BALANCE YOUR STYLIST. For major re-shaping, go with a “master” stylist. You’ll probably need to spend top dollar once or twice a year. In between for trims, opt for an assistant or “junior” stylist. This will save you some money while still maintaining your haircut.

SKIP THE EXTRAS. If you’re getting the same haircut as you always do, then don’t bother with a blow dry and style. You can also skip the shampoo too if you wash your hair before your salon visit.

GROW YOUR LOCKS. Shoulder-length haircuts or shorter require much more maintenance than longer hair. With a pixie cut, you’re looking at trims every 6–8 weeks.

TONE DOWN YOUR COLOR. Instead of all-over color, opt to have highlights instead, which can cost less than all-over color in most cases. If you’re looking to cover grays, then target your color to those sections and have your colorist blend them into the rest of your hair.

COMP SHOP. Your stylist will always try to sell you on the latest products that will work wonders for your hair. Instead of paying the salon’s high markups make a note and shop online. You’ll even save on the sales taxes if you shop on Amazon.

DIY. One thing my stylist always tries to talk me into is a 15-minute deep conditioning mask where you sit under the hair dryer. Instead of shelling out the extra cash, rejuvenate your dry hair by making your own moisturizing mask.

Hair Mask Recipe: Avocado mask—made with one avocado, one egg yolk and a teaspoon of olive oil. Blend well and apply it to your hair in sections. Leave in for 30 minutes.

The right waistline does wonders for your figure by drawing attention to the right spot on your body. Here are some easy tips to help you choose how high or low the waist on your dress should be.

NATURAL. This means that the waistline on the dress is at your natural waist. It is a waist that fits almost every body type. If you lack curves, it adds them, especially if the prints on the dress are angularly drawn toward the waistline. But if you are curvy or pear-shaped, this waist will accentuate those assets. Tummy-conscious? This isn’t the waist for you as it draws the eye toward the center of the torso.

EMPIRE. This waistline is located just under your bustline. There is a regal elegance that exudes with this waistline. It will work for you if you have a smaller chest, as this style will lift and draw attention to the chest. If you are tummy-conscious, or have wider hips, the fluidity of the fabric below the waistline will make you feel confident about these concerns.

DROP WAIST. This waistline is found below your butt—mid-thigh. If you have a boyish frame, this waistline will elongate your silhouette and will divert the attention from your lack of curves. This waistline also works if you are concerned about your mid-section as it keeps the eye moving down.

Tip: How long is your torso? If you’re on the longer side, a natural waist will help as opposed to a drop waist which is more suited for a shorter torso. On the bustier side? Don’t go for an empire waist. It will make you look even bustier and, as a result, will make you look bigger all over.

With this summer’s must-have styles and colors, one must take into account his or hers face shape in order to look fabulous instead of “trying hard.” After all, you don’t want to look like a panda in oversized shades.

ROUND. Look at geometric wayfarers, which are both trendy and classic or angular shapes like this season’s cat-eye frames. The stronger edges on the frame will give you cheek bones, especially when you’re smiling.

LONG. The oversized frame, which is always in style, will not only make a bold fashion statement and is versatile—from jet setting to everyday office—it will proportion your facial length. Details at the top of the frames not only give added interest but will divert the eye from a longer forehead.

SQUARE. Round or oval shapes—not necessarily oversized—will help soften the angles of your face. Aviators will look awesome on you.

HEART. To help draw the eye away from a larger forehead, choose frames that have curved rims or have a slight edge to them. The key is to draw the eye to your cute chinny-chin-chin.

Shopping Tip: How much should you invest? If it’s trendy, go cheap. If it’s a classic frame such as aviators, wayfarers or something oversized, then splurge—it will pay for itself.

JUNE 1: Take your shoes off for National Go Barefoot Day. Head to the Oceanfront with your sandals in hand, or go get a pedicure—look out for a Groupon or Living Social from now until then to save a few bucks.

JUNE 4: The first highest of Perigean high tides happens on this day, and the following low tide is the best time of the year to hunt for sea glass.

JUNE 5-6: Witness the “solar transit.” Venus moves across the sun on these days.

JUNE 11: Honor National Corn on the Cob Day with some sweet corn on the grill. Brush your corn with seasoned butter (salt, pepper, paprika) as you turn them frequently.

JULY 4: Enjoy a spectacular Fourth of July firework show at Mount Trashmore.

JULY 23: Purchase some gourmet hotdogs for National Hot Dog Day and see how many different ways you can dress them.

AUGUST 6–12 and 27– SEPTEMBER 9: Head to the PGA Championship and the U.S. Tennis Open. Ticket prices too steep? They’re always looking for volunteers.

ONGOING: Summer is Open House season, so grab a few listings and snoop around for some décor ideas while getting a pulse of your local housing market.

ONGOING: John Mayer, Usher, Maroon 5, Chris Brown and many more release their 2012 albums this summer, so update your i-Pod.

ONGOING: Decide which will be your summer blockbuster by seeing some of the most anticipated movies of the year. Rock of Ages, starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin (June 15); Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron  (June 1) G.I. Joe Retaliation, starring Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson (June 29); The Amazing Spider-Man, starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (July 3); The Dark Night Rises, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway (July 20); The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton (August 3).

Thank goodness for my husband who has been in the hospitality industry all of his life where time is money when it comes to how quick you can turn a guestroom. He brought home some time saving tips that have proven greater efficiency allowing his housekeepers to turn a room in 15 to 30 minutes.

KITCHEN GREASE. How greasy are those cabinets above the stove? And how annoying are they to clean? Microwave your sponge for 20 to 30 seconds, and with a pair of gloves and a multi-purpose cleaner, you’ll cut through that grease easily. For stubborn spots let the cleaner sit for a couple of minutes and wipe in the direction of the wood.

GLASS SHOWER DOORS. While they look absolutely modern and fabulous, they are a pain to clean. A layer of soap scum ruins the whole effect of glass shower doors. Scum-proof them by using a water repellant solution like the one you would use on your car’s windshield such as Rain-X. The glass treatment creates an invisible film that will help with repelling water. Watch the soap and water bead right off your shower glass and smile.

SWITCH THE CLOTH. Microfiber cloths will make a world of a difference. Made of synthetic fibers, when rubbed together they create a static charge that attracts dirt and dust even without a cleaning solution. If you do wish to use a cleaner, you can bet that you’ll be using less of it.

GARAGE. Make that leaf blower work double time by using it to blow out dirt and debris from your garage. You can get in and around your work bench in seconds. Just be sure to secure or clear away anything lightweight that you don’t wish to discard.

THE SHOES. While you may be thinking that the dress’s simplicity calls for fierce footwear, the answer is: no. Pointy pumps and kitten heels are far too literal or shall we say typical. Stay just as fresh as the trend itself by opting for flats: shoes or sandals.

THE ACCESSORIES. Little to nothing. The prints on your dress can carry themselves.

THE HAIR & MAKEUP. Keep it simple and modern—that means no Lady Gaga. Anything stiff will ruin the look. Go for go-getter ease.

SCENT STRATEGY. Certain stores such as Anthropologie or hotel brands like the Westin really have it down when they add fragrances to their spaces—which evokes a specific feeling. In your home, begin your scent strategy with your favorite scents. Think about the flavors of your own perfume or the flowers in your own garden.

BALANCE. You don’t want to evoke the sense of a flower shop—too much is overwhelming. Instead, the goal is to make a space seem special with a specific smell about it. Balancing diffusers and candles with fresh flowers is a great technique. When it comes to layering scents, think of pairing something soft with something hard. For example: Rose wood paired with a grassy scent.

CHOOSING. As mentioned above, begin with the smells that you love. However, also consider the time of year and the season. Sandalwood with sage aroma is great in cooler months while sweet pea is an uplifting and very appropriate smell in warmer ones.

THE RIGHT TYPE FOR THE RIGHT PLACE. Candles, incense, sprays, diffusers, plug-ins—which ones do you choose? In a powder room, I recommend a diffuser which eliminates having a candle lit all the time. I will, however, light a candle in my guest bathroom to add some ambiance if I know this is the go-to restroom during a party. I also like to light scented candles in an area where I know my guests will be congregating. Spraying throw pillows is a subtle way to infuse your scents along with towels in a bath or curtains in any room.

CARE. The fragrance life of a candle should be anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Store your “special occasion” candles in the boxes they came in to prevent them from getting dusty. For candles in jars, keep their lids on while not in use. When candle wicks get dusty, they become difficult to light.

YOUR SCENT. Now that your home is filled with beautiful fragrances and your guests are about to arrive, it is time to put on your perfume. Choose one that complements the scents that you have chosen for your room.

GET EXCITED. Look at your garden as a way to utilize dead space to add more beauty to your home. Look at garden magazines, get on Pinterest, browse through HGTV.com and discover the possibilities. Visiting places such as the Norfolk Botanical Garden or the Hermitage Museum will definitely inspire you.

GET IN GEAR. (1) A pair of soft, washable and breathable gloves with palm padding will take you a long way for a long time—buy the best that you can afford. (2) Topiary sheers will help with precise pruning. (3) A watering can that has a fine spray for gentle watering—allowing your plant roots the chance to absorb the water. (4) The staples: trowel, digging fork and some sort of weeder-cultivator tool that you’re comfortable maneuvering with.

EXPERT ADVICE. Talk to the experts at your local garden center, and do your own research about novice gardening. There are some truly beautiful gardens in Hampton Roads and those maintaining them are always open to giving advice.Tidewater Arboretum and Display Garden, Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, the Hermitage, and the Botanical Garden in Norfolk all have horticulturalists who are available for advice.

FORMULATE A PLAN. Take photos and measurements of the area that you are hoping to transform into a garden. Also, figure out what type of sun exposure you have on each spot. Is it morning or afternoon sun? Is it direct sun or partial? Lastly, how often do you want to water and maintain your plants like deadheading? These specifics will help guide you when you select your plants and flowers. My Advice:  Start with something simple—choose just a few varieties and build your confidence up from there.

After blowing last month’s home décor budget, I was determined this month to find ways to add a few finishing touches to my home without spending any money. I was looking to add pops of color that would keep a home cheerful season after season. Leave it to mom for the answer. Here’s a quick D.I.Y.-er that mom came up with. As simple as it may be, I shall always remember it as something that mom and I did together.

FRAME. Pull out those extra frames that are just collecting dust (which I always have). Ones with matting are essential. No matting? Purchase a value pack at an art or craft store.

PAINT CHIPS. Head to your closest paint store or big-box home improvement store to collect your paint chips. It’s a good idea to measure out the opening of your matting ahead of time. Then pick out your colors. We chose three different color families and within each,  we selected light and dark hues to achieve a contrasting look.

LAY THEM. The trick is to line up the paint chips as straight and equally as possible. Trace your matting onto the insert that always comes with a brand new frame. If there are white lines that separate the colors then use those as your guide.

FRAME. Add a little bit of tape to hold your paint chips in place. Add your matting and frame them.

Have you ever felt that you wore one of your better bras or maybe your best one to what should have been a great occasion and then the event’s a flop? Only to say, “Well, that was a waste of a push-up bra!”

It’s true that having the perfect bra can make a world of difference because it actually improves the way clothes look on your body. Think you don’t need to size yourself up? Well, chances are, if you are still wearing the same size bra as in high school, you probably shouldn’t be.

TAKE SOME NEW MEASUREMENTS. Don’t assume that department store sales associates will measure you correctly. A specialty bra boutique does a fine measuring job, or you can D.I.Y.

• Band. Wrap a tape measure around your ribs and under your bust line. Wrap it tightly but only after you have exhaled. Take a second measurement around your back and under your arms. Got two different measurements? Take the average.
• Cup Size. Measure your bust at the fullest level. Then subtract your band measurement from this measurement. For example: Band measurement = 29”. Bust measurement = 36”. Calculation: 36-29=5. An A-cup is 4,” a B-cup is 5”….

Note: Measure yourself every few months and more frequently if you are slimming down.

TRY IT ON. All brands are made differently, so always try before you buy.

FASTENING. Your bra should be fastened midway which allows some adjustable play room.