HATS:
Hats are a must have for the summer months. Not only do they protect our faces from the sun, they protect our hair too. UVA rays dry out and damage the outer layer of our hair, making it appear brittle. Add in the daily humidity, and summer hair can be the worst. If you’re not having that great of a hair day, put your hair in loose braids or pull it back into a low pony and sock a cute hat on for instant style. If you have short hair, you’re already ready to just wear a hat and go. Most females overthink hats, but it’s actually a simple addition. Solid colors are easier to coordinate and straw hats go with everything. Just have fun with it.
My black hat sort of reminds me of Jethro from the Beverly Hillbillies, but I really like it. haha. It’s a bit stretchy, not too tight, and is lightweight. I’ve paired it with a shirt I pulled off the sale rack at American Eagle for $10.00 and some cut-off jean shorts (also from American Eagle). With black sandals, I’m ready for any outdoor event. Here’s a link to the tops currently on Clearance at American Eagle.
BATHS:
Do you sweat? I’m a fitness freak. Every day I do high intensity interval training and also run a couple of miles. In the summer, especially, I sweat a lot. Exercising to the point of producing lots of sweat is so good for us. It manufactures happy feelings, gives us an energy rush, reduces aches and pains, and releases toxins from our bodies. But getting that sweat off of our bodies is equally important. The bathtub is a perfect solution. Not only will it cleanse your body, but it will also restore and relax your body.
After a long day outside, it’s important to pamper our skin. Again, the sun will do some damage. Find a good moisturizing bubble bath, light a candle, turn on some soft music, and relax. I experiment with different kinds of bubble baths, bath bombs, and body washes. This one from Caress really does have a buttery burnt brown sugar smell as advertised. It. Is. Yummy. Here’s the link … I picked it up at Target.
Masks:
If caring for our entire body is important, our faces should be at the top of the list as the most important part of our bodies. Caring for our faces every day needs to be a priority. I’ve said it before, and will say it again, don’t ever go to bed with makeup on. It will age your skin. Cleanse your face everyday. Exfoliate often. Pamper it with moisturizer two times a day, morning and night. And try to make time for a mask once a week.
This mask is by a company called Yes To. I’d heard the company was started by two guys who played soccer, and was definitely curious to find out what these dudes know about skincare. As it turns out, they apparently know a lot. They use 95% natural ingredients in their products and make sure all are free of toxins. This was my first time using one of their masks, and I have to say I might be hooked. It was thick and creamy, had a nice gentle scent, went on easy, and left my skin feeling so soft. If you aren’t married to a certain type of mask, give it a try. Target carries this product too!
The takeaway is self care. As women, we’re so adept at taking care of others, aren’t we? We check off lists all day every day. It’s part of our DNA. I swear, when God made Eve, that woman probably opened her eyes and immediately got to work sprucing up the Garden of Eden.
Adam was like: “Hey, God made sex, and He says it’s very good … wanna have a go at it?”
Eve: “Ummmm, yeh, sure thing. But first I need to figure out how I can turn a pile of palm leaves into cute throw pillows for our bed, clear away all the brush so our outdoor digs will be tidy, prune a couple of trees to give some sharp curb appeal, and gather more fruit and veggies in case the Lord stops by for dinner … plus, don’t we have babies to tend to?”
Adam: “Well, no … we have to have the sex first.”
Can you relate? The housekeeping and the lists will wait. The kids will wait too. It took me fifty years, but I’ve finally embraced the importance of putting myself first for a couple of hours a day. Living in the moment. I’m very type-A … if I can do it, so can you.
Exercise, take baths, experiment with different beauty products, and love yourself. Age is just a number, but life is short. You’re worth the extra effort!
Just my thoughts,
Melanie
Brick Marshmallows 