Tonight’s Game Calls for Boots!
Saguaro is a Style Star
The Saguaro cactus has exploded onto the home decor scene, especially at Hobby Lobby. Wall prints, stationery, laundry bags and more–all imprinted with happy little cactus depictions—seem perfect for a teen room remodel! They are also a nice little diversion from the entire region of Christmas accessories that are quietly plotting their takeover of the store.
The Power Suits Us
Every few years and mostly in the fall, the “menswear” look emerges as a fashion trend for women. But this year, I think it couldn’t be more important. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Stein Mart, which highlight tweed, houndstooth and even varsity striping on jackets, pants, boots and even jumpsuits as a modern twist on the menswear trend. To avoid looking like Melanie Griffith’s pre-makeover character in Working Girl, I think subtlety works best when adding these into your wardrobe.
I’d argue that, right now, the power suit has no greater meaning.
The Perfect Candle Falls into Place
While there are many horoscope candles available on Etsy, Falling Into Place candles have found a special place in my gift giving. The hand-poured, soy wax candles smell heavenly–technically, I can only vouch for Virgo and Libra so far–and the packaging is beautiful and artistic. FIP candles are based out of a Memphis, Tenn. boutique by the same name. The owner, Mary Claire White, has been making candles since 2001 and now offers monthly workshops in her boutique. Having now ordered two FIP candles, both arriving very quickly, I proudly favorited White’s shop this week, becoming the 1113th Etsy shopper to do so!
Be Well: Amanda Saffer’s New Path
In a search to find the cause of her daughter’s eczema, Amanda Saffer found a new pursuit of her own: Wellness.
“We were trying to understand the underlying condition that was causing her so much discomfort,” recalls the Tucson mom of two. “Many doctors told us it was genetic and to rub a little cortisone cream on it, never addressing the root problem.”
Saffer conducted her own research, finding clinical studies that link certain foods with eczema flare-ups. She also consulted a naturopathic doctor, who ran several tests and found her daughter did have food sensitivities. An elimination diet helped “pinpoint the culprits” and her eczema began to diminish. Saffer herself noticed brain fog, exhaustion and a touch of the blues after age 40. A naturopath found that she was low in several vitamins and minerals and wasn’t eating properly. “A few tweaks and about 30 days, I was back to feeling like myself…,” she says.
Her new namesake company, Amanda Saffer Wellness, is what has emerged from her quest for answers. “It was the knowledge I had learned and my unquenchable search for more that propelled me into enrolling in the largest nutrition school in the world, The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and it’s been a worthwhile journey ever since.”
As a health coach, Saffer now offers options from a pantry reboot to healthy cooking demonstrations to more in-depth wellness sessions. She recently created a healthy eating guide for one of her college-bound clients. Her new website, AmandaSafferWellness.com, also offers healthy recipes and a blog where she tackles topics such as sugar intake and self-care.
“Nutrition is my hot-button,” Saffer says. “So many diseases are linked to a poor diet, and it’s amazing how making just a few tweaks to your diet can help you feel so much better.”
Saffer especially has some take-home ideas for multi-tasking moms, whom are often the last to take care of themselves:
- Put yourself at the top of your to-do list every single day, and the rest will fall into place. That could mean making a list and prioritizing your day.
- Take 10 to 20 minutes to get outside for a walk or take in the sunshine.
- Take a relaxing Epsom Salt bath.
- Watch your sugar intake, eat healthy fats for brain health and reduce processed food from your diet.
- Meditate!
“We all have our struggles, no one is perfect, and…so many of us feel the exact same way,” Saffer says. “I have met with so many clients…who share the same exact ailments. And every time, it seems to boil down to the fact that we are not taking proper care of ourselves, not eating or sleeping well and are flipping exhausted. I know how good it feels to feel well again, what it takes, and I’m excited to share that knowledge with others.”
Trench Coat as Dress
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Ever since actress Priyanka Chopra rocked this trench coat gown at last year’s Met Gala and the Duchess of Sussex wowed the world in a sleeveless Burberry trench dress this summer, I’ve been curious to know if this is a look that’s accessible for the masses. It’s what I do when the steady days of 100-plus-degrees have relegated me to yoga pants.
One search on Shopstyle.com (which by the way, everyone should do…so efficient!) answered my question. There are many affordable options of this look, which is a stylish alternative to the plain Jane dress–you can click on the store names below to go straight to the dress. Anthropologie carries my favorite version by Eva Franco, while Saks Off Fifth has a crisp, white Calvin Klein trench dress. Finally, Nicole Miller has a detachable crop top to help style this off-shoulder version.
Especially in the desert, the trench dress is a more wearable option than its long-sleeved, bulky big brother–which doesn’t have a chance until our three days of winter.
