5 Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

I was in first grade when I first started wearing glasses.  I'm sure that somewhere, there's a photo of little 7 year old me, big pink wire frames gracing my face.  When I got to 6th grade, I somehow convinced my mom to let me get contacts.  The prospect of being able to see without glasses on my face was super exciting, and middle-school me was totally sure that ditching the glasses would make me cooler.  

While I'm not sure that that was true, (especially now that glasses are super cute!), I am grateful that I was able to start wearing contacts at a young age.  As a photographer, having contacts makes my job a bit easier, and I like not having to worry about my glasses breaking or being smudgy!  With over one in ten people wearing contacts in the US today, contacts are super common.  

Our eyes and eye health are so important, so it's really imperative to be careful about your contact lens health!  That being said, here are a few health tips that I've found to be super helpful if you wear contacts:

1 // WASH

When you go to the optometrist, they always have you wash your hands before putting in your contacts.  There's a reason for this!  Your hands can pick up first and bacteria throughout the day and you don't want all of that transferring to your eyes.  Make sure to always wash your hands with soap and warm water before putting in or removing your contacts!

2 // CHANGE

Changing your contact solution (and using contact solution...not water!) is very important to keeping your contacts in their best shape.  Always clean and rinse your lenses in the proper solution and dispose of that solution after storing your contacts overnight.  Start with fresh solution each day!

3 // TOSS

Be sure to toss out your contacts on the right schedule!  Regularly changing your contacts is imperative for reducing the risk of eye infections.  Not only does a fresh pair of contacts contribute to the quality of your vision, but it's important to remember that contacts can have a build-up of films and deposits over time that can cause irritation or cloudy vision.  Wearing your contact lenses longer than the suggested duration can also lead to eye damage form bacterial infections and oxygen deprivation.  If you wear disposable contacts, be sure to remove and discard lenses according to your optometrist's instructions!

4 // REMOVE

This is one of the most important tips, in my opinion.  Removing your lenses before sleep or exposing them to water will help contribute to good eye health.  Sleeping with your contacts in can deprive your eyes from a break that they need, and can lead to eye damage, so don't forget to take them out before you hit the pillow!

5 // CHECK

I can't stress how important regular eye exams are!  Whether you wear contacts, glasses, or neither, it's so important to have your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist.  The American Optometric Association represents approximately 39,000 doctors of optometry, so there's bound to be one in your community.  If it weren't for a regular check-up to her optometrist, my mom might not have found her eye cancer when she did.  We love our optometrists!

Check out the American Optometric Association for more info about healthy contact lens habits, and check out this infographic for more info about contact lens health!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Let's Talk Insurance

I turned 26 this month, and let's just say I really liked 25.  I work at a job I love, but only part-time.  Thankfully, I have some creative outlets that supplement that income, and up until this year, I've been able to stay on my parents' health insurance.  However, now that I'm 26, that last part changed and over the past few weeks, I've been facing the task of choosing the right insurance plans.  From health insurance to accident insurance to life insurance, there are a plethora of plans out there and sometimes it's hard to know what you need, how much you need, and when you need it.

Fortunately, I rarely go to the doctor.  Most of the time that I'm in my doctor's office, it's for my yearly check-ups.  But we can't predict sickness, whether it be just a simple sinus infection or a much more serious illness.  And so, insurance, obviously, is important!

We probably all know about your typical medical, dental, and eye insurance, but did you know that there are other voluntary plans that you can purchase to supplement these coverages?  I've teamed up with Aflac to answer some basic questions about open enrollment and these plans!  As I've been researching health care options, I've found myself scratching my head on more than one occasion.  

What exactly do you mean by Open Enrollment?

Fall is open enrollment season for most companies in the US.  It's a time when employees are able to review the benefits offered to them by their employer and choose policies that meet their financial and healthcare needs.  Taking the time to research your options can help you choose the right protection for you and your family.

How do I know what my health care needs are?

It's rare today that benefits options are one-size-fits-all.  That's why voluntary insurance can help.  Voluntary policies are available so that employees can select a plan to best suit their own needs, as well as the needs of any dependents they may have.  

What is voluntary insurance?

When an unforeseen medical event occurs, many people will find themselves needing to pay copays, deductibles, and treatment costs, and 66% of workers would not be able to afford these costs.  Voluntary policies complement your major medical coverage and help pay for those out-of-pocket expenses.  The cash benefits of voluntary policies can also be used to help pay living expenses such as rent, gas, groceries, and more.

What voluntary insurance policies are available?

There are a variety of voluntary policies available through Aflac, and they include Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Cancer Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Life Insurance, and Disability Insurance.  These policies can supplement your major medical insurance and help you handle the out-of-pocket costs associated with an of these unforeseen medical events. 

Even if you're young and healthy, it's worth considering these voluntary policies when examining your insurance coverage.  AJ's grandfather always said that you don't have insurance for when you're healthy, you have it for when you're not.  He is so right!  We never plan for a major medical event to happen, but it's good to know you have the reassurance of insurance and supplemental plans so that all you need to worry about is getting better when you face something unforeseen.  

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Show Your Spirit // NFL Style, 3 Ways

Remember how I told you earlier this week that AJ has me watching football each weekend?  Well, if you know that we're from the Philly area, it's probably not a surprise to you that we're Eagles fans. (And if you know me, it's probably not a surprise that this team is breaking my heart.  Seriously.  I can't take it.)

Last Christmas, AJ's grandmother gave me my first piece of NFL gear.  When this season rolled around, I knew that one shirt wasn't going to cut it.  I wanted to go all-out with a hat and a few more shirt options!  I went to NFLShop.com to check out this year's line of team apparel and was amazed...did you know they make NFL team dresses?!  For real.  NFLShop.com was a great one-stop shop for all Eagles gear, and I ended up picking out the girliest (cue the sparkles) hat, a cute tee, and a sweatshirt.  And just like that, I'm ready for football season and my husband is so proud of me!

I love getting a little creative with my wardrobe and wearing pieces multiple ways, so I came up with a few different ways to show your team spirit.  While jeans and sneakers are a great pairing for your team gear (and are listed in this post), they're certainly not the only way you can show your support for your favorite team!

LOOK 1 // 

When the game is on a Sunday, I'm often headed to someone's house to watch right from church.  Because I work at my church, Sundays are a work day for me, and so sometimes, I like to dress up a bit.  While there are many Sundays that I wear jeans, there are plenty that I love throwing on a skirt or dress!  Pairing my Eagles boatneck sweatshirt with a comfortable, stretchy skirt and boots allows me to show my team spirit while still looking work-appropriate.  This is also a great outfit for a day in the office!

LOOK 2 // 
For look 2, I went with the classic jeans, tee, and a hat.  I'm a huge fan of baseball caps for those days when your hair just won't cooperate.  You can't deny that this classic is great for a day of running errands, attending a game, or just hanging around.

LOOK 3 // 
Finally, my third look pairs my Eagles tee with a chunky sweater, leggings, and a pair of flats.  This is definitely a great outfit for a weekend brunch or even a day in the office.  Because I sit in meetings or at my desk most of the day, I love being able to dress comfortably and this outfit hits the nail on the head!  Once the weather gets a little colder, swap out those flats for boots and this outfit transitions perfectly into winter!

If you're in need of some new team gear for this football season, be sure to check out NFLShop.com for a great selection!

HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR SPIRIT AND STYLE YOUR TEAM GEAR?

3 Tips for Fall Haircare

If you've stuck with me through a few seasons, you might know that my hair has a total mind of it's own and that I need to vary my haircare with the seasons.  While I love rocking more natural, air-dried hair in the summer, when fall hits, I like to look a little more polished and put-together.  

Because weather can have such a big affect on our hair and skin, it's so important, in my opinion, to transition your haircare for the fall months.  Did you know that when the seasons change, our skin cells and hair cycle change too?  Studies have actually shown that seasonality can cause shedding especially in the fall!  So here are a few tips for transitioning your haircare routine for the fall months!



1 // Drench It
As summer comes to a close and we transition to fall, that often means less humidity and drier air.  I can get away with skimping on product during the summer, but when the air turns drier, drenching my hair in nourishing shampoos and conditioners is so important.  One of my new favorites is CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner, which is clinically proven to replenish your scalp with essential hydration when you use it consistently.  Nourishing your hair by way of taking care of your scalp is so important and there's no denying that caring for your hair and keeping it hydrated is a smart choice!



2 // Be Good to Your Hair
We've all heard about how damaging things can be for your hair.  Heat, pulling it back, brushing it too much, it kind of seems like nothing is good for your hair, doesn't it?!  I've found that getting into the habit of varying the ways I wear my hair, trying to let it air dry more so I don't damage it with daily blow drying, and being gentle when towel-drying and brushing can be really helpful to your hair.  I've also discovered the importance of taking vitamins like biotin that can add to your hair health!  Making simple changes and choices to take care of your hair is a great investment in your overall heath!



3 // Nourish Your Scalp
Hair needs different things in different seasons, but one thing remains true: your scalp always needs nourishment! Especially after a summer of going to the beach and spending time in chlorinated pools, nourishing your hair for the transition from summer to fall is so important. Hair health starts at the scalp, it's where 99% of hair's natural strength and beauty comes from, and CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™'s products are so great for nourishing your scalp!  The skin on your head is no different from the skin on the rest of our bodies.  I'm guessing you probably wouldn't skip cleansing and moisturizing the skin on your face and body, so it's important to take the same care with your scalp!





I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Picnic Must-Haves

One of the things that AJ and I have always loved to do is go on picnics!  I distinctly remember one of our first little lunch dates being a picnic at a local park near our church.  Picnics are so great for having a relaxing and laid-back meal, and just really connecting with other people.  I think that's why AJ and I love grilling out so much.  Even if we're not sitting on a blanket on the ground, eating outside and slowing the pace down is just good.  

Once AJ moved to Boston, our picnic-going became less frequent, and these past few months have been especially tough because he's been gone all summer.  But after I went to Boston in July, we discovered the fun of summer in the city!  We love walking all over Boston, but this season calls for laid back picnics in the park, and so we took a blanket out to the Fens and enjoyed a fun afternoon hanging out and just enjoying the scenery. 

I love these kinds of little dates so much because they force you to focus on the other person.  AJ and I try really hard to put our technology down while we're together and just enjoy one another's company, and laying on a blanket in a park allows for great conversation and just pure relaxation!

Picnics are wonderful for the fact that they don't take long to throw together.  You don't have to plan too far ahead, and you can easily put your picnic together on the go!

1 // A GREAT BLANKET

Obviously the most important part of a picnic is a great blanket!  I keep an old quilt in my trunk at all times so that I can put a picnic together on-the-go.  Your picnic doesn't have to be anything fancy...all you need is something large enough for a few people to sit or lay on and that you don't mind throwing down on the ground.

2 // REFRESHING BEVERAGES

Having some great, light beverages is even more important during the warm summer and early fall months, and personally, I think there's just something great about having glass bottles!  AJ and I picked up IZZE's new Sparkling Water (available in Blackberry Pear, Mandarin Lime, and Raspberry Watermelon) and it was the perfect summer beverage!  We're both trying to be good about what we put into our bodies, so these USDA Certified Organic, triple-filtered, low-calorie sparkling water is the perfect fizzy drink for a summer picnic.  It's available both as singles and in 4-packs and we especially loved the Mandarin Lime because it taste like a lemon-lime soda without the high amounts of sugar and calories!

3 // LIGHT SNACKS

If you're eating outside in the heat, you probably know that it's hard to stomach anything heavy.  I love having fruit, veggies, and other light snacks that won't leave you feeling weighed down.  Other great light snacks include pretzels, popcorn, and little crackers or grahams.

4 // HAND-HELD FOODS

This should be a no-brainer, but having hand-held foods is imperative for a good picnic!  Whether it be a sandwich or just picky things like pita chips and hummus or even pizza, keeping foods simple and remembering the finger foods of your childhood will help keep things laid back and chill at your picnic.  No one wants to balance a plate and utensils and messy foods while you're sitting on the ground!

5 // MUSIC AND/OR A GAME

Throwing a deck of cards in your picnic basket or bag is never a bad idea!  AJ and I also love to have a great playlist on our phones to play while we eat or just hang out.  We often take turns making playlists and then playing them on speaker on our phones.  It's amazing what having some music can do for your atmosphere, and having an easy, portable game is great if you've got extra time to spend together!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PICNIC MUST-HAVES?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

My Summer Skincare Routine

My skincare routine changes with the seasons. Throughout the fall and winter, my skin often needs a little bit more moisture-care, but come summer, I'm all about going light and free, which mostly means minimizing the amount of makeup I wear. I love the sun-kissed glow that summer brings, but if my skin isn't in great shape, I feel super self-conscious not wearing anything.

I've always struggled with having really large pores and in middle and high school, I had bad acne. In fact, it still rears its ugly head now and again, and I always think that I must be too old for this! I went through so many different prescription skin-care treatments during high school and know how hard it is to struggle to feel confident in your skin. Now that my acne is (mostly) gone, I realize that taking care of my skin is even more important to keep it in good shape. I'm not afraid to invest in good products and find the right routine for me.

Like I said, my skincare routine changes with the seasons. Not all makeup is created equal, and my skin has different needs depending on the weather. It gets pretty humid in PA during the summer, so often, my winter makeup routine ends up feeling a little sticky when I follow it in the summer months. When it comes to summer skin care, my typical routine includes keeping it light with some BB cream, blush, and mascara.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to not get stuck in a makeup rut! It's ok to break up with your makeup routine if it's just not working for you! Maybe you're like me and you just need to adjust and tweak with the seasons, or maybe your makeup routine is due for a complete overhaul.

Remember that makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not to cover up issues you're having with your skin! If you're having more serious issues like rosacea or acne, then I really encourage you to find products that work to treat the root of the problem and not just cover them up. Think of it this way: your skin is the one thing that you wear every day. So why not invest in taking care of it? That means investing time into making sure your skincare routine is right for you!  Whether you have acne or rosacea, or another skin issue, it's incredibly important to treat your skin well and take care of it!

Rosacea, in particular, is one condition that is important to treat and not just cover. Rosacea can often affect your confidence.  Galderma is on a quest to help people break up with their makeup, and if you have rosacea, then I encourage you to check out their products that are specifically designed to treat rosacea! One of those treatments is their Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream, 1%, which is FDA-approved for once-daily topical treatment of inflammatory lesions, or the bumps and pimples, associated with rosacea.

Learn more about rosacea and other treatments offered by Galderma on the Break Up With Your Makeup page. While you’re there, be sure to vote for your favorite no-makeup selfie and story, and you could win one of three $500 gift cards.

Important Safety Information - Soolantra® Cream
Indication: SOOLANTRA® (ivermectin) Cream, 1%, is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Adverse Events: In clinical trials with SOOLANTRA Cream, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≤1%) included skin burning sensation and skin irritation. Warnings / Precautions: Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Making Health a Priority

Throughout the past two years, both of my parents (who I've always thought were invincible, of course!) have both face cancer diagnoses and it's really put things into perspective for me. It's caused me to get much more serious about my health, and I've gotten much better about scheduling yearly physicals, taking vitamins and supplements, and even just eating better and exercising and taking care of myself. In a busy world that demands that you "go, go, go", making self-care and health a priority can take intentionality, but I'm learning that it's so worth it.

I think at a young age, it's really easy to put aside your health and take on that "superwoman" mentality.  Life is busy and transitions like college and moving can make finding a new doctor a hassle.  When I graduated from college and my pediatrician kicked me out, I just didn't even bother with finding a new primary doctor.  It wasn't until my dad's diagnosis in 2013 that I started getting more serious about my health and realizing how important it is to take care of yourself and be in tune with your body!  

It definitely feels more grown-up to really take my health seriously, but I've realized that no matter what kind of shape you're, you can still end up with health issues.  I've also realized that it's so much easier to fight those issues when you're making healthy choices regularly and your body is strong going into a fight for your health.

One of the things that I've begun doing to keep my body in it's best shape is adding vitamins and supplements into my diet.  I think adding supplements to your diet can make a big difference in keeping your body regulated, and one of the best things to start taking are probiotics.  Your digestive system is so central to the functioning of your body...I don't know about you, but when my stomach isn't cooperating with me, I can feel it and it makes me miserable!  Probiotics, like the ones made by Align and available at Target and Target.com, fortify your digestive system 24/7*.

I've been taking Align probiotics for a few weeks now and I can tell a difference in how my body is digesting food and how good I feel.  I've always had a pretty strong digestive system, but adding probiotics into my routine has only strengthened my system.  And right now, when you pick up Align at Target, you can save 15% with Cartwheel!  

I am really glad that I've made my health a priority in my twenties, and I've been really surprised and impressed with the benefits of adding probiotics into my routine.  








HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY?

*With continued daily use


I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Wedding Work Nights

I love being creative and so when it came to wedding decor, I didn't hesitate when I decided to do just about everything myself.  From making my own mercury glass to doing all of my own calligraphy for the nearly-100 invitations we're sending out to staining and hand lettering 36 boards for centerpieces to making our favors by hand, there's a lot of DIY going on in the Gettis house.  If wedding planning was like Girl Scouts, I'm pretty sure I'd get the DIY Bride badge.  

But I've learned in these past few months that I can't do everything myself.  It's just too much and though wedding planning has been a relatively stress-free process, I have started to get a little nervous when I look at the things I still need to check off of my to-do list and realize that we've only got two short months to go until the big day.  Luckily, I have a great group of girls who will be standing up beside me on that day who have offered to lend a hand in whatever way I need, plus a really supportive network of family and friends!

If my mom taught me anything, it's that you don't let people inside your front door without being prepared to feed them (can you tell that we're Italian?).  While I haven't yet perfected her prowess in the kitchen, I do appreciate the art of being a good hostess and having food on hand to feed your guests, particularly in those impromptu moments when I haven't planned ahead enough!  One of my new favorites to have on hand is DIGIORNO Pizzeria!™ Thin Pizzas!  

I don't often reach for frozen pizza at the grocery store, but I have to tell you...this one takes the cake!  It definitely tastes as good as if I made it myself, without any of the prep and guess work that goes into making pizza at home (I never know how to find the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio!). 

It was quick to prep (only took about 15-20 minutes in the oven) and the preservative-free crust is delicious.  These DIGIORNO Pizzeria!™ Thin Pizzas are also topped with real cheese, premium meats, and delicious veggies, and come in four different varieties...Supreme Speciale, Primo Pepperoni, Margherita (my fave!), and Spinach & Mushroom.  With so many different options to choose from, having a few on hand is sure to please anyone who walks through your door.  (Plus, if you try DIGIORNO Pizzeria!™ Thin Pizzas and don't like them, you can visit Digiorno.com for a info on how to receive a refund...so grabbing a few of these next time you're at the store is a no-brainer!)

I love getting to spend time with my bridesmaids and family as I share this exciting season of life with them, and I'm so blessed to have such awesome people surrounding me!  Even if it's just having someone keep me company while I work on wedding stuff, or just having someone over to watch a movie and take a break from all of the craziness of wedding planning, it's always great to spend time with the people that I love!  Keeping a few DIGIORNO Pizzeria!™ Thin Pizzas in my freezer for those impromptu moments and meet-ups is a great way to be hospitable and have good, quality food that's quick and easy to prepare to feed my guests!

HAVE YOU TRIED OUT ONE OF DIGIORNO'S NEW PIZZERIA!™ THIN PIZZAS?  PICK ONE UP NEXT TIME YOU GROCERY SHOP, AND THEN BE SURE TO VISIT DIGIORNO ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK USING THE HASHTAG #YOUBETHEJUDGE.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.