Make Me Up!

This blog is for Gracie..my friend Joy’s beautiful daughter (Joy is beautiful as well, but this is for Gracie, not Joy ).  I am in No Way qualified to write anything about beauty tips, just as I’m not qualified on telling people how to have thin thighs in 30 days.  That being said..I do think I know what looks good, I know right from wrong, and  I am quite astute in searching topics on the internet.  My make-up routine consists of moisturizer, under-eye concealer, mascara, light pink eye-shadow on my eyelids, eye liner, and possibly bronzer or light pink blush.  My routine Never takes more than 4 minutes…and that’s for a night out.  Sadly, it also probably appears that way, as well.    So I should say this blog is for Gracie…as well as me!  And thank you Gracie for recommending this topic!

Beauty tips for the College Girl

Here is a  quick routine that will make you look wide awake even when you have a 8AM class. They say this  will take less than five minutes?  Found these great tips on collegegloss.com

Tinted Moisturizer:

Tinted moisturizer is a college girl’s best friend. It’s perfect because you can smooth it onto your face during the morning rush to class. Try to find one with SPF so that you get sun protection as well as a light coverage. I find that a tinted moisturizer is perfect for taking the redness out of my cheeks without looking completely made up for class. This one from Clinique gives skin a healthy glow, and the Aveeno tinted moisturizer is available at most drugstores as well!

Peachy, pink blush:

Blush is one of those products that really makes a huge difference in a little amount of time. All you have to do is sweep the shade on the apples of your cheeks and you instantly look radiant. Pink shades are the most universally flattering, but peach shades look give you a natural glow as well. Try blushes from brands like MAC, Benefit, Maybelline and NYX. Each brand offers a wide variety of formulas and colors. Our favorite? Beach blush from Cargo.

Eye shadow:

You don’t have to get crazy and put six different shades on your eyes for class, but you can sweep a light shimmery brown shade across your lids for added dimension. You’ll never have to hear the words, “you look tired” when you use this trick. If you’re really in a rush, you don’t even need to use a brush to apply this, just dab on the shimmery shade with your ring finger. MAC make some really great shimmery shades, but Physician’s Formula and Covergirl offer some nude shades as well. A great affordable option is the Coastal Scents Original Palette.

Lengthening mascara:

If you only have time for one thing in the morning, mascara should be at the top of your list. It also helps to curl your lashes because it really opens up tired eyes. Mascara adds a subtle definition that’s enough to give you the confidence to wink at the cutie in calculus without the added step of eye liner. I love drugstore mascaras because mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives cosmetics-wise (3 months, ladies!) It makes more sense to search for a less expensive option if you’re going to be buying mascara four times a year. Maybelline Volum’express mascara and Covergirl LashBlast mascara are top choices.

Tinted Lip Balm:

Okay ladies, a show of hands: how many of you have gotten your hair caught in your lip gloss on your way to class? Been there, done that! Then on top of that, you have to make the super-flattering motion of getting your hair out of the said lipgloss. Has anyone else noticed that lip gloss acts like super-glue on hair? Just me? A tinted lip balm is the perfect solution to this common problem. The tint gives you color like a gloss, without the stickiness factor. Burt’s Bee’s makes great tinted balms in several colors.

Source:  collegegloss.com

Beauty Tips every Teen should Know

Skip the foundation

If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Don’t. Foundation is for women over 30. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder or tinted mosturizer. Tinted moisturizers tend to be lighter than heavy foundations.

You pat concealer in, you never rub it in

This is a beauty trick every magazine touts. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

Play up your lips or eyes, never both

If you wear smokey eyes, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don’t heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you’ll look like a clown.

And never, ever line lips in a darker color than your gloss or lipstick.

Less is more

Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you’re overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

Natural hair is always best

If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. 

Vaseline is your best friend

Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It’s also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

You can never go wrong with layers Long layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy. Just make sure you don’t get too many layers cut in. Too many short layers is dated.

Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat

Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you’ll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first

There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder.

Buy these products in a grocery store and you’ll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

When can you skip Sunscreen? Never!!!!

Here’s a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you’ll have gorgeous skin when you’re 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows.

Wrapping hair around the curling iron barrel creates waves

There’s nothing cooler than long, layered waves.  To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

Self-tanner will always stink

Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don’t loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. These are pricey and don’t last long, so make sure to do it a day before the big event.

Don’t let nails go

Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don’t keep the polish on until half of it’s chipped away. Also, there’s nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.

Don’t line the inside of your eyes

It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn’t look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

Oily Hair?  Try baby powder at the roots

If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.  They also have some great Dry Shampoo’s now.

Shave legs at the end of the shower

Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual.   If you don’t have shaving cream, you can use conditioner!

Know your best feature and play it up

What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you’re told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it’s your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

Scrubs are great for dry skin

If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callous-y feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

Remember: Beauty is mostly internal

Think about a girl you know who’s overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she’s confident. If you aren’t wearing makeup and your toes haven’t been repainted in weeks, if you’re happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class.

And when a Picture is worth a Thousand Words!

Smokey Eye Tutorial

Making your eyes POP!

The Best Way to Apply Mascara

How to get the Fattest Lashes

Eyeshadow Tips

Concealer

Red Lips

Brushology

Make-up To 10 Must Haves

Bobbi’s Top 10

Best Nutrients for your Skin

12 Natural Beauty Remedies

 

Hmmm…guess I should start throwing away my make-up!  Like milk and bread, they have an expiration date!  And I know this blog is a tad lengthy (sorry, LAP), but that’s why I threw in many pictures…and I’m going to try the Red Lips tutorial.  Stay tuned.

On a side note re: “attractiveness”, a friend of mine indicated he thought Paris Hilton was “hot”.  I just don’t see it so took a quick straw poll and asked my 5 Top male peeps, and not one of them agreed…one of the best comments was, “she’s kinda ‘nasty sexy’, but Definitely not attractive”.  I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you can Never go wrong with being kind to others.

Have a great weekend!  Re-entry this week has been tough, but I’m managing to forge ahead, and have had an absolute Fantastic week…a bit distracting at times, but Fantastic!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• 8 Great Spring Drugstore Beauty Finds (blogher.com)

Live Every Moment…

My friend Sonal posted this on Facebook, which she re-posted from one of her friends.  I’d guess this has made the rounds many, many times, but Easter morning was the first time I saw it.  I love it enough to make an Entire blog about it.

Burned Biscuits – A lesson we all should learn.

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing… never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said, “Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides, a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!”

As I’ve grown older, I’ve thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket… keep it in your own.”

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life–I just did!
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

“Would you please pass the jelly!!!”

And just maybe, if someone serves you burnt biscuits, they’ll also serve you these adorable Cupcakes…

Made with Cupcakes (obviously); Milano cookies and wafers for the heels!

Happy Monday and may you not be on the receiving end of any cruel April Fool’s Day pranks.

xoxo,

T.

Spring Breaking…

Views from Paradise…Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, CA…Truly, one of our favorite places, ever!

http://www.waterfrontresort.com/

And I’d be remiss if I did not wish a very Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, Megan!

Happy Easter and see you next week!

xoxo,

T.

If you are aching for some Easter-related blogs…here are my last 2.  One on filling the Easter Baskets and one on Peeps…the other white meat!

Enjoy!

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/up-with-peeps/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/the-easter-baskets-were-filled-and-how/

Tiffany…to a Tee

I’ve written a lot about my Favorite things and great gifts to give as well as wonderful gifts I  have received.  I thought that was all well and good and was keeping the handful of people who follow my blog happy (actually I’m about 440K lifetime views, but who’s counting?).  Apparently human nature is such that  ”some people” don’t always want to hear about fairy tales, ribbons  and rainbows.  So I’ve been cornered, yes cornered and asked “what is the worst gift you’ve received…You should blog about that.  People would find that interesting and you more likable”.  Wow…people don’t find me likable, because I write this snappy blog?  That’s hurtful.  Anyway, I honestly couldn’t think of anything that I’ve received that I truly disliked.  There once was a cocktail ring that Kevin gave me for an anniversary, that some of my friend’s originally thought was a “miss”, but I actually really love that ring (future blog).

So…(and yes I will get to the point and land this plane), the kids and I were “hanging” and Patrick came into the family room swinging a Tiffany & Co.  Golf Putter Kevin had given me for Mother’s Day a few years back (along with 6 Tiffany charms for a charm bracelet which makes that bracelet weigh about 8 LBs).   The request regarding “frivolous gifts” sprung to mind.  The Tiffany & Co. golf putter comes in a  tiffany-blue felt protective cover, covering the entire putter and the sterling silver club head also has its own tiffany-blue felt protective cover.  I golf, I’m not a good golfer, but I do enjoy it, and love to have fun on the course, but in no way am I remotely close to needing a really fine putter (Patrick is the only person in the world who would dare try to actually use that putter) nor am I worthy of displaying a fine golf putter. I don’t think I even have a handicap, except that I like to drink adult beverages on the course and tell duck jokes.  :)

So…Patrick and I were discussing this golf club,  that I keep in our umbrella stand, in its’ protective cover, and he decided to Google it…and this is what we found:

Tiffany to a tee. Golf putter in stainless steel with sterling silver club head. 3′ long.

Available exclusively at Tiffany.com, the New York flagship and select Tiffany stores.

$2150

$2150.  $2150?  I had to do a double take…I had NO IDEA he paid $2150 for a decorative golf club.  At least I think it’s supposed to be decorative… remember, I keep it in my umbrella stand, so I find it decorative.  And, as we know, my mantra is Frugal is the New Black, but Kevin must have thought this was something that I’d really, really love.   The O’Brien’s are not the Kardashian’s, so I am still baffled by this purchase.    Kevin may have his own faults (that won’t be a future blog, either), but he really is probably the best gift-giver, ever.  When I’m long gone, Meredith and Patrick will enjoy those gifts, as will their children and hopefully generations to come.  And just perhaps, they’ll also enjoy this blog!    Oh, and it’s important to note this was given to me Pre-Recession!.

I’m in good company, as apparently Michael Jordan was awarded a Tiffany Golf Putter, suitable for engraving, for some act of kindness and goodwill…and how happy was I that I was able to get a picture of it, as shown below.  I’d like to mention that the putter I received is Not engraved, nor did I receive it for any random act of kindness, goodwill, or chivalry.  I believe I received it because it was Mother’s Day and I’m a Mom to Meredith and Patrick.

So, I now have a ready response for when someone asks “What is your least favorite, or most frivolous gift you’ve ever received”?  I love everything I’ve ever received…but I did receive a Sterling Silver Tiffany Golf putter…that’s for decoration only.  I love it, but it’s just too good to take out on the links!

If you would like your very own Tiffany and Company Sterling Silver Golf Tee, there are several on eBay.  Prices range from $595 to $1750, depending on condition.  And no, you will Not find one listed by Dressedtoat, as regardless of whether or not it’s a frivolous gift, I’m keeping it!

“The 80′s called, they want their bangs back”…That, and other snarky comments people have made regarding my blog will be addressed within the next few weeks.  Let’s give the people what they want.  No ribbons, no rainbows, no fairy tales…but sarcastic and some very unflattering comments people have made regarding me and my blog…And yes, someone, really did post about my bangs in a comment on my blog.  I spammed his comment!   And to further make people happy, I’m going to do a blog on “Make-up tips” for my friend, Gracie!  Not that I’m remotely qualified to write about make-up, but I do think I have a pretty good sense about what is right and what is wrong!  Plus, Google is certainly my friend.

xoxo,

T.

Spring Break…at long last!

Getting ready to Spring into Spring Break!

Spring doesn’t officially arrive till March 20th, but  I, like the rest of my town, am getting ready for spring break.  I thought I’d help get me/us in the “spring of things”!  (Pun intended, btw).  And because no one I know is angling towards a snowy spring break…I’m really focusing this blog towards those who are searching for Sun…like me!

What to Pack

Less is more. With airlines charging a premium for baggage, packing as lightly as possible can save you big. Try to fit all of your things into a carry-on bag and pack your smaller purses into an oversized purse for your “personal item.” With some careful packing, you’d be surprised how much you can stuff into your luggage! Try to pack basic wardrobe pieces that all work together. If you start planning outfits with shoes and accessories, you’re going to need a U-Haul just to get to the airport. Think jeans and/or shorts, white shirts go with everything (especially a tan), at least one pair of shoes you know you can wear all day or all night. If you’ll have access to laundry facilities, so much the better. Leave the good jewelry home. And that applies to me as well.  I was recently downgraded by American Airlines from Platinum, and now have to pay to have my bags checked.  Ugh…that means we will be travelling very light this year!

Found these tips from a houston CBS affiliate, which also applies to sunny and snowy destinations!

1. Check the weather of your destination before departing. Are you headed somewhere with a cool climate? Will you be romping around adventurously in heat? Look at your weather forecast and pack accordingly.

2. Jeans. You can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans. Chances are that you will not wear them everyday so one to two pair will be sufficient. Sometimes I pack them for a trip and never wear them. What a waste of suitcase! 

3. Sunny Attire. If you are headed for some fun in the sun, then you definitely need a swimsuit as well as waterproof sunblock. Sports sunblocks made for athletes are great. They absorb in the skin quickly and give you great protection, regardless of your sweating issues.

4. Cool Runnings? If you are going somewhere cool, consider a sweater or two. I recommend no more than two sweaters. Sweaters can take up large amounts of space and chances are that you will not be wearing them frequently.

5. Shoes. If you are like me, then you will pack more shoes than you will clothes! Remember, if you plan on being by the beach the whole time, you really do not need a boatload of shoes. So one pair for going out and another pair for walking are ideal. Chances are, (if you are anything like me), you will find a few pair while on vacation to bring home! Make room for those wonderful discoveries and assets!  Workout shoes; flip flops; ballet flats and strappy sandals for evening.  That will do it for me.

6. Not Too Many Toiletries.  Purchase those travel sizes of containers for your soap, creams and lotions. Buying the larger and bulky sizes of essentials will weigh your bags down.

Quick Tips:

Roll your clothes, rather than folding them; they’ll take up less room and won’t get as wrinkled.
Use clear plastic storage bags for your toiletries. If a something spills, the mess will be contained.
Wear your heaviest/bulkiest items on the flight to save precious cargo space.
If your family is each bringing their own electronics, they need to be responsible for their own chargers!

On my list of things Not to forget

1. Sunglasses – I always bring a spare pair…lest I lose one (gasp)!

2.  Sunscreen – Start high and work your way down to a lower number…It is Not prudent to start with an SPF 4 or 8…start with 30, and work your way down.

3.  Beach tote – to hold my sunglasses, sunscreen, magazines, books, and iPod (iPhone, iPad, etc).

4.  Chargers for all our devices…and because I have the iPhone 5, I cannot get away with the same charger I use for my iPod and iPad.  I do try to have a little case, with all my chargers, ear phones and iPod so I just grab it and throw it in my carry on.

5.  Sandals…mainly Flip Flops!

6.  Shawl for the plane and for chilly nights

7.  Books to read.  I’m going to bring 3 Jen Lancaster books, because she’s sassy, sarcastic and I can fly right through those books while laying by the pool…which is one of my absolutely favorite things to do, btw.

What to Listen To

What to Wear

Other Tips
For individuals travelling by car:
■ No one likes to have vacation plans interrupted. Before you hit the road, have your vehicle serviced at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) facility to make certain it is in working order to get you to your destination.
■ For safety, plan your route in advance and make sure to travel with a fully charged cellphone and emergency road safety kit. Keep in mind, however, that under Ontario’s distracted driving law it is illegal to talk, text, dial or type using a hand-held communications device while driving. If a phone call must be made, have a passenger make the call, or wait until you are able to safely pull off the road.
■ Take your time; many highways will be congested with vehicles as people anxiously make their way to their vacation destination. Allow plenty of time for your travels and adjust your driving habits to reflect the weather conditions. When travelling for longer distances, notify someone of your intended destination and anticipated arrival time.
■ Excited children can be a challenge in the car. Regular stops and seat switching will turn their attention to something new until the next stop, while also preventing driver fatigue and distraction.
■ Though your travels on the road are family time, remember that you will be in tight quarters for the duration of your trip. To help keep arguments at bay, pack a range of games and activities that will cater to everyone’s interests.
For individuals travelling by air:
■ Long lines are commonplace at airports during this popular travel season, so be sure to arrive early for your flight. Eliminate unnecessary hassle by checking in online with your airline and receiving your boarding pass in advance of departing for the airport. Remember to confirm your flight’s status before leaving as well.
■ Avoid being surprised by extra fees by verifying your airline’s policy for baggage and help save time at the airport by weighing your luggage before you leave
■ Though no one likes to think about it, preparing for the unexpected is an important part of travelling. Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary and insurance policy with a friend or family member who can be reached during your travels if necessary.

(Source:  www.baytoday.ca)

Tips for College Kids

1. Sunscreen. You can’t have too much of it, especially when you’re in, on, or near the water – or on the sparkling white beaches! “Authorities” recommend at least an SPF 15. If you do get burned, take aspirin or ibuprofen, and wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt in the sun till the sunburn goes away.

2. You’re going to be in the sun. You may get overserved. You’re going to dance too much. In other words, you’re going to dehydrate. So drink some water and stay hydrated.

3. Watch out for traffic. The streets around the bars, clubs and hotels are ALWAYS busy. Not everyone driving a car should be driving a car…be safe and cognisant of your surroundings.

4. If you get a jellyfish sting, don’t rub it. That’ll only make it worse. Put some meat tenderizer on it, or go to a walk-in clinic.

5. Balcony jumping. If you hang from balconies while drunk, chances are you’ll fall. Fall, and chances are you’ll die. Avoid this by not climbing on balconies.

6. Know the drinking age where you are. The bartenders, cops and judges won’t forget it… so don’t try ‘em.

7. Travel in groups. Don’t let your friends wander off with strangers. Just because it’s Spring Break doesn’t mean the predators take the month off.

8. Watch out for the riptide and rip currents. They’re narrow sections of current too strong to swim against and will take you quickly offshore. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the rip current, then swim towards the beach. Or drown.

9. Watch your drink. Spiking drinks is considered sport for some people…Never set down your drink or let it out of your site.

10. Visit the ATM in groups. Friends can keep a lookout while you’re withdrawing cash to lower the risk of robbery. If you must go alone, be sure to cover the keypad when you enter your pin number, just in case someone is watching or the ATM is equipped with an illegal skimming device that steals card information.

11. Keep your money safe. Carry a limited amount of cash at a time as well as a single credit card. Never flash wads of cash at the ATM or in other public places. Tell your credit card company that you’ll be traveling before you leave to avoid holds on your account due to suspicious activity.

12. Remember that sun exposure and alcohol don’t mix. Spring break often involves lots of time lounging in the sun and in hot tubs, both of which can intensify the effects of alcohol in the body. Take it easy, and remember to slather up with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, even when it’s cloudy.

(Source:  Panama City tourist bureau)

Family Friendly Ideas for Spring Break…from 5minutesofmom.com

1. Go camping.

If you want an adventure and are looking for an experience that your family will talk about for years, go on a camping trip. From rain storms, to pesky critters, to noisy neighbors, camping will leave your family with something to talk about and the best part? After a couple years, your less than desirable camping moments develop into stories with a life of their own!

2. Book a stay at an indoor waterpark resort.

If camping is not your cup of tea, maybe you’d prefer to book a stay at an indoor waterpark resort. In addition to the waterpark, many resorts also offer kids activities like story time, crafts and game rooms adding to the total experience.

3. Visit a major metropolitan city.

When I think of major metropolitan cities, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City come to mind. Each city boasts a vast variety of educational, cultural and plain fun touristy attractions!

4. Go to the Mall of America.

Any mall may be considered a perfect destination for teenagers who love to shop, but with a seven acre theme park, aquarium and LEGO® store, you’ll find the Mall of America has attractions that will appeal to the entire family.

5. Take a road trip.

Pack a bag, grab some snacks, fuel up your car and set off on a road trip that you’ll never forget. Drive along a popular route like the Mile High Highway, Pacific Coast Highway, Lincoln Highway, Extraterrestrial Highway, or Route 66, stopping for spectacular views, roadside attractions or whatever grabs your fancy.

6. Volunteer as a family.

Spending your time giving of yourself to help others is a very rewarding experience. To be able to do the same as a family offers immeasurable rewards. Not only does volunteering together strengthen the family unit, it also opens communication channels, teaches values and builds character.

7. Try something new.

Do something your family has never done before. Eat at a new restaurant, visit a new attraction or try a new activity as a family. You could pan for gold, hunt for diamonds, zip line, kayak, snorkel, ski or go for an airboat ride. The possibilities are endless!

And, by chance if you are Not travelling this spring break, may I make these suggestions:

1.  Go see Silver Linings Playbook.  Definitely in my Top 10 of movies.  Loved it, and hated to see it end!

2.  Try a new restaurant you’ve been dying to go to.

3.   Be a tourist in your own city or town.

4.  Get a spray tan!

5.  Read that book that’s been on your list.  I recently finished:  Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn.  I loved it.  On my list for this spring break:  The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, along with 2 by Jen Lancaster.

6.  Take $20 to the Dollar Store and go hog wild and buy 20 things!  I’ve gotten chicklets gum (6 to a pack, and comes in mint and fruit flavored), hard cover books, Liquid Plumber, gift bags, tissue paper for gift bags; office supplies.

7.  Try a smoothie a day!

Safe travels to all, and here’s to doing Nothing at all!!

Happy Birthday Pop…we miss you!

xoxo,

T.

Check out my last post on spring break:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/spring-forward-and-plan-for-spring-break/

Related articles

• Spring Break With Kids: Best Destinations and Activities to Fit Your Budget (parenting.answers.com)
• An Alternative Spring Break That Helps The Homeless (wreg.com)
• http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/spring-forward-and-plan-for-spring-break/

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya

My National Holiday is but a week away (9 days and counting), so thought I’d pen a quick blog on things that just Smack of St. Patrick’s Day!

Pair this necklace with a crisp white blouse, your best jeans, and high heels!

Options for Men are more limited…but here are some nice options:

Go Blackhawks!!

Mint Ice Cream Cake

Start off the morning with green pancakes!

Shamrock Shake…What’s not to love?!  Here is the copycat recipe, which I posted last year…

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream

1 3/4 cups 1% milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Green food coloring if desired

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

Candied-Green Popcorn

Irish Coffee…and Best place to enjoy one is the Buena Vista in San Francisco!

They’ll be Green with envy when you’re sipping your Green Martini…your Appletini!

I will celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a few days early in DC, with my friend and client, Julie, enjoying a Stella at the Dubliner Pub…where I happened to get engaged 23 years ago, on St. Patrick’s Day!

Bruce, that Guinness if for you…”milk on an angel’s breath”.

Don’t forget your Pooch!

 

St. Patrick’s Day Facts & Trivia

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday similar to Christmas and Easter.

Erin go Bragh translates to “Ireland forever.”

The very first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.

The largest parade in the US, held since 1762, is in New York City, and draws more than one million spectators each year.

Over 100 US cities hold a parade every year. Some of the other biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades are in Chicago, Illinois and Savannah, Georgia.

In 1948 President Truman became the first president to attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The city of Chicago goes so far to celebrate that they dye their river green.

Green is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day because it is the color of spring, of Ireland, and of the shamrock.

Kiss me, I’m Irish…I really am!

xoxo,

T.

Check out my 2011 and 2012 posts for St. Patrick’s Day…why rework the wheel, when you can read them here.

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/whos-your-paddy/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/im-irish-but-please-dont-pinch-me-for-i-shall-be-wearing-green/

Patrick, this card is for you!

Spring Fashion Trends

Spring Fashion Trends!  With all the snow, ice and cold, it’s nice to take a break (think Spring Break) and think about Spring!  The latest trends in tow. We’re obsessing on color blocks; shape-shifts; prints floral, digital and geometrical. Spinning looks with scads of cool separates, modern knits, go-to dresses, awesome leathers. Giving you the skinny on pants, the savvy on suits and a palette that’s mad about hue!  I pirated this from the Etcetera website, and giggled as I was typing it…But as we know, I do adore those clothes!  And I am looking forward to spring!

FLOWER POWER

Bold. Bright.

Less sweet. More sexy.

Find splashes of sunshine
fresh-picked, fresh-washed,
hothouse, tropical, digital. To
wear-now, wear-later, wear
everywhere

COLOR BLOCKING
Not only new. But iconic.
Just about the hottest thing
in fashion. Palettes run at
angles, in panels, as trim.
The colors electric or graphic
or fabric-mixed for a whole
new take on texture.

MODERN GEOMETRY

It’s hip to be square. Mix
in geometric prints. Slip
into architectural silos.
Boost your wardrobe with
colorblocks, circles, mosaics,
cubists; wedges, tapers and
asymmetrical layers.

DIGITAL PRINTS

Pixel power. Fashion’s new
frontier. Prints go wild.
Images take flight. Kooky,
quirky, all-out beautiful.
Designers team-up with
the digerati and anything
imagined can be done.

ROARING TWENTIES

We’re obsessed with the
‘wedge’. The silo favored
by flappers. Architectural.
Geometric. Flattering and
forgiving. Generous at the
bodice, skimming the hips
below.

THE MIX

The sportswear you love.
Pieces to mix and remix for
your every plan. Find scads of
cool separates, modern knits,
go-to dresses and awesome
leathers for a hot-buttered
finish.

BOTTOM LINE

The skinny on pants. No
rules. No boundaries.
Go matchstick, palazzo,
cropped, boot-cut, ankleslashed,
arrow-narrow or
suit-up with a short-short for
a trend that’s all-the-rage.

WORK IT

The user’s guide to what to
wear to work. Hardly ho-hum.
Savvy suits for the corporate,
the entrepreneurial, the
casual. Sometimes buttoned up,
other times not-so-much.

SPRING 2013 Colors:
A palette that’s crisp, pure, pretty. Bursting with
the edgy, the earthy, the sun-drenched bright.

basil ripe avocado
poppy red flower power
periwinkle lavender with attitude
bluebird hot splash of aqua
black + white top of the trends

fuchsia crayon box bright
khaki desert gone deeper
tangerine sweet orange
with a kick
café double shot of espresso
rose pink turned up to high

SPRING PACKING

SPRING ACCESSORIES

***this above bag is from Prada.  It’s really not “Spring” per se, but if I owned it (and I won’t as it’s probably more than my car), I’d use it year round!

Above earrings are from Tory Burch.  $350.  a fortune, but probably worth it.  I’m waiting for them to go on sale.  Sadly, I may be waiting a long time!

All That Glitters…

For the person who owes me a pair of shoes, of my choice, because I won a bet…I now have decided on these, Christian Louboutins…totally unpractical, but utterly fabulous.  Priceless…

If I should go “dark” this spring, and my blog is missing for a few weeks, you may find me here:

Spring cannot come a minute too soon!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• Milan Fashion Week: Fall 2013′s 5 Most Wearable Trends (glamour.com)