This week: Party, party, party!

This week is all about how to party, party, party and look good doing it! I mean how often do we, as parents, really get to go out for a night on the town? So, if you are headed out for New Year’s Eve this year, these tips will surely get you in the mood!

I have read somewhere that I should spray fragrance in my hair? Should I?

In a word… no. This is especially a big no-no if you have dry or color-treated hair. Fragrance, Eau De Parfum or Eau de Toilette contains alcohol which will dry your hair out or possibly fade your hair color. Unless you have a fragrance that is specifically made to be safe on the hair, I would spray it elsewhere -- on your pulse points, behind the knees, décolletage, or even the back of your neck under your hair, if you are feeling saucy. But definitely not on the hair. Save your hair, don’t spray your hair!

I want to do something special with my makeup for the big night. I am usually pretty laid back and don’t wear much. What can I do to really add pizzazz to my look?

For a special night out, I am going to quote the famous words of Emeril….you need to KICK IT UP A NOTCH! Do something out of the ordinary, something you don’t normally attempt to do. Practice first before the big night of course, so you don’t end up looking like a beauty “don’t”. If you tend to go lightly on the eyeliner during the day, you might want to try a simple smoky eye with killer shimmery grey eyeliner. Try one that is soft and easier to apply so that you can layer it on, and smudge it up for that smoky effect. The first layer you want to get really, really close to the lash line and fill them in. Wiggle the pencil back and forth and don’t try to draw a straight line. You can easily smudge it together. Then, you want to build wider liner lines on top of that. Keep in mind that the smoky eye look is great because it doesn’t have to be perfect. Make sure to wear a neutral colored lipgloss or lipstick, since your eyes will be the focus. Go easy on the blush too, but layer on the mascara - the more the better because you really want your eyes to stand out. If you are really in the mood to be daring, add a couple of individual false lashes to the outer corners of your upper lash line. Your eyes will be fab, and BAM! You are ready for a night on the town!

I am so tired of the LBD -- little black dress -- it seems like I pull it out for every dressy occasion. What can I wear that’s different?

Have you tried a little bubbly? No, not champagne! But a bubble skirt! This is a super hot trend for winter that is wearable and adorably fun on everyone. The bubble skirt with its balloon-bottom hem creates the perfect proportion and dresses up the classic cocktail skirt. Try it in luxurious sateen, velvet, or taffeta fabrics. Put on your highest, strappiest shoes and get ready to dance the night away or at least until your sitter has to be home!

We are going to a friend’s house for a New Year’s party. I would like to bring her a hostess gift that she’ll really love instead of the typical bottle of wine or flowers. What can I get?

How about something special that you made yourself? Something that she can use to relax after a busy stressful holiday season? The answer is homemade Bath salts in a beautiful jar. Here is my very favorite recipe because it’s easy to make and hydrates the skin. The Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and the scent will transport her to the tropics!

Oatmeal & Coconut Cream Bath Salt Recipe

1 cup of Sea Salts or Kosher Salt
½ cup of white fine sea salt
1 tbs coconut oil (extra virgin is best)
Add 4 drops essential oil

Mix well until smooth, and then add:

1 cup powdered milk to salt mixture
½ cup uncooked whole oats

Mix well, and pour into large jar and tie a ribbon and gift tag around the lid. You can easily double or triple this recipe to make more hostess gifts. I have found that my kids make excellent helpers in the measuring and mixing of these ingredients -- you’ve got to put the little ones to work whenever you can, right? Hey, make some for yourself too, and send the kids to put away all the Christmas stuff with Dad, lock yourself in the bathroom, grab your favorite book and soak your cares away!