YOUR LABELS ARE SHOWING

 
From the series:  Labels and Other Things That Define Us
By: Paulette Whitfield Black

Norma Kamali  in Walmart?  I must be dreaming.  Maybe I am having an out-of-body experience.  Where am I?  I feel strangely disoriented. Have I crossed over into the Twilight Zone?  Quick sombody pinch me!

Here I am standing in the middle of the Walmart women’s ready-to-wear department, completely caught off guard.  I came  in to pick up anti-aging skincare products.  Recently, my mirror on the wall has been telling me it’s time to do something about those fine lines, that aren’t so fine anymore. Since my husband insists that we live miles and miles from fashion civilization, Walmart has become my “go to” place for beauty needs.

I recall my mom first telling me about this chain.  She was so excited about this store where you could get everything at such a great price. What did I care?  I could afford to buy what I wanted, when I wanted from some of the best department stores.  As a matter of fact, I preferred it that way.  I wanted designer labels covering me from top to bottom, over and under.  At the time, I was a fashion art director for some of the top West Coast retailers.  Trust me when I say I can spot a knock-off from across the street.  The feel of a fine fabric is extremely gratifying to  the senses.   My mother was the only person for whom I would walk through aisles of rough, cheap fabric and houseware items, which did not interest me in the least.  She had to drag me in, kicking and screaming. I rea-l-l-ly did not want to go. Of course this was in the late 80’s so I craved the hardcore stuff.  Give me the YSL, Chanel, Anne Klein and for
goodness sake…NORMA KAMALI!

My friends and I gladly allowed ourselves to be defined by her interpretation of shape and color.  And now here she is, and here I am. Face to face in a new place in a new economy and a greener environment. Seemingly, Norma Kamali and I have learned the same life-lessons in our style journey.  Sometimes labels ae decieving.  Wal-Mart has become a giant in the industry, outlasting many of the older established retailers (the one’s I thought I could not live without.)  Norma Kamali’s sense of style is now about more than the “look.”  In a statement to Women’s Wear Daily she is proud to be part of the impact Walmart will have with the green initiative.  Once again she proves the pioneer spirit.  Once again she breaks the mold, only this time by providing designer style at a value.  And me?  Well,  I am not quite the style snob I used to be.  I’ve learned that the garment does not define me.   The designer label and I are two magificent works of art enhancing one another.  And great style can be found at a bargain, if you know where to look.

Heart Health Month

February is the month to take time to get educated about the heart. The American Heart Association tries to bring awareness to the public of the statistics. Stroke and Heart Disease are the number one killer in the United States; so even though the month is almost over, please share this article with someone you love.
Eating healthy is one of the major ways to beat this disease. Here are five foods that are proven to change your heart health.
The first one is garlic. It is a herb that benefits the blood pressure, platelet aggregation, serum triglyceride level, and cholesterol levels to keep your heart strong. This can help you cyt back on the salt intake.
Next, there is salmon. Try to substitute the burger for a salmon steak which is low in saturated fat. A cheeseburger, however, is more than a day’s consumption of saturated fat. The benefits of salmon are the omega 3 that help prevent blood clotting and erratic heart rhythms, promote good cholesterol, and prevent cholesterol damage.
Other heart healthy foods are berries and cherries. I love these delicious fruits! They are sweet and go well with plain lowfat yogurt for a sin-free dessert or oatmeal. The benefits of these fruits are they are high in polyphenols that prevent cell damage and unhealthy blood vessels.
Have you heard of Quinoa? It is a tiny seed which is high in magnesium-a mineral that relaxes the blood vessels, preventing hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart arrhythmias.
Finally, we have hot cocoa. Chocolate has more antioxidants than red wine and green tea combined. Try 100% cocoa and a small amount of sugar or sugar substitute to get the benefits of this sweet sensation!

More Hot Spring Fashions

It is time to celebrate Spring trends. Neiman Marcus has a showcase of elegance and sophistication.  You can find chic tank tops, mini dresses, and suits, just to name a few. Take a look at some of my favorites. 

I like this Diesel Black Gold Drape Tank because it can be dressed down for a luncheon engagement or jazzed up with sparkling jewels to enjoy an evening out.

 

 

 

 

 

Could orange be the new “red”? I like the piece because the femininity and sophistication of the look. From the delicate wrap to the soft pattern in the dress. Absolutely perfect for a stunning daytime event.

 

 

 

 

Here is another dress I have selected due to the simple line and eye-popping colors. This dress can be worn at the office with a cream colored blazer and pearls to finish the look of true spring.

 

 

 

 

I think this suit speaks for itself as just the epitomy of sophistcation. Isn’t it gorgeous? I hope you are as ready for spring now as I am!  You can find more spring fashions availabe at Neiman Marcus and other fine stores.

Genevieve Jones: A Closet to Envy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genevieve Jones has been the talk of the town for several years now.  Eyes have been upon her as she is one of the new socialites in the elite New York scene. The paparazzi are clamoring around her to get pictures as she appears to have a slew of fashion friends and fabulous wardrobe of designer clothes.  Ms. Jones is known as playing a vital part to the fashion industry’s market just by being associated with her as she dresses up or has photographs taken.

In the past Ms. Jones has been highlighted by famous photographers like Patrick McMullan who featured her in more than 400 pictures. New York’s fashion shows depict Ms. Jones as a fixture along the runways of Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler. She has been known as the “It Girl” on the fashion scene years ago, so let’s see if she has made a comeback. 

Michael Kors says women like Ms. Jones, “because she wears the clothes with her own style, is much more credible than when a stylist dresses a celebrity.” Also, she was seen dancing in one of a short navy dress designed by Mr. Posen which later appeared in Style.com, a fashion Web site published by Advance Publications Inc. — the company that also owns Vogue. A Vogue stylist, noticed the dress and Ms. Jones, called Mr. Posen to ask that the dress be sent over for consideration in their magazine.

Currently, she has taken on a project to display her talents by launching a glamorous jewelry and handbag collection that has become a hit on the fashion scene. Ms. Jones designs have been bejeweled by Rihanna, Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian.

So, take a look in Genevieve Jones’ closet.  These fashions are surely to make you the hit of any party!  She adds her own style to as she sports minis to show a playful edge or a long flowing evening gowns or a maxi skirt. Many of her feminine selections are in spot light as exciting and fresh.

Bob Greene’s Best Life Breakfast

Bob Greene suggests that we use his “Jump-start your Best Life Weight Loss Challenge” to  start your days—Here is one of his breakfast options!

Chocolate-Strawberry Smoothie with Oat Bran Bagel and Cream Cheese

1 cup 8th Continent® Light Chocolate Soymilk
1/2 ripe banana
1 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries
1/2 oat bran bagel
1 1/2 Tbsp. reduced-fat cream cheese

To make smoothie, combine chocolate soymilk, banana and strawberries in a blender. Serve with half bagel and cream cheese.

I am wondering if you can replace the Soymilk with Almond or Rice Milk?  I do not see that you cannot.  In fact, they are just as healthy as soy.  Try playing with these ingredients to suit your taste.  I think this is a great meal plan because of the lack of sugar and attention to protein with the soy and cream cheese. Also you are getting fiber as well as part of the recommended fruit needed per day.

I am going to try this because it sounds appealing and I am sure it will give me the energy to start out my day.

The Haircut Nightmare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a neighborhood beauty salon that I pass every day.  I decided to make an appointment last Wednesday to get a shampoo and style.  I was greeted by a receptionist who directed me to the hairstylist who would provide the services I requested.  She walked me to a shampoo room where she began to wash and condition my hair.  I was pleased with this part of the process, but it came time to dry my hair.  I sat under a hair dryer which I frown upon because it takes so long to dry my thick and medium length hair.  I prefer a simple blow dryer.  After about an hour under the dryer, I was motioned to sit in THE CHAIR to get my hair styled.  Twenty minutes may have passed when she said, “You know, your hair would have a cleaner finish if you let me trim your ends.  What do you think?”  I said it would be okay if you are just trimming a couple of inches…

She not only cut the two inches I told her too, but she must have taken two or three more in honor of her own desire to go on a cutting frenzy because my hair was considerably shorter than eighteen inches long before the salon visit! You be the judge.

Here some tips that I learned from this experience:

1)      Never let the stylist turn the chair you sit in away from the mirror!

2)      Ask a lot of questions.

3)      Be very clear on how much hair you want trimmed.

4)      Make sure the stylist is interested in healthy hair and not a “scissor-happy mad stylist”.

Tax Season

Regardless if you are getting a refund or owing the IRS, there are some basic steps to follow to become better prepared to pay your taxes.

Year after year you may procrastinate at tax time. Paying your taxes can be intimidating and grueling. However, it does not have to be dreaded any longer.  There are ways to make tax and investment planning part of your goal to financial empowerment. Matthew 22: 21 and Romans 13:1-8 teaches us  ”give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…” Even God requires us to pay our taxes.

Here are some tips to get you started. Make sure you have maintained all of your legal documents and records such as employment, banking, mortgage etc. Set aside a place to keep all tax documents throughout the year so that it is not a burden or stress inducer in April. Always keep good records as well as receipts for expenses: car mileage, child care, student loans (interest), and medical bills. These expenses are tax deductible if you prove them to be for educational and business purposes.

The key is preparation. Find a safe place for your recordkeeping and financial statements so you are not hastily looking for information at the last minute. Make your money work for you!

Remember, we must file our taxes. It is required by law. It really does benefit you later. If you will owe taxes, it is easier to find a way to pay when filed early. Any reputable tax preparer can help you with tax planning and your future withholdings to ensure you do not owe as much next year. What you owe depends on your exemptions. On the other hand, file early if you know you get a refund so that you can get it quickly through e-file service. The IRS will make a return on the interests as your refund sits in their bank account. Also, it is not always in your best to get a rapid refund or loan because of the high interest and penalties in addition to the problems that could arise in getting your refund.

Be encouraged! In Proverbs 18:10 the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe….God does not want us to run away from our fears but face them. By facing them in His Holy name. This is how His glory is seen through His people.

Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying

Researchers say that doing something is better than nothing at all. From your morning shower to the evening news, from your work commute to your household chores, David Katz, MD says, there are at least 2,400 ways to sneak healthy activities into daily living.
“If you let yourself make small changes, they will add up to meaningful changes in the quality of your diet, your physical activity pattern, your capacity to deal with stress, and in your sleep quality — and those four things comprise an enormously powerful health promotion that can change your life,” says Katz.
Taking Baby Steps
Of course, not everyone is certain that baby steps can walk you all the way to good health. Marc Siegel, MD, a clinical associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine, says that while doing something is certainly better than doing nothing, making such small changes is like using a Band-aid to stop a hemorrhage.
Katz concedes that the Stealth Health approach may not be right for everybody.
Katz believes that for those who find making health changes a daunting task, Stealth Health techniques can make a difference.
Try the Stealth Health Approach
Tempted to give “Stealth Health” a try? Katz recommends picking any three of the following 12 changes and incorporating them into your life for four days. When you feel comfortable with those changes, pick three others. Once you’ve incorporate all dozen changes, you should start to feel a difference within a couple of weeks, he says.
To Improve Nutrition:
1. Buy whole foods — whether canned, frozen, or fresh from the farm — and use them in place of processed foods whenever possible.
2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar, says Katz.
3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.
To Improve Physical Fitness:
1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength.
2. Whenever you’re standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.
To Improve Stress Control:
1. Give your partner a hug every day before work. Studies show this simple act can help you remain calm when chaos ensues during your day, Katz says.
2. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes
To Improve Sleep:
1. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water. The scent has been shown in studies to promote relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
2. Buy a new pillow. Katz says that studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a “cool” pillow — one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.
3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You’ll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducer.

Fashion Week: Spring 2010 beauty trends

Did you miss us? Of course you did. We’ve picked up some great new writers and even more knowledge about fashion, health, and beauty. So, to kick things of for our return we present the 6 biggest beauty trends from 2010 Fashion Week.

The second I picked up this article from Bella Sugar I think I started to drool a little. This year I’m all about working on my outside, since I’m totally convinced my inside is pure perfection.What better way to start than with your face. Seriously, the manner in which you make it up can make you look young and beautiful or add 20 years. That’s exactly why I’m so in love with this spring’s makeup trends. It’s all about peach lips, electric eyeliner colors and bold applications of it.

And the hair…it’s etherial. Literally. Long flowing locks slightly mussed with soft texture. Just tell everyone to call you “Helen of Troy.” I could go on and on, but I’ll just let you see it for yourself.

http://www.bellasugar.com/2010-Spring-Hair-Makeup-Trends-5064995