Maxi Dresses.

These dresses have been around for awhile, but it's only been recently that I have fallen in love with their appeal. I bought one a year ago and didn't wear it for about another year. Finally, I was going through my closet looking for something original for our trip to Israel and I found the long lost Maxi dress! I wore it our first night in Tel Aviv as we walked along the boardwalk, and I am sold.

One of the great attributes of this timeless dress is that is transitional. It looks great day or night--dressy or casual. It also has a simple quality and lately I have been of the mindset that less is more.

Price range: $20-$40 at most clothing stores.
Fresh or Fusty? Obviously, I am convinced this dress is very fresh!

So fresh & so clean.

I just bought a 2-pack (not to be confused with 2Pac) of Reach Fresh & Clean toothbrushes (now with bonus tongue cleaner!). Normally I wouldn't blog about a toothbrush (well, maybe I would)... but seriously, this thing feels like it's giving your mouth a HUG. I give it eight thumbs up and fifty gold stars. 

Don't let casual become sloppy!

It happened to me. Got married (aka didn't have to impress anyone) and I got a little casual. It's okay to go there, I mean rock a t-shirt and denim mini...but don't let casual become sloppy. I hafta admit I kinda did. I mean we all have days we would love to live in our pjs, if only the rest of the world loved our bright, girlie nightwear as much. Add being pregnant on top of that, FORGET going anywhere, let's sleep alllll day! :)

Then it happened, I realized that style changes a girl's mood. Why do we get all dolled up? Well, because we feel good about ourselves when we do! I'm not anti baseball caps, grungy favorite shirts, or even spending the day in pjs - but don't let it become a trend. Trust me, there's a reason girls come built in with a love for fashion, it's an expression of who we are, and it's a mood setter! You KNOW you cannot wear a happy color and be gloomy! And SOMEHOW those extra pounds seem to melt when you put on that hot black dress and heels!

I'm using Eva Longoria Parker as an example, while we can't all be as tiny & stunning, we can imitate her spin on casual! I loved this picture because she is mixing basics we probably each have in our abundant closets. Denim pants/skirt, earthtone top, animal print shoes & a colorful, oversized bag.

So slip into casual, but step out in style!

Verdict: FRESH

Damage: a couple minutes rethinking your look

No Katie!

I've been a fan of Katie Holmes (Cruise) since Dawson's Creek. She was always carefree and a natural beauty. As she became a woman, so did her teenage fans. She's still a gorgeous beauty, and for the most part, a style icon to me. However - who can pull off a high neck t-shirt, an oversized tunic, and baggy, cuffed jeans? Not even the gorgeous Katie. Mixed with other pieces, each individual item could work, but pairing them all - a no!

Verdict: FUSTY

Damage: a bad pic & threatening your amazing style

The Wedgie Epidemic

I am a typical girly girl. I like lacy bras, body butters, and I own about 20 different shades of pink nail polish. I love cute underwear... but sometimes, the cute ones can be uncomfortable. A thong is fine at first... but don't wear one to an all-day work thing (I'm just saying). Ruffles, strings, frills, latches (I have said too much)... they look cute on the tushie, but after about an hour I'm dying for my comfy cotton undies. But even the most comfortable of underpants sometimes produce... (slight pause as everyone nods knowingly)... the dreaded wedgie. Yuck.

When I first saw the commercials for the new Hanes "Wedgie-Free" underwear, I giggled. Mostly because I love Sarah Chalke and think she is hilarious. Also because the word "Wedgie" is pretty funny. But I decided to give them a try. First I bought the briefs, which my husband promptly dubbed "the granny panties." Um, no thanks. The next time, I bought the bikinis (with the ComfortSoft waistband)... wow. That's all I have to say is... wow. They are SO comfortable, it feels like you're wearing nothing! And they come in all colors and patterns, so you can still be your cute self (even my hubby likes 'em!). I bought one pack and went back for another soon after (yeah, they're that great). And I'll definitely be buying more. They offer the cuteness that we girly girls need, but with the comfort of a "granny panty." And the "Wedgie Free" guarantee? Totally legit. No pickin' here, girlfriends!

Hanes.com offers a lot of other options, too. Next time I'm totally going for the Low Rise String Bikinis or the Low Rise Hipsters.

Don't get me wrong- my sexy underwear are still around, and they will be worn on those special occasions. But for everyday comfort, pass the Wedgie-Free undies!

Verdict? Fresh!
Damage? About $6 for a 3-pack at Wal-Mart or Target... can't beat that!

Electrolux--A Must Have

This vacumm came as a wedding present. I had never seen one before and honestly didn't use it a whole lot until I moved into an apartment with ceramic tile. It is a light sweeper vacumm with a detachable mini handheld.

It works great for the everyday cleanup! It plugs into a base, but the actually vacumm is cordless. I love not having to worry about a cord and it picks up nicely.

Verdict? Fresh

Damage? $99.00 at Bed, Bath and Beyond

My Opinion? It is totally worth the $100 bucks!

Race for the Cure

Whether you have a double A cup, a double D, or somewhere inbetween- bigger, smaller- it doesn't matter. As women, we have that in common- we all got 'em, big or small- and we're all at risk for breast cancer.

Think about it: every woman affected is one, a few, or all of these things: a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, friend. When I started thinking about it like that, it really shook me up.

Sarah and I will be running in the Race for the Cure on October 4th, and we need your support. Please visit our sites:

Lauren's Page
Sarah's Page

Every little bit counts!

Verdict? Doing something for a good cause is always fresh.
Damage? Donate $10 or more to this worthy cause!

Belly Laughs

The SECOND you find out you are pregnant, get IN your car and drive straight to Barnes and Nobles! This book is a definite lifesaver! I'm writing about this book because this blog is about women, and at some point (whether now or a few years from now) most of us will become mommies! It's an amazing moment when you birth that precious angel, I would do it all over again to have my sweet baby girl, Summer Lynn. Rewind! There's 9 months (8 in my case) before that incredible, lifechanging moment! This is THE handbook to get you through pregnancy, and to the delivery room! It's witty, moody, happy, fat, and ultimately vital! When a friend told me about it, my husband and I stopped by a bookstore and purchased it. I started reading it on the way home, aloud! By the time we reached our house, I was halfway though the book, and my husband and I had shared many laughs (almost crying) over the stories and thoughts of Jenny McCarthy!

Verdict - Fresh!
Damage - $12.50 for paperback

Mojito

It is quite possible I have found the most disgusting drink ever! It was a HUGE stretch when they started mixing chocolate and mint, mint and ice cream, but mint in my rum? YUCK! I try and be open minded, maybe there's an occasion just perfect for a mojito... but in every scenario, I can't imagine not wanting something else more. An after dinner drink perhaps? Um one word, Baileys. Sitting on the beach, wearing your favorite sun hat and reading? Can we say Margarita or Corona please! Out with the girls? Hello! Martinis! All in all, why drink one? In my personal opinion, it's a waste of mint! Stick it in my Extra gum.

Verdict - Fusty
Damage - about $7 (not cheap enough to endure the nasty aftertaste).

Yoga - For the weak?

A few weeks ago, Lauren invited me to a Yoga class. I've always heard about it, but being an athletic girl I stuck to swimming, the elliptical, or occasional Pilates. I don't know why, but I had this visual of the baboon from The Lion King, sitting indian style humming to himself. Yoga is anything but that! Every movement is meant to relax, and stretch your body, and secretly it is a workout! Not til 2 days after the class did I realize just how much work it had been, I felt like my ribs were bruised, and my butt did not want to be sat upon! It's addicting though, the next week I commited to it by purchasing my own matt! (enough of the gym supplied ones, smelling of someone else's feet!) It's empowering, working to balance each pose and correctly push though each movement! The mental focus needed takes you away from the stress of the day, and although your foreheard glistens, you leave the class calm and with a sense of completion.

Verdict - Fresh (definitely not for the faint!)
Damage - classes can be pricey, so learn from Lauren, join a gym that offers the class as part of the members program. $20 a month, with 3-5 classes a week offered.

Let Me Talk To You "Straight"

I'm not a snob at ALL! I pride myself on being the Queen of Off Brands! I mean COME ON does it really matter if it's Charmin or Hill Country you wipe your tush with? As long as it's soft, save yourself a few bucks, right? With this attitude, I walked down the aisle of hair products in Wal Mart. Looking at the hair straighteners, I scoffed to myself, I could have 10 Revlons for the price of 1 Chi! The bad part is, I did. Maybe not 10, but on about my 6th flat iron I decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH! I could have almost purchased a Chi with all the cheap straighteners I have, dead or dying, in my bathroom cabinet. The next day I walked out of my hair salon, I had traded my $140 for this tiny little black box. I held my receipt tight, (all Chi's come with a lifetime replacement, IF you keep your receipt) somewhere in the back of my mind I just KNEW it wasn't going to be THAT great. Well, I stand corrected. I am one of those, one of the women who now swears by Chi. In 30 minutes, I can turn my Leona Lewis locks into the softest, shiniest hair you've ever seen! It's healthier for your hair, faster for those of us with busy lives, and even though I can't believe I'm admitting it - it's worth the cash! Quit wasting your money on the knockoffs, the original is much better!

Verdict - FRESH!
Damage - Close your eyes and hand over the plastic!

Say No to Razor Burn!

One of my favorite magazines is Real Simple. I love the clean, no-fuss layout- and the tagline, "Life Made Easier" (who doesn't want that?!). Each month, I look forward to the decorating and fashion tips, recipes, and home organization ideas... and the "New Uses for Old Things" section.

I think it was the August edition that featured shaving tips: the best razors, creams, lotions and potions, which direction to shave, etc. This tip stuck out to me, so I decided to try it:

Mix two squirts of baby oil and four drops of rubbing alcohol in your palm, then apply to just-shaved areas. The antiseptic-moisturizer combo helps prevent an itchy rash.

So on my next trip to the store, I found myself in the health & beauty section. Upon further examination of bottles of baby oil and rubbing alcohol, I decided that this could be a very messy cocktail. I made a few quick alterations - instead of baby oil, I bought baby oil gel (I opted for the aloe vera one, since I thought a little extra moisture couldn't hurt), and I bought regular rubbing alcohol, but I also bought a tiny (travel-size) spray bottle.

Then I tried it on a Friday evening before leaving for the weekend. A small squirt of gel, and 4 or so squirts of rubbing alcohol. It stung for a second, but I am pleased to report that not only was there NO razorburn to be seen, I had smooth, moisturized legs all weekend (without reapplying).

Downfall: Right after you apply, you might want to avoid rubbing your legs against any furniture - you'll end up with an oily dining room chair like I did.

Other shaving tips: Always use a sharp razor. Also, if you're prone to razorburn, avoid heavily scented lotions, which can irritate sensitive skin. Opt for the lightly scented or non-scented versions- not as much fun, I know, but better than having those ugly red bumps!

Verdict: fresh
Damage: less than $5!

Starbucks Travel Mug

I am sold on the Starbucks travel mug without handles. It is a simple, silver travel mug with the logo, but it rocks!

Steve and I love to go to Starbucks, but more than that we just like coffee. We have a coffee pot that grinds the beans so it is possible to make a pretty authentic cup of coffee. Pour the homemade coffee into that Starbucks travel mug and you are ready to go.

It seals up nicely and keeps the coffee hot. My favorite part is you get the classy feeling of brand recognition without ever having to wait in line at a drive through. I definitely recomend this item!

Damage? Around $20

Benefit? It's going to last a long time and save you lots of money.

Just an idea: It makes a fabulous gift!

Permanent Hair Color vs. Non-Permanent

If you want to be known for as the "girl of many hair colors" use a non-permanent dye. The first couple of days it is really vibrant and then it's time for another box of dye. On occasions when I was not sure how a color would work on me I have used the non-permanent option. However, I find more often than not the dye bleeds on my bathroom towels. I am also amazed at how quickly it fades after the first week or so.

Permanent dyes represent an image you plan to maintain. You look for a color you love and then hope Walmart or Target still has it in stock when you need to touch up in a couple of months. Permanent dyes usually give people the impression that this might be your natural hair color. I imagine people who regularly use a permanent hair color stick to mostly the same color group.

Permanent vs. Non-permanent--Permanent hair dye wins in my opinion. Non-permanent dye was made for teenagers who want to "shock" their friends and parents. Unlike it's non-permanent alternative permanent dye is for adults who want to sell themselves as a blond, redhead or brunette.

Personal Story: I had highlights when I first moved overseas and they had faded. I wanted to have a "new look" before I met everyone. I like reds and I was feeling daring...not a good thing. I ended up looking like a fake redhead for a week before my old highlights started coming through. Also, we were staying in a hotel with white towels and they inevitably ended up a pinkish color.

bareMinerals

I love makeup. The people at Ulta know me personally. I could play with eyeshadows, brow correctors, eyeliner brushes, lip glosses, and bronzers all day long. Not to mention, I have tried every thickening / lengthening / separating / waterproof / black / very black / blackish brown mascara out there (although my current fave is Voluminous, but that's another blog entry). However, despite my love for all things cosmetic, there are three types of makeup I've always had problems with: foundation, concealer, and powder.

Until I met bareMinerals.

Here are a few complaints I've heard from the makeup-shy/foundationally challenged:

-Complaint: I have sensitive skin. It needs to breathe.
-My response: Well, I wasn't aware that skin had a respiratory system, but that's not a problem with this makeup. Your skin will get plenty of fresh air- and sunshine, but not too much, since it has an SPF of 15. "But I don't like sunscreen," you may whimper. Trust me, it'll keep you from looking like an old handbag by the time you're 30. And as far as sensitive goes- this makeup is pure. No preservatives, fillers, binders, talc, oil, fragrance, or other potential skin irritants. None of the stuff that makes your skin break into hives. Just pure minerals and goodness.

-Complaint: I don't think it will cover well.
-My response: Have you tried it? Can you say flawless complexion? Just try it. You'll never go back to regular makeup. It's not a powder, even though it looks like one. It has a creamy texture that buffs right onto the skin. You can apply as little or as much as you want/need. You'll love it.

-Complaint: I don't want to look too made up.
-My response: Um, that's why it's called BAREMinerals. It looks like your skin- but way better. It will cover anything and everything. And you'll never get that cakey look like you might with liquid foundations and powders.

My advice: Buy the starter kit. It comes with:
-2 shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. Works as foundation AND concealer. Once you find your perfect shade, you can buy the bigger size at Ulta.
-Mineral Veil finishing powder. Once you buff on the foundation, use this as a finisher to lock everything into place and do away with any shine. It's so light it's practically see-thru, totally unlike pressed powder, which can look chalky.
-Warmth All-Over Face Color. Kind of a brownish-red color. Don't let it scare you. It's awesome, and looks good on everyone. (Believe me, I've put it on at least 10 very different looking people, and it looked great on everyone.) Use it to highlight cheekbones and add "warmth," literally, to your complexion. I use mine like bronzer, even though the lady at Ulta told me not to. :)
-Glee All-Over Face Color. This is more pinkish than the warmth. I use it as blush, and apply just to the apples of my cheeks. Unlike regular blushes, which can be hard to match and harder to blend, this color also looks good on everyone, and is very easy to blend.
-Flawless Application Face Brush. You can use this to apply foundation, mineral veil, or face colors.
-Handy Buki Brush. Use this to apply foundation to the areas where you would like more coverage.
-Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. Use this with your foundation to cover any and all imperfections. This brush is my favorite. It's like a magic wand.

As time progresses, you might want to try some of their other products, but these 7 are my old faithfuls. Try bareMinerals, I promise you'll love it- and if you don't, it has a 60 day money-back guarantee.

Verdict?: Fresh...faced. :)
Damage?: $60 for the starter kit (which, if you add up the individual cost of everything, is a bargain). However, the makeup containers in the kit are smaller than regular size, so you will have to replace them sooner- but you will still have your brushes, so it's worth it to buy the kit. Purchased separately: regular-sized foundations: $25, mineral veil: $19, all-over face colors: $20. Keep in mind that each regular-sized container will probably last you a good couple-few months, depending on how much you use. I have to buy a new foundation every 2-3 months, but my mineral veil lasts about 6, and my face colors last for a year or so.

Fuller Lips

I have always wanted to try a product like the one shown above. It's not that I hate my lips, I just like trying new looks. There is something inspiring about a new hair color or in this case fuller lips.

I tried this product the weekend of a good friend's wedding and loved it! After applying the gloss, which I tried the clear one, my lips felt moisturized and tingly. The tingly feeling convinced me it was working--not just another ordinary gloss.

This product is great for people like me who just like trying something new. I felt like I saw results and I really liked wearing it over another lip color.

Verdict? Fresh
Cost? Around $5 at Walmart

Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength"

I have been trying to grow my hair out for awhile now. It was mere desperation that drove me to buy a product by Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength." You see, I had tried this brand in High School and it made my hair start falling out. Yikes!

Apparently, there are products with the same purpose out on the market. I was reading Aussie has a line of products for desperate people like me, and I have been seeing commercials for an Herbal Essence hair growth product line.

Garnier Fructis "Length and Strength" is not the answer for long hair. My opinion, just take a good multi-vitamin and make sure your hair is properly moisturized at all times. Damaging hair with straighteners and highlights is fun, but it is to blame for hair that won't grow.

Verdict? Fusty (in my opinion)

Damage? Less than $10, but it will haunt you because you won't throw it away.

Kraft Food & Family Magazine

My hairdresser introduced me to this magazine one day as I was toasting my highlights under the dryer. It is free to sign up, and you will receive 5 issues a year (one for each season and one "holiday" edition). The recipes are quick and simple, yet they are still tasty and maintain somewhat of a gourmet "flair." Plus the ingredients don't cost an arm and a leg (and it's stuff I've actually heard of before). An added bonus is that they often include "light" versions of old favorites. I am a Food Network junkie, but I don't always have the time (or the energy) to make a 5 course meal. This magazine is perfect for anyone who is always on the go but loves to put a good meal on the table (almost) every night.

Sign up here.

Verdict?: Fresh.
Damage?: FREE.

Nike Women's Air Pegasus Plus Running Shoe

Right after we got married, my husband took me shopping for running shoes. He was horrified that the closest thing I owned to an athletic shoe was a pair of pink Converse. I have been (trying to start) running again, and these shoes make it so much easier. Besides being really cute (as far as running shoes go), they fit my foot perfectly. I don't know what it is about them, but not only are they super-comfortable, they literally feel like they're propelling me as I run. I also wear them when I go grocery shopping. :-)

Verdict?: Definitely fresh.
Damage?: Around $70.