Everywhere we turn, people are talking about the movie Sex and The City 2.  Being a big fan of the show, of course I carved out time yesterday to go and see it.  Like any movie, it had it’s good parts and bad parts, but I must say I was thrilled with the fashion.  I’m also a big fan of a fashion website called Rent the Runway, and I’m pleased to say that they are offering many of the designs worn by the SATC gals in the movie.  Case in point, the soon to be iconic white Halston Heritage dress that Carrie wears in the opening.  You can rent it for $50.  Yep, you heard me right, $50.  Retail, it would cost you $325 – if you can actually find it anywhere.

Photo courtesy of www.shopthetrendboutique.com

Of course, I realize that you may not be a “Carrie”.  Maybe as a professional woman, you are more of a “Miranda”.   Or perhaps you are prim and proper like Charlotte?  And it is possible that you are more of a Samantha.  (If so, I’d like to know exactly why we are not already bff’s?!)  No matter your personality or fashion sense, Rent the Runway has a Sex and the City look for you.  In fact, they have made it very easy for you to shop the looks according to the style of your favorite character.  You really should check it out.

 Sex and the City 2 looks can be found on Rent the Runway 

On this last day of the week prior to a fabulous 3 day weekend, I raise my glass to all you stylish wedding and event professionals out there.  Here’s to you, good friends, great fashion and movies that encourage us to keep our glamour quotient high.

“Carrie” on.

Image from Wikipedia.com

Ahhh, sweet sleep.  I love to sleep, yet many times, I get so little of it.  Humans have biological rhythms, known as circadian rhythms that are controlled by a biological clock and work on a daily time scale.  Circadian rhythms are directly related to the amount of natural and artificial light we receive, and how our wake/sleep cycles correspond to that light.  A person’s desire and ability to fall asleep is influenced by both the length of time since the person woke from an adequate sleep, and by these internal rhythms.  It is referred to as a rhythm because it is intended to be consistent.  Everyone’s rhythms are different, so we are ready for sleep and wakefulness at different times of the day.

We spend about one-third of our lives asleep.  Sleep is a required activity, not an option, it is important for normal motor and cognitive function.  Circadian rhythms  affect body temperature, alertness, appetite, hormone secretion etc. as well as sleep timing.   Sleep actually appears to be required for survival.  In fact, in one study, rats deprived of sleep died within two to three weeks, a time frame similar to death due to starvation.  After sleeping, we recognize changes that have occurred, as we feel rested and more alert.  A good nights sleep can change my entire perspective on things.  If I went to bed angry or sad, I usually feel much better in the morning.  If I am wrestling with an important decision, many times I wake up with a clarity on the decision that I could not reach the day before.  Doctors recommend an average of 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night for adults, and 8 – 9 hours of sleep for school age children and teenagers.

As important as sleep is, we often equate it to something we want rather than something that we need.  We regularly deprive ourselves of sleep in the name of hard work.  I think we don’t always relate good sleep habits to our everyday health in the same way we consider diet and exercise to be essential to our health.  The truth is, our circadian rhythms are crucial to our mental and physical health.  For instance, the functions of many organ systems are linked to our sleep cycle, such as:

• Endocrine system. Most hormone secretion is controlled by the circadian clock or in response to physical events. Sleep is one of the events that modify the timing of secretion for certain hormones. Many hormones are secreted into the blood during sleep. For example, scientists believe that the release of growth hormone is related in part to repair processes that occur during sleep. Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which are involved in maturational and reproductive processes, are among the hormones released during sleep. In fact, the sleep-dependent release of luteinizing hormone is thought to be the event that initiates puberty. Other hormones, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, are released prior to sleep.
• Renal system. Kidney filtration, plasma flow, and the excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium all are reduced during both NREM and REM sleep. These changes cause urine to be more concentrated during sleep.
• Alimentary activity. In a person with normal digestive function, gastric acid secretion is reduced during sleep. In those with an active ulcer, gastric acid secretion is actually increased and swallowing occurs less frequently.

When sleep deprived, humans may experience many symptoms in a long list of problems such as, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, slowed word recall, headaches, loss of energy, fatigue, lethargy, aching muscles, dizziness and nausea, increased blood pressure, increased risk of diabetes, fibromyalgia, obesity, and emotional instability such as temper tantrums in children and depression in adults.  The prevalence of problem sleepiness is high and has serious consequences, such as drowsy driving or workplace accidents and errors.  Loss of sleep creates an overwhelming and uncontrollable need to sleep and affects virtually all physiological functions.

For all that we may have accomplished, how much more could we achieve when we regulate our circadian rhythm?  What are your thoughts on sleep or the lack of it?

NaShara Mitchell is the owner and creative director of Ready to Blush, a beauty and wellness concierge offering makeup artistry, detail and wellness services, workshops, and socials to enhance, empower, and educate the everyday celebrity. Questions are always welcome at ask@readytoblush.com or on twitter @ReadytoBlush.

Last year, Ready to Blush asked a few wedding planning friends to share their personal beauty tips with prospective brides.  As wedding season hits its stride, we believe their thoughtful advice bears repeating for brides and wedding professionals.

“I Do” Beauty Too: Wedding Planners Give Beauty Tips

(Copyright 2009-2010 Ready to Blush Makeup Artistry LLC Original 2009, Edited 2010)

No matter their title–wedding planners, bridal coordinators, event designers, magical moment directors, or dream fulfillers, you’ve selected someone you totally trust and vibe with to help pull off your cherished forever day.  You’ve given them full, or at least slightly uninhibited, reign on every minute detail and are giddy with excitement when you see how they’ve turned your “I was wondering ifs” and doodles on napkins into reality.

So far, they haven’t disappointed you with their prowess, but can you trust your wedding planner with wedding day beauty advice, too?  Ready to Blush says, you surely can!!!  We recently asked some of our wedding planning friends what beauty advice they give brides.  Their responses were spot on.  We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events in Memphis, TN says, “Rest and keep your stress levels down. Eat well, drink lots of water and don’t overdo it on alcohol the night before the wedding.”

{BLUSHer:: For the bride who likes to bling at all times, try Fillico}

Kerline Docteur of Joie de Vie Events in Orlando, FL says, “Drink plenty of water, drink vitamins and have a professional do your make up.”

Eliana Baucicault of Elly B Events in Atlanta, GA and New York says, “Begin a facial regime about 5 months before the wedding.”

Latrice Cushenberry of Opulent Couturier in Nashville, TN says, “Drink plenty of water, have facials at least 2 weeks before the wedding so your face is not blotchy in pictures. If a bride sweats heavily under their arms, a few shots of Botox cures that and saves their dress from having stains. Depending on the market it’s not that expensive.”

April Foster of April Foster Events in Indianapolis, IN says, “Find a good moisturizer for your skin and use it every night before bed to keep your skin soft and supple. Use a face moisturizer with spf (even during the winter) – sun is damaging to the skin and makes it age faster. Use a gentle exfoliator daily. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go to expensive cosmetic counters to find moisturizers and products that work for you. Drug store products usually work great without breaking the bank.”

{BLUSHer: Cetaphil and Neutrogena are drug store standouts}.
If you want a nice bronze, start experimenting with professional spray tans 3-4 months prior to your wedding. This way you can find the type (booth or person spraying you) that works best for your skin type.  You can also determine the day the tan looks best on you – usually the 2nd-4th day.

{BLUSHer: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily and Natural Glow Express BodyMoisturizers, Sally Hanson airbrush series or St. Tropez self tanning line are ideal for those seeking a tanned or even-skin tone.

Unless you bite your nails, try to stay away from acrylic nails as they destroy your natural nails.  Keep your nails looking healthy and natural by using a clear protein polish and a monthly manicure.

{BLUSHer: OPI is a mani fave. Nicole by OPI and Sally Hansen are drugstore standouts. Some brides are turning to the less damaging alternative of gel overlay during their salon visits while others are returning to the temporary nails like Revlon or KISS updated temporary nail systems}.

Sleep, staying hydrated and maintaining healthy eating habits along with skin and nail care regimes was the advice of choice for these planners.

What personal tips do you share with your brides?

Temperatures are up, neighborhood pools are opening and kids are WILD!  Summer has officially arrived.  {*sigh*}

Many of you know I am the very proud mother of one adorable 8 year old boy.  (Gabe is now on Twitter: @GabeJKennedy.)  My desire to be home with him as needed is actually why I started my own company.  I love being a work at home mom, but summers do present unique challenges for our family.

Gabe still has two weeks of school remaining, and with a new school schedule next year, his summer vacation has shrunk to only 7 full weeks.  Still, I am approaching the start of the summer with a mix of excitement and dread.  It’s hard to entertain an only child and I’ve never been the kind of parent to place him in daycare or ship him off to someone else.  I actually enjoy our summers together.  June is historically crazy for our family as it is usually my busiest month of the year, we have all Gabe’s year end events to attend at school, and normal schedules are completely upended.  By July, however, things have slowed and I really limit my commitments in order to spend time with him.  My husband and I place a high value on education and allow limited TV time throughout the year, but we do tend to be a little more slack with that effort in the summer time.  I really want to keep Gabe busy this summer, and I know that our household (Gabe especially) thrives on a schedule.  With that in mind, I recently sat down and drafted our summer schedule. 

Gabe says, “Hi!”

Here’s a peek at our weeks to come:

Monday:  Mom works 1/2 day in the morning; pool & fun time in the afternoon

Tuesday:  Mom has a full day in office (Intern comes in from 10 – 2); Gabe has horseback riding lessons in the late afternoon

Wednesday:  Dad works from home; Mom takes meetings as needed

Thursday:  Mom has a full day in the office

Friday:  Dad works from home; Mom takes appointments or works 1/2 day in the morning; pool & fun time in the afternoon

Because I take time off on Mondays and Fridays, my husband is great to take care of Gabe at night if I need to be in the office, attend industry events, take meetings, or just catch up on things.  I spend Sunday afternoons catching up on emails, business reading, blog reading, and updating calendars as needed.

Each Monday and/or Friday, Gabe & I will spend some time at the pool, go to the library (story time and new books) or to the playground.  Together, we made a list of several different places to visit on a once weekly field trip.  Last year, I started a strict “no complaining” rule.  Should Gabe complain that he is bored, he is assigned a chore or given a list of spelling words to look up and write sentences for.  He stopped complaining, but instead he came into my office frequently and talked my ear off.  Not sure how that will pan out this year…

And here’s a peek at Gabe’s daily activities when we’re home:

8:00 a.m. – Mom walks & Gabe rides bike in neighborhood

8:45 a.m. – Gabe outside play in front yard (I can see our front yard from my office window)

11:00 a.m. – Book Report/Math & Language Arts Worksheets

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

12:30 p.m. – Computer Time or Reading

1:00 p.m. – Free Play time with music of choice

2:00 p.m. – Video Games (Wii or PSP)

3:00 p.m. – Indoor Free Play or Arts & Crafts

4:00 p.m. – TV Time

6:00 p..m. – Outside Play

7:00 p.m. – Dinner

8:30 p.m. – Bath

10:00 p.m. – Bedtime

I’m not rigid about the time that he does each activity, but we learned last year that this order works well for Gabe.  He has a bit of an attention issue, so alternating “work” and play works best for him.  Knowing that he can play once he finishes the “learning stuff” is a big incentive for him.  He’s old enough that I can post this list of activities on the refrigerator and he can check it to see what comes next.  In addition to the above schedule, Gabe will be attending camp all day for one full week this summer, so hopefully that will break things up for us a bit as well.

Have you made plans for your school age children this summer?  Do you have any helpful tips to share?   Please do, I feel my anxiety level rising a bit already. {*smile*}

Today’s post is from one a wonderful guest contributor, Christiana Greene of POLISHED "The Image & Style Consultants".  Christiana is a stylist that holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, PA.  She joined POLISHED in April 2009, where she’s able to put her passion for fashion to good use by helping women find their personal sense of style while emphasizing their best assets.  In her spare time, Christiana enjoys frequenting thrift shops, making jewelry, baking cupcakes, keeping up with the “green” movement and hanging out with her two dogs Toby and Bumper.  Christiana is located in the DC Metropolitan area and her contact info is as follows:  Twitter: @PolishedCG; E-mail:  Christiana@PolishedImageandStyle.com; Online:  www.PolishedImageandStyle.com.

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Whether you’re out shopping for the day or hitting the city at night, the perfect handbag or clutch paired with the perfect bracelet(s) are key this season.

There are tons of handbags to choose from, but I particularly love the shoulder bags and sleek statement clutches. As for the bracelets, I love nothing more than to stack them! If you’re not a fan of stacking your bracelets, get in the habit—just kidding…I actually recommend a nice statement cuff.

Day Looks:

Items in this set:

Chloe bags TAN

$1,785

matchesfashion.com

Burberry brit bags BEIGE

$500

matchesfashion.com

East West Messenger – Black

$795

barneys.com

Resin pyramid bangle

$355

net-a-porter.com

Dean gold-plated cuff

$240

net-a-porter.com

Dazli bangle set

$150

net-a-porter.com

Large Black Wooden Zebra Bracelet

$40

pret-a-beaute.com

Night Looks:

Items in this set:

Halston Foxy python-effect clutch

$1,460 $510

theoutnet.com

Maxine medium clutch

$1,995 $800

net-a-porter.com

BLACK KAISER CLUTCH

$925

alexandermcqueen.com

CLUTCH BELLE VIVIER PETIT

$960

mytheresa.com

Jungle Bangle Stack

$20

oasis-stores.com

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Bangles (Set of 7)

$68

nordstrom.com

GIVENCHY 10E3027-951 GOLD LEATHER/BRASS KM08W07

$500

farfetch.com

Givenchy Chain Cuff

$725

cultstatus.com.au

Bangle set

$430

net-a-porter.com

Chunky sterling silver bracelet

$245

net-a-porter.com

Amazon.com: GUESS Brown Leather Cuff with Crisscross Buckl, BROWN: Jewelry

$28

amazon.com

Note:  The following post was adapted from an article from Prevention.com.

Key #1:  Check the serving size.  Just because it is a 100 calorie snack doesn’t mean you should have 4 servings.  Be especially diligent with bottled beverages.  Many bottled beverages contain 2-3 servings.  For instance, quenching thirst with a Snapple means you’ll consume 300 calories and 69 g of sugar. If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t drink your calories; choose water instead and occasionally splurge on a flavored beverage. 

Key #2:  Limit bad fats.  You should look for products with zero trans fat and low saturated fat.  A woman on a 1,600-calorie diet should not exceed more than 13 g daily. We love our potato chips, but chips are very high in saturated fats. Opt for whole grain chips instead.  I especially like Sun Chips in the French Onion or Harvest Cheddar flavors.

Key #3:  Pick low sodium.  Most Americans have far too much sodium in their diets and as much as 75% of it comes from processed foods. Full meals shouldn’t exceed 500 mg; keep your daily intake to about 2,000 mg.  Consider the pretzel, a yummy, salty snack that most perceive as being somewhat healthy.  Two large sourdough pretzels contain about 480 mg. of sodium.  Choose no-salt pretzels or brush off most of the salt from the regular kind.

Key #4:  Fill up on fiber.  Foods containing 3g or more can help reduce appetite and cholesterol.  Just a 1/2-cup serving of Kellogg’s All-Bran cereal for breakfast starts your day with 10 g of fiber!

Key #5:  Go beyond sugar grams.  Some healthy foods, like yogurt, are deceptively high in natural sugar.  Make sure the ingredients don’t contain added sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.  Choose brands that have 30 g of sugar or less.  I’m a big fan of Yoplait light – especially the “Thick & Creamy” versions.  Key Lime Pie is my favorite and comes in at about 14g of sugar!

Do you have any tried and true healthy eating habits?  Do share, we’d love to hear from you!

Today we have a wonderful beauty installment for you from Atlanta based Hair & Make-Up Artist, Scoobie West.  Scoobie and I have worked together for many years and he is a savvy businessman and a wonderful human being.  It is a great thing when your vendor partners become your friends and that is so true for Scoobie and I.  I knew when I started The Stylish Planner that I wanted to include him as a guest blogger. 

Scoobie was recently named one of “Atlanta’s People on the Move” by Urban Lux Magazine for his success as a make up artisan.  Check out his spread on page 12 and his fashion feature on page 42 – those Versace shoes are killer!  Many of you are familiar with Scoobie’s work without even realizing it.  He was the hair & make-up artist for model, Adair, who graced the cover of the current issue of Southern Weddings Magazine.

Image courtesy of UrbanLuxe magazine.

I asked Scoobie his professional opinion on… PLASTIC SURGERY – to do or NOT to do?  Plastic surgery vs. makeup – what’s the best way for women to really look younger?

Scoobie says,  “My preference is both!  Some ladies just wont give in, but I am a huge fan of botox.  It relaxes frown lines and most times it is not painful.  Once the botox kicks in, I recommend seeing your favorite makeup artist (me!) so that I can show you new tricks and techniques to further enhance the treatment.”

There you have it, ladies.  But what do you think?  Will you try plastic surgery as you get older, or stick to concealing with make-up?

One of the reasons I love summer is that I tend to allow myself to be more casual in my personal time.  I’m a big fan of vintage t-shirts.  I could seriously kick myself for getting rid of some of the great concert t-shirts I’ve had over the years.  I’d love to have some of those babies back right about now!  Pair them with your favorite jeans or a denim mini-skirt and you’re good to go.

Anyway, everything old is new again, right?  An added bonus of vintage t-shirts is that they are a sure fire conversation starter.  Here are a few of my favorite vintage and vintage look t-shirt finds:

Top row from left to right:  RUN-DMC T-Shirt – $29.99, Aerosmith T-Shirt – $19.99,

Bottom row from left to right:  Janis Joplin T-Shirt – $18.99, Kings Of Leon T-Shirt – $19.99  all t-shirts can be found on www.slingshotshirts.com.

Today The Stylish Planner is bringing you another great post from our Health & Fitness Expert, Kiana Lewis.  Kiana is a contributor on The Stylish Planner twice monthly, reporting on easy ways to stay healthy and fit on a busy schedule.

Kiana, a skilled fitness professional, has been working in the health and fitness industry for over 9 years. She holds various certifications, including W.I.T.S (World Instructors Training School) and ACE (American Council on Exercise). Kiana’s expertise lies in fitness training, as well as weight management. She has experience with various populations including, pre/post-natal and athletes, among many others. She loves plyometric training, sports, photography, and traveling.

Kiana’s philosophy about fitness is, “Exercise, your body will appreciate it."

Overwhelmed with the wedding planning process??  Dealing with vendors, money, family dynamics, social and personal expectations could make anyone go mad.  In the midst of the hysteria, your health could very well go south.  Headaches, stomach aches, poor concentration, irritability, sleeping problems and moodiness are just a few symptoms of stress.  Who wants to be sick on their wedding day??  So, heed the techniques below to keep your stress levels in check.  Also, feel free to share with us your personal stress-busters.

1. Bust Stress with Food: When you become a little frazzled, foods loaded with sugar (comfort foods) and/or salt may be what your reach for.  Instead, reach for dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and berries, unsalted nuts and seeds, and whole grains.  These foods contain various vitamins and minerals that help minimize levels of stress.  One other tidbit, try staying away from caffeinated drinks and limiting your coffee intake; try drinking tea.
2. Be a Little Selfish: Be sure not to lose yourself in the process.  Take some time to go for a walk or jog, catch a matinee at the theatre, drop in at a yoga studio, meditate, put on your favorite album and let the volume rip (be mindful of the neighbors), or schedule a mani/pedi and/or a massage.  I think you have caught my drift.
3. Give Orders: I know that it can be hard to relinquish control sometimes, but it’s called for in some cases.  Wedding “to-do” lists can end up being a mile long, so why not pass a few tasks to others?  Glance over your list, decide what you can and cannot complete, then delegate the rest to others (make sure you trust them to get the job done).
4. Shut It Down: Whether you’re planning a wedding or have a big meeting the next day, getting six to eight hours of sleep will help reverse the effects of stress.  Try to develop a nightly routine, which helps alert your body that it’s time settle down for the night.  More importantly, try going to “shutting it down” around the same time every night to keep your biological clock on time.

What do you do to beat stress?

NaShara Mitchell is the owner and creative director of Ready to Blush, a beauty and wellness concierge offering makeup artistry, detail and wellness services, workshops, and socials to enhance, empower, and educate the everyday celebrity. Questions are always welcome at ask@readytoblush.com or on twitter @ReadytoBlush.

Many women live life on the go, completing one errand after another, checking off the never-ending to-do list with each tip-tap of their Louboutin, Cole-Haan, Nike, or Puma heeled steps or pat-pat of fingers against computer keyboards, blackberrys and iPhone screens.  And many still manage to integrate at least one beauty detail into her routine.  Whether religious with sunscreen application; manicure, pedicure, or salon appointments, the spritzing of a favorite perfume, or drinking a cup of warm tea or glass of wine before meditating and mentally detoxing, this detail helps to calm nerves, create a brief respite of me-time, or enhance appearance and mood.  In the words of beauty maven and business women Trish McEvoy, “If you don’t pay attention to the details, you risk undermining your whole look.”

Visit the Ready to Blush Face book Fan Page and share your must have beauty detail, when you first fell in love with it and why you can’t live without it being in your busy schedule.  One comment will be randomly selected to receive a Sonia Kashuk 4-piece Chubby Brush Set with Carrying Pouch and Stila Eyeshadow Pallet.

Contest details: Contest open to members of the Continental US.  Comments must be shared on the Ready to Blush Face book Fan page by 11:59pm Tuesday, May 18^th.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 19^th via Face book and Twitter and will have until Saturday, May 22^nd to claim their prize.  If unclaimed, another comment will be randomly selected and winner announced until prize is claimed.