Free and Cheap education

Over the past 15 years, I have held several jobs in many different industries.  I have degrees in music, cosmetology, nursing, biology, and now looking into business school.  The truth is, I love learning.  Knowledge is power.  

Education can be expensive.  I'm lucky that I live in the same neighborhood as many world class colleges and universities.  With that comes the option to attend free lectures and informative classes.  

When I was younger, I moved to a lower tier city and was shocked to discover that education is not as freely available in other parts of the United States.  Luckily technology have caught up with the times and now continuing education is available to all.

But what does this have to do with fashion or finances?  

The more you know, the more salary negotiating power you have.

Say you are a nurse and wanted to learn more about emergency medicine.  You can find thousands of Grand Rounds online.  What about an office employee looking to move up in the ranks; perhaps a project management class.

Best of all, these classes are run by well known, well respected Colleges and Universities... ever heard of Harvard or MIT?  Some offer certificates that state that you completed the course.  Others offer you college credit (although often for a fee).

Here are some places to check out:

Open Culture Free Online Courses

Coursera

Udacity

Edx

DIY beauty: The Asprin Acne Mask

When I was a teenager, I suffered from Acne.  As an adult, I never broke out during my years on the birth control pill.  However, after I switching to Mirena IUD (which I love), my skin turns into a mind field the week before my period.

I take good care of my skin.  In another life (aka one of the multiple careers I had in my twenties), I worked for several big named salons and spas.  As a cosmetologist, I learned to take very good care of my hair and skin... if I didn't I would not have any clients.  Now in my thirties, I see how critical skin care is... I can still easily pass for someone in her 20s.  

When searching for an acne treatment, there are ton of treatments costing from $1 to $1000+  The main ingredient in several acne medications is Salicylic acid.  Perhaps you have heard of it's brother, acetylsalicylic aka Aspirin.

Without getting into all the technical jargon, Aspirin is broken down by the body into salicylic acid.  Because Aspirin and salicylic acid are "essential the same" (yes, I know the biochemistry and why they are different but for this blog, we are not going to get into all the technical jargon), we can use Aspirin to exfoliate and decrease the redness and appearance of acne. 

Here is the recipe:

5-6 uncoated aspirin

1-2 tbsp of water

1 tbsp of honey (optional) 

Put the aspirin in a cup (I use a shot glass because it's easier).  Slowly add a little bit of water until the aspirin has dissolved.  If it is too thick, add more water, to watery, add another aspirin.  Mix honey into the paste.  Apply the mask for 10 mins.  Rinse your skin with water.

  

Beautiful skin can really be that easy.  Best of all, you can find aspirin for around $1-2 dollars at any store. 

Warning:

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.

Do not use if you have Reyes syndrome.

Do not use on a child.

Always apply sunscreen after using any type of salicylic acid.

If the mask burns your skin, take it off!

If you are unsure if you can take aspirin, please contact your doctor.

Know your product. How to buy Manolo Blahnik or any designer for cheap.

One thing that I'm good at is window shopping.  I have been known to spend hours are Saks Fifth Avenue; trying on, examining, and studying good quality clothes.  I do this for two main reasons: 

1.  I'm teaching myself to sew.  By learning about these expensive brands, I have learned which cuts and designs look best on me.  I can also identify the best tailoring techniques and fabrics to use.  

2.  I love to shop, but I have a small budget.  By knowing what makes a great piece of clothing, I can easily translate my knowledge to thrift stores.

I either make my clothes or purchase them second hand.  Yes, for good quality designer clothes, you may be paying a pretty penny, even for second hand clothes.  But if you know what you want and what you are looking for, you might just get luck.

Today I got lucky.

My Groupon for $30 of merchandise for $15 at the Garment District was going to expire.  So I rush off to the store looking for something fabulous to wear.  In the shoe department I found these:

After a quick websearch, I confirmed that yes, these are real Manolo Blahnik's that originally sold for $595 at Barney's New York.  

The Garment District price $30!

Why so cheap?  Well, first off the Garment District is known to have great amazing quality items for super cheap.  Secondly, look at the bottoms:

As you can see, the soles have been well loved.  You can also notice that on the leather near the bridge of the foot is also starting to peel.

Sadly, these shoes were also too large for my foot, a size 8 when I wear a size 6.  

Did I buy them?  

YES

You're probably asking why would I buy a pair of shoes that are slightly damaged and two sizes too big for me.  The answer is easy:  To sell.

Manolo Blahnik's are good quality shoes... there is a high demand for them.  The leather near the bridge is easily fixable.  The soles of the shoes can be replaces for around $25.

So, total cost of shoe $15 (using $30 groupon) + $25 = $40

To be continued once the shoes arrive home from the cobbler.......