Happy Halloween-Tricks or Treats on Fashion

Happy Halloween! Here are some "Tricks or Treats" for your fashion rules:

Treat: Getting at least 8 hours of beauty sleep.

Trick: Going to bed late and waking up early.

Treat: Wearing a dark brown leather skirt, a mustard yellow knit jacket, brown opaque tights, with a leopard scarf.

Trick: Wearing leopard from head to toe.

Treat: Wearing a sheathe dress coupled with a nice cardigan sweater with gold accessories.

Trick: Wearing a sheathe sleeveless dress with fat, white arms hanging out.

Treat: Wearing slim jeans tucked into your new riding boots with a collared button down shirt or turtle neck sweater and a complimentary jacket.

Trick: Wearing wide legged light washed jeans with a ragged T-shirt and flip flops.

Want To Live Longer?

Do you want to live longer? This next week we will be discussing ways to look and feel younger; but don't you want to not only look younger, but actually live longer? I know I do. Well, did you know that by going to church on a regular basis actually helps you live longer? The following is an interesting study to support my views. 1. Active church members have a 60% less chance of a heart attack. 2. Active church members have a 55% less chance of a one-car accident. 3. Active church members live an average of 5.7 years longer. 4. While only 30% of highly unchurched say they are very happy, 70% of highly committed church people say they are happy. 5. The National Institute of Health has now developed 5 protective factors that help fight coronary disease. The leading one is weekly church attendance. 6. Teen suicide, the number 2 killer of teens, is substantially less frequent among teens that attend church. 7. A Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance survey of "The Values of the American People" in the 1980's reflected that the single most important variable in health promotion lifestyles was religious affiliation.

Get Creative

I love creativity! I crave it. I am always amazed at how creative my children are. Barbara Jo just created an amazing flash mob in Mexico at the high school. People down there had never even heard of it. Christine is constantly creating new pieces of furniture for her home (like headboards) or decorating her hubby's new office. Robert, my only son, is always painting game figures. Rachel loves to create her own baby headbands with flowers she has created out of burnt fabric. Janelle and Louisa (along with Rachel) love to de-clutter and decorate MY home. They just redecorated my living room, dining room, family room, and kitchen. Louisa and Mal just redecorated my master bathroom complete with hanging three light fixtures and laying tile!!! If you don't have a creative project going on in your life, you are really missing out on some fun. If you love to bake, or cook, or redecorate, or make earrings, or create necklaces, or something then you are in a good place. Maybe that's why I love fashion so much-you can create all kinds of different looks by putting original pieces of clothing or accessories together. Give creativity a try sometime!

I'd Rather Die Than Diet

Me and diets don't mix. I like what Mae West said: "I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond." I believe in regular exercise on a DAILY basis. I go to Curves every day except weekends and holidays. It is aerobic and weight resistant. There are NO men and NO mirrors. It is quick and easy. I love to walk with my husband, too. Swimming, tennis, and skiing are my favorites. I think weight control is a life-long pursuit. You have to eat healthy and in moderation, I have to have the occasional cupcake or lemon cheesecake once in a while. Costco just came out with amazing sea salt carmels.

Two More Babies

There are two more babies that are the absolute LOVE of my life--Adorable Adalyn and Likable Lincoln. Though they live hundreds and some thousands of miles away from me they make my heart sing. I can't imagine life without these two other amazingly beautiful babies. They are so unbelievably sweet--I just can't hug them enough!!!!! These are my grandbabies and I am so proud of them and my daughters who bore them. Thank you BJ and Christine!

Your Beauty Routine

Everyone needs to come up with their own beauty routine. My organizing woman suggested doing your regime weekly. You have to decide. I usually do mine on Friday. I have listed the routine:

1. Teeth-brush, floss, and bleach (I like Crest Strips). Of course, you floss and brush daily.

2. Face-deep clean with a facial scrub, apply a facial mask, once that is done, deep moisturize.

3. Hair-deep condition (I just apply hair conditioner on to dry hair and leave on for an hour), color or cut hair if necessary. Hair appointments may apply.

4. Blow dry, curl and style hair.

5. Nails-do your own polish or go to the nail salon. Don't forget your pedicures!

6. Legs-shave and moisturize.

7. Tan and Glow-I like to apply a lotion that can add a tan or darker glow (I like the smell of Jergens lotion). Some ladies get a spray on tan. I never suggest a tanning bed due to skin cancer.

8. Hot Bubble Bath-deep soak and relax!

(This is not in any specific order). Good Luck!

Riding Boots

I have just fallen in love with riding boots. They are so versatile and polished looking. I love them in dark brown or black. They have a low heel. I love to wear mine with a skirt or jeans. You can wear them with the pant leg tucked in or left out. I got mine at Payless Shoes for $30.00 (with a coupon). Now I am prepared for that snow storm ahead!

Hate to Curl Your Hair? Try This!

Hate to curl your hair? Try this easy trick--brush out your hair, spritz it with water so that it is slightly damp, bend over, gather all your hair into your fist, roll your hair from the top to the bottom with your sock that has been cut out (the toe portion) and rolled into a doughnut. This is also called a "sock bun". Let it dry completely. I like to sleep in mine. When you wake up your hair will be totally curled. It is amazing!

Putting All the Pieces Together

Do you have a lot of "orphan"pieces of clothing in your wardrobe? You know, the single shirt or top that doesn't really go with anything? Or a piece of jewelry that only goes with one piece of clothing? Well, it is time to start thinking about"grouping" your wardrobe. It is so simple and easy to do. You put out on your bed a collection of things (tops, blouses, pants, belts, jewelry, jackets, skirts, etc) that will go nicely together. You should always have about 5 to 10 pieces that can be mixed or matched together. This will eliminate stress and strain on your fashion brain. For instance, I have a cute leather-type cream/wheat colored jacket. It can be paired with jeans and a t-shirt or blouse. It looks nice with a number of skirts. I can pair it with a striped shirt, etc...get the picture??? Some image consultants recommend grouping your pieces together in your closet to save you a great amount of time. We will talk more about this tomorrow...

One of My Most Favorite Things

I absolutely love the big blue eyes, pure soft skin, little puckered lips, long dark eye lashes, kissable cheeks of HADLEY my six month old grand-daughter. She is just pure beauty!!!! I have never seen such a well-dressed fashion diva. I love her sooo much (and her parents too). There is something so sweet about a baby!

My Fashion Pet Peeves

I've talked about some of my favorite things--things that put me in a better mood. Now, there are things that really rub me the wrong way--fashion faux pas. Some of my fashion pet peeves are guys wearing make up, earrings, and/or pink sequin shoes. Gals wearing tops that show their tummies. I hate too tight tops, two toned hair (resembles a skunk), double or triple pierced earrings, tattoos, low ride jeans that reveal a butt or a big belly, low cut dresses or tops, uncolored hair, gunk in teeth, bad breath, short shorts (booty shorts), sloppy outfits, polyester clothes, mini skirts, dirt in finger nails, heavy thick eye liner (around the whole eye), feathers in hair, ear hair, white shoes with white nylons, bad posture, jumpers on women or anyone except baby girls, black nylons with open toed shoes, knee highs with skirts, unshaved-vein legs, permed hair, pioneer dresses, fake eyelashes the size of Texas, extra long finger nails, a bad attitude, wrinkled shirts, suspenders, anything rainbow striped, bikinis and bikinis.

FACE the Music

Our facial expressions say a lot about what we are feeling inside. Our emotions are very evident on the outside. Our face can tell others if we are happy, sad, timid, kind, demanding, dominant, intimated, curious, stressed, outraged, peaceful, serene, intimidated, threatened, mean, mad, stubborn, sweet, tenderhearted, innocent, evil, brokenhearted, cheerful, joyful, positive, happy, negative, anxious, friendly, sick, loving, friendly, bitter, upset, embarrassed, sympathetic, etc....

Remember the saying, "You're not fully dressed until you're dressed with a smile!" We need to make sure our outfit is complete with a smile! I have seen people dressed beautifully, well groomed, shiny shoes, hair done perfectly, teeth straightened and bleached, make up perfect, YET they are frowning and miserable. I want to go up and tell them to complete their look with a SMILE! I know of a little three year old boy who always asks his mom if she is happy with him. Our children pick up on our non-verbal cues more than anyone. Sometimes you have to smile though your heart is breaking (like the song says). I challenge YOU to be more conscious of what your face is telling others. Try to smile more often. Who knows, maybe you'll look happy and then you'll start to feel happy and maybe others will find you more happy and approachable.

Attitude Determines Our Altitude

Attitude determines our altitude! Have you ever noticed that what we think and how we act (NOT REACT) determines how high we will go or how much we will achieve? I am always amazed by people who continue to be nice and calm to others who are rude and mean. They take the upper road. Also how we approach our problems and challenges determines our outcome. We CAN turn our burdens into our blessings. Do you see the cup half empty or half full? "If life gives you a lemon, make lemonade!" You can always see something good in anything. Sometimes you have to look a little harder. Someone once said that every negative event contains within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. Instead of believing that the world is plotting to do you harm, choose to believe that the world is plotting to do you good. Instead of seeing everything difficult and hard, or challenging or negative, believe that everything is meant to enrich, empower, or advance your cause. Attitude, like happiness, is a choice. Now, we can incorporate this into everything in our lives. For instance, if you are heavy and overweight, you can say that this is an outside warning that you need to limit your caloric intake and increase your exercise routine.

Nordstrom's Top Ten Fall Trends

Nordstroms is one of the best clothing stores around. They have first class service, too. They have listed their top ten fall trends as follows:

1. Capes and Ponchos

2. Heritage Jackets

3. Stacked Heels

4. Midi Lengths

5. Chocolate colored metals

6. The Skinny Pant

7. Bow Blouses

8. Bold Color Mixes

9. Leather Sportswear

10.Faux Fur

False Eyes Lashes

If you want an instant eye opener, try false eye lashes. I know a lot of gals get eye lash extensions for around $80-$100. This is where a beautician carefully puts on individual eye lashes with a strong glue. I tried it once and all my eyelashes were gone in one day. The beautician was painfully mean and rude. I was totally ripped off. I still think that the eyelashes you can get at Walmart for $2.98 are the best! The trick is to cut them in half with little scissors. Put a dab of eyelash glue on a piece of paper and drag the eyelash strip over the glue. Wait 30 seconds while the glue sets up and then apply to the outer eye. Apply as close to your own lashes as possible. Within a few seconds you will look WOW! False eye lashes make every woman look more glamorous and as we get older we need them more as our own eye lashes tend to thin. For some reason half of the eyelash strip seems to look better and is more easy to apply than a full strip. Then I apply a thin eye liner. This will make a HUGE difference in your appearance!

How To Dress Slim & Trim

When you are wearing the right clothes that work for you, it shows. You should always dress to look your best and there are certain pieces of clothing and accessories that can make you look slim and trim (even if you're not). "Embracing the right fit for your body makes your inner beauty shine through." I will list 11 great things to wear to boost your confidence and slim your body type.

1. Opaque Tights-I know you think the trend is the nude leg but nothing makes you look better and slimmer that a good pair of black or colorful opaque tights. They are easy to find and cheap!

2. Cardigan Sweater-A great cardigan is fantastic to put over a sleeveless sheathe dress. It hides those unsightly arms and instantly slims you. I like cardigans in every shade of the rainbow to put over blouses, t-shirts, or cami's.

3. Tailored Blazer-Nothing pulls an outfit better that a jacket. There are some cute military style jackets that are so stylish and flattering. Jackets come in leather, tweed, wool, cotton, etc...

4. Wide Belt-To add flair and polish wear a cute belt worn a little above your natural waist.

5. Pencil Skirt-This is a MUST if you want a piece of clothing that slims and trims in all the right places. I prefer one that has some spandex or latex in the fabric content to stretch a bit.

6. Boot Cut Jeans-Try to find a dark denim that has some stretch to if the is a straight cut from thigh to ankle.

7. Pumps-Need I say any more!!! Pumps are my best friend. They are elegant, easy to buy, easy to put on and they come in every imaginable color and fabric.

8. V-Neck Tops-You usually have many options on tops, but the V-neck elongates the face and makes you appear slimmer. Don't go for the crew neck top or t-shirt.

9. Shape Wear-Spanx is definitely my favorite but you can buy any less expensive type of pull on shape wear that hides all the bumps and flaws.

10. Knee-High Boots-These look great with dresses, skirts, ankle pants, and more. I like the ones you can get at Target for under $40.00.

11. Navy Blue or Black-Any thing in these two colors makes you look slimmer. Navy is the universal color--everyone I know looks good in navy. I can't say enough about my love of navy!

Hunt For the Animal Prints

I just adore animal prints. It must not be over done but tastefully worn. I like leopard prints, zebra prints, snake prints. You can find a scarf, dress, skirt, blouse or shoe in animal print. It is one of the hottest fall fashion must have's. Maybe it's because my mother dressed me and my sisters in leopard print fur coats as a child. I had a little leopard purse that I loved as a little girl. Try to adapt it into your wardrobe.

Contradictions or Oxymorons Abound

We live in a silly world! If you just sit back at life, it can be funny. Like the book I just wrote, "Humility and How I Attained It" or I pray for patience but I want it NOW. I misplaced the book, "How To Improve Your Memory". Or how about the teacher's kids are always flunking school, or the doctor's kids are always sick. We live in a world of contradictions. Hell's Angels, hot chili, old news, freezer burn, working holidays, open secrets, definite maybe's, sweet tarts, butt heads, etc... I think it's funny how some people will donate tons of money to help certain fundraisers or causes while their own family has major monetary needs. We need to review our own lives and get rid of the contradictions. If you preach to your teens not to drink while you're guzzling down a beer, there's a problem. Now, how does this apply to fashion, you might ask? Well, what about girls who say, "This bikini is modest!" or pretty ugly or act naturally or tight slacks?

New Fall Color

For the latest fall color wear a shade of yellow-marigold. It is the hottest hue this season. You can wear it as a scarf or a sweater or even a silk blouse. It goes well with jeans or a skirt. You will look refreshed and in style. There is something about any shade of yellow that is so enlightening and uplifting. I noticed that yellow earrings are hard to find. I lucked out and found a cute pair of yellow earrings for $3.99 at one of my favorite boutiques--Simply Splendid. It is in Pleasant Grove, Utah. You can easily make your own pair of yellow earrings by finding some yellow beads. Go for it--wear a pop of yellow marigold. You will feel great. Don't forget to dress with a smile!!!

ACT YOUR AGE!

I have a big fashion pet peeve--woman who dress like their teenage daughters! Why do woman think that it is appropriate to dress like they are 15 years old? I see so many moms dressing in the bling jeans with super tight t-shirts and dark black nail colored polish. It's like, have you looked in the mirror lately? It's funny that they look young from the back but as soon as they turn around you are shocked when the face is old. I think part of being fashionable is dressing age appropriate. Let's act and dress our age! If you are in your 30's, 40's, 50's, or beyond take some time to think what is age appropriate. Don't get me wrong--I like to fight age with hair color, facials, etc. but we need to start to act our age. Woman can look so incredible when their fashion style reflects their inner beauty and acceptance of who they are. Let's strive for class and refinement when we dress ourselves. We should love who we are and accept our age. We should always LOVE what we wear. If you don't like what you wear, it's time to go SHOPPING! Every day you should love what you wear!!!

Rain or Shine--I Love the Trench Coat

Trench coats are absolutely fabulous for the fall. They complete an outfit and hide a lot of figure flaws. You can top them over jeans, pants, skirts, or dresses. I have one in bright red, purple, black, white, teal green, cobalt blue, and pink. I once had a professional organizer who taught me the principle of adding a jacket to any outfit. As you get older it does wonders to add a jacket to hide fat and flabby arms. Trench coats are classic in design and timeless. I have never spent more than $20.00 for mine. I love to find them at discount stores like TJMaxx or Ross.

Nail Color Trends for the Fall

I just love nail polish. That is one thing I like to collect-- nail polish. OPI has all kinds of beautiful shades of purple, pinks, and cranberry. The latest trend is the various patterns or designs that you can apply. Sally Hansen has sticker type nail polish that comes in leopard, stripes, flowers, and all kinds of designs. They are easy to apply and last a few weeks. My friend has children who have started the "Jam Berry" nails. These are similar to the Sally Hansen sticker nails. They require heat to apply. They are a bit more expensive too. If you like a polished look, go for a traditional french manicure. Nails are so important to your overall appearance. Many women neglect the fact that everyone looks at your hands. Painting your nails doesn't take a whole lot of time or energy. My daughters like the new grey shades of nail polish.

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

When was the last time you really looked good and hard at yourself in the mirror? I mean front and back, side by side??? I think all it takes is a few seconds to check yourself out thoroughly in the mirror before leaving the house will save you countless embarrassing moments. How about the time you thought your dress or skirt was plenty long enough only to see that it was NOT. Or how about the time a collar was up or a hem was tucked into your panty hose in the back? All it takes is a few seconds. I also think a good review in a magnifying mirror is essential. You can find a lot of things to improve upon when you look good and hard at your up close reflection. Maybe you need a facial, or a good flossing of the teeth, or your eye brows need to be plucked. Believe me, a good hard look into that magnifying mirror can help BIG time!

Awwww-I Love the Ballet!

Louisa and I just got back from the ballet. Somehow it brings back so many memories of taking endless ballet lessons as a child and all the ballet lessons I drove my five daughters to over the years. It makes me tired just thinking about it! Ballet is so intriguing to watch. The dancers are so graceful and beautiful. That brings me to my fashion advice for the day--I love the ballet look--false eyelashes, diamond stud earrings, and hair pulled back into a bun. The look is polished and pretty. Guess what? You don't have to be a ballerina to achieve the look. Put on a pretty dress or gorgeous suit and complete the outfit with the false eyelashes, diamond stud earrings, and a bun for your hair style. Hair buns are so versatile--high, low, loose, tight, ...

Ten Years Younger

I was once shopping in Las Vegas and I noticed one of the sales ladies had a beautiful shade of hair color. I went up to her and asked her where she got her hair done and she replied that she couldn't afford to go to a salon but had done it at home! I was pleasantly surprised. Now a days, there are tons of affordable beauty options for us ladies. There is NO excuse not to look our very best. All it takes is a bit of effort. Nothing ages a woman more than her hair color. The grocery store and pharmacy are filled to the brim with all kinds of hair color choices. Surprisingly Good Housekeeping magazine chose Revelon's ColorSilk as the best overall hair color after 11 months of research and 1,220 shine tests. It is only about $3.69 a box. It received top honors in all their performance labs. It lasts at least 4 weeks. WHY DON'T WOMEN DO THIS AT HOME AND LOOK YOUNGER!? White and grey looks fine on a woman in her 80's or 90's but NOT in her early 30's, 40's, 50's. or 60's. My Dad used to say, "Spend money on yourself or your husband will spend money on someone who does!" Girls, let's look our very best! Why not color your hair and hide those grey's?

More of My Favorite Things

I just love Naniamo Bars, starry clear nights, small pebble ice (from Kneaders), lemon bars, a good water ski, (on Flora and Larry's lake), temples, a night walk with my husband, clean sheets, fancy hotels, a good back rub, a huge snow fall on Christmas Eve, anything Christmas, Holly Zenger's creche exhibit, sisters, daughters, son, sons-in-law,...babies, grandbabies, cardigans in every color... I LOVE MY HANDSOME HUSBAND, DAVE! He makes my life complete!!!!

More of My Favorite Things

Well, here is more of what I love: fresh raspberries with cream, fresh peaches with cream, cool autumn evenings, full moons, playing with my adorable grandchildren, listening to LDS General Conference, surprise gifts, Swiss Colony butter toffee, girl's night out with my daughters, Halloween, Christmas, decorations for the home, orange pumpkins from my garden, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with my brown sugar frosting, Thanksgiving dinner, Disney Land, Waterton, Midway, Dear Lizzies, anything from Bath and Body Works, a hug, a good compliment, a thank you note, a job well done, a newly varnished wood floor, someone to do my hair, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a really good testimony where they speak of Christ, non-braggers, Tori's cute smile and endless questions, Alex's continual compliments and good nature, Benton's blue eyes and love of basketball, Adalyn's gorgeous face, Whitney's ability to swing on my front yard tree, Sydney's tender heart and love of shoes, Weston's hugs, Lincoln's cuteness... More tomorrow...

My Favorite Things List

Do you ever need a boost in your day? Do you ever feel blue or down? Are there times when you need a "pick-me-up"? I think we all do. I have come up with a perfect recipe--I made a list of 100 things that make me HAPPY! I have so many journals and notebooks where I write lists and this is one of them. This is helpful to resort to when you are discouraged or down. I know when we serve others, we always feel better. I love hot bubble baths. I love a new bottle of perfume. I love car washes. I love reading. I love going up the canyon. I love hot glazed doughnuts. I love shoe shopping. I love talking on the phone to all of my daughters and son. I love foot rubs. I love pedicures with the massage chairs. I love eating dinner with my
husband. I love tulips. I love lilacs. I love a totally clean house. I love to swim laps. I love to play tennis. I love a good comedy or musical. I love to see the fall colors. I love caramel toffee bars. More tomorrow...