1. Do try a new hairstyle...go ahead chop it all off; short is hot, hot, hot! 2. Do shop at my new favorite store called Papaya...it's inexpensive, too.

My Own Loss Ten years ago today, I slept on a pull out bed with my husband and children the night we chose to stay at the hospice care facility where my mother spent her last days. There was nothing unusual about the night, nothing to prompt our need to be there anymore than the night before.

A Pleasant Experience While on vacation in Virginia Beach, my oldest daughter treated me to a spa day. After filling up on our favorite sushi, we ventured to the Ambiance Salon &Day Spa for some girlie pampering. I started imagining the wonderful relaxation while still in the parking lot.

The Whole Picture Have you ever noticed a beautiful woman whose face glows as someone much younger? Then you look at her neck and hands…not so much glowing going on there. The truth is these two areas, among others, will give away your true age faster than your taste in music!

1. Do explore fun, temporary hair changes like, Jessica Simpson's Hairuwear clip-in extensions. Hairuwear.com/Jessica 2. Don't underestimate the power of a smile!

1. Do add a couple of frilly blouses to your wardrobe this season. It's a girlie world this year! 2. Don't hate me, but the center part and ponytails are both in.

Thousands of fleeting thoughts run through our minds every day. Some we choose to let pass like a speeding bus; while others are held captive by a need to dwell on their implications. They may develop in our mind's eye as if a tiny artist stand painting a picture inside of us.

1. Do try to mix brights for a fun, energetic look. 2. Don't think that embroidery is just for grandma; it's on everything this season.

I sat in my living room the other day talking to a friend. We got on the subject of mentorship by way of realizing that neither of us had a great example of a loving marriage as we were growing up. I took the thought further by trying to think of any couple that I knew personally who would score an eight or higher in that department.

The key to youthful, glowing skin is proper skin care and a killer foundation or base product. Skin care is a whole topic of its own; for now, we will just focus on the makeup part.

1. Do wear what flatters your body type, not what you wish did. 2. Do yourself a favor, buy a good bra...in the right size.

1. Do stay away from novelty sunglasses (hearts, clovers, Elton John style, etc.) unless you're under 16. You might want to get a new beach towel, too, if yours has The Little Mermaid on it.

Believe it or not, there's nothing that says let's make some changes like getting kicked in the face or being thrown down to the mattress with a month long bout of pneumonia. The fact is, pain and adversity have long been keys to some of the greatest triumphs in history...my life has been no exception.

1. Don't wear socks with sandals. 2. Don't wear a fanny pack at any age. 3. Don't overuse accessories.

It's easy to see in our society that we have become a people with need for quick fixes, high speed everything, and a broad spectrum of ways to change things we don't like about ourselves. I agree that progress and vanity has vaulted us into this way of thinking; however, not everything should be done quickly just because it's possible. True self-improvement is one of those things. Though many small steps can be taken along the journey, the total project will take some time to accomplish, so leave your microwave mentality behind.