Need A Pick-Me-Up?

Do you want to look thinner, taller and younger? Then all you need to do is lift up your breasts and this fabulous book, The Bra Book at www.thebrabook.com.

Yesterday's episode of Oprah, reinforced the importance of wearing the correct fitting bra, and as many of you know I am not shy in advising you on how much better your clothes can fit when the proper bra is worn. The Bra Book gives you the tips on how to find the right fitting bra, and so much more.

Please keep in mind, that getting a few new bras, does not mean having to spend a fortune. Target has a great line of bras under their private label of Gilligan & O'Malley for only $10.99!!! These bras are made in the same factories as the more expensive versions, and as long as you follow the guidelines in The Bra Book, you will find the right fit and style for your needs.

If your time and budget allows, I would suggest first going to a reputable lingerie store or department of a major store, and have their fitter measure you and offer some suggestions. Then add onto your new bra collection with a few more from Target.

After you have purchased your new bras, please remember to toss out ALL of your old ones, and take notice of how great you now look all lifted and perky in your clothes.

Need A New Tip?

The time has come when I reluctantly need to stop wearing my sandals and move onto shoes and boots. But rather than mourn this transition, and I do, why not take the time to inspect your summer sandals so as to determine if they need any repair.

The most common needed repair is replacing worn down heel tips, which are an easy and inexpensive repair for the shoemaker.

By taking the time to get your summer sandals in tip-top shape now, they will be ready for wear the moment the temperatures rise in the Spring.

When Should You Throw Out Your Beauty Products?

Ever wonder how to know if your beauty products are still working? Besides only tossing when it smells and/or looks bad, there is a symbol on many products that will tell you when it is past the point of being effective.

Real Simple magazine's April 09 issue explained the Period After Opening label that is on many beauty products. It is a picture of a jar that tells you the number of months, after having been opened, that the item can still be effective.

Place your own label on the case or bottle after you have opened it, and follow the Period After Opening guideline so that you are only treating yourself with products that can still safely and effectively offer what they promise to do.

Ever wonder how

Contain Yourself

Do you have a hard time finding which pair of your earrings, bracelets or necklaces would work with each outfit because they are all tangled up or 'hidden' in a box or drawer?

Here is a great solution for organizing your jewelry and being able to see it all in the same hanging space as your clothes.

This double sided 80 pocket jewelry organizer from The Container Store is one my favorite things in my closet, as it clearly allows me to see what I have so I can create and co-ordinate my outfits. No more out of sight out of mind for you!

Traveling Light

I recently took 8 days off to travel with a great friend to stay in her beautiful, and thankfully air conditioned, Arizona home.

No major decisions to be made, other than trying to figure how to pack everything I need in 1 carry-on bag. So what did I take?

1 pair of shorts khaki

1 pair shorts black

1 dress black, off-white & brown print

1 pair white capri pants

1 top blue

1 top black

1 top blue/white print

1 pair sandals off-white

1 pair sneakers

1 workout outfit

1 bathing suit

1 red handbag

So what jewelry could I take that would work with every outfit I put together? Well, that

was the easiest decision I had to make on this vacation.

Last year, I purchased a wonderful coral & turquoise feng shui necklace ($60), from Seed Design (see photos) that complimented all my clothes and made me smile every day. The designer, Diane Lohman Schroeder made my necklace for me in silver, but it is available in bronze as well. As per my request, Diane also made me simple link earrings, but she also has beautiful turquoise and coral earrings that go with the necklace as well.

For those of you are unsure as to what necklace to wear, consider this pretty 'all-in-one' necklace which is now also available in pretty softer colors as well.

Beauty Skin Care Tips

Beware the sun! I am a big believer in sun protection ALL year long.

Unfortunately most people only really think about sun protection in the summer.

SPF 15, a standard in most day moisturizers, is simply not enough to ward off sun damage. My suggestion is Sun Tan Lotion with a SPF 30 or higher, mixed in the palm of your hand with your liquid foundation, for a light and natural looking glow. By combining the 2, you will have a lighter feeling on your face, which is very much appreciated on hot days, and you will be protecting your face from future and avoidable wrinkles, sun damage, spots and discoloration all in one easy step.

I suggest doing this all year long, as even in the winter when you are in a car your face is being exposed to the burning effects of the sun. In countries where the driver sits on the left, there is a higher incidence of skin cancer on the left side of the face, and in countries where the driver sits on the right, you guessed it, there are more cases of skin cancer on the right side of the face.

Be kind to your skin, and remember the sun is capable of doing damage all year long.

Are You Over Spending?

Do you find yourself buying the same thing over and over? Are you always buying black pants, even though you already have more than 3 pairs? Another pair of black shoes and/or handbag?

And really, how many white shirts do any of us really need? If you answered yes, then you are guilty of over spending money on your clothes.

If you see duplicates in your closet, then you have spent money on items you really did not need, and did not buy the clothes and accessories that would have truly expanded your wardrobe.

Many women tend to reach for the clothes they are familiar with when they go shopping. The trouble with that, is they then limit how many new outfits can be created with what they already own.

Next time you hit the stores, resist the urge to buy what you already own, and buy something you don't!