How to Save Face

We all can’t afford a tub of La Mer, but we can all do very simple free (or almost free) steps to better our skin. There is no point in putting paint on a dirty canvas; the first step in looking beautiful, stylish and polished is to have beautiful and happy skin. Here are some simple tips that every woman can do to achieve that. Happy Leap Day to all! 1. Drink Water. I know, I know we all hear this but it really really REALLY makes a huge difference. I try to drink 60 ounces of plain water a day and when I do it, my skin is so happy and fresh looking. My husband bought me a Nalgene in my favorite color and I have it on my desk. Each morning I fill it up and I compete with myself to have it finished before lunch. I then go and refill it and try to finish it before I leave at the end of the day. Weekends I give myself a break, but because I force the water during the week, I crave it on weekends and catch myself drinking almost as much on Saturdays and Sundays. Add flavor if you like, but to really kick the soda habit, I have found plain water does the trick best. Start off small… maybe one small bottle a day and take it like medicine. After a month make it two bottles and by three months you should be able to consume at least 32 ounces a day. Buy a bottle that makes you smile when you see it and play with temperatures to see what is easiest to gulp down. But after even a week you will see a pronounced change in your skin texture and even color. 2. Wash Your Face Before You Go To Bed. I know this seems obvious, but we busy women often forget to do this, thinking we’ll just hose off everything the next morning in the shower. However skin repairs itself when you sleep so nodding off with the grime of the day (plus all your makeup) can really be more detrimental than every day with a full face of cosmetics. I mentioned it before, but studies say each time you go to bed with your face unwashed you age it ten days. Make the task as simple as possible with a face wash that rinses clean and all your tools nearby. I know in my wild and crazy days I used to keep a pack of those cleansing cloths on my nightstand so even after an evening of partying heartily, I could wipe off everything while almost passed out under my comforter. You wouldn’t (hopefully!) go to bed without brushing your teeth, the same should hold true for your face. Again, even one week of this habit will give you fresher skin, smaller pores and fewer breakouts. 3. Use a Night Cream. Now this could be the same moisturizer you use each morning, but it’s important to moisturize your face after cleansing it. Again, the skin repairs itself while you sleep, so by prepping it with proper nutrients, you’ll get better results. If you have oily skin, consider an oil-free moisturizer or gel geared toward your skin type that will baby it without causing it to produce more oil. Again, if this is something that you forget, make it as easy and convenient as possible. I keep my night cream on my nightstand where I am more likely to remember it than tucked in the medicine cabinet. This also gives me the time to massage it in well and ensure I get my neck hydrated as well. 4. Don’t Let Your Shower Hit Your Face. The pressure and heat of the water can cause broken capillaries, redness, and damage delicate tissue near the eyes. If you have rosaeca, this can exacerbate the problem. Often just stopping this habit will reduce most redness. 5. You Don’t Have to Wash Your Face In the Morning. Your face shouldn’t be getting dirty while you sleep, the more often you wash your face, the more you will dry it out, causing it to look dull or force it to protect itself with increased oil production. A splash of tepid water or swipe of a cotton ball doused with an alcohol-free toner may be all that is necessary to prep for a new day. 6. Wear Sunscreen. This should be a given in this day and age, but I still meet women who say they don’t wear sunscreen for a multitude of reasons. They feel it is too greasy, they don’t burn, it’s winter, it’s too heavy, it makes their foundation slip… There is no valid reason for not wearing sunscreen. Modern technology has made formulas far less heavy and greasy, and every person regardless of skin color or type can be affected by sun damage. Yes there is the chance for melanoma, but the sun can also reduce elasticity, wrinkles and create spots. Studies have shown that skin looks older not because of wrinkles, but discoloration. The best way to prevent age spots (AND wrinkling!) is to slap on that sunscreen.

A New Look on Fashion

I think women often look at fashion and clothing in the wrong manner, and that is why there is so much bad style, cheap style and weird combinations out there on women. We should look at style the way one would look at art, gardening or cooking. Before finding celebrity experts in the field who have a style we like, we should know the basics. Before we do a complete fashion overhaul, we should break down the style process. If you like cooking, you first learn how to work with what you have. That saucepan your mom gave you for your first apartment, the whisk you picked up at the grocery store, the foodstuff you could afford on your budget. As you cook, you acquire better tools based on what you enjoy/are good at cooking. Maybe it’s baking; possibly it’s grilling or Asian stir-fry. You read up on recipes and proper tools. You seek out markets and shops that carry hard-to-find ingredients. You have recipes or cookware that are your go-tos: ones you love and love you back because of ease of use and final product. If you like gardening, it often is because you started with a little plot of land and a few plants from the local home store. Doing some reading and research, you learn what plants work for your park of the planet, and what you can do to make the soil better, the plants flourish and to have your yard look beautiful or deliver delicious produce. You learn proper names, chemical makeup, and the tools that make the job easy yet successful. Fashion… ah fashion. Most of us, fashion started with clothing picked out by our parents. By our teens we usually had a sense of what we likes – maybe it was mimicking a musician, our older sister, or possibly the popular girl in our English class. Fashion was not something we decided to take an interest in; it was something forced upon us and something we were often judged by. Because of this, we often have very strong views about fashion: it’s superficial, stupid, materialistic, confusing. It brings back bad memories of hand-me-downs, not fitting in, being too fat/too thin/too weird/blending in too much/not blending in enough/being poor. These strong views often take women in one of two directions – shunning or fearing it; or idolizing it. Coveting glossy mags each month, going into debt to have every “must-have” on some list, or purchasing cheap fakes of these items in a hope to glean some style or coolness from wearing or carrying these items. Thought not put into materials, tools, terminology, backstory. To achieve true style, it’s good to look at fashion like a seamstress, not like a celebrity. Get to know the names of fabrics, and which ones work with your figure and your personal style. Understand terminology for silhouettes, styles and tools. With each cut or brand you find you like and likes you back, get to know it better. Do your research, understand what designers or art inspired that line. Start small and work with what you have instead of rushing out to get all the newest and best things. Find your niche. When you break down fashion the way you would a hobby, it’s easier to understand and easier to pick up. Going slowly, you will find your go-tos as well: that pencil skirt that always works for a last minute event, the black leather pumps you bought in Italy five years ago and are still stylish, the pearls you inherited from your grandmother. One of the most exciting things for me when getting married was the registry. Yay! Now I can have all those things I coveted in the catalogs that came to my doorstep every month! My husband and I went to Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia and got “gun-happy.” We started in Macy’s where we scanned crystal I had loved since high school and expensive appliances I didn’t even know I wanted. We proceeded to Williams Sonoma where we scanned professional-grade knives, French cookware and a bunch of books and accessories. Finally we hit Registry Mecca – Crate and Barrel where my husband really got the fever and scanned about four different styles of wine glasses, three types of beer steins and almost every accessory available for outdoor grilling and entertaining. The boxes started arriving a week before the shower and continued months after the ceremony. I counted – we received 72 individual drink glasses of varying purposes and materials. We received a cappuccino/espresso machine that didn’t fit the dimensions of our counter, and eight (yes eight!) espresso cups to match. Beautiful dinner plates that were quite hard to eat off of (very slippery and curved in a strange way) and cookware that didn’t fit our small oven. However I did receive a lovely large stainless sauté pan with lid. I remembered seeing cooking shows where one was used to brown meats and then pop into the oven to finish cooking. I tried out this method with my new tool and was pleased. I became more creative with my cooking with a few of my new gifts and came to realize what foods I liked, and which ones brought me joy during the preparation. The espresso machine and cups were exchanged for quality knives and a large stock pot. Some of the glasses were given to a friend who bought a new home, and others are just used for special occasions. I realized that registering willy-nilly was fun and the thought of a fully stocked kitchen was exhilarating, but the reality set in and it just wasn’t right. Sound a bit like your last clothing shopping spree? We often purchase that which is cool, new or deemed by another to be a necessity to find out that when added to our own life, it is useless. We don’t fear having “uncool” plants in our garden or pots in our kitchen because we know they are useful and good and beautiful to us. I encourage those of you Fashion Fearfuls to look at fashion as you may your favorite pastime… it may demystify it and help you find your true personal style!

Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Use this holiday as a way to care for your fellow woman. For one day, don’t visit TMZ, Perez or Defamer to find out about Britney. For one day, stop to compliment a stranger on the street for her pretty shoes or nice hair. Hold the door at the store, let a woman senior to you on the train or in the church doors before you. Help a mother overloaded with bags and children get her groceries to her car. Call your mother and tell her how much you love her. Before you start to criticize a fellow woman’s actions, looks or lifestyle today, take a moment to imagine yourself in her shoes. Instead of a sneer, for one day offer compassion and a genuine smile. You never know, she may need that smile more than you can image. Practice Random Acts of Kindness today, and find yourself becoming more beautiful from it! And after your day of kindness, I would love you to come here and comment on how it affected you! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Black Doesn’t Make You Look Slimmer, it Only Makes You Look Boring

Yesterday on the Metro, a gorgeous woman in a pumpkin-colored toggle coat, brown trousers pinstriped with pink and brown booties. Gorgeous skin with a glow from pink blush and pink-tinted gloss. Pretty braids with little streaks of dark copper with the brown. I would guess the woman was a size 26. She could stop traffic with her inner glow and sassy look. In black? She would be another fat woman on the train. Not even that, she wouldn’t be remembered. She would blend in. The other day in the grocery store, woman who looked as though she just got out of yoga class or the gym. Dark plum yoga pants, gray sneakers with lime green accents, dark red glasses, olive green quilted thigh-length coat, nubby loopy scarf and matching hat knit in shades of olive, pink, purple and navy. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it made me stop and think about my own black yoga pants (all three pairs) and that I own the very same coat but in black. She didn’t look kooky, but the colors just made her stand out a bit and made one think about her. I actually didn’t notice until I saw her in a different line that she was probably a size or two larger than I; the first thing I noticed was the combination of colors, the way the glasses really made her eyes stand out, and whether she knit that scarf and hat combination herself. We have all been raised to think that black is slimming. Black makes part of you recede. Black is what overweight people wear because overweight people should be ashamed of their shape and want it to recede into nothingness. But our bodies aren’t going anywhere, and why punish yourself because you are not what society has decided to be the “right” size? And really, what the heck IS that “right” size? As a 5’3” woman, I remember going to the doctor my freshman year of college and being told my 125 lb. frame was carrying too much weight. I had strong legs and arms, broad shoulders from swimming and a large chest. At that point I was in a size 4. If I was the chart’s goal of 110 for my height, I would be sunken in, unhealthily small. So you are 5 lbs or 150 lbs over the doctor’s chart for weight… that doesn’t mean you life stops. Don’t go into mourning with a wardrobe full of black. Show your personality, your charm, your creativity. You are so much more than your figure – your body is only the shell that gets your soul from Point A to Point B. What About the Staples? Time and time again people mention that my staples list is almost all black. Yes, it is but that isn’t because I feel people should hide in black. The thing is black is a color that doesn’t age, it doesn’t usually clash with black shoes and other accessories, it doesn’t get trendy, and is simple enough to work for a funeral, a wedding, a job interview, a trip to the grocery, an awards ceremony. I don’t expect everything to be black, but it’s a good point to start, then adding signature colors, accessories and personality as you find your fashion “wings.” Easy Places to Add Color: Your coat or jacket: If you need to buy one, consider an unexpected hue. Colors are often more versatile than black for coats. Mustard yellow, pumpkin orange, robin’s egg blue, scarlet… The color of your purse: for day or for evening: a red satin clutch with add color to your black dress and heels, a green leather hobo for day will work with black or brown shoes. You’ll be surprised at how much use a colored purse will get, and how many compliments you will receive for it! Your bathing suit and coverup: a black bathing suit will NOT make you look 30 pounds lighter, and you will stand taller and look more confident in a color you love and loves you back. Your next pair of prescription glasses: why stick with silver, gold and black? I have a pair of dark purple plastic frames that add a little bit of fun to my look while still being quite professional. Before this pair, I had dark green tortoise-shell ones that always received compliments but didn’t work against my face and hair. Your winter hat, scarf and gloves: Switch it up! This is a great way to get your favorite color into your wardrobe on a daily basis. If you have a brown coat, get a nice contrast color like leaf green or candy pink. Black can work with everything, and a gray coat looks amazing with yellow, turquoise or even bright red. Colors look great with other colors – I often see a woman on my commute home who has a mustard-colored coat and leaf green cashmere scarf and leather gloves. It doesn’t look hokey or juvenile, just fresh and cheerful. Your shoes: Flats are available in almost every store in the mall; a pair in yellow, orange, red or green will be so fun peeking out of your jeans, trousers, or paired with a simple dress or skirt. If you purchase commuting shoes, make them cheerful with a great color for your walk to work! For winter and rain boots, find a color that complements your coat or adds an unexpected pop to the dreary climate! As for heels... nothing adds fun and style to a simple outfit or dress than a pair of heels in a gorgeous hue! A great belt over your cardigan or dress: Green and yellow are huge colors this spring; use them to brighten up your simple wardrobe pieces. A pashmina or cardigan for breezy evenings: a color will actually work with more of your wardrobe than a basic black or ivory. Your workout clothing: if you want to be subtle, consider loden green, navy, plum, teal, brown. Your lingerie: Others may not see it but you will feel the energy of your favorite color against your skin! What If You Love Black? Heck, I do! I don't wear black because it's slimming, but because I like it on me. I like the cool simplicity of the color, the chic way it makes such a statement. I love it with smoky eyes and messy hair, with cat eyes and ruby lips, with my fair skin and dark hair. IF you feel that way, then embrace your color and wear it in well-made, well-fitting, non-faded pieces. Accent it with bold jewelry, color accessories or fabulous cosmetics. Don't use it as a disguise, but as an extension of your personality! Purple dress by IGIGI, bathing suit and black dress by Torrid, yellow suede flats by Gap

I've been tagged! Under the Myrtle Tree tagged me to do this meme, thank you so much! The rules are: a) Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. b) Find page 123. c) Find the first 5 sentences and read them. d) Post the next 3 sentences. I am at work and the closest book I have is actually the one I finished on the Metro ride to work today - The Secret Life of Bees by Susan Monk Kidd. I was cleaning out my home office this weekend and found this: my sister a year ago gave me a whole XL L.L. Bean Boat & Tote of books she had read and was sharing. I thought I read them all, but somehow missed this one. What a wonderful book, I really fell in love with it and all the characters in it. Page 123 is in the middle of Chapter 6, almost halfway through the novel... Because I hated lying to August when she was so good to me. Because Rosaleen was probably right about dream worlds. Because I was pretty sure the Virgin Mary was not back there on the peach farm standing in for me the way she'd stood in for Beatrix. If you read this book, you will see that this is an awesome trio of sentences to choose. The speaker is Lily, a 14-year old girl who had left her home with her nanny Rosaleen to find answers and a loving place. August is the woman who took her in, and had recently told her a story about a young nun named Beatrix who had run away from her convent, came back and wasn't missed because Mary had stepped in her place. Makes far more sense if you read the book, I swear! I'll now tag Shoegal, Sez Shares, and La Femme Couture!

Wardrobe Hints for Warm Climates

I’ll admit it, I am NOT a know-it-all. I have only lived in my part of the US, I am not a mother, I am not a gardener, I am not a tall woman so I do not know off-hand the right thing for every woman out there. I often get emails and comments that my suggestions are not appropriate for all women’s lifestyles. Some I disagree with (if you attend weddings and Bar Mitzvas and special events in your life you should own a simple dress) and some I agree with. Recently I was contacted by a member of Pattern Review – an awesome message board of sewers (hello ladies!!!) who suggested some options for those women who live in climates where it is always warm. She being from Texas knows a thing or two about a warm-climate wardrobe! I was happy to hear from an expert on that subject and would like to share her tidbits with you all! I love clothes, and am forever reading lists suggesting ways to put together a simple wardrobe that can form the basis of your entire closet. But, those lists are usually written for people who live in four-season climates. (Here in central Texas, we joke that we, too, have four seasons: Summer, Almost Summer, It Was Just Summer, and Christmas). Kidding aside, it was a challenge for me, as a native Midwesterner, to learn how to dress for a warm climate. While I think that the individual articles of clothing each woman needs are going to vary widely according to her job, her taste, and other lifestyle differences, I can at least offer a few tips I’ve learned in seven years of warm-weather dressing: 1) Know When to Shop. Clothing stores have at least four distinct collections each year, which show up about two months before the season in which they’re typically worn in four-season climates. So, stores get their fall sweaters in July, their winter coats in September, etc. That’s great if you live in a four-season climate…and not very convenient if you live somewhere warm, because stores still follow the same merchandising calendar as the rest of the country. Rather than shopping throughout the year, save up and do your shopping for the entire year during February, March, and April, when spring and summer clothes and shoes are on the shelves. (By contrast, shop for winter clothing at the very end of winter, when everything’s on clearance. You only need a few pieces, and because this type of clothing isn’t in high demand there’s usually a pretty good selection still left.) 2) Purchase a Good Swimsuit. It doesn’t matter if you are terrified of water (or your reflection in a swimsuit), the fact is that swimming--and poolside activities like BBQs and ice cream socials—are common social events for young people in the Deep South when the temperature climbs. Chances are, if you refuse to don a bathing suit, you may never see your gaggle of friends. Shop early for the best selection so that you can get one that’s flattering and that you feel really confident in. If you are curvy or hard to fit, skip the department store and try your local underwear boutique first. Along with a great swimsuit, invest in a flattering cover-up and some flip flops that do not slip and slide when wet (consider brands like Teva, Reef and Merrel that offer athletic-inspired styles). 3) Comfort First. Yes, most of us have watched What Not to Wear and know that jackets and blazers disguise and flatter an apple shape with a large tummy. However when you are factoring in tripe-digit heat, the concept of layers is ridiculous. Comfort should be you first consideration when buying summer clothes. Purchase breathable fabrics: linen, cotton, silk. (Wrinkles are far more acceptable in the South than cooler regions where poly-blends are popular (and realistic) summer fabrics.) Look for silhouettes that skim but don’t cling: remember that you’re going to be sweating so you want shapes that will glide right over an overheated body. Don’t even consider layers when you know you’re going to be outside for a while: one piece on top, one on bottom (or one uber-comfy dress). 4) Layer While Indoors. I know I just said “no layers,” but that’s for outdoors. Indoors it’s often quite chilly as the AC is cranked up much of the year. Lightweight sweaters in cotton or cashmere are pretty and versatile. Thin fabrics are best because they will be tucked into your bag as soon as you leave any building. Find yourself a versatile and pretty cardigan and it will be a wiser choice for this climate than a pashmina or jacket. 4) Be Prepared. This one isn’t about clothing, but it IS about staying cool and comfortable. When northerners ask me about Texas weather, I say, “It’s just like your weather. We also have a season where it can be dangerous to leave the house unprepared or dressed improperly. It’s just that for us, that season is summer.” From April through October, I don’t leave the house without a mini-stick of deodorant, a washcloth (for washing my face or for mopping up sweat), a bottle of water, and a compact of loose powder. I have also noticed that Southern women tend to be VERY well groomed, perhaps because they are less covered-up for much of the year. I’d never had a pedicure until I moved here; now, they’re de rigueur. 5) Capris are Great. Capris and cropped pants are a wardrobe staple in warm climates. Those extra few inches of bare leg are a Godsend, and unlike shorts, they’re work-appropriate. With some skimmers or sandals they transform into casual weekend attire. 6) You Still Need Some Winter Garments. As a native Midwesterner, I know cold, and Central Texas almost never gets cold. The fact that we have whole decades without hard frosts disqualifies us from ever complaining about “cold.” However, if you’re acclimated, 40 degrees Fahrenheit can seem darn chilly. And it gets cold in the South though we act surprised about it every single time. So buy a nice coat in a classic style, and gloves, a hat, and scarf to match. Purchase two or three heavy sweaters in flattering solid colors and a couple pairs of trousers that come all the way to your instep. Invest classic, quality pieces that won’t fall out of fashion quickly, wear them for those few weeks a year that warrant them, and they’ll last you for years. 7) There Are Sandals, and Then There Are Sandals. Sandals are worn most of the year; but not all sandals are created equal. Flip-flops and sparkly little thongs should only be worn in the most casual of environments. My boss’ rule of thumb is a good one: “If you’d wear ‘em to the beach, don’t wear ‘em to work.” Consider your height and frame when purchasing sandals. Many sandals in the stores the past few seasons are very flat and/or strappy (think the “gladiator” style celebs seem to covet), which works best on slim figures and with floaty lightweight dresses and skirts. Consider a city sandal in a neutral shade and a classic fabric like leather. Having a solid heel, wedge or at least a substantial sole will balance out curvy frames and more substantial fabrics in your outfit. It is possible to find sandals that will go with pants, capris, skirts, AND shorts. 8) Know Your Environment. I live in a very casual city in Texas; one can go to just about any restaurant, even the four-star ones, in jeans. I haven’t worn pantyhose in years; there might actually be a law against them here. Dallas, on the other hand—just three hours north—is far more conservative in terms of fashion; if I’m visiting friends there and know we’re going out to dinner, I bring a skirt. For example, in my area appropriate attire for a baby shower is khakis and a nice blouse. However, I recently attended a friend’s bridal shower in Louisville and was embarrassingly underdressed in this outfit—all the other women were in dresses, heels, and nice jewelry. If you are new to the area or travelling, don’t be afraid to ask a friend what the “dress code” may be for that town. 9) Makeup. Most people get so much sun here that their skin tone changes a couple of times over the course of a normal year. Even I, with the world’s fairest skin that burns fast and never tans, end up a shade browner in the summer and need a different foundation. Second, you must wear sunscreen every day, no exceptions! A moisturizer with built-in SPF makes this step worry-free. Finally, keep it simple. Makeup slips and slides in high temperatures, so don’t even attempt to maintain several layers of product. Anyway, neutral colors applied lightly look better on sun-kissed skin than heavy makeup does! 10) Enjoy Being a Fashion Plate. Admit it: those of us in the South do have gorgeous weather most of the time. This frees you from ever needing a whole host of clothing that is simply a fact of life for many Americans north of the Mason-Dixon Line: puffy down coats, rainpants, balaclavas, etc. Please enjoy never buying jeans two sizes too big so you can wear long underwear underneath! Revel in the fact that your winter boots can have high heels if you want—a thoroughly impractical thing in icy areas! Raise children who have never once complained about having to cover up their Halloween costumes with giant winter parkas! We’re lucky to live in a climate that rarely interferes with our fashion sense—enjoy it!

The Home of the Future... With a Wardrobe Consultant?

My friend Adam sent me this story and I wanted to share it with all of you. Pretty interesting! What will they think of next... a home that shops for you as well? Disneyland Revives 'House of Future' GILLIAN FLACCUSAssociated Press Writer Source: General Financial/ Business News Date: February 13, 2008 ANAHEIM, Calif. Millions of Disneyland visitors lined up a half-century ago to catch a glimpse of the future: a home teeming with mind-blowing gadgets such as handsfree phones, wall-sized televisions, plastic chairs, and electric razors and toothbrushes. The "House of the Future," a pod-shaped, all-plastic dwelling that quickly seemed quaint closed its doors a decade later. Now Disney is set to open a new abode in Tomorrowland - this time in partnership with 21st century technology giants. The 5,000-square-foot home scheduled to open in May will look like a normal suburban home outside, but inside it will feature hardware, software and touch-screen systems that could simplify everyday living. Lights and thermostats will automatically adjust when people walk into a room. Closets will help pick out the right dress for a party. Countertops will be able to identify groceries set on them and make menu suggestions. The $15 million home is a collaboration of The Walt Disney Co., Microsoft Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., software maker LifeWare and homebuilder Taylor Morrison. Visitors will experience the look of tomorrow by watching Disney actors playing a family of four preparing for a trip to China. "It's much different than a spiel that you would get at a trade show," said Dave Miller, director of alliance development for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "We won't get into the bits and the bytes. It will be about the digital lifestyle and how that lifestyle can help you." The actors will be in a flurry of cooking, packing and picture-taking designed to emphasize cutting-edge features in the home's two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, study and back yard. Much of the project will showcase a network that makes the house "smart" and follows family members from room to room, even adjusting artwork, to preset personal preferences. When a resident clicks a TV remote, for example, lights will dim, music will shut off and the shades will draw as the network realizes a movie is about to start. The system will allow residents to transfer digital photos, videos and music among televisions and computers in different rooms at the click of a button. Other applications still in development could include touch-screen technology built into appliances, furniture and countertops, said Joe Belfiore, Microsoft's vice president for entertainment services. In the kitchen, for example, touchpad software on the countertop would be able to identify groceries and produce recipes and meal suggestions. Similar programs could turn a desktop into a computer screen, allowing residents to load photos, music or e-mail onto a cell phone by placing it on the desk. Mirrors and closets could identify clothes and suggest matching outfits, complimentary colors or track what apparel is at the cleaners or in the wash. The home will also feature new uses for devices that many visitors may already own, as well as technologies that are still five or 10 years down the road, said Mike Seamons, vice president of marketing at LifeWare, which makes home automation software. "If people walk through there and say, 'I don't have anything in this house at all,' then we've totally failed," Seamons said. "We're not waiting for robots to happen in order for it to be a reality." When it comes to aesthetics, designers decided to stray from the Jetsons-style House of the Future; an all-plastic cross design with four wing-shaped bays that appeared to float. The house was so tough that wrecking balls bounced off it when Disney ripped it down in 1967. The new home will be made of wood and steel and finished in muted browns and beiges, said Sheryl Palmer, president and chief executive of Taylor Morrison in North America. "The 1950s home didn't look like anything, anywhere. It was space-age and kind of cold," she said. "We didn't want the (new) home to intimidate the visitors. We want the house to be real accessible to our guests." APviaNewsEdge

Product Review - Afterglow Cosmetics

In the past year my skin has become quite sensitive. Hives, irritation and redness occur if I look at my reflection the wrong way so I have been on the lookout for beauty products that are free of known irritants while still making me... well beautiful! Recently I was contacted by Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics and was very interested in trying their line. I have tried mineral makeup in the past with mixed results - some looked muddy on my skin, some made my face itch, and many seemed to get a weird ghostly glow in flash photography. Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics claims their line is free of synthetic dyes, preservatives and fillers; made with certified organic botanicals and even contains supposedly age-defying antioxidants such as grapeseed and pomegranate extract. Afterglow Cosmetics was created by Kristin Adams out of need; she too has sensitive skin and found most lines irritated and caused her to break out. Afterglow Cosmetics is free of the following irritating ingredients found in other lines: paraben preservatives, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, talc, gluten, petrochemicals, cornstarch, FD&C and lake dyes, carmine, mineral oil, and GMOs. The line focuses on natural and organic ingredients, they never test on animals and their line is 100% vegan. They list all of their ingredients on their website and on the product packaging. Wow, a product that is organic, vegan, free of weird ingredients and will give me a natural and beautiful look? Can't wait to try it out for myself! I decided to try out their Organic Mineral Foundation in Bisque, the Organic Glow Bronzer in Medium, and Natural Lip Gloss in Bella. The packaging for the foundation and bronzer are similar to other mineral cosmetics lines - a tiny tub with a shaker cap so you can sprinkle a small amount into the cap of the tub, swirl the brush in it, tap off excess and buff onto the skin. The lipgloss came in a squeeze tube similar to Lancome's Juicy Tubes. All packaging was well made, sealed nicely and was attractive and simple. I tried the foundation with the traditional Swirl/Tap/Buff method with the Sephora Professional Bronzer Brush and found it went on well, didn't get muddy, didn't itch and seemed to blend nicely. I wear C3 for L'Oreal True Match foundation and Beige in philosophy's The Supernatural foundation and found Afterglow's Bisque to be a hair lighter than these and a neutral (not too cool or warm) shade. Even though the color was a touch lighter than what I had chosen, it blended naturally and didn't make me look ashen. The formula gives a lighter coverage than Bare Escentuals - my freckles showed through, but it did even out my skintone. There was no weird shimmer to the line like many mineral products have, nor did it give me a false and matte finish. The more I layered, the more opaque the finish. The line suggested that those with dry skin mix the mineral powder with a moisturizer; I did that and found it went on well, ended with a nice soft finish and worked for spot coverage. This is a great choice for a lightweight sheer foundation or someone who is looking for a line that is gentle and humane, and I like the real variety of shades (seen at left and also available to view on the Afterglow Cosmetics website). I was interested in trying out the Organic Glow Bronzer because I had tried Bare Escentuals' "Warmth" and found it hard to use, dark and easy to get streaky (I admit, I am a klutz and I get ready each day over my bathroom sink with a limited amount of time). I also like the look of a bronzer on my skin as that I do not tan and am naturally pale. I have bought several bronzers over the years and have yet to find Nirvana. They are too muddy, too orange, too shimmery, too dark, too light. This bronzer had a slight shimmer, but it didn't make me look like a disco ball when applied (I used the Bare Escentuals Angled Face Brush). Again I did the Swirl/Tap/Buff method. It is not as dark or potent at B.E.'s "Warmth," but it still was a bit hard to manage on a time crunch. It seemed to blend nicely, but after leaving the house my husband rubbed my cheek saying I had a line. I liked the formula and the natural color better than the competitor, but still did not find Nirvana. However if you are looking for a mineral bronzer for fair skin, this is a good choice. Finally, the lipgloss. Bella, is described on the website as a "medium cool berry pink." Honestly, when I saw the packaging, I thought I would hate the lipgloss. I don't usually like tube applicator glosses and the color looked quite dark and opaque (more like a berry red instead of a pink). I applied it... and the formula is different. Unlike a typical sticky goopy gel, this has a powdery/mineral finish and feels more like a hydrating lipstick. It gave shine - again, more like a hydrating/shiny lipstick than a traditional gloss. However unlike a typical gloss, it hadn't disappeared after 10 minutes, my hair didn't get stuck in it and it didn't dry out my lips. As for the color... I would describe it more as a "medium berry" hue. You can see it on me at the picture to left. I wouldn't necessarily call it "cool," more of a neutral pink that could work on most skintones. Anyway, it may not match the description, but I have fallen in love with it. It is unlike any other product I have tried - it slowly fades away like a lipstick, doesn't leave lines, doesn't bleed, doesn't crease. It seems to hydrate my lips and keep them soft and the powdery feel is soothing. There is a slight simmer to the product, but this is totally wearable in the most conservative office environment. All in all quite pleased with this line! Good quality, good ethics, good ingredients! Even better, if you are afraid to purchase the line, Afterglow Cosmetics offers samples of their products at very nice prices so you can try before you invest in a new beauty product! UPDATE: Just for you Wardrobe Oxygen readers, AfterGlow Cosmetics has offered $5 off your first online purchase! Enter "OXYGEN" at checkout.

Updating Your Wardrobe for Spring 2008

I love the 80s; some of the most fun in music and even in fashion. I am one who does not flush with embarrassment when I see a picture of me decked out in mall bangs, puffy socks and shoulder pads. I thought at the time, the look was fun and colorful; fashion took risks. You could wear Versace, or you could wear vintage (though back then it was usually just a Joe Shmoe thrift store find) and still look totally tubular. That doesn’t mean I like the resurgence of metallics, shoulder pads, boyfriend blazers, leggings and skinny jeans in weird washes. It was fun… 20 years ago. Not it makes the most chic of women look like a fashion victim. So how can you get the new look for spring without looking like a leftover valley girl or a fashion victim? Here are some of the trends for spring that can work with most any wardrobe and survive more than one season of style: Watercolor Brights These aren’t quite the Crayola hues of the winter; they are a cherry spring version. Instead of orange, try tangerine. In place of emerald, a leaf or Kelly green offers pop without overkill. Instead of red, try hibiscus (has a pink undertone) or Chinese red (has an orange undertone). Yellow will also be a big color for spring – keep it bright and clear. These hues aren’t muddy, they aren’t neon, they aren’t muted. They have the pop of 2007’s primaries, but a feminine and sunny twist to them. How to Wear Them: With almost anything! They are being shown paired with pale gray, black, denim, white and optic prints. Jazz up your boring suit with a silk knit tank in tangerine, consider a green handbag for the season (quite an unexpected neutral), or a pair of yellow flats to brighten up jeans or a black and white print skirt. I love the look of a basic khaki or tan with a bright crocus purple or a strong pink for the warmer months and am glad this is a combo easily achieved with this trend. The Dress Hooray, dresses are still quite en vogue for this spring! Almost every figure can find a dress that flatters, and nothing says spring more than a feminine frock and a pair of sweet flats or kitten heels. As for style, most anything goes. The day dress is still popular, with styles varying from the figure-flattering wrap in soft silks and jerseys to more structured s-line, sheath or polo-inspired styles ending right above the knee. After five, look for a return to femininity with frills, lace, sheer floaty fabrics, goddess-inspired cuts and a second year of the maxi dress going strong. How to Wear Them: The day dresses can easily be worn now with tall boots and come warmer months with shoes that fit the style. If it is a structured style, a flat or pump will be a great choice. For the evening dresses, a feminine shoes with delicate styling and some skin (your peeptoes are still stylish) are the way to go. The skinny belt is still a strong look; try one in a metallic or black patent leather over your simple shifts to add a feminine flair. For solid-colored dresses consider a statement necklace or a scarf as your sole accessory – both are available in almost every price range at your favorite boutique right now. Prints The winter was a lot of solid colors, fashion has rebelled with a spring full of all sorts of prints. Love animal prints? You’ll be happy to know that there seems to be zebra prints in many stores already. Scarf prints and Pucci-inspired patterns are all over the place, and colorblocking is a very strong trend. It is also the return of the floral print, and stronger than it has been in many years. Designers are mixing different patterns of florals, adding them to shoes, dresses, skirts and even the linings of coats and purses. These are not Little House on the Prairie calico buds; the look varies from luscious and full cabbage roses and flowers picked from a Victorian garden to modern-art inspired graphic patterns. How to Wear Them: Like all honesty, this look isn’t for everyone. Printed cardigans and boxy short jackets add style to a simple tank and jeans; a skirt can add fun or femininity to wardrobe staples, and I love the a-line shifts where everything else is simple – minimal accessories, simple shoes, fresh face. Colorblocked styles can be quite flattering to the figure, but keep in mind that the light colors in a pattern will jump out so make sure they are not located where your least favorite body part is. If you wear a pattern, everything else should be solid and simple. The stronger the pattern, the less jewelry and cosmetics you should wear. Yellow and orange dresses by Banana Republic; red and white print dress by Diane von Furestenberg via Nordstrom; skirt and jacket/shorts outfit by J. Crew; blouse by Kenneth Cole Reaction via Nordstrom

Wardrobe Staples for the Mom-to-Be

Many of you over the years have asked me about a maternity wardrobe. As that I have yet to be pregnant or a mother, I really didn't feel qualified to properly answer this question. Luckily fellow reader Leta Boylan has taken on the task. Thank you so much Leta! "Dear Allie: Using your original list, and a few other "just maternity" lists that I found, I have synthesized a list of what pregnant women need to buy, clothes wise. I know that you have no kids, but trust me, as someone who has one and is planning on another, maternity clothes are important and difficult." For maternity clothes, you will need a smock, a caftan, a muumuu, a half-apron, and some white Keds… okay, bad joke. Just kidding. Maternity clothes are only worn for a narrow window of time, so it helps to need to decide if you plan on having multiple pregnancies or not. Clearly, if you intend on having eight or nine kids, it makes sense to buy pricier, better made clothes. Accept the fact that unless you have unlimited shopping time, money, and storage space, you will be making due with a much smaller wardrobe than what you normally have. If you are buying new maternity clothes, Old Navy and Target’s Liz Lange line are inexpensive, and widely available both online and in brick and mortar stores. Ann Taylor Loft, though much pricier, has a wonderful line of maternity business wear. Used maternity clothes are easier to find and usually of better, newer quality than normal (non-pregnant) thrift/consignment store stuff, and eBay abounds with wonderful maternity stuff. If you can find a garage sale with maternity stuff in your size, that can be great, but keep in mind that you should not buy maternity clothes just because they fit you. You will be wearing and re-wearing the same small number of pieces for at least a few months, so it’s important that they are clothes you like, that are flattering, and are in colors you normally wear. I am generally in favor of buying maternity clothes, rather than regular clothes that are just too big, because they are cut for a pregnant belly, they will fit you better, you will look better in them, and you will be more comfortable, both physically and emotionally. There are a few exceptions to this, notably underwear and sweats, but be aware that the stretchiness in non-maternity clothes will be shot after enduring a pregnancy, so these items should be replaced once the baby is born. Supposedly, you need to buy maternity clothes in your normal size. There are two problems with this thinking. One is that your butt, boobs, hips and thighs all grow during pregnancy- not just your belly. (Not to mention your ankles, nose, fingers and feet.) The second is the fact that, more so than regular clothes, maternity clothes tend to be sized XS, S, M, L, XL, and so on, rather than 8, 10, 12, and so on. Coupled with the recent, widespread spate of vanity sizing, making sizing even less consistent and more obtuse, it makes things rough on the expectant mom. If you can’t try on clothes prior to purchase, try to take detailed measurements of yourself and get detailed measurements of the clothes. And always, always, always, err on the side of too large rather than too small. A big consideration in maternity clothes is your due date. Clearly, if you are due in February (in the Northern Hemisphere), you won’t need a bunch of maternity shorts, as most people don’t move into maternity clothes until the beginning of the second trimester. (If you are pregnant with multiples, however, all bets are off, and you may well wear maternity garb throughout your entire pregnancy.) The First Three Are Essentials I know a few lucky women who didn’t grow too huge during pregnancy and were able to get by with only these items. 1. A Belly Band All this is is a wide, smooth piece of strong elastic. It can be worn folded in half, like a sandwich where your waistband is the cheese, or unfolded, covering your entire belly for support. This little item will keep your normal pants on longer, allow you to look non-awkward in maternity clothes while your bump is still small, and help to keep your midriff covered. While the Bella Band is the most widely known brand, you can find far less expensive but nearly identical items on eBay. You may even be able to find a tan-colored version at a medical supply store. 2. Comfy, stretchy bust support. In early pregnancy, your boobs hurt. Later, they grow. As a busty woman, I love underwire, but even I couldn’t hang during pregnancy, when I renamed them “torturewires”. If you have a certain neckline or event that requires a lot of support, then by all means wear a real bra, but for the most part, accept that being pregnant means less boobie-hoisting. You will need a minimum of three comfy, stretchy bust supporting garments. Conventional wisdom dictates that you should go ahead and buy nursing bras, as these will be comfy during pregnancy and useful afterward. I have a hard time with this, because nursing bras are horribly overpriced, and I have not yet found one of even decent quality, much less one that lived up to it’s inflated price. I’m sure this has to do with being a 34F, but nursing bras were nearly useless for me. Also (and this complaint is not size related), nursing bras tend to require either special nursing tops, or limit your selection of normal shirts, which is why I would rather use tank tops and layer, as I discuss below. A more frugal and practical alternative to nursing bras is to buy slightly bigger than normal sports bras. This won’t break the bank, so if you need to size up a couple more times during pregnancy, that’s okay. Also, a low cut, kinda loose sports bra works fine as a nursing bra. However, sports bras often have weird backs and very wide straps, making them harder to wear discreetly. Therefore, my favored choice is nursing tank tops from Mamalama Wear. I started out with three and ended up with one in every color. These have a built-in bra, and the straps unhook on either side for easy nursing. Besides the fact that these are obviously very useful once your newborn is out in the world, the bra is stretchy to accommodate growing/shrinking breasts, and they are soft and comfortable, with nary a wire to be found. Like all tank tops, these are seasonless, as they are wonderful for layering or wearing alone in hot weather. While a similar, Gillian O’Malley nursing tank top can be found at Target, Mamalama tanks come in a wider variety of colors, as well as coming a long version for those of us with long-torsos. If you carry very high, as you get bigger and bigger, you may find the tanks bunch up between your bust and your belly, making them harder to wear. Therefore, you may have to resort to the bigger sports bra or too-expensive nursing bra. However, many of us pregnant ladies will be able to sport nursing tanks the entire nine months and beyond with the help of the next garment. 3. Topless Undershirts The only brand name that I know of for these is Blush, though I don’t doubt that knock-offs will soon appear on eBay. These are stretchy, though not made of heavy-duty elastic the way a belly band is. These allow you to stay in your normal shirts a lot longer, essentially by adding a lengthening layer. This is especially nice during in the second trimester, which tends to be the sticky wicket of maternity dressing, as most maternity shirts are still way too big. These are great with a cropped cardigan (or blazer, or jacket) and one of those nursing tanks. Isn’t this a cool look? These are nice for post-partum modesty, too, because even if you’re thin enough to fit into your low riders again, it make take a while to get your tummy taught enough to want it to peek out. These are also nice if you are using a nursing bra and need to lift your shirt- the topless undershirt keeps your tummy covered, and the shirt covers your breast. Again, get a least three, but buy one in every color if you want. Everything Else 4. & 5. Two pairs of maternity jeans, the same sorts as Allie’s recommended jeans: Get a casual flattering pair, and a dressier, darker pair. As a fan of low waists, I had a really hard time with belly panels, especially on denim. I much prefer the low rise, elastic band version, as it is more versatile during early pregnancy and post-partum. 6. Cardigans These are the pregnant ladies’ friends. Get at least two in a regular length, one in black or gray and one in your signature color. Go ahead and buy some more if you want to try the sassy cropped look from above. Cardigans are great for layering and if you have your essential items from the list above, you need not worry about leaving those buttons undone and letting your belly poke out. You can get cardigans in virtually any weight, so no matter what seasons you’re pregnant in, you can find some that will work. This is one of the rare non-maternity items that will work well for a pregnant woman. These are also nice post-partum, as the front panel of a cardigan works well as drape for modest breastfeeding. 7. Seasonal Items Thinking of the due date…. If you are due in winter, you will probably need a coat that fits and comfortable, solid footwear in a half to full size larger than what you normally wear. If you are due in summer, you will need a bathing suit, 2-4 pairs of shorts and/or capris, and at least one flowy sundress or skirt. (As hard to believe as it is, when you are huge and it’s hot, you really are more comfortable in a skirt.) 8. Black Maternity Pants Okay, this is a no-brainer. Even if you do not work outside the home, or work in a very casual environment, these are a pretty key item, for all the same reasons that Allie discusses on her list. Yes, these are dressy, not sweats or yoga pants. 9. A Black Jersey Dress, A Black Knit Dress, Or Both This is the preggo-version of Allie’s Not-So-Little Black Dress. The hem on these should be just above the knee. I know it’s hard to believe, but the bigger you get, the more you will like dresses. They tend to be less constricting the most vital, burgeoning areas, and, unlike pants and skirts, have no waistband to do battle with. I know some people will groan at more black (and there’s even more to come!), but we are shooting for versatility here, and like it or not, black is the most versatile clothing color there is. If you detest black, by all means, buy gray or another neutral, but be aware that you will get neither as much wear, nor as much use out of a dress of another color. It should be easy to find both black knit and black jersey maternity dresses. These fabrics have a lot of give, but are still body skimming, making them perfect for expectant mamas. Clearly, if you are cold-weather pregnant, you will want knit, and if you are hot weather pregnant, you will want jersey, but both are seasonless enough to justify purchasing one of each, especially if you are in need of a professional maternity wardrobe. 10. Suiting I am generally not fond of what some catalogs refer to as “wardrobers”- a blazer, skirt, and pants, all in the some color and material- because I feel that some of the pieces get more wear than others, and end up looking weird together. However, if ever there was a time when such a thing was needed, that time would be during the pregnancy of a professional woman. Because you will be wearing them for such a short period of time, wear is not really an issue. I would get two 3-piece wardrobers, one in black, and one in another neutral, navy or perhaps some shade of khaki. This will give you four suits, as well as four business appropriate bottoms. If you buy four shell tops to wear under your blazers, and eight other tops to go with your four bottom pieces, you will have three full workweeks worth of clothes. If you also pair the blazers with jeans on casual Fridays, you may never have to wear the same outfit to work twice. 11. Maternity Tops This is the one you’ve all been waiting for, I’m sure. This is both where maternity fashion gets fun, and where the room for error grows enormous. If you are lucky enough to make it through pregnancy in your normal shirts with the aid of some topless undershirts, great. If not, here are a few rules of thumb: -Don’t go through pregnancy swimming in your husband’s tees and oxfords. No matter what the magazines say, this is not cute. It looks goofy, or sloppy, or both. -As in all clothing, avoid any sort of graphics or silly slogans. -It will probably be worth it to buy one fancy evening top to go with your black pants. -Maternity tops tend to be the least expensive maternity item, as well as being the maternity item with the most variety, so buy as many as you want/can afford/have room for. -These are the wardrobe pieces that will reflect your personality more than any other, so have fun. This is where you get into color, and buy stuff with interesting details, or flattering necklines, or unusual sleeves. However, try to avoid button-downs. Most maternity versions end up looking like your husband’s oxford. -As with all maternity clothes, keep the season of your due date in mind. 12. Shoes Shoes are tough. Your feet and ankles will probably swell, and it’s a drag. If you must buy new shoes, buy cheap microfiber ones, not just because they won’t be worn long, but also because they will stretch. This is important, because pregnant feet are pretty normal in the morning, but swell to balloon-like proportions by mid-afternoon. Buy insoles and try to stay comfortable. And yes, after your baby’s birth, your feet will, in all likelihood, go back to normal. Clearly, few people will need everything on this list. In trying to be comprehensive, I hit some things twice- I know that a professional woman who buys suiting will have no need for an extra pair of black maternity pants, and a woman who dresses casually almost all the time and is pregnant in warm weather will have no need for new shoes when she can live in flip flops. But I found so difficult to find even the most rudimentary maternity wardrobe lists that in compiling this, I wanted to be thorough yet flexible. As a final note, don’t be conned into thinking you need a breastfeeding drape- these tend to be in the most awful patterns imaginable. If you can’t use your shirt, use a pashmina and remain chic. I would love to hear any other suggestions; place them in the Comments so we can all reap the rewards!

The sexiest thing you can own – Yourself

It’s hard when the various blog awards come out – I don’t know whether to participate because there never seems to be an appropriate category. I am not a beauty blog – yes I’ll write about it but I am not one to go gaga over the new MAC line or Marc Jacobs perfume. As for fashion… well I think I may be the only blogger left on the East Coast who is NOT at New York Fashion Week today. When it comes to shopping… well I do suggest items and ways to update a wardrobe with purchasing new pieces, but I personally don’t enjoy shopping too much, and I don’t believe in living outside your means. I don’t believe in purchasing something purely for the name it is associated with, that some magazine tells me it is the “must have” of the season, or to impress others. I really do think that with purchasing less, but higher quality items you can have an amazing wardrobe and be stylishly set for whatever live throws at you… no matter your income. As many of you fellow Americans know, we all should be receiving rebate checks from the government in an attempt to stimulate the economy with our manic shopping. I know many friends who are already salivating over the “It Bag” or PS3 of their dreams, ready to cash that check pronto. I have had fellow bloggers recently ask me what I plan to do with my rebate... shall I go on a Sephora shopping spree? Get a new designer purse for spring? Buy 50 more short little shift dresses and pairs of wide-calf boots from Duo? Nope, nope and nope. I don’t think the way to solve our country’s economy is to go shopping. Heck, the majority of items we all desire are ones we really don’t need in the first place and can very well be produced in another country (therefore not doing as much good for America as the government would wish). I also feel that what I do with this money should help not just the economy, but the country or world as a whole. I am a subscriber to The Simple Living Network; an e-newsletter that offers easy tips on making your life simpler and environmentally friendly. They have started a Don’t Buy It campaign that encourages everyone to use their rebate for good. From their website, a few ideas on how to spend that check: Do your part; let the politicians and special interests know you are not going to take it any more. Show them a band-aid on a broken system will not fix it. Put your rebate to work in ways they do not expect. Here are several ways to use your rebate to make REAL CHANGE . . . • Pay down high interest credit cards or other debts. • Put your rebate in a savings account. • Donate your rebate to those working to end poverty, promote environmental responsibility, peace, justice, or equal rights for all. • If you must buy something, purchase goods and services that support your local economy or save money, energy and resources in the end: • Locally grown fruits and vegetables • Fluorescent light bulbs • Water heater blankets • Water saving showerheads • Insulation (and a local, self-employed contractor to install it) If you are like many I know, this rebate will be a great way just to get out of the hole and be in the black. If that is you, I am thrilled to know this money is coming your way. For those who have budgeted this year and are okay without the money… I encourage you to consider one of the options above. I am a recovered shopaholic. I believe I have mentioned this before on this blog, and did discuss it recently in an interview for Budget Savvy Magazine. Though I have lived the past several years within my means, saving up for items and searching for sales I still carry some debt from my Must Have Now past. I hate being in debt, paying interest on items I bought a decade before and usually no longer own. It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think of all the clothes I had purchased and since donated or even tossed, the shoes that stretched out or became dated, the little tsochkes I purchased to jazz up my first post-college apartment and now have in the attic or given away to friends. It’s awesome to have a new purse, a fabulous pair of shoes or a lipstick from the new Clarins line; however it is far more chic and sexy to own yourself. It’s amazing what reduced or no debt can do for a woman – her skin is radiant from a good night’s sleep, she has better posture, a beautiful engaging smile for all. She cheerily answers her phone on the first ring instead of checking Caller ID for collectors, and she looks forward to the mail every day because it may bring a favorite periodical or card from a friend, not a Second Notice or Past Due statement. Whatever you do, be chic with your rebate – as with any purchase, think before you spend and make that item be worth your time and money!