Making the move

Did you ever stop to think that maybe your dating game isn't all that its cracked up to be because of no fault of your own? Yeah, believe it or not, the perfect guy may be out there giving you the eye but he's lacking the confidence and the game to let you know. Contrary to popular belief, guys often have a difficult time with self esteem and confidence. They're no different than us girls. Men just don't like to admit that they might need a little bit of help when it boils down to how to meet women. It's a macho thing, I'm sure. Understandably so. I mean, I'm sure it was a male who was the original pick up artist
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Here is a little tidbit of info for you. Men like it when we make things easier for them. Yes, I know...playing hard to get is part of the game for us girls. True. However, there is a time and place for that. When a man is obviously lacking a bit of self confidence, that is not the time to play hard to get. You're trying to get the guy, not scare him away from the dating scene for life. In my opinion, nice guys deserve a shot. Cut them some slack and give them a break. Make the first move. If you think there is some mutual interest, why don't you buy them a drink? Why must the man always make the first move? You've got nothing to lose except your pride. And trust me, in the dating scene, pride must take a back seat at times. You can't be too proud to step up to the plate and let a guy know you're interested.

Dating doesn't have to be a drudgery. Trust me, it's not going to get any easier as you get older. I speak from experience on that one. If I've learned anything over the years, it's to go with my instinct. If I feel like I'm getting the eye from a hottie, then I'm going to give him the eye back. I'm going to flirt a little bit. Let him know that I see that eye and I'm raising him on the deal. Guys certainly don't want to have to do all of the work but most will not shy away from a challenge.

So the next time you're out at the club and the DJ starts spinning your favorite tune, sashay right over to that one that's been giving you the look all evening long, grab him by the hand and drag him out to the dance floor. Get your groove on. Who knows, you might just gain a lot more than a dance!

Tip O' the Day!

Just as Spring brings many rituals for people, Fall has its own rituals for me. One of the things I must do every Fall season is to get a new hairstyle. I feel it necessary to enter into the holiday season looking my best and getting all of that dead cut out of my hair. We all put our hair through torture during the summer months. What better time to give yourself a mini-makeover than at the start of a new season. Time to cut out those dead ends and give that chlorine damaged hair a new coiffure. Just a simple trim may be all it takes to put new life back into your hair. Don't forget to switch up your shampoos and conditioners every few months. It keeps your hair from looking dull and lifeless! Just a tip!

Be Wise, Be Healthy

I'm a firm believer in trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I may not be a size 6, but I still insist upon eating intelligently. I'm very conscious of what I consume and I do my best to be consistent in my nutritional habits.

It's important that if you're just starting out with new and healthier changes in your diet, that you keep a food diary. You need to be able to track your eating style. Do you tend to eat more at night versus the morning? Are you a habitual snacker? Do you consume a great deal more sugar than necessary? Keeping a journal of all of your food intake in the beginning is a great tool to getting some insight into how and why you eat what you eat. It goes beyond counting calories. You've got to maintain a healthy caloric intake as well as monitoring your carbs, fat grams and sugar intake. If you're unsure of how to keep track of these things, then you're best bet will be to find a calorie counter to help you out in the beginning. After a while, you'll be able to judge things with a sensible view.

Remember...it's not dieting that we all need. It's a lifestyle change. Making these healthy changes in your diet needs to be something that you take with you for the rest of your life. Being healthy is the only way to be!

Divine Leather

Cooler weather is almost here. Finally! I love nothing more than being able to put on a very trendy and stylish jacket when I go out. I truly believe that outerwear is just as important as the rest of your wardrobe. I love leather coats and jackets. Sure, they take a bit more care than just a windbreaker or a denim jacket but that's okay. Fashion doesn't come without some effort. Buying yourself a good leather jacket or coat is an investment. If you take care of it, it will last you forever. Truth be told, leather jackets never really go out of style. New styles are added each year but if you really examine them, they're just repeats of the same classic styles that have always been around. If you add nothing else to your winter wardrobe, I strongly suggest you consider one really beautiful, chic leather jacket. You simply cannot go wrong!!

Just a reminder...

In case you let it slip your mind...

Now is the time to check for great sales on swimsuits both online and in your local department and specialty boutiques. Most retailers are trying to clear out their 2007 line to make plenty of room for when that 2008 line breaks out. Normally, this is the only way I purchase a swimsuit.

A few years ago, I managed to snag a swimsuit for $40. It was originally priced at nearly $120. I saved nearly 70%. With savings like that, I was able to purchase a matching sarong to go with it. Deals are always out there to be had. You just need to keep your eyes open and your shopping sensors tuned in to the clearance sales.

Could you please pass the dish of Autumn?

I can't wait for fall to break out in full force. Yes, I know that it's October and that constitutes fall however here in Florida, fall doesn't hit us until around December. Sometimes January. I'm ready to break out my jean jackets and my cozy sweaters. I'm ready to start wearing jeans again and not capris every day. I'm ready for something besides sandals and flip flops. It's almost worth moving up north again so I can go back to having a wardrobe geared towards each of the four seasons. I'll find any reason necessary to shop!

Style and Trends

Wouldn't it be nice if you could receive the exact same service and treatment when you shop an online boutique as you do when you visit a chic boutique in person? You can actually. At tobi.com you can speak to an online stylist who will assist you with your purchases. Pretty innovative wouldn't you say?

Whether you're searching for that new and trendy diesel jacket or those sexy paige jeans, tobi.com has what it is you're looking for. They prove that shopping online doesn't have to be, and isn't, cold and impersonal.

Of course, you know that I head straight to the handbag section of their site. I had a bit of price shock at first but I did manage to find some really stylish bags that wouldn't force me to get a bank loan. In general, tobi.com has just about anything you could possible want from a high end boutique. If its boots or the incredible vince sweaters, tobi.com should be your online boutique of choice. And don't forget...an online stylist to give you that personal attention that you deserve. What could be better than that? Oh wait...I know...how about some sale prices with up to 80% off the regular price? Yeah, now you're listening huh? Be sure to check out all of the sections at tobi.com because you never know what you're going to find.

Trends on the rise

I recently returned from having spent a few weeks in Europe, specifically the Netherlands. While there, I noticed something that I hadn't noticed in all of my previous time spent there. Plus Sized fashions are on the rise! I was ecstatic to see this new trend. There were more stores dedicated strictly to plus size clothing. I know that Europe basically sets the mark where fashion is concerned, however I feel they've been lacking when it came to having beautiful clothes for the voluptuous woman. Apparently this is changing and rightfully so.

I did refrain from purchasing any clothes while over there. Unfortunately I did not refrain from spending copious amounts of money on handbags and shoes. My next visit will be dedicated to clothing. Just remember, if you do ever find yourself in Europe and decide to add to your wardrobe, the sizing charts are quite different. Don't be alarmed to find yourself trying on a size 52 blouse or slipping on a pair of size 40 boots for size. Print off a size comparison chart before you go and it will make the process much easier!

It's a Must Have

I have to admit, I'm pretty snobby when it comes to my health and beauty products. I like to have the best. However, I won't resist the urge to try something if I think it's going to be a good asset to my regime. I have to say, I am now completely addicted to Tree Hut's Brazilian Nut Shaving Cream. This stuff is incredible. It's less than $5 and a tube of it lasts me for quite a while actually. It doesn't take much to get the job done. When I finish shaving my legs, they actually feel as though I've gone and gotten them waxed. That's how close of a shave you get with this shaving cream. In addition, the moisturizers in it are great for my skin. So far, I've only been able to find it at Wal-Mart. I haven't checked out Target for it yet. They have a complete line to go along with the shaving cream and I have the entire line. I absolutely adore everything that they make in this line. The smell, the feel, the end result....everything. If you're looking for something great for your skin at a bargain price, then check out the Tree Hut line from Naterra. I guarantee you that you won't be disappointed!

Free Jewelry??

I have found a website that is truly addicting. I will apologize now for giving you the url because once you look at it, you'll be hooked just like me.

Silver Jewelry Club is one of those sites that seems too good to be true. They have 4 featured pieces of jewelry on their front page. Each item is up for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, that's it. Something new pops up. You can get the item for free. You're only required to pay $5.99 shipping and handling if in the U.S. and Canada or $8.99 if otherwise international. I ordered my first ring with a little hesitation. I mean c'mon...$5.99 for a sterling silver ring with a beautiful mother of pearl setting? Well its beautiful. I've since ordered 2 more rings and 3 pendants as well as a sterling silver chain. We won't discuss how much my mother has ordered, or my sister or my friends. I encourage you to go have a look. It's an inexpensive way to build up your jewelry collection if you wear silver jewelry.