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Spring Cleaning Your Closet

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With spring right around the corner and bathing suits already for sale in the stores, it’s time to tackle going through your wardrobe!  If you’re like most of us, there are clothes in your closet and dressers that haven’t been worn for years but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of.  Well, today we’re going to share some essential tips for organizing your wardrobe and getting ready for the warm weather.

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Start Now

Waiting until the warm weather has really hit, inevitably leads to stuffing all the winter items in bins or boxes because you are too overwhelmed to deal with sorting through each item.  So start now and pick one of the plans below that works for you. There are different approaches to tackling this project and it’s best to pick which one fits you best.  No matter what approach you pick, have your bags, boxes or bins ready for sorting your items.

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Make a Plan

For the one step at a time approach, pick one type of clothing at a time, for instance socks & underwear, jeans, jackets, etc.  This process will take longer but is less overwhelming and works for those who just can’t dedicate a whole uninterrupted day to getting it done. Take everything of that item you own and assess what condition it is in.  Just like on the TV shows that focus on cleaning out a house, make three piles – Keep, Donate, Trash.  If you have items you were given as a gift and never wore because they didn’t really suit your style, put them in the donation pile.  If you have clothes that are stained or torn and cannot be cleaned or repaired, put them in the toss pile.  This is the time to be honest as well.  If you have clothes that don’t fit, are you actively doing something to remedy the situation?  If that pair of size 6 jeans you had in high school have a ton of memories but no chance in hell of ever fitting again, it’s time to donate, toss or get crafty with them.  Remember if you choose the crafty route and you don’t get it done in the next 6 months, time to let them go!

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For the brave souls who can tackle their entire wardrobe in one go, remember to set aside enough time and space for your project and have a plan before you start.  Take everything out, empty your closet and all your drawers so you have a big picture of what you have and the outfits you love to mix and match.  If you have classic items that mix well with everything and that can be worn for years to come, those are a great place to start your keep pile. No matter which approach you choose, this can be a difficult task but you will feel great when you finish.

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Storage Tips

Once you have your keep items selected you still have a few things to do. Before you pack everything away when the warmer weather hits, remember to keep a few transitional items for those cool days so you don’t have to pull bins back out later.  Throw out the toss pile and pack your donate items in your car to drop off your next time out.  If they stay in the house, these items have a sneaky way of crawling back into your closet and drawers.

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When you’re ready to store items, it’s important to do it correctly so when you go back to them in the fall, they are still in wearable condition.  If you have items that need dry cleaning, get that done before you store them as any dirt or oils should be removed before packing them away.  If you have jackets you are storing, make sure they are washed and thoroughly dry before putting them in storage. Make sure you empty pockets, zip or button items before packing to keep things in shape.  If you have items that will be stored on hangers, invest in hangers that will not leave your clothes misshapen over time.  Use caution when storing items in a basement or attic if they will be subject to moisture or extreme heat or cold as mold can ruin your favorite clothes and leave spots that will not come out.  Last but certainly not least, label your storage containers so it will be easy for you to retrieve items when the weather begins to cool off or if you decide to take a vacation to an area that has cooler weather.

I hope these tips help you get this off your to do list and moving on to more fun and creative projects or on a shopping trip to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe for spring!

 

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.  To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio?  We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio,  New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.  

 Book your session today!!

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Keep Your Makeup From Making You Sick

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February is almost here and spring is just around the corner.  What are you doing to be ready for spring? When you begin your spring cleaning, and go through your clothes don’t forget to go through your makeup as well!

Many women forget that expired makeup can actually make you sick.  Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and even eye infections if you don’t replace them before they go bad. Just as you should never share your personal eyeliner or lipstick, you need to make sure your makeup has not reached its age limit.  Many makeup products do not have an expiration date on them, but periodically weeding out old makeup is important.

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The hardest part is knowing when to throw away an item as their life expectancy varies from product to product.

Some makeup has a symbol that looks like a jar with a number in it.  That is the number of months the product is good for from the day you open it.  Not all makeup has this symbol so I’ve included a list below of products and when each should be tossed.  The key to being successful in this process is keeping track of when you bought the item.  If you’re like me and have a hard time remembering when you bought that specific red lipstick or your favorite charcoal eyeliner, here are a few tips to help you out.

One option is to use a sharpie to write down the date of purchase directly on the item.  If you can’t do that on things like eyeliner pencils, you can use small stickers that you have written the date on and stick them onto the product.

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And don’t forget, your makeup brushes should also be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination or illness.  If you are sharing your brushes, they should be cleaned between each use.

 

PRODUCT                                                                    WHEN TO THROW IT AWAY

Lipstick and Lip Liner                                               1 year

Lip Gloss                                                                    18-24 months

Mascara                                                                      3 months

Liquid or Gel Eyeliner                                               3 months

Pencil Eyeliner                                                           2 years

Concealers                                                                 12-18 months

Oil Free Foundation                                                   1 year

Cream Compact Foundation                                     18 months

Powders – blushes, shadows, bronzers                     2 years

Cream blushes and shadows                                     12-18 months

I hope this information helps you stay healthy and allows you to continue your beauty regime with confidence!  Maybe you can even get a few extra items when you’re replacing your old makeup!!

If you have dreamed of having a photo shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.  To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio?  We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio,  New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.  

 Book your session today!!
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Life Lessons from a Flight Attendant

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If you’ve ever flown on a plane you’re familiar with the standard process before the plane takes off.  The flight attendant was talking us through our pre-flight safety demonstration and as usual, I listened with little enthusiasm to the same litany of “exits here, here and here…” as well as the instructions for putting on oxygen masks in case of an emergency… “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”  It wasn’t until much later that I realized there was a deeper message hiding in these words for me.

Life can be hectic most days and downright challenging others. Trying to keep up with the daily schedules of work, kids, pets, housework, running to and from kid’s events, and a list of other responsibilities can leave us with little to no time dedicated to ourselves.  As wife, mother, boss or worker, we’re accustomed to putting ourselves last on the list.

As a single mom raising three children, there was never enough time while the kids were growing up.  I usually had to have two of them at events in the opposite direction at the same time or multiple homework meltdowns for things I never even studied in school!  Now as a grandmother and business owner I sometimes feel like I have even less time.  In our daily lives, just like when applying an oxygen mask on a plane, there are times we need to think of ourselves first.  Keeping ourselves energized and healthy is critical if we are going to be able to do all the other things we have on our lists!  Now this doesn’t mean ignoring our family and job, it means making time for ourselves so we are able to be there physically and emotionally strong for whatever life throws our way.

Here are a few things you can do to get back to a stronger, re-energized you.

  • Take a long, hot bath or shower to relax your tired muscles and joints.
  • Replace strenuous exercise with something like yoga, a day or two a week. Combine exercise and relaxation techniques to achieve both physical and emotional balance.

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  • Get outside and spend some time in nature. Feel the ground under your feet and focus on the sights and sounds around you. Enjoying your environment can give you time to replenish your energy. Talking walks with family or a close friend can give you time away from technology to reconnect.
  • Find ways to express yourself creatively. It could be a night painting at a local winery, singing karaoke or learning how to belly dance.It’s hard to stress and over-think things when you’re immersed in something fun and expressive!
  • Focus on your successes! Make a note of all the things you’ve done well, and give yourself permission to be proud of what you have accomplished instead of dissatisfied with what you haven’t done. Tomorrow is another opportunity to add to those accomplishments!

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  • Make that bucket list! Replace your regrets with dreams. When you start thinking about what you should have done, stop; change your focus to what you plan to do now. It’s much more empowering and will give you the confidence to take on the next thing on your list!
  • Set aside a day just for you. It may seem like a monumental task to carve out a whole day for you, but it’s worth it.  Work with family or friends to watch the kids, maybe even set up a trade with another mom who is also in need of some time for herself and trade babysitting for a day.  Find something you want to do that will rejuvenate you, boost your confidence and leave you feeling great about yourself.  Whether that means participating in a triathlon, going to the spa, or being made to feel like a princess for a day getting your hair and makeup done and your photo taken, you deserve it!

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So make sure you are taking some time for yourself as we get ready for the crazy holiday season.  Stay healthy, be happy, and share lots of love!

If you have any questions about this article or ideas for other topics you would like me to write about, please comment below or Contact Us from our web page.

If you have dreamed of having a photo-shoot that is all about you, call me to set up a complimentary consultation.  You can see the studio and we can talk over coffee about how you want to be photographed.  To make that happen, just click to book below! Is it a long trip to visit the studio?  We’ve photographed women from all over the eastern part of the country including New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio,  New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Feel free to contact us and set up a special phone consultation! And, as you now know, Gift Certificates are available.  

 Book your session today!!

 

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The Fantasy Season is Upon Us

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Our recent blog about Steampunk generated a lot of interest and seems to lead right into the upcoming months where fantasy becomes real events we can visit.  King Richard’s Faire is in full swing, the Connecticut Renaissance Faire starts soon, Halloween is just around the corner, and the Rhode Island Comic-Con is following shortly after.  There is no shortage of reasons to don the attire of your favorite fantasy or cosplay character. For many people, this is not a one day or holiday fun dress-up, but a style choice that they blend into their everyday lives.

No matter your role-play character choice, it’s definitely the time of year to take a chance and check out at least one of these events.  Many of the people involved in these events spend a year or more perfecting their attire, make-up and mannerisms.  This is a hobby for some but a serious lifestyle for others.

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If you have ever attended a Renaissance Faire you are probably familiar with the actors who are in full character for their time period.  Not only are they dressed for the part, but speaking in the language style appropriate for the time or place the faire represents.  They are very serious about their faire and want everyone to have the best time possible. They do their best to fully immerse their visitors in the experience.

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Fantasy CosplayAt the first faire I attended, a gentleman approached me yelling “Young man!” and I started moving out of the way when he then loudly asked why as a woman I was wearing “man’s attire” – Jeans and shirt.  I learned quickly how to play along with the fun and joke back and had an amazing time.  I was able to eat more than I should, shop period clothes, jewelry and accessories and have a great time with some cross-bow type devices made to shoot mini marshmallows!

Halloween parties are always fun and a great excuse to get dressed up and spend time with friends.  Halloween celebrations have changed drastically since its inception but today it’s generally celebrated as a time to go trick-or-treating, have parties, put on costumes and just have an all-around fun time! So no matter how you celebrate it, make sure you are capturing the moment with pictures.  These will let you look back, smile, laugh and remember the fun.

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Fantasy CosplayIf Comic-Con events are more your style, you are in luck!  The Rhode Island Comic-Con in November will have the last New England appearance of Stan Lee!  Born in 1922, Stan Lee, former President and Chairman of Marvel Comics, is the creator of Spiderman, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Thor, the X-Men and many other fictional characters.  Many of these characters have been re-born to new generations with the resurgence of comic character based movies.  True followers of these events spend countless hours perfecting their costumes and makeup.  There are costume contests, and even the opportunity to apply to get married at the event!  It is an expectation that there will be professional photographers at events like Comic-Con to take pictures of people in costume and even some to take your picture with one of the celebrities at the event.  With so much happening and so many people in costume, you can’t help but have a great time while you’re there!

So if any of these events fit your idea of fun, check them out, have a blast and maybe even get dressed up in character to join in the festivities.  And don’t forget to get your picture taken to immortalize this moment!!

If you already have or are planning a spectacular costume and would like to have professional images taken, keep a look-out for our upcoming Fall Campaign announcement!!  Here’s a hint – our theme this year is “The Costume Party”.  More details to be announced in the next few days!  Our Newsletter members will be the first to get all the details!

As always, if you have a topic you would like covered or want to contact us about setting up a photo session, maybe even in costume? Contact Us to schedule your session now!

 

  • King Richard’s Faire – Every Saturday and Sunday plus Columbus Day from Sept. 1st through October 21st, 2018 in Carver, MA
  • CT Renaissance Faire – Every Saturday and Sunday plus Columbus Day in October in North Haven, CT
  • Rhode Island Comic-Con – November 2nd- 4th,2018 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI
  • For the Pinup or Rockabilly enthusiasts don’t forget the New England Shakeup #6 Sept. 28, 2018 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge, MA
Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Steampunk

Steampunk – Merging the Past, Present and Future

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Have you been interested in Steampunk style, culture and creations for years or are you not quite sure what it’s all about? Today, we’re going to talk briefly about how Steampunk has emerged in art, in photography, and as a life culture. I have fallen in love with the look of steampunk fashion and decided to look into the origins a little deeper.

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As you can see by my Halloween picture,

my husband and I made our costumes

with a steampunk theme and it was a blast!

 

To start, I want to share a little history about Steampunk. No matter what source you use for your research, it seems to be a consensus that the various avenues of art, jewelry, fashion, and current works are influenced by the 19th century scientific romances of authors H.G. Wells, Mary Shelly and Jules Verne. Steampunk works usually are showing what the writers see as where we would have been or where we would be now if steam power had stayed as the main source of energy. Over the years, steampunk has grown from a science fiction and fantasy subculture to a mainstream choice in fashion, art, engineering, music, photography and for some people has become a whole new lifestyle.

I want to share with you a few images from other artists (Thank You Pinterest Lovers) that show how steampunk has become mainstream fun and fashion. These images show the variety of ways that steampunk style has influenced what we wear, where we live and the art we produce.

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Steampunk Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Steampunk
Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Steampunk Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Steampunk
Steampunk has merged into many areas of life and has become a popular choice for weddings and stylized photography.  People are building homes inspired by the look and even making new items look old by repurposing gears, tubes, piping and other assorted mechanical looking items. There are so many fascinating areas to explore that it cannot all be written into one brief blog.  Perhaps I will venture further into the subject again in the future.

Are you a fan or is your style inspired by these amazing works?  Let us know how Steampunk has influenced your life!  Leave a comment below we would love to hear from you.

Interested in booking a photo session, maybe even with a Steampunk theme? Contact Us to schedule your session now!

 

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5 Quick Summer Skincare Tips From The Photographer

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Summertime and outdoors go together for most people. Are you planning on spending a lot of your time outside this summer? If so, check out our 5 quick summer skin tips.

I love spending the day outside, absorbing the summer sounds, smells and the warmth of the sun. If you’re like me and have light skin and eyes the summer sun isn’t always very forgiving.  Even if you are lucky enough to tan easily there are still some important items that should be on your summer agenda.

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Also, remember if you are planning on getting married this summer or have a special event where pictures will be taken and you don’t want tan lines, it is important to protect your skin so you can look your best and feel great!

  1. Keeping your lips Kissable

Spending a lot of time in the sun and fun during the summer is expected but can dry out your lips. No one wants to kiss lips that are cracked and dry.  Keep your lips protected with a lip balm that has at least SPF 15 protection.

  1. Try a new fashion for your head

Throwing on a baseball cap can protect your scalp and keep the sun out of your eyes if you’re at your favorite team’s game; but does not protect the rest of your face from the harsh sun.  Choose a wide brimmed hat instead and be fashionable and protected.

  1. Summer fruits to encourage healthy skin

Cantaloupe and Watermelon are at the top of the list for healthy summer eating.  Cantaloupe is rich in antioxidants and is said to deliver a unique hydration to the skin.  Watermelon is an all-around favorite at most picnics and is rumored to actually boost your SPF by several factors according to skin care expert Kate Somerville.

  1. Summer salads – literally eating your SPF!

Some experts are saying that eating foods containing vitamins C and E together can help reduce your chances for sunburn.  With this in mind, eating a salad that includes citrus, berries or tomatoes for your vitamin C along with Vitamin E rich nuts is healthy and could help protect your skin from painful sunburn.

  1. Protect those areas where the sun doesn’t normally shine!

Slathering on the sun screen when you get to the beach or to the pool is great but don’t forget that most bathing suits don’t protect real well from the sun.  Many new materials are meant to allow your skin to breath – from beach wear to t-shirts – and allow the sun to burn your skin even though you feel covered.  Put your first layer of sun screen on before you get dressed to make sure you are fully covered.

Remember to take good care of your skin no matter what time of year and you will look and feel great!  Have that glow for your special day, whatever the occasion and remember to capture those memories in photographs.

If you are planning a photo session and want more information about Women’s Portraiture – boudoir, fashion, pinup, groom’s gift, etc. you can click the link below, fill out your information and we can set up a free pre-shoot consultation for you.

If you have enjoyed this or any of our other blogs, please feel free to comment below or send us a message via our contact form on our web page.  We would love to hear from you! Enjoy your summer!!

Book your session today!!

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Staying Healthy Reducing Stress

Staying Healthy and Reducing Stress this Summer – Tips From The Photographer

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With spring here and summer quickly approaching, I wanted to share some ways you can stay healthy and reduce your stress levels this summer.  I hope these help make your summer brighter and your life a little easier – Enjoy!

  • TAKE A HIKE OR A WALK

Spending time on a hike in the woods or a walk in the park has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in children and adults.  A wonderful additional benefit is walking and hiking are great exercise even when done at a leisurely pace.

 

  • WORK IN A GARDEN

Whether your garden is large, small, or just a few potted plants, working in the dirt helps keep us grounded.  Beautiful flowers, great smelling herbs or fresh vegetables are an awesome bonus to a fun way to relax.

 

  • CREATE BONDING TIME

Summer picnics, family and friends getting together at the beach, and time spent playing with the kids outside are all great opportunities to get closer to the people who are important in our lives.  Relax, talk, listen and have fun just being together.

 

  • FARMER’S MARKETS – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL EVENTS

Many areas now have local Farmer’s Markets, produce stands or “pick-your-own” days at local farms.  These are great places to find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade soaps and jams.  Not only are you supporting your local farms, but fresh fruit and vegetables are a great way to keep healthy!

 

  • CREATE SOME “ME-TIME”

Remember that to be at your best for yourself and your family and friends, you need to take time to re-energize!  Pick whatever works for you, sitting outside on your lunch break to get some sun and fresh air or having a spa type day that is all about you. It is important!  Whether you’re taking time relaxing in a nice bubble bath or if you’re relaxing in a chair outside while the kids are playing, take the time to recharge and feel great about yourself this summer!

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Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Quick Easy Beauty Tips

Five Quick & Easy Beauty Tips From The Photographer

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If you are like me, you want to look your best but often are searching for time to fit taking care of yourself into your schedule.  I have put together five quick, easy ways to help you look great without breaking the bank or spending a lot of extra time.

 

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR LOTION

The best time to apply lotion to your skin is right after you get out of the shower. Your skin will absorb your products more quickly, so you won’t need to use nearly as much.

 

QUICK MANICURE FIX

When you smudge up your at-home manicure, avoid using Q-tips, which can’t neatly clean hard-to-reach areas. Try using an angled eyeliner brush. Dip the brush into a small container of acetone and run it along the edges of the nail. The brush can fit in the small areas around the nail bed without damaging the manicure.

 

SOOTHING PUFFY EYES

If you drink Green Tea; after you steep your green tea, put the tea bags in a container and store them in the fridge. If your eyes seem puffier than usual in the morning, place a bag on each eye for a few minutes.  The natural caffeine in green tea can help reduce swelling.

 

DEEP CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR FOR CHEAP

Yes, coconut oil once again works wonders. But it’s when you add a shower cap that the magic happens.  Apply the coconut oil from your scalp to the ends of your hair; then put on a shower cap.  The shower cap holds in heat allowing the oil to penetrate into the hair. Keep the cap on for an hour before following your usual shampoo routine. The end result is wonderfully soft and shiny hair.

 

TAME HAIR STATIC QUICK

Having static problems with your hair?  Just rub a dime-size amount of hand lotion into your palms, and then run your hands through your hair.  No more static and no heavy product to weigh your hair down!
 
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I hope these tips help you as much as they do me.  Stay tuned for my next “Tips on Tuesday” health or beauty post!

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio 5 Easy Exercises Daily Routine

5 Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Daily Routine – From The Photographer

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Going to work, taking care of the kids, the house and the endless items on your daily to do list can be exhausting.  Our days are very busy and it can seem impossible to find time to exercise. Whether you are exercising to lose weight, get toned or just to build your energy, here are five ways to add a little more exercise into your daily routine. These are things you can do without having to carve out special time to go to the gym or buying expensive equipment to use at home. 
Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio 5 Easy Exercises Daily Routine

#1 – Use the Stairs

Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator.  This is an easy exercise to build into your daily routine. Studies have shown stair climbing burns more calories per minute than jogging, as well as helping to control weight gain and building muscle tone.

 

#2 – Going the Distance

Instead of hunting for the closest spot to park near the store when shopping, pick the farthest parking spot and walk a little further. Take a walk on your break and at lunch to keep your metabolism moving especially if your job includes sitting all day.

 

#3 – Laundry Time

Though not too many people enjoy doing laundry, there are a few exercises you can work into this never ending chore to add some extra benefits. If you have a front load washer, do squats when you are taking the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Once the clothes are dry, set the laundry basket on the floor and do deep knee bends when taking each piece out to fold.  These simple steps give your thighs and butt some great exercise!  Remember to always be careful of your back when lifting wet clothes.

 

#4 – Doing Dishes

Try doing calf raises while you are washing the dishes.  With your legs hip width apart, rise up onto your toes.  Hold this position for 3 to 10 seconds then slowly lower your feet back to the floor. Do this 10 times then rest for about a minute before doing another 10. Great for toning your calf muscles!

 

#5 – Getting off the Couch

While watching your favorite show on TV, get up during commercials and try jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.

Are you a Netflix fan?  Many shows are broken into episodes that last 20 to 25 minutes. Try doing step exercises for an entire episode.

 

Each of these things may not seem like a lot on their own but when you add it up over a week, you will be surprised at how much extra exercise you have gotten.  If you do each of the items listed daily, using 20 minutes as your average time on each, you will have added  over 11 ½ hours of exercise to your week!

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub for Lips – Tips From The Photographer

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This mixture of coconut oil and brown sugar makes an amazing lip scrub.  It isn’t something you need to use daily but it does a super job cleaning up your chapped lips and leaving them soft and kissable.  This recipe is completely edible so no worries about putting it on your lips. I use this once a week and it works great!

 Ingredients:

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

Coconut Oil
Brown Sugar
Honey

 

Measurements:

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

1 tsp. Coconut oil
1 tsp. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Honey

 

Making the mix:

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

Mix coconut oil and brown sugar together until well blended.

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

Storage:

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Blog

Store your mix in a sealed container. I used these Clear Plastic Refillable Cosmetic Jars with Lids from Amazon.

In colder weather, the product will become harder.  If the mix is a little hard you can soften slightly first.  This does not have to be refrigerated and the shelf life is about 6 months but always use caution with any product.  If the lip scrub starts to smell different or you see mold, throw it out and make a new batch!

Marilyn Riel
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