Space Treat: Measurement Mishap

Symptom:
Ever find that you've gone through the trouble of measuring a space so that you can outfit it with bins, boxes or shelving only to find that your measurements weren't exactly clear enough to you while shopping for the containers and you ended up with ones that don't exactly fit?

Remedy:
Take a picture of the space. Enlarge it and print it out in black and white on regular 8.5x11" paper. Then write all the various measurements directly on the paper itself.

If you have any unusual molding, pipes or recesses, all the details will be right there for you to see and you can indicate all measurements accordingly.

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Finally, A Bra That Can Withstand the Dryer

Having a well-stocked lingerie drawer takes some doing. It's one thing to take yourself out shopping for a new bra that you are fitted for and gives you the lift and support that creates a beautiful look under your clothes. Yet caring for your new brassieres is a whole other story. Setting aside some time to hand-wash your favorite bras just isn't very convenient with our busy schedules. But throwing our nice bras into the washer and dryer can be a recipe for disaster. Help!

Well, say goodbye to hand-washing and drying and say "hello" to freedom. Yes, Soma by Chico's has just introduced a new bra that is made to - you guessed it - go right into the washer and dryer. The new Wash and Go Tracy Bra ($42) is made to hold up under the heat and tumbling of your dryer (up to 50 times). With molded cups that enhance your shape while they keep theirs, this bra comes in five lovely colors. You might just call it pretty. I call it a revolution!

Just Brush and Go

Moms need makeup that keeps up with their busy schedule and knows how to multitask. Colorflo from Susan Posnick (a mom herself) fits the bill with a finely milled mineral foundation that's sweat-proof, water resistant and has an SPF of 26. The self-dispensing brush delivery system allows for adjustable and buildable coverage and can also be used with a concealer brush to give more precise coverage to blemishes. Colorflo comes in shades perfect for every skintone. Toss one in your handbag for touch-ups or a quick sweep on the kids that provides sun protection for those impromptu trips to the park. At $64 it’s a little pricey – but refills are just $32, making it more affordable, as well as eco-friendly, over the long run.

Your Guide to Cropped Pants

Cropped pants, capris, clamdiggers. They may be known by many names but these short pants have become known and loved by women of all ages, shapes and sizes. And with good reason. Cropped pants offer a cool alternative to full-length trousers or jeans and are perfect for when the weather starts heating up. Offering more coverage than shorts, cropped pants can be dressed up or down and worn for an afternoon of shopping, out to brunch or for an evening event.

As popular as they are, wearing cropped pants can be a bit trickier than you’d think. This is one article of clothing I get many questions on and find that, while some are ardent supporters of cropped pants, others won't go near them with a ten-foot pole. You’ll find cropped pants available in every style and length imaginable, and finding the right pair for you doesn't have to be a monumental feat. Here are a few tips to help you select the best style for your figure:

1. Make sure the hemline ends at the narrowest part of your leg. If it stops at the widest part of your calf, your legs will appear larger and shorter.

2. Pleats? Please, don’t. They only serve to add volume where you want to minimize it.

3. How about cuffs? Cuffs are best on those with long, nimble legs and should be avoided on those with short legs.

4. Opt for cropped pants that have straight or slightly flared legs, not “skinny” legs. They’ll balance out hips and keep you proportional.

5. To create an elongated leg line pair your cropped pants with heels or some of the season's hottest wedges. Flat shoes can give this look a dowdy appearance.

What Shoes Do I Wear with Cropped Pants?

Avoid heavy or chunky shoes - Skip shoes that cover the entire top of your foot, or have a bulky look or chunky heel to avoid breaking up the legline. Instead, opt for pumps with an open vamp, strappy heels or open wedges that don't cover most of the foot.

Keep the color of your shoes in the same palette as that of your pants to avoid breaking up the flow of color.

Stick with shoes that are fairly simple and are not the focal point of your outfit. This helps to create a balanced look that elongates your legs.

If you're a flats kind of gal, try a kitten heel to give you a hint of lift and keep your look from going flat.

So now your only real dilemma with wearing cropped pants should be choosing a color!

Tracy Reese for Keds

As March winds down and April draws near we have spring's bounty of flowers and green trees to look forward to. Another thing we have to look forward to is the arrival of Tracy Reese for Keds, a cute collection inspired by exotic designs available in sneaker or wedge styles.

The Mary Jane Wedge ($80) is a fun-loving style that brings a little boho to your favorite skirt or sundress, just in time for warm weather.

The Metallic Embroidery Wedge ($80) brings subtle sophistication to cropped pants or skirts and offers a little African flair which is right on trend this season.

If you're more a sneaker kind of gal, give your casual wear a tribal spin with the White Fringed Sneaker ($60).

Look for Tracy Reese for Keds in Macy's West stores starting April 1.

Secondhand is First Choice for Moms-to-Be

You're a busy mama who loves to look great. So when you find out your preggers again, what's the first thing you do? Well, after you tell you partner. You start obsessing about what you'll wear! Last time you found out you were pregnant was in the fall, so your old maternity clothes won't be seasonally appropriate this time around. You want to stock up on a few stylish basics that will see you through at least a few months and keep you looking fabulous without spending a lot of cash. Where do you turn? InstyleBelly.com of course!

InstyleBelly.com is a maternity consignment store that specializes in hip, trendy and designer clothes at prices you can afford. Like this Joe's Jeans denim skirt, above, just $54. It's a staple that will take you through spring and summer and go with just about any top in your wardrobe. Or this cute empire waist dress from Old Navy, right, is just $15 and could be dressed up or down for those days you want the simplicity of a dress.

Stop by InstyleBelly.com and see what they have to offer. If you're an expectant mama, you just may find a few of your new favorites there. If you already have a brood of your own and are ready to part with your maternity clothes, here's a wonderful opportunity to put them to good use and make a little extra cash.

Let Them Wear Dresses

Know what I love about dresses? They're so easy. There's no mixing, no matching and no coordinating to worry about. Sure, you can throw a jacket or a cardigan on top of it, and there's the whole matter of shoes to contend with, but a dress is basically a complete outfit.

Finding the right dress, though, isn't always as easy as you'd like. You need to find the right cut, the right color, the right style and then have it hemmed to your best length (knee or above). This is why I love the website edressme.com. They have a huge selection of dresses for all occasions from some of the best designers - Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, Nicole Miller - and dresses for every occasion - day dresses, cocktail dresses, prom dresses, even eco-friendly dresses.

We love dresses so much that we want you to have one. We're giving one winner a $50 gift certificate to edressme.com. To enter, simply leave us a comment and tell us which one is your favorite (don't forget your email address). Deadline is Midnight, EST, April 2.

Prep Your Skin for Self Tanners

Now that spring is here, it’s time to think about showing some leg. The season's skirts, flirty dresses and cropped pants will look fabulous with a touch of tan on your legs. But with all the health risks getting a real tan poses, getting your tan from a bottle is a much safer alternative. Today’s modern tans are the healthy kind that come from a bottle, not from overexposure to the sun’s damaging rays. But before you start slathering on the self-tanner, take some time to do a little prep work to ensure an even, natural-looking tan.

The best time to apply your self-tanner is a couple of hours before you go to bed. Plan to shave your legs the morning that you want to apply it. You’ll want to do this ahead of time to achieve maximum smoothness, but not too far in advance or you’ll be left with razor stubble. A great razor to use is the Schick Quattro for Women ($15). With four blades and soothing strips containing vitamin E and aloe vera, you’ll be left with one smooth shave.

When you are ready to apply your self tanner, take a quick bath or shower. Use a soft cotton washcloth ($6) all over to help smooth out dry skin. Your first inclination may be to use a loofah – but don’t! Loofah’s can actually create rough spots and will work against achieving smoothness. Stick with a good cotton cloth that will be gentle on your skin.

The next step for prep is to exfoliate. Do this by using a gentle scrub on your face and neck, then on the rest of your body (including your hands). Try a natural Citrus Facial Scrub from Burt’s Bees ($8). Enriched with ground almonds, oats, pecans and rose petals, this scrub will gently exfoliate your face (don’t forget your neck area too) and leave you will a revitalized glow to complement your summer look. Follow suit for the rest of your body using a scrub such as Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub ($30) or Energizing Sugar Body Scrub from Neutrogena ($10).

After exfoliation, towel off and you're ready to begin your self tanning application. With a little patience and preparation, your healthy self-applied tanner can look just as amazing as the real thing! Happy Tanning!

Teach Your Kids About Money

Does your child get an allowance? We recently started giving our 5-year old an allowance based on how well she behaves in school. She is rewarded in school with stickers, and for each sticker she gets we give ger $.25. If she gets them all it adds up to $2.25 per week - enough to satisfy a 5-year old and to encourage her to save her money for something she really wants.

But lately we've had a case of the "wannas", or "I want that...I think I'll save my allowance and get it." This is not exactly what I want to hear, especially in light of the economic climate. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy that instead of asking us to buy something for her, she understands that she can save her own money and buy it herself. But I'd much rather see her put some of that money into savings for her future, or do something wonderful for someone else.

The book, Three Cups by Mark St. Germain ($10), could not be more timely. Based on a true story, Three Cups shows kids and their parents how easy it can be to divide money into three categories - save, spend and charity. With all the talk of the economy, chances are your kids have heard you talking about money, but probably have no idea what it means. Three Cups helps children to learn about money and how it can be used for now, for later, and to help others. Three lessons children can easily relate to and will even get excited about. My daughter is always saying that she wants to give people money. The Three Cups philosophy gives her a means to do it that she can relate to.

Teaching children the value of saving, as well as being charitable, will serve them well. It's easy to spend - sometimes too easy. Yet learning that it's equally important to save and to be charitable with our dollars are important life lessons that some folks don't learn until it's too late. Empowering your children to manage money at an early age, and creating positive habits, will set them up to be responsible money-managers as adults. I highly recommend Three Cups for an entertaining, as well as educational book that your children will love. Three cheers for Three Cups!

Goodbye Dark Circles, Hello Flawless!

It happens to the best of us. We go through life with great skin, or at least good skin, and then one day - BAM! A few weeks into parenting we happen to catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror and are confronted with the fact that our eyes look like raccoons and our once-smooth complexion has erupted into a fury. You stare in disbelief - this isn't really how you look, is it?

Well, we're sorry to break it to you, but it is. And you will look this way for an indefinite amount of time. At least until your kids go off to college. Just kidding, of course. But kidding aside, you know you must do something - but what? My best recommendation is to turn to a tried and true maker of concealers, Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit makes some of the best cover-ups and concealers around. If you haven't used any Benefit products in the past, I just know you're gonna love Hello Flawless!. It's a silky powder conceraler that goes on in natural, sheer layers to cover what needs covering and leave you with a natural glow. With an added SPF 15, it gives you the added bonus of coverage on those days you don't remember to wear sunscreen. Plus, it comes in 6 shades so it's easy to find a perfect match for your skintone.

To get the most out of Hello Flawless! ($34) try sweeping it on with a foundation brush. Using quick, light strokes, blend it under eyes and from the center of your face outward. Use it on bare skin, with moisturizer or primer to give you a natural look. Top it off with foundation if you like, or just use it alone.

Tips and tricks: For a sheer finish, sweep "hello flawless!" on with your brush. With quick, light strokes, blend from the center of your face outward. Use it over bare skin, moisturizer or primer to look naturally flawless! Use it for a spot cover up or give your entire face a quick fix. Simply apply evenly over entire complexion with a sponge. With Hello Flawless! you'll be waving bye-bye to dark circles and blemishes and saying hello to a gorgeous new you!

Get free US Standard Shipping on any $50 Benefit Cosmetics purchase when you enter promo code PRETTY50 at checkout.

Express Your Child's Personality Through Shoes

For me, one of the true pleasures of having kids is dressing them. Aside from the snuggles, the constant stream of creative artwork and gaining a whole new perspective on the world, shopping for - and dressing - my kids has brought me much joy. But as they get older and develop their own personalities, I try to dress them as they like to be dressed and help them develop a personal style expression all their own.

Take shoes. Shoes are a wonderful example of where people can express who they really are. Don't you have some in your closet that make you feel, well, more you? I have a new pair of snakeskin pumps that make me feel like I can conquer the world! Kids deserve the same type of gratification from their footwear, don't they? After all, each day is full of sharing and other hard stuff. Can't they at least have fun with what they wear?

Is your daughter a budding fashionista? These Cameron Sky's from See Kai Run ($38) are right on trend with their buttery soft teal green leather and handcrafted yellow flowers. Her feet will appreciate the flexible rubber sole when she's on the runway, er, playground with friends.

Is your daughter a girly girl? Let her express herself with the Sofia ($40), in a trendy tone of pink. A generous toe box gives lots of wiggle room and white accents add a nice touch. A chic take on a classic!

If your son is the strong, silent type he might appreciate the quiet elegance of the Ocean closed-toe sandal ($38). Both practical and fashionable, these olive-green and navy sandals speak louder than words.

The Spencer ($40) offers a fresh take with its bold navy and white styling. Make with breathable soles and lining, can't you just picture these with a seersucker suit for Easter?

Win It
We're giving one winner the chance to help their child express his or her personality with a pair of shoes from See Kai Run. To enter, leave us a comment and tell us what your child's personality is and what style shoe you think suits them. Don't forget your email address. Deadline is Midnight, EST March 28, 2009.

Head Over Heels for Spring

It's official - spring has sprung! And with it comes our yearning for shoes that let our feet breathe and bring us the promise of warmer weather. With so many fabulous trends happening in shoes right now, you're guaranteed to have a great selection of colors and styles at all price ranges. The only trouble you may have is deciding which ones to choose! Below, our list of top trends for the season:



Gladiator sandals - These have been in the spotlight since last year and are a perennial favorite for some. Available in all heel heights and everything from neutrals, to skins to brights, gladiators are most flattering on women who have narrow ankles. If you have thick ankles or calves, steer clear of this style and opt for something with a more open throat to elongate your legs.

Beaded, Tribal and Ornamentation - Plain shoes are a thing of the past. This season is all about adornment and your feet are where it's at! Try a pair of sandals, flats or pumps with beads, fringe, intricate weaving or other eyecatching additon.

Metallics, skins - Try a pair of sexy metallic sandals to spark up your look, or a loafer in a skin for a new twist on a classic look. Anything with texture or shine, including patent leather, is all the rage for the season.

Pop of Color - Your shoes don't have to match your outfit - why not try a sassy pair of blue wedges with your saucy yellow dress? Or give your neutrals a boost with a pair of orange and fuchsia flats? Mix it up and keep your look exciting, but try not to go overboard.

Wedges - A wedge is an easy to wear style that combines the best of a heel and a flat. Look for wedges in sandal, closed toe and peep-toe styles to go with your dresses, skirts and cropped trousers this season.

Sweet Dreams, Naturally

How well have you been sleeping? Lately I've been asleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillow, thanks to a few natural "sleep aids" from Andrew Weil and Origins.

It seems many women have sleep issues these days, for one reason or another. But getting a good night’s sleep (at least 7 hours) is essential to giving our skin, hair and nails the ability to renew themselves and repair damage. Sleep also soothes our emotions, promotes mental alertness, supports a healthy immune system and can help to prevent heart disease.

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, moms can use all the help they can get. Dr. Andrew Weil and Origins have come up with a natural solution that just may help - Origins Night Health Collection. Using Dr. Weil’s proven, soothing blend of 100% natural Chamomile, Lavender and Mandarin essential oils, these products help you relax before bedtime to assist you in getting the rest you need.

The Origins Night Health Collection consists of Bedtime Bath Oil, Bedtime Face Cream, Bedtime Balm and Bedtime Spray. Start by taking a soothing bath using the Bedtime Bath Oil to signal your body that it's time to unwind. Then rub the Bedtime Balm on your wrists or the back of your neck (or ask your kids or partner to do it for you). The Face Cream helps to repair signs of aging while helping to calm your nerves. And the Bedtime Spray (my personal fave) mists you with lavender, mandarin and chamomile to put you in a tranquil frame of mind. I've begun to look forward to my nighttime ritual and have drifted off to sleep a little more peacefully. Perhaps I should try this on the kids!

Modern Day Beauty from Luxe Apothecary

If you live in Raleigh, NC and you're a fan of fabulous beauty products, chances are you're a regular at Luxe Apothecary in the Lassiter at North Hills. Part beauty workshop and part boutique, Luxe Apothecary carries some of the best known lines in the business, as well as a few names you may not have heard about but, once you discover them, wonder what you did without them!

Specializing in the lines BECCA Cosmetics, Keihls', Paula Dorf, Susan Posnick and MD Skincare, Luxe Apothecary offers much more than just a shopping experience. Owner, Fiquet Bailey, is talented makeup artist and makes it her goal to see that her clients are educated in how to use their products, as well as using the right products for them. She hosts a "beauty boot camp" a few times a year to help women get their makeup bags in shape.

We caught up with Fiquet to get her tips on making the most of our own makeup bags.

OCM: What do you think the most essential products in a woman's makeup bag are and why?

FB: Good foundation or tinted moisturizer depending on how much coverage you need. I like M.D.Skincare All in One Tinted Moisturizer. It gives good coverage with an Spf 15 and has a matte finish so you don't have to set it with powder.

• Concealer
• Lash curler
• Mascara
• Blush
• Clear lip gloss. Clear gloss goes with everything and enhances your natural lip color.
• Brow powder. Full brows give a youthful appearance and serve as a frame for the face. I suggest brow powder over pencil and think that Paula Dorf 2+1 for Brows is the best out there. Each container comes with two shades so that you can blend the perfect color as well as a brow wax that adds bulk to fill in gaps and provide a little hold.

OCM: If a busy mom has just five minutes to get ready before heading out for the day, what would you recommend she not leave the house without?

FB: Tinted moisturizer, cream blush and mascara. If you are pressed for time stick to the basics. Even out skin tone with tinted moisturizer then open the eyes with mascara. Cream blush can be applied to both cheeks and lips for a touch of color.

OCM: What spring makeup trends do you see that translate well for moms?

FB: Soft smoky eyes. This is a really easy eye to create. Powder lids with translucent or flesh toned powder (you can use the same powder you use for your face...no need to buy a bone colored shadow if you already have face powder). Using a sheer crease brush, apply a taupe shadow to crease in a back & forth motion. Next, use a smudge brush or soft angled brush to sweep the same color you used in crease under lower lash line. Finish by curling lashes & applying black mascara. Trade the taupe for gold or bronze for a more dramatic evening look.

OCM: Any tips or tricks you'd like to share?

FB: Make eyes appear larger by applying a white or flesh toned pencil to inner rim. This trick is also great if you haven't had enough sleep (attention all new moms!) This makes eyes look more open and also counteracts redness.

Editor's note: We recommend that women get out to the makeup counter at the start of each season to see what colors are popular. This is an easy way to update your look without getting an entire overhaul. Stop by Luxe Apothecary for a quick beauty update that will bring your look up to the minute.

We teamed up with Fiquet to help our Carolina Parent makeover winner get a great new look and can't wait to see the final results. Stay tuned!

Space Treat: Organize Your Finances

So what I'm hearing over and over from my clients is that their finances are stressing them out. Can you relate? There is so much going on in the world's financial markets that affects us directly, but that we just can't control. Ugh. But the good news is, and there is actual good news, we can control quite a few things with regards to our finances. And just by taking control of these areas, you reduce your stress over your finances. The psychological impact of doing that has a tremendously positive ripple effect! Wouldn't you like some of that?

More and more, my team of Spacial Agents and I are organizing people's financial records and papers. Right now clients are reaching out for this option and sharing with us that the results of being able to know exactly how much they have, where they have it and that they can locate all this information in a moment's notice without any head-ache or annoyance comes as such an incredible relief!

You'll find it so much easier to manage your finances when they're all in one dedicated place. Here are 4 easy-to-use tips you can implement today to organize your bank, retirement and investment accounts:
1. If you prefer to go paper-less, create a dedicated email account to receive only your e-statements.
2. If you prefer getting your statements in paper and they already come 3-hole punched (which many do) then staple each month and put in a 3 ring binder. The key here is to keep the binder and the stapler next to each other. So this means having one dedicated stapler next to the binder at all times. Label one binder for each account or separate accounts with tabs and label that binder with the current year. (You'll need oversized tabs as many financial statements are printed on oversized paper.) If the 3-hole punches aren't there then just create a hanging file system to store these statements. (Do not attempt to start punching holes.) Or use an accordion file. Separate by month or by financial institution and label accordingly.
3. Book-mark Yahoo Finance and Morningstar in your web browser. Then kick it up a notch and book-mark your individual funds and/or stocks. This way you can track them with a quick click.
4. Book mark all the log-in pages for your bank, savings and retirement accounts.

Since you'll be creating log-in account information and passwords I want to let you know about something to be cautious of. Lately, I've been reading that because so much of our personal information is available on social networking sites like Facebook that it's best to avoid using your pets names, maiden names, high school names, etc. in passwords or as part of security log-in questions.

Easy access to your financial information gives you the confidence and knowledge you need to make appropriate changes when the time is right. If you've ever wanted to set up a meeting with a financial advisor but have procrastinated over and over because the thought of getting your finances prepared and organized for the meeting was more stressful than the meeting itself… this Space Treat is for you!

After all, how can you be proactive about your finances when you can't even find the papers, haven't opened the mail or lost them in another pile somewhere? Relief from financial anxiety can happen, I see it everyday and it's easier than you think. Like everything else at the moment, it just requires a commitment to facing the facts, being realistic and moving forward in a proactive manner. Doesn't that sound more empowering than burying your head in the sand?

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Fit for the Recessionista

As the seasons change we start to crave a wardrobe update, especially something that adds a shot of color to our basics. Unfortunately, our wallets may not be cooperating at the moment, but adding a few updated items doesn't have to mean spending a lot of cash. Mandee.com is an inexpensive source for cute, trendy clothing at prices you won't believe!

These Slingback Peeptoe Wedges come in two of the season's hottest hues (pink and blue) and bring boho chic to your capris and dresses at just $28.00.

Get ready for spring break with this flirty and comfortable Aztec Printed Dress ($34.99) that comes in the most gorgeous shades of blue and green. Very on trend and very affordable, this dress could do double duty as a swimsuit cover up.

Every mom needs a few Basic Tank Tops in her wardrobe, and these are cut nice and long so you won't have to worry when you bend over. Layer them under your favorite tee, or pile two on together. If you buy one at just $8.99, your second one is half price.

Win It
We're giving away a $20 gift certificate to Mandee.com. To enter, just leave us a comment and your email address and tell us what you'd use it for. With prices this good, $20 goes a long way! Deadline is Midnight, EST, March 21.

Beneath Your Feet

With kids in the house it’s guaranteed that your rugs will take a beating. That’s why these stylish Recycled Plastic Rugs by Shiraleah from CeleryStreet.com are perfect for busy families. Crafted from recycled plastic, they’re durable as well as easy to care for, and brighten up your rooms. When something messy get spilled (and you know it will), simply wash or hose it off and it’s as good as new. Eco-friendly dyes give these fun rugs their beautiful hue. Perfect for indoor and outdoor use these chic rugs are available in several sizes and colors with prices range from $24 - $38.

Like Sunday School Online Everyday

If your kids are anything like my five-year old they have learned to navigate their way around the internet with a little too much ease. I feel the need to "hover" to make sure she's viewing appropriate content and doesn't accidentally get somewhere she shouldn't be. So it's great to know there's a new site out there just for kids created by the brainchild of Veggie Tales that has a great message.

Like Veggie-Tales, JellyTelly is a faith-based, online children's network that reaches beyond the traditions of TV. It offers 24-hour access to high-quality Christian programming geared towards children ages 5-11. Phil Vischer is the founder of JellyTelly, as well as Veggie Tales. He states, "Through JellyTelly, we can bring the Bible to life for kids on a daily basis. Our mission is to help raise the next generation of Christian kids so they know what they believe and why they believe it."

By creatively teaching biblical values through animation and humor, JellyTelly provides a unique opportunity to instill values in children at a young age. i just know that she loves it and I don't feel the need to hover.

Paint By Powder

We woke up this morning to a dreary, overcast day and a forecast that's not looking too promising for the rest of the weekend. So finding new and clever activities to keep the kids entertained indoors is a must. Good thing I had a box of Powder Art handy to keep my five year old busy.

Powder Art is an innovative peel and paint art project that uses a powder paint that kids can "paint" onto a sticky paper. Similar to paint-by-numbers, I like that Powder Art empowers kids to make a work of art themselves (although they may need some help peeling off the small pieces). The paint is made from a recycled paper product, so it's eco-friendly, non-toxic and easy to use.

My daughter painted a mermaid first and was quite proud of her work. She has been taking a painting class and enjoyed "practicing" with Powder Art. While not exactly mess-free, this is a little bit neater than regular paint. The powder, if used without a curious two-year old around is quite neat and self-contained. However my son let his cuiousity get the better of him and decided to dump the entire tray of dry paint out. Clean-up was a snap, though.

I have to say I am a big fan of Powder Art. It may not encourage a child's creativity but it does give them guidelines for creating a work of art they can be proud of, an is something different from standard paint. With themes ranging from holiday to sports to animals, and prices from $3.99 - $9.99, Powder Art is a great activity your kids will enjoy.

Baby Got Game

You may be pregnant but you can still enjoy March Madness without having to wear one of your husband's oversized sweatshirts. If you're a Carolina or ECU fan you can sport a baseball tee, halter top or square neck tee with your team's logo that's made just for you. My Baby Got Game is here to help you sports-minded mamas stay in the game and keep you looking great to boot. Priced from $21 - $33, all shirts are made in the US.

Botanical Beauty

For more than 40 years Yves Rocher has been a leader in the botanical beauty industry. Now, they’ve added a new product line called Yves Rocher Culture:BIO, an ecologically designed, carbon-offset line of natural skincare. This new line includes 7 products created to respect the cycles of your skin from morning ‘til night. Packaged in recycled glass bottles printed with vegetable-based ink and cardboard made from sawdust waste, all products from the Yves Rocher Culture:BIO line have a neutral carbon footprint and a reasonable price ranging from $14 - $38. With products ranging from cleansing cream to revitalizing serum, Yves Rocher Culture:BIO is a whole lot more than just good for the planet. Each moisture-rich formula nourishes your skin with botanical beauty and treats it to at least 98% organic ingredients.

Brighten Up Your Bags

It may still officially be winter, but spring break is right around the corner. why not give your luggage a lift with flowers? Bonjour Fleurette makes some of the prettiest luggage tags around including rose, orchid and daisy motifs, sure to brighten up your bags. Luggage tags from Bonjour Fleurette are $12 each or buy 5, get one free.

The Modern Elegance of Holly Yashi

The bohemian trend is far from over this season, and one that I am quite fond of. Easy to wear, you can give your jeans and a tee shirt a boho look by adding a few accessories, maybe a scarf and a fringed bag. It's an easy going look that's just right for warmer weather.

The jewelry from Holly Yashi is the perfect complement to a bohemian look. Wear these playful Aquarius Earrings ($75) your favorite floral print dress, as well as a dressier trousers and a cardigan look and you'll add a beautiful flair.

This Phoenix Necklace ($225) is a special piece that has roots in Art Deco, yet a relaxed feel that pairs well with jeans and a cute top. Like synchronized birds in flight, it's made from niobium metal and sterling silver and accented with calcite and amethyst. With palace blue being a hot color this season, this necklace complements blacks, blues and everything in between.

The boho look wouldn't be complete with a bracelet and the Mirabella Bracelet ($80) fits the bill to a tee. With sensuous textures and intricately cut niobium, it features several lovely semi-precious stones in this adjustable style. You'll create a bohemian rhapsody all your own!

Makeup for Everyone

I have long been a fan of Bobbi Brown cosmetics. My sister introduced me to the brand years ago when she worked at a Bobbi Brown counter and I have been smitten ever since. What I love about Bobbi's approach is that, although she does sell all the bells and whistles, her approach is once that's no-nonsense that a busy mom can relate to. After all, Bobbi herself is a mom to three boys, so who better to understand what real women really need?

Bobbi has written several books, each full of useful tips and easy to read. But her latest, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro, is my favorite. After working as a makeup artist for years, Bobbi is one of the most knowledgable people around when it comes to applying makeup, and she gives us all her tips and helps us decode the process, step-by-step. The section on brow-shaping is one not to be missed. She not only shows us the best way to create definition, but even tackles special cases such as non-existent browns, bare spots or having brows too far apart. Bobbi understands that real women have real issues and that we need easy solutions to give us a look we can feel good about, as well as recreate daily.

If you haven't gotten yours yet, snatch up a copy of Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. Full of useful tips for everyone from teens to women who are in their years, there truly is something for everyone. Consider this Bobbi's gift to you - her knowledge and skill that, even if you opt to use department store products, can help you look and feel your very best!

Space Treat: It Pays to Open Your Mail, Literally.

Seems like as far back as I can remember a common inaction among my wonderful clients is that they just don't open their mail. For whatever reason (and there are many) they let it pile up on countertops, boxes, drawers and even in shopping bags. I know some of you out there can relate.

Trust me, I really do understand how overwhelming dealing with mail is. Although it's quite easy for me and does actually give me a great sense of accomplishment I deeply understand how painful it can be for you and my clients so I write this with complete and genuine empathy.

The good news is I've never met a client who didn't feel complete and euphoric relief after we finally plowed them out of a shopping bag or two filed with rather dated mail.

Sometimes my clients don't want to open the mail because they just don't know what to do with it once it's open… and this adds to the dread. That's where we come in. We set up super easy-to-use paper management systems for processing, accessing and storing mail. So put yourself out of your misery and give us a ring at 212.924.438. It's easier than you think.

But in the meantime it's imperative to open your mail. Over and over while organizing with clients I find the most amazing things buried in these mail mountains. Once I had a client who had gone through all the trouble of submitting to her health insurance company for reimbursements yet was too overwhlemed to open the mail. Much to her surprise, when we finally did she found thousands of dollars of medial reimbursements!

And just this week another client, Dr. Debra Condren, author and founder of AmbitionIsNotADirtyWord.com opened her cell phone bill that she pays for her niece to find that it had been charged an extra $300! After a quick chat with the cell phone provider she was able to get that $300 credited back to her account and made another $600 by having a new family plan retroactively applied to her account. If she hadn't opened her mail she would never have discovered the overcharge, let alone thought to call the provider for a new plan. It really does pay to open your mail. A session to organize your mail, paper and finances with us could practically pay for itself!

Go open your mail… now.

Space-taculary,
Erica
The Spacialist
212.924.4383

Mixology for the Mom-to-Be

You just found out you're pregnant again - congratulations! But wait, you're hosting a big party in honor of St. Patrick's Day and had planned to inbibe in a few green drinks - and I don't mean wheatgrass. What to do? Grab a copy of Natalie Bovis-Nelsen Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-be and whip up a batch of non-alcoholic cocktails that will make all that green beer look so boring. Plus, these cocktails are so fabulous your friends just make prefer them over the alternative.

Being pregnant doesn't have to mean the end of parties - it just means being a little more creative when it comes to alcoholic alternatives. Sure, you could serve soft drinks, but Preggatinis make the party a whole lot more festive.

Natalie Bovis-Nelsen is a master of mixology and the face behind The Liquid Muse. She has traveled the world sampling cocktails and has cleverly crafted some of the most creative non-alcoholic cocktails around in her book, Preggatinis. I mean, who else would think to rim the glass of a drink called "Yankee Doodle Candy" with Pop-Rocks? How cool is that? It would surely be the hit of your next baby shower, and those who do imbibe could even add a splash of their favorite libation if they so choose. But with drinks this exciting, who needs to?

If you'd prefer to go the pre-mixed route, try Glow Mama - a low-sugar, caffeine-free beverage that is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber you need to keep going and glowing. Infused with the invigorating flavor of kiwi, Glow Mama is a refreshing and healthy alternative to soft drinks. Whether straight from the bottle or "on the rocks", it'll help keep you hydrated while satisfying your craving for a grown-up drink. Cheers!

Shop Your Closet: Twinset Mix-Up

Do you have a twinset in your closet? Chances are you do. Most of the women I work with have at least one, in some form or another. And with good reason. Twinsets are classics that can be dressed up or down and offer the option of a cardigan for cooler weather. But the dark side of twinsets is that they can look matronly and dowdy - a little too, well, expected. This is where the "Break-Up Song" pops into my head and I tell the cardigans to bid buh-bye to the shells and have them go their own separate ways. Why, you might ask? Well to start with, each has a personality of its own and needs to express itself to be happy. Trust me on this one.

Ok, now that your cardigans and shells are on separate hangers (they are, aren't they??) I want you to think of them as separate entities. No longer just meant for each other, I want you to see all the possibilities for couplings you can make in your closet. If your twinset was in a neutral color, such as a warm caramel or a rich cream, then you'll have endless possibilities for pairings. If it was a polka-dot or a vibrant hue, pair it with more subtle tops and neutral bottoms for a balanced look. Try the shell on with other cardigans or layer under your favorite jackets. Your cardigan can top a pretty spring sundress that you want to wear right now, and give it a chic look. Be creative. Before you know it your twinset will consist of long-lost friends that are still quite fond of each other but have each spread their wings and flown in different directions, giving your wardrobe a fresh and modern look. And they all lived happily ever after.

Pedi-Ready

Are you ready to bare your feet? After being under wraps all winter your feet may look less than desirable and not at all ready to slip into your sandals. But don't despair. With a little attention and the right tools your feet will be ready to make their spring debut in no time. Ms. Pedicure is a wonderful line of products that are affordably priced ($.99 - $12.99) and made especially for giving yourself pedicures at home, and offer everything you need except the polish to get your feet pedi-ready.

To feet looking their best, try these tips for an at-home pedicure:

1. Remove any nail polish with nail polish remover and cotton balls.

2. Trim nails with toenail clippers. Avoid a rounded look and go for toenails cut straight across to help prevent painful hangnails. Smooth out the edges with a nail file.

3. Scrub your toenails with a nail brush from Ms. Pedicure, the soak for ten or fifteen minutes in a basin full of warm water. For added relaxation, add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils. This will make your feet feel fabulous while helping to soften cuticles and calluses on the bottom of the feet.

4. Apply an exfoliating foot scrub. This one from Ms. Pedicure contains pumice and rosemary to give you smoother, softer feet. Rinse well and pat dry.

5. Use a foot file to further exfoliate calluses and other rough spots on the bottoms of the feet.

6. Apply cuticle oil and gently push your cuticles back with an orange stick.

7. Apply a base coat. This is especially important if you're using a dark polish to help prevent staining on the nail of the toe.

8. Pick out your favorite shade - metallic, perhaps? - and apply two coats. Once the color has dried, apply a top coat to prevent chipping and to help the polish last longer.

9. Once the toenails have dried, apply a foot lotion such as Ms. Pedicure's Intensive heel cream formulated with shea butter to keep the rough patches away. Wear a pair of socks or spa booties to keep the moisture locked in and to get the ultimate benefits from a pedicure.

To help maintain your fabulous feet, keep your foot file at the ready and do a quick scrub in the shower. Your soles will be ready to bare at all times.

Win It
We're giving one winner a stash of Ms. Pedicure products to help get your feet ready for spring. To enter just leave us a comment tell us your favorite polish shade for a pedicure. Deadline is Midnight, EST, March 12, 2009. ($20 value)