November is the perfect time to update your gratitude list if you haven’t done so lately. There is a long list to be grateful for by virtue of living in America, but this month I would challenge you to list out the people who made a difference in your life this year – whether it was monumental or minuscule. And consider including the people who made your life a living hell. There’s as much to learn from a tormentor as there is from a mentor. Either way, at least you know who your friends are! This year, my list seems incredibly long, but there is nothing like having that one person who makes your soul blossom no matter what is going…Read More

How to Prepare for Turkey Tummy! 10 Easy Things!

Start taking Probiotics now. Purchase your form of Zantac or Tums and slip some into your pocket or purse. Carry a few extra for a loved one. Drink lots of water – all week – before and after the event! In addition to the recommended 64 ounces, drink 2 portions of water for every 1 glass of wine; 3 portions for every portion of hard liquor; 1 to 1 equal portions for every beer. This is not proven science, just years of testing and experience. Trust me. You will also wake up happier. Contrary to popular advice, I recommend weighing yourself every day this week – just to stay in the general stratosphere of your current weight. Enjoy but make…Read More

Setting the Stage for a Successful Soirée!

So, you’re still in college or just out, and the holidays are fast upon you. Let’s face it, these are not the years when most of us are thinking ahead and planning. Mostly we are just getting by, figuring out what’s next and making ends meet. That means there are likely plenty of holidays when it just doesn’t make sense to travel because flights are so costly, weather is not cooperating, or your new work schedule is not going to make it easy. The holiday doesn’t have to pass you by, and likely you have friends in the same boat as you. It’s time to throw a party—or perhaps, your friends and family decided it was time for you to…Read More

How To Overcome Christmas Shopping Stress!

It’s the season to be jolly, not bursting out unexpectedly in tears from stress.  Yet, it’s the season that can put a lot of women over the top of their stress levels, especially moms. They will break down, with “I can’t do everything!” And it’s true. You can’t. So stop blaming everyone else, and stop trying to do everything! Look, I think we all realize at the heart of the outburst is an intense desire for a perfect Christmas: A.K.A. get your loved ones everything they want, make the home picture perfect, have lovely food to serve, and oh, yeah – let’s serve up a few extra surprises like a visit from Santa, or three extra people sleeping over, or the new…Read More

It’s the season of good spirits and when throwing a party, you don’t want to be the one to kill the party spirit when little accidents happen. The fabulous hostess never lets anything throw her tiara askew. Don’t panic over spills, expect them and be ready! The Mental Warm-Up The first way to prepare for those little mishaps is to mentally be okay with spills and have the right words available should an accident occur. Some options might be, “Great choice! It makes that carpet look so much better!” or “This old dress has had more spots than a leopard with chicken pox.”  A little out there, but the goal is to distract the guest from their personal horror and possibly yours….Read More

It’s the season to be jolly and this time the party is at your place. You’ve taken care of the music, lighting and décor, so now you can focus on your guests. Sometimes, there is no accounting for chemistry at a party, but there are things you can do to help it along. Set Up for Mixing The food and drinks should be set up, but think about separating them to encourage movement and trafficking of your guests. Keep both away from the patio or fresh air locations as that is usually another bottleneck when more guests arrive, drink, and heat up the place. Be Gracious and Welcoming Inevitably friends or family are going to bring dates or additional friends that you…Read More