Tip of the Day...21 days to countdown

Photo by Karen Shaw

Here's three snacks under 100 calories to satisfy those cravings. For more 100 calorie snacks pick up Sally Sampson's 100 calorie Snack Cookbook

Toss 11/2 cups air popped popcorn with 1/2 tsp. canola oil; 1/4 tsp. chipotle chili power, 1 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. cumin.

Quarter 2 fresh figs  and place in a bowl with 10 raspberries. Top with 1 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. cocoa power.

Mash 1 oz. goat cheese. Slowly mix in 1/8 cup buttermilk, 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tbsp. chopped sun-dried tomatoes until smooth. Use as a dip for veggies.

Easter candy gone, Time to begin.

Here it is the 2nd of May. Of course I am running late on tips to get in shape. I am still eating the Easter candy. Definitely not a good thing. So today we'll start. Swimsuits here we come! No more Easter candy even though a little bit of dark chocolate isn't bad for you.
 Here are some super foods to eat and make your diet staples.
Almonds and other nuts ; Build muscles and reduces cravings
Beans and Legumes;
Another muscle builder, it helps burn fat and regulate digestion.
Spinach and other green vegetables;  It neutralizes free radicals, molecules that accelerate the aging process.
Dairy Products fat free or low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; Builds strong bones and fires up weight loss.
Instant oatmeal(unsweetened and unflavored) ; Boosts energy, reduces cholestrol and maintains blood sugar levels.
Eggs; Builds muscles and burns fat.
Turkey and other lean meats; Builds muscle and strengthens the immune system.  
Peanut Butter; Boosts testosterone, builds muscle and burns fat
Olive Oil; lowers cholestrol and boosts immune system
Whole grain breads and cereals;  Prevents body from storing fat
Extra protein(whey) power; Builds muscle and burns fat
Raspberries and other berries; Protects heart, enhances eyesight improves balance, coordination, and short term memvory; prevents cravings.
Incorporate two or three of these foods into each meal and at least have one of them as a snack: You'll be on your way to swimsuit beauty.
Fitnesss Tip
Start walking with purpose even its only 15 minutes a day. Just start.
Keep Styling in Delco

Countdown to Bathing Suits.

Photos courtesy of Bing Images.

Sunday is the first day of May. We are now counting down to days on the beach. Memorial day is just around the corner. Sounds good but it also means the dreaded bathing suit season.
So here are some tips from Macy's on finding the right suit for you. Macy's also has personal shoppers you can call to help you find the right suit for your  figure.
For all you who want to get in shape, each day during the month of May, I plan to feature a body shaping tip and food tip to help reduce calories, lose weight and build muscles. So stay tuned. It's countdown to swimsuit day.
One
Every body is different. Figure out your best asset and your most flawed and pick out a suit that flatters you.
Just because Susie can wear a belted swimsuit and look great doesn't necessarily mean you can.

We are all built differently. Variety is what make the world such a joy to be a part of.
Two 
Look for under-wires in a bathing suit top to minimize the girls and maximize your options.  Choose a biking with a bra size or a band below the bust.   A square neckline tankini or one piece suit keeps the cleavage manageable.
Three
Minimize your middle. One piece swimsuits  with control fabric or high waist retro cut bikinis (think Marilyn Monroe) are the ideal     belly blasters. Ruching smooths any sign of a paunch.
.
Four
Hide your hips and rear with a swimsuit with a skirt. You can also find style and comfort in swim dresses. They flatter the area of your figure you want to conceal in a flirty way.
 Five
A halter with ruffles or shirring is good for padding the girls. To up the wow-factor try a padded balconette bra top with molded cups for extra lift.
Six
Say goodbye to a short torso. One-shoulder tankinis create the illusion of a longer upper body. Try deep V-neck cuts or bikinis with low-rise bottoms that dare to bare.
Seven
Fit a Long Torso with suits that have adjustable straps or side ties . It will give you a customized fit. Tiered ruffles and graphic prints visually add va-va-voom curves.
Follow these tips and you'll stop dreading swimsuit days and begin looking forward to lounging by the pool or on the beach.
Keep Styling in Delco

Hats off or on to the new princess!

Without a doubt the Royal Wedding was beautiful. Prince William and Catherine  Elizabeth Middleton are a gorgeous couple. She looked so elegant in her gown by Sarah Burton reminding me of another princess from the Philly area, Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco.

A beautiful day for the England and a much needed fairy tale moment for the world.
You have to love all the hats...will hats become fashionable now? We will have to wait and see.The hats were amazing every shape, size and color. Some a bit over the top but hey it was a day to celebrate!


One thing for sure just as so many copied Princess Diana many will copy the lovely  Duchess of Cambridge  with her beautiful long layered tresses and her graceful classic style. Best wishes to the bride and groom. Thanks so much for letting us all share in this joyous occasion. The world needs more uplifting moments steeped in tradition and splendor.

Hot items for Spring!

Fashionistas,  it's that  time of the year to shed the winter clothes, clean out your closet and  look through your spring clothes from last year and add in some new trends to update your look.   

Here are some ideas to rev up that wardrobe and keep you styling.

Jumpsuits and rompers are back. One piece looks, easy enough so you don't have to figure out what goes with what. Make a statement with your accessories: gel watches, dangling earrings and lots of bangle bracelets.  

Dresses are back too; ruffled, shirt dresses and Maxi's.  Anything goes, Think color, prints and plaids. Make it your style.  Decide what looks good for you. If ruffles aren't your think go for that shirt dress. If flower prints and plaids aren't for you. Stick to bright solids. Ah spring is in the air. 

If you are thinking Spring handbags, go for a new  look. Sling bags or satchels, are the rage now. You can get the satchels that still work as a shoulder bag too. Smaller is better. Minimize the items in your purse and look for a sleek tote bag or messenger bag to carry all your work paraphernalia                                                                         

 Ballet flats are still the rage but more glamourous with beads and jewels. Gladiator sandels still hold their own this season and platform soles with sleek stiletto heels are all the rage.  Beige is big especially with skirts. It keeps those long legs looking longer. Wedgies are big too. Flower print wedgies are big giving a feeling of fun to that business suit.

Spring is here!!! Keep Styling in Delco

Wearable Art at Tyme Gallery

You have to check out this line of wearable art exclusively at Tyme Gallery in Havertown by Nina Leon, a Broomall resident.

Nina Leon has been working in the field of wearable art for several years. She began making
 one-of-a-kind jewelry and has had her work displayed in many local galleries.

“I have always loved working with color. It doesn’t matter if it is paint or beads. I approach them both the same. I use either medium as a means to create.

To me, beads are just like paint and jewelry is just like a  canvas," said Leon.

Leon won the Silver Medal for Fire Mountain Gems eleven times. She teaches beading at various workshops.

A breast cancer survivor, Leon was commissioned to design the 2007 commerative pin for the Amonea Corporation called Wings of Life. Nina chose a butterfly motif as an artistic expression for  breast cancer awareness pin based on symbolism.

"Not only is it a sign of rebirth, a butterfly is able to dance on the wind and soar high above the ground. They are free and spirited, providing us with an amazing sense of wonder, beauty, and childlike joy. As far as we can tell, they aren't worried about how long their lifespan happens to be, they are simply living in the moment! I felt the pink ribbons work perfectly in the spread wings by expressing a sense of expansive delicacy, innocence, and unfettered freedom,"
describes Leon.
This describes the delicacy and beauty of her pieces at the gallery. For more info you can contact Tyme Gallery at madametyme@tymegallery.com or stop by the gallery at 17 W. Eagle Rd in Havertown.
Keep Styling in Delco!

High Maintenance ...Fabulosity for all

Glamour and glitz has come to Ridley at High Maintenance Boutique at 223 Morton Avenue.  The new shop opened by Staci Shoenberger has a West Coast Edge.

The Ridley boutique has  everything from fashion glitzy accessories, bracelets, necklaces, sunglasses and much more from cocktail dresses and tee-shirts...this boutique has it all. Even zebra luggage. 

                         

As trendy as it is, Shoenberger makes you feel at home and wants you to feel like you are in your sister's closet putting outfits together using a color scheme of gray, black and white which she attributes to her sister, Melissa. She's there to help you out.  Prices range from $8 to $80. It's affordable fabulosity in an elegant setting.

"Everything goes together, you may not feel you have fashion sense but here you can find the right bracelet to match the shirt, " says Shoenberger.

Shoenberger has always loved fashion. At the age of two she was fashion forward. After graduating she took classes in the medical field and realized it wasn't what she loved so she  starting out taking fashion on the road to people's homes much like Tupperware parties. 

" I needed to do what makes me happy and shopping makes me happy. This is my closet. I want people to feel like they are at their sister's place and come and hang out. Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life."    

Right now the boutique offers women's clothes and accessories  but soon  will offer little girl accessories  inspired by her niece, Taylor. Shoenberger is raising the  nine year-old and  Taylor is a  fashionista in her own right.  Shoenberger's eyes light up when she talks about her niece.

When she first thought about opening the store she was going to gear it towards little girls and still plans to have a part of High Maintenance for young girls with a separate entity, within the shop called Taylor's Bow-tique. The pink that you find in the store contrasting the neutrals is inspired by Taylor. And soon Shoenberger will have part of the store set aside for the younger set.  

"Taylor helped out with every aspect of the store. She helped me with everything from steaming clothes,  shopping, and tagging. She's a nine year old entrepreneur. She has her own lotion line,"said Shoenberger proudly.

Shoenberger's High Maintenance Boutique's grand opening is on Saturday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. She will be giving away prizes every hour and with each purchase. The ribbon cutting will be at 4 p.m.   Keep Styling in Delco!