Lipstick for a Quick Beauty Fix

When asked what I can't live without as far as makeup goes, I absolutely love Lustreglass in Venetian by M.A.C.  The high shine lip finish from the M.A.C. Cosmetics line of  Lipglass lipsticks is my go to gloss for spring, summer and even late into fall. I'm absolutely obsessed with the versatility of the shade Venetian. One shade, three seasons, a fabulous look no matter where you go. Lustreglass is my save all for lunch with the girls, a day at the beach, or even a quick jaunt to the market. Whether going incognito on the weekend or at the forefront of the boardroom on the workday, beautiful dramatic lips can add the perfect amount of elegance to any style. Dressy or casual it goes beyond any gloss I've ever used, perfect for a quick beauty fix.

Keys to Succeed in a Fierce Job Market

The keys to succeed in today's highly competitive job market are as simple as maintaining social contacts and making a pleasant long lasting impression on others. Sometimes the best way to do so, is by applying for an internship or other entry level position at the company you would most like to work for.  Keep resumes no longer than one page and make certain the cover letter is concise. Also apply at corporations that are similar or hold other interests for you. The more your resume is circulating the better. Job seeking is a numbers game. Do not be discouraged if at first you do not succeed. Whether the company accepts or rejects your application is not as important as the impression you make on those who have connections in your desired field. These days with the job market as fierce as it is, making a good impression on those who are hiring can ultimately lead to other more successful interactions. Impressed people will refer you, so no matter what keep a positive and personable attitude. Your name might just come up in a conversation that could potentially earn you a lovely income doing what you love.

It's Good to Go Green

Going green can mean lessening your impact on this lovely little planet we call Earth. Sustaining our environment for future generations to come can be done quite easily with these helpful hints:

 1. Buying in bulk can save you money and time. More product for your money means less packaging waste and less fuel spent in driving back to the store for more.

2. Keep technology out of the trash. Most electronic devices need to be recycled properly since they do not decompose in the landfills. 

3. Walking and riding your bicycle instead of driving short distances will save you money in gas and save the Earth from the carbon emissions cars produce.

4. Avoid buying bottled water. The plastic bottles create pollution to manufacture and fill, not to mention it is expensive and generates a large amount of container waste. Use a fashionable refillable water bottle instead, and if you do drink from a plastic container make certian it goes into the recycling bin when finished.

5.  Stop cleaning your house with poison.  Most chemical cleaners are harmful to humans, pets, the environment and can be messy, expensive and toxic. Save money by using such natural products as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar. Even a little warm water and dish soap can do the trick.

Everyday Updo's

An everyday up-do doesn't have to be extravagant or take a long time to achieve, on the contrary updo's can be an elegant way to style ones hair. Whether soft and romantic or clean and sophisticated an updo can be easily achieved here's and how:

For a quick clean style that adds instant polish to any sophisticated look go with the tried and true ponytail. Begin by combing hair smooth and pull all hair up so that the hairband rests on the top of the head residing anywhere behind the crown to ensure elegant sophistication and style. The ponytail can be placed higher for a chic classic look, or lower for a more refined style. The ends can either be curled with a large curling iron, or straightened carefully with a flat iron. 

To achieve another relatively easy style brush dry hair out completely and add a small dab of shine serum to your palm, rub hands together and glide fingers through the ends of hair. Part hair naturally, to the side or through the middle, separate two small sections of hair on either side and braid each section moving back towards the crown of the head. Pull hair back into a loose, low comfortable ponytail and curl sections with a large curling iron. Next loosely pin each curled section over and around the base of the ponytail forming a lovely chignon at the back of the neck.

Healthy Food Beautiful Body

When professional chefs create a culinary masterpiece it delights not only the senses of smell and taste, but of sight as well. The everyday foodie can become accustomed to the delicate subtle ways in which food can make you feel one way... or another. It has been said that a well balanced and nutritious meal should have a colorful selection of food sources on the plate because most often, naturally colorful food is high in nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are vital to having a healthy and nutritious diet. These nutrients can be obtained by consuming foods rich in antioxidants, carotnoids, probiotics, and folates; such as fruits, grains, vegetables, olive oil, dairy, legumes, and lean meats such as fish and poultry. To ensure a higher nutrient quality and greater variety at a lower cost, avoid over paying for fruits and vegetables by purchasing them while in season whenever possible. Shop for functional foods which are beneficial to health, longevity, disease prevention and over all physical well being. Foods that contain a high nutrient content . Most major grocery chains offer these food types in the outer aisles, it is commonly the inner aisles which contain packaged and processed foods that are high in fat and sugar content as well as chemicals and preservatives. Such things can and will reek havoc on a beautiful mind and body so remember to eat pure healthful foods because as they say we are what we eat. 

Shopping for Quality

When shopping for quality, it's all about the details, avoid being fooled into  spending to much on expensive designer labels and big name brands which can sometimes mask cheaply made, poorly constructed products. Instead be a smart shopper and take a closer more careful look when purchasing that special wardrobe piece. Here are some easy ways to know if the garment you are buying is well made, well worth the money, and will last for years to come. The first thing I look for when purchasing an article of clothing is the fabric. Quality fabric doesn’t fade as easily,  and doesn’t feel stiff or crinkly. Is there beauty and movement to it? Does the material feel organic and comfortable? If so then proceed to the second phase of quality assurance: the pattern. Any repeating pattern should always line up perfectly at the seams. Seams should never pull or pucker and the ideal seam for most garments is the French seam, which is turned under and delicately finished to hide any raw edges. The fabric of the garment should be suited to any detailing such as buttons or beads. In this case, fabrics should support these embellishments and should never be pulled or stretched. If beads or buttons are falling off, be wary of the purchase or negotiate a discount. Finally test zippers, buttons, and any other fastener several times to assure they do not come undone while moving about, which can frequently  occur with jean zippers and blouse buttons. If zippers do not slide easily then it may be a sign of being cheaply made. If buttons pull or pop, check a different size for a better fit. Most quality garments come with an extra button in case one goes missing. Lining should never hang lower than hems and hems should never be fraying. Try many different sizes and styles to find the proper fit and give your body the most flattering silhouette possible. When clothes look good, we feel good wearing them, and when we shop for quality we get clothes that are well made causing buyer's remorse to simply fade away.

Springtime Garden Party

Spring is in the air and what better way to start the season than with a gathering of friends and family. Whether hosting an extravagant soiree or a casual get together, the garden makes for a delightful place to have party. Outdoor parties can be hosted in a number of different types of gardens, from a small yet elegant garden patio to an expansive lush backyard setting. What really makes a garden party great is fabulous food and fun people. Go green and begin with invitations designed online and sent via email or an event page on facebook. Location is everything. If your fortunate to have a pretty yard or patio garden, you can easily and inexpensively plan your party space with some floral fabrics, fresh cut flowers, and a decorative tea or dinette set. Choose bright brilliant colors, that really pop against the greenery. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, plates, and vases. As long as you stay within the color scheme this can create an eye pleasing area for your guests to gab.The menu should feature some dainty pastries, fresh fruit and little sweets.  Toss aside the calorie counting for now, because this is an excuse for an indulgence in deliciousness! Iced coffee, tea  and lemonade make for excellent beverages. Serve them chilled in pretty crystal goblets, perfect for an outdoor garden party!