Blazer
A blazer is multifunctional and acts as a piece that can really pull an outfit together. A blazer is not in the casual business, it gives a more refined look than your average clothing item. The blazer is ideal for dressing up any outfit. How you dress does matters. Every day we have to face that choice. How do you want to perceive yourself today? As well as how do you want others to perceive you? The colors, the fit, the fabric, it all interplays and constructs its own message. If you are relaxing by the computer, working on a project, perhaps you take the opportunity to wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes. In contrast, if you are going out on a date, perhaps you plan on a more alluring, sensual look.
Or perhaps you want your attire to convey your competitive nature and thus wear an immaculate outfit. These are some of the reasons why we have to keep our closets updated, bringing new pieces that help in accomplishing the things that we want. A white modern blazer can help present a polished look no matter where you go.
Camera
A camera is in this list because it captures pictures and videos with superior quality than that of many electronic devices out there in the market. A good camera is no doubt a wise investment. I was sixteen when I bought my very first camera. My family wasn’t so convinced that I needed one, especially because it did cost over four hundred dollars. But I can say that it was worth it. I much prefer the photos and videos that I’ve taken on a camera versus the ones I’ve taken with a phone camera. I do think that the initial cost of this item might make anyone hesitate this purchase, but the truth is that you can get so many things out of it. And fourteen years later, I still own my Sony camera, leaving me with many invaluable memories. So, in summary, having a camera opens up new opportunities for exploration and it allows your photos and videos to have better quality.
Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry such as in the shape of hoop earrings and gold bangles. Jewelry has undeniable value, but gold more so than many other metals. Gold jewelry can be passed down in your family, generation to generation. The Spanish Semanario is iconic. It consists of seven gold bangle bracelets, one for each day of the week. The bracelets can be worn together or separate. I cannot get enough of gold jewelry, for it does not depreciate in value, like many other metals do. Good quality gold should last a lifetime. If you are going to invest in jewelry, try to acquire gold. There are many jewelry brands out in the market, but surely when it comes to resell value, gold surpasses others. Think of how the elation of owning a beautiful charm silver bracelet soon fades when you realize that the pieces start tarnishing when exposed to water, sweat, and humidity. I don’t mean to put silver in a bad spot, but you need to make sure you are not spending your money on something that will devalue in the not-too-distant future.
Watch
A watch goes beyond its basic function of keeping time. Ultimately, keeping a watch can help you keep yourself on time and help you acquire a more organized outlook. The designs vary far and great. There are classic watches, flashy watches with diamonds and digital ones, such as the Apple watch. There are certain fields where knowing the exact time is crucial. Certain specialties, such as nursing, where one has to know the exact time in change of status of a patient, strongly advice wearing one. I can certainly say that it helps time management. It’s unlike a phone, which can be misplaced, a watch is more reliable.
Blackboard
A blackboard can introduce you to new ideas. Both blackboards and whiteboards have a special link to the development of logical ideas. It is no coincidence that in many tv shows, the protagonist will start working out possible solutions to their dilemma by using a whiteboard, such as in the show House. Dr. House will often problem solve using a whiteboard in the hopes of finding a cure for the ailing patient. However, this is great for students of math or chemistry classes as well. I can attest that repeating the algebra problems in a smooth white surface facilitated my learning. It becomes natural to outline the required learning. I also felt is eased my anxiety over learning new material. Even if you are not a student, a blackboard or whiteboard will potentiate the developing of ideas and help information absorb.
A Library Card
A library card gives you access to library books, to computers, and to the ability to check out books for free. It’s so easy to take for granted, and it may not even make sense to consider it as an investment, but it is. Libraries are ideal places of focus. Depending how popular your library is, it can even be a place to network. I love to focus in the library and then being able to find new material to read. I also have to point out that reading is a major source of keeping your brain active. There is no better place to go if you have group projects or work deadlines.
A Multivitamin
I will always recommend a good multivitamin. As women, we encounter a lot of demands placed on our bodies and our minds. Maintaining a full-time schedule, while keeping relationships and jobs running can be draining. I speak from experience, and can attest to the difference of what a good multivitamin can do. By taking a multivitamin we make sure to have extra support fortifying our bodies, boosting our immune system. I have been taking Ph Balancer by Mother Earth Labs for years, but you can use whatever multivitamin available to you, anything is a good start.
A Planner
A good planner is an organizing wonder. Although planners can inadvertently have a negative connotation because of their association with super packed schedules and endless school assignments, don’t let that stop you from getting one. The practice of planning can be as manageable as spending 5 minutes before bedtime jotting down a basic plan for the next day. Making a goal with its timeline and due date will allow it to form, it is inexplicable how it holds more power and more weight than if it was just an idea. Think of it as a blueprint, you map out what it is that you want and have the means to act upon your stated plans day by day.
Manifestation Board
A manifestation board can be crafted from a poster board with various attached images. Straight to the point. One version says that they do work, however, they must be kept in secret, where only you can see it, and no one else. Why is this? Perhaps the outcome is negatively affected by others, even at an unconscious level. However, I do think that making a manifestation board is the most important step, regardless of your choice to keep if on full display or keep it hidden. So, let’s go ahead and make one!
Feng Shui Guide
168 Feng Shui Ways to Energize your Life by Lillian Too has to be one of the very first books I recommend to anyone. My younger self found this book at a bookshelf at the library, and it was a godsend. At the time I was not a Feng Shui believer, but this book soon converted me. Not only does it go over how to create a better state in your home in accordance to the Chi or energy that surrounds us all, but it also covers basic appearance protocol of the self. The book covers the importance of keeping things organized, tidy. At that point in my life, in my early twenties, I was evaluating the return of investment on my appearance and reconsidering its importance. I had a few acne breakouts and had decided to let my skin rest. But after reading this book, I changed my mind. You see, the books explains how you should aim to look presentable as much as possible, even if you are seemingly resting at your house. We must always be ready for when opportunity strikes. What about skin? The skin should be even in tone, with care to cover under eye circles and appropriately color it with blush so as to dispel a pale complexion.
Backpack
If you are able to, venture out and get yourself a new backpack. Not only is it a fabulous, practical gift, but they make a statement. Backpacks are in no way only catered to school aged kids. When traveling, a backpack is a great replacement to a traditional handbag. A backpack frees up your hands from having to simultaneously keep your carry-on bag with you, wheel down your luggage and, if you are like me, have to deal with an incredibly heavy purse. When it comes to backpacks, there is a lot of variety. From Michael Kors dressy backpacks, to school backpacks. This is my new Kipling backpack, and combined with the matching lunchbox, it makes a striking combo.
Mascara
There are quite a lot of options out there for lash enhancements. All the way from pricey lash extensions, to glue on false lashes. But using a good mascara is one of the most sustainable options out there. I have had my reckoning with my fair share of eye infections. They did have a lot to do with using too much eye makeup along with contact lenses whist trying to get the most stunning lashes out there no matter the cost. But sometimes less is more. I do advocate for a method that does not use glue near your eye, at least on a daily basis. This is the Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara I have been using. I appreciate the effect it has on my lashes and with its curved brush and spiky bristles I feel like it really enhances my lashes.
Sugar Scrub
A nice sugar scrub removes impurities, removes dead skin and is said to also target negative energies. Using a sugar scrub can be very invigorating. It activates cell turnover. You can choose many delicious scents. I love caring for the skin as a means of generating self-love and generating wellbeing. You can make your own at home with a few ingredients you probably already have at your disposal. To make your own sugar scrub you will need:
- ¾ cups white refined sugar
- 2 TB of coconut oil melted
- 9 drops lavender essential oil
Mix and store in a glass tight container, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Red Protection Bracelet
A red protection bracelet is one of the signature items of living in Texas. Certain beliefs sustain the ages, and one of those beliefs is that the color red is a color of protection. Red can protect against envy, and against bad energy. These bracelets are often inexpensive. This custom came to my attention one day when my fifteen-year-old brother asked me if I wear a daily red protection bracelet. I told him that I did on occasion. His reply to me was “You should wear one always”. I prefer the red protection bracelets that have both protection against the evil eye, depicted as a colored bead meant to resemble an eye, and the St. Benedict medal of protection which is said to be very powerful.
Handbag
If there is one thing that my mother honed on me and that is that you need to have a nice handbag. I was about twelve, when my mother threw out my flea market handbag and instead replaced it with my first name brand handbag, a Fossil bag. Maybe it was not a flea market handbag, but I’m pretty sure it cost me less than ten dollars. It’s scary to think about having to invest the money on a good handbag. But a nice quality handbag will not just last you longer, look nicer longer, but will elevate your perceived socioeconomic status. You can purchase them at reduced prices at the store outlets or when sales hit your favorite store.