Five Fashion Musts for Every Mom

Look fabulous in these instant wardrobe updates!

Have you ever heard an overwhelmed mother excusing her frumpy, dated or otherwise unfortunate outfit by saying “Comfort before style”? I admit that I’m not one to suffer for fashion either, but there’s a limit, ladies!

It’s time to retire those lame excuses, because here’s the thing: Today, moms are in a position to be both comfortable and stylish. After all, we live in an era when casual fashion rules and jeans are okay just about anywhere. There are many trends out there that allow a mom to look fabulous—while staying as comfortable as she would be in sweats! Or almost, anyway.

Here are some ways to look wonderful, every day.

1. Denim delights. If you don’t have a socialite’s allowance, denim is a great choice for a wardrobe splurge. Jeans can last years, are wearable everywhere from the supermarket to evenings out, and can be as comfortable as you want them to be. What to look for: a classy (and slimming!) dark wash and a little bit of stretch material, which helps them fit just right. Your pants should hit just below the navel at the waistline and graze the top of your foot at the hemline. If you’re into trendy skinny jeans, they should fall closer to the ankle. What to avoid: those too tight (or too baggy) jeans in an ‘80s stone wash that are lurking in your closet. Toss them immediately. For an easy–to–navigate shopping experience, check out US.Levi.com where you can choose jeans by wash, by waist fit, by leg style, or by price.

2. Rockin’ boots. Boots, like jeans, are an excuse to blow your clothing budget. After all, you wear them often enough to make them worth the investment. While thigh–high boots may be uber–trendy, they’re not quite practical for my lifestyle. For us everyday moms, the knee–high pairs are sexy and stylish and still fine for picking up the kids at school. Don’t shy away from a two to three inch heel for everyday wear, but proceed with caution with anything higher. Splendicity has a good blog going with lots of hip new boots. Nordstrom has a fantastic collection and cuts prices at sale time.

3. Affordable accessories. A baby—who loves to pull at every sparkly bauble you wear—can make even the most chic woman take a break from accessorizing, but that excuse is out the window once the kid grows up. As for cost? It takes very little to spruce up a casual outfit. A chunky necklace in rich jewel tones or an oversize scarf in the same colors can take a jeans–and–tee outfit from blah to bombshell. Also affordable, beautiful and very in style: wooden jewelry. Oversize bracelets and dangly earrings in dark tones carry into multiple seasons.

4. Vibrant hues. Liven up your basic black by pairing it with a bold, primary color. Neons, bright pinks, and turquoise — think bags, scarves and necklaces — all pop against a black shirt or dress. Or dare to stand out and buy a dress or shirt in one of these colors.

5. Beautiful blazers. It’s time to trade in those sweatshirts, long–sleeve T–shirts and frumpy sweaters for a gorgeous alternative: the fitted blazer! As they’ve moved from hot trend to wardrobe staple, they offer more great choices. Go for the figure–flattering feminine cuts that just skim your body. Just about any material will do — cotton, corduroy or velvet. Wear your blazer with jeans or a pencil skirt, or over a dress, and you’ll look chic and pulled–together with ease.

Fashion Update: How to Wear Fall’s Bold Colors

The fall fashion season is ushering in some vibrant hues. Rich jewel tones are hot, and incorporating them into your wardrobe is an easy way to instantly freshen it up.

Passionate About Purple

Purple is a strong color, so use it as an accent in your wardrobe. Wear a skinny belt or pumps, suggests style expert Niria Portella. Or try a purple platform ankle boot, suede bag or pashmina shawl. Purple works well with gray, navy, brown and olive green.

Radiant in Red

This bold color looks great on nearly everyone. Use it for main pieces, like dresses and skirts, and accessories, like suede boots and opaque tights, Portella says. You can wear red alone or combine several shades. And don’t be afraid to mix it up: Red pairs well with eggplant, steel gray, camel and navy, says FocusOnStyle.com founder Sharon Haver. If classic red is a bit too bright for your taste, tone things down by wearing a Bordeaux shade.

How to Get the Hairstyle You Want

1. Tousled waves

Ditch the curling iron, and instead spritz your hair with a setting spray (if hair is thick or wavy) or thickening spray (if it's fine). Dry it until it's only slightly damp, then part your hair in the middle all the way back to the nape of your neck. Gather one of the two sections of hair at ear level, twirl it around on itself to form a loose bun, and pin it behind your ear. Repeat on the other side. Blast your whole head with a diffuser for five minutes, leave the buns in for another 10 to 15 minutes, then take them out and shake everything out with your fingers.

2. Wispy updo

The trick to an updo: Give it some rumpled texture. Use your fingers instead of a comb to rake back your hair so it's not tight against your head. Twirl your hair loosely into a bun, then use bobby pins—not an elastic—to anchor it in place, which will make the twist look slack, in a good way.

3. Choppy bangs

The appeal here is the way they hide your eyes a bit. Be sure the bangs are long and thick, with choppy ends that skim the bottom of your brows. And keep the rest of your style in mind—this fringe is most flattering with a bob or hair that falls below your shoulders and is nearly all one length.

4. Natural texture

This look turns out best when you put in a smidgen of effort while hair is still damp. Run a tiny drop of leave-in conditioner through hair (this will control any frizz), part your hair as you normally would, tuck it behind your ears, and leave it that way until it's dry. You'll end up with a gentle wave in front.

5. Bouncy ponytail

OK, this one's really simple. First, run a large drop of thickening cream through damp hair before blow-drying. Then, use your fingers, not a brush, to gather your hair back (not too tightly, though—you want there to be some wisps around your face). Place the ponytail about two inches below your crown—any higher and you'll look like a genie. Finally, tease the underside of the ponytail with a paddle brush for extra bushiness. (The brush won't tangle the hair the way a teasing comb can.)

6. Half-up hair

To keep this style from looking too prim (or preschool), mist your roots when they're dry with a bit of texturizing spray, which makes them slightly fuzzy, and create a messy center part. Then, pull back just the top layer of hair on each side of your face—the bottom layers should fall over your ears. Fasten the pulled-back pieces into a small ponytail just below your crown with a thin elastic—barrettes are too girlish—and don't worry about any strays.

7. Spiky knot

Make a ponytail just above the center of the back of your head and lightly tease the tail, then haphazardly twist it around into a bun and pin in place—but leave the ends sprouting out so it seems more casual. (Feel free to pull a few pieces out of the twist.)

8. Messy low ponytail

The key here is a slightly frizzy texture. Before pulling your back hair, lightly massage your scalp with your fingertips—this creates a bit of volume and the fuzziness you want. Then, loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck and wrap an elastic around it so the band is about a half-inch away from your scalp. For extra oomph, lightly tease the underside of the tail with a paddle brush.

9. Teased crown

Gently tease just your roots until there is lift, but not so much that it looks like you have a lump on your head. Smooth over the teased hair with your hands, then leave your hair down or pull it into a low, loose ponytail.

10. Straight hair

For a smooth blowout that still has some bounce, prep hair with the right product: volumizer on fine hair; a nickel-size drop of gel throughout curly hair; and on thick hair, a heat-protecting spray from mid-length to the ends. Blow-dry hair in sections using a large round brush; when finished, rub of drop of shine serum between your palms and skim them over the hair just from the ears down.

Looks

According to the apparently all-knowing allure magazine, "the beauty expert" dontcha' know, the Hollywood stars of the female gender come in four looks:

The Girl Next Door
With their clean, shiny hair, clear skin, and soft pink lips, these women have a friendly, familiar appeal.

The Sex Kitten
The phrase was coined in 1958 to describe a sultry new French actress named Brigitte Bardot. These lush beauties share her tousled hair, plump lips, and long lashes.

The Rocker Chick
This woman's sensuality is a mix of heavy eye makeup, mussed-up hair, and a defiant attitude.

The Femme Fatale
Everything about her look—the bold lips, the sharp brows, the androgynous hairstyle—is potent and threatening.

9 Ways to Look Sexy—Instantly

The best tricks from body-language experts on how to attract who you want, when you want. (From allure magazine - the self-proclaimed "beauty expert" magazine.)

1. Wear red.

Women who dress in red are seen as sexier by men than those who wear white, green, gray, or blue, according to a study at the University of Rochester. They're even 56 percent more likely to get asked out on a date than women in blue.

2. Make eye contact.

"A quick glance communicates interest in a person, and a lingering look moves it a step further," says Beverly B. Palmer, professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

3. Express yourself.

"We're most attracted to people who are animated in their face and voice and body," says Paul Ekman, professor of psychology at the University of California Medical School, San Francisco. Use hand and head movements for emphasis.

4. Reach out and touch.

"When a woman touches a man's forearm during conversation, it shows that she's fully engaged," says Patti Wood, a psychologist who specializes in body language. Briefly touching your own neck or collarbone says you'd like to do more than just talk.

5. Stay on your feet.

At a party, standing up gets you noticed for obvious reasons: "We all pay attention to someone who's higher up," says psychologist Beverly B. Palmer. A more surprising detail: Watch where you point your toes. "You can tell if a person really likes you if their toes point toward you," says psychologist Lillian Glass, author of I Know What You're Thinking (John Wiley & Sons).

6. Dim the lights.

Candlelight is the most romantic, but it's not the most practical as a light source for a party. "Coral-and amber-hued bulbs are sexier than white ones and cast a beautiful glow that instantly flatters everyone in the room," says designer Todd Oldham.

7. Spray softly.

"The closer someone has to get to smell your fragrance, the more seductive it becomes," says perfumer Sylvaine Delacourte. Here's how to avoid OD'ing: Pure perfumes should be dotted on the wrists or behind the ears once a day; for an eau de toilette, mist a cloud in front of you and walk through it to pick up the right amount.

8. Flash your wrists.

The wrists are actually very seductive. "Their glands emit pheromones," says Martin Lloyd-Elliot, psychotherapist.

9. Straighten up.

"A sexy posture is relaxed but upright," says body-language expert Martin Lloyd-Elliott. "Look at the way dancers and athletes carry themselves: Their hips are aligned; their shoulders are even; they don't slouch. They give off a certain vitality and energy." Doing yoga or Pilates will help your body assume this position on its own.

Seems an awful lot of science went into that...

...Couldn't these scientists cure the common cold or something?

Oh, Yeah...66 Days to new moon

IdobelieveIdobelieveIdobelieve

I believe in miracles! Sean's spinal fusion surgery has been moved up to September 28. Meet one of the many miracle workers who will be attempting to relieve Sean's pain and help him lead a more comfortable life.......

Jacques D'Astous, M.D., FRCS(C)

Dr. D'Astous is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon who practices at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Intermountain and is now the consulting staff at Primary Children's Medical Center. His particular interests include neuromuscular disorders, spinal deformities, as well as general pediatric orthopaedics. He is the Medical Director of the Movement Analysis Laboratory at Shriners Hospital.

The surgery will take place at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sean will remain at that facility until he is well enough to leave the intensive care unit. Then we hope to transfer him to a smaller, quieter, more familiar facility - Shriner's Hospital Intermountain, also located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Shriners Hospitals for Children depends on the generosity of donors to deliver its care.

Why does Shriners Hospitals need donations?

Shriners Hospitals:

• is a 501(c )(3) charitable organization
• does not charge patients or their families for the services they deliver
• does not charge insurance companies for the patient care they deliver
• does not rely on U.S. government funding
• serves many children with complex and chronic conditions requiring years of treatment
• provides additional services like transportation and accommodations to children who need it
• has treated more than 835,000 children
• conducts research that changes the lives of children throughout the world
• educates thousands of physicians and clinicians in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injury, and cleft lip and palate

Shriners Hospitals reaches out to individuals, foundations, and organizations who want to help Shriners Hospitals for Children through current donations or planned gifts, such as leaving a gift in a will.

Shriners Hospitals for Children rely on the generosity of many individuals and organizations for the funding needed to continue operating this extraordinary philanthropy.

Make a gift today

Together Prince Charming and I Are "Relaxed"

You're in perfect harmony when it comes to your eye for the simple yet functional. When it comes to your home decor, eco-conscious style, like natural textures, tones and sustainable furnishings can play a big part. Take your love of the outdoors and find inspiration in nature, with warm neutrals. Also, blues, pale greens, greys, old rose and cold purple complement your easy-going style.

So says Valspar Paint's "Love, Our Style" Quiz....

http://www.valspar-loveourstyle.com/#/quiz/intro

Whatever your tastes are, take the quiz to discover your style together as a couple! Then share your results here with us.

Is There No End to How Cool the Cullens Are?

More Cullen Coolness

The Cullen Family Home (irl)

It may not be the white Victorian described in the novel twilight, but you have to admit the contemporary home used as the Cullen family home in the movie twilight is pretty cool!

I Haven't Forgotten

Wisdom

Look to the past.

Celebrate the present.

Anticipate the future.

Would You Recognize Me If You Met Me As a Fairy?

Fairy me is called Field Reedweb.

I am a panpipe player and enchantment singer.

I live in fields where wild flowers and poppies grow.

I am only seen in the mist of an early morning.

I like to wear red petals in my skirt. I have gentle green butterfly wings.

Get your free fairy name here!

107 Days Until Christmas...Will You Be Ready?

Will I be ready? Yes...and no. Today we (finally) got the word that Sean's spinal fusion is scheduled for December 2. So it will be a holly, jolly hospital season this year.

I am so ready for Sean to get this long-awaited surgery. When I told him the surgery date he looked at me and started crying. "I can't wait that long. My body hurts. I can't take it any more." I can't take it any more, either...seeing my angel unable to find any relief from the pain. For that reason, I WILL be ready.

On the other hand, will I ever really be ready? Ready for one more major step in the progression of this disease. Ready for him to experience even more pain and suffering in hopes that it will bring some measure of relief to him after he heals.

Bitter tears fall as I think of his precious childhood spent knowing too much of pain.

Grateful tears fall as I attempt to comprehend how I could be so blessed to be his mother. To have his sunshine fill my every day. To know true strength of character. True courage.

The True Meaning of Labor Day

TELETHON TIME!!

Despite the effects of an uncertain economy, contributions and pledges to the 44th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over Labor Day nonetheless totaled $60,481,231 million.

MDA National Chairman and Telethon star Jerry Lewis said he was impressed by the show of support from Telethon viewers even during hard times.

“These are very special people, and their money comes straight from the heart,” Lewis said. “Right now, the only thing I can think of to say, other than thank you, thank you is, ‘love conquers all.’ So many people, everywhere, even with cares of their own, dug deep to show their wonderful compassion for others who need their help.”

The funds will allow the Muscular Dystrophy Association to continue funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

Contributions also provide assistance with purchase of equipment such as wheelchairs and leg braces; send thousands of children to MDA summer camp; and support more than 200 MDA clinics across the country.

I echo Jerry Lewis. Thank you, thank you; love conquers all! You ARE very special, compassionate people. Thank you for being willing to help families like ours with our muscular dystrophy concerns.

If you missed the telethon, it is not too late to make a difference for "Jerry's Kids" big & small. The online auction part of the MDA telethon continues through September 15. Bid now and get great deals on thousands of items.

http://www.cmarket.com/auction/BiddingForGood.action

How Much Do You Know About Labor Day?

Your Score: You got 67% out of 100% correct!
	Not bad: You didn't get 100%, but your results weren't too shabby either.

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

I Am a Reluctant Shopper

I really don't enjoy shopping. For me, it's just another chore. I approach shopping systematically. I research what I'm going to buy and come prepared with a list. Of all the types, I am the most likely to not buy things I don't need. I try to de-emphasize stuff in my life. I find shopping and buying things to be a rather empty experience.

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

Can You Resist Temptation?

Skybar has released 3 tempting varieties of the twilight saga new moon the movie assorted filled milk chocolate (now available in bags of 24 single packs).

Peanut butter wolf "jacob" is a milk chocolate oval depicting a howling moon with the forest and the moon in the background - filled with peanut butter!

Sweet cream heart "bella" is a milk chocolate heart with a flower and flourish and the name bella - filled with creme!

Caramel Cullen medallion "edward" is a milk chocolate Cullen family crest - filled with caramel!

Which variety is your heart's desire? Please answer the poll to the right.

98 Days to new moon