It’s been a long winter! There’s been snow everywhere, even in the Deep South. It’s been cold and dry, it’s been cold and wet. Make yourself feel better with midwinter home spa day.

There a few themes for a home spa day – hydration, exfoliation, and relaxation. Of course you can add other things, like a mani-pedi, or experimenting with your makeup, or deep conditioning your hair. We’re going to stick with the basics, so you can fit this midwinter refresh into a normal day (not an overscheduled one – this will fill up a few hours).

• Start your day with a glass of cool (not cold) water.
• Skin brush before your shower to exfoliate your skin and stimulate your lymph system.
• Moisturize before you dry off.
• Make yourself a cup of your favorite tea – chamomile is relaxing, but drink what you like. Drink tea or cool water through the day.
• Spend at least an hour doing something relaxing – read a book or a magazine, watch a favorite movie, take a nap (yes!), listen to a calming playlist, daydream.
• Set aside an hour before bed to continue your spa day.
• Wash your face and use a favorite facial mask.
• Take a baking soda bath for 20 minutes.
• Moisturize your hands and feet with a thick moisturizer, and put on cotton socks and gloves (wear them all night).
• Have a glass of cool water before bed.

If the next ice age started right now, how would you be frozen in time?

Would your chin be jutting forward?
Would your shoulders be rounded?
Would you be slumped in your chair?

Is that how you would want to be stuck forever?

Sit up. You look maaaahvelous, dahling.

Hair & Make-Up at Numb3rs Set from Marilu on Vimeo.

Marilu refers to the “Blue Book” in this video – that’s the nickname of The 30 Day Total Health Makeover
. (The cover is blue… and long, long ago, on a server far, far away, the members of Marilu.com created the nickname because it was easier to type.)

A peach pencil is great for hiding flaws. We all have ‘em – it’s good to know how to hide ‘em.

… or put it away.

Either use your scale as an impartial tool,* or get it out of your sight.**

*Impartial tool method – weigh yourself once a day at the same time (like in the morning right before you shower), or once a week (like Saturday mornings), or even once a month (the first day of the month, or the first day of your cycle).

**Out of sight method – there’s the garbage (but that’s not very environmentally friendly) or the give-away box. Instead of your scale, use your favorite jeans as a barometer of your body’s changes.

Photo by Peter W

When you’re deciding on your holiday outfits, check your hairstyle, too. Different clothing styles work better with different hairstyles. Hair accessories can also be part of your ensemble.

You may already have your hair appointments scheduled for this holiday season – cut, color, blowout, whatever you need (or want!) done. If you still need an appointment, don’t wait any longer to call.

At home, remember to be a little on the “spare” side with product. A quarter of shampoo and a dime of conditioner will do for a wash. Styling products almost always work on the “less is more” principal, too. Plus you’ll save a little money if you don’t use as much product.

On this last day of our That’s a Wrap – The Time is WOW class, here’s one more song kind of related to clothing and presentation (thanks again Sally!).

Dress yourself in love – that is, love yourself, and you’ll always look great. You’ll always want to look great, too.

Part of looking great is being fit, so get up and get moving. The tempo of this song is suited to strength training, so pick up your hand weights or a couple of soup cans or water bottles, and tone those arms. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean sleeves are part of every outfit… so don’t ignore your arms!

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Isn’t that a great word? It’s from this song, which was recommended by member Sally. She thought it was a good fit for our current online class It’s a Wrap ~ The Time is WOW!

How do YOU get supercalifragisexy?

Is it your clothes?
Your hair and makeup?
The way you walk into a room?
Your attitude?
All of the above?

Go for it – play the song and show a little attitude. Strut your stuff. You are supercalifragisexy!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

What look would you like to go for this holiday season?

Look in magazines and pick out different styles that you would like to try. Pick a coat, hair style, lipstick, outfit – or all of the above. Who do you want to be this holiday season?

This month’s online class starts today – and it’s all about creating a visual that best represents YOU to the world.

Join professional costume designer and coach Beth Miriam for 9 days, do the homework (it’s not that hard), and you’ll look amazing at this year’s holiday events.
Sign up for It’s a Wrap ~ The Time is WOW!

No matter where you work or what your job is, you can benefit professionally by being attentive to your attitude and image.

• Volunteer to take on new projects, especially the ones that are most challenging and likely to improve your chances of upward mobility.
• Don’t alter your look dramatically on Casual Friday. It implies that you’re not being yourself the rest of the week.
• Be a good listener. This seems obvious, but it is amazing how many people do not know how to listen.
• Always share ideas that may help others excel in their work. Every job is a team job.
• Dress “up” for the job you want, instead of for the job you have.
• Makeup (on women) increases the perception of professionalism. If you don’t know how to apply makeup to enhance your looks, get a makeover at a department store.