Calling All Biggest Loser Fans

Admit it. You enjoy watching the biggest loser because you love to see Jillian Michaels, that woman-of-steel trainer, push her subjects to the brink of success! She has a way to motivate that is in-your-face yet you know she really wants to see you win. She's rock solid and she's hot! Getting in shape never looked so good!

Now you can experience first-hand the hurts-so-good tactics of "America's toughest trainer" and whip yourself into shape before you even have a chance to list your New Year's resolutions. Sports Authority is teaming up with Nintendo to create a new way to experience fitness gaming. The collaboration will allow Sports Authority to sell Wii gaming consoles, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, as well as various accessories and games for the Wii, in its stores. To launch the product and to help customers get to know the Wii better, Sports Authority is hosting a "We know fit. We know fun." experience at 102 of their stores. Stores will feature a dedicated area where shoppers can try the Wii Fit Plus before they buy and is a great place for moms to trade in boring workouts for ones that involve fun and fitness for the whole family.

Mark your calendars to see Jillian LIVE

When: Thursday, Nov. 19, Event starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until mid-day
Where: Sports Authority store in Torrance, CA (located at 3610 Torrance Blvd.), just outside of Los Angeles.

Event Highlights:
· Jillian Michaels, from “The Biggest Loser,” will be in attendance.
· There will be the “world’s largest Wii Fit Plus” demonstration featuring 102 people. Jillian will be part of the demonstration, doing what she does best – showing folks how to get in shape!
· Lots of items to be given away, including copies of Jillian Michaels’ new Wii game "Fitness Ultimatum 2010" and Wii Fit Plus boards, as well as other prizes from Sports Authority, Nintendo and Nike. For more information visit WiiAuthority.com.

Win It!

We're giving away a copy of Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum Game AND a Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board ($139.99 package value) to one lucky winner. To enter, just leave us a comment and tell us your biggest fitness challenge. Don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST, November 26, 2009.

Feng Shui Your Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time many of us look forward to. I know I enjoy this time of year, full of family, friends and good food. But bringing together many relatives who haven't seen each other for quite some time can often lead to a few disagreements, misunderstandings or even a case of the crankies! This Thanksgiving, why not use Feng Shui, the acient art of placement, to ensure a warm, happy and positive environment for you and your guests? Dr. Andie Pearson, DMD, of ChicagoHealers.com offers a few simple steps:

1/ Clean and Clear: No matter what the occasion, the first step in Feng Shui is clearing clutter and cleaning the area.

2/ Analyze: After you have cleared, cleaned and organized the area where you will be entertaining, you need to decided on themes, purpose, how many people will be invited, who will be there, and what activities and foods will you have. This should help you with the rest of your planning.

3/ Color It Warm: Plan the decorations with warm relaxing colors. Use goldenrod, earthy greens, tans, amber, deep rich reds or maroons etc. You want a color scheme that will be both relaxing and welcoming. Fall and Thanksgiving colors lend themselves to this very well.

4/ Traffic Flow - Create a good flow of traffic thru out. Ask yourself - Are you having an actual sit down event , buffet or cocktails with appetizers?

If you are having a formal dinner, serve it in a separate room, allowing the rest of the party area to be designated as the place for social gathering.

For a buffet-style Thanksgiving, have an area for the food and a section for drinks. You will also need to have seating scattered about in an organized fashion that doesn't block flow of traffic.

A Thanksgiving party that is just snacks, appetizers and cocktails has a bit of free flow. You can arrange several areas for food and drinks scattered through out the room so that people can stroll from place to place and socialize.

5/ Minimalist - Decorations should be pleasing to the eye, but kept to a minimum. Overly large or overwhelming items or too much clutter can create an environment of anxiety. The stimulation will be too much and will make it hard to relax into the party. Flower arrangements on the table or through out the room should be conservative and moderate to short. Anything big or tall will not allow for conversion across the table. Because people will be visiting and talking, music would be very nice, but needs to be low and soft so that it doesn't compete with everyone there.

If you stick to the basics of Feng Shui, your party will be a success. So remember, clear and clean, plan in detail, go low and conservative on decorations, and allow for good social flow patterns through out the party area.

* tablescape from MarthaStewart.com.

Quick Change

All diaper bags are not created equal. Take the Baggino Junior ($49), for instance. This sporty bag includes a changing pad and has all the requisite pockets for diapers, wipes, bottles, etc. Yet the beauty of this lightweight bag is that it converts from a messenger-style bag to a hands-free changing belt, giving you everything you need within arms reach. Keep your diaper bag off unsanitary airport floors and have easy access to all the essentials while you change your baby. The Baggino Junior, available in black and lime green, is perfect for travel during the upcoming holiday season and keeps all your diaper changing needs right at your fingertips.

Trend Alert: The Jacket

This season the one item you should add to your wardrobe to give you a chic, pulled-together look is a jacket. Jackets come in all shapes and sizes, making them right for everyone. A jacket is the one item that can take a simple outfit and make it greater than the sum of its parts.

 Jackets are perfect for camouflaging a tummy or extra weight around your middle. Choose a fitted style that falls below your waistline.

 Jackets can add structure to your shape. A curve-hugging jacket can make you appear slimmer and works to carve out a figure.

 Don’t buy a jacket that stops at your widest point. If your lower hip is where you’re widest, opt for a jacket that falls above this area to avoid drawing attention to it.

 Look for a jacket in a darker shade such as chocolate, navy, black or deep plum to make you appear smaller. Wear a pop of color underneath to keep it lively.

 A great jacket will take your jeans and a t-shirt to the next level and will make your dresses look fabulous. Wear it as many ways as possible!

 Belt your jacket to show off your waist (or make it look smaller). A belt adds another layer of charm. Wide or skinny, go for one that suits your shape.

A few great styles to choose from this season are the boyfriend blazer, the military-inspired jacket, jackets with peplums or ruffles, a leather motorcycle jacket or a chic trench coat to top everything off in style.

Sequin Boyfriend Blazer from Topshop.com.

Beyond the LBD

Coco Chanel can easily be named one of the most influential women among fashion. She made fashionable the menswear look for women, suntans and the ubiquitous LBD*. But I'm here to tell you, ladies, that what was popular 100 years ago does not necessarily constitute a contemporary look that suits everyone. And it looks like I'm not alone in my thinking.

I have been passionate about color since I was a child. Wearing color has always brought me such joy, except during a few brief years in college when black became my uniform. Since then I relish the opportunity to step out in a bold and exciting hue and love the way it helps me to stand out from the crowd.

If there's one battle I'm constantly fighting with my clients is to get them to ditch the black and wear the colors that bring out their true selves. See, many of us like to use black as a security blanket of sorts and don't easily let go a color that, truth be told, can bring out the worst in us. Black is the absence of color, and when worn around the face or against pale legs can cast an unflattering pallor. It enhances not our eyes, but our wrinkles; not our creamy complexion but the dark circles under our eyes. It is not our friend. Black ages us before our time. Black can suck the life out of us before we're ready. But don't get me wrong, sometimes it's ok to wear black. Sometimes. And with intention.

When is it ok to wear black? Here are a few recommended ways for keeping a few black pieces still in rotation in your closet:

If you have pale skin/hair, black is not your best color. Sorry.

If you have dark coloring (dark hair and/or dark skin) then you're going to look better in black than your pale friends. But don't gloat. They won't like that. Just smile and ask them if you can borrow their brand new black cocktail dress. Bat your lashes if you have to.

Wear your LBD with a cardigan or jacket in one of your best brights. Your eyecolor or a pretty metallic would make sophisticated statement as well.

Wear something around your face in your eyecolor - a sapphire necklace would surely pick up your sparkling blue peepers, citrine would bring out your hazel eyes or emeralds would make your green eyes really pop. A scarf can do the same trick.

Wear black on your bottom half with a bright top. It'll make you look slimmer and won't be near your face.

If you have pale legs and want to wear black shoes, use a self tanner. Otherwise, the look will be harsh.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not out to educate the world on wearing bold, bright, juicy colors in place of flat and drab black...oh, wait, yes I am! Wear color and wear it with intention. When you set out for holiday parties this season you'll be so excited to walk into a sea of little black dresses knowing that you look so individual and so fabulous in a dress of a gorgeous amethyst, blue or teal. All eyes will be on you because you look so amazing! So if you can't muster the courage to throw out all your black, at least bring a few brights to the forefront and make a promise to yourself to wear them. They'll help you bring out your very best.

*LBD = little black dress

One Stop Shopping

Sure, you love your local CVS because you can stock up on personal care items, medicine, makeup and other essentials. Heck, I love it because the one I frequent has a drive through for prescription refills and to me, that's huge (as a mom, I think ALL businesses should have a drive-through). CVS is dependable for great prices, quality merchandise and good customer service. Sounds like enough to me. But wait, there's more! Aside from all the bathroom essentials CVS carries you can now stock up on school and office supplies. As a small business owner this is a big boost for me because it's not really convenient to make a special trip to an office supply store. I mean, sometimes I just run out of staples (ever since my kids discovered how much fun stapling can be!) and need to grab a package while I pick up Tylenol and pull-ups, no special trip necessary.

CVS has created their new Caliber line just for moms like me who want to streamline our lives. The wonderful Caliber items I got to try out included paper clips, rubber bands, a coupon file, a recylcled pencil box (my daughter just loves this) and even a 3-hole punch, among other things. All are good quality and the prices are what you'd expect from CVS - affordable. So next time I run out of something in my home office, you can bet I'll pick it up on my regular stop at CVS.

The Hat Trick

This fall, why not top your look off with an accessory that adds a touch of chic and keeps you warm, too? The Aubrey hat ($40), from Wallaroo Hat Company, brings an air of feminine sophistication and classic styling to your look. The 3-inch brim on this fedora shields your face from the elements while framing it in a flattering way. Crafted in a tweed weave and trimmed in suede, the Aubrey gives a nod to retro glamour while bringing your look right up to speed.

Do You Need A Gratitude Adjustment?

You've probably heard the term "attitude adjustment," but I'd like to suggest a "gratitude adjustment!"

As an image consultant, one of the first things I often hear from a new client is a list of what she considers to be her "flaws":

I still need to lose 10 pounds
I can't wear skirts because my legs are ugly
I don't wear sleeveless tops because I don't have Michelle Obama's arms

Some of these might even sound familiar to you. We women are so used to feeling judged on how we look as compared to the airbrushed models in the fashion magazines. We often focus on what's "wrong" with us instead of all the wonderful gifts and assets we do have.

I prefer to look at assets. Remember the lyrics to that old song "Accentuate the Positive" -- you've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative? Let that be your theme song for the month! Unfortunately, too many of us focus far too much on what we don't have instead of what we do have. I say be GRATEFUL for your FABULOUS DIVA self! Look in the mirror every day and be thankful for all that you do have!

Take a few minutes to write yourself a mantra about one thing you love about you. Something like ...

"I am grateful for my gorgeous brown eyes that allow me to see all of nature's beauty"
"I am grateful for my healthy body, and I practice extreme self care to keep it strong"
"I am grateful for my arms that let me give warm, loving hugs to my family and friends"

Now, post that mantra somewhere you'll see it often throughout the day and say it out loud to yourself every chance you get.

Once you start thinking differently about how you view yourself, many shifts start to occur. Your outlook will brighten, and you'll start to focus on your gifts and assets instead of what you might think of as "flaws."

Next, start dressing to accentuate your assets. When you dress with intention, your confidence level will soar and you will look and feel fabulous. You may have heard me talk about my favorite style system Fashion Feng Shui®. It teaches you to dress authentically, paying attention to your true essence -- who you really are. Based on the five elements of nature, FFS coordinates colors, textures and shapes with each element. Once we determine what your essence is, we use that information to bring out and enhance it with your clothing so that you are dressing the inside and the outside -- everything in alignment. Your image starts to match your message.

Honor YOUR essence, and remember to say thank you for all that you have. Focus on the positive, your natural gifts and assets. When you change your outlook, you change your life as natural shifts start to occur. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and grow. Make a "gratitude adjustment," and I promise you will feel the difference!

This article was written by Laurie Mandato of Imaging Joy.

Great Style Comes in All Sizes

As a style expert and image consultant I am often dismayed at the lack of chic clothing available for women above a size 8 or 10. Seriously, do designers really think that women who are above a ten won't look good in their clothes? Personally, I'm a size 10 or 12, so don't even get me started! Especially since the average size woman in the US is a 12 to 14. That's a lot of women to dress, and a niche that is wide open for fabulous, stylish apparel.

Enter Gayla Bentley, a real woman who spent ten years working at Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston, TX, as a personal shopper. She saw first-hand that women of all ages and sizes want great looking clothes, so she set about to create a line of chic clothing to fill this overlooked niche. Gayla's philosophy is "It's Not About Size, It's About Style" and I couldn't agree more!

Gayla, aka Dr. Styles, has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years and now creates a wonderful line of clothing designed to help bridge the gap between size and style. Her line fits women sized 2 to 28 (4X), making room for just about everyone! Gayla has created a capsule collection of contemporary basics, a grouping of traditional styles and seasonal collections that currently features this versatile and stylish Ballet Neck Dress ($285).

Now great style comes in all sizes thanks to Gayla. Designers, take note and get ready to add more sizes to your next collection!

Shades of Gray

Want to know what's hot in nailcolor this fall? Then go gray! While you may be working to fight all that gray hair coming in, gray nails are very on trend right now.

Shades of gray nailcolor range from the palest icy hues to the deepest charcoal, and come in matte, gloss or with some shimmer for a festive update to even your most simple jeans and a tee shirt ensemble.

Think you're too old for gray nails? Think again! When shopping in Saks Fifth Avenue the other day I was stuck by the sales associates' lovely pewter nails. They repeated the color of her glasses and made a striking combination on this stylish woman who was well over the age of 50! So trust me when I say there is a shade of gray for all ages.

I love this pretty gray polish from Zoya in Harley. It's soft and would work well with just about anything without drawing too much attention to itself. So don't be afraid to go gray!

Belt Your Look

This season belts are all the rage and have never looked better! This is exciting news because it now means that you don't have to pay a fortune to get a great looking belt. Good looking belts are widely available in all price ranges - and some of the least expensive belts may very well fool you! The belts for Autumn/Winter 2009 are a bit different from what we've seen in past years. The hottest looks feature textures ranging from studs to animal prints and come in widths to suit all shapes and sizes.

The belts of the season are worn right at your natural waist, or perhaps even higher. Many of them feature elastic in the back, which I am a big fan of because it helps wide belts to stay in place and fit your body like a glove. It also helps to make them more comfortable to wear.

A belt can be a wonderful way to update items that are in your closet right now. Add a textured belt to your cardigan for instant update. A belt worn with your simple shift dress is a great way to accessorise your look in a new way. Or belt your fitted blazer for a current look. There isn't much that doesn't look good with a belt, so don't be afraid to experiment and step outside your box.

If you haven't worn belts and aren't sure how to find the best one for you, here are a few tips for finding the right belt:

1/ Choose a belt that is in proportion with you. If you are tall and have a substantial shape, choosing a belt in a wider width (3" or more) should work well for you.

2/ If you're on the shorter or more petite side, choose a belt no wider than 2" to keep your look in balance.

3/ Opt for a belt in a color that is one of your most flattering neutrals. Black isn't always best, so don't overlook brown, camel or an animal print.

4/ Wearing a belt at your waist can visually cut you in half so try to coordinate the color of the belt to the color of what you're wearing. It doesn't have to match exactly, but a belt that is in high contrast will stand out as opposed to one that subtly coordinates with your top/jacket, etc.

5/ To give the appearance of a longer legline, belt your dresses above your waist (a la Michelle Obama). It'll make your legs look longer and help to create a slimmer silhouette.

6/ Wearing a belt helps to create a waistline which can make you look slimmer - hooray!

So find your favorite belt and don't be afraid to experiment. You may find some great new ways to update your look with just a simple accessory.

A New Hue

By now you all know how much I love collaborations. So when I heard that contemporary designer Trina Turk was designing a collection of tights for Hue, I was beside myself! Hue has been a favorite of mine for tights since, well, high-school, and never fails to disappoint with their current styling and well-made goods.

With October drawing to a close and a nip in the air, tights are a wonderfully current addition to your skirts and dresses. Create a funky, upbeat look with tights by Trina Turk for Hue and add spark to your knee- or thigh-high boots. Tights are a fun way to add an unexpected element of style to your look. Trina Turk's designs are priced from $20 - $24 and include graphic stripes or geometrics. So go ahead, show some leg!

Fairytales of Technology

We moms love our laptops. But one that has style and is evocative of something out of a fairytale is just too good to be true!

Dell has teamed up with D.L. & Co: Purveyors of Curious Goods to create limited edition Adamo laptop skins that make your computer look like something right out of your children's favorite storybooks.

Now they have brought those designs to Bergdorf Goodman to create some of the most fabulous window displays that incorporate Little’s signature look: a blend of Edwardian decadence, Asian mystery and Rock and Roll edginess. I..want...one!

In addition, Little has collaborated with costume designer Michael Schmidt for the snake and corset laptops, sculptor George Sellers, Michele Varian for pillows for the Seduce The Senses window, a one of a kind sculpture jewelry piece by Justin Guinta of subversive jewelry in the Divine Design window, Jim Thompson Thai Silk and ABC Home. *swoon* This is definitely a must-see when I head to NYC in a few weeks!

Little says “Adamo means to fall in love and after reviewing the seductive craftsmanship and attention to detail of the Adamo - I too began to ‘fall in love’. I wanted to create a provocative and subversive spin on this love story that visually bridged the gap between fashion, technology and the avant garde. There is no better place on earth to debut these dream like visions than the Fifth Avenue windows of Bergdorf Goodman, which are world renowned for their creativity in seamlessly merging art and high fashion.”

Elle Magazine will be giving one croc-corseted laptop (value $5,000) a week for three weeks. Encrusted with Swarovski crystals and hand-stitched, this is one computer that you're not gonna want to share with the kids!

My Foolproof Outfit

If there's one thing that helps me to move through my day with confidence it's having on an outfit that fulfills three basic needs: 1/ it's chic, 2/ it's comfortable, and 3/it looks and feels effortless. Sounds easy enough, right? Too many times I have walked out of the house to work with a client, then changed clothes to pick my kids up from school, then had to change again for a dinner meeting or event. But on those rare days that I put on a great fitting outfit and know with certainty that I will have the outfit on until it's bedtime, it's like a style epiphany! Really, it's very liberating. I don't have to think about what I'm wearing, whether my jeans will creep down to reveal a little TMI or if it will look rumpled by the end of the day. I just know that I look well put together and can get on with the important stuff - like life!

So today as we celebrated my son's third birthday, I knew I'd have a busy day ahead. At his school there was a little celebration first thing this morning that I had been up all night baking muffins and pumpkin bread for. I needed something that would allow me to sit on the floor with him for group without showing skin (or worse, my thong!), shoes that wouldn't leave me towering endlessly over his sweet little classmates and a top that stayed put.

Here is why this outfit is foolproof, and how you can make yours foolproof too:

1/ Start with a pair of jeans that REALLY fit! No kidding - I mean like a glove, not too tight but won't start hovering around your hips at the end of the day. Jeans that leave you tugging at them take too much energy and take away from your day.

2/ Add a top that preferably has a band at the bottom. Ideally, you want a top that is on the longer side. This allows you to bend over or sit down without showing anything you don't want to.

3/ A body skimming, yet comfortable jacket such as a boyfriend blazer finishes off your look with style. Plus, if you have a few pounds to hide this can do the trick!

4/ Wear shoes that really let you move. Chasing kids in 3" platform heels is neither easy nor sexy. Plus, you could twist your ankle in those things. Save 'em for girls' night out and go for a pair of comfortable, yet chic, flats. They will not let you down, trust me.

5/ Opt for simple jewelry and a handbag that is roomy enough to stash the essentials. Anything else is icing on the cake, but make sure it doesn't detract from your purpose - effortless chic. A scarf can add a shot of color, but if you spend too much time fussing with it, what's the point?

Good luck finding your effortless and foolproof outfit! I'd love to hear from you about what makes your clothing foolproof and effortless!

Who's the Daddy?

These days most of us moms want our #1 man by our side as we give birth. Why not give your man something special to wear in honor of the big day?

DaddyScrubs are a fun way to keep dad comfy while showing off his pride. Designed just like what the doctors wear, DaddyScrubs ($39.95) are emblazoned with the phrase "I'm the Daddy", with a t-shirt bearing the same phrase that makes a perfect "going home" outfit. Mom gets special treatment, why not dad, too? It may make his time in the delivery room that much more comfortable, especially during a long labor.

DaddyScrubs are created by a real dad - who else? - who wanted to give men a special way to celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives.

Head Over Heels

Ladies, if you love to wear heels then you’re gonna love this fall’s lineup of shoes that are reminiscent of skyscrapers! But if heels just don’t suit your lifestyle, don’t despair. There are plenty of stylish options for you, too. Why not try these Coby distressed leather ballet flats (on sale for $40) from Nine West’s Vintage America collection? They’re comfy enough for the playground yet stylish enough to satisfy your inner fashionista.

Want something to add a little sparkle to your jeans and tee shirt? Try these fun Chocolate multi-colored flats adorned with studs and sequins. They'll dress up your most basic look, and give you a chic, edgy look. ($69)

L'Oreal Paris - Not Just for Women

Sure, L'Oreal Paris creates amazing cosmetics, skincare and nailcolor for women. But you didn't think they'd leave men out in the cold, did you? At the L'Oreal Paris Color Space at the NC State Fair men can sample skincare and hair care products made just for them.

The Men's Expert line from L'Oreal Paris is made up of products targeted specifically for men's skincare needs. I talked with Christian, L'Oreal Paris Event Producer, who recommends the Hydea-Energetic, Anti-Stress and Fatigue Moisturizer. Created to moisturize, soothe and protect all one step, the men's line is very user-friendly. One thing Christian pointed out is that men need to be using a daily SPF on their skin to prevent sun damage. However, men don't always use skincare products regularly, so this step often gets overlooked. Why not bring home a few products for your man to try? If you simply leave a face wash or a moisturizer in the bathroom, his curiousity will get the best of him and he'll want to give it a try. Once he sees the results, he'll become a big fan!

We take good care of our own skin - why not do what we can to encourage our men to take care of theirs?

L'Oreal Paris - My Makeover

Today is Day #2 for me blogging live from the L'Oreal Paris Color Space at the 2009 NC State Fair. The weather is a little chilly but the sun is coming out, making it a lovely day for the fair. Luckily, the L'Oreal tent is nice and heated, making it a fabulous way to indulge yourself in some beauty while coming in from the cold.

My first adventure this morning was to be treated to a complimentary skincare consultation and a makeover. What fun! Above is a shot of me as I arrived - my makeup is very natural looking and simple. As I entered the makeover area of the tent I spoke with Elaine, a L'Oreal skincare professional, who removed my makeup and recommended products and cleansers to keep my skin looking great. If there's one thing I've been blessed with it's good skin, and a healthy diet and lots of water have helped to keep it looking great, despite being a bit dehydrated. Elaine recommended a gentle cream cleanser, and Revitalift Complete day lotion that contains Pro-Retinol A and Pro-Lastyl. These work to help fight wrinkles as well as firm the skin, with a non-greasy finish (and the addition of an SPF). Thanks, Elaine. I'm gonna give these a try!

After my skincare consultation I was treated to a makover from Denise, a L'Oreal makeup artist from Chicago. I told Denise I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and try something new on my eyes. When she asked me how I'd like some shimmer, I was a little uncertain. I mean, I am 41, and didn't want to look too overdone. She assured me it would be subtle and pretty. So I said go for it!

When I saw the final result I was thrilled that I had asked Denise for something I wouldn't have thought to create on on my own. She did very bold, dramatic eyes on me. I have rather large, deep-set eyes and have always shied away from anything that I thought made them look bigger. Boy was I doing the wrong thing! Denise showed me how playing up my eyes in a dramatic fashion accentuated them in a way that I just loved! She used black liner, as well as HIP loose shadow pigment in a shade called "unashamed" (how cool is that?) that is best described as a deep rose with a hint of shimmer. Very contemporary and very chic! She then lengthened my lashes with Extra Volume Collagen mascara. I've been on a quest for long, full lashes lately and this plumping mascara with it's large, full brush yields some pretty impressive results. Because she did a deep, dramatic eye and it was the middle of the day, I asked her for a soft, nude lip to balance the look. You can see the "after" pic at left.

Judging by the numbers of people streaming through, lots of women are going to get a new look this afternoon. I wish I could document all the wonderful "befores" and "afters" that I am seeing because the L'Oreal ladies are doing a phenomenal job. But the best part is the look can be recreated at home without a lot of time or expense. L'Oreal products are available at your local drugstore or superstore at prices that won't leave you batting an eye.

L'Oreal Paris - Beauty's Only Skin Deep

Have you ever looked at your skin up close and personal? Taking a close look at our skin in the mirror can help us to understand a little better how to treat it and why it's so delicate. But treat yourself to a personal consultation in L'Oreal Paris' Glow Vista machine located in the L'Oreal Paris Color Space at the NC State Fair and you'll gain a whole new understanding of the the effects of the evironment on your skin.

Performed by a licensed esthetician, a personal consultation in the Glow Vista (pictured, left) will give you a picture of the second layer of your skin (one we never get to see). The machine is mirrored so you can look at your face simultaneously as the consultant points out your issues. You'll see how the sun has damaged your skin over the years, determine whether your skin is dehydrated and diagnose some other potential problems, perhaps even before you notice them otherwise. Scary, I know. But more than just that, she'll custom create a skincare regimen for you that will help to repair some of the damage, and well as prevent more.

I'll admit that I was simultaneously drawn to, and afaid of, the Glow Vista. Knowing what I'd see may not be what I'd like to see, I approached it with trepidation (see me, right). However, hearing my diagnosis (my skin is dehydrated) by a licensed professional, along with a few easy to follow recommendations to add to my skincare routine, made it a process I was glad I gave in to.

L'Oreal Paris proves that beauty is only skin deep, and that when we know what lurks beneath the surface we can nurture our skin to help it look better than ever.

L'Oreal Paris Color Space - Highlight Your Own Hair

We all love the look of highlights and the dimension they can create. Yet paying the hefty pricetag many salons charge may not be in our budget as often as we'd like. Why not try doing your own highlights at home? Before you ask me if I'm kidding, let me just tell you right now that it's a very real possibility - and easier than you might think!

At the L'Oreal Paris Color Space tent at the 2009 NC State Fair I met L'Oreal Colorist, Vanessa, who showed me how easy it can be to create your own highlights at home. First, choose your formula from several options. If you want partial highlights, choose from the Chunking kit for chunky accents, Colour Rays for a little edgy color, or Couleur Express for subtle highlights or lowlights.

Vanessa showed me an easy way to get the color you want. Begin by sectioning off a chunk of hair at the top of your head and secure it so it's out of your way. (see below)

Next, you'll take a comb and section off small strands. Brush each strand on the topside, then the under side, with the color formula. No foils are needed, but be careful that colored strands don't get pressed into your hair or it may affect the color. If the strands just lay gently on your hair it will be fine. For chunkier highlights use larger strands, for more subtle highlights use smaller strands.

Keep going until you have colored the desired amout of hair and follow the instructions for best results.

It may seem old school but, believe it or not, one of L'Oreal Paris' best selling hair color products is the Frost and Design kit. It comes complete with a cap (just like your grandma used to wear!) for even application all-over, or just in sections.

Even if you've never contemplated it before, you may want to rethink DIY haircolor. If you're not certain about doing it on yourself, enlist a trusted friend and take turns doing each other's. Better yet, stop by and see Vanessa yourself while she's here and get her expert tips. You'll save some serious cash while treating yourself to a little beauty indulgence that can help boost your image at the same time.