Thrifty Outfit .o6

I've been feeling very fashion-inspired as of late and I realized I haven't posted an outfit in forever! Summer always makes it easier to break out the camera and enjoy the outdoors without covering my outfit up with a big ol' parka. We'll blame it on winter, because it's always easiest to blame the weather ;)

Sweater: Thrifted | Shirt: Souvenir from Chicago | Pants: Wilfred, Thrifted | Shoes: Sperry Top-siders | Bracelet: Vintage Gift

Total Thrift Tally: 3/5!

Did I ever share about my trip to Chicago back in March? What a fantastic city. I loved the architecture, I loved the Art Institute, I loved the food. Just thinking about the deep dish pizza makes my tummy rumble! I definitely didn't go for long enough and plan to go back some day for a while longer so I can explore more.

Right now I am working very part time as I am applying to some Masters programs - whaaaat. This is a pretty big deal as it is a huge commitment on many levels. Since graduating from my Bachelor's degree and trying on many part-time hats, I've come to realize that my work with seniors and art is what I want to pursue as a career. But I'm going to need some learning and some credentials to really do that! So I'm looking at some research based, academic programs which are not what I ever imagined myself doing. AH! Time to read up, do my research, prepare myself, and cross my fingers for an acceptance! Wish me luck!

What have you been up to lately?

Natural Body Products: Gypsy Scents Deodorant

Guys! I am so thrilled. Remember in my 5 Happy Things post, I promised I'd share about my happy deodorant discovery? Well, today I am making good on that promise.

Deodorant has been a pretty persistent problem for me since I started my all-natural product shift, and it's one of the most important ones too! Most of the deodorants/antiperspirants on the shelves in stores are so bad for you. Aluminum has been linked with breast cancer and Alzheimers (though this has not been conclusively proven, as far as I can tell), and even the simple act of blocking your pores from sweating sounds like a really bad idea when you step back and think about it.

It's been a bit tough though, since most of the all-natural deodorants I've tried so far have a) made me need to re-apply throughout the day to keep back the stink b) required me to rub it in to my armpits with my fingers to actually get it to smooth out c) given me some super itchy pits or d) forced me to avoid white shirts at all cost for fear of yellow stains. So, all-natural? Yes. Practical? No. After over a year of trying out different brands, I was thrilled when I came across Gypsy Scents at a market I was participating in as well, and that I tried out a small sample size of her deodorant. Because guess what? IT WORKS.

I can go a full day with out any stink, I've worn white shirts without it staining, and I don't have to rub it in with my hands. And this particular scent, Lavender, is absolutely my favourite! I just love it! And Kimi, the mind and hands behind Gypsy Scents, is such a lovely soul - we arranged a drop-off date since she would be traveling through the area and was so accommodating and lovely to speak to. Thanks Kimi!

It does need a bit of a rub with the deodorant stick itself to get absorbed on my pits, and I do find that I have to clean up the edges of the stick when I'm done to make sure I don't waste any of the deodorant that goes to the sides, but that's not all that different from any other type of deodorant - and it's worth it for a product that works!

You can check out what other scents and products Kimi makes on the Gypsy Scents Website

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(Disclaimer: I am NOT being compensated for this post. I really like this product and simply want to share for any of you who are interested and who are looking for functional, all-natural body product alternatives.)

Five Happy Things

one. The sunshine season is back! We've had lovely sun and warmth this past week. Afternoons at the beach, birds singing in the morning and breakfast in sunny backyards, dinner in the nice evening breeze... life is extra good in the summer.

two. Finding an all-natural deodorant that WORKS. I finally found "The One" and I'll write a post about it soon so you can give it a try too. This is the happiest all-natural discovery I've made since starting this blog and the initiative to live life naturally and sustainably!

three. Last week I went to Arts Market to re-stock my booth. I decided to walk around and look at what the other vendors had goin' on. I went to the vintage section and saw a wooden sculpture/carving of a woman that I had really wanted several weeks before, but hadn't been able to justify the purchase. This time, it was on sale. So, this time, I bought it... and I'm SO thrilled! I'll share pics soon.

four. Coffee. Always Coffee. And back to point one, coffee in the morning sunshine. Ahhh!

five. Writing a proposal for a new project/role at my current job, and having it approved! Hello new part-time gig and hurray for putting yourself out there and having it pay off!

What are you happy about this week?