By Staff
Let your body type dictate the cut of your jeans
You know the pair – those dark stretch jeans that you've worn so much, they practically walk on their own. They just make your body look so good, accentuating your favorite spots and camouflaging those that aren't quite as favorable.
If you have no idea what your body type is or how to dress for it, this guide will help you. And pretty soon, you'll love every pair of jeans in your closet!
What to look for when you're buying jeans…
Avoid wearing big lapels, short sleeves, belts or tucked-in tops, which only make you look fuller on top and cause the eye to linger upward. Stay away from fitted tops, which only accentuate a large middle.
Don't wear bulky or gathered skirts either – you want to showcase your legs.
Let stress melt away at day spa
Are you in need of a vacation but can't take a day off? Day spas are the ideal place to get refreshed and invigorated without having to go too far from home.
Located across the country, day spas offer a variety of treatments such as exfoliating, waxing, aromatherapy and more, according to The Day Spa Association.
Some also offer amenities such as a sauna, steam room or hair salon. Services are done in private treatment rooms by trained estheticians and therapists.
Sound appealing? Then get ready to book your day of rejuvenation! The best way to find a day spa is by word of mouth. Ask people what services they use and who they are done by. Tour the spa before you book your appointment.
The environment should look clean, safe and calming. Do you like the ambiance? It may have a running-water fountain or a display of lit candles with soft music playing in the background. Peruse the menu of treatments. Do you like the services they provide? Do they offer packages which combine a few services at an economical price?
Inquire about what is and is not included in all treatments. Are tips factored into the price? Do you get a meal, robe or slippers during your stay, or are they an additional charge? Is there a changing facility with lockers on site?
Ask about the qualifications of the staff, including what treatment styles and methods they use, their training and background, and how long they've worked at the spa.
Once you've gotten all of your answers, and depending upon how happy you are with them, you can choose to book your appointment there, or you can move on to the next spa until you find one that's right for you.
Once you do, count on having one of the most relaxing experiences of your life.
Communication key to good haircut
You arrive at your neighborhood salon in need of a new hairdo. You are excited to change your style and achieve that "just left the salon" look. But once the stylist is finished, you are less than pleased. Nothing is right with your cut. It's too short, too layered, too choppy – it's just plain bad.
Next time, avoid a hairy situation by doing some prep work. Have an idea of what you want done to your locks. Cut out photos from magazines; look through old pictures to pinpoint styles you liked and didn't like. Decide how much or how little you want cut off. Consider the style: Do you want a classic cut like a short bob, or something more that's more modern, such as a choppy look?
Don't just call the first salon you see in the phone book. Go to a place that is recommended by someone you trust. If you see someone with a cut you like, question them as to where they have their hair done. Be sure to visit the salon before you book your appointment to make sure you like the atmosphere. (Is it too trendy for you? Is it too much like a barbershop?)
When you visit a stylist for the first time, schedule just a trim. If you are happy with the results, then you can go for something more drastic. If you don't feel comfortable getting a cut the first visit, ask if the stylist offers free consultations.
When you're ready to take the plunge, communication is key. Discuss what you want done and what the stylist plans to do so you are both clear on what will and won't get snipped.
Be sure to discuss what you like and don't like about your current cut as well as past cuts (Feel free to bring in those snapshots of old cuts.).
Tell the stylist about your color history (if you have one), how you maintain your hair and what products you use. Show the stylist what you found in magazines to demonstrate how you envision your coiffure. A good stylist can assess if you can recreate the same look.
It's your hair, so speak up. If the stylists suggests something you don't want, voice your opinion. If the cut is done and you hate it, say how you feel. Sure, your friends may like it, but your viewpoint matters most. But once you find a hairdresser you trust, consider putting the cut in their hands and giving them a little more free reign. By taking such risks, you may end up with a style you never even thought would look good on you.
Most people look good when they walk out of the salon. But the goal is to keep that look. Ask the stylist what products were used on your hair and how you can recreate the look yourself. If their products are too pricey, ask for less-expensive alternatives. If you can't master the style yourself, set up a how-to follow-up session with your stylist.