STYLISHLY FIT

What makes some women so chic even when they've just got jeans and a t-shirt on?  Most likely, the answer is that they are physically fit.  It flows through to their confident posture and how clothes drape on them perfectly.

My stylishly fit friend on a hill

For many people's busy lives, going to the gym just doesn't make their daily to-do list.  But instead of being a to-do, fitness can be part of an active lifestyle.

The key is finding something you love to do.   Mentally, it should feel like taking a break.

• For several people I know, taking a walk, run or bike ride outdoors, even for a 1/2 hour, is a terrific way to de-stress and get fit.  
• Many moms push their strollers up hills (the added 20 lbs. is a terrific fat burner!) on nearby hiking trails.
• Doing power moves on the trails can add intensity to your walk.

Power moves

If you're not into nature trails:

• Instead of drinks or dinner, make appointments with friends for badminton or  tennis.  Team sports (beach volleyball!) for large groups!
• Try a new skill.  While my "sport" is ballet, martial arts provides very similar physical challenges and benefits.
• Yoga and Pilates have become trendy in the past decade.  One huge benefit I've noticed is that more Americans have better postures - from the East to the West Coasts!  

So find an activity you love and make it part of your life.

While you're at it, great-fitting workout clothes can be an incentive.  My friends and I swear by Lululemon Athletic gear (tell us when there's a sale!).  It truly makes everyone look leaner instantly - and they last forever!

FUZZ BUSTERS

Our lives are very busy.  Who has time now to go to a salon for a waxing?  Some people are very happy to shave everyday.  But, if you prefer the extended hair-free weeks that come with waxing, there are ways to lengthen the time between salon visits, or do away with them altogether:

• Finally, the local drugstore carries instant wax strips for home use
• No need to heat up wax in a tin, spread it, and use cloths
• The strips warm up right between your hands
• You can wax for 5 minutes right before a shower, so it's as quick as shaving
• Unlike shaving, it takes a few weeks for the hair to grow back, and always more softly
• Best thing is that it costs a fraction of a salon visit, and you don't need a whole hour for an appointment

You can find them in the drugstore Depilatory aisle.   I've been so happy with them, I haven't been to the salon in months!

TRAVEL PRO

Are you a frequent traveller?  Do you miss your regular beauty and skin care products whenever you are away?

I used to travel every week, and even now, frequently travel overnight once a month.  You don't have to sacrifice your beauty routine even with the new, restrictive baggage rules:

• Next time you are replenishing your skin care products at the Department Store, ask for samples that suit your skin
• You can get samples of your make-up too: foundation, eyeshadows, blush, lipstick, mascara - all in travel sizes
• The perfume counter also gives sample sizes of your scents.  It's great not to have to carry a heavy bottle that spills.
• If you like scented candles while you take a bath in the hotel tub, there are 2" versions of scented candles.  Just wrap it in tissue paper first before rolling a belt or socks around it in your luggage.

So don't be shy.  Ask for those samples!  The sales staff are happy to give it away.