Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Trend: Coral

Are you ready?

It is National Severe Weather Awareness Week and I want to know if you are ready?  There are a few things that you should have ready at your home for the unexpected attack from Mother Nature.  Check out the American Red Cross's list of Preparedness Fast Facts and order your emergency kit from In Any Event today!  Call Natalie Miller at 972-380-4233 or email her at nmiller@iaedallas.com.

Oscar Party Perfection!

Thinking of throwing together an Oscar celebration this weekend?  I can't wait to see Anne Hathaway and James Franco host one of the most exciting nights of the year!  I also can't wait to take advantage of Twig and Thistle's wonderful Oscar Party Tips and Inspirations!  From the ballots to the popcorn bags, they have everything you will need to entertain in style!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Dry Beauty

This time of year and all of these weather changes can be really rough on our skin.  Parts of my body are dry and cracky and others are oily!  I recently had a spa treatment and was "dry brushed" before it started. I was so curious about the strange scratchy brush that was being used all over my body and I, as always, I needed to know why they were using it.  When I got the answer, I was sold!  Basically, they use the dry brush to improve circulation and get rid of your body's toxins.  I don't really know how it does those things but the great part was that it was also a light exfoliation and it felt great!  There is a proper technique for dry brushing that basically suggests that you always brush towards the direction of your heart in light circular motions.
The great part of it is that you can do it to yourself at home!  Look for a brush the next time you are in a drug store or health food store.  I got mine at Whole Foods.  Every morning, before you get in the shower, take a minute to use your dry brush!  It is like having a spa treatment at home! 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Romantic Dinner at the last minute

If you don't have a reservation for a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant tonight, don't fret.  I have tips to help you plan the perfect party for two at home!  Click here to watch my segment on Good Morning Texas or read below for all of my tips.

-Set up a table for two in a spot where you don't typically dine.  A small card table or occasional table will work. Simply place it in front of a fireplace, next to a window with a pretty view or in an intimate corner of  a living room.  Pull up two chairs and, Voila, you are transported to a romantic spot perfect for your date.

-Throw a tablecloth over the card table.  If you don't have a fancy cloth, don't worry.  Use anything you can find!  I have used a bed sheet, extra fabric scraps, and shower curtains before.  Get creative and play around with various fabrics.  Select a romantic color scheme such as pink or red but add in a rich deep color like chocolate brown for warmth.

-Add light elements to the top of the table.  If you can't get your hands on a dozen roses, grab two and place them in small containers or drinking glasses.  Put one at each place-setting.

-Pull the X and O squares out of your Scrabble box and spread the hugs and kisses around the table.

-Candlelight is key!  Gather up as many candles as you can find and collect them on a tray to put in the center of the table.

-If you are not up for cooking, order some take-out!  Try to think of a place that you don't typically order from and maybe consider something a little spicy like Indian Food or Chinese Food.  It doesn't matter what you serve but be sure to serve it in style.  Pull out your best china and set the table with your best glasses too.

-Little touches make all the difference!  Add a few red hots to your champagne or sprinkle them around the table.

-Spring for a special dessert that will be sure to delight all of your family.  I love the Sprinkles XOX box!  It is topped with XOX and heart shaped sugar decorations and comes in fantastic flavors.

-Get clever with your kids and pets.  Either put them to bed before you start or find an activity that will keep them pre-occupied. Treat them to a movie night at home or pick up a new board game for them.  If you don't think that will work in your house, hire them to serve your dinner for you!

-Still searching for the perfect gift?  Don't fret.  Check out www.YOURNOVEL.com and pick out a theme for your e-novel.  They will email you the novel and you can email it to your Valentine.  They personalize the story with your names and some of your favorite things!  So cool!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Etiquette Dilemma

OH boy....this tough question came from Kelly in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada:

Dear Kimberly,
I never know what to do when someone I am at the dinner table has food in their teeth, toilet paper on their shoe or lipstick on their chin.  Please help me!  Do I tell them or not?
Kelly

Well Kelly, these situations can be really hard to maneuver gracefully but I think they really boil down to the simple golden rule:  do unto others as you would like them to do unto you!  Ask yourself, in each of these situations, what you would want someone sitting with you to do and then do it!  What if the person is your boss or future mother-in-law?  The situations can be tricky.  Before you tell someone that is not your significant other or best friend about the lettuce in their teeth, give someone who is closer to that person the opportunity to point it out discreetly.  If you are the most appropriate person to point something out, do it with kindness and discretion.  I hope that helps!

Please write to me with your questions and I will do my best to help!
You can reach me at askkim@kimberlyschlegel.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Breakfast in Bed!

There is nothing like breakfast in bed! This is especially true around Valentine's Day so take a few minutes to treat your loved one to a relaxing morning.  The perfect breakfast in bed tray has heart shaped pancakes, a perfect cappucino, and a small bud vase with a single flower.  Check out Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style for the one I created.
  

Monday, February 7, 2011

Valentine Gifts for your Man!

Buying gifts for men is tough but finding the perfect romantic gift is terribly tough!  Here are a few of my suggestions:

Bill Shapiro's Other People's Love Letters Book.  This clever book is filled with 150 love letters that the author found.  You were never meant to see them but now you can find inspiration and romance in the love lives of others!  Highlight parts that apply to your relationship and present it to your loved one. ($15.50)

How about a little Valentine's Day Scandle?  No really...It is a candle that melts into massage lotion!  Isn't that clever?  ($22.95)

Why not spoil your man's sweet tooth with Sprinkles?  I love the XOX box they put together for Valentine's Day.   It features two limited-time flavors: Red HOT Velvet and Raspberry Chocolate Chip.  Red HOT Velvet pairs classic red velvet cake with spicy cinnamon cream cheese frosting and Raspberry Chocolate Chip features chocolate chip-studded Belgian dark chocolate cake with raspberry frosting and a pink heart sugar decoration.  YUM! 


I adore this tie from Poppy Talk Hand Made.  Cool and red on the outside and sentimental and sweet underneath, it is the perfect way to stay close to your loved one's heart all day long.  ($75)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Present your Valentine with one or more of the following gifts to add romance to your day:
Top any gift with a love note on these fantastic gift cards by And George on Taigan.

-A love letter and a box of chocolates...classic but perfect!  Although there is no relation, my husband always presents me with a box of Whitman's Chocolates!

-Set up a couples cooking class!  My husband once set up a private class for my sisters, my mother, and I. He invited us to each invite a friend and presented us with the class as a Christmas gift.  We all loved it!  For Valentines day, you could go to a cooking class together!  Check out the Viking Cooking Classes at the Milestone Culinary Arts Center.

-A massage or couples massage is a great Valentine treat.  I recently had a fantastic massage at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas.  Check out their spa treatment menu and make your appointment today!

-Tickets to a play, musical, ballet or concert.  Our Dallas Symphony is presenting "Love Themes" from February 10th through 13th.

-You simply can not go wrong with jewelry from your loved one's favorite store.  These heart shaped hoops are prefect Valentine treasures.  They are hand-forged from Sterling Silver and cost $20.


Skip out on the Gift Certificates and Appliances!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Autograph Etiquette

The Superbowl is coming to town and Dallas/Fort Worth is going feel a bit like Hollywood this week!  Celebrities from all over the world will be descending upon our metroplex and you might just have a chance to meet an Athlete, Actor, or Entertainer!  What would you do?

Here are few tips for an encounter with a celebrity that won't leave you reeling with embarrassment!

-Make a casual approach.  Don't freak-out, scream and then run towards them!

-Keep your nerve, remember they are human and make eye contact but don't stare.  Be confident but don't stare them down.

-If they make eye contact with you, say hello!  If not, leave it be.

-To spark conversation, give them a compliment.  Who doesn't like praise?

-If you want to ask for an autograph, ask politely but not aggressively.  Ask them to personalize the autograph to you and only ask them to sign one item.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Interview Tips

Check out my sister Krystal Schlegel's blog for tips for nailing an interview!  I love the advice she collected and hope it helps you!
 

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