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WAYS OF STYLE

Stay up to date with my latest posts!

How to be more sustainable during the Holiday season

in Lifestyle on 12/17/19

It seems inevitable to over spend during this time of the year. So many things to buy, so much temptation in every single store, so many sales and deals and overwhelming social media posts telling you to buy this or that. I get it. Even though I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, I do know it can feel like a lot to handle and it’s very easy to just cave in, get into debt and go crazy shopping for unnecessary things for us and our loved ones.

The problem with this though, is that if we fill our lives with things that are not needed, we are doing a terrible thing to our planet without even knowing it. But no worries, I’m here to help and to share some of the things I try to do to minimize the impact this season has on all of us.

Side note: As I shared on Instagram when I published this photo; don’t be ashamed if your Christmas tree is not perfect. Love what you have. Look how tiny and simple mine is and here I am sharing a photo because it has so much meaning to me. So, be proud of yours too and don’t compare yourself to others!

Here are some tips to be more sustainable during the Holiday season:

When buying presents:

Obviously the best way to be more sustainable with this, is to not buy or ask for any type of gifts. That’s a no brainer.

However, I know that’s not reality for a lot of people, myself included. I love giving and receiving gifts so much, but there are ways that you can make it a little less hard on our planet. Here’s how:

  • Make and ask for lists. I love giving the perfect gift so much that I keep little lists on my phone for my loved ones, so every time they mention they want something, I just add it there and I simply check it out whenever Christmas or a birthday comes. I know this seems a little crazy LOL but it’s really a life saver. This way you make sure to buy something they actually want and need, so no waste. If you don’t have the list, then just ask. Ask them to give you a few options of things they need. That way it will be kind of a surprise. PS: If you or a loved one has CBD on their list, look no more! Try Equilibria! Here’s a 20% discount. (You can learn more here).
  • Support the right businesses. This is your chance to try new stores and brands. Do your research, make sure they are sustainable brands or women owned businesses. There’s a website called Dough, that only features women owned businesses. I wrote a blog post about them, check it out here. I also wrote a blog post with a list of sustainable brands organized by category. Check it out here. If you are spending money, might as well make sure it’s going to to right businesses.
  • Shop cruelty free. This ties up with supporting the right businesses, but I wanted to add it separately, so you wouldn’t miss it. If you are buying beauty products, makeup or anything skincare related, make sure the brand doesn’t test on animals. It’s a simple and quick Google search. I’ve tried and tested many brands and products and these 5 brands I can actually recommend: Lexli, Babor, Burt Bee’s, EmerginC and SkinFix (I have a blog post coming soon with more details). There are thousands of brands that are cruelty free, just do a quick Google search before you buy anything, it takes 2 seconds. Another brand I love because they are super eco-friendly and cruelty free is Ecotools. So if you know someone who needs make up brushes, make sure to check them out! They care so much abut our planet, that this year, most of their packages are self-wrapping! It’s really cool!!
  • Experiences over things. This is my life motto. Hey, that’s why we are saving money to travel the world for 2 years! Experiences over things always!! Consider giving people an experience or a pampering session instead of buying something for them. Or even better, do it together!! I cannot recommend this enough. Memories with a loved one are worth more than anything money can buy. If you are thinking about a skincare treatment, I have a $50 discount at Images MedSpa (just mention WAYSOFSTYLE). They are amazing and have played a big role on how my skin has transformed this year. Check them out and use the discount if you are interested!

When decorating and wrapping presents:

  • Recycle. Old bags, bows, newspapers and that pile of Amazon boxes you probably already have. Try to always save these things because buying wrapping paper or bags for every gift, every time, definitely adds up.
  • Share ornaments! We had to do it this year because it’s the first time we actually have a Christmas tree of our own, so my sister lend me a few ornaments because we only have 3 LOL. We try to buy a couple every year, whenever we travel and keep them as souvenirs but since we haven’t been together for that long, we only have 3… But this is something you can do too. Start collecting them, so you don’t have to buy new ones each year and you’ll also have a Christmas tree filled with meaning and amazing memories.
  • Think long term. Whatever decoration you invest in, make sure you’re buying things that are classic and timeless, so you can reuse them for a few years.
  • Fake VS real. Is it better to buy a fake tree every 5 years or to buy a real tree every year? I personally think is better to buy a fake one and re-use it every year, HOWEVER, when we went to Home Depot to get ours this year, G thought it was outrageous to buy a fake tree, so I had to compromise. Whatever, I tried and I honestly don’t know what’s best. Do you know? Let me know in the comments!

I can’t really think of anything else! Did I miss anything? If you practice sustainability in a different way, please share them in the comments below so everyone can learn from what you do 🙂

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Holidays guys!

XO,

Aimara

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OH, HI THERE!

Hi guys! My name is Aimara and I’m the voice behind Ways of Style.

I created this Blog as a space to express my thoughts and life experiences while wearing cute outfits of course! At the same time I want to encourage you to always be yourself, without caring what the world thinks about it.

I believe that we all have a specific purpose in life, but you can only find it by being 100% you and following your heart & intuition. In May 2014 I came to this country with a dream and with all my belongings in a suitcase, with nothing but determination to make it happen.

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Disclaimer: I’m not wearing a mask at the beach because it was basically just us, so be cool.

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A black t-shirt 🖤 Styled with a maxi skirt, @sp A black t-shirt 🖤
Styled with a maxi skirt, @spanx leggings and black skinny jeans 😊
Another basic piece you should definitely have in your closet because you can wear it with basically any bottom or layer it in any way you want!

I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the past 3 months and even though my wardrobe is not super exciting, I’ve managed to have fun with what I have. I basically have 7-8 different bottoms, 6 basic neutral t-shirts, a couple of sweaters and a button down shirt. That’s it!

It’s been ok too because I haven’t been anywhere, so I really have no reason to dress up 😂
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One of my happiest moments of 2020 by far! I freak One of my happiest moments of 2020 by far! I freaking did it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I don’t often take the time to be proud of myself but today I’m doing just that ❤️
We’ve been talking about getting certified for scuba diving since forever, but this past December we decided to finally go for it. 

Why?
Because this was one thing we were going to do on our trip around the world and since the trip has been postponed until God knows when, we felt like we needed to do something to cheer ourselves up.

I didn’t think it was going to be this hard. I’m not used to face my fears like this or to push through when I feel like quitting, but this time I was determined. I think the @hellofears book made a huge impact in me. Now I promise myself to keep learning new tricks and to push myself outside of my comfort zone as often as I can. Enough of talking about doing things and let time pass by and not do anything at all. Enough of that!

What’s next? Well right now, we are in Chicago until January 30th, but we’ll spend February and March in Boca & Tampa (and then back to the Midwest!), so we already signed up for freediving & windsurf! Both extremely challenging, mentally and physically, but what the hell, we are going for it anyways!

I encourage you to think about some of the things (big & small), you’ve been talking about doing forever and somehow life got in the way and you kept postponing them. Write them down and challenge yourself to do it. Make yourself proud. There’s no better feeling! Just do it for you!

Even though I’m not writing resolutions this year (I always have, but I felt like the universe betrayed all of us in 2020 💔)I’m making a permanent change in my life: push myself, be brave and open the door for new feelings and emotions to arrive. I’ve been living way too comfortable for way too long!

Special thanks to Eric (@globaldiverscuba) for being so kind and patient and of course @diveforcee for being the best scuba store in south Florida. We found them on Google and they were amazing! Can’t recommend them enough!! 💙
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Counting the days to see my girls!! Hi 👋🏻 W Counting the days to see my girls!!

Hi 👋🏻 We are currently quarantining in Chicago! We ran into a few very unpleasant issues with our new Airbnb (surprise surprise!), but we got over pretty quickly! Proud of us for doing that 😉

Yesterday I tried to sit down to write down goals for 2021 and honestly, after the crappiest year of all I felt like it was pointless. There’s so little I can control and the only thing I have the power to change is my mindset. 

How do you guys feel about 2021? Hopeful? I’m really trying to have no expectations because this past year has been so devastating that I don’t want all my hopes and dreams to be crushed again 💔 2020 is not exactly ending on the happy note we hoped for as a family, so I’m really hoping all this bad energy to be washed away tonight! #bye2020

Who knows what awaits... so for the first time ever I won’t write any resolutions, just trying to stay positive and faithful to the one who knows better 🙏🏻 How about you?

I wish you the best for 2021 though! It’ll be a party of 2 for us, eating some Venezuelan food and some wine 🍷
Happy New Year’s Eve! ❤️
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Location: @thehappygarage in Ravenswood ☺️
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Hi guys 🖤 Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I usually Hi guys 🖤
Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I usually take this time of the year to disconnect from social media and allow myself to dream and think about new year goals without being influenced by everyone’s highlight reels.

It’s been an unusual year for sure and even though I can’t wait for it to be over, I’m also forcing myself to take the time to appreciate the lessons I learned. I received a lot of bad news this year, but this last month it’s been good. So good, that it almost made me forget about the past 11 where I felt I was living in an emotional roller coaster. I’m very happy to be here in Florida and challenging myself to learn new things. I feel so brave and that’s a feeling I never want to deprive myself of. Ever again.

I’ll share more later, but today I’m mostly posting to wish you a safe Christmas this year. In whichever way you decide to celebrate, I hope you find joy in the little things ✨

I didn’t do any of my treasured Venezuelan traditions this year, but I did have hallacas yesterday (they are the best, and you have to order them with enough time to @meencanta.21), tonight we are having Indian food and tomorrow, we’ll do dinner at G’s sister. We leave to Chicago on Sunday, so we are making sure to spend a lot of time outside in the next few days ❤️

Anyways, take care beautiful people. Can’t wait to catch up soon! Merry Christmas to all who celebrate 🎄
...
#waysofstyle #merrychristmas #december #floridavibes #beachbum #lifestyleblogger #beachvibes #goodvibes #bestwishes #besafe #brave #happiness #instafashion #mystyle #resortlooks #vacationmode #summersalt #savethefishies #gosummersalt #christmaseve
1 white t-shirt - 6 looks 🤍 (Technically 3 diff 1 white t-shirt - 6 looks 🤍
(Technically 3 different white t-shirts, but you get the point 😉) 👉🏻 swipe to see.
I cannot live without my white t-shirts and I think this should be one of the first pieces you incorporate into your #capsulewardrobe

Also, in these photos, I’m wearing all the “bottoms” I packed in my suitcase for Dallas. I think I’m only leaving out a maxi skirt that I only wore once and I’ll share the look next week. I pretty much packed 6-8 bottoms, a couple of sweaters for layering, a few t-shirts, 2 chambray shirts and 2 pair of shoes. And I survived!

If you scroll down my feed, you can see the latest looks I’ve posted with the same pieces and hopefully get some ideas for you to recreate at home ☺️

Let me know what you think or if you need help styling anything just send me a DM 😘
...
#waysofstyle #whitetshirt #spanx #spanxleggings #thisisann #meijerstyle #meijerfinds #easylook #classicstyle #whitesneakers #howtostyle
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From no pants and no shoes to double pants and dou From no pants and no shoes to double pants and double masks BUT still smiling 😆
Disclaimer: I’m not wearing a mask at the beach because it was basically just us, so be cool.

I’m so happy it’s been in the 30’s, because this is the coldest we can handle 😂 Thank you Chicago 🙏🏻❤️

Hope everyone’s having a nice week so far! We got our test results back negative so I can finally see my family ❤️ It’s a good day today 🙏🏻
...
#waysofstyle #chiberia #chicagoblogger #chicagowinter #grateful #chicagoinfluencer #winterstyle #winterlook #puffercoat #smallvictories
A black t-shirt 🖤 Styled with a maxi skirt, @sp A black t-shirt 🖤
Styled with a maxi skirt, @spanx leggings and black skinny jeans 😊
Another basic piece you should definitely have in your closet because you can wear it with basically any bottom or layer it in any way you want!

I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the past 3 months and even though my wardrobe is not super exciting, I’ve managed to have fun with what I have. I basically have 7-8 different bottoms, 6 basic neutral t-shirts, a couple of sweaters and a button down shirt. That’s it!

It’s been ok too because I haven’t been anywhere, so I really have no reason to dress up 😂
...
#waysofstyle #capsulewardrobe #fashionblogger #howtostyle #whattowear #basiclook #classicstyle #maxiskirt #blacktshirt #chambrayshirt #whitesneakers #blackskinnyjeans #chicagoblogger #chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #meijerfinds #meijerstyle
One of my happiest moments of 2020 by far! I freak One of my happiest moments of 2020 by far! I freaking did it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I don’t often take the time to be proud of myself but today I’m doing just that ❤️
We’ve been talking about getting certified for scuba diving since forever, but this past December we decided to finally go for it. 

Why?
Because this was one thing we were going to do on our trip around the world and since the trip has been postponed until God knows when, we felt like we needed to do something to cheer ourselves up.

I didn’t think it was going to be this hard. I’m not used to face my fears like this or to push through when I feel like quitting, but this time I was determined. I think the @hellofears book made a huge impact in me. Now I promise myself to keep learning new tricks and to push myself outside of my comfort zone as often as I can. Enough of talking about doing things and let time pass by and not do anything at all. Enough of that!

What’s next? Well right now, we are in Chicago until January 30th, but we’ll spend February and March in Boca & Tampa (and then back to the Midwest!), so we already signed up for freediving & windsurf! Both extremely challenging, mentally and physically, but what the hell, we are going for it anyways!

I encourage you to think about some of the things (big & small), you’ve been talking about doing forever and somehow life got in the way and you kept postponing them. Write them down and challenge yourself to do it. Make yourself proud. There’s no better feeling! Just do it for you!

Even though I’m not writing resolutions this year (I always have, but I felt like the universe betrayed all of us in 2020 💔)I’m making a permanent change in my life: push myself, be brave and open the door for new feelings and emotions to arrive. I’ve been living way too comfortable for way too long!

Special thanks to Eric (@globaldiverscuba) for being so kind and patient and of course @diveforcee for being the best scuba store in south Florida. We found them on Google and they were amazing! Can’t recommend them enough!! 💙
...
#waysofstyle #divers #scubadivers #floridadiving #lifestyleblogger #wedidit #proud #pushyourself #chicagoblogger #chicagoinfluencer #hellofears
Counting the days to see my girls!! Hi 👋🏻 W Counting the days to see my girls!!

Hi 👋🏻 We are currently quarantining in Chicago! We ran into a few very unpleasant issues with our new Airbnb (surprise surprise!), but we got over pretty quickly! Proud of us for doing that 😉

Yesterday I tried to sit down to write down goals for 2021 and honestly, after the crappiest year of all I felt like it was pointless. There’s so little I can control and the only thing I have the power to change is my mindset. 

How do you guys feel about 2021? Hopeful? I’m really trying to have no expectations because this past year has been so devastating that I don’t want all my hopes and dreams to be crushed again 💔 2020 is not exactly ending on the happy note we hoped for as a family, so I’m really hoping all this bad energy to be washed away tonight! #bye2020

Who knows what awaits... so for the first time ever I won’t write any resolutions, just trying to stay positive and faithful to the one who knows better 🙏🏻 How about you?

I wish you the best for 2021 though! It’ll be a party of 2 for us, eating some Venezuelan food and some wine 🍷
Happy New Year’s Eve! ❤️
...
Location: @thehappygarage in Ravenswood ☺️
#waysofstyle #proudauntie #newyearseve #noresolutions #bye2020 #chicagoblogger #chicagophotographer #chicagoinfluencer #mygirls #myeverything #hope #faith #love #hopeful
Hi guys 🖤 Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I usually Hi guys 🖤
Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I usually take this time of the year to disconnect from social media and allow myself to dream and think about new year goals without being influenced by everyone’s highlight reels.

It’s been an unusual year for sure and even though I can’t wait for it to be over, I’m also forcing myself to take the time to appreciate the lessons I learned. I received a lot of bad news this year, but this last month it’s been good. So good, that it almost made me forget about the past 11 where I felt I was living in an emotional roller coaster. I’m very happy to be here in Florida and challenging myself to learn new things. I feel so brave and that’s a feeling I never want to deprive myself of. Ever again.

I’ll share more later, but today I’m mostly posting to wish you a safe Christmas this year. In whichever way you decide to celebrate, I hope you find joy in the little things ✨

I didn’t do any of my treasured Venezuelan traditions this year, but I did have hallacas yesterday (they are the best, and you have to order them with enough time to @meencanta.21), tonight we are having Indian food and tomorrow, we’ll do dinner at G’s sister. We leave to Chicago on Sunday, so we are making sure to spend a lot of time outside in the next few days ❤️

Anyways, take care beautiful people. Can’t wait to catch up soon! Merry Christmas to all who celebrate 🎄
...
#waysofstyle #merrychristmas #december #floridavibes #beachbum #lifestyleblogger #beachvibes #goodvibes #bestwishes #besafe #brave #happiness #instafashion #mystyle #resortlooks #vacationmode #summersalt #savethefishies #gosummersalt #christmaseve
1 white t-shirt - 6 looks 🤍 (Technically 3 diff 1 white t-shirt - 6 looks 🤍
(Technically 3 different white t-shirts, but you get the point 😉) 👉🏻 swipe to see.
I cannot live without my white t-shirts and I think this should be one of the first pieces you incorporate into your #capsulewardrobe

Also, in these photos, I’m wearing all the “bottoms” I packed in my suitcase for Dallas. I think I’m only leaving out a maxi skirt that I only wore once and I’ll share the look next week. I pretty much packed 6-8 bottoms, a couple of sweaters for layering, a few t-shirts, 2 chambray shirts and 2 pair of shoes. And I survived!

If you scroll down my feed, you can see the latest looks I’ve posted with the same pieces and hopefully get some ideas for you to recreate at home ☺️

Let me know what you think or if you need help styling anything just send me a DM 😘
...
#waysofstyle #whitetshirt #spanx #spanxleggings #thisisann #meijerstyle #meijerfinds #easylook #classicstyle #whitesneakers #howtostyle
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