Remembering Charla Krupp: Look Fabulous, Not Frumpy

I’m reposting this blog post as a tribute to an amazing journalist. Sadly — beauty and fashion expert Charla Krupp lost her battle with breast cancer last night. She was 58.

Charla has changed the way women think about their bodies and about what they put on each morning. Charla was a former Instyle and Glamour editor turned New York Times best-selling author of “How Not to Look Old” and “How to Never Look Fat Again.”

You may have seen her on TV through the years — she has appeared on every major network giving tips and tricks for looking your best.

When I first started this blog — she graciously wrote a guest post for me. Here are her tips for looking fabulous – not frumpy!

17 Tips to Look Fabulous — Not Frumpy

by Charla Krupp

1. If you have back fat, a tummy, or thighs that need slimming, wear shapewear. There are a lot of comfortable options– even for swimsuits with shapewear built-in.

2. Pick your girls up as far as you can hoist them…in the right bra! If you haven’t had your bra fitted in years, you are likely to need a bigger cup and a smaller band.

3. Collar-length hair is more flattering on a full face than a bob with short bangs. Read more

Checklist for Living in the Moment

Whenever someone gets engaged or married or has a birthday I always say the same thing “enjoy every second.” It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the real purpose of the event. That can be said for almost anything in life — even just sitting down for morning cup of tea.  How often are you checking your blackberry and really not present in the moment when you’re having lunch with a friend?

So how do you live in the moment and truly enjoy life to the fullest? Ha — it’s really not that easy — but this checklist from author, life coach and psychotherapist Lauren Mackler will give you some ideas.

The Art of Living in the Moment

By Lauren Mackler

Ideally, a balanced life encompasses the ability to learn from the past, live consciously in the moment, and work toward your hopes and dreams for the future.

Think about people you know who are so caught up in their work or personal dramas that they never enjoy life in the present. Maybe this is you! Perhaps you have trouble relaxing, even when you feel mentally and physically exhausted. Maybe you just can’t stop worrying about what might happen or ruminating about what you should be doing. Read more

Checklist For Starting Yoga

Yoga can be pretty intimidating. I know because for many years I was too afraid to try it. But now I practice it every morning for 10 to 20 minutes and I feel so much better about starting my day. Yoga will make you feel healthier, more positive and comes with a laundry list of other wellness benefits.

Read more

11 Must-Have Baby Registry Items

Just last week Jay and I had dinner with friends who are expecting a baby in April. We talked about all the usual topics — names, nursery decor, cravings, and, of course, to-do lists! It’s amazing how much preparation goes into having a baby! There are questions for your doctors, things to bring to the hospital for delivery, food-shopping lists for a healthy pregnancy, things to buy before the baby arrives and the lists go on and on!

A fellow TV producer, single mom, and friend has agreed to take the guess work out of at least one of those never-ending lists for you. Cara Lemieux is tacking the baby registry because she knows just what it’s like to want to be completely prepared before your baby arrives! Her list will make your life easier: Read more

5 Health Benefits of List Making

Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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Making a list will make you more organized, productive and efficient.  But did you know that there are actual health benefits to list making too? Yes – it’s true. I’ve spoken with psychologists and surgeons about this topic and they’ve all said the same thing: lists will help you be healthier.  Whether you’re writing down healthful goals or just making grocery lists — the benefits are equal:

1.  Reduce Anxiety: How many times have you said “I have a million things to do – how am I going to get it all accomplished?”  A list will help to ease those fears. As soon as you start writing things down on paper (or in your smartphone) and get it out of your head — your stress levels will drop. Read more