So I don't know if it's due to genetics or my running habits, but my feet are the worst. And as much as I love pedicures I don't have the time or money to get them done as often as my feet require, er, sanding down. Tune into this video to learn why I'm obsessed with the Amope pedi perfect extra coarse foot file. I'll use it year round (because my feet get even worse in the winter!) but it's perfect tool to prep you for spring/summer flip flop/sandal weather!
This morning Asha and I recorded an Edit Your Life Show episode on self-care and one of the points I raised was that while there are plenty of self-care options you can enjoy free or on the cheap, I believe that it’s worth investing in certain things -- particularly when professionals clearly can do a better job! For me, facials definitely fall in that bucket. Read on for my thoughts on Sway Aveda Spa, and also for info on how to get a complimentary Sway manicure!
I've been wrestling with a foot injury for a couple of months and have been avoiding professional consultation (because I'm pretty certain they'll just tell me to saw my bunions off) in favor of massage therapy and as much yoga as possible. My friend Michael recommended this Yoga Studio app to me a few weeks ago and I have used it almost every day since downloading it! Here's why I love it and recommend you give it a try. Enjoy, and namaste!
So you guys, seriously, typically I'm rather clueless when it comes to styling hair. I'm too lazy and inept to blow dry it properly and then sometimes it takes me 4 months to get around to a haircut! But I was inspired by what Maritza Buelvas and Maricruz Polito did to my head recently and decided to play around with this John Frieda Volume Curls 1.5 inch Curling Iron. And the good news is that I figured out a way to make shaggy hair look awesome super quick.
On Wednesday I attended a fun event hosted by New Balance at MyStryde in the North End. I was interested in popping in both because I'm a runner (MyStryde is a brand new indoor running studio) and because I had never set foot on a treadmill before -- no joke! I think this has been due in part because I like running outside, and also because I've held a vision of Bill Murray a la Lost In Translation in my mind. I was convinced I'd be treadmill roadkill!
OK, so remember yesterday when I announced my new lifestyle solutions video series and confessed to my fear of looking ugly? Well, hey now, I figured it would be good to kick off the first official video by embracing self acceptance and owning my sweaty, shivering, no-makeup self! (Also, hey, I ran 5 miles, so BOOM)! Press the play button below to learn how you can quickly string up these awesome $7 Panasonic earbuds and forego expensive running earbuds!
I will be plain and say that I love lipstick. I wear it almost every day given that I'm not one of those people with naturally pink lips and otherwise look totally washed out without lip color. So when Clarins contacted me about their new Joli Rouge collection -- notable for being moisture-rich and long-lasting -- I was like YES, I want to know more! Clarins kindly sent me a few shades to test out (the collection includes 16) and I fell in love with all three picks.
Earlier this year I started using Shiseido Benefique to very happy effect. I'm still using it daily so when Shiseido reached out to ask whether I'd like to try out the Shiseido Benefique Advanced masks, I was like YES. My skin tends to dry out quickly when the temperature drops so I'm on board with hydration treatments! I wanted to share about the mask for this week's Friday Find, and also, I'm giving away a set of masks to a lucky reader. Yay!
The task of finding time for yourself can seem daunting, particularly when it can be challenging to -- well -- pee without the company of your children. One of the keys to shifting your perspective and daily experience is to find your fringe hours. In Episode 8 of Edit Your Life, I interview Jessica Turner about how to edit guilt and comparison out of your life, the elusive struggle for balance, why it’s hard to ask for help (and how to get over that!), and mindreading (or lack thereof) -- all to the effect of making room for the things in life that bring you joy.
Now that fall is here, I'm planning on getting back into the rhythm with Friday Find and am doing so today with some awesome, colorful sneakers from Boston-based New Balance! As a runner and mom of run happy kids, I'm pretty much always thinking about sneakers. Also, ever since 4-year-old Violet unexpectedly busted out a one-mile kids' fun run last spring (what?!), I've been thinking it would be good for her to run in something other than water sandals!
I am a huge fan of FASHIONABLE. It was an honor to visit their factory in Ethiopia and meet the women who elevate their lives by working there. Your purchases help empower women in Africa, and just yesterday FASHIONABLE announced that they're paralleling their effort in the U.S. via the new Miriam jewelry collection. In honor of the launch, I went on a bit of a shopping bender yesterday and wanted to share my fall favorites from the collection.
One of my favorite things about spring is shedding the cold weather layers -- and that goes for feet too. Over the last few weeks, while the weather has toyed with all of our emotions (what was up with the hail yesterday?!), I've been chomping at the bit to wear my spring shoes daily. So, for the next edition of Style on a Budget, I'm sharing a roundup of 8 neutral spring/summer shoes that will give you plenty of bang for your buck, both in and out of the office.
One of my favorite things about working as a creative is the joy and pride I feel when fellow creatives come up with something super awesome. Such is the case with my designer friends Melanie Burk and Alma Loveland and their new baby, Woven Pear. When Woven Pear launched, I immediately ordered several pairs of narwahl socks (because, NARWAHLS!) and have since acquired several more pairs.
Oh this weather has my brain geared towards GREEN! The temperature conjures images of new growth, just yesterday I saw fake grass peeking out from under a melting snow pile, and St. Patrick's Day (Vi's due date) is coming! For the next installment of Style on a Budget, I want to inspire you to infuse a little color into your wardrobe. Vibrant color can be daunting (it used to be for me!) but these picks allow for a range of experimentation.
