Are You Giving Your Kids the Kiss of Death?

I am more J.Crew than JLo or JWoww. I prefer khakis to skinny jeans and respectable cardigans to revealing camisoles. And that goes double for cosmetics. If it were not for the fact that I have skin like a Shar-Pei and a daughter that I am forced not to embarrass in public, I would probably go without make-up every. single. day. While I am far from a Japanese Kabuki actor, I do apply some foundation, mascara and eyeliner on days I am required to venture beyond my driveway. If I forget to add one or more of the aforementioned cosmetics … Continue reading

Do You Have a Mommy Uniform?

What do you wear to drop off your kids at school in the morning? Is it the same outfit you wear to the supermarket, the pet store or the gas station? I tend to dress in the same outfit to do all of the aforementioned tasks—-jeans or khakis with a plain button-down shirt or sweater. My wardrobe is simple, easy to clean, and yes, rather boring. However, at least it won’t get me banned from stores. In England, a couple of grocery stores are cracking down on moms who shop in slumpy, dumpy outfits that resemble nightwear. You know exactly … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: September 2008

Now that September is come and gone and the kiddies are settled back into school and regular routines, it is time to welcome the fall. Still, there is plenty of good stuff that went on in September, including a bunch of ways to save money. September 1st Frugal Living Week in Review: August 25th Through August 31st Food and back to school are the two things on my mind this week. I e-mailed my son’s teacher ahead of time to ask about additional supplies that she might need for the classroom. She said that she usually asks parents for antibacterial … Continue reading

Fashion Forward: Wedgie-Proof Underwear

Forget about Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Donna Karan, the hottest fashion designers on the block these days are 8-year-old twin boys. If you tuned into “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” last week you might be familiar with Justin and Jared Serovich’s fashion forward creation—-wedgie-proof underwear also known as the “Rip Away 1000.” The boys rigged boxer shorts and fabric fasteners to hold together some seams—and voila—instant protection from underwear grabbing bullies. “When the person tries to grab you and tries to give you a wedgie – they just rip away,” Justin explained to DeGeneres. The third graders say they came … Continue reading

“Does My Butt Look Big In This?”

How many times have you uttered those words? My friends and family will tell you they’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made them to “honestly” answer that question. As I think about it, I can’t remember a time I’ve gone shopping for jeans without raising the butt question. After all, who wants to drop $50 on good denim if it makes your rear look unflattering? I, for one, appreciate having someone who can convince me to put back that pair of super skinny jeans… and stick with khakis. But what happens when you are jeans shopping ALONE? It’s … Continue reading

Eating Your Way To Healthy Skin

Last week I was watching some morning show that was promoting Catherine Zeta-Jones’ new movie “No Reservations.” In it she plays a high-powered chef in a busy Manhattan restaurant. Only in real life, Zeta-Jones told the interviewer that she rarely cooks for her family. Interesting (though not surprising, after all, how many millionaires do you know that don’t have a private chef), but that wasn’t the part of the interview that threw me. When Zeta-Jones’ was asked how she maintains such a flawless complexion given her work schedule (apparently many of the restaurant scenes were shot after midnight) she answered: … Continue reading

Affordable Designer Duds… At Target?

Have you been to Target or the Gap recently? Designer names like Stella McCartney, Roland Mouret, and Proenza Schouler are proudly displayed over racks of hip outfits made from cashmere, silk and other high-end materials. It’s a rare day when I stray from the housewares or the children’s sections of Target over to women’s apparel, so when I saw the designer duds hanging in the aisles there I was shocked. The prices were shocking too. Designers, whose work would normally sell for hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, are now being sold at Target and the Gap for just $50 … Continue reading

Combating The Signs Of Aging

We recently spent an enjoyable Easter with a boatload of family members… and I have the pictures to prove it. Yesterday, I had several rolls of film developed, and while most of the shots are wonderful (mainly the ones with my daughter and nephew) others (any of the ones I am in) leave less to be desired. I am not a fan of botox, nor do I have the time or money to indulge in fancy peels or facials… and frankly, you can tell. The signs of aging on my face are MORE than apparent. After looking at the Easter … Continue reading

Fashionista’s Aha! Moment

Wikipedia defines “fashionista” as someone who is an “avid follower of fashion.” Perhaps, then you could consider actress Pam Anderson the “anti-fashionista.” It’s not so much that she doesn’t follow fashion, she just… well, she’s just not credited with being very fashionable. The guru of fashion Mr. Blackwell once called Anderson “the worst dressed star trying to stay on television.” Known for sashaying around L.A. in her Daisy dukes and barely-there shirts that accentuated her famous chest, Anderson had another trademark clothing item—those infamous UGGs. The former “Baywatch” star is actually credited with popularizing the sheepskin boots. In fact, in … Continue reading

How You Can Star In A Commercial For Dove

Have you ever dreamed of starring in a commercial for your favorite beauty product. No, I’m not talking about Calgon (although I’m sure many of us stay-or-work-at-home-moms have starred in our own versions of that famous commercial… on a weekly basis). I’m talking about a once in a lifetime opportunity to create your own ad for the makers of Dove beauty products. You’ll recall that the company made headlines a couple of years ago when it began using “real women” (no professional models or actors) in a line of ads promoting their products. The company is now known for “embracing … Continue reading