Let's make lemonade!

Trying to find some positive things about self-quarantining-

Not wearing make-up everyday is good for your skin!
Unlike your skincare- which you don't want to be giving up-
make-up sits on the surface rather than penetrates your skin and
can clog pores and decrease natural hydrators. Going without make-up
really does give your skin a chance to breathe according to dermatologists.
If you can go a month without makeup,  ( and it looks like a month is not 
unrealistic at this point of the pandemic-ugh) you’ll see even more benefits.
Your skin cell turnover takes 28 days. This is something that your skin does
naturally on its own.The longer you go without makeup, your skin has a better
chance to reset its  temperature, oil control, hydration, and natural exfoliation
process. Plus think of how much time you'll save everyday!
                        

Take advantage of the online and virtual opportunities.
Local yoga studios and gyms are offering virtual classes- some for free and others at
a subscription rate. Your cable provider has exercise, fitness and meditation channels
available depending on your package. There's YouTube. And of course, your phone
has many fitness apps.
Find something that works best for you. I found our local Bella Prana's classes
on Yoga on Demand with Vimeo.
                                                          

Take time you might normally not have to go outside. You are not working or
working from home with more flexibility. Ride a bike. Take a long walk.
You can listen to music or that podcast you've been meaning to find time for. Walk with a
friend and catch up -social distancing, of course. Most parts of the country are enjoying
warmer weather. Take advantage.



De- germ your everyday devices. So you are washing your hands and trying not to
touch your face, but what about the other things you touch a million times a day?
Please disinfect your phone, your keyboard,your mouse and your remotes daily.
Use a disinfectant wipe on all of these. If you are running low on wipes- a hotter
commodity than toilet paper maybe, you can mix up your own disinfecting solution-
 4 tsp bleach mixed with a quart of water or hydrogen peroxide and water or good old
Lysol diluted with water all work. Just remember to keep moisturizing your hands after
cleaning and washing.

It's a great time to take advantage of sales. With so many stores closed to physically
shop, they are offering good discounts online and many with little or no shipping
fees. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Anthropologie all have had sales with 25-40%
off featuring loungewear, which is clever in these stay at home times. Sam Edelman
and Dolce Vita have 25% off for some new sandals or the new summer bootie.
Gap is 40%.  JCrew 40% Rebecca Minkoff 30% , Alice and Olivia 25%. Just google
your favorite retailer and I think you'll find bargains.
                                   
                                                                     
After you've cleaned out your closet ( I bet it's on your list if you haven't already)
check out thredUP. One of the world's largest online secondhand shopping sites
with thousands of like-new styles from favorite brands at 90% off retail. Guaranteed
authentic and from fashionable closets, like yours, for women and children. To sell
them your things- they send a clean out your closet kit, you send it off and they give
you cash or credit for the site when the items sell. Or they will donate to your charity
of choice for each kit. Gap, Athleta and others are now partnering with thredUp and
 offering a credit at their stores when you send things to sell. Check the sites.
                                         

There's also a lot of choices to sell or consign your designer bags and shoes from local
consignment shops like MoshPosh and Repeat Performance in Tampa. Online the
Real Real, Bag Borrow or Steal, Vestaire, StockX and rebag are good options and they
 are all having sales if you want to shop now, too!

                                                   



I have to give a shameless plug for Etcetera here. We should be showing our Spring
& Summer trunk show starting this week, but with the pandemic taking over our world,
we are going with an online shopping experience. This is a wonderful, bright, feel-good
collection with something that will appeal to everyone no matter what your lifestyle,
age or shape. The team and I can offer you the same personal shopping experience, service
and beautiful clothes you are used to if you've shopped with us before. If you haven't,
now is the time to check it out with an online shopping appointment. A little retail therapy
may lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to. Take a peek here and let
me know how I can help.  https://elizabethkurz.etcetera.com/  




 One more idea- remember the old fashioned way we used to communicate when we
had more time? Pick up the phone and call someone. Enjoy a human voice instead of
reading the words of a text!

                           Stay safe. Take care of yourselves and your families!

Spring!

New season- new stuff

The Coronavirus has turned our world upside-down.
Travel plans, investments, entertainment options, going
to the gym, no school and just everyday routines. The
best approach may be to just do your utmost
to stay healthy, use common sense and make good decisions.

Boost your immune system. Up your hydration. Dehydration weakens
your cells ability to function at their best and prevent infection.
This means more water and alcohol in moderation.
Try to reduce your stress which can compromise your immune system
and releases cortisol which contributes to inflammation. Try meditation
or exercise. Eat more fruits and veggies that provide the antioxidants
 your body need to fight infections. Get enough Vitamin D- which
helps your body produce antibodies to fight infections- sunshine, whole
 eggs, fatty fish. Get enough sleep. And WASH YOUR HANDS often.


Take a look at your beauty products. They can be effective without
harmful or questionable ingredients. What you put on your body
(skin) is as important as what you put in it, when it comes to your long
term health. I'm taking advantage of Beautycounter's philosophy
for better beauty through safer, effective products. I recommend
their Countertime regimen or products for firming, plumping/
softening wrinkles and brightening. It uses natural plants, bakuchiol
and Swiss alpine rose that combine to mimic the effects of retinol.
                 
                for more info- www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1


Embrace some new colors for a new season! When you look good,
you feel good, too.
Most every woman I know is suffering from ABD- Abundant Black
Disorder. Yes, it's easy and safe but is it brightening you up? Time to try
the seasons's big colors- shades of green-mint, jade, olive, forest,
"gelato" pastels, warm neutrals, pops of neon brights and pantone's
cobalt blue





Check out some new trends to change up your looks.
White pant suits are trendy for spring. Try a slightly relaxed look with a little
wider pant. Florals are still on trend but a bit more sophisticated and less
peasanty. Think Anna Wintour's style. Blazers are in style so put away your cardigan.
Boxy and a bit longer make them look newer. Single breasted is usually more
flattering. Petite girls can still do a shorter, more proportionate look to make it work.
A crochet piece will add new interest to your wardrobe, too.

Refresh a relationship. Reach out to someone you haven't been in touch with for
 awhile. Maybe you were waiting to hear from them first, or your paths don't cross
as much as they used to, or something happened to change things- whatever.
There's a good chance they will be glad you made contact and you'll enjoy catching up,
 Maybe you'll  renew the friendship. Spring's the season for renewal. :)