually keep up with them from time to time. I don’t rely on trends to set the tone for my style. Actually doing the total opposite can be just as flattering and stylish. If it’s trending, it’s most likely popular for the time being and very noticeable. Keep in mind that being different is also noticeable. Imagine being invited to a "all pink attire" function. They're probably going to expect you to show up wearing pink. If you show up in all green, you will be noticed and standing out from the rest. Of course, that would be little inconsiderate. I'm not saying you should, but it happens. If you must, follow the trends, but try to make changes to them. Make them your own. Never rely on trends to fulfill your fashion desires. You many not like what's currently on the market. Take a chance, be bold and different. Why should you fit in when you can standing out? 5. Not having enough views… Sorry, I’m not talking about your social media views here. We are still on fashion. At home, a typical person will look in one to two mirrors while getting dressed. Most dressing rooms at a store may have one to four mirrors. Having more mirrors will allow you to see multiple angles of your look all at once. One mirror can make things a bit difficult and cause you to overlook simple mishaps like a missing belt loop. Maybe that's just me. I don't like the hassle of having to turn three hundred and sixty degrees over and over just for a wardrobe check. Are you having to do the same thing? A few extra mirrors might be your solution. The more mirrors, the better views. It helps and it works. You should be able to see your wardrobe and how stylish it really is. Before you start getting rid of things, check those simple internal or external mistakes you could be making. It could save you time and change your sense of style. *Warning : Try at your own risk!
What’s really going on? Have you ever felt disconnected from people, places, or things? Like you didn’t belong? Did the disconnection make you feel better or worse about yourself or the situation? For me, it all depends. Social disconnection is one thing. Mental disconnection is another. My top priority is self-care and avoiding disconnecting mentally from myself. What about you? Have you stopped thinking or feeling the same way? Noticing a difference in your appearance? Not as active anymore? Maybe, you're trying to figure out what’s wrong? Are you searching for answers? Those are the aspects that come to mind, when I speak about feeling disconnected from my mind and body. I’ve been there. I felt like something wasn't right. I’ve felt a mind and body disconnection. My first thoughts and concerns pointed to the possibility of health issues. Maybe, it was all in my head? Was it me or my body? So many questions but no enough answers. A much needed confrontation.... Sometimes, it takes experiencing that little or big thing. It may open our eyes and put things into a better perspective. My health was one of those things. I became my own health and body private investigator. I searched for clues. Nothing came out of it. Finally, I enlisted the help of medical professionals. “Obesity” was brought to my attention by one of the doctors. Hearing I was obese wasn’t traumatic or embarrassing. It was more of an eye opener. The professional, blunt, and honest delivery helped me to understand the extra pounds and problems. Honestly, I had been feeling a disconnection from my body mentally and physically for some time. I didn’t know what it was. Now, I was finally being told. Being called out on my issues was very helpful, not hurtful. I accepted and respected it. It was a much needed conversation that needed to take place. See what had happened was... Obesity mentally befriended me. I quickly fell for the delicious indulgences that came along with having obesity as a new friend. Everything that looked good, obesity was for it. I was enjoying myself. I wasn’t turning down any plates. I had that “turn down for what” attitude. Those early morning, evening, and late night kitchen and restaurant creeps were too easy for me. I had a new “turn up” friend making me think I was hungry all the time. It was great! At least that’s what I thought. At the same time, I was hurting another part of me. Something that really mattered to me. The one thing that showed me the signs, alerted me that I was indulging too much, was sensitive towards me, tried to help me break down all the junk inside of me, and helped me with proper nutrients and care. Obesity was causing problems between me and what I need the most. A healthy gut, my body’s real friend. I hadn’t realized it, but I was hurting my gut. It became apparent to me that whatever healthy relationship I had established with my gut early on in life was now being affected. It was quickly becoming an unhealthy one. Physically, a problem was there. Yes, I could see it and feel it, but I ignored it. I was in love with the extra entrees, desserts, and snacks. Eventually, It came down to a “for better or worse” situation. Obesity and I were on a destructive health path. A decision had to be made. I couldn’t have them both. If starting with giving up obesity was the answer, I was ready to do just that. I chose my gut. I had to make things right between me and my gut again. For that to work, I took the necessary steps. Maybe, the same 8 steps can help you to start co-existing with your gut again. 1. Be honest with your gut. Keep in mind that your gut knows the inner you before you do. You can’t hide what’s already there. You have to be willing to admit that you notice and feel something is wrong. The signs will be there. Consider your gut, recognize the problem, and be willing to work on fixing it. 2. Seek help. Speak to a medical professional, trained individual, family member, friend, or a support group. Someone who can help and encourage you to make better choices for you and your gut. Tip: Always start with a medical professional. 3. Research. Reading is key. Find reputable information from books, online websites, articles, blogs, and etc. Your gut and mind will have to work as a team. You will need them both. Always fact check your research. Tips are to be taken very cautiously. It’s up to you to try and experiment based on your body and research. 4. Start a gut journal. For the first 30 days, keep track of what you eat and drink. Be sure to notate how each thing may or may not affect your gut. This will help you to eliminate the foods and drinks that could be harming or slowing your healthy gut process. 5. Downsize. It’s sometimes hard to do, but very necessary. I’m talking about portions here. We have to eat, but it’s the overeating that we have to be cautious of. It’s not always easy. You can actually purchase portion plates to help you get started. A divided disposable plate can help control portions. Use whatever is affordable for you. 6. Don’t be hard on your gut. Try not to criticize the appearance of your gut or body. How you feel will affect your gut. You don’t want to risk feeling bad about yourself. That can make matters worse. You can actually love yourself and that alone will help you to start taking better care of your gut and your body. Speak positive things into existence. Be willing to put in the work to help you and your body feel better. 7. Find compatibility. You may like the taste of chocolate ice cream, but your gut might not like it as much. It will let you know in ways such as bloating, pain, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable ways. Sometimes, you will notice the signs immediately or later. Try to eat foods that you both agree with. 8. Safely and cautiously begin your journey. You may have heard it before...It’s always highly recommended that you seek medical advice and help before starting any diet or exercise. That's true! Once you have done all the things needed to help you understand your current situation, gut, and body, decide if you want to start a healthy journey or not...Start when you're ready. If you ever start and stop, remember you can always pick up where you left off. No journey will be perfect. Effort alone can feel like a journey. The right things are worth it! Keep in mind, there are some uncontrollable issues. If obesity is one of your issues, you can do something to help. Help yourself! Always consider your gut feelings. They do matter and they tell you more than you know. If you listen to your gut, it could change your life for the better. It’s really all about the healthy relationship you have with yourself. Love your gut and take care of it. *Warning : I am not a medical professional. This post is a reflection of my own personal experience. Try all tips at your own risk!