Websites I love

mvelopes.com (money management)

paulaschoice.com (skin care)

Beautypedia.com (rates cosmetics and skin care products.)

thedailyplate.com = tracks your calories and helps you set goals, for free. Also give you a cute carb, protein and fat breakdown.

Cozi.com (Family Calendar)

JCrew.com

Fashion

Buy from one store, buy from someone who knows your body, buy less.

I am not great at picking out lots of different pieces of clothes and "putting it all together." Nor do I watch alot of TLC or What not to Wear. Plus, I am pretty busy.

My advice is to just shop at one store (MAYBE two.) I just go in a few times a year, and whatever the have (clothes, shoes, bracelets) I buy within my budget.

They pay designers big bucks to coordinate outfits, and often the styles and colors work from year to year, so it's a great way to build a wardrobe.

Get to know one saleswoman. Work with her each time, regardless of the store. They will send your coupons and tell you the best times to come into the store. Greg does the same thing with his store.

Personally, I have a personal shopper (it's free) at JCrew and 85% of the time just buy from her. Remember, JCrew gives you a 15% teacher discount. I switched to JCrew over two years ago and have to buy less since it's a bit more pricey, but I don't get tired of the clothes and they last longer.

Also, edit, edit, edit your closet. I have such a hard time with this. Honestly, do you need more than 15 outfits? Find 15 that you love. Give the rest to Goodwill.

The macro principle here is to be store loyal. If you get to know the shop owners, they are more likely to give you good advice and help you out.

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More about Ashley Neighbors, the free personal shopping service from JCrew:
Honestly, in the past year I haven't even been able to get to Memphis to shop, so doing this by e-mail or by phone helps. She will send you outfit photos picked out just for you by e-mail, and you can select from there. Yes, it's more pricey. But the theme is - buy less outfits. Buy only outfits you love and look great on you. Take care of all your clothes, because you will need to buy classics that last a long time. If you need to supplement with a $10 H&M shirt do so, but otherwise, buy things that work for you and you love. And if you don't have style, like me, find someone who does. (Stay in your lane.)

JCrew personal shopper: 1.800.261.7422 or ashley.neighbors@Jcrew.com

Before you job hunt

I just gave a lecture on social networking during Career U.

Here are some things that I think seniors should know, but sometimes don't.

Before you search for a job

1) Get a professional e-mail account like marysmith@gmail.com. (I also think gmail is classier than hotmail.) Trust me, I'mahotmama@hotmail.com just isn't going to get you called for an interview.

2) Edit your facebook pics and postings. Don't be afraid to delete those posted by others if they don't represent you well.

3) Get a serious ring tone for your phone or text alerts. (Avoid silly or controversial.)

4) If you have "music while you wait" on your cell, choose classy music.

5) Contact Career Services rjones@uu.edu to make an appointment! You don't have to have it all together before you go in. Go in with no resume and no direction, and they WILL help you! Just make an appointment!

Skincare

My new advice (as of summer, 2009)

I use the entire Paula's choice line. I love it. (And trust me, I've tried it all.)

www.paulaschoice.com/category/skin-care:

My daily Routine:

1. Skin recovery system (I choose the line for dry skin, but they have all types.)

2. Cleanser (am/pm)

3. toner (am/pm)

4. exfolient (AHA product - pm only) (I switch this every other day with RX retinol.)

5. antioxidant (am/pm)

6. moisturize (pm)

7. sunscreen (Neutrogena Age Defense SPF 90 - am only)

Older advice

At age 45, I think you can look 25 or 65 depending on your skincare routine.

First of all, there is a great website that is an up to date online version of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter without me." It's a fabulous book about what really works. Listen, if you have a drawer full of half used products or are in your 40's have still haven't found the right product, and are just drawn in by so many claims and confused, get this book.

Or, get up to date info at www.beautypedia.com.

The site is now free. If you are also thinking about an expensive project, she will tell you what product can do the same for less. She knows the % of active ingredients in each product.

Here is the advice I've gathered.

1) Sunscreen. Use an SPF of at least 30 every day. SPF 70 if you are going in the sun/to the beach. I use Eucrin for senstive skin. This is the absolute best advice. If you do NOTHING else, wear sunscreen. Anything other than this is just covering sun damage. (Never, and I mean never, use a tanning booth. Honestly, when older, it becomes sort of unattractive "type" of a person who goes.)

2) The basics: Drink water, exercise, and sleep 7-8 hours a night. Don't stress.

3) Exfoliate weekly. If you don't do this, it's just like watering grass with leaves on them. No penetration into your skin. Avoid the ones from the 80's you used with ground walnuts in them. Hello - you are a grown up now. Respect your skin. It's doesn't have to "hurt" to exfoliate. Use Neutrogena fresh foaming scrub. (Again, I use Paula's choice.) 

4) Use a retinol every night. It's ok to use Olay of Olay or Neutrogena rather than an expensive brand. The dermatologist said that they contain the highest levels without moving to a prescription (which isn't such a bad idea.) And since they are priced well, you'll more likely stick to it. I use Neutrogena anti wrinkle intensive night cream - get the kind with retinol. Use the matching eye serum.

5) Use an AHA (alpha hydroy acid) product in the morning or product with peptide. I use Neutrogena anti wrinkle serum. A peptide product is less harsh, so if you are really flaking, step back. Again, follow that by sunscreen.

6) Facials should be done monthly to improve skin. If done less than once a month, they are just for relaxation, not long term skin care improvement. (I don't spend money on this. My point is that if you aren't going every month, just get a massage instead.)

7) Wear sunglasses. For those who know me, you know I can't hear as well when I wear sunglasses. (I know, strange.) But I wish I wore them all the time to avoid crows feet/squint lines.

Welcome

Dear Friends:

This blog is being created to capture the practical advice I've collected thus far! Those of you who spend time with me, you know that not a month (or week) goes by without me sharing a new product or system or piece of advice that I have discovered, tried and loved. 

This blog will help me organize the information. Please know that I want to hear your feedback so feel free to comment, agree, disagree and add to this list!

Warmest Regards, 

Kimberly Thornbury