Revive your Hair

The harsh winter months can leave hair looking dull and flat with all the wind, bitter cold air and indoor heat it’s exposed to. Give your hair a boost and help them shine with Wonderlust™ Hair Color Illuminating Tonic ($30) from internationally known colorist, Kelly Van Gogh. This rich hair tonic works to provide maximum shine to color-treated hair. Not only that, a Wonderlust™ Hair Color Illuminating Tonic also works as a detangler, a leave-in conditioner and protects against UV rays to keep hair looking its very best.

The New Preppy

Ok, I admit it. I was very preppy back in the day. And maybe *very* is an understatement. If Wikipedia had existed more than 25 years ago (I'm dating myself) then my picture could easily have accompanied the definition for "preppy". I once had a crush on a guy and a friend used to say that "Scott and Michele go together like pink and green." Um, yeah. But was then and this is now. My style is much different. More refined, less structured. Lots less pink and green.

But believe it or not, preppy is making a comeback. Don't worry, knickers and foulard bowties for women are not making their way back into the fashion tomes (at least I hope not) as high fashion. I have to say, though, that there is a certain je ne sais quois about this classic look that is so perfect for right now and I'm glad to see elements of the preppy look coming back into circulation.

To get the look start with a pair of simple trousers; khakis or white jeans are perfect. Add a simple tank (a few adornments here such as ruffles are perfect) and then layer it up with a great jacket, that has some structure. Jackets are huge this season and we're seeing styles that range from military to ladylike to safari, so let your personal style dictate which one you choose. Also, have some fun with color! Sure, this look thrives on the classic combinations, but why not bring it up to the minute by pairing nudes and neutrals in sleek ways: gray with khaki is a chic twist on two old faves. Or pop a pair of white jeans with a tangerine colored jacket. Keep the details simple and don't let the color overwhelm the outfit. Add a great pair of shoes (note to self - skip the penny loafters!), grab a great handbag and you're all set!

I have to say that I do still feel a bit wistful anytime I hear the term 'preppy'. But rest assured; these looks are part classic, part contemporary and all parts chic. This is not your mother's definition of preppy, that's for sure!

Sweet Surrender from Starbucks

Mmmm...Do you love a good coffee drink as much as I do? It's a nice treat every once in a while, but sometimes those calories can really add up. I just had the pleasure of indulging in a delicious bottled Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino - but the best part is that it is LIGHT with just 100 calories and 3 grams of fat.

I am catching up on some things from home today and haven't had time to dash out for my Starbucks fix (yes, I do love some Starbucks!). But I popped open a bottle of Vanilla Frappuccino Light and got my caffeine fix in a very creamy and delicious way. A blend of Starbucks coffee and milk (yes, you get a calcium fix, too), this chilly beverage is lightly sweetened with Splenda and has a touch of vanilla to create a delicious concoction that will keep your waistline in check!

Nail It!

Have you noticed when you file your nails with an emery board that they are still a little rough around the edges? I sure have. So when I had the chance to try a nail file made from crystal glass I was very intrigued. I admit that I was a little afraid to use it at first. I mean, being made from crystal glass, I was sure to break it - right? But my curiosity kicked in and I just had to know how these attractive rainbow hued files worked. In a nutshell, they rock!

Using the crystal glass Top Notch file is so easy. It's sleek and streamlined and just feels good. But the best part is that these files seal the tip of your nails as you file, preventing water, dirt and debris from seeping into the nail tip and weakening your nails. This helps to prevent them from chipping, cracking and peeling. It takes about a month of use to get rid of all the yucky stuff and to start to notice a difference, but I have really noticed a difference in my nails.

But wait, there's more! Aside from strengthening your nails, Top Notch nail files are non-porous, making them anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. These files meet FDA standards for sanitation. To keep them clean for home use, simply rinse them under water or run them through the dishwasher. With three sizes available (priced from $6 - $12), choose the size that best works for you!

Dress it Up!

Quick, the kids have to be at school, you’re late for work and you don’t know what to wear. Instead of spending precious time trying to coordinate an outfit, just reach for a dress. This season dresses are everywhere and have never looked better! Pull on an easy knit dress for a chic and wrinkle-free look, or go for colorful print in a stretch cotton twill. Dresses have the allure of looking instantly put-together without being too fussy, and can help streamline your time spent getting dressed. Plus, the beauty of a simple day dress lies in its versatility. Here are a few tips for getting more mileage from a great dress:

1/ While the weather is still chilly add tights and boot, a simple cardigan or jacket, a belt and your favorite accessories.

2/ When the temperatures begin to rise, swap your tights/boots combo for bare legs and a pretty pair of sandals. (Make sure your feet are polished and presentable!)

3/ Have fun with layers. Try layering a long sleeve tee under a short sleeved dress, or a lace trimmed tank under a wrap dress. Add a vest or a sweater wrap. Keep the look balanced and go with bulkier items if you’re wearing tights, or keep the look light if you’ll be sporting sandals.

4/ Length matters! The best length dress for any woman is somewhere between the top and bottom of her kneecap. If you’re young and have fabulous legs, you can go a little shorter. If you want to go longer, avoid having the hemline stop at the widest point of your calf.

Editor's Note: Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress by Donna Ricco, $118 from Nordstrom.

Put the Lean in cLean

With as much cleaning as busy moms have to take care of around the house your workouts may just get squeezed out of your schedule, but now the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With a wonderful multitasking program from cLeanMomma you can get a great workout while you get your house clean. For $14.95 you’ll receive a DVD along with an e-book that will help you create your own cLeaning bootcamp, a healthy meal plan created by a registered dietician, a food diary and other helpful information to assist you in being healthy and having a clean home!