Thank you for visiting my blog!

I hope you'll enjoy all the tips and videos on this blog.  If you'd like more, my new blog is at  www.missystips.com  and it's where you'll find my my most recent entries plus everything I will be posting in the future.  I look forward to sharing more ideas with you in the future!  Hope you have a wonderful day & see you soon!  Missy

How To Look Amazing this Spring and Summer!

When you're transitioning from winter to spring, start from the inside out!  It's not just about shedding heavy coats and putting on lighter, brighter clothes… it's about a total renewal that gives you a glow from within.  Start with your toiletries and cosmetics.  Bath gels and body lotions come in soft floral and citrus scents that make you feel alive.  Pick nail colors and make up shades that are vibrant and fun.  You are getting ready for warm weather and outdoor activities, so it's important to feel sexy and playful.  Choose lingerie in pretty colors that makes you feel flirty.  Treat yourself to an adorable new nightie or some lightweight pajamas so you feel glamorous when you're relaxing, too.  You deserve to feel cute all the time!  You cannot go wrong when you pay attention to the details that give you a boost of positive energy every single day.  When you go out into your world you will be uplifted and ready for anything.

Think about what you have in your wardrobe now and add some new things that make your darker basics come alive.  Try a black and white polka dot blouse with your black jacket.  Pair a crisp white shirt with a navy blazer and add a dazzling pin shaped like a sunburst to your lapel.  If it's still cold, you could  wear a sweater in a spring color, like pale pink or ice blue, with a gray suit and throw a scarf around your shoulders that picks up the pastel shade.

Trade your black or brown shoes for nude or even a primary color, like lipstick red - or you could change your handbag to a new spring color, such as orchid, coral or green.  People will smile when they see you coming.  A burst of color is always welcome - just like a bouquet of flowers!  We are all like spring flowers.  The way we combine colors and textures and add unique touches that express our personalities when we dress makes us more attractive to others.

We have the power to make other's people's days more enjoyable by putting in the effort to package ourselves beautifully.  Everybody wants to know what's inside of a gorgeous package.  YOU are the surprise when you walk into work or a restaurant or a store.  People enjoy how you look on the outside and you get to share your knowledge, warmth and friendliness that comes from inside.

When you plan your outfits for the weekend, choose at least one new casual dress for things like grocery shopping, walking in the park, and having dates with good friends (or good books) in your favorite coffee shop.  If you don't have a favorite coffee shop, you really must find one.  They are heavenly.

Choose something fabulous for going out for drinks or dinner; possibly a slinky dress with a little swing to the skirt or something backless and bare.  If you don't like dresses, try some skinny white jeans or a pair of capris in turquoise or magenta with an oversized tee for a casual look or a long tank for evening; it might even have sequins!  Consider piling your hair on top of your head or sweeping it to the side and pinning in a fresh or silk flower.  If your hair is short, simply tuck a blossom behind your ear.  Have an attitude!  Dress up and go out!  If you don't have a boyfriend, stop for dinner by yourself at an outdoor cafe.  Have a glass of wine, a little salad, and people watch!

Of course you will need shorts, camisoles and sandals, bathing suits and a sun hat… with all those things ready and waiting in your closet, you'll be ready to enjoy the spring and summer with abandon because you know you'll always have the perfect outfit.  This year, don't just hope you'll have fun - make sure you do!!

Getting Ready For a BIG Vacation!

I live for vacations!  I love them all.  There are many small vacations we take throughout our lives: trips to see our parents, weekend getaways to spoil the kids or grandkids, overnight stays to go to a concert or sports event, business conventions or seminars that are combined with a little pleasure... every adventure is special and fun.  My favorite kind of vacations, though, are the major ones - the biggies - the ones you look forward to for months or even years!

These vacations tend to be more expensive and take more time and planning than shorter vacations, but in the end they're worth it because you remember them for the rest of your life.  For that reason, it's important to savor every phase of the experience fully!

I always start by getting lots of information on my destination.  There are many ways to do that.  You can watch clips on Youtube, search out travel shows on TV, go to the library, your local book store, or sites like Amazon to get books.  I like buying used travel guides from Amazon.com because the prices of back editions can be as low as a few cents per volume plus minimal shipping.  I can peruse the pages at my leisure, earmark them, and highlight things I want to do.  I can throw the book in my carry-on and take it with me!  Of course, you can always do your research on line.  It's all very intriguing and whets my appetite for beautiful sights, delicious flavors, interesting people and new experiences.

The best way to prepare to visit any city or country is to speak to friends and family members who have been there and done that.  When we took our first cruise, my sister shared with me that it's a good idea to sign in as soon as possible so you can be among the first to board, keep your luggage rather than check it through so you don't have to wait hours for your belongings, and pack a separate tote for excursions, etc.  Most individuals would not like to arrive early only to sit in the holding area or shuffle up the ramp hauling their own suitcases, but she knew us well and was right.  We felt happy settling into our room quickly and having all our things with us.  We used that light weight shopping bag on all the excursions, too.  Small tips, but given by some one we trust, so they worked perfectly for us!

The next thing that's really important is packing effectively.  Think about what you'll be doing, your personality, and the personality of your traveling companion, if you have one.  My husband and I don't like to rough it.  I never have to worry about over packing.  He will gladly carry an extra heavy bag for me if it means I will have everything I need to look my best when we go out on the town.  Other couples like to back pack.  Even toothbrush handles are cut down to minimize the total weight of what will lugged up and down mountains on foot.  These people see incredible natural wonders my husband and I will never even catch a glimpse of - and they could care less about an extra pair of high heels or sparkly earrings!  On the other hand, my husband would opt to stay home any day rather than see me clomp around in hiking boots with no make up.

What is crucial is to have what YOU need.  This is your vacation, these are your memories of what will possibly be some of the most joyful times of your life, so pack like you mean it.  Take every bottle of cream and lotion that will give your skin a glow for all those fabulous photos, or leave them behind and toss in a tube of zinc oxide plus several packets of freeze dried food.  Make your vacation amazing!

The last thing is to cherish the memories... forever... and begin planning your next dream trip.  Take your time.  Think about all the possibilities.  Pack as much enjoyment into your life as you possibly can!

Special Occasion Makeup for Mature Women

As we get older, sometimes we judge our own appearance too harshly.  It's unfortunate, because as we get older we have so much to offer.  We love more unconditionally, we have more patience; we can encourage, forgive, and believe in people like never before.  Time blesses us with wisdom.  We know life holds unlimited potential.  Sometimes things happen for a reason, and sometimes things can change.  We know we all have hidden strengths.

One of our strengths as mature women is we know it's important not to take things at face value, but to look deeper, because what's on the inside is what really matters.

It's so important to remember this when we look at ourselves in the mirror!  That's the moment of truth - when we step out of the shower or bath and see our reflection without a smidgen of makeup.  It's a humbling experience, but it can also be an opportunity to nurture ourselves and boost our self esteem.  We must treat ourselves in the same gentle, caring way we treat others.  We must speak to ourselves with words that are empowering and build our sense of self worth.

When it's time for special occasions, we want to look fabulous, and it may take a little more time and effort these days than it did when we were younger.  We can handle that.  Baby yourself with whatever moisturizing products you like and enjoy putting on your make up as you give yourself positive affirmations.  Say things like, "I love my smile, I love this color of lipstick, my eyes are twinkling!"

We are not competing with anybody.  We are not trying to be the coolest chick anymore.  We are trying to be warm and kind, and we want that to show on our face and in everything we do.  We are not going to neglect ourselves and let the years ravage our skin and walk around with no foundation or blush.  We're going to protect ourselves with all the new concoctions science has to offer, minimize the flaws and add color to give us the look and feel of vitality - but nothing is going to make us look like we're 20.  I don't know about you, but I never want to go there again, anyway.  That age had it's own struggles.

When I was in my early 30's I had a lovely hairdresser who was in her mid 50's.  When she cut my hair she worked very close to me, so of course I could see that she had crows feet and smile lines, worry lines, and what have you.  She was very pretty, but she was just a normal older lady in my young opinion.  One day I saw her away from her salon in a large, crowded room.  She was visiting with a group of friends in the front of of the room as I spotted her from where I stood in the back.  I didn't recognize her at first.  I thought, who is that gorgeous woman?  She was smiling and laughing and she had an absolute glow about her.  When I realized who it was, I learned an invaluable lesson.  It was not flawless skin that made her look so etherial.  It was the love she was sending out.  What she had in her heart was surrounding her with an aura of charm and grace that was absolutely alluring.

Special occasions are about celebrating the happy milestones in our lives.  If we want to look beautiful, we need to dress up and put our best face forward, but we also need to be in the moment, enjoy every second, and share the love that's inside of us.  What have been told all along is still true: beauty comes from within.

What to Wear to a Party

Life is full of ups and downs, and when we focus on the ups, the downs don't seem so bad!  Each year has it's share of wonderful celebrations... first dates, engagements, weddings, anniversaries... birthdays, graduations, vacations and holidays... there's so much to look forward to.  You may not know exactly when you'll be going to a formal event - those things seem to pop up when they're least expected - so it's nice to be ready in advance.

Keep an eye out for dressy clothes throughout the year.  You can always find something on sale, especially after new year's eve and Valentine's day; after proms and graduations in June and after the summer weddings in the fall.  If you see something you love at regular price, buy it - if it's affordable.  If it isn't, keep going back.  See if they slash the price.  If they don't, no big deal.  You'll find an alternative that will work just as well.  That's the beauty of planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time.

When you find the right dress or pants and top, start looking for shoes, jewelry, a scarf or wrap (if needed), a coat or jacket, and a bag.  You may have some of those items already, but if you don't, look for them.  A big part of success is just showing up - being present, consistent, and making an effort.  It's true with shopping, too.  In order to find what you want at an excellent price, you have to look.  Go to the mall when you can, but if your time is limited, check on line.

I find it helpful to have two outfits in the same color family: one more sexy and one more conservative.  You can often use the same jewelry and shoes for both.  Party wear usually doesn't go out of style that quickly.  It lasts for several seasons.  If you aim to find one hot little number every year, you'll always have something cute to wear to any special occasion, so you never have to be stressed out.  That's what our goal is... not just to look great, but to feel great, so we can enjoy every minute of life - especially the "ups"!

Another way to ensure you feel fabulous when you get dressed up is to exercise regularly so you don't have to worry about your clothes fitting properly right before a party. No matter what you put on, you'll be even more amazing if you can stand up tall and hold your tummy in.  Unfortunately, we can't rush out and buy a strong, healthy body at the last minute!  Spend a little "me time" every week, doing workouts you enjoy that keep you fit and toned. There's a fun one to try below.

I think it's so exciting to go out and have a fantastic time when I feel like I look the best I can.  I love it when my husband smiles at me and I can relax and enjoy being on a romantic date with him instead of worrying about if I look OK or not.  Feeling beautiful is a gift we give ourselves.  We deserve it!

Please check out my e-book, "Shop!" by Missy Steinfeld on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.com!

The Shopper's Workout

We all want beautiful bodies so we can look chic in our clothes and hot in our bikinis!  Too bad exercising is so inconvenient! It cuts into everything - our shopping time, our TV time, our sleep-in-late time... yet what's the use of finding beautiful outfits if they just hang in our closets because they don't fit well or feel comfortable?  We need a workout we can do in our pajamas while watching our favorite home shopping shows so we can look amazing in a minimum of time while we enjoy all the retail therapy we crave!

Here is a simple program that requires no equipment and can be done in your living room or bedroom.  It targets your core as well as your upper and lower body, and after practicing the moves a few times you can do them while watching television.  You can check out glittering jewelry and killer handbags as you trim your waistline and tone your thighs.  Here are the 10 moves you will be performing:

Lower back and abdominal lifts
Waist twists
Calf raises
Squats
Plie squats
Side Kicks
Dead lifts
Wall push ups
Chest press
Superwoman (for the lower back and glutes)

All these exercises are followed by stretches specific to the body parts being used, leaving you feeling both stronger and more relaxed.  Strong + Relaxed = Confident.  Confident women are fabulous...  Fabulous women know how to work it!

For more shopping tips, check out my e-book, Shop! Available at amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/Shop-How-Fun-Way-ebook/dp/B00HMC6IC8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388786095&sr=8-1&keywords=missy+steinfeld

How To Create an Unforgettable Look

Great news!  You can look fantastic!  Being fabulous is not just for movie stars.  We can shine, too!

If you want to be unforgettable, you better be unique.  You have to be different from everybody else. It's not difficult, you just have to give it some thought.  An outfit that blows people away doesn't have to be a neon purple dress with orange platform shoes, although that would certainly make heads turn!   You have to choose colors that suit you, wear styles that feel and look good on your body, and accessorize creatively!  You don't need a lot of money -  money helps, but we don't always have it.  The most important thing is to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and to give ourselves time.

We begin being unforgettable by creating one outfit at a time.  Don't worry about revamping your whole closet.  Think of an event you'd like to look your best for... it might be an upcoming wedding you're attending, Thanksgiving dinner with your family, or a speech you're scheduled to give at a convention.  It might be a pool party or a beach vacation in Mexico!  The same rules apply to any situation, so once you get the hang of it, you will be creating WOW looks for every aspect of your life.  Don't worry - you can still schlep around in your sweats when you feel like it, but when you want to be amazing, you will be!

We don't all learn how to do this when we're growing up, so don't be mad at yourself for not knowing how.  You can teach yourself!  Go out on a limb a bit.  If you always wear black, you will be very forgettable if you wear black again.  Wear maroon or steel grey with some sequin details, wear a black skirt or slacks with a royal blue top, but get out of your rut!  That's the first thing that will make people notice you.  Predictability is the kiss of death, in fashion and in life.

Next, think about what feels good to you.  Do you like form fitting silhouettes or flowing garments?  Tailored, classic ensembles or more trendy styles?  When you shop, keep those things in mind.  Also, think about the fabric you'll be wearing.  I can't stand anything stiff.  My husband insists on so much starch in his shirts they can literally stand up and walk around by themselves.  Don't waste your time trying on anything that won't feel good.  If you're itchy or scratchy or feel like your clothes are too loose or too tight, it will be apparent to everyone because you'll constantly be readjusting your clothes.  That's not "effortless chic".

When you're choosing what to wear, don't wait until the last minute.  Treat yourself to lunch and a cup of strong coffee, then spend an entire Saturday afternoon looking around - you might need Sunday, too.  Cruise the mall and see what's out there.  If nothing moves you, go to another shopping center or look on line.  If you're on a budget, don't forget about second hand shops.  Once you find a store that has clothes you like, start trying things on.  You'll know the right look for you if you listen to your inner voice.  Sales people can be helpful, but only you know what feels most comfortable and makes you look radiant.  That is what you're going for, so never rush.

Most people stop with a dress or a suit... or a bikini.   That is not unique.  Somebody else could pop into the store, buy the same item of clothing and show up at your event, so you're not finished yet.  You need to make the outfit unique.  That will set you apart.  Think about at least one accessory that is not jewelry, a bag or footwear that will make the look "yours".  Something like a scarf, a jacket, a wrap, a bathing suit cover up or a sarong.

Next, add a minimum of one or two pieces of jewelry.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Everybody will be observing you from at least an arm's distance.  They will not be nosing around an inch from your earrings, shouting, "Aha!  These are not real gold!"  People are much to involved in their own lives to do that.  They'll give you a once over and decide you look wonderful or so-so or dreary.  We want to be in the wonderful category, so pick things that are wonderful.  They don't have to be new.  If you have some wonderful pearls your mom gave you that look perfect with your sweater, put them on!  The mistake to avoid is not accessorizing.  Finish everything off.  Make it special.

If you can afford a suite or set of matching jewelry, that is and was and will always be in style.  It's fun and current to mix your metals, pile on bangles and throw on all the rings you own at the same time.  On the other hand, simple silver hoops worn with a pendant on a silver chain and a silver cuff will always work because a matched set is just visually pleasing.  Keep that in mind when you're in doubt.

Next, think about your shoes and bag.  They don't have to match, but they need to complement each other and your clothes.  To stand out, keep your shoe wardrobe updated and your handbags in excellent condition.  By now you are probably seeing how everything falls into place.  You don't just go out and buy some jeans and a top and leave it at that.  You need boots and a bag, some beads and a leather or denim jacket.  It all has to tie together.  It means investing a little more than you used to perhaps, but the pay off will be the interest - pun intended - that you get!

Now let's think about your hair, nails and makeup.  Good grooming is an enormous part of being unforgettable.  Bad grooming can ruin a flawless outfit and good grooming can elevate a mediocre look.  We've all seen that girl wearing just a T-shirt and shorts, but her hair is shiny and sleek, her nails are polished and her makeup is fresh and clean looking.  She stands out.  She is fabulous in a way we can all emulate.  We can make sure our hair is washed and styled rather than unwashed and pulled back in an unglamorous bun.  We can buff and file our nails or visit the salon.  We can bathe and take our time putting on our makeup instead of rolling out of bed late and trying to whip ourselves into shape in five minutes.  Nobody feels confident that way!  Love yourself more than that!  You deserve it!

It doesn't matter how old you are, how much money you make, or how much you weigh.  You are unique and you can create an incredible, unforgettable look!  Go for it!

For more tips, check out my e-book!