Ten Pounds Lighter

I know, I know, the instant cure, you've heard it before. Unfortunately besides diet and exercise there is little one can do....but!!! Dressing for your shape and size is always the first step in appearing thinner and with the shape you want. You've all heard the adage wear the size you are, not the size you want to be - i know that can be difficult especially when you finally can squeeze into your high school jeans etc. Why do I bring this up? A colleague reminded that I need to get her the name of my secret weapon, and I can't believe I haven't written about it yet.

You may have heard it mentioned on Oprah and an array of women's magazines about the perfect bra -- thinking that you have to go to NYC like every other fashion necessity...but alas no more, head over to Copley Plaza (if you're in Boston) and make an appointment (857) 277-7887 or look it up when you are in Atlanta, Chicago, NYC, Miami and Houston. The name of the store is Intimacy and they are the "Bra Fit Specialists" which is very important especially as 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra!

Wearing the right size bra can seriously change the shape of your entire torso, for the better. And we're not talking about Victoria Secret fittings, or even Nordstrom -- it is not for the faint of heart. These women will completely bring you out of your comfort zone prodding and peering at women's vulnerable assets...but in the end they will find a bra that no only makes you look better but relieves the pressure and will keep your assets perkier longer.

I will warn you, that the price tag is a bit heftier than the average bra you'll find, but the results are truly worth it. You'll look and feel better in everything you wear.

Because I'm Worth It...And So Are You

The concept of spa days, massages, facials etc. is one of endless curiosity to me -- even the mention of the words creates a wafting overflow of indulgence, frivolity and privilege. And it is true, these things are above the things we need certainly, but when I think of the latest tech gadget or even bracelet or item of clothing that we buy on a whim it doesn't seem more or less of an indulgence. In fact, you are indulging in an item with the highest ROI -- yourself! Even in this tough economic climate where people are cutting back on some of the more frivolous items, many of the beauty services are still holding on, perhaps even because of the tough times, as a way to alleviate the lacking confidence in America and in themselves etc. The Boston Globe wrote a great piece on what people will give up to keep their beauty indulgences and it had me thinking what I'd given up or gone without.

I often swap out services and wait too long to get my hair touched up, but when I succumb to the earthly pleasure of a luxurious facial or massage I wonder that same thing almost without fail -- Why Am I Not Doing This More Often? Why Am I Not Investing In Myself? There are a multitude of answers and while mostly it does come down to $$$ it also is a lot of work, time and energy, no matter how good the end result. But it IS worth it in the long run. And sometimes it just takes time to remember that.

And I'm a firm believer that everyone should have this experience. While you can make do with the DIY type grooming of manicures and pedicures, the simple indulgence of reminding yourself you're worth it, is worth the associated price tag. For this reason I'm always thrilled when Spa week comes around, for $50 you can check out amazing services at the best Spas in town for a fraction of the cost and rejuvenate. I headed to Bella Sante on Newbury Street for the Golden Veil Facial -- complete with Frankincense and Myrrh. Aside from feeling a bit like the three wise men by the time I headed out...I also felt absolutely wonderful! And again reprimanded myself for not indulging just a bit more often (and feeling a tad bad about not reminding friends of the Muse to check out Spa Week for themselves) Then as I was leaving I was given another gift by the wise men -- Bella Sante has extended Spa Week for the Month of October -- Oh Joy!!! So go and rejoice in your wonderful, beautiful life and forget about the crummy economy for say, an hour....

Sigerson if you Please

Hooray!!! Target's new line by Sigerson Morrison does not disappoint. The collection is filled with the qualities we've come to know and love by the designer, like simple embellishments that give a rocker edge to a delicate flat. Now you can have SM for a fraction of the price. I hear it is already selling out everywhere, so grab'em up before its too late!!!

How to Have Style

Isaac Mizrahi although kooky is pretty genius or maybe because he is kooky is genius...He brought style to the masses with his simple collection for Target and now has published the book "How to Have Style." While I have not read it yet, I did read an excerpt and am already sold! He stresses that you should always dress as if you have a crush -- I love it!! because it is so true -- when i think back to high school or college and the countless crushes I had, I'm reminded of the way I dressed when I knew there was a possibility of their presence. [sigh] Now I work with 80 chicks and sadly have no crush in my daily routine, but the trick is to his statement is the as if -- Give yourself the subtle mind trick needed to put that extra effort into your choices in the morning and who knows, you may just end up having a little crush on yourself!