Reality Makeover (Written by my sister Desiree)

I have always been a huge sucker for reality makeover shows. I admit these shows can be cheesy at times, but there’s something fascinating and inspiring about both the physical transformation and the newfound confidence the participants obtain—it’s brought me to tears on more than one occasion.

So, I got into a little debate with someone the other day who thought it was shallow of me to enjoy these types of shows. Her point was that shows focused solely on how to improve your looks send the wrong message: conform to society’s standard of beauty so that you can find love, a better job, a better life.

Let me start out by clarifying that I absolutely agree that it’s what’s on the inside is what matters most. No amount of makeup, plastic surgery or designer clothes can make up for an “ugly,” mean-spirited personality, and beauty has never made anyone a better person.

But I do think there is something rewarding about taking care of yourself and putting your best face forward. This is clearly demonstrated in makeover shows when you see the participant’s eyes light up and their confidence soar after their transformation is complete. How you achieve that is up to you—whether it means taking care of your skin, wearing makeup, exercising, buying a new dress, or anything else that makes you feel good about yourself. The point is: It’s ok to care about YOU.

I know there are plenty of you out there who are thinking, “I don’t need that stuff to feel better about myself.” You know what, good for you! However, if reality shows prove anything, it’s that there are people who, for whatever reason, aren’t giving themselves what they need. If that’s you, it’s time to get out of your beauty rut and take control of how you feel about yourself.

Here are a few tips to jump start your process:

• Don’t think you have time for good skin care? Here’s a guide to beautiful skin in five minutes!
• Have no clue where to start with makeup? Take a trip to your local department store and have several of the makeup artists there show you some techniques and help you pick out flattering colors.
• Are you worried about spending money on beauty products? Visit www.beautypedia.com where you can find cosmetic products in all price categories. Some of the top rated products are under $5!

The rest is up to you! Whether you agree or disagree with my thoughts on makeovers and the shows that focus on them, one thing is undeniable: Taking care of your overall wellbeing is important and sometimes that means making your exterior beauty a priority.

Trend Watch CHEVRON !!!!!

 I have a fever and the cure is more "Chevron!"  Seriously, I don't know when my obsession with the trendy pattern started, but I can't stop drooling every time I see it.

A pattern this bold speaks for itself.  You probably either love it or hate it, and I choose LOVE!

Chevron has been sneaking it's way into home decor, wardrobes, jewelery, shoes, bags..... the list goes on and on.  Who would have thought such a simple design could make such a lasting impact. 

Keep watch for this modern take on a retro idea.  

This fabulous trend won't be losing it's appeal anytime soon. 

Brrrrr......

Last week's snow storm has reminded me of one of my favorite winter accessories......SCARVES!  Seriously what's not to love about an item of clothing that ALWAYS fits, no matter your shape and size.  During these winter months you can't pry them off me.....they are just too cute and comfy not to wear. 

Picking out a scarf is easy.  No need for a dressing room, just whip that sucker around your neck, head, arm, leg, wherever you want to wear it!  Does it look good, is the material soft and comfy, do you like the color or pattern?.....then done BUY IT!

So many classic looks involve a scarf.  This lovely piece of material can take a bland outfit and turn it into quite the charming ensemble.  Think about some of our classic style icons....Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor.  They wore scarves that enhanced their most beautiful features on their faces! 

Let's also think practicality. 

1. Scarves keep us warm!

2. They can enhance your look!

3. They can hide the occasional "curling iron burn"...."hickey"......whatever you want to call "it"....

4. They keep your Grandma's hair from blowing away in the wind.

5. Hey look EVEN Taylor Lautner wears them......

Scarves are in, and I have a sneaking suspicion that since they've been popular for many decades, they won't be leaving us anytime soon!  Get yourself to a store and find one of these amazing accessories.....your Neck will thank you!

Housewives! (Written by my sister Dez)

I hate to admit it, but I am a  Real Housewives of Beverly Hills addict. Each Tuesday my DVR is set to record the usual train wreck that precedes this cult-following reality series. I’m not surprised by the outlandish drama that goes on, but what I am surprised by is the amount of sun damage these plastic surgery junkies have.

The majority of the housewives are in their forties, but you’d never guess it. Despite their efforts to look younger (including overblown lip injections, obvious forehead lifts, extreme Botox and fillers, etc.), most of the women actually look quite a bit older than their real age—tan skin, neon pink lipstick and all.

I find it odd that the housewives put so much emphasis on having cosmetic procedures done on their face, but yet they make little to no effort to take care of their sun-damaged wrinkly necks and leathery, brown-speckled décolletages. This exemplifies the point that you cannot have it both ways: All the fillers, injections, and lifts available will never look convincing if you continue to damage your skin in the sun.

As diligent as I am about wearing sunscreen, I still sometimes forget certain areas like the neck, chest, and hands. Seeing the leathery-skinned housewives of Beverly Hills reminds me what a big mistake that is. Because those areas are constantly exposed to UV light, they blatantly show the telltale signs of sun damage if not adequately protected. Let the sun-drenched skin of the Beverly Hills housewives serve as a reminder for us all: Don’t neglect your neck, chest, and hands when it comes to sun protection!

In my office we have a saying, “Your face starts at your boobs” meaning how you take care of your face should extend all the way down to your chest. To find out more info check out this article on why Anti-Aging Shouldn’t Stop at Your Face.

Dressing the Part!

I will soon be traveling to Uganda to (hopefully) bring home our adopted daughter!  A couple months ago we received our "travel packet" which tells us everything we need to know about our stay in country.  As I read through the packet I reached a page labeled "Modesty."  My thoughts immediately went  "uh oh".....  In Uganda women are extremely modest in dress.  It is not acceptable to show your knees, and your arms are questionable depending on your location.  So with this in mind, I set out to find the appropriate attire for my lengthy stay. 

Now I am not a huge fan of shorts and since knees would have to be covered I pretty much ruled them out.  Capri pants, though worn by many,  are not my thing.  This left me with the choice of jeans (a little too hot for UG). So long dresses and skirts it is! 

Though I wasn't thrilled to learn that the majority of my clothes would not work for Uganda, it gave me a reason to shop!  Despite the fact that I would be buying items out of the ordinary for me, I knew I would still have fun.  After all, I often "preach" of trying something new....so here was my chance!  

Luckily for me, most stores had clearance racks full of summer dresses.  I have to give props to Old Navy!  Without it's clearance rack of long cotton dresses I would be left aimlessly searching, or worse....having to fork out a LOT of money to get what I needed.  The most interesting part of my shopping was that I've never shopped with such extreme restrictions or purpose.  I had to change my "mindset" from the very beginning, that I would be wearing clothes that I wasn't used to, and dare I say, may not love.  :) 

So this brings me to today's topic......sometimes we are forced to wear clothes that we wouldn't normally choose.  Perhaps you work somewhere that requires business attire, maybe you have to wear a tennis shoes, many places require certain colors, etc.  Making the best of your "restrictions" can be a daunting task.  ( I have to admit, I quit one of my college jobs because they were beginning to enforce a dress code of XL denim shirts).

I have many friends who have been asked to change the way they dress for work.  Many of them forced to wear hideous clothes in effort to look modest.  People (and by "people" I DO mean bosses who enforce this) WE can look modest without looking like we just step out of a nursing home. 

So figure out your criteria.  What is expected of you?  Nothing above the knee?  No tanks? Nothing too tight?  Heels?  Flats? Tennis shoes?  No jeans?  you get the picture...

Perhaps a better idea would be making a list of the items you CAN wear and go from there.  In today's broad range of style, there are bound to be cute items within your limits.  I know this from experience!  I found some pretty cute dresses in my search for modesty.  Yes some of them have spaghetti straps (remember this isn't considered modest) but nothing a cute cardigan couldn't remedy. 

I think in my 30's I'm learning a little bit more about "dressing the part."  Whichever "part" you may be playing at the moment....a homemaker, business woman, waitress, librarian, teacher, construction worker, etc.  We all have our limits, some of us are limited by mere force, and others by the activities we do, but regardless of the reason, just know that you can work with whatever limits you are given. 

You CAN be cute in most dress codes.  Remember to dress your age regardless of the restrictions.  If you can't find items that meet the criteria, ask a stylish friend to shop with you.....sometimes all you need is another set of eyes in the dressing room.  (Ok that sounded creepy).  But you know what I mean. 

I am actually looking forward to wearing my new modest outfits in Uganda.  I think it will be a little liberating to step out of my comfort zone and dress in a way I never have before.  So before you quit your job for being forced to wear denim shirts.....remember there might just be a cute one out there waiting for you to find it.  :)