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This is for the guys….5 tips feel comfortable and look sharp while working from home!

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Image Pixabay

Calling all our guy readers…Just because you’re spending all your weekdays now working from home doesn’t mean you can’t still look sharp! Of course, as any guy knows, the trick is to look good while still feeling comfortable. Your home office probably doesn’t have the same suit-and-tie requirements that your old office did, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look put-together every day. In fact, some studies have even shown that changing out of your pajamas and putting on a more dapper outfit can have positive psychological effects that might even boost your motivations and improve your work product. For men who want to look great but feel comfy while working from home, here are some of the top clothing tips to remember.

1. Unpredictable Weather Patterns? Dressing in Layers Is Key

Do you live in an area with totally unpredictable weather patterns that seem to change every fifteen minutes? If so, dressing in layers is key, especially if you like to spend part of your workday working from your balcony, patio or backyard. If the temperatures are cool in the morning but get hot by midday, for instance, a light T-shirt topped with a suave jacket could be the answer. Check out these key pieces perfect for layering:

  • A cotton V-neck shirt
  • A light jean jacket
  • Pants that can be adjusted into shorts
  • Mid-length khakis

2. For Work Video Calls, Professional Shirts Made With Comfy Materials Are a Go-To

Just about everyone at this point has had the experience of needing to hop on a video call for work in the middle of the day, and when this happens, looking professional is essential. However, your bottom half may not matter as much since it won’t be on camera! That means that even if you’re still rocking your sweatpants, you’ll want to pull on a classy dress shirt. The trick here is choosing soft, comfy materials like cotton or polyester blends, so you won’t get that stiff, starchy, scratchy feeling that all too often comes with high-end professional shirts.

3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Comfortable Underwear

You might think that having plain versus pouch underwear might not make a big difference to your comfort levels at home, but a simple trial of comfier underwear could prove you wrong. Comfortable undergarments like boxers made from stretchy materials, for instance, can actually have a big impact on your overall level of comfort. This makes sense since it’s the most basic layer of your outfit! To be cozy overall, start at the core level with a solid pair of underpants.

4. On Work-From-the-Couch Days, Consider Tailored Hoodies

On days where there are no work calls to worry about, tailored hoodies could be the way to go. Hoodies are casual enough to wear while working from the couch from 9:00 to 5:00, but if you choose one made with nice materials and get it tailored, it could look snazzier on you than you realize!

5. Don’t Forget About Keeping Your Feet Warm, Too

Although it’s totally fine to go barefoot all day while at home, if you get chilly indoors or live in a colder climate, part of completing your outfit and staying cozy is keeping your feet warm, too. There are plenty of options for slip-on shoes that look great but feel comfortable, too – just try a pair of leather boat-style shoes that are fleece-lined on the inside, for instance.

Maybe your commute now involves moving from the bed to the couch and your pet dog is essentially your coworker, but just because you’re working from home all day doesn’t mean you have to start dressing poorly. With the right outfit planning, it’s totally possible to dress for success while still feeling comfortable. For any men interested in keeping up dapper appearances without compromising on comfort, these five clothing tips are key.

How to Make A Detox Bath Salts with Essential Oils

adapted from Thehouseandhomestead.com

A friend gave me these Detox Bath Salts and I was amazed at how nice and relaxing they were. I was so surprised by how easy they are to make. My girls and I have been making them for a while now. I have tried a few different scents and I think I like Lavender the best but there are so many essential oil scents to choose from.

  • ½ cup Epsom salts
  • ½ cup sea salt
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10-15 drops of essential oils scent of your choice. I really like this SET.

Mix the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add your essential oils. I add about 15 drops of essential oil to this recipe (per 1/2 cup of salt).

Scoop it into pretty jars. I purchased THESE. I really like that they come with scoops.

And now it’s time to take a nice long bath. Enjoy!

A New Find…Hudson Babylon and Hudson NY.

Have you ever been to Hudson, NY? It has been on my wish list FOREVER. I read about this quaint, oh so popular, town with its many vintage and antique furniture stores, art galleries, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Enter my new friend, Hudson Babylon. Through the owner, Linda, I have learned so much about this unique area, only 120 miles from NYC. But most importantly, Linda has taught me so much about Vintage jewelry. She features the most wonderfully rare items, available to purchase through her INSTAGRAM. I am so impressed with the pieces that she curates. I am planning my own trip to Hudson soon but in the meanwhile, let me show you some of Linda’s beautiful jewelry.

I love these hearts…not only for Valentines day but heart earrings are all the rage these days…I love them with a cute blouse and jeans…

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For more information click HERE

I love these art deco earrings…such a statement and the brushed gold color, OMG. I’m putting these on my wish list ASAP.

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For more information click HERE

This is one of my favorite Napier charm bracelets, I love the combination of all the colored stones and of course the Asian influence.

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For more information click HERE

I am obsessed with Turquoise rings and there is something about the black enamel setting that takes it to another level.

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For more information click HERE

I have never seen such a cool tiger ring..I would love to try this on!!! Another wish list add!!!!! OH NO!!!

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For more information click HERE

Here are more spectacular charm bracelets…They look so incredible worn 2 together.

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For more information click HERE

I have so much love for this Givenchy perfume bottle necklace….It’s out of this world gorgeous.

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For more information click HERE

Hudson Babylon does a great job finding the best art deco pieces. How incredible are these earrings??!!!…

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For more information click HERE

I have had many requests for snake jewelry..I love this vintage wrap around bracelet. The detail is amazing.

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For more information click HERE

Here is one of my favorite pieces, the elephant jeweled charm bracelet..this is so beautiful.

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For more information click HERE

I also love their statement bracelets, this flame design is so unique..I have really not seen anything like this…

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For more information click HERE

Another fabulous Givenchy pendant. We gave a similar one to a friend for her 50th birthday. This is such a classic treasure. It will never go out of style. Also love the bold colors of this piece.

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For more information click HERE

Since circle earrings are also all the rage I thought I would show you these 2 pairs. I cannot decide which I love more but they both would look great with so many outfits all year round. They are just so hip looking…

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For more information click HERE

Valentine’s Day Picks

You can never have too many hearts or too much chocolate!!!! That is why I love Valentine’s Day. It is such a wonderful holiday to celebrate all the ones that you love. Here are a bunch of sweet gifts for all the special people in your life. I am planning in buying that pretty agate cheese platter and making a yummy charcuterie platter for my family. My daughter would love that waffle maker for treats for her and her roommates. I have heard only amazing things about the new Dry Bar round hair drying brush. The new Diptyque candle had been on my list too. Happy Heart Shopping!!

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Coat//Brush//Cotton Candy//Waffle Maker//Candle//Backgammon////Zip Front Sweater//Heart Ring//Pearl Ring//Nail Polish//Heart Sweater//Candy Box//Loop Earrings//Cheese Board

Book Club Monday

A friend recommended this week’s book to me. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover and I was at first hesitant to post about it. The storyline is tough and can be difficult to read but really grabs your heart and you will come away spellbound and loving it and also the characters, even the ones who are the most flawed.

Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.Amazon.com

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

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Ina’s Split Pea Soup

I am still in the soup making mode here. I have been dying for a really good pea soup recipe. The other day I found Ina’s recipe and was so intrigued since people said that it is the best version yet! If pea soup is not your thing, I am including my Chicken and Dumplings recipe…it is a staple in our house and a favorite for everyone who makes it. Back to the pea soup, it is so easy to make. It’s quick and comes out so thick and hearty. The secret is letting it simmer nice and slow. Bon Appetit!!!

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Image Food Network

1 cup chopped yellow onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 cup good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups medium-diced carrots (3 to 4 carrots)

1 cup medium-diced red boiling potatoes, unpeeled (3 small)

1 pound dried split green peas

8 cups chicken stock or water

In a 4-quart stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper until the onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, 1/2 pound of split peas, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Skim off the foam while cooking. Add the remaining split peas and continue to simmer for another 40 minutes, or until all the peas are soft. Stir frequently to keep the solids from burning on the bottom. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot.