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By Alison Gary
Americans are known around the globe for having a disposable culture. We buy, and if we don’t like it, we throw it away. Fabulous shoes that kill our feet, a super cute top on sale that fades and pills after one washing. Toss ‘em, donate ‘em and start anew. The problem is we cannot throw away our skin.
In countries like France, girls are taught from a very young age by their mothers the importance of proper skin care and the benefit of regular facials. They understand that makeup trends come and go, but healthy skin will never be out of style. How many times have we looked at a photo of a fabulous French woman like Catherine Deneuve and wonder how she can look so amazing?
How many times have you gone to bed without washing your face? Just a few minutes of properly cleansing and moisturizing your face each evening will take years off your skin. How about self-medicating your skin woes? Do you buy dermabrasion products from the drug store, acne treatments from the television, skin lightening products from your local Avon lady to end up with the same or worse skin? You can be sure that Ms. Deneuve washes her face every night and consults professionals on how to care for her skin.
Before puberty, our faces were washed along with our bodies and we never had a problem with it. Then oil and acne and rosacea and dry patches began. We used alcohol-based astringents that were advertised during our favorite sitcom and harsh cleansers that showed fresh-faced beauties using them in the pages of Seventeen. We weren’t taught that these industrial-strength products were actually exacerbating the problem. Adulthood came, and soon we were looking for products to stop or reverse aging, recreate the dewy glow of our youth and make our skin be a little less difficult. We sought help in the aisles of Target and Sephora and at the shiny cosmetic counters of our favorite department store. Imagine the skin we could have if we only understood it better.
We often feel that we don’t have the money to spend on a facial or the time to visit a dermatologist if we don’t have a specific problem or condition. The funny thing is we end up spending the same amount or more on products to cover up the issues with our skin. Get to know and understand your skin and its needs with a medical professional and learn what you can do to repair damage and prevent future issues. Instead of buying yet another product to transform your face, invest in a facial at a reputable spa or time with a dermatologist you trust. A certified professional will teach you more about your skin than you have learned in all your years standing in front of the medicine cabinet examining pores and popping blackheads.
Our skin is the one accessory we always wear, and the first accessory that people notice yet we often give it the worst care. You should be babying your skin far more than your car, your manicure or your home décor. Styles change, cars break down and manicures always chip, but your skin is with you forever. The next time you desire a new miracle product, think about your skin history and consider consulting a professional. In the long run it will be a worthy investment toward the one thing we cannot throw away.
Alison Gary is 30-something who believes style knows no age, dress size or budget. She is the author of http://womanwardrobeneeds.blogspot.com/ and you can see her personal style at http://whatsmywardrobetoday.blogspot.com.
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Whenever I speak or teach, I always ask if the audience was taught about money as a kid. I am never surprised when only a few hands are raised.
The majority of us, myself included, were not taught about personal finance either by a parent or at school. We have suffered for it and our economy has suffered for it.
I have the most amazing parents in the world, but it just didn't dawn on them to teach me about money. Consequently, I was sent directly to the School of Hard Knocks.
Financial education is still not taught and that is one of the reasons we created the The Living The Savvy Life Online Program. The program brings the international bestseller to life, guiding you day-by-day, step-by-step to help you create your own Savvy Life.
Through daily emails and a membership site that houses articles, videos, forums and more, you will be guided toward creating a strong financial foundation.
The program then focuses your attention on the areas where you most often spend money such as your Home, Food, Wardrobe, Beauty, Travel and Entertainment.
The beauty of the online program is that it takes just minutes a day to implement the tasks.
The program is just $19.95 per month and you can cancel at any time. Subscribe now!
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So, you’ve survived the holidays, entertained to your heart’s delight, or were lucky enough to enjoy other’s hospitality and extravagant meals. In either case, you’re ready for some simpler (cheaper and less rich) food. Late winter is a great time to experiment with simple, hearty fare. This type of cooking is often called “peasant food,” but don’t be put off by the title. Think of it as “simple, easy to cook, inexpensive and deeply satisfying.” We’ll look at three different recipes that can warm your heart through the cold months, while giving both your wallet and your stomach a respite from the holidays.
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Awhile back I received a message from a Twitter follower who replied to the post, “Is your home environment warm, comforting and expressive of who you are?”
The reader commented that he appreciated the sentiment, but asked how it relates to money management. It’s a great question! How does your home environment affect your personal finances?
One answer is that when your home environment is warm and inviting, you are less likely to feel the urge to escape by going out. For many, going out means shopping, dining and other forms of pay-for-entertainment which ultimately are just distractions from the problem that you are not comfortable in your own home.
Too often, the reason people want to escape their home is to escape the clutter. They are overwhelmed by the piles and just want to get away. Clutter is a manifestation of improperly spent money. If the items purchased were truly wanted or needed, they would have a purpose and not be relegated to piles in the corner.
If you find that you just can’t relax in your own home, it’s time to seek help. The Internet offers hundreds of resources including my favorite, www.Flylady.net. There are also plenty of books to help guide you through the process of cleaning and decluttering. In our book, Living the Savvy Life, we dedicated an entire chapter to turning your home into your own personal sanctuary. If you feel your situation is beyond your own capabilities, it is worth it to seek help. You can find a professional organizer in your area by visiting The National Association of Professional Organizers.
Keep in mind that savvy living is about so much more than just saving money. It’s about quality of life.
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