Marlo Hampton’s Pocket Combat Boots

Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 13 Episode 17 Fashion

When Marlo Hampton pulled the hand sanitizer out of her pocket combat boots on last night’s Real Housewives of Atlanta I just about dropped dead laughing. What an amazing use of pockets that one might not assume are actually used by the wearer in a functional manner. And while these boots will cost you the equivalent of about 1,890 mini bottles of hand sani, I’ve got a Style Stealer, complete with pockets, that will totally combat a low bank account balance.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Prada Boots

Click Here for Additional Stock

Originally posted at: Marlo Hampton’s Pocket Combat Boots

Who did you learn from about money and personal finance in your life? Parents or grandparents? School? Or no one, aka the School of Hard Knocks?

April is National Financial Literacy Awareness month in the United States, so it’s the perfect time for each of us to be thinking a bit more about our own personal experience as well as where we are currently in our financial journey in life.

The History of Financial Literacy Education in the U.S.

On this topic of financial literacy, it makes sense to ask: Why don’t all schools teach financial literacy? Everyone seems to agree that this subject has a direct impact on day-to-day living yet is basically ignored in the K–12 curriculum of most of our states.

I recently learned that it wasn’t always this way. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, financial education was taught in schools, with a particular emphasis on teaching girls!

Back around the time of World War I, when American women began attending college and participating in the workforce in then-record numbers, they had less time to perform household duties, so they needed to economize in the home.

In an effort to do it all, and do it faster, they turned to the popular science of the day, in particular the “Efficiency Movement.” In essence, how could Henry Ford’s recently created approach to assembly lines be applied to housework?

At the same time, activists were arguing that for women to be on the same financial footing with men, they needed to learn money basics like budgeting and saving. So, in Home Economics classes, in addition to lessons on how to darn a sock and where to put the salad fork, girls were being taught basic bookkeeping, budgeting, and check writing.

Then after World War II, home ec class became less focused on economic independence for women. In the cultural upheaval of the 1960s and 70s, disparities between the sexes – like the fact that women weren’t allowed to get a credit card in their own name until 1974 – became a big part of the public debate.

Home economics curricula appeared out of step and even sexist, so those classes were cut. In a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater, financial education got shown the door too. It wouldn’t stage a comeback for another 25 years.

The Comeback

In the mid-90s is when the interest in teaching financial literacy resurged. Congress passed the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act in 2003, setting up a commission tasked with making a plan for raising financial literacy nationwide.

Today, about half of our states require some form of personal finance instruction for high school students, and momentum is growing this year as more states have made similar proposals.

Perhaps Covid created the awareness that the ability to use money wisely is a life skill along with the realization that it’s important for all ages. As someone in the financial industry, I see daily how using money as a tool in life is really about life-centered planning… what we value and want in life should drive how we use our financial tools.

The Odds Are Against Us

And when it comes to personal finance for women specifically, I always acknowledge that we have the deck stacked against us for so many reasons. We often earn less than men over our lifetime (for a variety of reasons but may be related to the fact that we are usually the caregivers for children, aging parents, or spouses).

We are more likely to be single parents. We are likely to spend our final years alone. In fact, I read a startling statistic the other day: 69% of American women are currently living without a spouse/partner.

And the final game changer is that we are more likely to live longer than a spouse (depending on your circumstances, household income typically goes down 30-50% after loss of a spouse). I am not sure if all of that combined is like a double or triple whammy, but it sure reinforces the need for women to be aware of our personal finances!

Five Stages of Change

Awareness is certainly the beginning phase of taking action to improve anything in life, our knowledge or comfort level with finances or otherwise. There are actually five stages in any change process.

It’s super important to realize where you are in that change process in order to help yourself get to the next stage and actually get something accomplished. Let’s see where you are when it comes to financial literacy:

Stage 1: Precontemplation

This stage involves being unaware or in denial that there is even a need for financial literacy. If you are reading this, you are beyond this stage.

Stage 2: Contemplation

You acknowledge the issue and begin researching the time and effort required to implement a solution. At a minimum, as you read this article you are already in this phase.

Stage 3: Preparation

Here is where you are feeling ready to commit to making a change. You are open to the future benefits you know will come from creating an action plan. Is this you now?

Stage 4: Action

You have identified and take visible actions on the changes necessary. For example, do you have a good sense of your basic financial foundation, i.e., an awareness of what is in your financial toolbox? Or have you focused on areas of your financial life that need more attention?

Stage 5: Maintenance

Any new behaviors (updating your net worth statement annually, reviewing your investment portfolio quarterly, tracking your expenses, etc.) are now a part of everyday life and have become habits, just with differing frequencies. I hope you get to this stage eventually if you aren’t already!

So what Stage do you find yourself in? Each of us always has a little, or a lot, of room for improvement so find where you are and ask yourself what you need in order to get to the next Stage.

What Stage are you in and can we help with ideas to get you unstuck there? What has worked for you to improve your financial literacy? Who taught you the life skill of money management? If you are in another country, how is financial literacy taught or prioritized differently than here in the United States? Maybe we can help each other in getting to our next Stage. Let’s have a discussion.

DIY home maintenance can be intimidating. Especially if you’re like me and don’t consider yourself a particularly “handy” person. But the truth is, some home maintenance tasks are actually pretty simple and with practice you can perform these yourself with ease and precision.

I’m not talking about major home remodeling, although if you want to take this on, more power to you! (I recommend getting a cost and safety consultation from a licensed professional.) I’m referring to one-off tasks that could help out in an emergency, save you money in the long run, and generally leave you feeling more empowered to care for one of your largest investments, your home.

Remember, these maintenance tasks should be simple to complete after you get the hang of it. If anything looks amiss always seek the assistance of a licensed professional. Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to tackle these five home maintenance repairs yourself. You can definitely do this!

#1: Learn to Shut Off the Main Water Supply

Your main water valve controls the water supply for your entire home. While it’s unnecessary to adjust for an overflowing toilet (for that, turn the valve located directly behind the offending commode), controlling the main water supply can be necessary for emergencies.

If a pipe bursts, you experience a substantial leak, or there is sewage backup, shutting off the water to your home can help prevent major damages.

Tip: Do this once or twice before an emergency occurs to be sure you know exactly what to do if the need for speed arises.

The first step is to locate your water shutoff valve. The location is different for every home so this may require some detective work. If your home has a basement or crawl space, the main water shut off valve is likely located there, on a street-facing interior wall. 

If you have a slab foundation, check near your hot water heater and/or inside your garage. In most cottage homes built on a chassis, like these homes at Simple Life, the main water shut off is located under the home, just behind a removable access panel in the skirting.

Once you’ve found your valve, simply hand turn it to shut off the flow of water to your home.

#2: Unclog a Sink or Drain

You’re probably already familiar with plunging a toilet to deal with a stopped-up sewer pipe. Try grabbing a plunger next time you have a clogged sink.

Make sure to hold the plunger so that it forms a tight seal around the clogged drain and if you have a double basin sink with two separate drains, experiment with plugging the free drain while you plunge the clogged one to keep the pressure sealed in.

#3: Replace Your Air Filters

Although this task sometimes gets overlooked because air filters are out of sight, replacing your air filters is a truly gratifying home maintenance task that can improve your home and your health.

Regular replacements, every 60 – 90 days, can increase the longevity of your heat and A/C unit, keep your home’s energy efficiency at a maximum, prevent mold, dust, and other allergy causing irritants from forming, and perhaps most importantly, greatly increase the quality of air circulating through your home.

Start by turning off your heat and A/C unit. (This prevents the unit from blowing dust and grit.) Next, open up your vent or panel and remove the used filter. If you’re installing a new filter, check the air flow arrows and make sure they are pointing toward the unit.

If you are re-installing the same filter remove dust and dirt by washing the filter with mild detergent and water making sure all the soap is rinsed away. Finally, install the new or clean filter, turn the unit on and breathe a fresh sigh of relief!

#4: Clean Your Dishwasher

93% of American household kitchens – even small ones – have a dishwasher. With regular use, it’s normal for food and grease to leave a residue inside the machine. That residue can eventually lead to dirty dishes and an unpleasant odor.

To prevent this, use a damp cloth to wipe the catch basin and around the filter of your dishwasher removing all debris. Then fill a dishwasher safe container with one cup of vinegar, place it on the upper rack of your machine and run a normal wash cycle.

#5: Replace Outlet Covers and Light Switch Plates

While outlet covers and light switch plates usually aren’t the cause for major disruption in your home, broken, dirty, or out-of-date covers can look dingy and can date your interior. To replace an outlet cover or light switch plate, simply unscrew the flathead screws that hold it in place. The cover or plate should come off easily when the screws are removed.

Holding the new cover in place with one hand, screw it securely onto the wall with the other. Be careful not to touch the screws or metal casing from the outlet with your hands or the screwdriver because the outlet is still live.

Tip! Match the color of outlet covers and light switch plates for a unified interior.

It’s time to take the handyman off speed dial and surprise yourself with your newfound skills and freedom! Try these simple home maintenance repairs to keep your home running smoothly.

Are you comfortable doing small maintenance checks and repairs in your home? If you are, what would you add to the list? How did you learn to do these? If you have never done home maintenance repairs, who does it for you?

If you’ve been stuck inside but are getting ready to take on the world again, well, do we have the sale to get you ready. Get all the makeup, haircare, skincare and body products you need for up to half off during Ulta’s Spring Haul for 2021. It’s the perfect time to stock up on summer essentials you’ve been saving for like all the sunscreen. Plus, there’s nothing like a change of season and the first day of warm weather to make you crave brighter makeup, a more laid-back hairstyle and glowing skin. Don’t worry—this sale has got you covered.

The Spring Haul event runs from today through April 17, and there are new deals every week at up to 50 percent off. Some of our favorite brands and items are available at amazing prices, including Shea Moisture body lotion, Juvia’s Place lipstick and Maybelline mascara. And these aren’t old, forgotten about products. Many of these are actually best sellers. There are about 40 brands on sale each week, with a few items discounted from each brand. There’s something for everyone, like those love a full face beat and those who prefer a more natural vibe. Plus, Mother’s Day is just around the corner so don’t forget to grab a few items for Mom too. Ahead, a few of our must-haves from the sale.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Ulta.

Juvia’s Place Nubian Glow Balm

There are five shades of this yummy high-shine lip balm.

Maybelline New York.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

We can’t get enough of this ultra-lengthening mascara. Read our entire review here.

Coola.

Coola Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50

There’s no excuse not to wear daily sunscreen with this sheer, silky lotion that’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

Ulta.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This sulfate-free hair butter enhances ringlets, minimizes frizz and provides curl control.

Ulta.

Frank Body Coconut Coffee Scrub

Polish away dry skin with this vegan, natural scrub.

Ulta.

Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel

It’s almost sandal season! Remove all that dead winter skin with this OG fave.

Ulta.

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

Everyone needs a good vitamin C. This one uses 10 percent pure vitamin C, neurosensine and salicylic acid to brighten face and help reduce fine lines.

Kristin Cavallari’s White Strapless Knit Top on Instagram

Kristin Cavallari Instagram Fashion 2021

According to the ‘Gram Kristin Cavallari had a night out in Nashville this past Saturday while looking totally ready for summa in this super cute white strapless knit top. Which you’ll be happy to learn is still very much in stock and ready for you to hit the town in asap (but first, don’t forget to take a selfie *).

Fashionably,

Faryn

* Also don’t forget to send it to us so you can be featured as a #BlondetourageBabe!

Click Here to Shop Her RtA Top

And Here For Even More Stock

And Here For Even MORE Stock

Click Here to Shop it in Black

Click Here to See Her Sold Out Anine Bing Belt

Photo: @KristinCavallari

Shop Her Uncommon James Necklaces:

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Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s White Strapless Knit Top