Bob Harper's The Skinny Rules ... Are Just the Beginning

Fruit is good.  Photo: Marco Lazzaroni

Life is about following rules.  There's no getting around it.  Eat too much, or spend too much money regularly and you end up not being able to take care of yourself, or your family.

When you think about it, how you eat and budget requires knowledge, discipline and a similar mindset.  Both areas involve putting off instant gratification for a larger purpose or reward.

Setting goals, planning and making choices are not just facts of life, they are the subjects of countless books and discussions, especially in the media.  Every week a new expert explains how to eat or budget better.  Here are a few recent rules:

The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper - A new book that teaches you to lose weight and keep it off. Here's how:

1. Drink a large glass of water before breakfast and every meal. – Try to drink 8-12 glasses of water per day.  I can't see a French woman doing this. Croissant and coffee - oui.  Splish, splash - non.

2. Eat protein with every meal.

3. Eat apples and berries every day. – They boost your antioxidants, and no one gets fat by eating fruit.

4. Go vegetarian one day a week. – No animal protein whatsoever.

5. No food 3 hours before bed. – Personally, I have a light snack at night because I fear if I go to bed hungry, I will toss and turn.  But, BH claims a body sleeps better on an empty stomach.  Noooo, I don't believe it.

6. Eat one splurge meal each week.  According to the book, if you do what you need to do 80% of the time, you can play 20% of the time.

From maintaining a healthy waist to a diet for maintaining a heathy budget --

Rules (also known as tips) for saving money on goods everybody buys:

1. Groceries: Buy bags of frozen vegetables. They are cheaper and frozen at their peak.

2. Wine: Buy wines from Spain, Greece and South America. They cost less but are as tasty as those from France and Italy.

3. Technology: Don't buy the newest version out.  Apple, Canon, Boston Acoustics and other well-known manufacturers sell refurbished and last year's models at substantial savings.  Go to company websites for deals.

Rules to save on buying insurance:  

The rule of thumb: Figure out what you need to maintain your present and immediate-future lifestyle.  And, don't buy insurance for unlikely catastrophes, or when it is cheaper to save the money to repair, replace, or pay for the thing/service outright.  According to this week's experts:

Insurance you need includes:

1. Health

2. House/homeowners

3. Renters

4. Auto – It is illegal to go without.

5. Medical for travel

6. Life – If you are the sole or substantial support of your family.

7. Umbrella – Protects your assets from lawsuits.  An extra layer of insurance that pays for medical, court and other expenses after basic car and home insurance stops.

Insurance you do not need:

1. Pet – There are too many restrictions in the policy to benefit.

2. Flight – Your chance of dying in a plane crash is about zero.

3. Extended warranties for electronics – Usually the limited warranty is sufficient.

4. Home warranty – Covers major appliances.  Often has deductibles, service charges and proof of non-neglect clause. Not worth the cost.

Is your head spinning?  (Oh, life!, Michael Stipe sang it.)  The yin and yang.  Dividing the pie.  Having enough.  Maintaining.  Being Secure.  Taking Risks.  Deciding which risks to take.  Not knowing the future.  Sometimes it seems simple, and at other times, it's complicated.  

And if you don't make decisions, life will decide for you.  So what can you do?  Live and learn.  Be savvy, and do the best you can.  Every few years, reassess.

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Happy Mother's Day

Today we honor mothers and motherhood.  Like Father's Day, Mother's Day is celebrated on different days of the year throughout the world.  Here in the US, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day a national holiday in 1914.  And although it's become super commercialized, what most mothers really want is love and validation for everything they do.

 So be sure to call your mom and spend time with her doing what she enjoys.  Take your cues from her, and listen twice as much as you talk.  A good gift is thoughtful.  Give your mother gifts you can afford, but things that make her life easier, better or joyful. In addition to time spent with you, mom should recieve things she wants, not things you want her to have.

Happy Mother's Day to you, Mam'ma!  (I usually call her "Mom," but she signs all her cards "Mamma.") xoxo.

Love, Debbie

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Kate Middleton's Thigh High Slit Gown

At 5'10" Kate doesn't shy away from wearing high heels.  (A few reports say she's actually 5'8 1/2" sans heels.)

I am an unabashed Kate Middleton fan.  I know we are supposed to call her Catherine, but she's Kate because we love her.

Previously I stated that Kate can do no wrong.  From all accounts, she has intelligence, a level head, a kind heart, a strong work ethic and is, without fail, an asset everywhere she goes.

One place Kate went recently was a formal dinner in London with Prince William at Mayfair's Claridge's Hotel.  

"Eva" earrings by Beaut sold via Jenny Packham

Kate looked smashing, wearing a cream colored, long, to-the-floor, gown believed to be designed by Roland Mouret.  Wow, did she kill it!  Her understated gown had a high neckline and long sleeves, as well as, a thigh high slit to show off a pair of lovely, bare legs.  What I love most about Kate's style is this: She is always classy, totally practical and never boring.  She stands out without being showy.  Her dazzling crystal [not diamond] earrings, crimson pedicure and shimmering, Jimmy Choo, 5 ½-inch-high sandals perfectly complement her elegant, simple dress.

"Vamp" sandals by Jimmy Choo

The Duchess famously does her own makeup (said to be foundation and eye showdow by Bobbi Brown.  Love B.B.!).  The natural earth tones Kate favors balance her high impact red nails and glitter assessories.  HRH is flawless and a role model for anyone needing a primer on looking glamorous.

London friends are reporting they are having the coldest May since 1698; therefore, Kate needs her long sleeves and is wise enough to wear them. Brrrr! 

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Drink Bravely With Wine Writer Mark Oldman

Photographer: Marc Serges

If you enjoy wine and want to increase your current knowledge and tastes, let wine writer Mark Oldman expand your wine horizons.  Not only does he have an information-packed website, called: Mark Oldman, drink bravely, he teaches a number of “Outsmarting Wine” courses and seminars -- from private tastings to large corporate events.

Mark's books, including Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine, will teach you a tip or two as well.  It is a best seller, won a host of awards, and collected glowing reviews from publications including, Wine Enthusiast, Businessweek and The New Yorker.  The book points you to “insider wines" at reasonable prices that taste great!

Although Mark is passionate about wine, he writes with a touch of irrelevance and makes learning fun.  He cares very much about taking the mystery and snootiness out of drinking wine.  Enjoying fine wine should be accessible to anyone (and everyone!) who takes the initiative and raises a glass.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Mark.  He introduced me to 4 delicious wines (red and white) that I will share after he publishes his new finds -- all lesser-known-vintages, and all balanced and favorful gems!  Check back later for the link.  Meanwhile, take a look at his entertaining videos uploaded on his site and YouTube.

Update: May 8, 2012 - The video is up - click South African Wine to watch.

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Homemade Granola Is Better

Granola is a whole grain, crunchy treat I like, but rarely eat.  The reason: Many granola bars sold in supermarkets are packed with calories, but are not that wholesome.  And they seem very expensive considering the stingy size you get … 3 or 4 bites per bar.  Hey, are we birds, or humans who like to eat?  PLEase! Give us a serving, not a sample.  And let's keep ingredients healthy and simple.

So this morning I baked a big sheet of granola.  Easy-breezy recipe, and when it cooled, I broke it up, rustic style.  Voilà:

Coconut-Walnut Granola

Ingredients:

3 cups Old Fashioned oats

1 cup coconut  

1 cup chopped walnuts (or peanuts, or pecans, or sliced almonds)

¼ cup flax seeds

1/3 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons honey

¼ cup canola oil (or try peanut oil.)

2 teaspoons real vanilla extract

¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional: ½ cup dried raisins or cranberries; a dash of cinnamin

Directions:

1. On a cookie sheet, combine the oats, coconut, nuts and flax seeds; toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees F.

2. Put the brown sugar, honey and oil in a pot and simmer on the stovetop until it bubbles, about 8 minutes.

3. Turn off the flame and add the vanilla to the liquid mixture.

4. Next, combine the dry into the wet ingredients.

5. Fold in chocolate chips (or dried fruit if you wish).

6. Evenly spread the granola mixture on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. (Or just grease the pan with canola or olive oil. Use what you have.)

7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. Allow to cool completely; remove from the cookie sheet, then cut or break it up into pieces.  I think the granola tastes better a day old, or more.

Note:  After you make granola a few times, try adding ½ cup peanut butter to the mix (step 3).  To make bars [as opposed to cereal] add 2 eggs and about 1/3 cup of water (step 4) to get the granola to stick together.

It's delicious for breakfast, or anytime with a cup of coffee or tea.

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FarmHouse Fresh: Bath And Body With A Touch Of Whimsy

Shannon (left) and Ashlee (right) at a beauty show*

Lucky me!  At this year's International Spa and Beauty Conference, held in New York City over the weekend, I assisted with an exclusive bath and body line, made in Fresco, Texas, called Farmhouse Fresh.  And, I fell in love with their products – the clean ingredients, delicious fragrances and whimsical, reusable glass jars and jugs!  Plus, I spent two fabulous days with the nicest, hardest working Texan women [one by way of San Diego] you will ever meet.  Always straight-talkers, never once did anyone push a sale, or try to sway a customer to buy a moisturizer not right for her.

But when beauty products are top-notch, word gets out!

Launched over five years ago, and rapidly growing in popularity, the skin care line is sold at luxury spas across the country, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Red Mountain, the Ritz-Carltons and the Gaylord Resorts.  The fine grain skin scrubs, rich shea butters/massage creams and whole milk-chicory root bath soaks are 88% - 99% natural, as well as, paraben and sulfate free.   Customers, who include Oprah Winsfrey and Courtney Cox, rave about how good FHF's body products feel and smell.  

The Honey Heel Glaze (vitamin enriched to heal dry, cracked heels, elbows and cuticles), the Agave Nectar Ageless Oil (clients smooth it on skin after a bath and on the ends of their hair), and the Honeysuckle Blood Orange Custard (a double moisturizer of aloe and shea butter for dry skin) are a few of my personal favorites.  Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Cream smells like mint julep, cream and a hint of lavender.  And, a sweet scented shea butter whip, appropriately named Whoopie Cream, is the company's number 1 best seller.

You get generous portions at reasonable prices; and the cute, clever packaging makes any of the offerings a great gift! 

* Not pictured are reps Natalie and Gillian.  Look for them at future shows.

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Denim In Living Color

Colored denim isn't new.  I wore a pair of cardinal red and white striped jeans in the 7th grade.  But now they are designed for adults.  And nothing screams SPRING FEVER like lots of bright colors.  It's a happy trend.  Comfortable too.  And when a look becomes popular, you will find it at every price point.  Choose your favorite color, or something floral, or patterned.  Unlike in the past, there's no set style or jean length.  Wear what suits you, whether it's low or mid rise, ankle or capris, skinny or boot-cut.  People come in all shapes and sizes, and fashion should reflect it. There's a radiant hue for every body, budget ... and personality.  Get in on a fun fad with these retailers:

Citizens Of Humanity jeans

1. American Eagle

2. Citizens Of Humanity - Must shop for them in stores.

3. Forever 21

4. J brand

5. J.Crew

6. L.K. Bennett - a favorite of Kate Middleton♥ Here's a NYC location.

7. Old Navy - Lots of affordable style on sundresses, t-shirts, shorts, cotton sweaters and sports bras too. Sales galore.

8. Nordstrom

9. Uniqlo - Brilliant prices, promotions, design, quality and a huge inventory for Men and Women on pants and other casual wear.

10. Zappos – Free shipping both ways

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Dry Cleaning Mindfully Saves Time, Money And Clothing

Remember my dress?  I still love it.

A few years ago, I had a bad experience at the dry cleaners.  Two cotton, black velvet blazers came back ruined and tinted red.  On another trip to a different dry cleaner, a coat was returned without any of its buttons.  (What the ?!?!)  I've also had fancy buttons crack, as a dry cleaner cleaned a blouse and a stiff hat returned misshaped and limp.  About this time, news reports raised concerns about the safety of the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process.  This lead me to take measures (as well as a few risks) in order to limit my need for dry cleaning.  Perhaps what I do will benefit you:

1. Stop buying clothes requiring dry cleaning in the first place.  Examine fabrics and read labels before the purchase.  Look for garments that can be washed and/or dried by you.

2. Wear tanks and camisoles under your dresses.  On sweaty days, you can wash the tank and spare your dress.

3. A source at a famous fashion house told me designers often label garments “Dry Clean Only” as a precaution even when articles can be washed.  By taking calculated risks, I have successfully washed silk, rayon, polyester and cotton dresses and blouses by hand, in cold water and Woolite.  If I fear the color will fade, I substitute Ivory dishwashing liquid.  It is especially mild.  I let the dress or top (1) soak for 3-5 minutes, (2) swish it around a bit (3) raise with cold water, and (4) gently extract the moisture without twisting it.  (5) Then depending on the fabric, I either lay or hang the article to dry, so it won't stretch out of shape.

So far, I have not ruined anything and have saved big bucks.  My dresses feel and smell clean too.  Minus harmful chemicals.  [4 dresses = $48 in savings]

What I still take to the cleaners:

1) Wool if it says: Dry Clean Only – Too risky.  Wool shrinks.

2) Business suits and blazers – But these days, designers offer options you can wash also.

3) Winter coats - Every other year, unless they truly get dirty.  Winter coats rarely touch our skin, or get food stains.  We clean our outerwear more out of habit than need.  Extra tip: The goose down coats at Lands' End are machine washable and can be thrown in a dryer.

4) Anything special like a prom or wedding dress, or tuxedo, obviously.

5) Despite my bad luck, I'd still take clothing with intricate designs, stitches, or fancy buttons to a trusted dry cleaner.  But I also buy these high maintenance items less often.

6) A much loved garment with a freakishly, tough stain also gets dropped off.  Then you have to pay the piper for his expertise to save it.

When it comes to a clean wardrobe, I like my new self-sufficiency.  Hand washing dresses is more convenient than taking them outside the home.  Life is about cutting down and balance.  Nowadays, I dry clean out of real necessity and not so much out of ignorance.  I also look for dry cleaners who use green solvents. 

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Celebrity Hair: How Much Do Stars Spend?

Cute and classy and smart: Jennifer Aniston

Celebrities are in the business of looking glamorous.  One bad haircut, and it gets posted all over the internet, never to be completely forgotten.  With that kind of pressure, it's always fun to read articles on what the stars pay to keep their tresses looking camera ready at all times.  So BeautyRiot did some digging, then crunched the numbers, on what 10 famous women pay when they visit their favorite hair salons.  Prepare yourself: It adds up to YIKES!  You probably use the same dollar amount to make a morgage or car payment.
Source: BeautyRiot

Kim Kardashian Salon Goodform Salon, LA Cost: $385 Services: $150 color, $150 cut, $85 blowout	Katy Perry Salon: Rita Hazon, NY Cost: $425 Services: $300 double processed color, $125 cut	Amy Adams Salon: Sally Hershberger Salon, LA  Cost: $500 Services: color, cut and style
Emma Watson Salon: Cutler Soho, NY Cost: $500 Services: up to $300 highlights, $200 cut	Kate Hudson Salon: Neil George Salon, LA Costs: $650 Services: full highlights, cut, blowout	Reese Witherspoon Salon: Prive Salon, LA Cost: $700 Services: $450 full highlights, $250 cut
Jennifer Lopez Salon: Oribe Salon, LA Cost: $750 Services: $350 full highlights, $400 cut	Jennifer Aniston Salon: Chris McMillian Salon, LA Cost: $920 Services: $320 color, $600 cut	Anne Hathaway Salon: Ted Gibson Salon, LA Cost: $950 Services: $950 color, cut, style
Rihanna Salon: Independent, LA Cost: $1,990 per week Services: color, cut, style (6 days/week)

Wow, is there anyone in Hollywood, young or old, who doesn't dye his or her hair?  Anyone???

Want to know more about expenses?  Take Jennifer Anison, who always looks spectacular with her glossy hair, flawless skin, toned body and perpetual tan.  But what does it cost to maintain?  According to BeautyRiot, it takes a lot of money to look like Jennifer Anison.  Here's their breakdown of what she spends each month to look that good:

  **************************************************************************

Hair: (cut, color, and products): $949.95 {As noted, Chris McMillan is her stylist.} Skin care: (products and one facial): $891.95  {JA visits the Tracie Martyn Spa for Martyn's signature Red Carpet Facial, which is $450.} Makeup: (products and artist's fee for one day): $4,402  {Angela Levin is JA's makeup artist} Brows: $160  {JA visits Anastasia Soare to get her brows shaped.} Spray tan: $90  {She goes to Ibiza Tanning Salon in West Hollywood.} Fitness routine: $3,600  {Mandy Ingber is JA's yoga teacher. Aniston attends three, one-hour sessions per week, which are $300 an hour.} Diet: $1,840  {She eats dietician Carrie Wiatt's pre-made meals.  Wiatt charges $300 for planning, and the meals are $685/week.}* **********************************************************************

The monthly grand total comes to $11,933.90.  Without tips.  BeautyRiot estimated that Aniston's beauty routine rans about $141,037.97 per year.  Staggering ... yes, for the average person, but Jennifer Aniston works and can afford it, and it is fascinating!  The paparazzi are ruthless, so do you blame her?  What would you do?  Remember that she has to see Angelina Jolie's beautiful face plastered all over the tabloids everywhere she turns as well!  (That uber mama, globe trotting, do-gooder and a bad girl, siren too. Really, it's almost too much!)

Knowing what Jen spends on her hair alone makes me appreciate my hairdresser big time.  She is consistent, a percision haircutter ... and affordable.  No matter the length, or style, she gives me a perfect cut every time.  Plus, I have all her numbers, so short of leaving the country, she can never ditch me.  If you are looking, I'm happy to hook you up.  Because in-or-out of the public eye, we all want the same thing.  Good hair.

* A top editor who attends many Hollywood functions told me that just about every film star you can name smokes to keep his/her weight down.  I named a dozen actors/actresses, and the editor confirmed they were all smokers.

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