Day 24: The 8 best beauty investments of all time

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 24: Give advice

The 8 best beauty investments of all time

Even though everybody agrees that real beauty comes from the inside, looking good on the outside is important too.  If it wasn’t, the cosmetics companies wouldn’t be a multi-million dollar industry.  Some visit a spa every so often, others make regular visits to the beauty salon, while others still try every miracle product that comes on the market.  Just what are the 10 best beauty investments of all time?

1. Moisturizer

If you want to keep your skin soft and supple and keep wrinkles at bay, a moisturizer suitable for your skin type is imperative.  A moisturizer will feed your skin the nutrients it needs and slow down the aging process.

2. Sunscreen

Nothing ages you faster than the sun, so you should make sure to wear this all year long.  Look for one that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

3. Dermatological check-Up

Any untreated condition is only going to get worse, especially acne, varicose veins, or in the worst case scenario, early signs of skin cancer. Invest in regular checkups to stay ahead of any potential problems.

4. Good haircut

A good haircut makes hair easier to maintain and won't require as many damaging styling products to make it look good.

5. Hand lotion and cuticle cream

You don't need a specially formulated cream for your hands - any rich body lotion will work -- but you do need to make sure to moisturize your hands and cuticles often. Your hands give away even more about your age than your face.

6. Fresh fruit & vegetables

No matter how many vitamins and supplements you may take, nothing can replace the nutrients you can get from food. Try organic produce to ensure you're not eating additives you're not expecting. Plus, seasonal produce will not only taste better but will ensure you're eating food at its height of freshness and nutritional value.

7. Gym membership, bicycle, or fitness equipment

Exercise not only keeps you fit and healthy but relieves stress, the effects of which can take a huge toll on your skin and cause premature aging.  The Mayo Clinic recommends 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a few times a week.

8. Comfortable mattress and pillow

The old adage about getting your beauty sleep is true; you should strive to get at least 7 hours each night. Since many of us have crazy schedules that make it hard to get your hours in, wasting an hour tossing and turning on an uncomfortable bed will only set you back.

Invest in yourself. It won’t be long before you’ll experience the benefits.

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10 Tips on how to save money

In today’s world it’s all about going green, eating organic and saving money. Just this morning I came across an article that promised all kinds of money saving tips, along with tips for a healthier lifestyle. Not all the tips were helpful though.

Tip 1: Put plants in your bedroom

This might not be such a good idea. While some plants might be air purifying and give off oxygen, others give off carbon dioxide at night. The last time I was in hospital the nurses removed all plants from the rooms and put them in the corridor.

Tip 2: Install a low flow shower head

Sorry but not on your life. I lived in a condo a while back where the bathroom had a low flow shower head and I put up with it for exactly three days. After that I called the management office and the superintendent and demanded a regular shower head. Have you ever tried to get shampoo and conditioner out of your hair with a low flow shower head … it takes forever.

Tip 3: Clean with vinegar

While vinegar might work for same purposes, in general it doesn’t do the trick. For instance, I tried to clean the inside glass of the oven door. I tried vinegar, I tried baking soda, I tried the two combined with quite a bit of elbow grease and nothing worked. Only when I switched to Cif, steel wool and elbow grease did the glass get clean.

Tip 4: Unplug the TV when not in use

A fine idea but impossible to execute in my place. My TV sits in a wall unit. In order for me to unplug the appliance I would have to move the nine foot cabinet or squeeze through the gap between the cabinet and the wall (which is about 4 inches). I’m slender, but I’m not that thin.

Tip 5: Invite friends in winter

Instead of turning on the heat, the article suggests that I throw a party and cuddle up with my friends to keep warm. My friends are spread over the four corners of the earth so that’s not going to work. And even if they could come over at a moment’s notice, and I would want to snuffle up with them, I’ll bet they would say … “Hey, don’t get fresh”, or “Sorry, I’m married”.

The writer also recommend snuggling up with a cat, a dog, or another animal. Well yeah, that can work, but eventually the animal will move.

Tip 6: Use a microwave vs. a conventional oven

Sorry but in my case that is not going to happen. You can’t roast a chicken in a microwave; you can’t make a pizza in the microwave; and you certainly can’t make roast potatoes in the microwave. Not to mention the amount of radiation the food gets exposed to. In another article, another writer cautioned consumers about over using a microwave.

Tip 7: Sleep on organic sheets

You know, I’d love to sleep on organic sheets, unfortunately I can’t afford them. A quick price check revealed the following … set of white sheets in Walmart $14, set of organic white sheets in Pottery Barn $50.

Tip 8: Wool not polyester

The writer recommends switching from polyester sweaters and blankets to woolen ones. Again, I’d love to, but my bank account is going to protest. Real wool sweaters and blankets cost about four times more than polyester ones. Plus, cleaning them is a nightmare. I remember washing a cashmere sweater ones and after drying it was the size of a handkerchief.

Tip 9: Go for a mattress that is not treated with chemicals

I did some comparing here too and I was rather shocked. A regular mattress at JC penny $399, at Sears $359, at Mattress Firm $599. A mattress not treated with chemicals at Austin Natural Mattress between $1,299 and $3,500 (on sale mind you).

Tip 10: Shop at a farmers market

Not too long ago I was at a farmers market and walked away empty handed. The fruits and vegetables were beautiful and much bigger than in the supermarket, unfortunately they were also much more expensive.

Bell peppers in supermarket - $0.60

Bell pepper at farmers market - $1.50

Strawberries in supermarket - $2.99

Strawberries at farmers market - $5.99

Zucchini in supermarket - $1.20

Zucchini at farmers market - $3.00

You get the idea.

I’m sure that many of us would like to go organic, but it’s just too darn expensive.

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