Wear the Right Shoes

One important aspect in traveling is wearing the right footwear. If you're doing a lot of walking, then this should be right up on the top of your list. When we went to Europe last year for a month, I packed three very comfortable shoes. I am glad to report that I did not have any problems at all with any of the shoes. There were no blisters even after walking 16 miles in one day in Rome, Italy. Wearing the right shoes is especially important if you're suffering from athritis, gout, plantar fascitis or some other physical ailment. Some people swear by MBT shoes. This kind of shoe is said to tone and shape your body and it supposedly reduces stress on knees and hip joints. No matter what kind of shoe you pack for your vacation, make sure that it is comfortable. If you buy a new pair, wear it for a couple of days to break it in. Nothing can ruin a vacation than an aching foot with a blister.

What Clothes to Bring for Vacation?

Isn't this a woman's problem? No matter what location a woman goes to, she usually have the problem of what to wear. I wish it was easy, pack a few clothes and I'm off to go. But most women, including yours truly, have to pack matching outfits. Then, of course, you also have to pack shoes to match. I try not to pack too much clothes since airlines these days lowered the maximum baggage weight limit to only 50lbs. That's why I only bring two pairs of shoes, black and brown plus the sneakers I wear on travel days. If you're going on a
cruise, you have the option of attending the formal dinner, in which case, you need to bring a gown. So no matter where you're going, it is better to be prepared, so think of the activities you plan to do and pack accordingly.

Flip-flops, Not for Any Occassion

Since when did flip-flops become acceptable shoewear to wear at weddings? I see this happen more often with teenagers. They wear flip-flops everywhere. Aside from looking so casual, these will also hurt your feet. It doesn't give any arch support that's why. I don't know why this kind of footwear has become so popular. Back in the country where I came from, we only wear flip-flops around the house or if we're going to the beach. You wouldn't catch me wearing one outside of these two places. When you're invited to a nice party, check the party invitations to see what kind of party it is going to be. If it's a backyard barbeque or picnic, then flip-flops are okay. But if it is a wedding, anniversary or some kind of formal/semi-formal affair, then you'd better leave the flip-flops home.

The Cost of Beauty Products

It can be quite costly if you use luxury brand names beauty products or salon brand hair products. That's why I like the book 'Dont Go to the Cosmetic's Counter Without Me'. The author has lists of products that cost less but has the same ingredients as the expensive product. Of course, sometimes there are products that is worth the extra money you spend on it. Personally, I use different brands of make-up. I splurge on Bare Eccentuals powders for make-up and Pureology products for my hair. For products like mascara, eye liner, etc, I use the cheaper brand like Maybelline, Max Factor, Cover Girl or Neutrogena. Some of these luxury brand name products costs a lot of money. You might have to consider debt consolidation if you keep on buying these products. So before you spend your hard-earned cash on that $$ beauty product, search the internet for a comparable product or better yet, buy the book and it will surely pay off in savings.

Caring for Handwashables

As much as possible, I refrain from buying clothes that need to be hand-washed. Growing up, we always have a helper who wash our clothes so I never got to do it. Nor did I want to, I know how hard it is to do. Here in the US, washing machines are present in every household but not all clothes can be washed in it. You can try, but it is a gamble. There is the delicate cycle which I use for knits and other similar clothing. But if you have a silk blouse or one with lace, it is recommended that you wash it by hand. You can also bring it to the dry cleaners but if you are sensitive to chemicals, you should avoid it. I use a small basket as a laundry hamper for my handwashables. This works out well so I don't have to sort it out when I do the laundry.
For laundry soap, there are commercial laundry detergents like Woolite that is used for delicates. Personally, I use the regular detergent. I'm all for saving $ so I use whatever it is I have.