PurseHook Keeps Your Bags Germ-Free

Most women think nothing of setting their purse or diaper bag on the floor at restaurants or in public restrooms. But do you really want to take all those bacteria and germs home with you? When you use the FUMI PurseHook your bags stay elevated and germ-free. The FUMI PurseHook is an amazing new multitasking product that starts out as a chic bracelet, then easily pops off to securely hold your bag under the table or on a rest room door. Available in ten different styles, each FUMI is adorned with leather, animal print or other chic materials, and comes in light gold, silver and pewter finishes. The FUMI PurseHook is available for $24.95.

Win A FUMI PurseHook
We want you to try this out for yourselves so we're giving away two FUMI PurseHooks. To enter, just tell us which design you like best and how you'd use it. Deadline is March 6, 2009. Don't forget to leave your email address.

* We want to congratulate our winners, Karen G. and Kim M. on winning a FUMI Pursehook.

Ten Money-Saving Tips

We all know the value of a dollar, but these days most of us are stretching that dollar as far as it can go. Here are ten tips to help save you money on things to do everyday. If you have any tips of our own, we'd love to hear about them.

1. Buy/Cook in bulk - Get a break on the rising prices at the grocery store by purchasing food in larger quantities. Then cook more servings than you need and freeze the extra portions for later (saving valuable time, too).

2. Banish the Bottled Water - Purchasing bottled water is not only expensive, but it is also wasteful for the environment. Fill a re-usable bottle with filtered tap water and refrigerate for better taste. Filters are an inexpensive way to improve taste and remove additives.

3. Ride your Bike or Carpool - Biking to work can save you (or yor hubby) money on gas and parking, plus its great exercise. If you're driving the kids around try carpooling with another mom who lives nearby. Switching off driving duties and splitting the gas can save wear on your car and cut expenses in half.

4. Do-It-Yourself Dry Cleaning - Rather than going to the dry cleaners every time, try the inexpensive do-it-yourself dry cleaning kits available at grocery and drug stores. Dryel is one we've used and can highly recommend.

5. Coffee Stops - We all love stopping at the coffee shop, but those trips add up quickly. Try reducing your coffee purchases to once a week, or skip the triple-mocha Venti latte and opt for a tall coffee instead. Just switching your choice of beverage could save you as much as $20 per week.

6. Energy Savings - Switch to fluorescent energy-saving light bulbs to save on your energy bills. Although they are more expensive up front, they will save you money in the long run and won’t have to be replaced for years. When looking to purchase new appliances, make sure to choose the “energy-star” appliances that will not use as much electricity to operate.

7. Prescriptions - Ask your doctor about cheaper, generic prescription alternatives and look for savings plans when you switch to drug store pharmacies or purchase online and have them delivered for free. Also, ask your doctor for samples. Chances are they can offer you at least one or two, saving you some cash.

8. Shop Online for Groceries - Look for Free Shipping offers to save you time finding parking, dealing with crowds, and waiting in line. Have items delivered for free right to your door (no filling up the trunk or carrying items from the car!)

9. Save with Coupons - Use sites like CouponWinner.com and PromotionalCodes.com to find deals and codes for online purchases as well as printable coupons to take to the grocery store.

10. Pack Snacks for the Kids - Instead of succumbing to the unhealthy, overpriced snacks that are available on-the-go, package cheese crackers, granola, baby carrots and other healthy snacks in single-serving portions to help ward off low blood sugar induced meltdowns.

To a Tee

When it comes to fashion, you just can't get much more basic than jeans and a tee shirt. It's a classic look that conjures up the casual comfort of our college days and can translate right into adulthood with a few adjustments.

For busy moms, a stash of basic tee shirts can give us a very wearable wardrobe that takes us through our days and into our nights. But take note that the boxy, baggy tees of our past have given way to more body-conscious styles that create a sleeker, more polished look. Pair one with the best fitting pair of jeans you can find and you've got the makings of a handful of great looks.
Now that you're all grown up, try adding another layer to your jeans and tee:

- Toss on a cute jacket or a stylish boyfriend cardigan to create a chic and polished look.

- Add a pair of comfy flats and you've got a look that takes you from the playground to meetings with ease and finesse.

- Drape a pretty scarf around your neck to add some pop and some polish.

Now is a great time to stock up on your favorite tee shirts. Whether v-neck or scoop-neck are your best look you're bound to find a body-skimming tee in your favorite color. We found some great basic styles at prices you just can't beat!

1. This navy V-neck from Merona adds a touch of style to your look in a color that's right on trend. $6.

2. Old Navy's Perfect Fit V-Neck comes in a variety of hues and is just $5!

3. On days where you want more coverage or want to hide a little extra mommy-weight, add a Long Layering Tank under your tee. At $5 they're a cheap and easy way to add a shot of color to your style.

4. A white V-neck tee works well as a layering piece for sweaters, jackets and other knit tops. $8.99 from Target.

5. This chic Big Flower hand-screened tee from Ahpeele give you a lot of bang for the buck at $25.

6. Old Navy's Perfect Tee comes in a scoopneck version too, and it's still just $5!

Red Carpet Review

Ok, mamas, you've been waiting all week and here it is - my best and worst-dressed list from the 2009 Oscars.

This was a great year for Oscar fashion. The overall look was elegant with a return to Hollywood glamour. The mood was low-key, much a reflection of the mood of the nation at the moment, but there was very little black (a pleasant surprise!). Nudes and neutrals, with metallic accents, Swarovski crystals, pleating and beading were the trend and I thought this was a lovely look. I was a little surprised there weren't more vivid colors on the red carpet this year, but not terribly disappointed. A few of those who did sport bold colored dresses didn't do it in the most flattering way, so it's probably for the best.

So here they are - drumroll, please!

Best Dressed:
1.Ann Hathaway - She looked simply stunning in her champagne colored Armani Prive strapless dress that was encrusted with paillettes and Swarovski crystals. The dress was in a color very close to her natural skintone and made her look radiant!

2. Taraji P. Henson - Her ivory strapless gown by Roberto Cavalli was simplistically modern. She accessorized beautifully with a floral diamond statement necklace and a chic red clutch.

3. Kate Winslet - A true starlet, she looked stunning in her Atelier Yves St. Laurent blue satin one shoulder dress with black lace overlay. The blue repeated her eye color and made the dress that much more flattering to her.

4. Penelope Cruz - Wearing a vintage Balmain strapless dress, Penelope looked like the pinnacle of vintage Hollywood glamour. A lovely color for her and a cut that really accentuated her great shape.

5. Evan Rachel Wood - This Raleigh, NC native evoked the starlets of the 40's with her skintone hued pleated gown. Her dark nail polish gave the look a modern edge.

Honorable Mentions:

Diane Lane, Marisa Tomei, Miley Cyrus, Angelina Jolie and Vanessa Hudgens all looked wonderful.

Worst Dressed:

1. Mickey Roarke - With all they hype about Mickey lately, I just had to include him. I will say that I loved his outfit - just not on him. The white suit with black vest were too harsh for him in terms of color. A cream would have looked much better with his warm coloring. And what happened to his hair? It took center stage and ruined his look.

2. Beyonce - A beautiful lady, but was she inspired by Scarlett O'Hara to turn her draperies into a dress? Enough said.

3. Amanda Seyfried - The dress wore Amanda. The bold orange dress made a big splash and overtook her petite frame. The fact that her hair was down and muddled with the neckline AND the necklace just created distractions. This dress so easily could have been a winner with a chic up-do and some simple diamond earrings. Sigh...

4. Tilda Swinton - Long known for her avant garde fashion, Tilda flopped as a presenter. In a color that was just enough away from her skintone to cast a wan pallor on her, the fit was frumpy and the dress was just not red carpet-worthy.

5. Meryl Streep - There is something to be said for wearing an age-appropriate dress. However, age-appropriate and frumpy are NOT synonomous. And no, Meryl, dishwater brown is not your shade.

Honorable Mentions:
Heidi Klum (was she losing her dress or did it come that way?), Amy Adams, Melissa George, Viola Davis and Natalie Portman (yes, dear Natalie made the list - that color was not becoming to her and her tan lines were unflattering, to say the least).

Hidden Dangers in Kids' Meals

From time to time many of us moms find ourselves hitting the drive-thru for an easy fast food meal for our famlies. It's quick, convenient and most kids love it. By now we know about the fat and calories that fast food is full of, but now there's yet another thing for moms to worry about feeding their children (like we need something else) - genetically engineered foods (GE). They have been the subject of many controversial debates and are the subject of this documentary that brings to light information that is informative, yet scary. Turns out that more than just corn is genetically engineered - soy beans and potatoes, among a list of other surprises.

If you don't know by now, I am a big health food junkie. I love organics, raw foods, whole grains, non-GMO and hormone-free foods. However, I am a busy mom just like you and occasionally succumb to the lure of pulling through the drive-thru at the end of a long day. We moms do the best we can do for our families. I wanted to pass this along not to alarm you, but to empower you to make conscious choices. Eating fast food on occasion is probably not going to create any lon-term health problems, but if it's the staple of your diet then you may want to take note. And if you're the kind of mom who is driven to take action, go to GMFreeSchools.org to see what you can do to make a difference for your kids.

Red Carpet Review

Did you watch the Oscars? I sure did and there were some amazing dresses on the red carpet this year! I noticed a sophisticated return to Hollywood glamour, especially among the A-listers, and have to say that I loved the look! Who were my favorites? Well if you're in Raleigh, NC you can come out tomorrow night and find out. I'll be part of the Red Carpet Review that's happening at Luxe Apothecary in North Hills. We'll start off the event at 6:00pm with a champagne toast. Becca Cosmetics makeup artist Lynn Furge will show how to recreate the look of the stars, and I will be there to spotlight the hits and misses in the dress department. Nibble on smoked salmon and other goodies while you brush up on your spring makeup tricks and gather some tips from the stars' choices, both good and not so good.

So grab your gal pals and stop by after a long day for some girly glamour and a chance to dish on your favorite celeb looks. Your $50 entry fee is fully redeemable in Becca Cosmetics products.

* Editor's Note - check back on Thursday when I reveal my hits and misses on the red carpet this year, and why!

Space Treat: Bundle Up!

Instead of sprinkling your day with various activities you need to accomplish, make better use of your time around the office and house by bundling like tasks into separate categories. That means gather up a bunch of phone calls and whip through them in one fell swoop. Then move on to the next bundle. (Do your phone call bundle first, that way if you have to leave a message you'll still be around to answer the return call while you're finishing up another bundle.)

Here's a list of activities that work great in bundles:
· computer entry
· researching a topic on the internet
· paper filing
· bill paying
· health insurance submission
· emailing
· shredding
· on-line banking
· a month of birthday card writing/buying/sending
· on-line shopping

By bundling your activities, it's easier to concentrate on that particular task. And you'll save time and energy by avoiding the drain caused by zig-zagging all over the place.

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

One Green Giveaway

A handful of our favorite companies have put together a fabulous green giveaway and we just had to tell you about it. Kate Quinn Organics, IsaBooties, BabyLegs, Little Twig and Belle Baby Carriers have teamed up to give Jessica Alba and Minnie Driver gift baskets filled with eco-friendly products. But they're not stopping there. They want you to have a chance to win one too. Here's what the lucky winner will receive:

- Three pairs of IsaBooties Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes (winners choice of size and style)
- One Belle baby carrier from the organic/hemp line
- The following five items from Kate Quinn Organics: one long sleeve lapneck tee, one short sleeve lapneck tee, one long sleeve kimono bodysuit, one short sleeve kimono bodysuit and one straight leg pant (winners choice of size and style)
- The following seven items from Little Twig: diaper cream, bodymilk, 2 baby wash, bubble bath, baby oil, and washcloths
- Ten pairs of organic BabyLegs (winners choice of style).

To enter just click here and fill out the registration form. One winner will receive this year's supply of eco-friendly baby goods (worth $450) and we all know how good that will be! The deadline is February 24, 2009.

Dana Buchman for Kohl's

Dana Buchman is known for her crisp, effortless designs that cost a pretty penny. Now she's brought them to Kohl's at a price that we can all appreciate.

This pretty Floral Ruffle Top ($32.20) is a lovely top to take you into spring. With the fresh blue hue and a soft ruffle around the neckline, this works well beneath a cardigan or jacket, as well as on its own once warm weather is upon us.

This Striped Cardigan ($53.20) is perfect for right now and adds a chic look to your outfit whether worn with just a white tee and jeans or crisp black trousers and a blouse. The graphic stripes give this cardigan a classic look while the bright colors bring it right up to the moment.

For a fresh resort-worthy look try this floaty silk Grommet Tunic ($42). Pair it with jeans for low-key casual or crisp white pants for a sunny springtime outfit. The vibrant pink is a pretty color that will give you a rosy glow and bring a smile to your face.

Twinkle Toes

It's almost that time of year again - time to bring out toes out from hiding in our warm, cozy boots and prepare them for unveiling. It had been a while since I had treated myself to a pedicure, so I indulged and had my feet buffed, sloughed and polished with a color that conjures up spring. They make me oh so happy when I look down to see their vibrant new coat.

If you're looking for a color to give your toes (or your fingers) a lift, try the new shades from Sephora by OPI. Colorful, flirty and fun, these high-quality glosses are free of tolulene and formaldehyde. Not in the mood for a bold hue? Try "I Need Space or "Nonfat Soy Half Caff" for a nude hues that will give you natural looking nails with a little something extra. With shades ranging from sparkling white to deepest black and everything in between, there's something for everyone.

Feed Your Lashes

Long, luscious lashes have been part of Hollywood glamou for years, and are quickly coming into focus as a glamorous accessory on the fashion runway. Yet short of wearing fakes, it can be difficult to achieve this look without channeling Tammy Faye Bakker.

LashFood is a new, natural lash conditioning stimulant that produces thicker, stronger lashes in as little as 2-4 weeks. LashFood's breakthrough natural ingredients include biotin, arginine (a natural amino acid) and herbal extracts that help promote the natural growth and strength of eyelashes and eyebrows. The result: your lashes become thicker, darker, and longer.

We're giving one winner the chance to try LashFood's for themselves. To enter, leave us a comment telling us why you'd like thicker, fuller lashes - don't forget your email. Deadline is Midnight, EST, February 25, 2009.

ALDO Under the Tents

I've long been a fan of ALDO Shoes. High on style with a price that's not too hard on the budget makes their shoes a great find. I recently purchased my new favorite pair of flats from ALDO called the Khalilah ($60). I love these shoes - they're super comfy and look great with my trouser jeans for an urban casual style that goes from playing with the kids to meetings and then out for dinner without missing a beat.

With functionality that doesn't take a back seat to high style, it's no surprise that ALDO Shoes were a hit under the tents for NY Fashion week.

Design duo E.Y. Wada, who's combined resume includes stints with Marc Jacobs, DKNY and Zac Posen, teamed up with well known stylist Michelle Cameron who customized black ALDO pumps with beads, brooches and spray paint.

Unconditional, who has partnered with ALDO before for Fashion Week, personalized ALDO boots for men and women by adding thick straps giving the boots a more rugged look.

Frank Tell customized ALDO platforms and booties with black Swarovski crystal creating unique shoes to pair with the collection.

Shop Your Closet

The days are still chilly with the occasional hint of snow yet as we inch closer to spring it makes me wistful for my spring dresses. So why not bring those spring cotton dresses out of hiding and give them a makeover that takes them to the office or out to play and induldges you with something "new" from your very own closet? Last week I found myself doing this very thing and, to my surprise, received compliments from my husband (!) as well as other women business owners I was meeting with. How's that for re-using what I already have!

The key to this look is to choose a dress that doesn't shout spring or summer. A bold, splashy floral sundress isn't going to work quite as well as a cotton dress in a neutral color or a more subdued print. But don't be afraid to experiment - you may surprise yourself. Remember, accessories are key to taking your spring dress into another season so keep your jewelry, jackets, bags and shoes season appropriate. Here are my tips for giving your cotton dresses a cool-weather makeover:

1/ Start by adding a pair of tights. Pay close attention to color. Black tights may work with a medium to dark tone dress, but are going to stand out with a pastel dress. For lighter colors try tights in a pale gray or taupe or bring out a color that's in the dress. If it's neutral don't be afraid to try a bold hue like red, raspberry or royal blue.

2/ Your shoes must work with the dress too. For a cheeky look try a pair of boots (we love these black suede slouchy boots), suede oxfords with cut-outs or a pretty pair of pumps.

3/ A lighter weight dress may require a slip or some shapewear underneath to give you the cool-weather coverage you need. What's appropriate for the beach isn't exactly office attire. Make sure you're covered in every way.

4/ Top your look off with a jacket or cardigan. Ensure it coordinates with your overall look and gives balance to what's on your feet and legs. Try adding a belt over your cardigan for a fun look.

5/ Your bag should match your shoes...just kidding! Your bag should be appropriate for February. Don't make the mistake of pulling out your raffia bag just because you carry it with your dress in the spring. Your bag should whisper 'winter' and coordinate with the rest of your look.

6/ Add some chic jewelry that gives you the finishing touch. Try a brooch on your sweater or jacket, an armful of bangles or a necklace or earrings that really make a statement.

Voila! You've just successfully gotten a whole new seasons' wear from an old spring/summer favorite without spending a dime! I hope this will inspire you to see what other looks you can create by mixing and matching season. Let me know what ideas you come up with!

Space Treat: Are You Energy Efficient?

You may already be composting in the backyard, showering with a low-flow shower-head and installing CFL bulbs in every light fixture but are you efficiently using your biggest resource… your very own built-in natural energy?

Energy - we all have our very own unique cycles of high and low energy. When we sync these cycles to our daily tasks, projects and activities we become more energy efficient and as a result we can get more done in less time with less stress.

Do you spring out of bed at 6:30am raring to start your day or are you more of a night owl, who just begins to really wake up at 10:30pm? Perhaps you're like me, my best writing hours are between 8-10am and that's when I try to write these Space Treats whenever possible.

You may have already noticed that at certain times of day you have more energy than at other times. Whether you're diving into a new organizing project or just trying to schedule a consistent time to process your mail and papers, it's time to look at your natural energy highs and lows.

When you're embarking on a hard-core organizing adventure like revamping your paper system, clothing closet or garage, schedule these organizing hours during your high-energy times. Incorporate the more mind-less activities like on-banking, bill paying and paper shredding during low-energy times. This way you'll get the most bang from your time with the least pain.

Begin to play around by pairing your actions to your natural highs and lows and be sure to enjoy the stress-saving benefits.

Erica
The Spacialist
New York Magazine's 2008 choice for BEST SPACE ORGANIZER!
212.924.4383

Mark Your Calendar

The birth of a child is a special event that you won’t easily forget. Mark your important days with jewelry from Not Just Any Old Day. A wonderful way to commemorate special occasions, Not Just Any Old Day creates jewelry from sterling silver that includes a calendar with your special date marked by a Swarovski crystal. Worn by the likes of Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, Not Just Any Old Day's designs (priced from $98 - $258) include charms, charm bracelets, necklaces, key chains and money clips and make perfect gifts for both moms and dads. Order your unique and memorable piece from Not Just Any Old Day.

Bye-Bye Bingo Wings

Have you ever waved goodbye and realized that the skin on your upper arms was flapping in the wind? It’s a common area of concern for many women, and can be a difficult area to tone. FLABuLESS™ offers three great ways to shape up your arms in just seconds. The first-ever shapewear created just for upper arms, FLABuLESS™ provides arm-slimming control to instantly smooth the upper arms and reduce the appearance of sagging and bulging skin.

The De Quart Sleeve ($26.95) is made to wear under shirts, dresses and jackets with 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves or short sleeves. The Pleine Sleeve style ($27.95) offers maximum coverage under long sleeved garments from shoulder to wrist. The Veston ($35.95 - $41.95) combines the styling of the Pleine Sleeve and the De Quart Sleeve in a bolero-style jacket that's perfect to wear over sleeveless dresses and tops to keep your arms looking their best.

Whatever style you choose, FLABuLESS™ will give you a sleek, toned silhouette under fitted tops and dresses. Try FLABuLESS™ and wave bye-bye to bingo wings! Use code "savenow" to get 10% off your order.

Win FLABuLESS™ for yourself. One winner will receive the style of their choosing. To enter just let us know what style you prefer and what your t-shirt size is. Please don't forget your email. Deadline is Midnight, EST, Feb 20, 2009.

Beauty on a Budget

Beauty on a budget doesn't necessarily have to mean buying products on the cheap. On the contrary, investing in good products that multitask will save you just as much money without compromising on the finished product. After all, you want put your best face forward for the whole world to see.

These multitasking money-savers will help you maximize your beauty routine and streamline your budget:

1. Tinted Moisturizer from Mary Kay combines the coverage of sheer foundation with the protection of sunscreen in a nourishing moisturizer that's just $18. Why buy 3 products when you could buy just 1?

2. 2+1 For Eyes Inspiration from Paula Dorf brings you 3 complementary shadows (shadow, contour and liner) in one easy round. Take the fuss out of choosing three that work well together and you'll enjoy the benefit (and the savings) of having three-in-one. $24.

3. The Multiple from Nars in Orgasm is a radiant peachy-pink wash that imparts a luminous glow on eyes, cheeks, lips and even decolletage and is a great way to brighten up your skin after a long winter. ($37)

4. The Shimmer Brick from Bobbi Brown ($38) is definitely worth its salt. Use a large brush to sweep on an all-over radiance as a bronzer or smaller brushes to access one of the many individual colors to use them as eye shadows or blush. You can even mix with Vaseline to create a lip-gloss.

5. The Superbalm from Liz Earle is an emergency skin salve chock full of healing ingredients such as avocado, echinacea, rose hips and other plant oils that work wonders on dry skin and lips, help heal scars, moisturize cuticles and even tame frizzy hair. This is multitasking at its finest. ($8.50 - $29)

Sale at eDressMe.com

The Oscars are next Sunday - do you have your dress yet? If you're not making your way down the red carpet, perhaps you'll just need a dress for a night out with the girls to dish on whose dress looked fabulous and whose, well, didn't. Make sure you're on the "hot" list this year. With time left to shop, eDressMe.com is having a sale. On Monday, February 16, shop eDressMe.com and you'll score some bargains such as $400 designer dresses for just $50! You can't afford to miss this one!

We just love this Ruffled Halter Dress by Laundry by Shelli Segal (regularly $325) and think the midnight blue would look fabulous on brunettes, blondes and redheads alike. Designers dresses on sale include: Carmen Marc Valvo, Tadashi. BCBG, Nicole Miller, Shoshanna and many more! These are prices Martha Washington (being the hottie that she was) would have loved. Maybe there's even one to go with Martha's purple satin and silver sequin pumps!

Make a Statement With Erickson Beamon

I have long admired the bejeweled creations of the dynamic duo, Erickson Beamon. The two women behind the creative partnership, Vicki Beamon and Karen Erickson, have been a driving force in the fashion industry for 23 years. Former NY "scenesters", these ladies were around during the Studio 54 heyday, dressing style icons of the era. They soon began creating jewelry that could have come from your grandmother's collection but at prices that were out of reach for many women.

Erickson Beamon have now brought their timeless, old-world charm to Target at prices that are much more affordable. I love the Jeweled Flower Bracelet ($39.99) and think it would be the perfect addition to a pretty spring dress or even jeans and a tee. The look this season is all about statement jewelry, big and bold, and this Jeweled Flower Ring ($29.99) brings plenty of panache to your wardrobe. Style is in full bloom and more is more this season!

Valentine's Day on a Shoestring

Hey Mama's, Happy Valentine's Day! This is a day set aside to spend some time with your partner and remember who the person is that you co-parent with on a daily basis. For parents it can be more of a challenge to set aside time together, but it's important to try and carve out ways to show each other how you feel to keep the spark alive. Here are a few tips for celebrating Valentine's Day from Colleen Mullaney, lifestyle expert, decorating guru and author of the entertaining book It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. Colleen says “Valentine’s Day celebrations can be affordable; a few simple touches can transform the everyday dining table to a romantic retreat. What’s more – I find these at home moments often lead to better memories and they’re much more fun to create!”

Here are a few of her ideas to help spice up your Valentine's Day:

Good Morning – Begin the day by letting your spouse sleep in. The added beauty rest goes a long way and allows you to start the morning on a luxurious note. Place a valentine note under the pillow to start the day with a little romance. You can continue the romantic mood and ensure they don’t lose that loving feeling by texting and emailing sweet nothings. Finally, heart shaped cookie cutters can make the first meal of the day a memorable one. Try pancakes with mixed berries to set the mood.

Set the Mood – Transform the everyday dining space with homemade accents and other elegant and romantic touches. For example, put your heart out on a limb, literally, by making a hearts tree. Crafted by printing out photos or poems, cutting them into heart shapes and hanging them with pretty ribbons on branches that have been sprayed white. A simple vase filled with red pebbles makes a perfect base. Or, set a heart inspired tablescape. Paper stores carry pre-cut heart shapes in a variety of sizes, perfect for place mats and drink coasters. Sprinkle the table with confetti or small candies and finish off with candles and flowers. No need for a dozen long stemmed roses, try a few bunches of red tulips cut short and arranged in small glass cubes for a modern look without the expense.

The Main Event – For most, the central Valentine’s Day celebration is the dinner you share at the end of the evening. Plan on something special and festive that the two of you can cook together. Keep the lighting low and play romantic tunes to set the mood. To add to the festivity start your meal with a cocktail. Try the Baccarat from her book, "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere", a tasty concoction of cranberry juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier and Rose Champagne. The bubbles will set a celebratory tone and the cranberry adds a splash of the seasonal color. End the meal with heart shaped brownies or mini cakes with berries and cream.

Finish Strong – No need to rush through the dinner, talk and enjoy each other’s company. After cleaning up (together) watch a romantic movie, perhaps something you saw during the beginning stages of your courtship or play a game with a love theme like scrabble. Romance can be found everywhere and should be celebrated throughout the day.

Whatever you do to celebrate, have a wonderful day!

Win a Romantic Dinner for Two

Are you in the Big Apple, or do you have plans to be soon? Then you don't want to miss this giveaway from the chic NYC restaurant, Bruno Jamais, a romantic supper club that brings the French Riviera to New York's upper east side. Bruno Jamais is a wonderful place to dine in style until 3am (if you can stay awake that long!) as well as do a little celebrity spotting. Billy Baldwin, Joan Rivers, Cindy Adams, Chazz Palminteri and even former President Bill Clinton have all dined at the Bruno Jamais, and it was recently the scene of a fete for Bravo's "Real Housewives" stars, Simon Van Campen and Alex McCord, and the release of their upcoming parenting book (more on that later). It's a great place to get dressed in your chic-est attire and enjoy a night out.

We're giving away a $50 gift certificate for the Bruno Jamais. To enter, simply leave us a comment and tell us why you'd like to win. Please don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight EST, February 19, 2009.

Locks of Love

This week our 5 year old daughter, Ivy, cut off 10" of her gorgeous blonde hair to donate to
Locks of Love. It was something I suggested to her a couple of months ago when we started talking about cutting her hair short. She was not very receptive to the idea, mostly because one of her best friends had long hair and Ivy wanted to look just like her. But after a few weeks of casually finding ways to mention it, and hearing that our neighbor was going to shave his head to raise money for St. Baldrick's Foundation, she got a little more excited. So Monday night we looked at the Locks of Love website and watched the video. Then we realized that a couple of local salons do free haircuts to those who are donating their hair so we called Salon Moxie and booked her appointment. I wanted to make sure she'd have a cute new cut to enjoy.

Ivy was very brave for her haircut, although a little squirmy. Her haircut turned out adorably and looks great on her. After the hairdresser dried her hair and brushed her off I asked Ivy how she felt. "Very proud". I'm very proud, too! She did a wonderful thing that will help someone who has lost their hair, and in the meantime did something that was very empowering for herself. How amazing to be a part of that!

For Your True Loves

With Valentine's Day on the horizon you may find yourself dreaming of chocolates, perfume, jewelry and flowers. Why not treat yourself and your family to some sweet indulgences that they can enjoy all year long.

Little Uni has created a limited edition heart t-shirt just perfect for your little sweeties. And of course these tees are the same high-quality shirts with handcrafted goodness you've come to expect from Little Uni. After you place your order, send an email to info@littleuni.com with “HEART” in the subject line to be refunded 10% from all heart tees through the month of February.

In honor of Valentine's Day, Diptych Candles has created the most romantic of all its candles. The Pink Roses Candle plays up the vintage touch with a rosebud motif. Inspired by Liberty fabrics, the design pays tribute to the Diptyque founders who originally created textiles for this historic London department store. Available at all Diptych stores and at Barney's, the Pink Roses Candle brings a touch of girly charm to a sophisticated, scented candle. ($68)

A laptop bag or sleeve is a bag you'll use all year long. The Pink Hearts sleeve will remind you of those you love every time you fire up your laptop. (on sale for $27.96)

Looking for something a little different this Valentine's Day? Look no further than Uncommon Goods. With a variety of gifts for all those on your list, you'll find something as uncommon as they are.

Scents and D'essense

*(psst...forward this to your DH)

Scents have the power to arouse us in many ways. They create memories, arouse emotions and remind us of our past. One whiff of a fragrance from years ago can remind you of your childhood, your first car, your first kiss. Giving a fragrance for Valentine's Day seems so fitting however, selecting a scent for your partner can be a very personal gesture and one that may be the catalyst for creating memories in years to come.

Perfume, in its true essence, can be very expensive, but there are lovely fragrances available at all price points. D'essense designer fragrances were designed to make fine perfume available to everyone at prices that are affordable. With close to 80 fragrances to choose from, including Michale Kors, Vera Wang, Chanel No. 5, Eternity or White Diamonds, you're bound to find your old favorite, or maybe even a new one. But the best part is that the prices are as much as 80% below deparment store prices. Try the scented Shea Butter Cream, One Ounce Set, or the Body Wash Set in your favorite fragrance and start making some memories of your own.

When selecting a fragrance for your loved one, take into account her style and personality. Is she classic? Perhaps she’s a Chanel No. 5 woman. Is she young and chic? How about J'Adore or Beautiful? When remembering your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, rest assured you can find a scent that will be just right for her at D'essense designer fragrances without breaking the bank.

Scale Your Satchel

In case you haven't heard, the bag of the moment is the satchel. This is great news for moms because they're large and roomy, giving us room to carry all that we need for ourselves and our kids. Typically, satchels are big, slouchy bags that have a relaxed, "I'm a world traveler" kind of appeal. They can be found in all price ranges and in materials ranging from leather to canvas, and many more.

The size is what's really notable about satchels - but also where many women can easily go wrong and become overwhelmed by too much handbag. With satchels coming in as many shapes and sizes as you can imagine, you can surely find one to suit you whether you're shopping at Target or Bergdorf Goodman. Here's what to look for:

1/ If you're of a petite/small stature, you'll want to make sure your bag doesn't overpower you. Look for smaller versions of satchels that are in proportion to you. You want to wear the satchel, not vice versa. A huge bag will only make you look smaller than you are. Keep the details in proportion too.

2/ If you are of medium height/build, go for a mid-sized satchel. This will best flatter your proportions and enhance your size.

3/ For you taller/larger women out there, go ahead and rock the biggest satchel you can find. You need it to balance out your size and scale. If you opt for a smaller bag, it will only make you look bigger (funny how it works both ways!). A big bag with lots of big hardware works well for you.

Now let's talk about color and texture. Your handbag is a great place to sport one of the hottest colors of the season. Choose a vibrant yellow or coral if you really want eye-popping, on-trend hue. Choose a navy if you want a classic neutral or another shade of blue to indulge your inner fashionista. Choose a pale neutral or a muted metallic if you need something versatile. Remember to match your bag to your personal coloring and find the best shade for you.

This season textures abound. You'll find basketweaves, snakeskin, crackled finishes and shiny patent. Choose one that works for you and expresses your personal style. Your bag makes a statement about who you are and is a great place to put your personal stamp on your look.

*The satchel shown is the Stitched Patent Tote from Charlotte Russe, $19.99.

Peek-A-Boo

Do you love wrap dresses as much as I do? I think a good wrap dress is one of the most flattering cuts a woman can wear. They're slimming and such a great choice for occasions ranging from casual to dressy (Diane von Furstenburg hit the nail on the head when she introduced them 40 years ago). But one thing that always eludes me is what to wear under a wrap dress. With the deep v-neck in front, I feel I need more coverage so my bra doesn't show. I could wear a camisole underneath but don't want the bulk around the waistline or have to worry about it riding up. So when I discovered the Lace Camisole Bra and the Lace with Soft Cup Camisole Bra from One Stop Plus, I knew I had found a solution.

These lacy camisole bras offer the look of a full camisole without all the added bulk. The lace peeks out at the top of your dress (or top, blazer) to create a polished look. But you're not limited to wearing them like this. The lace is removable allowing the bra to double as a sexy look for the bedroom or a regular bra for the rest of your wardrobe. Talk about maximum mileage! These two camisole bras are now on sale for $22.49 - $25.19.

Wear Your Best Red

I love the color red. It's exciting, sexy, vibrant and full of passion! But did you know that wearing it can also help to prevent heart disease?

Today is National Wear Red Day. Why wear red? To remind ourselves that heart disease is the number one killer of women. One in 3 women dies from this preventable cardiovascular disease, and wearing red increases awareness and encourages action. Go Red for Women works hard to fight against this disease and keep women healthy. I lost my grandmother to heart disease when she was just 49 (my father, too). I never got to meet her but her death sure made an impact on my mom's attutide towards health, as well as my own. We realize that keeping our cholesterol in check, keeping our weight at a healthy level and exercising regularly all help to reduce our risks for heart disease.

So show off your true colors and wear red. You can find some great pins, tees and much more at ShopHeart.org. Each purchase supports the efforts of Go Red for Women and helps you to spread the word. Or just reach in your closet and put on your favorite red dress, red top or red shoes as you hit the town tonight, knowing you'll be sending a message and making a difference. Whether you choose scarlet, cranberry, garnet, flame or lipstick, you'll look fabulous while helping to put an end to this curable disease.

Macy's wants to encourage you to wear red and will give you 15% off your purchase when you use the code "WEARRED" through February 8, 2009.

Sweet Feet

As a designer I'm just crazy about the shoes that See Kai Run comes out with each season. They have a great way of combining classic styles with a modern sensibility, making these shoes perfect for kids of discerning parents who crave good design as well as shoes that give your little one's developing feet just what they need - a flexible rubber sole and a breathable leather upper.

See Kai Run is giving away one pair of shoes each day in the month of February. Enter and try your luck. You'll see just how wonderful these handcrafted shoes can be!

* The Monica, shown, is $32 and fits up to 24 months. Perfect for your little valentine!

The Writing on the Wall

There are many places we don't want to see our kids' handwriting - like the living room wall - but when it's where it should be, don't we just get all giddy with pride? Our little one wrote that all by herself. Yes, her E's and 3's are reversed but who cares. She wrote a complete sentence and it kind of made sense.

Now take it a step further and immortalize her kindergarden penmanship by making a font out of it. Your Fonts takes a handwriting sample and creates your very own font. Now you can print out a thank you note to Grandma or a story about bees in your daughter's own handwriting. And the best part is that it's free.

Sweets for the Sweet

‘Tis the season for giving chocolates, making it the perfect time to indulge your true love in delectable bon bons from South 'n France. Each of their luxurious, handcrafted bon bons marries sweet Southern ingredients with classic French techniques to create a final product that will have your mouth watering. With such compelling flavors as fudge brownie, pistachio and peanut buttah, you can’t go wrong with chocolate bon bons from South 'n France.

We're giving one lucky winner a box of chocolates just in time for Valentine's Day. To enter, please leave us a comment and tell us what your favorite flavor is - and you'll be entered to win a Pink Polka-Dot Heart with 16 Delectable Bon Bons from South 'n France ($33 value.) Deadline is Midnight, EST, February 10, 2009.

Roses Are Red

Roses are a symbol of love, so what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by treating yourself to a gift set of Moroccan rose-scented bath and body products? The Rose gift set from Red Flower includes candles scented with essential oils blended with the purest burning wax and cleansing body wash and body lotion made with pure flower extracts and nourishing botanicals. These treats are infused with centuries-old, ingredients using carefully selected Moroccan beauty secrets. Indulge yourself.

Enhance Your Beauty

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, but one size does not fit all. What looks fabulous on Angelina Jolie or Sienna Miller may not do anything to bring out your best assets. When we take into consideration what makes each of us look our best and dress accordingly, though, we radiate all the confidence of a celebrity.

When you think of beauty, what comes to mind? Long, flowing locks, time spent having spa treatments or hours spent languishing over which pair of to buy? Beauty can mean many things, but one truth that is universal is that beauty celebrates individuality. All women have their own unique beauty, and learning to bring out our best features is tantamount to mining for gold. When you find the perfect color that makes your eyes pop, a dress that fits you like a glove, or a new style that is so very you, it’s like you’ve struck it rich! And once you make that discovery, why not use what you find as your signature item?

Say you have beautiful blue eyes, and wearing the same shade of blue just makes them even more gorgeous! This shade of blue could become your signature color for tops, dresses and jewelry. Wearing it enhances your face, which is what people notice first, and creates a confidence in you that can’t be bought.

The key to enhancing your assets is to begin by taking note of what they are. If you focus on the positive and highlight your best features, chances are people won’t even notice your short legs, heavy arms or a few extra pounds – they’ll just see a beautiful, confident woman shining through!

• Do you have a head of thick, healthy hair? Enhance that by wearing tops, jackets or scarves in a similar color. Your hair will look even more lustrous!

• Show off your face with the right makeup. Play up your features using colors that are right for you, and techniques that can bring out your eyes. Have your brows waxed, and fill in with a matching shadow to create definition. Your goal is a soft, natural look.

• If you’re a few pounds heavier than you’d like, but have a well-defined waist, show it off! Find a flattering top and a great belt to enhance your curves rather than cover them up with baggy clothes.

• Keep you wardrobe filled with clothing that fits well and flatters, no matter what your weight or budget. If you’re in transition, store clothing that doesn’t fit now somewhere else until it does. Keep only items that really fit in your closet to make dressing quick and easy.

As an image consultant, I see it all the time. When a woman puts something on that is flattering to her assets, her problem areas just melt into the background. It’s like a light turns on and she’s illuminated in a whole new way! When you feel great on the outside, it helps with what’s on the inside, too. I know when I look great, I’m a little nicer, take my time a bit more, and have a positive attitude and energy that carry me through the day with a smile on my face.

No matter what your age, your size or your income level, you deserve to look your best. Take some time for yourself every day and pay attention to what makes you look and feel beautiful. It is the ultimate self-respect, and by looking your best you send an important message to yourself, and those around you, that you are important. When you look great, you feel great, and when you feel great, anything is possible!

Beautify Your Heart

Did you know that heart disease is the number one major health risk among women? That's a pretty startling fact, but realizing that this factor can be in your control can be very empowering. My mom lost her mother at a very young age to heart disease and that has certainly increased our awareness about keeping our hearts, and our bodies, healthy.

Metamucil and WomanHeart have teamed up to encourage women to get cholesterol screenings and learn healthy habits to create beautiful hearts. To support this Beautify Your Heart program, Metamucil is encouraging 100,000 women to get their cholesterol screened and donating $100,000 to WomenHeart to help fund heart disease education and patient advocacy programs. “Desperate Housewives” star and heart health advocate Brenda Strong was the first of 100,000 women to get screened.

Visit Beautify Your Heart to:

- Pledge to get a cholesterol screening
- Find a cholesterol screening location in your area
- Learn heart healthy lifestyle tips and recipes
- Enter the “Beautify Your Heart” sweepstakes for a chance to win a heart makeover getaway for you and your friends

It's never too early to start taking care of your heart - for yourself and your family.

Space Treat: Happiness is an Organized Closet

It's the most wonderful time of the year - Elfa is 30% off!

Do your closets contribute to your already hectic lifestyle? Yes, then they need a little help from Elfa. Your closets are supposed to support your needs and not create more chaos for you.

With Elfa there are so many options that any closet will start working 100% better with the right configuration. It's easy to install and easy to design. Elfa can also turn any wall into a fully functional office space. It's one of the quickest to implement organizing solutions available. I absolutely adore everything about Elfa and The Container Store makes it so easy for you. Check out all the different options at The Container Store. Don't delay because the annual sale ends on February 9th!

Erica
The Spacialist
New York Magazine's 2008 choice for BEST SPACE ORGANIZER!
212.924.4383

Editor's Note: A couple of years ago we were the fortunate recipients of a makeover from HGTV's Mission Organization. Randy, Gail and the gang introduced us to The Container Store and all the amazing organizational tools you can find there. We carved out some of the best storage closets and nooks using the wonderful Elfa shelving systems and I couldn't believe how easy they were to snap together. I highly recommend these for your pantry, your garage, your bedroom closets, your playroom and every where you need storage.

Makeover Contest for NC Moms

Does your look need an update? If you happen to live in the Triangle area of NC, we can help! Many of you know I write a monthly beauty and style column for Carolina Parent and we have teamed up to give one lucky mama an update to her make-up, hairstyle and wardrobe.

In honor of Mother's Day, we're giving away a Makeover for Mom. You're in for a treat from the experts: a new hairstyle courtesy of Steven at Fly Salon; makeup application, tips and products from Fiquet Bailey of Luxe Apothecary; clothing and accessories from Scout and Molly's and Uniquities; and a total makeover package from One Chic Mama, including personal image analysis, color analysis, personal shopping and closet-clarity session. Plus, you'll get a brunch for four from Porter's City Tavern to celebrate Mother's Day with your family and show off your new look!

The makeover will be documented with tips shared for all of our readers in time for Mother's Day. If you live in or around Raleigh/Durham or Chapel Hill, you're eligible to win a Free Mother's Day Makeover - to enter go to Carolina Parent and click on the entry form, then tell them why you'd like to update your look. Good luck!