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Οι Γιορτές είναι γεμάτες νόστιμο φαγητό και λαχταριστά γλυκά στα οποία δεν μπορεί κανείς να αντισταθεί (εάν είστε και εσείς σαν κι εμένα, ξέρετε πόσο δύσκολο είναι!). Έτσι λοιπόν τώρα που οι γιορτές φτάνουν στο τέλος, είναι καιρός να επανέλθουμε στους φυσιολογικούς ρυθμούς μας. Βέβαια, μπορεί να είναι αδύνατο να "ξεκάνουμε" τη ζημιά που κάναμε στο σώμα μας με όλο αυτό το φαγητό, αλλά μπορούμε να μετριάσουμε το "κακό", κάνοντας πέντε απλά πράγματα. Ας ξεκινήσει λοιπόν η αποτοξίνωση των γιορτών! 

Holiday period tends to be filled with delicious food and desserts that nobody can resist (well if you are anything like me, you know how hard resisting is. Now that Holidays came to an end, its time to get back on track. While you cannot necessarily undo the “damage” that has been done by eating copious amount of food and dessert (sometimes, not so healthy), you can counter the effects it may have with this simple five-step detox plan. Let's do this! 

1. Eat Smaller Portions

First things first, do not try to balance out overeating with not eating. Skipping meals is unhealthy and can slow down your metabolism. Instead, eat slightly smaller portions. Get your body used to smaller portions and slowly reduce the calorie intake to a healthy amount!

2. Drink green tea in the morning

After waking up the next morning, brew some green tea. Studies show that green tea boosts your metabolism and increases fat burning. Add a slice or two of lemon and you will feel energized through the day. Added bonus: water helps flush out your system!

3. Eat greek yogurt for breakfast

For breakfast, have some plain Greek yogurt topped with cranberries. Eating breakfast first thing in the morning will jump start your metabolism. Greek yogurt is loaded with iodine which aids in thyroid function, protein for immune building, and probiotics that help keep your intestines healthy. Topping your yogurt with antioxidant-rich cranberries will help lower the cholesterol in your blood.

4. Undo the drinks with a banana

If you had a few too many drinks, eat a banana. These low-calorie and potassium-packed fruit helps get rid of bloating and moderates blood sugar levels. Fruit that are rich in fiber have been linked to aiding in weight loss!

5. Choose leafy greens for dinner

For lunch or dinner, try a salad full of healthy, dark, leafy greens (think arugula, romaine, and spinach) with shredded carrots, sliced avocados, and chopped tomatoes. You can even toss in a bunch of beans for protein. Top it all with a vinaigrette made with olive oil.

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The begining of a New Year is the perfect oportutity for resolutions and new goals. One goal that we all share in common is establishing good health and a healthier lifestyle in general. Autumn and winter can be quite demanding months on our overall mental and health state so practicing self care is extremely important, even more during this time of year. With busy schedules, it might be hard to find ways to take care of yourself regularly but it’s those small lifestyle changes that can make a difference and really transform your life and redefined your goals. All it really takes is making a small shift, a small change in your daily routine to bring some positivity and healthy influence to your life. Don't forget that everything you’re doing now will dictate your path later on, it’s never too late to live a healthy lifestyle! 

So today I'm sharing 50 different ways that will allow you to look after yourself and start a healthier lifestyle. 

1. Drink lots and lots of water. Try drinking water with lemon first thing in the morning. Water seriously does wonders for your energy and helps kick your metabolism into gear. 

2. Don’t skip breakfast. Eating breakfast is a healthy habit you cannot skip! I know, work and schedules get busy, but always make sure that you’re getting proper breakfast each morning.You’ll be less likely to suffer from low energy levels or eating something unhealthy later on in the day. I personally don’t have time for a big breakfast, but I always make sure to have something healthy on the go like a granola bar or a smoothie. 

3. Sleep. Sleep is one of the most important functions that our bodies use to regulate cells, so you’ll definitely add more years to that life of yours. At least six hours of sleep is the recommended magic number. 

4. Take Omega-3. Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to improve mood and alleviate depression. There are numerous studies linking anxiety and other mood disorders with low blood levels of omega-3 fats. 

5. Replace coffee with tea. Brew a pot of delicious herbal tea and sweeten it with natural honey. 

6. Make healthier choices when it comes to what you eat so you can feel better in your body every day. Try to add more greens to your diet.

7. Always have something healthy to snack on, handy like a granola or oat bar, berries or almonds. 

8. Stretch. Yoga is an ideal exercise that can play a vital role in energizing your routine! Yoga can help promote positive thinking, balance, endurance and flexibility. All it takes is stretching for 15 solid minutes. 

9. Spread Love and Love will Spread. This one is probably my favorite. Try sending a positive message to a loved one each morning, whether it’s a simple text like “Have a great day!” or a handwritten note, it goes a long way. Sometimes, just a little, “I’m thinking of you” note can change someone’s entire day for the better. Get creative! 

10. Stay Connected. Life gets busy and we get tired. It’s important to beat those sleepy blues by staying connected to friends and loved ones. As we get older is getting difficult to make time for friends and family but try to make time for the people you love! 

11. Laugh often. Don’t ever underestimate the power of a good comedy show or movie, especially when you’re having a crappy day. 

12. Practice gratitude. Before you go to sleep, think of the best thing that happened to you that day and say “thank you, thank you, thank you!” Trust me, there are great things that happen to you, even during ordinary days. When you start training your mind to think happy thoughts, you’ll start to see a positive impact on the entire day. 

13. Be kind. Always. Regardless of the circumstances.

14. Take a warm bath with all the extras. Bath bomb, lots of bubbles, lit candles, relaxing music. 

15. Take the stairs. When going shopping, skip the elavators and head for the stairs instead. 

16. Spend time outside. Take long walks in the nature, go for a stroll through the park or your favorite part the city. 

17. Plan a weekend getaway. Seeing new places works like an energy booster all the time. 

18. Do something nice for others, on regular basis. Nothing’s better than knowing the you’ve put a smile on someone’s face.

19. Practice self-care. Always look after yourself. Don't forget to schedule your annual doctor's appointments and blood exams. 

20. Wake Up Early. When you wake up early, you’ll have more time to focus on the present, and be prepared for the day ahead. Eat a healthy breakfast and engage in some “me” time. Chances are, there won’t be many other chances in the chaotic day ahead. Early risers are also happier and healthier than those who stay up and wake up late. 

21. Learn to let things go that weigh you down and cause you stress. Try to forgive and forget.

22. Remember to recycle.

23. Don’t complain. Especially when it comes to things that are out of your control.

24. Stop waiting. Don’t spend your life waiting for the weekend, for summer, for love. “Right now” is all you’ll ever have.

25. Write down a bucket list with all the things you want to do during your lifetime. Don't stop dreaming!

26. Don’t waste your time crying over the past. Live the present. 

27. Let go of your need to be perfect. Nobody's perfect. 

28. Keep track of your goals and set new ones.

29. Do more of what you love. Do you like to cook? Try a new, fun recipe. Do you love animals? Volunteer at a shelter. Do something that you really enjoy, every day. It can be as simple as listening to your favorite album, when on your way to work.

30. Try new things, often. Don't be afraid to do things that scare you, that’s how you grow.

31. Judge less. Try not to judge other people, you don't know the whole story. 

32. Know how to slow down and be present. 

33. Don’t compare yourself to others. Remember that you are unique and nothing can replace you.

34. Surround yourself with things that make you feel happy and inspired. Declutter. 

35. Don't be afraid to say “no” to things you don’t fee like doing.

36. Nourish your relationships.

37. Practice positive thinking. Your attitude can make the biggest difference, especially when experiencing something unpleasant.

38. Dance. Even if it’s just by yourself in your living room. Put together a happiness playlist with all your favorite songs and just dance. 

39. Learn how to stop procrastinating. Tackle your most important tasks, first.

40. Give yourself an afternoon off to do something leisurely and fun. 

41. Unplug from social media once in a while. Turn off your phone, the TV and pick up a book.

42. Always congratulate yourself on every task accomplished, big or small.

43. Don’t ever stop learning.

44. Worry less. Don’t waste your time feeling anxious about things that are beyond your control.

45. Listen more.

46. Edit your life frequently. Get rid of things that don’t serve you and surround yourself only with positive, supportive people.

47. Learn to appreciate little things in life. Your life is made up of moments- pay to attention to those good, happy, exciting ones.

48. Do something creative, like cooking a new recipe or trying a DIY. 

49. Once in a while, treat yourself to something special like that lipstick you've had your eye on, dinner at a fancy restaurant or pamper yourself with luxurious face masks and a nice glass of wine. 

50. Don’t be afraid to dream big.

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You have a fully loaded schedule and you’re stressed out sometimes. There’s so much going on! You are not alone. The truth is, you are one woman and also a wife, mother, teacher, chef, driver ... you get the picture, right? Don't let your obligations ran you into the ground. You and your family has to get the best of you, not the leftovers of you. After all that's not a fun way to live. 

So after some time and hard lessons, I’ve learned that the key to stay on top of everything is Time Management. A lot have been said about Time Management, you even can attend some seminars about it but to make long talk short, here are 6 easy ways to manage your time. 

1| Use a planner

It doesn't matter what planner, just use one. Whether it’s a digital calendar on your phone or a planner you picked up from a store, use it. Planners will help show you what you have coming up so you can plan accordingly. If you want my opinion on that, I'll say this ... a paper planner is better than a digital one. Writing something down really makes it stick in your mind. Here you can find a 2016 monthly calendar (the 2017 version will be posted soon, stay tuned!). 

2| Get enough sleep

I know, when there are things to be done the last thing to can do is to sleep. The truth is that if you're enough rested you will work better and you'll get more things done. So, go to bed early and get some sleep.

3| Get up early

Since you went to bed early and got enough sleep, you can totally get up early. Grab a cup of coffee and breakfast and sit down. Take a few moments for yourself. It's your Me Time. Gather your thoughts, use your planner and do a brain dump to get yourself ready for the day. 

4| Make a To Do List

Include the things that you need to do today. If there are things that you want to do but don’t need to do, add them to another list. Once you’ve finished your necessities, you can move into the other list. Just a note ... your To Do list is not your bucket or wish list. 

5| Delegate

Don’t be afraid to assign some work to your family. Your kids or husband can take care of the laundry for you or even unload the dishwasher. I even let my 5 year old boy dust the living room. Don't look for perfection, work has to be done ... end of discussion.

6| Just say no

It’s true. You don’t have to say yes to everything. If you’re not up to something, it’s okay to say no. If the thought of adding on one more thing on your To Do list is making you feel like pulling your hair out, say no. There will be other times to say yes. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. 

See also 

Secrets for a better work-life balance

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It's no secret that most of us have trouble balancing work with our personal lives, hurting our relationships, health, and overall happiness. If you are not satisfied with your current working habits and lifestyle, here are some tips to find that right balance for yourself.

1| Switch off

Switch off your work related devices outside of work. Resist the urge to check your emails or to reply to messages and texts, unless they are really urgent. This helps draw a clear boundary between work time and personal time.

2| Say no

It can be difficult to say no to your boss' or clients' demands, or to even decline invitations from colleagues. However, take a step back and consider whether you've got too much on your shoulders. A tip would be to ask for some time to decide on your answer, instead of agreeing immediately.

3| Forget perfectionism

Some of us (me included) have the tendency to always strive for perfection in our work, but that can be overly stressful, and nearly impossible to achieve. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, simply do your best without becoming overworked.

4| Take breaks

We sometimes become so engrossed in our tasks that we forget to give ourselves a break, or even worse, skip meals to complete our work. This could adversely affect your productivity in the long run, so rest when you need to and recharge yourself.

5| Leave work at work

When your workday ends, it should end cleanly. Leave all work-related tasks at the office, and try to worry about them the following workday. It's time for you to unwind and take a well-deserved break before getting back to the grind the next day.

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3 | Ασκηθείτε το πρωί 4 | Αναπνεύστε Περισσότερο 5 | Τρώτε αργά

When we think of someone who is genuinely healthy, we might conjure up images of a smiley woman who loves her job, works out five days a week, and cooks with organic ingredients. Now, go ahead and cross off that image from your brain; the truth is that healthy people have actually a set of small, daily practices that they stick to even when things get tough. It's all about habits that contribute most to our wellbeing, above anything else. You don't need to live the life of a raw food chef or fitness instructor to be healthy.

Regularity and commitment are the keys to keeping yourself in tip-top shape (not just physically, but in general), yet that's what makes it so hard sometimes. It's the small stuff we tend to overlook the most because they become so second-nature, that we rarely ever consider changing them. You'll be happy to know that it doesn't really take that much work; just gradually start making some changes and you'll see yourself more vigorous than ever before.

Snacking it's one of those joys that can go sorely wrong. If you roam around without any goodies in your handbag, you're bound to succumb to the bad cravings and find yourself lost in something deep fried, which will make you feel awful later. Carry dried fruits, mixed nuts, or an all-natural granola bar to keep your energy up. 

2 | Eat Lots of Greens

"Duh," you're probably thinking. We know vegetables of the dark green kind are super nutritional, but how many of us actually eat enough in a day? Just one serving of leafy greens a day can give you a solid serving of vitamin K, which prevents you from prematurely aging. A lack of K can lead to weak bones, heart disease, and kidney issues. 

Getting the endorphins going in the a.m. can never be a bad thing, and the sooner you make room for this in your daily routine, the quicker you'll see a lasting spike in vitality. Whether it's getting up 15 minutes early to simply jog around the block or doing a home Pilates routine, get the body moving so your brain can be rushed with blissful endorphins. Your brain and your abs will thank you for it.

Breathing properly is one of the quickest ways to improve physical and mental health; it can reduce migraines, aid in digestion, and curb your anxiety. Remind yourself to breathe today, because you'd be surprised at how often we forget. Meditation is a great way to practice.

As simple as it may seems, taking your time to enjoy a meal is important. Studies show that women who eat faster end up enjoying their food less, and often aren't in tune with when they're full. Not only does chewing more mindfully help you make better choices in what you're eating, but it helps your body process everything better.

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Οι καλοκαιρινές διακοπές πιθανότατα να έχουν τελειώσει και τώρα αισθάνεστε λίγο χαμένες, σωστά; Οι διακοπές είναι σκληρές. Δουλεύεις "σαν το σκυλί" για να τακτοποιήσεις τις εκκρεμότητες προκειμένου να μπορέσεις να φύγεις, όσο εσύ λείπεις η λίστα των εκκρεμοτήτων όλο και μεγαλώνει με αποτέλεσμα όταν με το καλό έρθει η ώρα να επιστρέψεις, δεν ξέρεις από που να αρχίσεις. 

Γνωστή ιστορία αλλά ευτυχώς υπάρχουν μερικά tips για να κάνουμε την επιστροφή στο γραφείο ομαλότερη. 

1. Καταγράψτε τα πάντα

Το πρώτο πράγμα που πάντα κάνω είναι να κάνω μια λίστα με όλα όσα πρέπει να γίνουν. Από τα emls που πρέπει να απαντηθούν, στα χαρτιά που πρέπει να αρχειοθετήσω μέχρι και τις προσκλήσεις που πρέπει να απαντήσω. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι και μόνο που την βλέπεις, σε πιάνει κάτι αλλά είναι μια καλή αρχή προκειμένου να ορίσεις τις προτεραιότητές σου. 

2. Ξεκινήστε με τη δυσκολότερη δουλειά

Όσο δελεαστικό και εάν είναι να ξεκινήσετε με τις ευκολότερες δουλειές, μην το κάνετε. Αφού θα είστε το γραφείο για ένα μεγάλο μέρος της ημέρας, πέστε στα βαθιά και ξεκινήστε με το δυσκολότερο. Προσωπικά, το πιο δύσκολο από όλα είναι τα εισερχόμενά μου. 

3. Προγραμματίστε κάτι ωραίο για την εβδομάδα

Προκειμένου να μην σας πιάσει κατάθλιψη για το τέλος των διακοπών, προγραμματίστε κάτι ωραίο όπως ένα ραντεβού για περιποίηση (νύχια, μαλλιά, πρόσωπο ότι σας αρέσει) ή μια έξοδο με τα κορίτσια για να πείτε τα νέα σας. Προγραμματίστε κάτι στο οποίο θα περάσετε ευχάριστα και θα σας θυμίσει ότι πρέπει πάντα να περνάμε καλά, όχι μόνο στις διακοπές! 

4. Ξεκινήστε ένα πρόγραμμα αποτοξίνωσης

Κακά τα ψέματα. Όταν έχουμε μια σειρά (την λεγόμενη ρουτίνα) είναι ευκολότερο να τρώμε σωστά και να γυμναζόμαστε. Στις διακοπές όμως τα πράγματα αλλάζουν και όλοι υποκύπτουμε στους πειρασμούς. Νόστιμες λιχουδιές για πρωινό, μεσημερινό, βραδυνό, μεζεδάκια, ουζάκια, τσιπουράκια, κοκτέιλ κλπ. Ούτε σκέψη για δίαιτα. Τώρα λοιπόν που έχουμε γυρίσει πίσω, είναι καλό να μπούμε σε μια σειρά πάλι ... 

5. Οργανώστε τις επόμενες διακοπές σας

Έρευνες έχουν δείξει ότι οι άνθρωποι που πηγαίνουν διακοπές είναι πιο χαρούμενοι σε σχέση με αυτούς που δεν πηγαίνουν. Η χαρά της αναμονή ενός επικείμενου ταξιδιού, μπορεί να κρατήσει έως και 8 εβδομάδες. Ποτέ δεν είναι νωρίς για να οργανώσετε το επόμενο ταξίδι σας. 

Your summer vacation is propably over and you might feel like you've lost your flow, right? Vacation are tough. You have to work hard before them, to plan and organize things so as to finally leave for vacation, while you are actually on vacation your to-do list just keeps growing and growing and when finally you get back to work, you just can’t figure out where to start. 

Well, here are a few tips for getting easily back into workmode after vacation. 

1. Write everything down

The first thing I do is get my notebook and write absolutely everything down. Emails that I need to send, paperwork I need to file, even events I need to RSVP to. Sometimes this list gives me a small panic attack just by looking at it because I can see just how much I have to do but it is a good starting point to layer in and prioritize the things that have to be done. 

2. Decide what the hardest task is and do it straight away

It is tempting to start with the easiest tasks, but don't do it. Since you’ll be at the office most of the day, go straight and tackle the hardest thing. For me, the hardest task is organizing my inbox.

3. Schedule some mid-week fun

Give yourself something to look forward to after your vacation. A mani-pedi at your favorite salon or dinner with the girls. Whatever you believe, will help you maintain a positive attitude and serves as a great reminder that it’s important to have a little fun every day!

4. Start a post-vacation detox plan

Having a routine helps you plan healthy meals and exercise but on vacation diet and exercise habits typically take a backseat in favor of long dinners and lazy brunches. 

5. Plan your next vacation

Studies shows that people going on vacation are generally happier than non-vacationers. The effect of vacation anticipation can potentially boost happiness up to 8 weeks.

SHOPPING

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Τα ψώνια είναι μια από τις αγαπημένες μου ασχολίες. Βέβαια έχουν περάσει πάρα πολλά χρόνια από την πρώτη φορά που πήγα για ψώνια και ο τρόπος και η στρατιγική μου έχουν αλλάξει πολύ από τότε. Τώρα πια στα 39, η φιλοσοφία μου για τα ψώνια περιστρέφεται γύρω από ποιοτικά, διαχρονικά κομμάτια όπως τα κομψά παντελόνια και τα φορέματα, τα οποία αντέχουν στην φθορά του χρόνου και αποτελούν τη βάση για αρκετά outfits. Άσχετα όμως του τι αγοράζω, έχω μερικά "κόλπα" τα οποία με βοηθούν να κάνω τις σωστές επιλογές, τόσο για την ντουλάπα μου όσο και για το πορτοφόλι μου. Τώρα λοιπόν που σε λίγο ημέρες ξεκινούν οι εκπτώσεις, είναι μια καλή ευκαιρία να τα μοιραστώ μαζί σας.

1. Δοκιμάστε διαφορετικά νούμερα

Μην ξεγράψετε κάτι απλά και μόνο διότι το βρίσκεται μόνο σε μέγεθος small και εσείς φοράτε medium. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι τα μεγέθη ποικίλουν από εταιρεία σε εταιρεία, ακόμη και από είδος σε είδος σε προϊόντα της ίδιας εταιρείας. Μπορεί να "χάσετε" κάτι που πραγματικά σας αρέσει, μόνο και μόνο επειδή δεν βρήκατε το νούμερό σας. Έχετε υπόψη σας ότι αξίζει πάντα να δοκιμάζετε, ακόμα και εάν δεν είναι το νούμερό. Επίσης καλό είναι να δοκιμάζετε και ένα άλλο νούμερο, απλά και μόνο για σύγκριση. 

2. Να είστε ευγενικοί με το προσωπικό

Βεβαίως και η δουλειά ενός πωλητή είναι να πουλήσει αλλά το να είστε ευγενική και να έχετε μια κάποια φιλική σχέση με πωλητές στα αγαπημένα σας καταστήματα βοηθάει πολύ. Μπορούν να κρατήσουν στην άκρη κάτι για εσάς, μέχρι να ξεκινήσουν οι εκπώσεις ή να σας φέρουν κάτι που έχουν αποσύρει από την αποθήκη. Υπάρχουν πάρα πολλά που μπορούν να κάνουν, μόνο και μόνο επειδή σας συμπαθούν. Να είστε ευγενική, χαμογελαστή και απλή και μην διστάσετε να ζητήσετε βοήθεια για οτιδήποτε χρειαστείτε. Μια πωλήτρια που συμπαθείτε και εμπιστεύεστε μπορεί να μετατραπεί στην προσωπική σας στυλίστρια και να σας προτείνει κομμάτια που ενδεχομένως παραβλέψατε.

3. Να ξέρετε τι ήδη έχετε

Μια οργανωμένη ντουλάπα είναι το κλειδί για έξυπνα ψώνια, καθώς δεν υπάρχει περίπτωση να κάνετε διπλές αγορές. Ψωνίζοντας χωρίς να ξέρετε τι έχετε ήδη είναι συνταγή για άσκοπες αγορές.

4. Να ξέρετε τι πραγματικά χρειάζεστε

Το να ξέρετε τι ήδη έχετε στη ντουλάπα σας είναι η μισή δουλειά. Η υπόλοιπη δουλειά είναι να δείτε τι πραγματικά λείπει. Μπορεί να συνειδητοποιήσετε ότι έχετε μια υπέροχη συλλογή από tops αλλά τίποτα για να τα φορέσετε μαζί ή πάρα πολλά σπορ κομμάτια και τίποτα για να φορέσετε στη δουλειά. 

5. Σκεφτείτε την πιθανότητα των εκπτώσεων

Όταν ψωνίζεις, το χειρότερο αίσθημα είναι να συνειδητοποιήσεις μετά από λίγες ημέρες ότι αυτό που πλήρωσες είναι σε έκπτωση στη μισή τιμή. Πριν αγοράσετε κάτι, σκεφτείτε τι είδους εκπτώσεις κάνει το συγκεκριμένο κατάστημα ή εάν το είδος μπορείτε να το βρείτε αλλού πιο φθηνά αργότερα. Ακόμα και εάν το συγκεκριμένο είδος δεν πληρεί τις προϋποθεσεις των εκπτώσεων σε κάποιο κατάστημα, υπάρχουν άλλα καταστήματα όπως το Nordstrom και Shopbop τα οποία κάνουν εκπτώσεις σε όλες τις συλλογές τους. Το γεγονός ότι ζούμε και ψωνίζουμε στην Ελλάδα, δεν βοηθά πολύ να βρούμε επώνυμα προϊόντα σε πραγματικά πολύ καλές τιμές αλλά έχετε σκεφτεί ποτέ να ψωνίσετε από ηλεκτρονικά καταστήματα του εξωτερικού; Μερικές φορές οι εκπτώσεις είναι τόσο καλές, που ακόμα και με την επιβάρυνση των μεταφορικών η τελική τιμή είναι πολύ χαμηλότερη και γλυτώνετε αρκετά χρήματα.

Ποιά είναι η δική σας στρατηγική για τα ψώνια;

Shopping is one of my favorite things to do. I've come a long way since my early shopping days and am continually evolving in terms of how I shop and what I buy. Being in my late 30s, my shopping philosophy is to focus on quality staples like chic trousers and shift dresses that withstand the test of time and wear, and serve as building blocks to endless outfits. But regardless of what I'm buying, I have a few strategies to make sure I'm making smart choices both for my wardrobe and my wallet.

1. Try on Multiple Sizes

Don't write something off just because you only see smalls hanging and you're a medium. The fact is that sizing can vary wildly from brand to brand, and even more specifically, item to item within a brand. You may miss out on something you really like and want if you walk away when they "don't have your size," on the rack. It's always worth it to try, and even when you do see your usual size, it's a good practice to grab at least one other size for fit comparison.

2. Be kind to salespeople

Sure, it's true that a salesperson's job is to make a sale, but being kind and forming a genuine connection with someone who works at one of your favorite stores is hugely helpful. They can keep aside something for you until its sales period or bring you items that have been removed to make room for new stock but are still in the back. There are a lot that a salesperson can do for you - just because they like you. Be friendly, be real and ask for help with whatever it is you're looking for. A salesperson you like and trust can become like a personal shopper/stylist, learning your taste and bringing you items you may have looked over, that suit your needs perfectly.

3. Know what you already have

Keeping an organized closet is the key for smart shopping - and not making duplicative purchases. Shopping without a sense of your closet landscape can become a free-for-all of unnecessary purchases - so it's important to regularly take inventory of what you have.

4. Know what you really need

Knowing what you already have, is half the job. Take it one step further and identify what are you missing? Knowing what's in your closet will help you see what's not. You may realize you have a great top collection but no bottoms to wear them with; or plenty of outwear but no casual layering pieces.

5. Think about Sale Likelihood

It's the worst feeling when you purchase something full price and later see it for half or more of what you paid. Before you buy anything, you should consider whether it's a brand or item (sweaters, dresses, and denim especially) that's sold at larger retailers and/or will go on sale later that season. Even if the specific item you're after doesn't get marked down on one site, there are places like Nordstrom and Shopbop that offer regular site-wide sales and code discounts for your whole shopping cart. Shopping in a country like Greece, most high end products never go on "real" sales but have you ever thought that ordering from international online shops, can most of the time save you some money?

6. Ask yourself the important questions

If something is on sale, you probably already know that it's critical to ask yourself if you'd buy it at full price. You don't want to spend money on something just because the sale price is exciting and it's cheap. You want to buy it after you've asked yourself if you love it, need it, can see yourself wearing it, and would buy it if it wasn't on sale. This thought process can stop you from buying items that tempted you with their alluring sale price - but really you don't need it.

7. Know Yourself

It's important to be realistic and honest about who you really are. If you never get around to taking things to the dry cleaner, buying a top that's dry clean only really isn't a wise purchase. If you love comfort don't purchase a fitted dress you'll always skip past when getting dressed. 

Happy Shopping!