What's underneath the best looks? Ask my Texas girlfriend group and they're sure to say, "A lacy red thong, of course!"
This one's for the girls! The eight authors of Red Thong Strong: Girlfriend's Little Secrets to Smoothing Life's Panty Lines have joined Soma to give away eight autographed copies of our inspirational new book and eight, $100 Soma gift cards.
Read on for details on how to enter. Contest ends Nov. 2.
Bob and I go our separate ways in cold weather. He stays in short sleeves until the temperature drops close to freezing. (Just the thought of that makes me shiver. Brrrrrr!) I begin layering on sweaters (this year, the longer the better), gloves, scarves and jackets at the first sign of a chill in the air.
The right bling can give any girl an edge. Finishing a simple outfit with a stylish necklace, sassy earrings, bangles galore or, better yet, all three can add ooh-la-la personality.
That's why I adore these jewelry-centric sites. Pure heaven for those of us obsessed with trendy trinkets, they offer oodles of brag-worthy gems, elegant packaging and special offers you'll be tempted to share. You can also turn to them for chic styling tips, help making smart selections and more - some even delight in surprising you.
To stay fit, you've got to do more than sit at your computer. So Bob and I start most days with about an hour of exercise. He walks in the dark, risking run-ins with crazy ducks, foxes and all sorts of critters. I stay indoors where it's safe, climbing up and down the stairs to our second floor, tackling the treadmill and counting my steps. We've vowed to log at least 10,000 every day. Whew!
That's why I'm lovin' these three activity aids. Besides helping me keep moving, they're stylish enough to wear out and about. Even better, these breezy, wallet-friendly finds are all under $50.
To go the distance, I've got to have comfy clothes that stretch with me and keep me cool like these yoga-inspired winners from the fitness-accessory experts at Gaiam.
Reflection Tan
k - This trendy, racer-back tank makes a great work-out partner. It includes a built-in shelf bra with a flattering fit so there's no need to wear anything underneath.
The sleeveless design and soft, wick-it dry fabric keep me cool with no worry of it sticking to my skin, even when I step up my pace on the treadmill. Plus, an eye-catching key-hole back, slimming cut with side ruching and rear-covering, tunic length make it attractive enough to wear at home, to exercise with friends or running errands. ($38 in sizes XS to XL)
Watching CBS's The Good Wife often leaves me lusting over Julianna Margulies' stunning outfits. They're elegant, totally put together and a perfect way of saying she means business.
So I was thrilled to have an opportunity to chat with the man behind her look, Emmy-nominated costume designer Daniel Lawson. He shared some of his secrets to dressing the characters on this popular show as well as his top fashion tips for Baby Boomers.
I have a love/hate relationship with Bob's Tommy Bahama shirts. I love the way they look and feel (so soft!). But I hate taking care of them.
Looks can be deceiving. Take my closet. It may look full. But, as I keep telling Bob, there are only a few things I actually wear. The rest just take up space. They're out of date, don't fit right or just don't go with anything. Uggg! I obviously have separation issues or they would've found a new home long ago.
Warmer weather means it's time for new sandals, especially if you're a shoe-aholic like me. (Hello, my name is Charlotte and I can't resist shoes.) I'm lovin' these three, super cute new looks because, besides being right on trend, they're incredibly comfortable.
Some say you're never completely dressed without a smile. While that's important, a girl's also gotta have a killer bag, plenty of bling and some sassy, feet-friendly shoes (5-inch heels are out when you do more than sit!).
My dear friend Linda has always known how to throw a party. But she topped herself recently by planning the ultimate girl's trip to none other than Paris, France to celebrate her birthday.
Make every day casual Friday. That's my mantra now that Bob and I work from home and I'm the master of my own dress code.
What's on my radar this month? Casual pieces that spell fun whether I'm blogging from my beautiful home office (Thank you Donna!) or stepping out with the girls ... lots of birthdays ahead!
Want to shake things up? It could be time to try one of summer's hot, new fashion trends. I'm thinking sheer fabrics, eye-catching colors or sexy, ankle straps ... for a start!
Lower necklines challenge me. Whether scoop, v or square, they're often too revealing for comfort.
I'm NEVER without a sweater. I always carry one or two as insurance against the cold, whether I'm shopping our neighborhood Target (that's Tar-jay in Colleywood, Dahling) or touring Napa (guess who always wins the award for the biggest bag?).
Normally, I'm all about a BIG, roomy handbag. I need space for my keys, cell phone and wallet. Then there's that tape measure, the ever-essential lip gloss (or five) and all those coupons. Somebody's always having a sale!
My long-time friend Linda Storer and I are soul sisters. Besides being fellow breast cancer survivors, we write together. And we share everything from Brio's Insalata Roma (seasoned grilled white chicken and Roma tomatoes on a bed of field greens sprinkled with grapes and caramelized pecans -ahhh!) to a weakness for Nordstrom's shoes (they're easily returned ... no questions asked).
Call me late to the party. Scarves have been trendy for some time but it took this year's ruffled, bold print and brightly colored designs to win me over. Now I'm hooked on this versatile, statement piece.
Lady Luck intervened when Bob and I visited St. Helena, CA recently.
We happened on this quaint, little town in the heart of the Napa Valley during a break between wine tasting tours with our long-time friends Tony and Debbi. Arriving just in time for the annual Harvest Festival, we were greeted by a lively street fair complete with a parade of pets decked out for Halloween.
Underwear is not something I spend much time thinking about. I'm a middle-aged boxer guy. I like my cotton boxers. They're comfortable, durable and I wear 'em till they fall apart. It's a GUY THING.
Growing up, my mother paid me ten cents a shirt and five cents a pillowcase to iron. (Yes, rates have really gone up since 60s!)
I admit it. I love to shop but hate paying full price.
I'm no Rebecca (Confessions of a Shopaholic) but I refuse to buy most things unless a deal helps justify the spending. (Bob doesn't ask but I'm prepared - just in case.)
The disco music we loved in the '70s may be gone but the platform shoes are back in a big way, and the heels are higher than ever.
Kitten heels, wedges, stilettos, I have a weakness for shoes with some height. I'm also obsessed with exercise but it seems there's never enough time to get to the gym.
That's why I'm crazy for MBTs. The one and one-half inch, wedge-like heel on the
Though pricy at $250+, Masai Barefoot Technology shoes make each step count. This cushy footwear 
invented for women and men by Swiss engineer Karl Muller helps tone your lower half. The curved sole will have you walking with a rock-and-rock motion that enhances muscle activity in the buns, rear thigh and calves up to 19 percent. In addition, this physiological footwear improves posture and reduces stress on knee and hip joints.
With routine wear, you'll notice a difference in a few months. And you won't be alone. When others begin asking for your firming secret, you'll know these shoes are well worth the investment.
Positive reinforcement from family and friends (not to mention coming to terms with the mirror) had me living in my pair in the beginning. However, you can get too much of a good thing. Overdoing it can make other shoes less comfortable. And since you sacrifice some style in these workout wonders (I'm sorry but it's tough to make athletic gear attractive), MBTs are best worn casually within limits.
Today, MBTs are my shoes of choice for errands and around the house but I leave them at home when I go to the office. To find out more about their benefits, go to www.swissmasaius.com. You can purchase MBTs in a variety of looks from www.Amazon.com.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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