Camera Day - June 29th

Today is photo day and is a great reminder for all of us to slow down and capture the moment. We are so caught up in fast pace of daily life that sometimes we forget to enjoy the moment. Stop and breathe life in even if it is only for a pause while a photo is taken. Photos erupt emotion that create smiles and laughter. Many of the happiest moments in peoples' lives are remembered in a photo. Having a baby, getting married, celebrating birthdays or other special events. But why not take those special moments and make everyday life a lasting memory.

Say cheese - it is time for your next memory making moment; reading this post. (I couldn't help myself.)

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Mother of the Bride & Groom Makeovers

We all want to look our best and what better time to "spruce" up a look than to try something new for your child's wedding. Mothers of the bride and groom are typically showcased along side the bride as part of the wedding party. Guest lists will consist of your family members, your children's friends as well as your close friends who were part of your child's upbringing. There will be many photos taken and lots of talking and you want to look your best and feel great.

The article provides before and after photos of 6 women and describes what they had done. They look fabulous and definitely ready for a celebration like a wedding.

Christopher's book can be purchased here.

Photo is a before and after makeover by Christopher Hopkins.

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FIRST for Women Magazine - On Stands Until July 5th

See us in this month's FIRST for Women issue on newsstands until July 5th. Get your copy today!

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Mother of the Bride - What is Your Role Before the Wedding?

Being the Mother of the Bride is an important role in a mother's journey. It takes on a new sense of pride and also can be overwhelming.

Do you know the do's and don't of being a MOTB (mother of the bride)?

Are you overstepping your boundaries or driving your daughter crazy?

Here is a refresher list of the Mother of the Bride duties so that you can keep yourself in check and your daughter happy.

1. Be excited for your daughter, this is one of biggest events of her life and she needs your support and also excitement as reassurance.

2. Extend a warm welcome to the groom and his family. There is always an undertone of protection or tension of a mother/daughter and mother/son. Try to avoid any signs of this as your daughter knows that you support.

3. Review your financial plans and then plan a casual meeting with daughter and groom to discuss their plans. At this time, early in the process you can discuss what you can or plan to help with. Then they will not be stressed about asking or assume on your participation in the wedding.

4. Feel out whether your daughter would like your input or help on wedding location. If so plan on visiting with her and ask about availability. Availability is key in setting the date.

5. If there are details about the wedding planning that you would like to be part of, speak up. Examples: bridal gown, guest list, music, etc.

6. Supply your daughter with family members names and addresses for guest list. Although keep in mind that this is their wedding and your neighbors or tennis partner is not necessarily the right fit for your list on contributions. Also be kept up to date on your guests' reply and be prepared to follow up with them if they have not replied timely.

7. Attend all wedding showers or engagement parties and offer help. It is not customary for the mother of the bride to host any, but offering help while at the party should always be offered.

8. Another duty to is to get yourself prepared. (See upcoming post on Mom's Boot Camp for Weddings)

Above all be excited, a wedding may be a lot of work but it is a beautiful experience for everyone included, especially you.


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Wedding Season...It's Here!

June is a month of celebrations for many; birthdays, father's day, graduation commencements and the beginning of wedding season. Weddings are such a joyful occasion with two people setting off on a new journey with so many possibilities and dreams to be made. But as many of us know there is a behind the scenes side to weddings; the planning. It is hard to imagine how much stress there really is until you plan or help one yourself.

Is anyone planning or are you helping with a wedding this summer?

Are you the mother of the groom or mother of the bride?

We will be featuring this topic of weddings and share tips with you on what to wear, beauty tips, preparing for and other fun topics because it is just a joy to do so. We have some fun posts in store and giveaways of Striking Skin Care as well to help you look your best whether you are in the wedding party or a guest.

Stay tuned...

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Flag Day - June 14th

I look around my neighborhood and as the sun starts to reappear for the summer months and the flowers are blooming with their inviting fragrance in the air, I also noticed something else reappearing; flags. It is a tradition to put out your flag in these spring and summer months, many people fly their flag all year long and others bring them inside during the winter months.

It was 233 years ago in 1777 on this day that Congress recognized Old Glory as the flag of the United States of America. At that time it had 13 red and white alternating stripes and 13 white stars in a blue square.

When looking around, I see ole' Red, White and Blue reappearing around Memorial Day and then a few more on Flag Day (June 14th) and another group on fourth of July weekend. So if you haven't already get your flag out and put it out today in honor of Flag Day.

For more information on the history of Flag Day and how it came to be visit, the National Flag Day Foundation website.

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Get Outside and Weed Your Garden on June 13th

Grab your sun hat, gardening gloves and let’s get to it - it is time to weed that garden. Sunday (6/13/10) is the perfect day to do it – it is Weed Your Garden Day.

Gardening is a fabulous activity and weeding does fall under that category. It not only provides overall satisfaction when you reap the rewards of your labor it also is good for the body. It is recommended that adults need 30 minutes of physical activity each day and weeding in the garden can contribute to that time. Weeding and gardening allows your body to stretch, bend and pull. Here is more information on the benefits of gardening from Julie Garden-Robinson at INFORUM.

Remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Sometimes we forget to apply sunscreen when we are outside working instead of outside enjoying ourselves. It is important to protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or more and try to keep your skin covered by wearing longer length clothing. A sun hat is very helpful in protecting your face and the often forgotten scalp. See fashionable options for sun hats in this post at Flashionista.com.

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Ice Tea Day - National Ice Tea Month

June 10th is Ice Tea Day. A definite favorite of mine and I take it with extra ice and one pink packet. Tea is like coffee, everyone has their own way of “taking” it and people tend to prefer it that one way. Some take their tea with sugar, honey, lemon, milk, cream or sweetener. Tea can provide health benefits and also a little caffeine when needed if you drink or one that is naturally decaffeinated. Where tea is comforting, warm and cozy, ice tea is very different by being refreshing and people tend to drink it more in warmer months. Ice tea is usually only sweetened with sugar, sweetener or lemon and sometimes has a fruit flavor added to it.

Enjoy a refreshing ice tea as today is not only Ice Tea day but the month of June is Ice Tea Month.

Link to article: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-tea
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Compare Weight Loss Plans

Are you thinking about starting a weight loss plan but do not know where to start? Here is an article posted on Health.MSN.com that was written by January W. Payne of U.S. News & World Report that looked at 6 different weight loss plans; Volumetrics, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, eDiets, Ornish Diet and Atkins Diet. They describe each one and then talk about the positives and possible set backs in long term weight loss if there are any.

Before starting any weight loss plan, it is recommended that you discuss it with your physician first to find one that would work for you.

Link to article: http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100256423>1=31036

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Fab Over 50 - New Website

There is a new website that caters to women over 50 who are fabulous. I came across this website when they were in the launching phase and there was only a video. The video was so captivating that it drew me and I flagged the site for when it launched and signed up for the newsletter.

The site, Fab Over 50, celebrates women who are at 50, around 50 or after 50. The site features women who are over 50 and tells their story and their favorite things. There is a also a great style blog and Facts of Life Section. My favorite is the Fab Faves section with topics covering French faves, books, passion projects, beauty, perfumes, signature pieces, secret places and more.

Taken from their facebook page, they describe their site as "The very first internet destination BY and FOR smart, stylish, accomplished women over fifty, created with a national alliance of their favorite shops and salons." From reviewing their website and topics, I would agree with this description.

Every Tuesday they have a fabulous(!) giveaway that you can enter if you log in to the site. This week they are giving away a career makeover valued at $3200. It includes 12 weeks of business coaching, portfolio, datebook/planner, organizational software and a organizing storage items for your file cabinet. A fabulous giveaway that you can enter until June 15th, 2010 at link.


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First Drive-In Movie Opened Today in 1933

Here is a fun fact to take you through the day...

Back in 1933 on this day (June 6th) the first drive-in movie opened in Camden, New Jersey. Summer has been an important season for drive-in movies as they were sure to see a spike of interest. Living in Washington state, drive-in movies were seasonal at best and have started to disappear in the last 20 years due to property value increasing and younger generations flocking to malls instead of experiencing the drive-in. If you are lucky enough to still have a drive-in in town, make a note to visit it this summer and watch one of the many blockbusters that will be debuting on the big screen.

Looking for a drive-in in your area? Drive-in Movie is a website that lists them by state. Check it out to see how many are still up and running in your area.

Curious about the best type of car to take to the drive-in? Here is a posting on the top five cars to take to a drive-in movie from DriveOn.

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Summer = Reunions

Summer is always a big time for reunions – family reunion, school reunions, girlfriend reunions. The best occasions take planning! Here’s the countdown check list to looking your best:


1) Body - Need to lose a few pounds? Take action: Walk at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Smaller portion sizes. One bite desserts.

2) Hair - Thinking of something daring? Get your hair cut, colored and styled at least 8 weeks before the reunion – that way you will have time for “adjustments” if you suddenly have hairdo remorse or if you love it, just a quick trim the week before the reunion will get you on your way.

3) Skin - Make sure your skin is in great shape. Start your skin fitness program with Striking Skin Care. A radiant glow is your most important accessory!

4) Attitude – Nurture your self confidence. Pull out that yearbook and study those faces. Write down three conversation starters and three things about yourself that you want to share with the group.


You’ll be brilliant! Enjoy yourself!!!

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Prevention Magazine

See our ad in Prevention Magazine with Dara Torres on the cover. There is a coupon code included for 15% off your entire order of products at www.strikingskincare.com.

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Win A Free Month of Menopause Relief Products

MenopauseRx is hosting a giveaway this month where you can win a month’s worth of menopause relief products. How great is that? Win them, try them and find relief! How great is that?

The survival basket will contain: Remifemin, Remifemin Goodnight, Chill Towels, Striking Skin Care System, SalonPas, The Virtues of Soy Book, The Journey Ahead DVD, a MenopauseRx Coffee Mug and more offers for free samples and many money saving coupons and educational resources.

Enter for a chance to win (1 basket is being given away). Here is the MenopauseRx Facebook fan page where you can enter to win: http://apps.facebook.com/fanappz/promotions/detail?id=157&ref=mf.

Contest ends June 30th and the winner(1) will be drawn by MenopauseRx on July 1st, 2010.

If you are interested in learning more about MenopauseRx or products listed in the giveaway visit their website or their online store.

Striking Skin Care is a partner of MenopauseRx.

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