We are very excited to introduce you to our newest contributor, Francene Davidson. She is joining the MRG team as a fashion and lifestyle writer, and will be contributing to the site monthly, offering a fresh take on many of the topics that we cover frequently. We hope you enjoy her very timely first article all about how to detoxify your life from the inside out in order to start the New Year with as clean a slate as possible.
We also want to say that this is our last New Year’s made-to-measure article on just how to get ready for the New Year…..we’ve given you our tips on shopping at the end of the year and into the new; fitness of the body and mind is of utmost importance and we’ve joined forces with DEFINE to help you there……and here Francene has shared with us her tips on just how she cleanses her palette for the New Year. After this one…..I know that you are done hearing from us on this topic and worry not…..you’re on your own! Get busy enjoying the New Year! We’re moving on to the Golden Globes……stay tuned!
xo, Cheers, Roz and Julie
Detoxing by Francene Davidson
The festive season is sadly over and it’s back to work and reality for most of us now. All that eating, drinking and partying during Christmas and New Year can really take its toll on the complexion, mind and soul so I’ve decided that for me, a January all over-detox is due.
This isn’t just the time of year to pamper yourself in response to the New Year but a time to de-clutter your mind and life – this will allow you to strut into the New Year feeling focused and fresh. Here are a couple of steps to follow to keep us on track for 2015
Detox your environment
Take a look around at your living space. Are mounds of dust piling up in your hallway? Does your fridge need a clear out? It’s time to get cleaning. When your environment is clean and organized your thoughts will be clear and focused too. This includes clearing out your desk at work and having everything in an orderly fashion. It may help to jot down a ‘plan of attack’ list at the start of everyday/month to follow. Take 15 minutes when you return to work to think about your own personal goals at work and how you can achieve them. Clean out your drawers in your office, clean your desk and have positive things around you, whether its pictures of loves ones or goals (Chanel quilted bag… my aim). When everything is in order it makes your work easier to manage opposed to starting on the backseat trying to find documents or files.
Examine those relationships that matter
Friends, family, co-workers and neighbors – how you deal with others is how you deal with yourself. Healthy relationships support you and make you feel you’re not alone. Healing a difficult relationship is far more beneficial to your wellbeing than any amount of vegetables you eat! This has always been my motto; this can’t be an easy decision. This is a good time for reflection also on the year ahead; do you have friends who aren’t there when you need them the most? Then take the positive time needed to speak about this or you’ll end up bringing all this bitter baggage into the New Year. Keep positive attitudes around you or it will slowly start dragging you down.
Express yourself
Do something creative! Try to find a way to express yourself that makes you happy. This is a great way to take a step back and look at all your achievements. Redecorate a room, dress up, write poetry or sign up for the yoga class you’ve been wanting. We are constantly rushing about eating on the run, at our cell phones beckon call, worrying about updates on social media and worrying about the outside world instead of taking the time to appreciate what is around you. Being happy with yourself and loving yourself as a person is the true key to happiness.
Time to relax
Take time to do nothing. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a hot bath, put on some calming music, light a few candles soak and relax. This doesn’t just end at the luxury bath; take the time this year to pamper you. No I’m not speaking about weekly sessions to the spa, but getting into a healthy routine with your skin. Go through all your beauty products and put in order, invest in vitamins you can take daily – you will see a huge improvement from in your mind and body. Start morning and night taking the time to take off your make-up, cleanse and tone, moisturize. It’s too easy to rush through these stages without paying attention or to forgetting. How do you feel when your skin is clear and radiant? Remember this feeling when you wake-up with your make-up on from the night before and your eye lashes are sticking together due to the triple application of mascara!!
Wardrobe Clear-Out
Only six percent of women wear all of their clothing on a regular basis, so unless you’re part of that small minority, it’s time to tackle your overflowing closet! You just need a garbage bag and an honest attitude (optional: a wardrobe consultant, a discerning friend and/or a bottle of champagne). This is a fantastic time to do the big clean out because all the fabulous sales are still going on, which means anything you need replaced or any additions you will have a clear vision in your head. You’ve read here how it’s never a good idea to wonder about the sales with no focus, you come back with lots of different single items that don’t go with anything you already have.
Our number one rule: If you don’t feel like a 10 in it, get rid of it. Only keep items in which you feel awesome and that you’re proud to wear—even if they’re jeans you’ve had since you were 17! (Yes I still have those white washed jeans!) We don’t say to throw things out simply because they’re from last season—just hold on to what you absolutely love, and donate or consign anything that is less than perfect for your body or lifestyle. Be realistic about what you wear. A lot of people I talk to make up stories about situations in which they’d wear certain clothes. This doesn’t just end with your clothing; this includes bags, accessories and shoes. Once you’ve decided what is staying and what is going put everything back in colored order, this will make it much easier when picking outfits in future.
Give yourself the best start to the year.
2015, I’m ready for you (well, at least my mind and body are!)