John McKee, author of "21 Ways Women in Management Shoot Themselves in the Foot" gave these 7 tips to boost your negotiation skills (John McKee's website http://www.businesswoman-web.com/):
1. Be prepared to walk away. This is single most important strategy to getting what you want out of life. If you aren't prepared to say, "No, " and mean it, then you're likely to end up settling for a lesser outcome. Before entering into the negotiation, know in advance exactly what you are and are not willing to concede, so that you don't need to process this information on-the-fly, without adequate time to weigh the pros and cons of each.
2. Know when to fore go all together. A good deal comes together quickly, a bad deal takes way too long.
3. Deal at the right level. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to do a deal with an individual who can't make the final decision. It's far more efficient and effective to find the right person to negotiate with directly, "(wo)mano y (wo)mano."
4. Come prepared. The more information you have surrounding the circumstances of your endeavor, the more likely you are to not only prevail, but also get the best deal possible. Whether it's the average pay for a given job, the price typically paid for a product or a service, or your competition for a new position, knowledge is truly power.
5. Don't take anything personally. To maintain objectivity, treat every negotiation as if you're doing a deal for someone else who has hired you as the professional "closer." When you allow yourself to get emotionally involved, rational thought often goes by the wayside and you're far more likely to concede to your later regrets. Cool heads get the best, and most, out of what they're seeking.
6. Anticipate objections. Prior to the negotiation, brainstorm all the reasons or objections that may prevent you from getting what you want -- and prepare a thoughtful counterpoint for each, one at a time.
7. Don't underestimate karma. The best deal is one where both parties walk away feeling positive about the result of the negotiation. The worst deal is that where one side leaves the table feeling slighted with the short end of the stick. If you're the kind of person who has to win and is prepared to humiliate or otherwise make someone feel bad as a result, sooner or later the gain is likely to come back to haunt you. Accordingly, consider in advance what would satisfy the opposition and be prepared to pull those cards out of your pocket strategically during the course of discussion.
The key is to be tough but fair, come prepared, and know when to walk away.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Fitness -- The Scale Lies?
Like so many other busy women, you might also be trying to lose the proverbial "last 5 pounds". But don't despair if the scale says that you've actually gained a few pounds. These factors may skew your scale reading. From TCW magazine Nov 2006 edition:
-- Sneakers can add 2 lbs
-- A complete outfit (we aren't talking about sports bra and running shorts) can add 6 lbs
-- 24 oz of water can add 2 lbs
-- high fiber diet can add 3 lbs within 12-24 hrs
-- extra salt in a meal can add 4 lbs
-- constipation can add 2 - 6 lbs
-- an intense sweaty workout can subtract 5 lbs
-- alcohol can subtract 3 - 5 lbs until bodily fluids are replenished
-- low-carb diet can subtract 3 - 5 lbs
-- illness can subtract 5 lbs of water weight
-- caffeine can subtract 2 lbs over the course of the day
-- Sneakers can add 2 lbs
-- A complete outfit (we aren't talking about sports bra and running shorts) can add 6 lbs
-- 24 oz of water can add 2 lbs
-- high fiber diet can add 3 lbs within 12-24 hrs
-- extra salt in a meal can add 4 lbs
-- constipation can add 2 - 6 lbs
-- an intense sweaty workout can subtract 5 lbs
-- alcohol can subtract 3 - 5 lbs until bodily fluids are replenished
-- low-carb diet can subtract 3 - 5 lbs
-- illness can subtract 5 lbs of water weight
-- caffeine can subtract 2 lbs over the course of the day
Her Secret -- Public Speaking
Have you ever heard a great speech, and wondered if you can deliver a speech with the same poise and composure? Here are a few tips from Alissa Krinsky from Today's Chicago Woman magazine:
-- Never memorize your whole speech. If you were to sit down with your best friend and tell a story, would you memorize it beforehand? Of course not. That would be difficult and such a recitation would sound strange. The same concepts apply to public speaking. Don't commit your talk to memory, but make sure you know it inside-and-out by practicing many times.
-- Do memorize a few things. Your audience may not remember a lot of what you say but they'll usually be able to recall what you said first and last. Think of a few strong phrases or a good, short story to tell at the outset and at the finish and you'll make an impact.
-- The safety net: a brief outline. If you write out your speech in its entirety, you'll end up reading it to your audience. An outline will guide you while leaving you free to sound more conversational.
-- Keep it simple. You can eliminate a lot of stress by keeping your speech short and sweet. Your goal isn't to include as many SAT-caliber words as possible nor to set a world record for speech length. The more focused and concise you are, the less there is to worry about.
-- Physically prepare. If you were to run three miles, you'd first do some warm-up exercises, right? Prepare for your talk by taking some deep breaths. Warm up your voice by singing a few songs–I'm not kidding! Repeat positive phrases to yourself such as, "I'm going to be great" and if you have a good luck charm, bring it with you (can't hurt, right?). Wear your favorite outfit. Do whatever it takes to make you feel confident.
-- Always bring water. If you get a dry throat or begin to cough during your talk, you'll be able to rescue yourself. Remember, when you're thinking about thirst, you're not thinking about your speech.
-- Check out the room. Prior to your speech, check out the microphone and the seating arrangements. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the better.
-- Keep things in perspective. Unless you're Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, whose every sentence is parsed by Wall Street, a speech is really nothing more than a talk. You most likely know your subject matter well and are qualified to talk about it, so view your presentation not as a test, but as an opportunity, a chance to shine. Speak clearly and with conviction and the rest will fall into place.
-- Never memorize your whole speech. If you were to sit down with your best friend and tell a story, would you memorize it beforehand? Of course not. That would be difficult and such a recitation would sound strange. The same concepts apply to public speaking. Don't commit your talk to memory, but make sure you know it inside-and-out by practicing many times.
-- Do memorize a few things. Your audience may not remember a lot of what you say but they'll usually be able to recall what you said first and last. Think of a few strong phrases or a good, short story to tell at the outset and at the finish and you'll make an impact.
-- The safety net: a brief outline. If you write out your speech in its entirety, you'll end up reading it to your audience. An outline will guide you while leaving you free to sound more conversational.
-- Keep it simple. You can eliminate a lot of stress by keeping your speech short and sweet. Your goal isn't to include as many SAT-caliber words as possible nor to set a world record for speech length. The more focused and concise you are, the less there is to worry about.
-- Physically prepare. If you were to run three miles, you'd first do some warm-up exercises, right? Prepare for your talk by taking some deep breaths. Warm up your voice by singing a few songs–I'm not kidding! Repeat positive phrases to yourself such as, "I'm going to be great" and if you have a good luck charm, bring it with you (can't hurt, right?). Wear your favorite outfit. Do whatever it takes to make you feel confident.
-- Always bring water. If you get a dry throat or begin to cough during your talk, you'll be able to rescue yourself. Remember, when you're thinking about thirst, you're not thinking about your speech.
-- Check out the room. Prior to your speech, check out the microphone and the seating arrangements. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the better.
-- Keep things in perspective. Unless you're Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, whose every sentence is parsed by Wall Street, a speech is really nothing more than a talk. You most likely know your subject matter well and are qualified to talk about it, so view your presentation not as a test, but as an opportunity, a chance to shine. Speak clearly and with conviction and the rest will fall into place.
Health -- 8hrs of zzz's
We are all too busy to get 8hrs of sleep. But we should always try. The National Sleep Foundation found that only 24 percent of people in the midwest get 8hrs of sleep, 25 percent in the northeast United States, 32 percent in the southern states, and 40 percent in the western states. For tips on how to get better sleep, try the National Sleep Foundation: www.sleepfoundation.org
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Her Secret -- Jennifer Garner and Mom-ism
Quote from Jennifer Garner on being a Mom:
“Two of my mom’s most oft-repeated mom-isms are: ‘Happiness is your own responsibility’ and ‘Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.’ Both are true.”
Her Secret -- Cate Blanchett
I haven't made up my mind on botox yet. It seems to make some women very happy, but put too much pressure on others. But Cate Blanchett's quote seems to be against botox.
“It’s not just women on film, 18-year-old girls feel pressure to do preventative injecting. I see someone’s face, someone’s body who’d had children and I think they’re the song lines of your experience, and why would you want to eradicate that? I look at people sort of entombing themselves and all you see is their little pin holes of terror… and you think, just live your life, death is not going to be any easier just because your face can’t move.”
Her Secret -- Salma Hayek
“Motherhood is not for everyone,” Salma tells Marie Claire in its May 2007 issue. “It is for me, but there’s no reason women should feel rushed to have a child.”
Salma, who spoke to the magazine before announcing her pregnancy and engagement to businessman François-Henri Pinault, continues: “Society thinks if you don’t have children, you’ve failed as a woman, even if you are CEO of a company.
“You’ve got to be beautiful, smart, skinny, tall, rich, successful at your job, married to the right guy – and have genius children. And by the way, you also have to be a nun!”
She also admits that the pressure to appear physically perfect isn’t easy on her. “The stress is sensational,” she says. “But then, you have to keep everything in perspective. It’s a dress, hair, makeup – c’mon, let’s go! We have to stop this obsession that starts when we’re teenagers: ‘Am I pretty enough?’ ”
Salma, who spoke to the magazine before announcing her pregnancy and engagement to businessman François-Henri Pinault, continues: “Society thinks if you don’t have children, you’ve failed as a woman, even if you are CEO of a company.
“You’ve got to be beautiful, smart, skinny, tall, rich, successful at your job, married to the right guy – and have genius children. And by the way, you also have to be a nun!”
She also admits that the pressure to appear physically perfect isn’t easy on her. “The stress is sensational,” she says. “But then, you have to keep everything in perspective. It’s a dress, hair, makeup – c’mon, let’s go! We have to stop this obsession that starts when we’re teenagers: ‘Am I pretty enough?’ ”
Beauty -- Glossy Hair
If you are like me, and want shiny, non-frizzy hair, then give Paul Mitchell Super Skinny a try. There's a shampoo, daily treatment (conditioner), and a serum. I'd only buy the conditioner and the serum, otherwise you'll end up with no cash in your wallet! Paul Mitchell also has Gloss Drops, and Straight Works, but both are a bit heavier than the Super Skinny. So depending on how much you want to weight your hair down, you may want to try those.
They are only sold in salons, but I did find the conditioner at drugstore.com, see if it's cheaper than your hair dresser is selling them!
The idea is a light coating of silicone. It should be light enough to not weight down curls if you have a perm. Not sure how color-treated hair will react to it though.
Beauty -- High SPF Sunscreen
If you have very fair skin, or will be outdoors all day, try a higher SPF. The Sun Protection Factor number is really a measure of the time for sun damage to occur. Thus, the bigger the number, supposedly, the longer it will take for sun damage to occur. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer makes a SPF 70. The Ultra Sheer series in general (SPF 70, 55, 45, 30), all seem to absorb well into the skin. When I find an even better one, I'll also let you know!
If you do prefer the spray version instead (great for getting your back), beware that Ultra Sheer, as with most sprays are slightly sticky and needs to dry for 5-10 minutes. If you use the spray inside, it smells stronger than the lotion. If you use it outside, it's very difficult to aim.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Fashion -- Closet Psychology
Jackie Walker, co-author of "I Don't Have A Thing To Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet", claims that on national average, women only wear 20 percent of the clothes in their closet.
"OK, be honest! How many items are hanging in your closet with price tags still attached to them? I find myself constantly asking women why they fill their closets with pieces they'd like to wear or hope to wear, but why they have nothing to wear for the person they are today?
"When a man looks into the mirror he sees his face. When a woman looks into the mirror she sees every insecurity she's ever had in life.
"The following is a basic overview of the five main personality types -- remember, every woman has a little of each inside. The percentages of your internal personas relate to how you feel about each piece you purchase.
"The Classic (Timeless and Conservative): The Classic woman loves a hard-edged jacket with a lapel. She wears pants and short skirts to the knee. She loves plaids, stripes and dots as well as solids -- never a print! Her earrings are always a stud, ball or simple hoop. Her shoe selection is just as cut and dry: loafers, pumps or simple elegant boots. She wears the same jewelry all of the time, taking it off at night and putting it right back on in the morning. The Classic will purchase other jewelry but never wears it.
Classic Celebrity: Diane Sawyer, Reese Witherspoon, Audrey Hepburn
"The Romantic (Traditional, Nostalgic & Ladylike): The Romantic loves lace and bows. her fabrics are soft and flowing and floral patterns are her favorite. She adores pearls, wearing one strand as a necklace and opts for small pearl studs or dainty, drop earrings. Handbags are crocheted fabrics or supple leather with a bow or tassel. She loves hearts and proudly displays them on everything -- from shoes, to clothing, to handbags.
Romantic Celebrity: Christie Brinkley, Faith Hill, Kathy Ireland
"The Natural (Direct, Unpretentious & Low-Maintenance): "Make it comfortable!" is this sporty, outdoor-loving woman's wardrobe cry. Leaving the house without makeup is OK, as this Natural constructs a wardrobe that's easy and can be repeated over and over again. She doesn't wear jewelry, save for her wedding ring (though she usually forgets to put it on as she does earrings). She'll wear the same handbag for years and thinks that scarves are foreign. She's always more interest in what she's doing than what she's wearing.
Natural Celebrity: Jennifer Aniston, Gabrielle Reese, Kate Bosworth
"The Dramatic (Ready for Their Close-up): On the opposite hand, the Dramatic cares a great deal about what she's wearing. More is more! Put it all on me at one time! The Dramatic wears rings on unexpected fingers like the pinkie, middle finger or thumb. She layers lots of bracelets -- the flashier the better. She's a definite "Trend Tracker" and reads every fashion magazine on the stands. She loves logos and changes her accessories daily. She has personally appointed herself the position of making over every friend and family member -- whether they want it or not.
Dramatic Celebrity: Dolly Parton, Madonna, Gwen Stefani
"The Mood Dresser (Bohemian, Creative & Artistic): She wakes every morning and has lots of options in her closet, but, because she doesn't know how to put it together, she changes her clothes dozens of times before she leaves her home. The Mood Dresser consistently copies everyone else's look, but has no idea of her own internal or external image.
Mood Dressing Celebrity: Nicole Ritchie, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears
Most importantly, whoever you are, you are fabulous!
"OK, be honest! How many items are hanging in your closet with price tags still attached to them? I find myself constantly asking women why they fill their closets with pieces they'd like to wear or hope to wear, but why they have nothing to wear for the person they are today?
"When a man looks into the mirror he sees his face. When a woman looks into the mirror she sees every insecurity she's ever had in life.
"The following is a basic overview of the five main personality types -- remember, every woman has a little of each inside. The percentages of your internal personas relate to how you feel about each piece you purchase.
"The Classic (Timeless and Conservative): The Classic woman loves a hard-edged jacket with a lapel. She wears pants and short skirts to the knee. She loves plaids, stripes and dots as well as solids -- never a print! Her earrings are always a stud, ball or simple hoop. Her shoe selection is just as cut and dry: loafers, pumps or simple elegant boots. She wears the same jewelry all of the time, taking it off at night and putting it right back on in the morning. The Classic will purchase other jewelry but never wears it.
Classic Celebrity: Diane Sawyer, Reese Witherspoon, Audrey Hepburn
"The Romantic (Traditional, Nostalgic & Ladylike): The Romantic loves lace and bows. her fabrics are soft and flowing and floral patterns are her favorite. She adores pearls, wearing one strand as a necklace and opts for small pearl studs or dainty, drop earrings. Handbags are crocheted fabrics or supple leather with a bow or tassel. She loves hearts and proudly displays them on everything -- from shoes, to clothing, to handbags.
Romantic Celebrity: Christie Brinkley, Faith Hill, Kathy Ireland
"The Natural (Direct, Unpretentious & Low-Maintenance): "Make it comfortable!" is this sporty, outdoor-loving woman's wardrobe cry. Leaving the house without makeup is OK, as this Natural constructs a wardrobe that's easy and can be repeated over and over again. She doesn't wear jewelry, save for her wedding ring (though she usually forgets to put it on as she does earrings). She'll wear the same handbag for years and thinks that scarves are foreign. She's always more interest in what she's doing than what she's wearing.
Natural Celebrity: Jennifer Aniston, Gabrielle Reese, Kate Bosworth
"The Dramatic (Ready for Their Close-up): On the opposite hand, the Dramatic cares a great deal about what she's wearing. More is more! Put it all on me at one time! The Dramatic wears rings on unexpected fingers like the pinkie, middle finger or thumb. She layers lots of bracelets -- the flashier the better. She's a definite "Trend Tracker" and reads every fashion magazine on the stands. She loves logos and changes her accessories daily. She has personally appointed herself the position of making over every friend and family member -- whether they want it or not.
Dramatic Celebrity: Dolly Parton, Madonna, Gwen Stefani
"The Mood Dresser (Bohemian, Creative & Artistic): She wakes every morning and has lots of options in her closet, but, because she doesn't know how to put it together, she changes her clothes dozens of times before she leaves her home. The Mood Dresser consistently copies everyone else's look, but has no idea of her own internal or external image.
Mood Dressing Celebrity: Nicole Ritchie, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears
Most importantly, whoever you are, you are fabulous!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Fitness -- Fitness Trainer's Mantra
Fitness trainer to the stars, Gunnar Peterson, once made this comment at an interview, "Don't hate, congratulate." Sort of corny, but definitely true.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Beauty -- Eye Liner
Us busy women are so past the eye pencil sharpener! They are a huge mess and you can never find them when you need them. My current favorite eye liner is Almay Intense i-Color Liner. Comes in four colors: Brown Topaz, Raisin Quartz, Purple Amethyst, Black Pearl. The colors are a bit darker than you'd think from just looking at the names.
It's also a good idea to set with a bit of powder (don't get the powder in your eyes though). The brown and purple both make you look tired if it smudges. If you set it, the liner stays on all day. Around $7 each.
Her Secret -- 40+ Model Search
Wilhelmina and More Magazine had conducted model search for women ages 40+ annually since 2000. The 10 finalists are featured here at the More website. Real women, real inspirations. Here are a few from the More website along with their personal quotes.
Paula O'Connor, 41
Stephanie Allen, 54
Pamela Leitzell, 56
Occupation: Psychotherapist; partner in a software company developing neuropsychological assessments and rehab modules
Ursula Liebowitz-Johnson, 42
Occupation: Director of Essex County Rape Care Center, Essex, New Jersey
"I think it's so funny that we're celebrating 'over 40' like we're 90 years old. Forty is not that old! They always want women to age gracefully -- do they say that to men? No!"
Paula O'Connor, 41Occupation: Oncologist
"You live your life every single day, and you get something from not only the successes, but also the challenges and the perceived failures. I think that you get something from every experience that you have, so the more experiences you have, the better."
Stephanie Allen, 54Occupation: Executive Vice President of Creative Advertising and New Media at a major film company; part-time artist
"I think the most important thing for me is that I feel great about being over 50, and I feel like I'd love to share that with other women."
Pamela Leitzell, 56Occupation: Psychotherapist; partner in a software company developing neuropsychological assessments and rehab modules
"Once you reach 50, you start wanting to face new challenges, and you develop a certain amount of self-confidence. It's really fun being past 50 -- I feel more alive than I ever did before."
Ursula Liebowitz-Johnson, 42Occupation: Director of Essex County Rape Care Center, Essex, New Jersey
"I think it's so funny that we're celebrating 'over 40' like we're 90 years old. Forty is not that old! They always want women to age gracefully -- do they say that to men? No!"
Beauty -- Still the best lip gloss
I have over 20 tubes of lip gloss. The glittery ones, the protein plumping ones, the chili pepper or mint plumping ones, you name it, I have it or something similar to it. The problem I found with gloss is that they are not moisturizing, and after an hour, they start caking, and my lips start chapping. Not fab!
In the end, I still use the good ol' cheap vaseline. Wear your lipstick underneath, matte the lipstick with tissue, then put vaseline on it. Instant gloss. Your lipstick color also lasts longer on your lips, because only the clear vaseline comes off. At $1.59 a tube, I can afford to have glossy lips all the time.
Beauty -- Lotion that doesn't compete with your perfume?
If you love your perfume, you've probably looked for an unscented lotion. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion is $10 for a 12 fl oz bottle. They use 100% vegetarian ingredients. The first 9 ingredients listed on the bottle are:Certified Organic Herbal Infusion of Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita), Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea), Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) and Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis), Plant Oils of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Sesame (Sesamum Indicum), Grape Seed (Vitis Vinifera) and Avocado (Persea Gratissima).
Your skin is a large surface area that can absorb the chemicals that you put on it. Most users found it to last throughout the day. However, if you have very dry skin (patchy and peeling), you might want something thicker. You can read the complete reviews at drugstore.com here.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Health -- Summer Grilling Safety
Don't judge your grilled meats by color alone. If you've marinated it, or kept it in the freezer, the color can be unreliable. Splurge on a meat thermometer to spare you from trips to the john, or worse to the ER.
Beef steaks, fish -- 63 C (145 F)
Pork, ground beef -- 71 C (160 F)
Chicken breasts -- 77 C (170 F)
Beef steaks, fish -- 63 C (145 F)
Pork, ground beef -- 71 C (160 F)
Chicken breasts -- 77 C (170 F)
Health -- Live 35% longer?
Straight from realage.com: ask Dr. Oz if there's any way to delay aging and here's what you get: "The truth about aging is that you -- right now -- have the ability to live 35 percent longer than expected, with a greater quality of life and without becoming feeble. While relying on the talents, skills, and knowledge of others may get you out of medical jams, what you really want is to avoid these in the first place. Weight training and getting quality sleep are two of nature's best anti-aging medicines. But just because you've made mistakes in the past -- had burgers for breakfast or fried your brain cells with stress -- doesn't mean you can't reverse them. Your body is remarkable. You can have a do-over if you want to. Within three months of changing an aging behavior, you can measure a difference in your life expectancy."
Q. Are "floaters" dangerous to my eyes?
A. Not usually.
Q. Do sit-ups strain my back?
A. No, they strengthen it.
Q. Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis?
A. Nope.
Q. What's a healthy waist size?
A. Under 37 inches for women; under 40 inches for men.
Q. Is cancer ever contagious?
A. Sort of, but rarely and indirectly. Liver and cervical cancers as well as lymphoma can be caused by organisms that are themselves contagious.
Q. What's the best kitchen cure for diarrhea?
A. Chicken soup with rice.
Q. Can coffee help prevent Alzheimer's?
A. Yes, and Parkinson's too.
Q. Are "floaters" dangerous to my eyes?
A. Not usually.
Q. Do sit-ups strain my back?
A. No, they strengthen it.
Q. Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis?
A. Nope.
Q. What's a healthy waist size?
A. Under 37 inches for women; under 40 inches for men.
Q. Is cancer ever contagious?
A. Sort of, but rarely and indirectly. Liver and cervical cancers as well as lymphoma can be caused by organisms that are themselves contagious.
Q. What's the best kitchen cure for diarrhea?
A. Chicken soup with rice.
Q. Can coffee help prevent Alzheimer's?
A. Yes, and Parkinson's too.
Health -- Watermelon
After it's picked, watermelon continues to ripen and build up antioxidants. Putting the watermelon in the frig appear to cut this process short. So leave your watermelon out of the frig until right before it's cut.
Remember to wash the watermelon before cutting, and put the left-overs in the frig.
Remember to wash the watermelon before cutting, and put the left-overs in the frig.
Fitness -- Dumbbells or Weights Machines?
Weight machines are designed to limit your range of motion to the safe zones, therefore limiting your chances of injury. However, they are expensive to own at home, take up too much room, and are usually germy at the gym.The advantage of free weights (dumbbells) is that they engage your core and force you to continuously balance. The challenge with free weights is getting the right form.
The best compromise I've found is to take a class at the gym with an instructor who will correct your form. Keep taking the class until you have muscle memory of the correct form.
Switch it up sometimes though, just to challenge your muscles a little. However, take it easy at the beginning of the switch to minimize injury.
Health -- Plum Choice
Courtesy of realage.com: You might know dried plums (or prunes) best for their ability to get your bowels moving. But they can help your heart and arteries work better, too. They're chock-full of antioxidants (phenols) that have a reputation for stopping bad things from happening in your arteries -- like plaque ruptures that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Her Secret -- Brooke Burke
She claims that she keeps in shape with only yoga, pilates and walking. If the only exercise you are physically able to do, or can afford right now, is walking, look what you can become! Keep up the good work and take it one day at a time.
Her Secret -- Halle Berry on turning 40
At an interview, Halle Berry was asked about her age, she said in her usual calm, composed, serene way, "we are exactly the age we are supposed to be."
Next time you find yourself fretting a new wrinkle or imperfection, repeat 3 times, "we are exactly the age we are supposed to be."
Next time you find yourself fretting a new wrinkle or imperfection, repeat 3 times, "we are exactly the age we are supposed to be."
Friday, June 22, 2007
Who Is FabDab? -- Vision
My girlfriends and my Mom were the inspirations for this webpage. A place for busy women in their thirties, forties, fifties and sixties to find ideas to brighter their days in some way.
Maybe it's easier to describe with pictures than words. Ageless fabulous women, who all faced life's ups and downs with grace, and still managed to look beautiful. I look up to these women.
Yes they have makeup artists, fashion consultants, personal chefs and trainers, but we've got each other. FabDab is a place where we can share our experiences with each other. Together, we are more than any makeup artist, fashion consultant, personal chef/trainer, that money can buy.
Maybe it's easier to describe with pictures than words. Ageless fabulous women, who all faced life's ups and downs with grace, and still managed to look beautiful. I look up to these women.
Yes they have makeup artists, fashion consultants, personal chefs and trainers, but we've got each other. FabDab is a place where we can share our experiences with each other. Together, we are more than any makeup artist, fashion consultant, personal chef/trainer, that money can buy.
Jackie Kennedy: age 64 at time of passing
Princess Diana: age 36 at time of passing
Oprah: 53Halle Berry: 40
Nicole Kidman: 40Michelle Yeoh: 44
Monica Bellucci: 42
Diane Lane: 42
Elle McPherson: 43 (photo courtesy of Flickr Dark Face taken May 2007)Sophia Loren: 72
Diane Keaton: 61
Madonna: 48Brooke Burke: 35 (after 3 kids she still manages to model)
Cheryl Tiegs: can't get a good public photo of her, but she's 58 and fabulous!
All photos from wikipedia unless otherwise noted.
Fashion -- 7 Essential Pieces for a Woman's Wardrobe
As a working woman in a professional setting, I've found that wardrobe plays a bigger role than it maybe should. Here are 7 pieces that can act as the basics that you can pair other pieces around: The actual article is at Associated Content. Below is my editorialized summary:
1. Pant-suit in neutral color and medium-weight fabric: Neutral color is black, dark grey, navy if you work in a conservative atmosphere, and can include khaki, brown, taupe if your workplace isn't so into power suits. Medium-weight fabric means no heavy wool or 100% cotton (you will wrinkle before you even walk out the door), so that you can wear it for three seasons of the year. Although a suited skirt is more traditional, if you travel you will agree with me that a pant-suit will always save your day (think pantyhose runs the minute before a meeting). If you can find a three-piece (jacket, pants and skirt), it's worth getting the extra third piece.
2. Thigh-length trench: This can be a three-season outerwear if you pick the right color. Something neutral is best. I have a trench in a beautiful Easter light aqua, and yup, I only wear it around Easter. The rest of the time, it clutters up my closet. Don't let this happen to you! Red, surprisingly works in this area if you pick the right shade of red. A belted waist (either a real belt or just cinched at the back) is flattering on almost every figure.
4. Little black dress: If you want this timeless piece to last, buy woven fabric; stretchy fabric will look great the first year, but by the third year it'll have stretched in corners you didn't want it to stay stretched. If you can spare the extra dollars, a lined-dress will grace your curves better than an unlined-dress.
5. White collared shirt: The basic piece should be thick cotton, long-sleeves (a tailor once told me that sleeves should fall somewhere between your wrist bone and the bottom of the V you form with your thumb and index finger), button down front (if you are well-endowed in the chest area, you may opt for more buttons), long enough to be tucked into pants and skirts when you reach your arms up. Remember pure cotton usually shrinks half an inch in the wash.
6. Sweater twinset: cardigan with matching sleeveless shell. Simple strand of pearl necklace look great paired with a twinset. This is my standby if I don't have a cleanly pressed shirt in the morning.
7. Comfortable pants: This, and the white collared shirt, are the two items I would buy in 3's (or more if you have the money, the closet room, and hate shopping) once I find the right ones. Straight leg (not flared at the feet, not too tight or too wide), grace your curves at the hip and the back (bunching is a bad sign, but you also don't want to look like you've lost 20lbs and haven't gone to the tailor), light wool or polyblend that looks like wool is best (because they wrinkle the least).
1. Pant-suit in neutral color and medium-weight fabric: Neutral color is black, dark grey, navy if you work in a conservative atmosphere, and can include khaki, brown, taupe if your workplace isn't so into power suits. Medium-weight fabric means no heavy wool or 100% cotton (you will wrinkle before you even walk out the door), so that you can wear it for three seasons of the year. Although a suited skirt is more traditional, if you travel you will agree with me that a pant-suit will always save your day (think pantyhose runs the minute before a meeting). If you can find a three-piece (jacket, pants and skirt), it's worth getting the extra third piece.
2. Thigh-length trench: This can be a three-season outerwear if you pick the right color. Something neutral is best. I have a trench in a beautiful Easter light aqua, and yup, I only wear it around Easter. The rest of the time, it clutters up my closet. Don't let this happen to you! Red, surprisingly works in this area if you pick the right shade of red. A belted waist (either a real belt or just cinched at the back) is flattering on almost every figure.
4. Little black dress: If you want this timeless piece to last, buy woven fabric; stretchy fabric will look great the first year, but by the third year it'll have stretched in corners you didn't want it to stay stretched. If you can spare the extra dollars, a lined-dress will grace your curves better than an unlined-dress.
5. White collared shirt: The basic piece should be thick cotton, long-sleeves (a tailor once told me that sleeves should fall somewhere between your wrist bone and the bottom of the V you form with your thumb and index finger), button down front (if you are well-endowed in the chest area, you may opt for more buttons), long enough to be tucked into pants and skirts when you reach your arms up. Remember pure cotton usually shrinks half an inch in the wash.
6. Sweater twinset: cardigan with matching sleeveless shell. Simple strand of pearl necklace look great paired with a twinset. This is my standby if I don't have a cleanly pressed shirt in the morning.
7. Comfortable pants: This, and the white collared shirt, are the two items I would buy in 3's (or more if you have the money, the closet room, and hate shopping) once I find the right ones. Straight leg (not flared at the feet, not too tight or too wide), grace your curves at the hip and the back (bunching is a bad sign, but you also don't want to look like you've lost 20lbs and haven't gone to the tailor), light wool or polyblend that looks like wool is best (because they wrinkle the least).
Beauty -- Melasma
If you have cute little freckles exactly on top of your cheekbones, you are very lucky. The rest of us, may have freckles and dark patches not positioned so beautifully on top of our cheekbones. Ladies, these may be melasma.From wikipedia: Melasma (also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.
What's a FabDab lady to do? Porcelana Skin Lightening Serum. Around $5 (depends on the retailer) for 2 oz. I've tried other Porcelana products, both the night and day cream. Both were greasy feeling and didn't absorb into my skin. I ended up getting more of the cream on my pillow than on my face. This particular serum seems to absorb into my skin better. Please don't wear the serum during the day because the active ingredient hydroquinone smells just a little funny and makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage and you'll end up with more of these pesky patches.
Fashion -- Nickel Allergies
If you've ever gotten red itch bumps from wearing jewelry or from your watch, most likely you had an allergic reaction. And the most likely culprit is nickel. One in seven people have nickel allergies (formally known as "contact dermatitis"). This figure is likely an under-estimation since most men do not wear as much jewelry as most women. So aside from buying 24 karat gold everything and breaking the bank, what's a lady to do?
Courtesy of April Williams who is a jewelry designer and whose mother had nickel allergies, here are the options for nickel allergy sufferers who do not want to break the bank:
Stay away from:
-- White gold, which is an alloy of gold and white metals to produce it's white color. The most commonly used white metal is nickel
-- German silver or nickel silver, which isn't silver at all, but a combination of nickel, zinc, lead, and tin
Try these:
-- Yellow gold, April Williams suggests 14 karat or above
-- Sterling silver, 92.5% pure silver, “925” mark found on the jewelry, the rest 7.5% is usually copper
-- Fine silver, by definition 99.9% silver, but extremely soft and not durable
-- Platinum, usually 95% platinum and 5% of a secondary metal typically iridium, keep in mind that platinum is heavier than sterling silver
-- Titanium, both hypoallergenic and durable, it's also very light. However it's durability means that if it gets stuck on you (think jamming your finger in basketball or volleyball), it's not a soft metal and you'll have to get it surgically removed (think diamond saw)
-- Copper, usually pure and not mixed with nickel
Toss up (no general rule):
-- Stainless steel (wide range from industrial to surgical grade), 8-12% nickel, but for contact dermatitis to occur the cations of the nickel must leach out of the metal, so highly dependent on construction
-- Gold-plated, is a very thin layer covering which will wear off over time. Whatever is covered underneath the layer may cause a rash, so it's a gamble. Gold-filled means a much thicker layer of gold-plating.
If you do get a rash:
-- Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone at your local drugstore, stops the itching (and therefore scratching), speeds healing
Other places nickel lurks:
-- Jeans rivets: the best advice I've found and tried is taping the inside of your jeans right over the rivets. Clear scotch tape doesn't work and itches. Cloth tape, paper tape, or blue painters tape works well. You want a piece bigger than the rivets so you cover some of the jeans fabric as well so the tape will stick. You may not need to tape all of the rivets, just those that bother you. Remember you'll have to do this again after the jeans come out of the wash. Remember jean jackets have rivets too, but may not come in contact with your skin as much.
Courtesy of April Williams who is a jewelry designer and whose mother had nickel allergies, here are the options for nickel allergy sufferers who do not want to break the bank:
Stay away from:
-- White gold, which is an alloy of gold and white metals to produce it's white color. The most commonly used white metal is nickel
-- German silver or nickel silver, which isn't silver at all, but a combination of nickel, zinc, lead, and tin
Try these:
-- Yellow gold, April Williams suggests 14 karat or above
-- Sterling silver, 92.5% pure silver, “925” mark found on the jewelry, the rest 7.5% is usually copper
-- Fine silver, by definition 99.9% silver, but extremely soft and not durable
-- Platinum, usually 95% platinum and 5% of a secondary metal typically iridium, keep in mind that platinum is heavier than sterling silver
-- Titanium, both hypoallergenic and durable, it's also very light. However it's durability means that if it gets stuck on you (think jamming your finger in basketball or volleyball), it's not a soft metal and you'll have to get it surgically removed (think diamond saw)
-- Copper, usually pure and not mixed with nickel
Toss up (no general rule):
-- Stainless steel (wide range from industrial to surgical grade), 8-12% nickel, but for contact dermatitis to occur the cations of the nickel must leach out of the metal, so highly dependent on construction
-- Gold-plated, is a very thin layer covering which will wear off over time. Whatever is covered underneath the layer may cause a rash, so it's a gamble. Gold-filled means a much thicker layer of gold-plating.
If you do get a rash:
-- Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone at your local drugstore, stops the itching (and therefore scratching), speeds healing
Other places nickel lurks:
-- Jeans rivets: the best advice I've found and tried is taping the inside of your jeans right over the rivets. Clear scotch tape doesn't work and itches. Cloth tape, paper tape, or blue painters tape works well. You want a piece bigger than the rivets so you cover some of the jeans fabric as well so the tape will stick. You may not need to tape all of the rivets, just those that bother you. Remember you'll have to do this again after the jeans come out of the wash. Remember jean jackets have rivets too, but may not come in contact with your skin as much.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Health -- Shades of UV Protection
Sunglasses don't just make you look cool, they may help shield you from cataract surgery. There are 3 types of ultraviolet rays from sunlight: A, B and C. B is the suspected culprit causing cataracts. A penetrates the skin deeper causing cancer and wrinkles. C is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere before reaching us.
Ideally, go for 100% UVA and UVB protection, plus side and top protection, where most of the UV rays are hitting your eyes. Side protection may slow the progression of crow's feet or fishtails (the wrinkles fan out on the sides of your eyes). Photo
courtesy of aps.org
Don't forget your shades on your winter ski or snowboarding trips either. Snow reflects the UV rays right into your eyes.
Do you need UV rays, yes! But much less than you think. A mere 10 minutes a day is plenty to make all the vitamin D your body needs. So no need to over do it ladies!
Ideally, go for 100% UVA and UVB protection, plus side and top protection, where most of the UV rays are hitting your eyes. Side protection may slow the progression of crow's feet or fishtails (the wrinkles fan out on the sides of your eyes). Photo
courtesy of aps.orgDon't forget your shades on your winter ski or snowboarding trips either. Snow reflects the UV rays right into your eyes.
Do you need UV rays, yes! But much less than you think. A mere 10 minutes a day is plenty to make all the vitamin D your body needs. So no need to over do it ladies!
Beauty -- "Trust Me On The Suncreen"
Back in the 90s, there was a song that played way too many times on the radio. The Sunscreen Song. I was too young and immature to appreciate it at the time. But looking back at the lyrics, they now start to make some sense to me. Ladies, wear sunscreen. The sun's ultraviolet rays break down collagen, resulting in wrinkles, discoloration and sagging. I have tried more than a dozen sunscreens for my face. Most, if not all, are greasy, oily-looking or cakes and rubs off a white layer on my clothes. Not fab! The one that my skin actually absorbs and doesn't leave me looking shiny is Olay Complete. SPF 15 is also the minimum to preserve skin elasticity. Less than $10 for the 6 fl oz bottle. Also comes in a version for sensitive skin. You can read product reviews at drugstore.com here. I have combination skin (a bit oily in the T-zone), and Olay Complete doesn't break me out in the T-zones. Some people have found the fragrance annoying, but it's very light and doesn't bother me.
Who Is FabDab? -- A Daily Dab of Fabulousness
I got the idea for this website from my girlfriends and my Mom.
My girlfriends are almost all getting married within the next two years. They've all found great guys and I'm very happy for them. However, one thing a soon-to-be bride mentioned in passing I just can't seem to forget: "I'm no spring chicken anymore."
I also talk to my Mom regularly on the phone. During one particular call last week, she was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, lamenting the new additional wrinkle she found next to her right eye, and the new strand of grey hair. I sensed a quiet sadness as she said, "I'm so old."
Women across the globe, from their early thirties to late sixties, are fretting their todays, and dreading their tomorrows when they will be undoubtedly be older than today. Well ladies, I say "NO! Enough of that!" We are not tech gadgets that start losing their value from the day they are created to the day they end up below a pile of dirt in the recycle pile. We are ever-changing muses that have learned from each day we've lived, and behind each line on our faces is a laughter, behind each grey hair is a life experience. Most importantly, ladies, all we have, is today. And today, and every day forth, we are going to be fabulous.
How do we be fabulous? Knowledge ladies, knowledge. We are all busy women with no free time to spare. But in the time it takes for a cup of coffee, we might be able to fit in just a little daily dab of fabulousness. Not too much, just a dab will do.
1. Beauty -- There's a new product of acids, peels, lotions popping up everyday. What's in it, what does it do, and does it work?
2. Fashion -- Our fashion sense has definitely developed from our awkward teen days, clothes should make us look sexy, but also classy. It's not about bearing as much skin as Adam and Eve, but choosing lines and pieces that accentuate what we have.
3. Health -- To coffee or not to coffee? To wine or now to wine? There's a new study out today contradicting the study that came out yesterday. Just what do they mean?
4. Fitness -- It's not just about being thin, it's also about being fit, being in tune with our bodies. We aren't going to look like we did at eighteen. No no, we are going to look and feel BETTER!
5. Financial Security -- We are successful; we've earned every penny. But we've got to keep what we've earned to give us the free time, the financial security to stay fabulous.
6. Her Secret -- Madonna, Diane Lane, Desperate Housewives, Demi Moore, the list goes on. How do these 30+ 40+ and 50+ women look so great? Let's find out.
Is 30 the new 20? Is 40 the new 30? Is 50 the new 40? Yes yes and yes. We are young and fabulous at any and every age.
So that is my goal, a little dab of fabulousness, for my girlfriends and my mother, and perhaps girlfriends and mothers everywhere. Because ladies, all we have is today. Let's live it up, with a daily dab of fab.
My girlfriends are almost all getting married within the next two years. They've all found great guys and I'm very happy for them. However, one thing a soon-to-be bride mentioned in passing I just can't seem to forget: "I'm no spring chicken anymore."
I also talk to my Mom regularly on the phone. During one particular call last week, she was standing in front of the bathroom mirror, lamenting the new additional wrinkle she found next to her right eye, and the new strand of grey hair. I sensed a quiet sadness as she said, "I'm so old."
Women across the globe, from their early thirties to late sixties, are fretting their todays, and dreading their tomorrows when they will be undoubtedly be older than today. Well ladies, I say "NO! Enough of that!" We are not tech gadgets that start losing their value from the day they are created to the day they end up below a pile of dirt in the recycle pile. We are ever-changing muses that have learned from each day we've lived, and behind each line on our faces is a laughter, behind each grey hair is a life experience. Most importantly, ladies, all we have, is today. And today, and every day forth, we are going to be fabulous.
How do we be fabulous? Knowledge ladies, knowledge. We are all busy women with no free time to spare. But in the time it takes for a cup of coffee, we might be able to fit in just a little daily dab of fabulousness. Not too much, just a dab will do.
1. Beauty -- There's a new product of acids, peels, lotions popping up everyday. What's in it, what does it do, and does it work?
2. Fashion -- Our fashion sense has definitely developed from our awkward teen days, clothes should make us look sexy, but also classy. It's not about bearing as much skin as Adam and Eve, but choosing lines and pieces that accentuate what we have.
3. Health -- To coffee or not to coffee? To wine or now to wine? There's a new study out today contradicting the study that came out yesterday. Just what do they mean?
4. Fitness -- It's not just about being thin, it's also about being fit, being in tune with our bodies. We aren't going to look like we did at eighteen. No no, we are going to look and feel BETTER!
5. Financial Security -- We are successful; we've earned every penny. But we've got to keep what we've earned to give us the free time, the financial security to stay fabulous.
6. Her Secret -- Madonna, Diane Lane, Desperate Housewives, Demi Moore, the list goes on. How do these 30+ 40+ and 50+ women look so great? Let's find out.
Is 30 the new 20? Is 40 the new 30? Is 50 the new 40? Yes yes and yes. We are young and fabulous at any and every age.
So that is my goal, a little dab of fabulousness, for my girlfriends and my mother, and perhaps girlfriends and mothers everywhere. Because ladies, all we have is today. Let's live it up, with a daily dab of fab.
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