The Down Side of Being Thrifty

Walking in to my favorite thrift store makes me giddy... hopeful anticipation of what I might find.  Even my kids like going there, so no dread looms over.  But, the biggest high is when I find that "thing," that awesome object of my desire that, amidst the rubble, is at the right place at the right time.  Marked with a ridiculously low price.  Sometimes my diamond in the rough actually looks like junk.  But, I have a plan.  It will be fabulous.  After love and elbow grease are poured out on this object, I get a second high.  Now I have a lovely, unique, almost-left-for-dead-now-fit-for-a-(make believe)queen piece. Big Sigh

How could there be a flaw in my plan?  Amazing stuff, amazing price.  I need some household items (vacuum cleaner, for instance), which I'm not sure where I should purchase.  I start casually looking at the thrift stores.  Not finding what I want, my floor is getting dirtier and dirtier.  I scan online swap sites to see what might come up...  Still not sure.  Should I look at (eye roll) a retail establishment?  I can't pay retail!  I can't.  I won't.  Sad reality creeps in...  after habitually shopping the thrift store, I no longer feel deserving of the occassional retail purchase.  Doing so would trigger guilt.

Feeling that figurative punch in the gut, I must admit I'm no less deserving of a full price item than anyone else.  If you have ever been in this state, we must snap out of it.  Although I haven't been spending much money, I have found a way to forget  STUFF IS JUST STUFF.  So, let's give ourselves a break... shop and buy from the place that suits our true need.  Sometimes it's yardsales and flea markets; sometimes it's department stores and the web.  So, here's one resolution:  My identitiy won't be tied up in the places I shop. 

Praying for your blessings in the new year!

When Skin Gets Tough...

...the tough, get glowing! Cold weather and the indoor heat with which we combat it, can wreak havoc on the ol' epidermis.  Here are two of my favorite tips on the topic:

For body moisture, I have become addicted to coconut oil.  Not, Hawaiian Tropic, bikini-bronzing coconut oil.  It's the organic, cold-pressed stuff that works wonders.  You're probably thinking it's weird to smell like a coconut in the middle of winter, and you'd be right.  What most of us are used to is a summer tanning oil, which has a lot of additional fragrance added.  The real thing is barely (if at all) detectable.  For fragrance junkies, you could add a few drops of essential oil or perfume.  A little oil goes a long way.  Skin looks glowing and feels great.  Coconut oil is easily absorbed and has anti-bacterial  and anti-fungal properties. I could wax poetic about the stuff all day, but don't take my word for it.  Time to try it for yourself and let me know if you agree.  Find it at local health food stores.  Side note for moms, it's great for use on mild diaper rash and won't harm cloth diapers.

Secondly, in cold weather especially, my scalp hates me.  It gets itchy, flaky, and just plain aggravating.  While pregnant, I didn't want to use products with active ingredients that might transfer to the baby.  I began a new practice of washing my hair in reverse, conditioning first.  With locks wet, I slather it all over the scalp.  Then, I go ahead and do all my other shower business.  At the end, I shampoo.  If needed you can recondition the ends a bit.  It works so well, anti-flake shampoos can't compare.  If the scalp needs a little extra TLC, before showering I rub on some coconut oil and leave for a few minutes.  Wishing all of us calm, happy skin for the months ahead.

And now, a public service announcement.  It seems that everywhere one turns these days, there is mention of "the smokey eye."  Fabulous in concept and  practice, the smokey eye is smoldering.  Usually it's done with smudged shades of gray or brown (you know, the colors of actual smoke).  But, the term smokey eye is now being thrown around for ANY eye with contouring shadow.  Pastels and brights look great when smudged as well.  Call these eyes "dazzling" or "embellished."  But they are NOT a smokey eye. Even eyes with no hint of smudge have been labeled as such!  OK, off the soap box, that is all.  Blessings!

Last Gal on the Blog Bandwagon?

I have been toying with the idea of blogging since my son was born (Spring 2008).  But, I was busy.  I made excuses.  I ran from the "writer" within.

Even now as I write, the excuses are still ringing in my noggin (some might tease because there's not much else up there).  Is there room in the universe for one more blogger, much less me?  My decor, outfit, transportation, hair, makeup, and housekeeping are often NOT savvy or chic.  Can I really even START to think I could be a resource to which others might turn? But, I have a few shining moments, something to strive toward.  That's why Miss Savvy Chic is you, the reader.  Whether or not anyone ever reads or comments, I am a smidge more fulfilled (thank you, Lord, for a blessed life).  Can't wait to find out what great info is being grappled by other women, too.  You inspire me.

No ma'am, won't be lead by a spirit of fear.  Just happy butterflies in the gut. Blessings!