Calvin Klein Activewear

This past weekend, I stopped by my local T.J. Maxx. I'll be honest, I haven't had THAT much luck there in the past, but I know how stellar their prices are, so I'm determined to master the place. In the past, I've found some great handbags at really low prices, and some killer lamps in their home department, but haven't been thrilled with their shoe and clothing selection.

I told myself that I was entitled to some new workout clothes since I've been doing so well getting to the gym so far this new year. I like Lululemon as much as the next girl, but the prices are astronomical, and I REFUSE to spend $100 dollars on a pair of pants that I intend to sweat in on a regular basis, so this was my next stop (I'm also a big fan of Old Navy activewear, it's surprisingly durable).

I tried on a bunch of stuff at T.J. Maxx, but only came home with these exercise pants.

They are Calvin Klein Performance, regular $49.99 reduced to $19.99. The material (90% cotton/10% spandex) feels more like a fashion legging than a typical workout pant, so I imagine that these might show sweat marks. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but they are actually gray with tiny black stripes, which is a nice detail. They are different enough from the typical black yoga pant, while still being subtle. From afar, they look like a solid gray. 

 

Jacket: Fila old (Similar here), Top: Mossimo Supply Co. (Similar Here), Bottom: Calvin Klein Performance from T.J. Maxx, Shoes: Nike Fit Sole (Newer version here)

A Hint of Sparkle

About a year ago, my mom suggested we get gel manicures. I didn't know what they entailed, but her friend couldn't stop raving about them, so I was game. The process was somewhere between a regular manicure and acrylics. The result was the shiniest set of sparkly purple nails is ever seen. And four weeks later, although my nails had started to grow out, there was not a single chip to be found. I was hooked! The only downside was the price. One manicure set me back $30 plus tip. I knew it wasn't a realistic long term option for someone like me, who rarely splurges on my nails. The solution? An at-home gel nail polish system. 

Here's what you'll need: (I recommend Gelish for the foundation and top coat, they have a great starter kit called Gelish Basix you can purchase on www.amazon.com ) I got started for right around $100, the cost of just over three salon manicures, so within three months the system was cost-effective.

It's really a simple process. Here's the abridged version. Prepare nails like you normally would before a manicure, trimmed, buffed, etc. Then use the cuticle oil, and using a lint-free wipe, clean the nail with the nail surface cleanse. Once the nail is clean, use the PH bond to dry out the nails so that the polish will adhere to the nail. 

Click below for more instructions: