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Spring Fashion in a Nutshell

January 20, 2011 by IamMoody

Spring is coming up quickly, we hope. While we have yet heard from the Ground Hog, the days do appear to be getting warmer and the sun is coming out a little more every day. (Yes, it is sunny where I am right now.) Now is the time to start looking at the spring fashion ideas for the upcoming season.

This spring is going to be all about bright and sunny days. Think classical spring. Lots of brighter colors, not too many pastels and ample supplies of flowers should grace your outfits. Some of the hottest skirts this year feature small designs of flowers and butterflies, harolding the spring season that everyone is so looking forward to. The shirts will often have small accents that help to keep the spring image up and strong without being overly obnoxious.

This year’s purses will feature a lot of ruffle. This can be done in a couple different ways, including the multi-material ruffles, lace ruffles and the rebelous leather ruffles. The day of the shoulder purse is beginning to fade, although expect to see a lot of hand bags and clutches this year. The wristlet has also faded into the past, so 2010. The only time one can expect to see the wristlet is when out to the bar or dance club where a bulkier purse would only get in the way.

The shoes this year will be peep-toes. Expect the hottest shoes this year to feature the ever sexy peep look. This can be done in a few different styles, with the peep-toe boot making an appearance early this spring. Yes, it sounds like a contradiction, a peep-toe boot, but trust me, it is going to be hot. Go with it, love it!

Jackets are a must this spring. Even if it were not for the fashion, it would have to be for the temperature. This year, the ruffles will be moving to the jackets as well as the purse. This, paired with the princess sleeves, makes for a great romantic look as well as a princess look for the spring time. Expect unique materials, such as leather with lace and heavy canvas with a brighter look.

No matter what you wear this spring, enjoy this great season. We’ve had a harsh winter, and as the days get longer and spring begins to make its appearance, embrace it. Who knows, maybe if we embrace it, we might see a true early spring this year.

High Waist Jeans

January 20, 2011 by IamMoody

Well, with a new season comes new fashion rules and clothing. One of my favorite pieces of fashion is making an appearance this spring. That is the high waisted jean. This pant makes the legs appear longer, supports and shows off the butt, and tucks the stomach. Often called “Mommy jeans”, these supportive and comfortable jeans are now the focus of high fashion.

While the super low jeans have had a good run, they did some funky things to fashion. One, they made showing your underwear fashionable. This meant people were showing everything from the racy thong to their boxers. With the high waist jean, showing your undies results in a wedgie. Sorry guys, the thongs will be hidden from view for a while. But, on the upside, parents everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their children are not parading around showing off their panties.

The other issue with the super low rise jean was that it had to be tight in order to stay in place. While the jean itself did not have to be tight, if they weren’t, then a belt was needed or the girl could expect to find her jeans around her ankles at any given time. This is because there is not a lot at the hips to hold the jeans up, while jeans that sit high on the waist have more support and do not require such a tight fight. This tight fight created the muffin top, and those fashion don’t should be limited by the high waist jean.

Super low jeans did make your legs appear shorter. Sorry girls, it did. Even if you had thin, long legs, the low jeans made them look a little thicker and shorter. The high waisted jean helps to add length to your leg; and with length comes that slimmer image. This is because the line for your legs starts all the way up at the waist, rather than at the hip, which tends to be the widest part of a woman’s body. For someone of my height, 4’11”, this is a big deal.

The super low jeans of the past seasons did nothing for any girl’s butt. Sorry, you all looked like you had flat butts and wide hips. However, the high waist jeans of this new season has the support needed to hug and shape the butt. Welcome to the season of nice butts. Even those girls who do not have a butt normally, have a nice butt while wearing these jeans.

Personally, I own a couple pairs of these high waist jeans. I always get complements on them and how great they make my legs and butt look. My own husband hates when I wear them because he does not like the looks I get from the guys. Girls, take it from someone who has actually worn these comfortable and fashionable jeans. These are a must for this spring season, all the way through the summer. You’ll love them!

Improve Air Quality & Reduce Indoor Pollution with These 10 Houseplants

January 19, 2011 by IamMoody

Did you know that indoor pollution is actually worse for you than outdoor pollution is? And according to recent estimates, most people spend more than 85% of their time indoors, in their homes. So when you have a higher concentration of indoor pollution, this can mean that you are constantly breathing it in, as opposed to breathing in clean, fresh and healthy air.

Not to startle you any further, but let’s take a look at some of the known facts about indoor pollution.

According to the Science Advisory Board of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), indoor pollution is one of the top five risks to public health currently.
Recent studies that have been conducted have concluded that indoor pollution is anywhere from 30-95 times more present and harmful to your health than outdoor pollution is.
The American College of Allergists has concluded that 45% or more of all known illnesses are instigated by indoor pollution.
90% of all head colds are actually caught while being indoors.
The costs of healthcare for treating allergies and asthma will be more than $13 billion dollars this year in the US; most caused by poor indoor air quality.

Now that we know some of the underlying facts about indoor pollution, it may have you wondering how you combat it. How do you eliminate and eradicate indoor pollution in your home? No matter where you live, even in Denver, which is a mile or so above sea level and has naturally thinner air because of its altitude, the indoor pollution levels are comparable to nearly anywhere else in the world.

A really great start to reducing the levels of indoor pollution in your home can actually be found with Mother Nature. Yep, there are some great indoor houseplants that will suck up indoor pollution and exhale pure and clean, healthy and fresh oxygen for you to breathe in. To better help you decide, here are ten great houseplants that do just this.

Golden Pothos Vine: This plant nearly grows itself and requires little maintenance.
Cast Iron Plant: This plant lasts nearly forever and can grow in terrible conditions with almost little to no light.
Ponytail Palm: A beautiful fanning plant, it needs barely any water or light to thrive.
Chinese Evergreen: Lauded for being an excellent purifier plant, it requires low light and minimal water.
Spider Plant: Great in all temperatures and perfect for a window sill, this plant needs very little attention.
Lucky Bamboo: A Dracaena, this plant loves poor air and low light, and helps to cleanse the pollutants.
Snake Plant: As long as you give this plant plenty of light and a bit of water here and there it will serve you well.
Dracaena: These plants are so easy to grow and some of the best purifiers out there.
Succulents/Cacti: Not a picky plant, just water it once a month and these species will thrive.
Bromeliads: Perhaps more attention is required if you really want this plant to bloom, but when it does it will be well worth the efforts.

Three Tantalizing & Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas

January 18, 2011 by IamMoody

With less than a month to go until Valentine’s Day is finally here again, I aim to lift your spirits by offering some rather candid, truly unique and very romantic Valentine’s Day ideas. It can be hard to really spice of the romance in your life, and this day is the one day of year where our focus is supposed to truly center upon the person that we love and care for the most. However, you don’t have to be cliché in your approach. Because if you ask me, just going out to dinner where you can barely hear what the other person is saying because the restaurant is jam packed with other Valentine’s Day daters is a bit overdone and bland. Rather, change things up this year with these innovative ideas that will leave you both spellbound for one another.

Picnic in the Park at Sunset

Sunsets are romantic. Parks are equally romantic. Dinner in the park at sunset: Totally romantic and invigorating. Bring along an old school 50s picnic basket. Pack some nice wine and prepare a gourmet meal for two. Don’t forget the candles and a sweet poem that you can read to your lover as you both enjoy the sun setting in the West.

Dinner Theater and Wine Bar

Want to really change things up? Then look up a dinner theater restaurant in your area. You still have plenty of time to book reservations before they are full for Valentine’s Day. It’s a great time. You eat amazing food, watch a play and have a blast. Find a murder mystery one if you desire crowd participation. Then head to the nearest wine bar afterwards to cap off the night with some chardonnay.

Gourmet Home-Cooked Meal & Candlelit Bath for Two

Why go out when you can cook at home? Clean your house and use your fanciest utensils. Look up a great gourmet recipe and cook a delectable meal for two. Don’t forget the dimmed lights, candles and incense, and of course, the romantic music in the background. After dinner and a few glasses of wine, draw a hot bath for two.

Snow is Over-rated

January 15, 2011 by IamMoody

If you are anything like me, you are completely over the white stuff that covers the ground and makes the roads so slippery. You are shocked at how pale you can look, and how much you are looking forward to spring. Well, here are some ways to bring spring to yourself just a little bit sooner.

Use a self tanner. Be sure to use a tanning lotion that is meant for your natural skin tone. Use the tanning lotion as directed and do not attempt to go too dark too fast. This will result in an individual looking orange, instead of sun touched. Use a sponge or rag to apply the lotion and do not let too much get on your hands. This will help to prevent streaking and will provide a more even appearance.
Add a pop of color to an outfit. While it is common for winter clothing to be darker than summer clothing, it does not all need to be dark. Consider adding a bright color, in a smaller amount, to help bring more interest to the outfit and to add color and the warmer weather thoughts to the body. Think about a colored shirt, or brilliant shoes.
Paint your nails a bright, summery color. There is little that makes me as happy as seeing sunshine yellow nails. It looks like bottled summer to me. Have fun with it and pick something that you are enjoy looking at. It can give you that little emotional boost through out the day as you look at them.
Flowers - Salvatore Vuono
Think about spring accessories. Flowers scream spring in a healthy and quiet way. Consider clipping a flower in your hair, or attaching one to the purse. This can make those around you feel better and that in turn might make you feel better. Just make sure the flower is no so big that it dominates the outfit.
Eat some topical fruits or have a tropical drink. The odorous and ocular systems of the body can help to control the emotion and mood of a person in ways that have not yet been understood. By smelling, seeing and then eating something tropical, it can help you think spring and even vacation. Even if work is right there and snow is all around. You’d be surprised.

Winter is not yet over, but it is never too soon to think spring and look forward to its arrival. Soon, the winter snow will melt, and the snow belle flowers will be sprouting, followed by the other wonders of spring. And where spring has been, summer quickly follows, which brings the days of warmth and excitement. Oh, how I miss and look forward to those seasons.

Moody’s Beauty & Fashion January Horoscope

January 15, 2011 by IamMoody

It really has been long overdue if you ask me. And finally it has arrived here, and it’s just for you! I am talking about the very first Moody’s Fashion & Beauty Horoscope. It’s filled with some fun – just for entertainment purposes only – and interesting tidbits that you can take with you each month as you strive to be more beautiful. So in par with arrival of the first year of the second decade of the new millennium, is the very first edition of this horoscope for you. Expect a new one each month, around the middle of the month.

Also, there has been some recent speculation and much media debate over whether or not your zodiac sign has changed with the passing of the millennium. However, this myth was recently debunked on CNN – see the article by Clicking Here. And it’s actually still considered to be the same sign that it always was because they are based upon a fixed tropical equinox, and not based upon eastern constellations.

In fact, Jeff Jawer, a leading astrologer for the popular astrology website, Tarot.com, confirms this in his interview in the article. “When we look at the astrology used in the Western world, the seasonally based astrology has not changed, was never oriented to the constellations, and stands as…has been stated for two millenniums,” explains Jawer.

So now that this is all cleared up….

Let’s see what’s in the stars for January for all of you!

Moody’s January Horoscope

Aries: The holidays zipped on by, but you made it through. Now the New Year has you very busy. Stay on top of your skin by adding a solid moisturizer to combat the cold January weather.

Taurus: The New Year is revealing many wonders to you. If you just changed up your skincare regiment, the results will have you smiling. Stay on course and your skin will thank you.

Gemini: Sometimes a Gemini can be affected by the commotion that surrounds the beginning of a New Year. But things are not nearly as troublesome as they may seem to be. Change things up and treat yourself to a new hairstyle, and ring in 2011 with a fab new look.

Cancer: Your fitness routine has been hampered by the holidays. Did you find yourself breaking away dear Cancer? Get back into it slowly with a few days per week and work your way back up to reach your New Year’s goals.

Leo: Is the cold weather making your skin and hair react? Check into your local day spa for a facial and get some advice from the esthetician on your routine. Add a conditioner that has a volumizer to whip your hair back into shape.

Virgo: It’s your month to really shine, Virgo. Thanks to hard work and organization, you are on top. Treat yourself to that shopping marathon you’ve been putting off. You have earned it.

Libra: Once again, you are everyone’s shoulder to cry on, and you don’t mind one bit. Perhaps your friend could become your gym buddy as well. This way you can both work towards that chic-looking bod.

Scorpio: Career changes are looming, and it’s just what you have been looking for. Take your time and really find some attractive interviewing outfits. The more you shine, the easier that dream job will be to obtain.

Sagittarius: Holiday pounds and weight gain may have left you feeling flustered. But it’s not the end of the world. Rather, it’s time to get back into the gym so you can burn off those calories. A spa seaweed body wrap could do wonders for your waistline, too.

Capricorn: It’s going to be, and has been, a rather busy month for you. You may feel like you are overwhelmed. It’s time to find some relaxation in yoga classes or dance classes. A Swedish massage could leave you feeling heavenly right now.

Aquarius: Oh to be you, Aquarius. Your hair is amazing this month, your skin shines like a newborn and your hairstyle has people doing double-takes. The only advice that can be offered is to keep working your magic. You’ve got it all!

Pisces: An early January eclipse has set the stage for end of the month victories, both personally and financially. Overall, it’s a month for the record books for you. Come the end of the month you should use some of that influx in funds to update your wardrobe. You’ve been working so hard, now it’s time for a little treat!