5 Small Cosmetic Items That Can Boost Your Confidence

Are you feeling stressed or down and looking for some small cosmetic items to boost your confidence? This article will look at five minor items you could treat yourself to on a budget. Try these small steps towards well-being and self-confidence today.

Pexels-CC0 License

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can include minor items like teeth whitening or dental cleanings. Dental clinics like Sage Dental can help you to enhance your smile and your inner confidence with some minor teeth treatments. Treat yourself to a whiter or cleaner smile with a very small investment in an appointment and treatment. Even a simple dental check-up can do wonders for your self-esteem.

A Facial 

A facial is a spa treatment that can help nourish and enhance your skin. You can treat yourself to a one-off facial, or even buy products directly from a retailer like Elemis for a product that you can use time and time again. After a facial, you may even be offered a discount on subsequent products or services. Facials help to cleanse your pores, nourish your skin, and even remove dead skin cells through the use of an exfoliator.

Manicure Or Pedicure

A manicure or pedicure is a great way to get beautiful nails. You can get them done by a professional, or invest in a home kit that you can do yourself. Whether you purchase your own nail varnishes, hand cream, or moisturizers, when you treat yourself to a home pedicure or manicure you inevitably save money over getting one done by a professional. You could even invest in a foot spa to do your own full mani-pedi homecare routine.

Workouts

While not technically a cosmetic procedure, working out is a great investment in getting the body you want without investing in any treatments. To get the body you want, consider using apps like MyFitnessPal, or Strava to start tracking your journey to wellness. Regular exercise helps to release endorphins and other chemicals that help you to feel good. This can be longer-lasting than investing in a cosmetic treatment.

Invest In Red Lips Or Smokey Eyes

Red lips can make you feel confident and powerful. Invest in red lipstick or gloss for a bold look that will make you feel good. Consider purchasing a firm favorite for an iconic look like Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick for a stunning look that you can use and refill. You could also pair your red lips with smokey eyes for a bold look that can make your eyes pop. Makeup is a great temporary cosmetic way to boost confidence and self-esteem. 

Summary

You don’t need to invest a lot to feel good. Consider treating yourself to a facial, manicure, or pedicure, or investing in products that you can use at home to treat yourself. For a longer-term cosmetic enhancement consider planning some workouts and track them on a fitness app to document your path to wellness. Finally, use makeup as a quick pick-me-up, particularly with bold statement items like red lips or smokey eyes.

Taking You Into “The Fashion Department”

One of my favorite podcasts is The Fashion Department with Stylist Tina Broccole. Tina’s podcast promises to explore the world of fashion and how it informs all aspects of life from dress to lifestyle to food and to travel. I have been a guest on the podcast 2 times and love working with Tina. I was able to sit down with her and ask her a few questions about her background in fashion and her show. You can listen to The Fashion Department by clicking HERE.

Screenshot 2023 09 27 at 4.51.43 PM

Tell us about your background in fashion?

I worked as a mens/women stylist, window dresser, and retail merchandiser for an upscale department store for 9 years. I started free lancing in my spare time and that grew into a personal styling business. 

What prompted you to start your podcast?

I had a successful radio show for 12 years that was hyper-local to Greenwich CT. The transition to podcasting was a natural evolution of the radio show allowing me to extend my reach to a much wider audience   

What is the primary focus of the episodes?

The primary focus of each episode ranges from style trends to the business of fashion.

How do you find guests?

Guests are usually from a network of fashion industry friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

Do you have any ice breaker questions for your guests to kick off the conversation?

I usually discuss show topics with my guests beforehand that way they are prepared and ready to jump right into the show

How do you come up with the questions for your guest?

Part of my pre-taping process is researching and talking to each guest to learn about them and share with my listeners 

How much research do you do to familiarize yourself prior to the interview?

A bit of research is done for each guest but most of the time I will have conversations prior to taping as it will shape the questions and topics we discuss 

How would you describe your podcast in 3 words?

Informative, Fun, Savvy

Did you have one particular guest that you found the most interesting?  Surprising?

The most interesting guests are those who give us insight into their professional world, they are great storytellers and love to share their passions with me

Whats the best thing about hosting a podcast?

The best thing about hosting a podcast is connecting + sharing. I get to connect with incredibly talented people and then share that with my listeners. 

How does your pod cast help your business?

Podcasting is just part of my business in addition to styling as it is a stream of revenue that supports my brand. It allows people to listen, watch, read, or shop under one umbrella which is TinaBroccole.com

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start a podcast?

My advice is to think about what you want to share, and what excites you, and then just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, the beautiful thing about starting something new is you will learn and grow as you gain experience. You will get better each time, and you will be able to hear your progress as time goes on. 

5 Tips for Remodeling Your Fur Coat

I recently sat down with Richard Fabrizo of Fabrizo Furs to ask about remodeling some hand-me-down furs from my mother. Richard is an expert with over 40 years of experience in the fur business. He will take your outdated fur and give it a professional makeover so you will want to wear it all the time.  He can design a stunning vest, a cozy poncho, or a casual zippered cardigan from the fur you are not wearing. For more information on remodeling your own coat, email Richard directly! Below is a fur vest that was remodeled from one of our lovely reader’s grandmother’s mink coats.

Screenshot 2023 09 26 at 4.59.51 AM 2
    Screenshot 2023 09 26 at 5.00.12 AM 1

    Here are a few questions we asked about the process:

    Can an old fur coat be refurbished?

    In most cases, an older fur coat be remodeled, reworked, restyled, recycled, refurbished, altered, and repaired depending on its condition. We carefully examine the coat before we undertake any work to make sure it’s a candidate for whatever project we are planning. The leather or hide side of any fur is the most important factor. If we find the leather to be too dry and brittle no work can be done. In many cases, the hair side can look to be in excellent shape but if the leather is not pliable we can not proceed.

    How do you refresh a fur coat?

    Refreshing a coat usually refers to some sort of cleaning process. Fur coats are cleaned in a large vat with cleaning chemicals and a product similar to sawdust. The sawdust absorbs the fluids and tumbles around a circular drum removing all forms of soil. The coat is then transferred to another drum with wire mesh. As the coat tumbles the sawdust drops to the bottom of the wire mesh cage. After the coat is cleaned and removed from the drum the hair side is steamed with an iron with a glazing product that makes it silky and soft. These steps are done yearly to keep any fur coat in excellent shape, both the hair and leather side.

    What makes a fur coat valuable?

      What actually determines the value of fur is the consumer. It has always been an issue of supply and demand. Most fur skins are purchased at international auctions. Prices are always influenced by fashion trends. Prices are lower in today’s market as fur coats are not as popular in the US and other areas. The markets in Asia are booming? In the US recycling is the current way of thinking for most women of all ages. Remodeling your own, mother’s or grandmother’s old fur is a way of practicing sustainability. 

      What is the most popular redesign?

      Today the most popular redesigns are shorter ( long fur coats are no longer desired) and more casual styles. Vests, bomber jackets, denim jackets lined with fur, reversible coats, etc. We also do many wool or cashmere styles that can be trimmed with your old fur. Also popular are small shrugs, boleros, and more dressy styles that can be worn with a cocktail dress or jeans depending upon the accessories being worn. It normally takes between 3 to 4 weeks to complete most redesigns. Some are very basic and some are more detailed. Samples are usually available for one to see, or photos and sketches are provided. There are times when we first fit a canvas sample (muslin) based on measurements to ensure a perfect fit.

      Can all coats be remodeled?

        Normally fur can only be totally remodeled once. We will advise and guide you on what is the best use of your old coat. Sometimes one can get two or even three styles from one big coat! The options are endless…even blankets, throws, and pillows are doable.

        Sweeney Todd Our November Show

        For the first time since 1980, Broadway audiences can experience Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award®–winning score as it was performed in the original production—with Jonathan Tunick’s classic 26-player orchestration on an epic scale. Tony Award–winning director Thomas Kail (Hamilton) helms the return of this musical thriller starring Tony and Grammy® nominee Josh Groban (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) as Sweeney Todd and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sunday in the Park With GeorgeKinky Boots) as Mrs. Lovett. We have Orchestra tickets for November 8th at 8pm for $125. EMAIL ME TO SAVE YOUR SPOT!!

        Screenshot 2023 09 25 at 1.42.17 PM

        The central character, Sweeney Todd, is a barber who has returned to London after being wrongfully imprisoned for many years. He seeks revenge against Judge Turpin, the corrupt judge who ruined his life and falsely sent him to prison. Sweeney’s initial plan is to find his wife and daughter, who were taken from him, but he soon becomes consumed by his thirst for vengeance.

        Sweeney sets up a barber shop above a pie shop owned by Mrs. Lovett. As he begins to murder his customers, he and Mrs. Lovett hatch a gruesome scheme to dispose of the bodies: she bakes them into meat pies and serves them to unsuspecting customers. This leads to a series of darkly comedic and chilling events as Sweeney’s lust for revenge grows, and Mrs. Lovett’s pie business flourishes.

        The story also introduces several other characters, including Anthony Hope, a young sailor who falls in love with Sweeney’s daughter, Johanna, and Toby, a simple-minded boy who becomes Mrs. Lovett’s assistant. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters’ fates become increasingly entwined in a tale of murder, madness, and moral ambiguity.

        “Sweeney Todd” is known for its haunting music, complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as revenge, injustice, and the corrupting influence of obsession. It’s a dark and thrilling musical that combines elements of horror, black comedy, and tragedy, making it a unique and enduring work of musical theater.

        How to Start Seeing the Fitness Results You Want

        Choose Effective Workouts

        Another thing you need to do is be effective with your workouts. Choosing the right exercises will help you to get faster results when you hit the gym. Choosing compound exercises, such as step-ups, bicep curls, and even calf raises will also help here. You can then add dance to speed up results. To obtain the best result, you can enroll yourself in dance schools singapore. As long as you focus on working those major muscle groups, you should see a huge improvement.

        Screenshot 2023 09 26 at 9.19.32 AM

        Lift Weights


        A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that if they want to lose weight, then they need to lift weights. This isn’t true at all. You will never be able to get the results you want if you don’t vary your routine. With weightlifting, you will soon find that you end up building muscle, elevating your metabolism and even burn body fat. This is all great and you would be surprised at what a difference it could make to your routine, but only if you combine it with other workout methods. 

        Choose Effective Workouts

        Another thing you need to do is be effective with your workouts. Choosing the right exercises will help you to get faster results when you hit the gym. Choosing compound exercises, such as step-ups, bicep curls and even calf raises will also help here. You can then add exercises to speed up results, but either way, as long as you focus on working those major muscle groups, you should see a huge improvement.

        Workout Density

        Another way for you to start seeing bigger and better results would be for you to increase your workout density. Your density is how much you are doing in a particular amount of time. You may be doing 10 sets of 10 reps with a squat at 100lbs, in half an hour. That being said, if you want to amp up the intensity then one thing you can do is the same but in 20 minutes. This is a fantastic way for you to elevate your performance and it means you can get way better results in a shorter time frame.

        Take A Supplement
        Another thing you can do if you want to speed up your workout routine would be for you to take a supplement. If you haven’t done so already then explore the idea of taking protein powder or even workout smoothies. MK 677 is also a great option if you have yet to explore it. Of course, when the time comes for you to work out, you do need to make sure that you are taking your supplement ahead of time. You may also need to take it after the gym, depending on the results you are going for. If you can do this then you are bound to see a huge improvement in your fitness.

        Seven Tips For Pain Relief

        Screenshot 2023 09 25 at 3.45.02 PM

        Image Source

        Pain is a common human experience that can range from minor discomfort to severe agony. In certain circumstances, it helps by alerting us of injuries like a damaged ankle or the eruption of a wisdom tooth. For many people, however, pain can linger for a long time, leading to needless suffering and interference with everyday life.

        Around 50 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. It’s important to realize that there are now many options available for treating chronic pain that don’t need invasive procedures or the usage of drugs. Here are seven methods to effectively control and relieve your pain:

        1. Consult a healthcare professional

        A healthcare professional can guide and manage the proper therapies or treatments. This might entail using analgesics, performing strengthening and mobility exercises in physical therapy, or, in some cases, even undergoing surgery. Their advice reduces the possibility of receiving ineffective or perhaps harmful therapies and guarantees you receive the best evidence-based solutions for your disease.

        Pain is a complex and elusive experience with many different causes, from nerve-related illnesses to problems with the musculoskeletal system. Functional medicine specialists in the medical field can accurately determine the root cause of your discomfort. So, for a successful consultation, research what is a functional medicine doctor and find the best provider near you. Precise diagnosis forms the cornerstone of effective treatment, enabling your doctor to customize their approach to your unique condition.

        1. Exercise gently

        Low-impact exercises like swimming, gardening, dancing, and walking can reduce pain by obstructing pain signals to the brain. Additionally, by encouraging the stretching of tight and sore muscles, ligaments, and joints, these exercises help to lessen pain.

        When pain is a concern, and you worry about aggravating the problem, hesitating about exercising is normal. However, there is little chance of danger or damage if you steadily raise your level of physical activity. Gentle exercise may initially cause some discomfort, but this is frequently a sign that your muscles and joints are growing more resilient. The long-term benefits of regular exercise far outweigh any temporary increase in pain.

        1. Use heat and cold therapy

        Heat and cold therapy are contrasting approaches that leverage the power of temperature to help ease pain and discomfort. Here’s a quick rundown on the two:

        • Heat Therapy:  Heat can be applied to sore or painful areas to stop bleeding, relax muscles, and reduce stiffness. Heat is beneficial for chronic conditions such as back pain or arthritis. You can use heat sources such as a heater, hot water bottle, bath, and towels. Ensure the heat is tolerable to avoid burning your skin.
        • Cold therapy: Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, involves applying cold to reduce inflammation and numb the area, which can be especially beneficial for acute injuries or areas with swelling. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, and this helps lessen discomfort and prevent tissue damage. Effective cold treatment includes cold packs, ice packs, or frozen vegetables wrapped in fabric. To avoid frostbite or other skin damage, use a barrier, such as a cloth or towel, to block direct contact between the cold source and your skin.
        1. Use supportive devices

        Supportive devices are essential in managing pain because they provide additional comfort and support to people who have various musculoskeletal or orthopedic issues. Orthopedic pillows and cushions represent a common category of these supportive devices. These pillows are engineered to facilitate proper body alignment, alleviate pressure on sensitive areas, and reduce discomfort during sleep or prolonged sitting.

        Moreover, ergonomic furniture may have a significant impact on alleviating pain since it is made to reduce strain and promote better posture. Such tools include ergonomic desks, seats, and keyboards, all of which help reduce pain caused by prolonged sitting or repetitive strain injuries.

        1. Sleep and rest

        Sleep is important to the body’s capacity to repair and recover from pain-related illnesses. When well-rested, you’re able to cope with pain and discomfort.

        The key to good sleep is consistency. Your body’s internal clock can be regulated by creating a regular sleep pattern that includes going to bed and getting up at the exact times every day. This consistency enhances the quality of your sleep and ensures you benefit from the restorative phases of sleep, which are essential for pain relief.

        1. Practice mind-body techniques

        Since they acknowledge the intimate relationship between the mind and body, mind-body techniques are effective for pain treatment. These methods emphasize using the mind’s power to impact pain relief, stress reduction, and general well-being. Try the following:

        • Meditation: Meditation involves practicing mindfulness and concentration to achieve a state of mental clarity and relaxation. It can be particularly effective in pain management by shifting your focus away from discomfort and reducing pain perception.
        • Deep breathing exercises: Controlled breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can soothe the nervous system and reduce muscular stress. These techniques are beneficial when dealing with unpleasant or stressful situations.
        • Guided imagery: Using your mind to conjure tranquil and comforting mental pictures is known as guided imagery. You can distract your focus from discomfort and feel relieved by picturing peaceful and relaxing images.
        • Yoga and tai chi: Yoga and tai chi are physical practices that combine movement, breathing, and mindfulness. These disciplines promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation, making them valuable for pain management, especially for conditions that benefit from increased physical activity and improved body awareness.
        1. Try alternative therapies

        Alternative therapies provide non-conventional methods for pain relief alongside traditional medical treatments. While not the sole solution, alternative therapies can complement conventional treatments, providing holistic approaches to pain management when tailored to individual needs.

        Some of these include:

        • Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate natural healing and relieve various pain types. 
        • Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal alignment, aiding conditions like back pain. 
        • Massage therapy eases muscle tension and enhances circulation, which is beneficial for fibromyalgia and sports injuries. 
        • Herbal remedies and supplements, such as turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids, offer natural anti-inflammatory properties but should be used with healthcare guidance.

        Conclusion

        Alleviating pain is a complex process that frequently combines medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and self-care techniques. The secret is collaborating closely with medical experts to determine the best treatment options for your pain. By integrating these seven tips for pain relief into your daily life, you can take proactive steps toward improving your well-being and finding relief from pain.