Caring for Ourselves and Keeping Our Skin Looking Its Best

SkinThe world we live in has changed in the last month with the global pandemic making most of us think even more about how to look after ourselves in the right way. One area that many of us will struggle with as we look to fight the onset of COVID-19 is that of living a life that keeps us healthy. One of the first signs of living an unhealthy lifestyle is the effect it has on our skin with blemishes, acne and a general lack of brightness. This can all be caused by our lifestyle choices, so here are 7 tips to keep in mind…

1. Sleeping on Your Stomach Is a Bad Option

We are always facing a barrage of options and news about the right amount of sleep we should be getting in the modern world, but we often forget about the issues we face when it comes to the position in which we sleep. We often question whether we get enough sleep, but we rarely think about how we sleep. Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? This question has been asked by those worried about getting wrinkles when sleeping. When our face is always on the pillow, we tend to see more wrinkles and we are also getting oil and other germs from the pillow.
Sleeping on your stomach can reduce how much sleep you get by causing pain in the neck and back. This only adds to your lack of sleep leading to you seeing more skin problems.

2. Not Exercising Enough

As the period of self-isolation because of the rise of COVID-19 has shown us, it is easy to slip into bad habits and not exercise enough. Sitting for too long and not getting the exercise we all need is a major problem. Remember that more exercise leads to better-looking skin. For most of us, exercise is a way of staying healthy, but without increasing your heart rate, you will usually fail to rejuvenate your skin cells for the bright, vibrant look we all want.

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep

This is one of the most common problems we all face as we live our lives. We want to know how to stay healthy and get enough sleep. The effects of not getting enough sleep are many, including the issue of the collagen that keeps our skin looking young not replenishing each day. Sleep is extremely important for us all. A lack of sleep can aggravate cases of eczema, acne and various skin allergies.

4. Too Little Water

I know we always hear about the benefits of water, but there is no doubt the more water we drink, the better we feel and look. Drinking eight glasses of water each day is one of the most difficult tasks we face, with eight glasses each day the recommended amount, according to The Guardian. By drinking the correct amount of water, we can remain healthy and keep our skin looking vibrant throughout each day.

5. Pimples

A pimple on the face is one of the things we all dread seeing when we wake up in the morning. Don’t pick at them because what we are doing is spreading the dirt and possible infection to other areas of the skin around the pimple.

Skin6. Don’t Use Hot Water on Your Face

When we feel our faces are dirty, you probably act like me and turn on the hot water before washing with my usual products. This may seem like the correct course of action, but, in general, you should stay away from the hot water that is too hot for your hands to handle. Our faces have a natural barrier of oils that can make it difficult for you to look your best when it is removed by water that is too hot for our faces. Tepid or lukewarm water should have enough heat to open up the pores and allow you to feel cleaner.

7. Not Reading the Directions on Your Products

When you begin using a new product for your face or body, it is always a good idea to make sure you are only using the correct amount of product that is recommended. Using too much of an oily skincare product can clog your pores and lead to acne and other blemishes.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

7 Essential Accessories for All Women

AccessoriesThe little nuances in life are often the things that matter the most, believe it or not. If you’re a woman who wants to feel like a style icon everywhere you go, then you should think about putting more thought into all of your accessory choices. Don’t forget that strong accessories can make an impact. They can make people turn heads anytime you walk by as well. These seven accessory categories can be game-changers for women who want to look and feel like a million bucks. Here’s how to take your accessories up a notch…

Jewelry Chains

You should look into securing jewelry chains by the foot if at all possible. These chains can be wonderful for women who adore tailored accessories. You can choose the exact length of your newest necklace. You can choose any eye-catching pendant your heart desires. If you want to walk around with a bespoke look, then the assistance of jewelry chains can do the trick.

Boots

Boots are amazingly versatile. If you’re a woman who wants to look carefree, sultry, and stylish all at the same time, then there are few accessory choices out there that can even come close to boots. You can choose between all kinds of striking boot categories as well. If you want to epitomize Americana, you can try your hand at cowboy boots. If you want to look chic and funky, you can try your hand at classic velvet boots.

Watches

Watches are becoming less and less common as time goes on — and with valid reasoning. People generally rely on their mobile devices as a means of checking the time. If you want to do away with that concept, then you should secure a classic watch. A watch can make you look responsible, cool, and classic. Don’t forget that watches are accessible in all kinds of appealing and enduring styles and colors.

AccessoriesRings

Rings in no way, shape or form have to be limited to women who are married or engaged. That’s because rings also make timeless and cool accessories in and of themselves. If you want to make your hands “pop” visually, then few things can help you better than a traditional ring can. There are all sorts of ring styles that can flatter the hands and fingers. You can explore all of your choices in cocktail rings, birthstone rings, and puzzle rings.

Gloves

Gloves are accessories that can be simultaneously functional and chic. They can keep your hands snug and warm in times of severely low temperatures outdoors. At the same time, they can make your look a lot more appealing and cool. There are all kinds of exciting and contemporary choices in glove styles on the market right now. Don’t forget that gloves can hide your hands when they don’t look their best. If you have bleeding and dry knuckles in the middle of a particularly frigid winter season, then a classic pair of gloves can conceal them well.

Shawls

Shawls can keep you warm and cozy when temperatures inside or outside are a bit chilly. They can also help you make a major style statement. There are so many shawl options that embody all sorts of style preferences. If you want to look quirky and exotic, there are shawls that can serve you well. If you want to look elegant, sophisticated and refined, there are shawls that can help you get that look. You can find shawls that are made using all kinds of materials. You can find them in all kinds of pleasing and stylish colors, too.

AccessoriesStockings

If you want to make your lovely gams look even more toned and fit, then there aren’t any accessories available that can come even close to stockings. Stockings can make your legs look their best no matter what. If you want to hide your lack of a tan during the winter or the spring season, the assistance of classic stockings can help. If you want to cover up any imperfections such as veins on your legs, stocking can assist you dramatically as well. Don’t forget about all of the stocking style categories that are out there waiting for you.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

An Ode to Lay’s: Taste-Testing Their New Flavors

Lay'sHere’s something that you might not know about me: I’m a potato chips girl. Totally and completely and unabashedly. Yes, I’m not at all ashamed to declare my love for the salty snack!! You can have your cakes and your cookies and your crumpets, but when it comes to potato chips?? Well, let’s just say that I’ll take THEM ALL, please!! That’s why I was so excited when world-famous brand Lay’s reached out to me about their new flavors for 2020.

Spoiler alert: It was the perfect and most delicious way to kick off the new year!!

A couple weeks ago, Lay’s saw my cheeky tweet and sent me an email saying they’d love to send some of their new flavors my way. Less than a week later, this beautiful yellow box with the classic Lay’s logo arrived on my doorstep; I may or may not have screamed in delight (note: I totally did scream!).

Lay'sThis year, the venerable potato chip company (75+ years strong!) is releasing three new flavors to satiate our taste buds: Cheddar Jalapeño, Poppables Sea Salt & Vinegar and Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot. They seem to have all the bases covered — cheesy, salty and spicy!! I mean, there’s something for everyone, right??

All three flavors are out now, so to celebrate, I recruited my mom for a little taste-testing review and mini photo shoot fun! We got to try Cheddar Jalapeño and Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot and I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially with the flavor of flamin’ hot. But let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed.

Lay'sI first tried Cheddar Jalapeño! Truth be told, they practically had me at the word “cheddar” because we all know that cheese makes everything better! Cheese has invigorated everything from bread (hello, grilled cheese!) to eggs (hello, omelettes!), so I was pretty sure that the same would be true with potato chips. And, boy, was I right! The chips tasted cheesy with a hint of spicy goodness, but it wasn’t an overpowering spicy. It was the kind of spicy that made you perk your head up and take notice — as in, “Oh, that’s spicy, isn’t it?”

Lay'sWhen we tried Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot, my mom could only take one bite before she proclaimed that they were too hot and spicy for her. Maybe the deep red hue of the chip should have tipped me off, but I went all in anyway, crunching half the chip in one bit. I was expecting a fire alarm to go off in my mouth, but surprisingly, it wasn’t too bad. I’ve had some very unfortunate experiences with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in the past and I definitely didn’t want a repeat of that again! So I’m proud to announce that I managed to eat two chips before the heat kicked in! It’s a new record for me!!

Plus, as a self-proclaimed Selfie Queen, I love the new Smile With Lay’s campaign, which is all about showcasing those who make us smile! You can nominate yourself or someone in your community and they could be featured on a Lay’s bag this year! How cool is that??? Spreading the love…one bag at a time!!!

Lay'sThanks so much, Lay’s!! I had so much fun snacking on these new flavors!! Have you tried them yet, friends? What’s your all-time favorite potato chip flavor?? I’d love to hear!!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by Lay’s, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Does Your Style Match Your Personality?

StyleStyle is and has always been something that’s intensely personal. If you want to be able to communicate your personality to the rest of the planet, fashion can be a great way to do just that! Your choices in apparel can communicate so much about all of the things that make you tick. Your choices in accessories can do the same exact thing. It doesn’t matter if you have a demeanor that’s flirty, girlish and lighthearted. It doesn’t matter if you have one that’s straightforward, no frills and rather serious, either. Your choices in clothing can tell other people practically everything they need to know about you.

Clothing Choices and Freedom

Making choices regarding clothing can be one of the most freeing feelings possible. It can be a pleasure to shop for clothing, especially if you are shopping online at Modvisor. Modvisor is the place to read reviews while finding brands and stores that fit your style.

Not all shopping is fun. It can sometimes be stressful, too. If you want your clothing shopping missions to be particularly successful, then it can help greatly to relax and take it easy for a bit. Don’t give yourself too much pressure. Don’t give yourself any time limitations, either. If you force yourself to purchase a clothing item within a specific period of time, you may end up making a decision that isn’t “you.” You may end up choosing a piece that doesn’t successfully express who you are. Remember, fashion isn’t something that you can’t ever force. It’s something that has to come 100 percent effortlessly to you.

The most fashionable people in the one are the ones who are effortless. If you look at fashionistas, they almost seem like they rolled out of bed looking as chic and cool as they do. You don’t imagine them obsessing over their outfits and accessories for hours and hours in front of their bathroom mirror. The key to looking like a million dollars is making things look and feel as simple and fluid as can be.

Honesty and Style

If you want to shop for clothing that makes you feel liberated, then you need to exercise honesty at all times. Be aware of the styling choices that work for you. Be aware of the ones that don’t work for you, too. Try every single clothing item on in the dressing room. It can even help to bring a trustworthy friend who has your best interests in mind. Take all sorts of things into consideration while you shop, too. Think about your preferred materials, cuts, and patterns. Think about your specific lifestyle as well. Are you shopping for apparel that’s suitable for daily wear on the job? Are you on the lookout for apparel pieces that are appropriate for errands, social gatherings, weekend relaxation or anything else? The quicker you can identify your shopping needs, the easier it will be for you to get things done.

Your objective should be to never try to follow the crowd. Following the crowd fashion-wise will only make you fall flat on your face. If you attempt to emulate another individual’s fashion sense, it will never appear or feel authentic or genuine to anyone else. The only thing you can do is make the most out of your own fashion sensibilities. Try to be the best version of you possible. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t seek inspiration from fashion magazines and similar outlets. If you spot an appealing outfit in a magazine or anywhere else, think about what you can do to give it your own twist. Think about how you can infuse it with more character and vitality.

StyleNever wear anything that doesn’t make you feel totally comfortable and at ease. If you walk around in a manner that’s awkward, you’ll feel awful. You’ll make everyone else who is around you feel awkward and unpleasant, too. Style should be all about feeling terrific. It should be about feeling amazing in your own skin. If you walk around in an outfit with your head held high, it will encourage the people who are next to you to do the same. Fashion is infectious in contemporary society. Feeling incredible is just as infectious. Your aim should be to make style choices that make you feel like anything in the world is possible. It should be to go with your instincts at all times as well. Your instincts matter.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

Rustic Save the Dates With Basic Invite

Basic Invite Basic InviteWelcome back, friends!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! As the sting of the Great Polar Vortex (hopefully!) begins to wear off, spring soon feels like it’s just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I am already counting down the days until spring — currently, we’re only 29 days away!! And with beautiful spring comes equally beautiful weddings!! A couple years ago, I profiled Basic Invite and their wide array of invitations and stationery, and this year, I’m excited to round-up some fantastic rustic save the dates!!!

Basic Invite is based in Utah and offers all sorts of goodies for every stage of life — weddings, babies, graduations, birthdays and thank you notes! And speaking of weddings, here are four ways Basic Invite can help you jump right into wedding season in 2019…

Free Wedding Websites: Our all-new wedding websites are completely customizable just like our wedding invitations! These wedding websites are mobile-friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details along with images and a map with directions, which is super convenient for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colors and even choose a design to match your wedding invitation suite!

Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets: Each of our wedding invitations is part of a set. You can find everything from save the dates to wedding invitations and enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs and even matching thank you cards!

Seal & Send Wedding Invitations: Our Seal & Send Wedding Invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send line is our newest collection and brides are LOVING them! Currently, we offer them in over 30 designs including our ever-popular foil options and like our other products are customizable. What’s extra special about our Seal & Sends is that guests’ addresses are printed on the front of each invitation which means no envelope necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design instantly. Once you receive your order, all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites and secure them with a sticker! Simple, easy and super trendy.

Wedding Coasters: Choose from over 90 professionally designed looks. Each design can be personalized instantly to match your wedding colors. And there are no color limitations, which means you are free to make as many changes as you would like at no additional cost. Each coaster is printed using the latest print technology and on a premium 200lb matte card stock. Thanks to this technology, your coasters will have crisp, clean letters, photos and graphics.

Basic InviteHow cool — and easy! — is that?? Be sure to check out Basic Invite as you start celebrating all that 2017 has to offer! You can also follow Basic Invite on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest…here’s to enjoying a year of fun! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by Basic Invite, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)