Cut it out

Hair. It’s just hair. I know a lot of you care a lot about your hair. I do too. But not that much. I am the type that spends two years growing out my hair and then one day on a whim cut it all off for a fun sassy short do.

I’m in the process of the growing again, but I did recently go to a new hairstylist. Her name is Tamra and works at Aria in Seattle. She definitely gave me the umph I needed in my hair. Since I don't spend much time styling etc, a good cut that you can go with is huge.

My point is this. If you have been seeing the same person for years…switch it up! See someone new for a change. I’m not telling you to break up with your guy/gal who’s been your stylist for years. But sometimes it’s fun to get a new perspective. You don’t have to cut it all off or anything like you’re on Extreme Makeover, but they may just style it differently or give a different cut that you didn’t think of getting.
You can always go back to your stylist again. If they even notice the change or that you haven’t been in in a long time, just tell them you were on vacation and decided to get your haircut for fun on the trip! No, I haven’t used that before…okay, maybe.
A fun new do can make you feel sassy and sexy!
Go.

Fleurish

Peonies. My favorite flower. I find myself staring at these little marvels of nature. They start in this tight little ball, so unassuming and not necessarily that beautiful. Then as the days go by, they start to open to this magnificent display of bursting petals, endless layers of soft fragrant color. It is such a luscious flower, sweet and sexy all in the same.

Do yourself a favor. Fill your home or workspace with a vase overflowing with peonies. It will bring you a spike of happiness everytime you look at them. Get up close, smell the beauty. It will revive you! I promise.

Chiconomics

I happened to read this article last week in the NYTimes that was about Men’s Fashion and how the menswear business is still surviving even through these bleak economic times. How men just don’t want to look like bankers anymore and are going for the cool jeans and a great button down shirt.

It got me thinking about my inner “recessionista” and how although I love fashion and great clothes, we all must pair down, but we still want to look and feel great, right?! Here are two rules I always follow.

1. Quality over Quantity
2. Accessorize!

I would much rather buy one really great dress, that fits right and you can throw it on without a thought because you already know it looks great on. Same with jeans. Who needs 10 pairs of jeans. Have one or two great pair that are your go-to and done. Takes the fuss out of getting ready. Go do some spring cleaning…if you haven’t worn it in the last year…it’s gone. My closet is the size of a telephone booth, so I constantly edit.

I’m all about the big statement accessories too. I love to have something relatively understated on, and then POW with a great red necklace. Or BAM with a chunky gold watch and gold bracelet. It just kicks up your look a notch. Oh and I can’t forget the importance of a fun cocktail ring, makes a t-shirt and jeans just a little more fun.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on these pieces either. I have found some of my favorite pieces at places like J.Crew and Banana Republic – they have great accessories that are very affordable.

We don’t want to look like bankers either, so remember the F in Fashion is FUN.

Hurt me!

How can I put this lightly…I feel like I’ve been hit with a Mack Truck, and I’m lovin’ it!

There is this new workout craze that’s sweeping the nation and It’s called Crossfit.

Can you say hello to that butt back there?! OMG. Now, I have been a pretty active athlete most of my life, but in recent years it hasn’t been the case. Now that I’m trying (well, I’m always trying) to get in some serious good shape, this may be the thing to do it! I just started, and I can actually say that it is motivating every time and even though you feel like you swallowed battery acid after, you do see rapid improvement and feel great! It is a circuit workout in short bursts of time, so it’s truly how Olympic athletes train to get into competition shape.

There is also a great feeling of community at the gym because you have the same trainers helping you and everyone gets to know each other. It always helps when there is someone to push you to your potential.

Get out there and try it, find your own Crossfit class, it won’t hurt…wait, it WILL hurt-a lot, but just do it!
Let’s give new meaning to “Hot Mama”!

Pasta. Basta.

Two words. Truffle oil.

I know most of you are “low-carb” half the time, especially so close to summer, but I have to tell you something. Homemade Tagliatelli with Truffle oil is so completely delicious that it is absolutely justified to indulge in this simple and yet so satisfying dish.

I recently had dinner at La Spiga and shared an order. Perfection. If you can’t get to La Spiga to try this, make it at home. It's simply noodles with a pinch of salt and Truffle oil drizzled over it.

Truffle salt is another trick I do at home. It will turn a plain omelet into a culinary treat, or sprinkle some over popcorn for a quick party appetizer for guests…they will rave!

Food is not just nourishment…ENJOY it.

Perfect Pout

I have a girlfriend that lives in Paris, and as any true Parisian hipster she is in the know about most everything. She lives that life you read about...you know, working on a film that may be showed in the Cannes Film Festival, hitting the hottest clubs until the wee hours of the morning, and of course sporting the hottest fashion even on a run to get a pack of cigarettes.

Each time I see her she is in something that begs the question, "ooh, where did you get that?"...most always I get a one word response in that sexy French accent..."Dior".

It always makes me smile when I hear that word.

Since, I don't have an occassion or budget to be sporting head to toe Dior, I decided I would put a little "Dior" attitude in my life. I have to say I found the greatest way to do it! DiorKiss. It's a fantastic lip plumping lipgloss that makes that pout, well...pout. I love it. It is so thick and shiny and one application can make you feel sexy and glamorous. It comes in fabulous subtle colors like Pineapple Cocktail and Lime Glace.

Now if someone asks you about your fabulous lips, just say..."Dior"

Get Down!

If you live in Seattle like me, spring has definitely not sprung yet. The constant vascillation between one nice day and a day of dread can make you crazy.
Here is my remedy to inject a moment of sunshine in any day. (even if you're in a sunny place and are having a crap day).

Pick your favorite dance tune and have a dance party in your kitchen, your living room, your office, and for that moment...completely let loose. As Crytal Boyd once said, "Dance like no one's watching".

Really, just do it. I try to once a day. Sometimes it's a group dance before everyone heads out the door for school and work, sometimes it's in the middle of the day to get the mojo going, sometimes it's in the evening as we all come back together.
It's amazing how it can reset your thinking and get you on a better track.

So, go..TURN IT UP, and get down!

Get Outta Town

One of the catalysts for me to get going and start this blog was this FANTASTIC trip I recently took with several girlfriends. It was SO MUCH FUN and everyone deserves time away from your life like this.

It was a girlfriend’s 40th Bday celebration weekend. And oh did we celebrate.
Because c’mon, 40 is the new 30 and you’re as old as you tell people anyway!

First of all, get the right mix of girls. Make sure everyone has the same sort of agenda in mind. In our case: poolside with drinks in hand. The End.

Second of all, pick the best place for your crew to relax and have fun, I feel like we found a little piece of heaven in THE VICEROY in Palm Springs. With 3 separate pools, it was like having your own private pool party, with staff to bring breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Third of all, book one extra day than you think you need because you will not want to come home to reality after such a good time.

For reals.