Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Women spend a staggering $426 billion each year on beauty products. Despite large price tags, many big name products don’t deliver, and they’re filled with chemicals. Luckily, natural products provide affordable options for those wishing to achieve a radiant, healthy appearance.

Want to learn more about these healthy natural products? Read on for eight cheap hacks that will lower your beauty budget while improving your health and good looks.

1. The Ultimate Moisturizer

Hemp oil will revitalize your skincare routine. Naturally green in color, hemp boasts a high chlorophyll content like avocado and olive oils.

This endows it with anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your health and improve your complexion. Unlike avocado and olive oils, hemp oil is more easily absorbed into the skin. So, its benefits penetrate deeper.

Essential fatty acids have received serious attention over the last few years and with good reason. The right combination of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids nourish the body and brain. Hemp oil contains the perfect ratio of all three.

What’s more, it contains an especially nourishing form of omega-6 fat. Known as gamma linoleum acid (GLA), this omega-6 fat works overtime to heal skin and promote a radiant glow. GLA ramps up metabolism and harmonizes hormonal imbalances.

When applied to the skin, hemp oil has a cooling and soothing effect. High in vitamin E, it promotes skin health and rejuvenation. Shop now to get started on your journey to affordable beauty and health.

2. Bath Oils & Salts

There’s no better way to relieve stress than by taking a relaxing bath. Why not use this time for a luxurious skin treatment, too?

Add hemp oil to your bath to promote the detoxification and rejuvenation of your skin. Highly absorbable, hemp oil fortifies, soothes, and nourishes tired, dry complexions.

Because of its omega fatty acids, hemp works as an effective emollient. It smooths and softens the skin and hair. And, when added to your soak, hemp oil-infused bath salts immerse skin in crucial vitamins and minerals.

3. Natural Exfoliants

Combined with sugars, salts, or clays, hemp oil transforms into a gentle exfoliant. It nourishes while removing dull, dead skin. And it penetrates deep into pores to moisturize and create a radiant glow.

Exfoliating regularly purges the body of toxins while revitalizing your skin’s look and health. These treatments also boost circulation to the skin’s surface further replenishing its suppleness and elasticity.

4. Sun Repair

Combined with other natural products, hemp oil can speed up recovery from sun damage. For example, mongongo oil offers a great complement to hemp.

Mongongo oil is high in polyunsaturated fats. When applied with hemp oil, it helps the body hold moisture. It also creates a protective barrier between your skin and environmental toxins and irritants.

Like hemp, mongongo oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Due to a high concentration of anti-oxidants, it repairs sun damage. Finally, both hemp and mongongo oil reduce inflammation promoting moisture balance and renewal.

Blended with coconut oil and raspberry seed or pomegranate oil, hemp oil provides additional sunburn relief. This blend heals and nourishes skin. It reduces inflammation, and it helps skin maintain its moisture and elasticity.

5. Anti-Aging Treatments

The most popular of all essential oils, lavender calms and soothes. But did you know that it also promotes brain function and better moods? It’s great for reducing stretch marks, dark spots, acne, and irritated complexions.

High in anti-oxidants, lavender oil creates a potent anti-aging combination when mixed with hemp oil. What’s more, it’s antibacterial and astringent qualities make it great for skin repair and regeneration.

Consider adding prickly pear to your list of natural beauty products as well. Prickly Pear seed oil contains more vitamin C than any other essential oil.

It’s quickly and easily absorbed by the skin. It stimulates cell renewal and skin elasticity. Finally, it prevents wrinkles.

6. Homemade Toners

If you’ve got sensitive skin, then you know how drying and irritating many toners can be. Tired of feeling tight-faced and parched after using store-bought products? Then, give a homemade toner a try.

Homemade toners are simple to make and more gentle on the skin. You also cut out exposure to unnecessary chemicals and irritants. Two of our favorites?

Combine the anti-inflammatory benefits of matcha green tea and the gentle properties of hemp oil. How? Start by steeping a bag of green tea.

After it cools, add a few drops of hemp oil and pour this mixture into a storage container. Use a cotton ball to apply it. This potent toner nourishes skin without stripping away moisture.

For those plagued by acne, try an apple cider vinegar toner. Mix one part organic raw apple cider vinegar with two parts filtered water and place in a jar. Shake the jar before each application and use a cotton ball to apply it.

7. Nourishing Hand Treatment

Constant washing, extreme temperatures, and chemicals can take their toll on our hands. Store bought lotions don’t help much. What’s more, they contain harmful chemicals and perfumes.

Instead, rub hemp oil into your hands at least two times a day. Make sure one of the times comes before bed when skin does most of its healing.

Prefer a hand lotion that’s a bit more substantial? Then, melt hemp oil with bee’s wax. The bee’s wax will help your skin retain moisture and protect it from the environment.

For an extra softening treatment, rub the hemp oil and bee’s wax mixture into your hands. Then, don soft cotton gloves and go to sleep. You’ll wake up to baby-soft hands!

8. Gentle Foot Scrub

Tired of unsightly dry feet and painful cracks? Try a gentle foot scrub made with natural products.

For a silky foot soak, fill your foot bath or basin with hot water. Add one tablespoon each of hemp oil and sea salt.

Sprinkle in a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil. Then, sit back and relax for at least five minutes.

For a foot steam treatment, cover your feet with hemp oil and lavender or tea tree oil. Wrap each one in a steaming towel. Let your feet steam for about 15 minutes.

Whether you opt for a soak or steam, gorgeous feet will greet you!

Natural Products

Are you intrigued by the beauty and health benefits of hemp oil? Ready to give it a try? So are we!

When it comes to the best natural beauty products on a budget, we’ve got you covered. Interested in more tips for living frugally? Check out our website and blog where you’ll find loads of freebies, giveaways, deals, and coupons.

Thrift shopping isn’t just for hipster college students and extreme penny pinchers. Getting clothes and accessories from thrift stores can be a fun scavenger hunt that will save you a significant amount of money.

But not all thrift store clothes are going to be gems or ones that are going to save you much in the long run. There are certain items, however, that are almost guaranteed to save you money in both the short and the long term.

Keep reading to learn about the 5 types of clothing that you should look out for when you’re thrifting if you’re looking to save money and look stylish.

1. Brand Name Clothes

High end and brand name clothes are usually quite expensive if you buy them new. Thrift shopping for brand name clothes can save you hundreds of dollars if you can find the brands you’re looking for.

Certain brands are quite trendy nowadays, like Ralph Lauren and Adidas for example. However, brand new clothes from these brands can start at $50 for a t-shirt or even hundreds of dollars for sweaters and jackets. You just can’t justify those prices if you’re on a budget.

These same brands can be found in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. Usually, t-shirts can be as little as a few dollars and even jackets can cost less than 20.

Looking for and buying brand name clothes while thrift shopping can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you the high-quality and trendy brands you want.

2. Jewelry and Accessories

What outfit is complete without some jewelry or an accessory like a watch or a hat? But nice accessories, especially jewelry, are expensive.

Thrifting for jewelry and accessories is a great way to elevate your style while staying on a budget. While the jewels and metals might not be super high quality, it is often hard to differentiate. That means you can stock up on cheap jewelry and accessories without anyone really knowing that they came from a thrift shop.

Thrift shops usually have huge stocks of jewelry, which gives you access to a wide variety of styles and products. The jewelry at thrift stores is also exceptionally low priced because of the high stock they have.

You can find necklaces, bracelets, watches, vintage pins, brooches, hats, rings, and more all at one location. Take your time sorting through the large selection to find pieces that really stand out and that can add an element of style to any outfit.

3. Men’s and Women’s Clothes

A mistake a lot of beginner thrifters make is only looking in either the men’s or the women’s section. Women tend to avoid the men’s section and men definitely steer clear of the women’s section.

But the fact is, each section has certain gems that would be missed if you didn’t look in both places.

The men’s section is usually home to many interesting graphic t-shirts, sweaters, and athletic wear. The women’s section, on the other hand, is usually much larger than the men’s section, which might give you a wider variety. It is also home to what’s seen as “women’s only” clothing items like skirts, dresses, and more form-fitting and feminine t-shirts.

Check out this website to learn more about women’s t-shirts and clothing items.

4. High-Quality Fabrics and Materials

Besides brand names, another thing you can save big on by thrift shopping is clothes made of certain expensive materials. Real leather, cotton, denim, wool, and linen are all durable and high-quality fabrics that can be expensive if you buy them new.

Getting thrifted items made of these materials will save you a lot of money while also giving you items that will last. Buying cheap, thrifted clothes made of cheaper material might be good in the moment, but chances are those clothes won’t last very long.

You’re better off buying clothes from thrift stores that are made of good quality materials. You’ll save money on the price of the item and you’ll save by getting a product that will last a long time instead of needing to be replaced soon after it’s purchased.

5. Shop Seasonally

This tip is true for both thrift shopping and “regular” retail shopping. You’ll usually get great deals and discounts on seasonal items at the end of that season.

For example, the end of summer would be a good time to go shopping for shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. The end of winter will be the perfect time to look for thick winter sweaters, winter boots, and jackets.

If you think you get great seasonal deals at retail stores, then you’ll be amazed at the types of deals you’ll get at thrift stores. You’ll be getting huge discounts on already discounted items. You’ll be paying a fraction of what you would at a retail store and getting even more of a break because of the seasonal discounts.

A word of caution on this tip: the end of a season usually will bring a lot of people looking for seasonal deals. You want to get out to the thrift stores sooner rather than later to avoid everything being cleared out by other thrift shoppers.

Thrift Shopping Can Save You Money

Living on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t have great style. Thrift shopping means that high-quality and brand name clothes can be yours for a fraction of the retail price.

Thrift shopping isn’t always easy. You’ll probably have to go to a few different thrift shops many different times in order to find some things that are name brand, high-quality, and your style. It can take some dedication, but getting high quality and stylish clothes for a low cost is definitely worth it.

Check out our blog to find more tips on frugal living. You can also find lists of helpful deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons on our website.

Spring is just around the corner. The world will soon be full of fresh vegetation, baby animals, and cool fashion trends for spring.

Women get a bad reputation when it comes to clothes and shopping. There’s a stereotype that women spend far too much on clothes that they’ll wear once.

To some extent this is true. About 50% of women say that they don’t use 25% of their wardrobe. Seventy-three percent of women say they update 25% of their closets every three months.

Luckily, there’s no need to spend tons of money on fashion if you know how to shop thriftily. These cool fashion trends will help you stay up-to-date without breaking the bank.

Original Denim

This spring, original denim will be in. Clothes hoarders and thrift shopper rejoice.

The original denim trend means we’ll see more jean jackets and original cut denim pants out and about. These pieces pair perfectly with other trendy spring items like floral blouses and romantic, flowy dresses.

If you’ve held onto your clothes from the 90s, see if you have any old denim pieces in there. You can also ask friends and family if they have any old pieces you could take off their hands.

Trenches

Trench coats will always be a spring trend as the temperatures rise and the rainy season starts.

This season, you’ll notice updated silhouettes as well as traditional cuts. One new take on a trench that we love is one with bell sleeves from Mango.

Outerwear is something we recommend splurging on for a better quality coat that will last you a bit longer. This is especially the case for a piece that will continuously come back into style each year.

Florals

Florals will pretty much always be a spring trend. After wearing blacks and greys all winter, we can’t wait to don pretty pastels that reflect the new flowers blooming around us.

You don’t have to buy these pieces new. Check out which floral pieces you have from last season that are still in good shape.

Consignment shops are also a great place to check at the beginning of spring. In many cases, you can get items from your favorite labels at a deep discount.

Sheer Details

This spring, you’ll notice many tops with sheer top layers and sheer sleeves. Designers love the chance to play with delicate details, light, and transparency.

This trend has filtered its way down to the fast fashion houses where you can sheer pieces for little money. The drawback is that these pieces won’t last for a long time.

From fast fashion to plus size clothing, you’ll love the chance to play with different sheer pieces this spring.

Lavender

Lavender is an underrated pastel. Thank goodness you’ll see tons of it this spring.

You’ll notice lavender sweaters, dresses, accessories, and shoes all featuring lavender. We recommend sticking with one apparel piece and one accessory to prevent you from ending up with a closet full of lavender.

More Cool Fashion Trends for 2018

There are plenty more cool fashion trends to keep an eye out for this year. You’ll also see lots of red, sequins, fringe, lace detail, and updated suit pieces.

As you shop for older pieces like denim and trench coats, remember you can easily repair or patch up anything that looks a bit worn. Check out our sewing guide to help you get started on fixing your thrift store finds.

Do you love to wear dresses? Is summer your season because you get to show off your favorite ones?

Dresses are so much more fun and flirty than jeans or pants. Plus they are more versatile. You can dress them up for work or a night out on the town. Or you can dress them down for a more casual look. Regardless of what you do, you’ll feel sleek and pretty in your cute dress.

The average temperature in winter across the United States is 33.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This excludes the warmest (Hawaii 67.4 degrees) and coolest (Alaska 2.6 degrees) areas of the country.

Regardless, 33.2 degrees doesn’t exactly sound like dress weather, does it? But even if you live in an area that is a bit warmer than average, it still sounds a bit cold for bare arms and legs.

The bare arms you can take care of by buying winter dresses with long sleeves. That still leaves your chilly, bare legs to deal with.

Here are several great ideas for awesome winter dresses. Plus a few ideas for how to wear your summer dresses in winter.

Sweater Dresses

No discussion of winter dresses would be complete without the classic sweater dress.

The thick material is comfy and will keep you toasty warm. Most are designed to hug your curves, creating a flattering fit for almost any body type. Show off those curves and heat things up this winter!

Be sure to watch the length. Particularly if you’re on the shorter side, you don’t want to wear one too long. You could end up looking like a walking burrito! Not exactly the look you were going for.

Another tip for petite ladies- choose sweater dresses in neutral colors. They help you appear taller. Plus, they are easy to coordinate with other clothing and accessories to complete your look.

Long Sleeve Dresses

Long sleeve dresses are a fabulous option for keeping warm this winter. You can find a variety of flattering styles that keep you snug up top.

Unlike with sweater dresses, shorter ladies should go long with this type of dress. Choose a long sleeve maxi dress for extra warmth. Add a cute moto jacket and heeled boots. Voila! Now you appear taller and won’t freeze when you step outside.

If you’re on the taller end of the spectrum try a long sleeve midi dress. These are a great not-too-short not-too-long option. The perfect length will be a hair past your knees, but not any longer than mid-calf.

Again, ankle boots work great to keep your feet warm. You can choose a pair with or without heels as you prefer. Add a chic jacket and colorful scarf and your ensemble is complete!

Learn to Layer

Layering is truly the secret to wearing winter dresses.

If you know how to layer your clothes well you can even wear summer dresses in winter. Using your clothes all year round is a great way to save money! That’s what we’re all about here at Thrifty Momma Ramblings.

Wear leggings, tights, or even jeans under your dress to keep your legs warm. If you live in a frigid area of the country, invest in a few pairs of lined leggings. These will keep your legs nice and warm without adding bulk to your outfit.

Here’s a tip. Bright printed leggings really pop with a neutral colored dress. Add a coordinating jacket and you’re nice and toasty in your cute little dress!

Remember that your shoes can help keep you warm as well. On days that aren’t too cold you can pair knee high boots with a long sleeve dress. Add a scarf for contrast and you’re good to go!

With a cute short dress, you can go thigh high with your boots. They cover you up almost like pants. For extra warmth, add a pair of tights.

If you’re not a fan of tights or leggings, never fear, socks are here! A colorful pair of high socks peeking out of the top of your boots adds the perfect complement to your outfit. With the added bonus of keeping your tootsies snug as a bug in a rug.

For those super chilly days keep piling on the layers. Go for a dress over a long sleeve shirt plus knee-high socks and boots over leggings. Top it off with a warm jacket and a belt to keep a slim look.

You can even use summer dresses with short or no sleeves in a winter ensemble. To keep warm, add a cardigan or cute jacket over the top. Or layer a long sleeve shirt under your dress. Add a belt to smooth the bulk and you’ve turned your summer dresses into winter ones!

You can even use the shirt under your dress trick with strapless dresses! Add some tights or leggings and top it off with a coordinating scarf.

For summer dresses with collars, a cute look is to add a fitted sweater. Then pop the collar out for a snappy, fresh look. Cute flats with tights complete the look.

Shop for Winter Dresses

Cute summer dresses are always in style and easy to find. But where do you go for some snazzy winter ones?

You can find gorgeous selections of winter dresses online. For a great website to start with click here! You’ll find adorable long sleeve dresses, midis, and maxis. Plus a cute selection of dresses perfect for layering.

We promise you’ll love them all. You’ll just have trouble deciding which ones to add to your collection.

Wrapping Things Up

You don’t have to stick to jeans all winter. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try some new looks this season. You might find it surprising what you discover looks amazing on you!

For more great tips about fashion check out the fashion section of our blog here. We’ve got tips for everything from warm fitness wear to the perfect prom dress. And the best part is we help you stay stylish on a budget!

Did you know that nearly 300,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery last year? To date, it’s the most common cosmetic procedure for women.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s important to consider post-surgery bras as part of your recovery.

Confused about making the right choices for your comfort and support? We’ve got the best tips on hand.

Let’s get into them!

What To Know About Post-Surgery Bras

Be Patient

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recovery will take some time. That means you’re not going to be going bra shopping right away.

Many women experience bleeding into the pockets around the breasts for the first few days after their procedure. While pain typically subsides after a few days, swelling and soreness can persist for several weeks.

As a best practice, wait six weeks before transitioning into post-surgery bras. This gives your implants time to heal. Wearing a bra too quickly might create irritation and actually slow down the recovery process. And, you do want to be healthy, don’t you?

Start With a Sports Bra

Even though you might be eager to try on all the frilliest, prettiest bras in the lingerie shop, resist this temptation!

Immediately after your surgery, you’ll want to invest in cushy sports bras. These will provide additional support for your girls. They’re also incredibly comfortable.

Even though they might not be the most attractive option, they’re necessary for rapid and healthy healing.

And, yes, this rule applies to all women, from those getting breast augmentation in Los Angeles to those who live in the middle of nowhere.

Get Professionally Fitted

You have your dream boobs. Preserve them buy getting a bra that actually fits. Did you know that most women are wearing the wrong-sized bra? Don’t let that be you!

Go to a local lingerie shop or department store and have yourself professionally measured. This will save you time and headaches. It will also save your precious breasts from unnecessary suffering and irritation.

Even if you asked your surgeon for a specific size, bra sizing isn’t necessarily standardized. Furthermore, after your breasts settle, they may be a different size as well.

Don’t Go Ham at Once

Yes, it’s tempting to buy all the pretty things once you have the green light to wear post surgery bras.

Our best advice? Resist this temptation! Your breast size and fit will continue evolving as the swelling fades and your implants settle into place.

Instead of redoing your entire lingerie wardrobe, buy 1-2 bras at a time over a yearlong span. Best of all? A pretty, new bra will always be just around the corner!

Final Thoughts

Breast augmentation surgery can be very exciting and empowering for women who undergo this procedure.

Be sure to take precaution and be safe during your recovery. As always, if you have any concerns, please consult with your plastic surgeon. Ask questions and stay informed.

Your health, happiness, and well-being are all important for healing!