Have you ever wished there was a way you could look sharp in your clothes while still feeling like you’re at home chilling in your sweatpants? If so, you’ll be thrilled to know that it’s not as impossible as it sounds! Getting dressed, especially if you’re heading out to work or to meet up with friends, can feel like putting on layers of stiff, uncomfortable materials that can feel restrictive or even unnatural. It doesn’t have to be like that, though! Check out these easy dressing tips that can elevate your comfort and help you feel better than ever in your clothes.
1. Comfort Starts at Your Base Layer, So Make Sure You’re Wearing the Best Underwear for You
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give a second thought to the type of underwear you put on every morning. After all, if nobody’s going to see it, why would it make a difference? You would be surprised, however, at how different you feel when you’re wearing pouch underwear that’s soft, comfy and fits just right. When you think about it, comfort starts at your base layer with the clothes that are closest to you. If your underwear is going to be sitting against your skin all day, why not invest in a pair that actually feels extra comfortable?
2. When It Comes to Style, Go With Your Gut
Part of the reason you might be feeling uncomfortable about putting together going-out looks is that you may be feeling pressure to wear the latest trends or whatever your friend group happens to be into at the moment. Style is ultimately highly personal, however, so when it comes to finding your signature look and the items that make you feel your best, go with your gut. Whether jean jackets, full-on tuxedos, tuxedo-design T-shirts or just classic sports-branded hoodies are more your style, the key is to find the pieces of clothing that best express your personality. When you feel like your clothes accurately reflect who you are, you’re bound to feel miles more comfortable.
3. Buy Clothes That Look Great But Feel Ultra-Comfortable
At the same time, there are some professional or personal events that require a more formal level of dress, and you might not be able to escape them completely. Don’t despair, though! The trick to making it through a business dinner or your second cousin’s wedding without feeling restrained and uncomfortable the whole time is to shop for clothes that look great but are made of soft, comfy materials. Look for materials like cotton or polyester blends for options that will still feel great on your skin three hours into a work event.
4. Figure Out the Colors That Work Best on You
A huge part of looking great in the clothes you pick out that all too often gets overlooked is the colors involved. If you want to opt for casual clothes all the time, you can still elevate your look by choosing pieces that have colors that flatter you. Try on a range of colors and pay attention to what looks best on you, or which colors make you feel great. Once you know whether you have warm or cool undertones, for example, you can start buying those cozy sweatpants and hoodies in your best colors to look sharp even when you’re just relaxing at home.
Getting dressed can already feel like a pain – there’s no reason to make it worse by relegating yourself to stiff materials that just make you feel uncomfortable! Though putting together your look might not sound like something that can be done while maintaining sweats-and-a-T-shirt-level comfort, these easy hacks make it simpler than you ever thought. Try these ideas to stay comfortable while looking cool.
Cellphones, social media, social pressures, and exams have been the weight of concern for my children lately. In turn, these feelings create a certain level of anxiety, stress, and can impact a good nights sleep. On the other hand, some children have natural stresses because they have special needs; autism and other sensory experiences can affect how children regulate their behaviors or emotions. For years, occupational therapists have been helping children and adults stress less with a weighted blanket.
We have been on the hunt for the perfect weighted blanket for our kids, as this was their holiday gift request, and we have definitely found it! Part of our Florida lifestyle is that we have been so much more relaxed. Just minutes from the beach, the theme parks and the abundance of outdoor living, our family has been exploring ways to de-stress in various ways. We have normal stressors, yet we have tried to not let the small stuff weigh us down, pardon the pun. However, sometimes normal stressors can impact, even seasonal stressors like the holidays can impact sleep and overall wellness.
This past year my sleep has been a mess. A horrible mess. The Chad and I chalked it up to our aging bed and we bought this incredible Tempurpedic. However, before the bed purchase, I was still struggling for sleep. Being that he wanted me to sleep well, he purchased a weighted blanket. Our first night was amazing, I slept like a baby, but the subsequent nights were hot flashes, sweating and every attempt to get comfortable. So after 30 nights we kicked the blanket. I just could not find my sleep despite the level of comfort it brought for my restless legs from weightlifting and my daily stressors.
Do Weighted Blankets Actually Work?
Was it the blanket though that was not helping my sleep? Was it the weight? Was it my bed? So many questions, so many variables. I couldn’t just give up on the blanket. I decided to investigate if there was really any truth to how weighted blankets work and if they truly do help to stress less by easing you into, and keeping you, asleep.
In 2008, a research study was conducted with adult participants and the findings concluded, that basically, weighted blankets are safe to use. The initial findings were that emotional arousal was reduced by the use of the blankets, however, this was only after five minutes of use. Not five hours or more as one might experience during a full nights sleep.
A few other studies – a few years later – proved fruitless as well, using placebo blankets to help further the study. Those findings concluded that sleep was not impacted by the participants, children, and most importantly, children with autism. So where is the proof these blankets work if the research is indicating otherwise?
In the 1990s Temple Grandin, world renowned researcher and a person who also has autism, conducted research studies regarding “hug machines.” Her first studies were with college students that found that the deep touch helped 60% of participants feel more relaxed. Yet, it was the study done in 1999 that was published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy that found that 12 children with autism all received some benefit from her “hug machine” experiment.
The findings of the 12 children were that five used the machine, continuously applying pressure, while the other seven rested in the machine. What is the hug machine exactly? Built of pads, the user can pull a lever applying deep-pressure touch to the body. The user has total control over the weight and amount of application within the “hug machine.” So while the results are absolutely conclusive, varying studies have shown some applicable reduction in stress, but most importantly is about personal preference.
Which Weighted Blanket and Why?
For the last several years weighted blankets have exploded all over the market and internet. From craft DIY’s to blankets touting metal for better grounding (which we don’t recommend due to the lead possibility), everyone is all about stress less with a weighted blanket. With so many to choose from, which weighted blanket is the best and why?
After much research we found the team at Harkla and their incredible product line of weighted blankets and other sensory experience products. Why did we choose them and why their products? The team at Harkla has first hand experience with sensory issues in children, backed by educators and science to create products that ease stressors in our children’s lives. Think about your new born child and how at ease they felt when swaddled or having the pressure of your hand on them as they were soothed to sleep.
Blanket Weight suggestion based on age and body weight of individuals.
Using this same theory – backed with applicable use by occupational therapists – applying deep-pressure touch helps to desensitize and calm children with sensory processing disorders, as well as children who may struggle with anxiety or the ability to self-calm. With that, weight is a tremendous factor and should only be used in older children, never with infants. Blankets come with a variety of weights that are evenly disbursed and are based upon individual body weight, and of course, preference. Some adults and children have found less weight or even more weight to be beneficial.
Perfect for Teens
Instead of returning our blanket we opted to let Big G try it out. Needless to say, the blanket has never been returned to the store and is – instead – with it’s intended rightful owner. Weighted blankets are perfect for teens! Riddled with hormones and hormonal driven anxiety, married with all the minutiae high school can bring, teens can stress less with a weighted blanket.
Experts have explained that the “deep pressure” feeling generated by a weighted blanket helps to release both serotonin and dopamine to help people feel more relaxed. While the feeling isn’t like a death weight; weighted blankets provide a nice, even, easy to the touch feeling over the entire body to put it to rest. Hence why hugs have that calm feeling as the soft, easy touch can ease feelings of tension, fear, and general upset.
Perfect for Tweens
At the genesis of true teenage years, Tweens are beginning the hormonal process. I see my twins rage or cry over absolutely nothing and everything. They are in the first year of middle school and are navigating multiple classes, exams and early peer pressures. While they both manage to handle stress fairly well, I can tell that they still lean on one another for comfort. By that, I mean they still will crawl into bed with the other while sleeping. Simulating that inherent twin feeling from when they were infants.
My initial thoughts were that this could be a problem, interrupting one another’s sleep in order to find that soothing comfort. Even though I have been a mom for 17 years, I am still figuring this whole gig out most days, especially when my twins are involved. They are a unique breed of people, so vastly different, yet very similar. I do not want to interfere with the connection the two of them have and will willingly foster the healthy coping mechanisms they have as children.
So we explored the weighted blanket route with them as well with Harkla. Our goal was to have them stress less, find a good nights sleep and find comfort, either individually or together. When we put it together I had to have them both try how they could feel together with the weight and individually. They both were at ease, yet smiling ear to ear, full of excitement to feel the swaddling and “deep-pressure” touch they felt as infants and toddlers.
The weight was perfect for their togetherness and individuality. At only 15lbs, they could easily lift up from underneath the blanket, but still benefit from the additional gravity being applied to their bodies. Now the two of them have negotiated who sleeps under the blanket on any given night, with the opportunity of the other crawling in bed for the cuddling feeling. Looks like we will be investing in a second to ensure a future argument doesn’t erupt.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift this year, weighted blankets are at the top of the list. With the amount of stresses in people’s lives these days, we are always looking for ways to reduce stress and tap into more natural ways to relax. More so, the abundance of benefits to the special needs community for those with sensory disorders to help stress less as well. Whether you are an adult with anxiety or sensory disorders or have a child or children with sensory or spectrum disorders, a weighted blanket might be just the perfect gift.
Gift giving for older children is more about functionality or overall use as opposed to what “Santa” will be delivering. Kids these days are more technologically driven than ever before so staying ahead of the trend but behind the bus in cost is a delicate balance. From the latest iPhone to portable cameras or the latest in Bluetooth headsets to fashion trends, these are some of the top gifts for teenage boys. Continue reading “Top Gifts for Teenage Boys”
Nowadays everything is a subscription. From dog food to even a shave subscription, long gone are the days of simple gifts. Holiday shopping for The Chad and my kids has become a struggle through the years. As we – and they – age, finding “that” particular gift or any gifts becomes challenging. The kids are no longer of a particular toy age and The Chad and I are more about functional gifts. Which is why this year Harry’s Razor and Shave Subscription might just be the ticket for The Chad. Continue reading “Harry’s Razors and Shave Subscription”
Several years back I recall busting my husband using my very expensive exfoliating body wash. I had invested in a quality brand with my aesthetician and he was using my little bottle of gold. How dare he! Personal care is no longer a taboo among men. Manicures, pedicures, visiting a stylist (not just a barber), and investing in quality styling and personal care products have become more mainstream with men. The Chad has taken to a daily moisturizer and exfoliating, he also appreciates a good beard balm and quality hair products. Our natural response when we were asked to check out a new men’s product was a resounding “yes.” Continue reading “Baldwin Men Moisturizing Lotion & Ladies too”
Holidays bring on many stresses. Shopping and the gift giving process is often one of the many stressors. Giving for family, friends and co-workers can be tenuous with finding the perfect gift. Take the stress out of shopping this holiday season and give the perfect gift for anyone from GourmetGiftBaskets.com and or KingOfPop.com. Continue reading “Gourmet Gift Baskets – Gifts for Any Occassion”
Have you seen the commercial with the talking gunked up razor from Dollar Shave Club? It’s true! Razors cost a small fortune and if you’ve shopped around lately, you may experience sticker shock. Dollar Shave Club offers razors that are affordable and work well and do what they’re supposed to, get rid of unwanted hair. Sign up for a subscription to their razors to always have the blades you need. Continue reading “Save Money on Shaving with Dollar Shave Club”
Chances are you grew up with the name Gold Toe as a household name in your family. They produce a huge variety of quality socks. This year they’ve added holiday inspired socks to their line up. These are even great for everyday wear. They are soft and comfortable and fit as expected. Continue reading “Gold Toe Socks in your Stockings”
Just the other day while conducting early holiday shopping, installations of Halloween decorations and paraphernalia littered the local stores which means that Hanukkah and Christmas will be following soon after. If these signs spark inspiration of early holiday shopping, now is the time, especially if you are seeking that “It gift” for your spouse and or significant other. Husbands are always running off to meetings, business conferences and luncheons, the one accessory any man needs to put together his ensemble is a chic functional watch. As a man on the go with boardroom business he also represents a rugged outdoorsy nature with Jeep trails, hiking and volunteer efforts. Every man needs a beyond the boardroom style watch that is tasteful and can withstand an active lifestyle, so for this holiday season gifting the Hemera Radiant in his stocking is sure to be the “It gift.” Continue reading “Hemera: Watches Beyond the Boardroom”
While some of us may have evolved to the digital age and our photos have been stored in a digital frame; for others they still love and enjoy the glossy feel of photos. The timeless classic of flipping through an album while tripping down memory lane. Reminiscing of days past.
