About a month ago I started an experiment that I figured I would eventually share with all of you depending upon how it turned out…
THE STORY
…At the suggestion of a friend, my husband and I decided to give CBD oil a try since his pain has not yet abated. I was initially hesitant only because over the last year or so it has become entirely too trendy. CBD is now available in everything from pet products to hair and skincare products…and when something is that trendy I typically avoid it because if something sounds too good to be true, 9 times out of 10 it is.
I researched it relentlessly and during the course of my research I figured that maybe I would give it a shot as well. Between my sleep and body pain issues caused by my chronic fatigue syndrome and the fact that I can sometimes be a tad stress-y and high strung I thought why not try it?
Another friend whose husband swears by it suggested we try a local shop that is legit, above-board and staffed with highly knowledgeable people. Honestly, they were awesome. They listened to our needs, answered all of our questions and made sure that we left with what we needed and nothing more.
I started out using my husband’s sublingual drops. I experimented with his at first because high quality CBD doesn’t come cheap and I didn’t want to waste the cash if it wasn’t effective. I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that I felt a difference the morning after my first dose. Just to be sure that it wasn’t the placebo effect, I continued using his drops for a week and by the end of the week I was sold.
My hands no longer ached, nor did my feet…my hands and feet are where my pain is most prominent and the primary reason that I don’t wear heels as often anymore. I wore heels 3 days straight with no pain at all. Typically if I wear heels I have to go with sneakers or Birks for the next several days because my feet hurt so badly. That is no longer the case.
Since I’ve found CBD to be highly effective for me, I’ve purchased my own bottle of drops at a lower strength than my husbands. I put a dropperful under my tongue each evening, let it sit for about 30 seconds before swishing it and then swallowing. I’ve also branched out into vaping CBD as well.
Before I go on, if you are having some sort of mental meltdown because I said that I’m also vaping my CBD, just stop. I’m a grown ass woman and don’t need a lecture, thank you very much. I’ve done my research, have experience with vaping and am most certainly not one to jump on every hysterical bandwagon that the media outlets parade across our television screens. I’m not purchasing my juice from some back alley hooligan who’s cutting it with God knows what. I’m doing it the right way and doing what’s right for me.
With that being said, vaping CBD that is specifically formulated for that purpose is one of the most effective and expeditious ways to get it into your system. It’s more effective than both the sublingual drops and smoking the flower itself. I still use the drops at night and I wake up each morning pain free, feeling well rested and calmer. Occasionally during the day I take a hit or two off the vape pen and I’ve found it really helps with not only a sense of calmness, but mental clarity as well.
Let me finish this by saying that I am only sharing with you something that has worked for me. I’m not suggesting that you try it, I am simply providing information along with my experiences and opinion. However I will say that if you’ve considered trying CBD, but were hesitant only because it sounds too good to be true, then perhaps give it a shot. Just make sure that if you do, like with any supplement, do your research and make sure to purchase it from a reputable company/business.
THE OUTFIT
I was definitely channeling the 90’s grunge vibes with this outfit. The sheer floral dress is really sheer, so something underneath is a requirement. The first time I wore it last year, I layered it over black jeans. This time since I was grunging it up, the most obvious choice for the under layer was my long black lace-trimmed slip dress. It was just enough longer than the sheer floral dress to throw out a little peak of lace at the hem.
I added the plaid shirt for some additional print action. Yes, this is how I wore the shirt all day long…it was intentionally tied at my hips. I chose to do that for some added definition and visual interest. Note that I also have on a belt because this particular dress is insanely voluminous.
No grunge look worth its salt would be complete without combat boots. They are definitely part of the grunge aesthetic and were a huge part of 90’s fashion. I wear mine often and with a wide range of outfits; everything from jeans to dresses to ultra feminine skirts. They’re comfortable, versatile and add just a hint of edge to anything that you pair them with. I’ve included a few of my favorites for you to check out, and I mixed it up with a range of choices outside of the ubiquitous black combat boot. Personally, I wouldn’t mind owning a floral pair…
THE TIP
Combat style boots are a versatile addition to your shoe wardrobe. I’m a big fan of inexpensive footwear, however combat boots are something worth investing in if you are planning on getting a pair. I suggest getting the highest quality pair that fits in your budget, and if you can afford real leather then definitely do. Stick to a basic color that works with your closet, like black or dark brown.
The black pair that I’m wearing today, I wear often so they are good quality. However I do have a couple of fun pairs (like my gray velvet combat boots) that I did not make an investment in simply because they’re just for fun. Save the investment for your workhorse pair that you’ll wear often and will work with a multitude of outfits.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Floral Dress: Eva Trends; Slip Dress: Nasty Gal (Similar); Shirt: Target (Similar); Boots: Nordstrom (Similar)
