Do you really need it?

I lost all of my clothes and shoes in a flood in 2010. I had to start my wardrobe over again and I was extremely limited on funds. It took two years for me to build it back up and even then, I always felt like something was missing.

My strategy had been to buy things on sale or clearance and not even touch anything that wasn't on sale. It was a good plan - kind of. It fit my budget at the time. I was able to purchase work and weekend wardrobe items for very little money. Some deals were great, but other things I wore just because they were cheap. Flats for $7.99? Sure. Dress for $10? I'll take it. Were they things I absolutely loved? Rarely. But at least I wasn't going naked...

In 2013, it dawned on me that I was doing this all wrong. My closet was packed. I had tons of shoes and clothes. I didn't really love anything. I had plenty to wear and didn't want to wear any of it. I was still in the habit of buying cheap, buying a lot. What if I took the money I would spend on two $10 dresses and buy a $20 dress?

I was in Target yesterday and immediately saw a blue & black Aztec sweater hanging in the clearance section. The price tag was $16 and some change. I immediately put in my shopping cart without thinking twice. Sure, I could browse the clearance racks and find two tops for $8, but why? I loved the sweater. Right now I'm typing this while wearing that lovely sweater and I have no regrets.

I find myself buying LESS these days, but I have MORE to love. It's easy to slip into the addiction of finding a "bargain", but usually that bargain goes in a pile with the rest of your bargains and doesn't bring too much joy.

The moral of my story is: buy what you love. Bargain shop, by all means, yes. Just realize the value of owning a piece you truly enjoy.

Pain Free Secret for After Waxing

A few years ago, I started waxing my eyebrows at home and I haven't been back to a salon since. It's way cheaper and easy once you get the hang of it. But, no matter if I'm waxing at home or in a salon, I hate that terrible burn and pain that comes after waxing!

 

One day, I discovered the cure. I had just waxed my eyebrows. They were bright red and felt like they were going to burst into flames any second. I noticed I had a bottle of aloe vera gel with lidocaine under the bathroom counter. I remember when I was younger my grandmother would use an aloe plant anytime she burned herself in the kitchen. Aloe vera gel is also great for sun burns. Lidocaine is used to numb skin. PERFECT combo for painful waxed areas! A great idea was born.

 

I swear by aloe vera gel with lidocaine! Just take a small amount and rub it into the burned area. It will tingle, but relief is almost instant. My skin doesn't hurt anymore and all of the redness from waxing is gone by the next day!

 

Even better, you can pick up a big bottle at most stores for under $5. It lasts practically forever!

 

I'm back!

I'm finally back. I didn't mean to stay away for so long! I would often have an idea to post about, but never made it to the laptop with it.

My first approach with this blog was to do some affiliate type links and see where that got me. It only got me a lot of frustration. :(   I may still do them in the future...however, right now I want to focus on content - GOOD content. 

I want to be real - I want to give some negative reviews! Because some products really deserve them...ha.  I want to also give great reviews and advice.

So I'm steering this ride a little to the left... time for new posts!