There are some items that you may want to splurge on but with most expensive items, you can also find a cute and affordable dupe. I'm going to start sharing these more often since most of us are trying to look cute on a budget. This month's dupes all come from Target! (Target is also having a memorial day 20% off sandal sale, use code SANDALS20).
Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody
This is the best dupe I've seen! It's good quality and the exact same size for MUCH less.
Treasure and Bond Wedges
I own the Target ones and love them! They are good quality and very comfortable. They also have multiple colors.
Steve Madden Greece Sandals
So I actually hate the way both of these sandals fit on my foot but if you have a more narrow foot, they're pretty cute. The Target ones are basically identical. I just can't fathom paying over $50 on slides. Sorry Steve, love you but that's a little much! I'm linking the slides that I bought that fit my wide foot better as well, lol.
Sole Society Travel Bag
I REALLY love this travel bag, but I found the pink one at Target this weekend and also love the quality of it. Target has some really good weekend bags.
Steve Madden Espadrilles
I love these but didn't want to spend the money on the Steve Madden's because I wasn't sure how I would like them on. They are so comfy and the Target ones are running out fast.
Steve Madden Flats
I also have the Target version of these because I didn't want an expensive sandal and I love them. They are my comfiest sandal.
Birkenstocks
I love my Target dupes of these, again didn't know if I liked these enough to drop over $90 on them.
I'm sure before you started reading this, you were thinking I had some crazy diet trick or diet pill but it's so much simpler than that. First, let me give you a little background..I've shared before how finding someone I could relate to was what helped me to get passed my eating disorder and that was because it had a lot to do with my mentality. Realizing I wasn't alone was the first step in changing my mentality. The next step was working on my self love. When I stopped being so harsh on myself and started really trying to love myself then I was able to see an entire different person in the mirror. This took a lot of time and I still work on it daily. But the point is- I got my mentality right which led me to find my number one diet tip.
My question here is not, "Can you lose weight?" It's, "Can you live a healthy lifestyle?" Weight loss and "dieting" is about a lifestyle change, not a fad diet that won't work in the long run. For me- that was eating healthier. I'm not talking throw out all your cheese and carbs, but find meals with good nourishing foods and foods that make you FEEL good. Whenever I use to eat sugar it always made me feel crappy. Now when I see a donut I ask myself, "Will that make me feel good?" The answer is no, it's going to give me a sugar crash and I'll want to go home and nap. When I've enjoyed some pizza and I think I want another slice, I ask myself how that'll make me feel. I already know that answer because I feel terrible when I've over eaten. My number one diet tip is to be mentally aware of your food. Sounds simple but most people don't do it. We get hungry, we see something we like, and we over indulge in it. Then afterwards, we are asking ourselves why we ate three donuts. Mentality is everything in life. Recognize that feeling you get when you eat good food in the correct portions so you can recognize when other foods or over eating don't make you feel good. Before you over indulge, ask yourself, "how will that make me feel?" The same goes for exercise. I feel my best when I'm working out consistently, so when I don't want to work out- I remind myself of that feeling.
I do believe it's important and mentally healthy to enjoy your "treats" from time to time. But if you're mentally aware of how you're feeling- you will probably reach for a banana vs. a donut 9 times out of 10. The lifestyle change isn't stocking your fridge with lettuce, it's changing your mentality. I ask myself this question all the time and it's helped me to prefer healthy food on a regular basis. I now ask myself this question in more than just the health aspect of my life and I wonder why I never did it before.
Do I still get on the scale too much sometimes? Yes. Do I still over indulge from time to time? Yes. But I am much healthier mentally and that helps me to continue my journey forward. I know I am holding myself accountable and if I ever get off track I just keep asking myself, "how does this make me feel?" Back on track I go. Get your mind right and the rest will follow, consistency is always key, and say NOPE to your own excuses.
I do have a few makeup items that are worth splurging on but I try to wait until the Sephora VIB sale to purchase them. You can be included in the sale just by signing up to be a Beauty Insider. If you are already an insider and spend a certain amount of money each year then you end up becoming a VIB or Rouge member. April 26th was when Rouge members were able to access the sale and get 20% off by using code HEYROUGE. VIB members and Insider members have access to the sale from May 2nd to May 6th. VIB gets you 15% off with code HEYVIB and being an Insider gets you 10% off using code HEYINSIDER. Below, I'm sharing the items I use daily that are totally worth the money!
Tinted Moisturizer
After having skin problems post baby, I decided to give up the foundation and I have been using this tinted moisturizer for months. I LOVE IT! It does not break me out, has SPF, and it matches your skin automatically. It gives me a little coverage without being too heavy. Best skin decision I've ever made!
Moisturizers
I switch between these two moisturizers. I use the Fresh one the most because it doesn't break me out. I love the vitamin C one when my skin needs a little brightening. Most moisturizers break me out and both of these do not so again, that is very worth the money!
Self Tanner
Hands down the best self tanner I've ever used. I just add this to my moisturizer and it gives my face a nice glow. I also have the tanning water for my body and I will be sharing an entire post on this soon. This also does not break me out. Put a watch on this product, it is always sold out.
Blush
The Nars blush in Orgasm is my all time favorite blush. I was happy to see Nars come out with this little $24 palette because it is inexpensive and lasts awhile. The bronzer can also double as a highlighter.
Bronzer
This bronzer has lasted me SO LONG! It is hands down the best bronzer I've ever used. It does not go on heavy or have glitter in it which I love about a bronzer. It also lasts all day long!
Highlighter Pencil
This was an item I never knew I needed until I had a baby and wasn't getting much sleep, ha! I use it in the inner corners of my eyes and under my eye brows and it makes me look much more awake. It also lasts a long time!
Eyeshadow Palette
My most used, every day eye shadow! These shades are good for any skin tone and are simple enough that they can be worn at work.
Dry Shampoo
Hands down the best dry shampoo I've ever used. Works so well and smells amazing. They also have the travel size and I never travel without it!
Lip Gloss
My current favorite lip gloss and I love the nude color, White Russian. Stays on a long time for a gloss!
These items are a little pricey but they do last a long time. I also believe that good skin items are worth the money. Sephora has very few sales so now is the time to get your splurge worthy makeup products!
