How To: Avoid the Winter Hat Head

While winter hats look adorable—especially in Gap commercials—they pose a challenge to those who will soon be entering a warm office or home only to have to deal with hat head.

NO WET HAIR. Never put on your hat with wet hair. Your hair will not dry flat. You’ll end up having major helmet hair.

BERETS. A knit beret is a nice alternative. It won’t weigh down your hair, and you can still tuck it over your ears to keep warm. You want something that’s 10” in diameter or more.

HOODS. This classic piece is truly the best alternative. With inspiration from Audrey Hepburn and Grace Jones, it will keep your hair unharmed and you will look très chic.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT. Keep your styling products away from the top of your head and mostly on your ends, giving your hair up top natural flexibility. With that said, products with a silk finish to them will also give you flexibility.

THE DAMAGE IS DONE. Travel-sized hairspray is a must to combat static. Also, a small investment (less than $20) in a travel-sized straightener or curling iron will cure all your woes.

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How To: Beat the Recession at Work

Even with the burst in hiring at the end of last year, the national unemployment rate is at 8.5%, the lowest that it has been since the beginning of 2009. If you are fortunate enough to still be employed, there are certain initiatives that you can take at work to ride out this recession.

UP YOUR VALUE TO THE COMPANY. While others are worried about their shelf life with the company, take this as an opportunity to show how valuable you truly are. Business Weekly advises, “Volunteer to spearhead a project and be concerned about the issues that concern your boss and the overall effect that they have to the company.”

MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY. This doesn’t mean that you have to enroll in classes to acquire new skills. Being multi-functional lies in the relationships that you have, explains Roxanne Hori, associate dean of Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. You should be able to reach out to the appropriate people to help get the job done. Bottom line—your boss must have confidence in you in getting the job done no matter how.

PRO-CHANGE. While change can be very difficult, especially in the work place whether it be job function or who you will now have to report to, know that employees who are flexible and who can positively cope with change are most likely to be kept on board. You should have the initiative to assist new employees with these changes suggests Business Weekly.

DEDICATION. Besides skill, dedication is an absolute priority for employers. When a company is faced with having to downsize, they not only look at talent but how much loyalty and commitment an employee has. Come into work with a plan each day.

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How To: Decorate with Your Pet in Mind

As a pet owner, I refuse to comprise the look of my home. Paw-printed this-and-thats with heinous colors—forget it. No, the answer isn’t to inhumanely crate your dog or shun them to the yard. Pet-friendly decorating is all you need, and this is a growing trend among home and pet owners.

VACUUM REGULARLY. Animal hair has a distinct smell and oil that will attract dirt to it. A pet specialized vacuum is necessary and is worth the investment. A light sprinkling of baking soda will help absorb that pet oil loosening up pet hair. Avoid carpet. It’s impossible to keep clean and inhabits dander, hair and dirt. If you’re doing hardwood, opt for a low-gloss finish to disguise scratches.

FABRICS. Avoid velvets and other fabrics for a sofa. A washable or wipeable material will work to your advantage. Don’t forget to Scotchguard. If you love the look of delicate fabrics, use them on your pillows. Printed fabrics also help camouflage hair and dirt.

FINISHES. Design around your pet’s color to disguise stray hairs into the décor.

BLANKET. If your pet likes to snuggle on your bed or your sofa, a soft throw will attract him or her to one spot. Hair is contained and the throw can be put away when company arrives.

PET FURNITURE. To minimize your pet’s bed from becoming an eyesore, chose one with a color that matches your décor. Or invest in having it re-upholstered. Kari Whitman, an LA-based interior designer suggests using an old arm chair as a stylish alternative. “Cut the legs down to an inch off the ground and make that a chair for your dog.”

LITTER BOXES. What a love/hate relationship! Invest in self-cleaning ones or those that aren’t shaped traditionally. Covering the sides of the litter box will also help it blend into a room’s décor.

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How To: Say Bye To Dry Hands

Are your hands looking old and dry these winter days? Frigid temps outside and dry heat indoors contribute to lizard-like skin this time of year.

Here are some pro tips to prevent horrible-looking hands.

CARE FOR YOUR CUTICLES. They are the first to be affected since the ends of your fingers are most exposed to winter’s harsh air. They can dry up and even pull away from the nail bed which welcomes bacteria. Apply a rich moisturizer such as shea butter. Lip balm works in a pinch.

APPLY, APPLY, APPLY. Don’t go too long without reapplying a good hand moisturizer, especially after you wash your hands. Put down the alcohol-based hand-sanitizer which dries skin out. Antibacterial hand soap is a solution.

COVER UP. Don’t be lazy; put on your gloves! Next to a quality cream with glycerin and aloe, it is your best defense. Also, protect your hands when you clean.

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How To: Prepare For Your Trip Abroad (Health and Safety), Part 2

Indeed, the U.S. State Department of Travel website is a great resource for anyone travelling abroad. In my previous post, I talked about S.T.E.P., locating your embassy, packing tips, and arranging your documents.

Here are some more trip tips.

RESEARCH RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS. Head to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website where you can view travel health information for a specific county. Make a list of the recommended vaccinations and medications before you make the appointment with your doctor.

PAY A VISIT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN. Schedule this appointment 4–8 weeks before your departure. Be sure that the nurse is aware of the vaccinations that you are looking to receive as these may have to be ordered in. Also, some vaccinations may have to be given in stages. When you do see your doctor, ask that he prescribe you the appropriate medication for common ailments such as traveler’s diarrhea.

FILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS. Depending on how many days you will be gone, be sure to have more than enough of your regular medication to cover them and some additional days—just in case you’re delayed or simply lose a pill.  

GO YOGURT. This may sound ridiculous, but my one-month yogurt diet before I travelled to the Philippines for over a month is what saved me. I stayed in some very rural areas, and bottled water wasn’t always an option. The good bacteria will help your stomach build a natural defense mechanism. If yogurt is an issue, try acidophilus in a pill or liquid form.

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How To: Prepare For Your Trip Abroad (Health and Safety), Part 1

It’s hard to believe that my two-year-postponed honeymoon is finally here. A trip to Asia is something that I have been looking forward to since I met my husband who has never been to the other side of the world. With that said, he was quite concerned about certain things and therefore dove head first into researching what we had to do to prepare for our trip. Being prepared is the best defense mechanism for your health and safety, and of course, an outstanding vacation.

VISIT THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRAVEL. There is an abundance of information on the site such as Travel Alerts and Warnings. You can also find specific information about the country that you are travelling to which includes a general description, criminal penalties, medical facilities, entry and exit requirements and more.

S.T.E.P. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Doing so will allow the State Department to assist you in the event of an emergency. It takes only a few minutes to fill out your contact and travel information.

EMBASSY. It is recommended that you know the whereabouts of your embassy. Having the complete address and phone number of the embassy is good to have handy. It is recommended by the U.S. State Department to have a photocopy of the first page of your passport along with passport photos, in the event that you lose your passport.

PACKING. Don’t plan on looking like an affluent tourist. This will make you a clear target for anything malicious. To avoid problems while going through security, keep your medication or vitamins in its original container. Pack a fake wallet filled with expired credit cards, a small amount of cash etc. I learned this trick from someone who was pick-pocketed. A money pouch that goes under your shirt with your cash and passport is a smart idea.

ARRANGE YOUR DOCUMENTS. Distribute your travel itinerary to close friends and family in the event of an emergency. Have your legal affairs in order such as a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney.

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How To: Multi-Use Your Accents

Smart shopping consists of the ability to multi-use the items that you purchased. We all have a selective budget these days and this means finding ways to make your hard-earned dollar go farther.

Post-holidays often times leave people with empty containers that were once filled with shiny Christmas balls. That doesn’t mean that the festivity must die. The essence of every season can be captured in a smart accent.

CLEAR GLASS VASES. Varied shapes and sizes when grouped together make for an interesting center-piece. Tie them together by filling them with like décor such as Clementines during the winter or fall months and wild flowers in the summertime.

CANDLES. Keep your eye out for candle sales. Collect different sizes in different colors to reflect the season. Switching them out each season is an inexpensive and practical way to stay in theme.

NATURAL. If you really love to switch out your accents, a natural pallet will work best for you. This way, your accents will truly pop and shall receive the attention they deserve. Natural fibers, linens and light woods work best.

SIZE. The larger the accent piece, the more neutral it should be in order for it to be matched with seasonal pieces which should be smaller—making them easier to store.

FOLIAGE. A smart idea is to opt for wintergreen other than pine to embellish your home with. It will take you into and out of the holidays into early spring without looking Christmassy. Magnolia leaves and potted herbs are a great idea.  Branches are a nice alternative.

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How To: Wear Sparkle 24/7

While the holidays have come and gone—sorry to break the news—one can still hold on to sparkle. Don’t put away that sequined skirt yet, darling. There is a way to adorn yourself in glitter any time of the year for any occasion. After all, a little sparkle will always make you smile.

DAYTIME. Limit yourself to accents only. Go with a more casual shine. For the office, a little frosting is appropriate as embellishments on a sweater’s neckline or perhaps a broach on a heel. With statement pieces like such, the rest of your outfit should be a bit more dressed down.

WORK. Costume jewelry such as a chunky necklace, pins, or a ring is a great way to add shine to a mundane work outfit. Focus on accentuating one particular piece.

BALANCING METALLIC. A silver or gold set of jewelry is a must. Both shades work with blacks and neutrals. The cooler the hues, opt for silver. The warmer the hues, go for gold. Stay in the same family of metallic—all gold or all silver—this will give you a much more polished and sophisticated finish.

EVENING. Your shine and sparkle factor can be upped when the sun goes down. Still look to achieve balance in your outfit. For instance, if you’re doing a sequined dress, pair it with a plain clutch. If your shoes are splashed with adornment, do a neutral dress and finish it with a statement necklace. You do not want to look gaudy.

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How To: Buy Cashmere

If there’s one thing to look forward to during the colder months in Hampton Roads, it is the opportunity to wear a sweater comfortably. When you think sweater, do you also think cashmere? The feel of its simple elegance and comfort; it’s like wearing a cup of rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

Unfortunately, cashmere has lost its status over the years with clothing manufacturers’ discovery of how to make a cashmere piece sell for less than $100. As a result, luxury designers have found embellishing ways to stand out.

Just because it says cashmere, it doesn’t mean quality. And there are ways to test a ‘cashmere’ piece out.

PILLING. Stretch the fabric with your hands. If it holds its shape you’ve got a quality piece.

KNIT. As you are stretching out the fabric, notice its weave. The tighter it is, the better. Cheaper manufacturing will have more spaces in the fabric as it takes less time to produce. Density is quality.

SOFTER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. The tradition Scottish cashmere sweater is not as supple when compared to its European counterparts. However, they seriously last forever. A lot of companies will use artificial softeners or will repeatedly wash a piece to make it feel soft. Soft yes, but don’t count on your garment to last too long.

EXAMINE FOR RIPPLES. If you see this in your garment, it’s a sign that the piece was knit too quickly. Many times, designers will recall such items.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. A real cashmere sweater costs over $100. It should have body and substance. But most importantly, it should still feel light and luxurious.

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How To: Video Chat Like a Pro

If you haven’t heard of Skype, where the heck have you been? While the video chat phenomenon is one to absolutely appreciate—admit it—there have been video convos that have absolutely driven you mad. Bad lighting, distractions in the background, a person that literally rolled out of bed in the foreground, what the heck?

We all know good television, so we too should have certain standards when it comes to video chatting. Anything just won’t do.

THE MOOD. Be inviting and engaging. You can’t fake reality. Even you know when the Kardashians have done more than one take.

LIGHTING. Good lighting is necessary. Turn on every single light in the room. A light in front will light up your face. Lights behind you are important, too, as it provides warmth to the scene.

BACKDROP. Tidy up any clutter—it can be distracting. Avoid personal photos in the background, as this too can be distracting—like another person looking at whomever you’re talking to. Angle the camera to avoid possible traffic behind you. Your viewer must be focused on you.

YOU. Touch yourself up. Eliminate shine with powder. A little rouge will make you look more alive. Do your hair or pull it back.

WHERE TO LOOK. Practice talking to the camera. X-out your video to avoid being distracted by what you look like.

EQUIPMENT. To avoid poor video and sound quality, close out of your other programs. Run a test of your internet speed beforehand. Lastly, turn your speakers down just a bit.

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