Fresh start: 10 must-have trends for spring 2014

Spring is a hard time of year to get dressed -- you're definitely sick of bulky sweaters, but not quite ready to bare your legs in a spring dress! With a few transitional pieces, you can get your wardrobe ready for a seasonal shift. Here are 10 must-have, must-splurge pieces for spring.

I love this neon collar necklace from Bauble Bar for spring.

1. Moto jacket

A moto jacket, whether in real or faux-leather, will act as a perfect spring jacket for cool mornings and nights on the town. Choose one in a blush or grey to get the most versatility. At $60, this one from Macy's is a good choice.

2. Leather crossbody

Ditch your heavy black tote in favor of a small crossbody. Lighten up your load and grab a leather crossbody in a beige leather. Try this Kate Spade on for size. It's $238.

3. The neutral flat

A grey, white or tan flat is the go-to shoe of spring season. Perfect with skinny jeans or a dress and tights, you can get a lot of wear out of a neutral flat. These beige cutout flats are perfect for work or brunch with friends. These LC Lauren Conrad flats are only $33.

4. A lightweight sweater

While you might be ready for tanks and T's, the unpredictable spring weather might say otherwise. Pick up a lightweight sweater that will keep you warm but not overheated. Anthropologie has several in this category.

5. The maxi skirt

Maxi skirts are a perfect transitional piece. Wear now with your moto jacket and tights underneath, and wear in warmer months with a tank and sandals. Target is a good place to start for these.

Read five more on Yahoo Voices.

Tips for a healthier road trip

Spring break is around the corner, and for many people that means a road trip is in order. Whether you're headed on a family getaway to the beach or an adults-only scenic drive, road trips can be a great way to bond with your friends or family. Just because you're in the car doesn't mean you have to throw all your healthy habits out the (car) window. Follow this road map for a healthier road trip.

Pack your own snacks
Think ahead and pack your car and cooler with healthy, car-friendly snacks. Portable, healthy food will keep you full on long stretches between rest stops. Avoid the chips and candy at the gas station to prevent bloating and a heavy stomach. Buy snack-size plastic baggies and fill with nutrient-dense snack foods. Mixed berries, carrots and homemade trail-mix (don't forget the chocolate) are all good choices. Whole fruit and single-serving granola bars are also good, handheld options for the ride. Don't forget your reusable water bottles!

Stretch every hour
Sitting for long periods of time can leave you feeling tired and stiff. Pull off at a rest stop or small town once an hour to give yourself a five-minute break. Get everyone out of the car, run a few laps around it, do some jumping jacks and stretch your arms and legs. This is also a good chance to switch drivers so nobody gets tired behind the wheel.

Choose wisely at mealtimes
The fast food dinner is a staple of any good road trip. Allow yourself one anything-goes meal at your favorite drive through, and the rest of your trip, make healthier choices. If you can stop in larger cities with a natural grocery store, you can usually find healthy, whole-wheat wraps or a large salad bar. Otherwise, stick to sub sandwich shops (load your sandwich up with veggies and lean meat).

Plan something active
After long hours in the car, the last thing you should be doing at your destination is laying around! Plan an activity that will get you up and moving. Walk around the historic district of the larger cities, or take a family walk at the beach. Splash around in the pool or go for a hike in a national park. There are lots of ways to get active on vacation!

A well-thought out road trip can be one of the best vacations you'll ever take. A little planning is all it takes to keep yourself healthy on the road. Plus, the healthier you eat on the road, the more you can splurge at your destination!

Change up your work-from-home routine

Working from home is becoming increasingly popular. Many companies give their employees remote access to get the job done offsite. If sitting at your home office all day sounds like a recipe for boredom, switch up your work-from-home routine with these ideas.

Work from a coffee shop instead of your home office.
(Photo courtesy Lost Albatross via Flickr)

Rent space
Coworking spaces are popping up left and right. These spaces allow for remote workers to gather in a central location to share desks, office space and even conference rooms. You might benefit from working in a creative environment with other like-minded people.

Go to the library
If you need WiFi to complete essential job tasks, local libraries can be a great, quiet place to get work done. Choose a local college or university library for a change from your local branch. Bring headphones and get into the zone - just remember to be quiet! This is not the place for a conference call.

Get caffeinated
Some people work better with background noise. Coffee shops are the perfect place to drown out your thoughts while answering emails. Just be sure to purchase a cup of coffee or a snack for every hour that you're taking up table space. Try not to stay all day!

Read more on Yahoo Voices.

Plan a midweek ladies' night out

Taking time out for yourself can be a great reward for being a hardworking wife and mother. With weekends packed with family and home activities, you may never get a chance to see your girlfriends! Give yourself (and your girls) a midweek break by planning a ladies' night out. Even a once-a-month standing date with your girlfriends can boost your mood and give you much-needed "me" time you deserve.

Try a sewing class or drawing class with your girlfriends.

Here are 5 surprisingly different ladies' night out ideas:

1. Take a workout class together
Too often friendships revolve around heavy dinners or brunches - why not lighten things up and try a group workout together instead? Yoga is a perfect way to relax and tone your muscles. Yoga studios are popping up on every corner; most have drop-in class rates. Try a heated yoga class if you're looking to sweat a little, too. Make sure you leave time for a 15-minute chat with your friends before or after class. Or, take a nice, long walk around a park so you can really catch up on life!

2. Dig in to the sale racks
Midweek is a great time to hit the discount department stores or outlets that are crammed on the weekends. Grab your favorite shopping buddies and head out for a couple of hours of retail therapy together. You don't need to buy anything to reap the benefits of a few hours of girl time! Try on a dress you would never consider buying; or, rifle through the clearance shoe section for a perfect pair of new flats.

3. Warm drinks and decadent desserts
Gather your people at tea shop, coffee house or even a late-night diner. Something as simple as a cup of Lipton Hot Black Tea and a big cookie can take the edge off a hectic week. If your conversation turns to crazy husband stories or stressful work venting, change the tone and bring up something happier! Reminiscing about fun parties or trips you've taken together is a great mood-booster.

4. Schedule a mini-mani
Set up a midweek appointment at a nearby salon that's open late. Many nail salons offer a basic manicure involving a little nail-shaping and a polish change. Spring for the full spa manicure every once in a while so you can catch up on your celebrity gossip magazines while waiting for those nails to dry!

5. Do something different
Break out of the typical drinks-and-dinner routine and try something different. Take a sewing class. Plan your dream trips in the travel section of the bookstore. Learn a new cooking skill. Lace up your skates at an ice rink. No matter what you attempt, if you're with your favorite friends, you'll have fun trying!

A midweek ladies' night out is the perfect escape from the routine of everyday life. Treat yourself to a little fun once a month with your friends and come back to your "normal life" energized and ready to tackle anything life throws at you!


Originally published for Lipton Tea on Yahoo Shine.

Midday workout must-haves

The lunchtime workout can be a timesaver for busy women. Sneaking in a workout at lunch means you'll be able to sleep later in the morning AND be able to make plans at night! Since you're likely heading back to work, or busy with kids, midday workouts require a little extra planning. Here are five things every woman needs for a successful daytime workout.

Pilates is a great midday workout.

1. Non-crimping hair ties

If your hair is long enough to pull back, get it away from the sweat on your face and neck! Use the thick-elastic, super stretchy hair ties that won't leave that annoying "ponytail crease " in your hair. Securing your hair in a loose bun will also eliminate that creased look when you go back to your day. Have short hair? Use a headband to achieve the same results.

2. Tissues

Tissues are a necessity to keep in your purse or gym bag. Makeup can easily run when you're doing cardio. Grab a tissue, wrap it around your index finger, and carefully blot the sweat from under your eyes. You can also use tissues to wipe any sweat from the back of your neck or even your underarms.

3. Travel-size makeup

If your makeup is beyond repair, you'll need a couple of staples in your bag, too. No need to splurge on a full set just for your gym bag! Travel-sized products will allow you to do a quick touch-up in the locker room without going through your full makeup routine. I suggest mini-mascara and a sheer, colored lip gloss for a fresh look.

4. Deodorant

Hopefully this isn't a surprise! Reapplying your deodorant is a must, whether you think you need to or not. Do your coworkers and fellow moms a favor and reapply. This will take you less than 10 seconds and will save you from any snarky gossip about your hygiene!

5. Cute workout clothes

If you have an on-site gym, chances are you'll run into a coworker. Ditch the ratty T-shirt and old basketball shorts. Alternately, skin-tight yoga pants and a sports bra are also inappropriate. Instead, choose a sweat-wicking tank top and cropped pants; buy a fun color or brand you love as an incentive to leave your desk and sweat!

The benefits of regular exercise are immense. You're doing yourself a favor by fitting exercise into your busy schedule. Turns out you can have it all - a little extra sleep in the morning, dinner plans at night, and a strong, healthy body, too!

Originally published for Puffs on Yahoo Shine.

Motivating songs for four types of workouts

You're about a month in to your New Year's resolutions and, let's face it: motivation is waning. Late winter is a dreadful time of year to trudge to the gym and most of us need a little extra kick-in-the-pants to get there. Music has always been a motivator for athletes and gym-rats alike.

Photo via davelawrence8.

In need of some ideas to keep your fitness goals on track? Here are several songs that are tailored to four specific workouts:

Cardio
Whether you're logging miles on the treadmill, bouncing along on the elliptical or spinning until your bum is numb, cardio workouts need upbeat, fast music. Aim for a 30-minute playlist to reap the benefits of heart-pumping cardio. Keep the pace by adding a mix of fun tunes like:

Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
Maroon 5 - One More Night
LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

Pilates
Get that Pilates body you've always dreamed of with a mix of calm, inspiring tunes. You can get an effective Pilates workout in 30 minutes, but stretch your playlist to 60 minutes to include a full routine of core, arms, spine strengthening and legs. These artists will inspire you to hold each pose a little longer:

Mumford and Sons - Lover of the Light
Muse - Madness
Florence and the Machine - Shake it Out

HIIT
If you're a fan of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) you'll need songs that include short, super fast segments followed by some moderately fast beats. Workout at your maximum intensity level during the fast parts; recover your heart rate during the slower parts. Burn up to 10 calories per minute with these songs as a guide.

Outkast - B.O.B.
Black Eyed Peas - The Time/Dirty Bit
Lady Gaga - Telephone

Weightlifting
You should be lifting weights; if you aren't and need an incentive, treat yourself to a 20-minute powerful playlist to make it through your set. Picture yourself, strong and intense, as you rep out bicep curls, weighted lunges or kettlebell lifts. You'll need something focused and intense to get you through this muscle-building workout. Try:

Kanye West - Stronger
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Beyonce - Run The World

As always, be sure to consult a physician or certified trainer before starting any new workout routine.

Originally published for Tide on Yahoo Sports. 

5 ways to reboot your life during the winter months

The post-holiday crash can leave many dreading the winter months that follow. Take small steps to make each day a chance to improve your life. Here are five ways to make it happen.

Get bright

The cold, gray days of winter can leave you counting down until spring; why not bring the colors of spring into your life a little early! A bright pink nail polish can provide a pop of color to cold, dry hands. A punchy scarf or mittens can also bring color to your winter coat. Don’t forget about your home — let your little artists create a watercolor masterpiece in bright shades. A cheerful coffee mug can help brighten a dreary morning. Get creative with color and your mood will surely improve this winter.

Swap a TV show for a book

Winter is the perfect TV-watching season, but too often our DVRs pile up with mindless shows. Give your eyes and ears a break and tune in to a book of your choice. If you have time for a 30-minute reality show, you certainly have time for a book! Whether you’re into the latest bestselling trilogy or would rather dive into a historical biography, the time you spend reading will stimulate your mind in the dark winter months.

Recommit to the family dinner

Most food resolutions are motivated by weight loss, but not this one. Choose a simple recipe your family enjoys, and commit to making it once a week. Make sure you and your spouse are home from work on time and the kids don’t have activities. Just 30 minutes together at the table can be crucial to forming strong family bonds. As our lives get busier with external commitments and technology, it’s nice to sit down together without distractions. Bonus points if you can make it happen more than once a week!

Stretch
Let’s be honest – you don’t have time for an hour-long workout each day. But you probably have an extra five minutes right when you wake up, and five more before you go to sleep. In the morning, a quick stretch can help open your eyes and wake up your body for the day. Open the curtains and let light in as you stretch your arms up above your head, and side to side. At night, dim the lights. Stretching before sleep can help take your mind off a hectic day. Focus on slowing down your breath with a seated forward-fold, reaching your hands towards your feet.

Clear out your junk
Make room for gifts you might have received and weed out any unnecessary clutter; keep only items you truly love and you’ll feel a sense of lightness in the heavy winter months. Start with your notorious clutter spots (under beds and extra closets are good places to start) and move on to kids’ rooms, junk drawers and your office. Donate, sell, or trash items that no longer serve a purpose. By the end of winter, you’ll have a head start on spring-cleaning.

Originally written for mylifemyflavor.com.

If you do one thing this holiday season...

...send your husband this blog post! Between decorating, cookie baking, wrapping presents and entertaining, women have a lot on their plate during the holiday season. Too often, we forget to ask for help! Whether you're a newlywed (like me) or married with kids, here are a few ideas to get your significant other to help out this season. 

1. Break out the cleaning supplies.

Men can assist with prepping for company by offering to clean the house. Helpful tasks include vacuuming or sweeping, laundering fresh sheets and towels, cleaning the bathroom and making sure all dishes are put away. This will leave time for her to perfect a recipe or finish decorating. Alternately, offer to clean up after a gathering at home so she can get a few extra minutes of sleep.

2. Scrape the cars and shovel the walks.
Save 10 extra minutes to scrape ice off the cars and shovel the sidewalks before heading out to shop or celebrate. Your wife will appreciate the extra time to get ready.

3. Happily attend all holiday parties.
Yes, there will be a lot of small talk to handle in the next few weeks. The last thing a woman wants is to bring a Grinch to her company's holiday party. Put on that festive shirt, pick up your favorite drink to share, and attend with a smile. Think of all the times she enthusiastically hosted your football friends this fall and return the favor.

4. Take the kids out for an afternoon.
Give her a few hours of uninterrupted alone time. It's up to her if she wants to spend it getting a manicure, de-stressing at a yoga class or dashing out for last-minute gifts. Take the kids to a holiday movie or ice skating. Your kids will love some extra time with dad and your wife will cherish the peace and quiet.

5. Pick up dinner.
Choose your family's favorite take-out spot and pick up a weeknight dinner. Be sure to choose something healthy - a family-style lasagna with salad and breadsticks is a good choice.

My husband frequently does tips two and five, *applause.*

Read tips 6-10 on Yahoo Shine.

#Gratitude: 30 days of thankfulness

Instagram is bubbling with lots of #gratitude and #thankful and #30daysofthankfulness photos. Need a little inspiration for this month of kindness? Here's how to show thanks to all the people in your life, each day this month. 

Days 1-5: Soldiers
There are never enough ways to say thank you to the men and women of our military. You could fill care packages to send to troops far from home. Or, have your kids draw and write handmade thank you letters to include in pre-made kits. Look into volunteering at a local charity that helps veterans. Don’t forget about military families! Homemade baked goods and small toys can go a long way to brighten the day for spouses and children of our service members.

Days 6-10: Elderly

Thankful for fall in the Colorado mountains.

You can learn a lot from spending time with the elderly in your community. Start by contacting local nursing homes and offering to visit those without family close by. Bring board games or books and just listen to what they have to say. Or, if you have an elderly neighbor, now is a good time to stop by with a hot meal and an offer to help. In an hour’s time, you can rake leaves, do a load of laundry, grocery shop or run another errand.

Days 11-15: Family
What would you do without your family? Spend these days really catching up with your loved ones. Spend an hour video-chatting with family in other states. Have your kids color or write homemade cards to send to far away family members. Invite in-town family over for dinner “just because.”

Days 16-20: Emergency workers

Too often, we forget about the police, doctors and firefighters who keep our communities safe. A visit to the firehouse or police station for a face-to-face “thank you” is a simple way to show your appreciation. Doctors and nurses might like a surprise hot food delivery during a particularly cold weekend. Or, participate in a 5K walk or race that raises funds for police stations, firefighters or other rescue service.

Days 21-25: Friends

You probably don’t tell your friends thank you enough. Invite one over for coffee and let them talk – no interrupting! Send flowers to work; it’s an unexpected treat when it’s not their birthday. Drop off a hot meal for their family or pick up their kids for a play date. Send an e-gift card for coffee or a small treat to faraway friends, or schedule a “walk and talk,” where you both go for walks while catching up on the phone.

Days 26-30: Strangers

This is where you can get creative. Giving thanks to the people in your community can be fun and exhilarating for kids. Leave quarters in vending machines. Drop a positive, uplifting note on a teacher’s windshield in a school parking lot. Pay for the coffee behind you in the drive-through. Leave your mail carrier a packet of hot chocolate. Drop off blankets and dog treats at the animal shelter. The possibilities are endless; your kids will get a kick out of seeing the surprise and delight on strangers’ faces.

For days 16-30, read on MyLifeMyFlavor.com

Hot Halloween Costumes for 2013

For many people, the costume is the best part of the Halloween holiday. While your kids might change their mind weekly, chances are they already have their eye on some of the most famous characters of 2013. From princesses to superheroes, you can find a hot costume for everyone in your family at Target (even the dog)!

Kids
Look to your child's favorite movies of the year for inspiration. Your little princess will look picture-perfect in a purple Sofia the First dress. Don't forget the tiara. The Disney Princesses are another option; Cinderella and Snow White are classic costumes many girls love. Your little guy might like a costume form the Justice League films - from Superman to Batman to the Green Lantern, there are lots of options to get your superhero in motion.

Siblings
Sibling costumes are increasingly popular; a few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (and their sidekick, April) would make for a fearsome duo or trio. Classic pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons are always a hit for babies and smaller tots. Older boys and girls might enjoy a Planes costume from the recently released Disney film. Your miniature Dusty Crophopper and Skipper Riley can team up to fly through the neighborhood on a candy mission.

Pets
While your furry friend might not enjoy his costume as much as you do, it's worth a shot to try. For bigger dogs, try something easy like an orange dog shirt decorated like a pumpkin, or a black shirt with glow-in-the-dark skeleton bones. Little dogs look funny in food costumes - think about a beagle as a banana, a Chihuahua as a taco or a wiener dog as -- you guessed it -- a hot dog. Your pup might not keep the costume on for very long, so snap a picture while you can!

Teens
Your tween or teen might like to participate in a themed, group costume with friends. Choose a theme with a wide variety of options to ensure everyone gets to pick a character. For fans of zombie TV shows and movies, this is easy. With some store-bought zombie makeup, stick-on wounds and fake blood, your teens can easily recreate a crowd of zombies. Or, choose a superhero theme; the Avengers is a top option. Assemble a Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Iron Man squad to take on the night.

Adults

Grownups can keep things simple, and still be festive by adding a few accessories to a simple outfit. At target.com, pick from many different wigs, hats, capes and masks to create an easy Halloween look. Ladies, try a witches' hat with a black dress and green tights (or an all-pink outfit for those "good witches"). A masquerade-style mask is another easy option; pair it with a crimson dress to complete your mysterious look. For the guys, a cape and some plastic fangs will quickly turn you into a vampire. Or, select a 1980s-style wig and put on your favorite old concert tee. 

Originally written for Target on mylifemyflavor.com (link no longer active, screenshot below).

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Three-day weekend menu

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Protect Your Hair from Five Types of Damage

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Plan a Midweek Ladies' Night Out

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Midday Workout Must-Haves

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