The dress is from Victoria's secret! You can't go wrong, just be sure to get some strappy sandals and a red thong to go underneath! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

I use the ladies curved shavers, disposable so I put a new one in the shower every Sat. It's probably wierd, but I just lather my hair then use that lather on my legs and underarms to shave, it's faster.

You said that you used to color your own hair, you can do it just be sure to always have a new box on hand and redo it as soon as you see any sign of growth!

You are getting great advice, now we're all reading it!

The shaving razor called "THE VENUS" is the BOMB! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
It is the "girl" counterpart to the Mach III.
I had a thread on here about a year + ago....on shaving...more than your legs <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />
I still shave...and I love it!

I LOVE my "venus" .... for shaving that is! LOL!

Come to LA H4F ... we'll do a spa day and treat ourselves like the queens that we ARE!

Pep <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

dear hope-i have to jump in here and offer whatever you need. i do makeovers every day-that is my job. and yes it is what you see on a makeover story. i work for one of the biggest salons and spas on east coast-so ask away. my personal opinion on the at home haircoloring is its very hit or miss and a disaster with it is always costly-to your pocketbook and your hair.

if you want we could do a consultation through the computer or you could contact me if you want-let me know if your interested. bye the way i am a master artist and master colorist.

My shaving tips <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> Personally I cut myself and get worse razor bumps from shaving gel/cream than regular soap.. however the thing I have found to work the best is conditioner.. personally I use Pantene, but it softens the hair and makes shaving easy.. My fiance has even taken to using it when shaving his face, and he has very sensitive skin and he doesn't get razor burn at all anymore.. Another thing is that if you shave every day your skin gets used to it so you don't get razor burn anymore, even bikini area.. so start now and shave everyday before your anniversary. I also read somewhere that if you use solid deoderant on freshly shaved bikini area it will help reduce bumps.. this REALLY works.. I like Secret personally.. Hope this helps,, have a great time :-d

aaf

nikko, I had no idea! how cool! Would you mind taking a look at my picture and telling me what colors you think I should be using? I have trouble finding eyeshadows that work well with my hazel eyes. And should I be lining my eyes on top? I only do the bottom outer half with a dark smoky violet. http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/faith1again/lst?.dir=/MB+Photos&.src=ph&.view=t

nikko, I had no idea! how cool! Would you mind taking a look at my picture and telling me what colors you think I should be using? I have trouble finding eyeshadows that work well with my hazel eyes. And should I be lining my eyes on top? I only do the bottom outer half with a dark smoky violet. http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/faith1again/lst?.dir=/MB+Photos&.src=ph&.view=t

WOW!! I'm so excited now! Ok, I'm going to go take some pictures to email so you can give me some tips ;-) WHEEE!!! This is fun! LOL!

Did one set of those crunches and WOW, I could really feel it when I went to stand up! Maybe I'll do another quicky set before I get the pics....

Pepper, if I could muster a plane ticket and a day to spend I'd be headed for LA right now! But I've got to save up to mow my head...umm...I mean for a HAIRDO, LOL!

I am a very low maintenence, natural look fanatic, so my advice may not be what you are looking for, but here goes...

Won't help in 2 weeks, but try a new lotion out by Jergens for shaving. You put it on each day & within a few weeks your hair is finer & softer & you shave less. It's called "Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer". Safe for the bikini area, also. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

My H always says he likes me better in a t-shirt & jeans than anything else, but it is nice to suprise him with a dressed up look now & then. One thing to remember - be comfortable. If you end up pulling at yourself all evening you won't be very attractive. I "practice" - make sure I know how to sit comfortably, undergarments work with the outfit, etc. Then I have time to make changes if something isn't working.

Play around with the make-up a lot, too. If you are not comfortable putting it on the night of the big date I can almost guarantee something will get messed up. It is no fun wiping off eyeliner or lipliner or the rest of that gunk & starting over!

Another thing that most women find second nature, but if you're not into "girly" things you may forget - jewelry that compliments both you and what you are wearing. Since I wear only my wedding ring 99% of the time, my H always notices the jewelry, but he doesn't like anything big & flashy.

One thing I changed a couple of years ago - I let my hair grow out. Men love long hair. Mine is dark brown and started to get some gray in it about 10 years ago - hasn't progressed much from there, but my H likes it this way. He would be upset if I dyed it - in fact that was one of the things he hated about OW - he never knew what color hair she was going to have.

Knowing what my H thinks is sexy or provocative is my best gauge on how to fix myself up. If you don't know, ask. If he won't tell, try setting up some questions using ads in magazines or on TV or when you are shopping to see what you can find out.

BTW, I am 90 miles from the nearest "big" city of around 90,000. $150 for a hair cut would be divorce material around here! Most women I know have found someone they trust - many operate out of their own home or a salon they own & operate by themselves. They have to be good, because there aren't enough people around to keep them in business if they aren't. Ask around.

Hope some of this helped. Have a great time & have FUN with it! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

<small>[ July 17, 2002, 03:37 PM: Message edited by: still his only love ]</small>

MsMyra you have mail and Nikko, I need your email address! Or email me at parent_talk@hotmail.com and I'll email you back. THANKS!!

Yes, I'm a natural gal with jeans and t-shirt look by trade (we live in the country)...but I don't mind dressing up once in a while. I just want to spruce up a bit for this night, and since we'll be 4 hours away (in our state capitol) I'm not too nervous about how silly I might look! Who cares...not like I'll bump in to these people anywhere soon. I have dark brown hair, mid length - no bangs...but it's not really all that flattering to my face. I think it looked better shorter. Maybe if I could learn to use curlers or a curling iron I could make it better. The gray is beginning to take over...way more than I imagined (I don't look at my head all day!!). My son asked me the other day why I have whiskers in my hair?!?! I wouldn't mind so much if I were 50...but I'm only 31!!! I don't want to look 50 until I'm 60!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

here's my e-mail JMeyerpet@aol.com.

melody- i looked up your picture on the thread- i would first off shorten the hair a little. in the picture your face looks oval, have them razor it out a little into one of the newer flippier styles. it will also give it some body. the color kinda looks ashy in the picture-if it is we need to warm it up. you said your eyes are hazel-are they a warm hazel or a cool hazel? that would help me. you have what looks like great coloring for a redhead. dont get nervous-we do know another formula other than lucy's red. im talking deeper and richer. get back to me.

now onto hope-yes i looked up your picture too-im assuming its not to recent a picture? you have grown your hair. ok here goes-in the picture the way the light is hitting your hair i see some rich warm auburn tones. there are ways to bring out what god has given you. you should probably be using semi permanent color-you dont have that many greys-unless your hair was colored in the pic. allready? semi will not alter your own natural color just hide the grey. see if you can find me a more recent photo

i forgot to add-im going off line for awhile. husband is coming home. its been a real bad day-the story is on recovery. i will check back later-find those photos ladies.

I'm sorry but I didn't read all of the pages as I am in a hurry BUT since you and I sound very similiar I wanted to jump in on the makeup. I think if you go to a Clinique counter and find out techniques that is great. I think to wear though, you might want Eccobella - sold at health food stores AND at most of the larger stores they have someone that you can make an appointment with to teach you proper technique also. Eccobella is more gentle, lighter, very good for your skin and it is the only cosmetic I am not allergic to. If you aren't used to wearing makeup - EB would be the place to start.

As for MK, I just don't like the stuff - even if I wasn't allergic. I've had MK ladies come to me and ask me how I manage to wear makeup but still maintain a natural look. One of them said she has just been trained to put it on and on and on. I had MK for my wedding and it looked OK in the pictures but in real life I was too made up and my skin looked VERY shiny - no powder could cover it and I have dry skin.

Have fun!

Hope,
Oh, I wish we could all come to you. Have you seen Ms. Congeniality with Sandra Bullock where she is an undercover cop in a beauty contest). This reminds me of that movie!!!

Well, reading through the threads, it looks like hair and makeup have been covered. I would make sure that whatever path you do is to make sure that it is something that you feel comfortable with and a hairstyle that is easy to maintain. I wouldn't go to drastic of a change with chemicals with the hair because they are not as easily reversable as trying out different makeup.

One of the posts I saw had a really neat idea, do you know of any teenage girls that may be able to help you out? I am sure they would be thrilled and would enjoy it!! Plus, it may make things easier when you buy your own stuff.

Also, I know there are alot of websites that have online makeovers that you can put a picture on and try out different hair and makeup styles.

Shaving:
yes that wonderful thing, I am very happy with my Venus razor. I have also found that Shaving Gel (I like Gillette Satin Care for Senstive Skin with Aloe) works the best for me. I have to shave everyday in the shower.

Shaving Tips:
Loofah, loofah, loofah!! If you do not have one of these get one! You can get these at Bath & Body Works or any department stores. I loofah my entire body because it helps get rid of dry skin and makes your skin smell great when you use a body cream or body gel with it. Make sure you loofah right before you shave, it helps raise those tiny little stubbles to get a closer shave.

I prop my leg up on the corner of tub in the shower to wear the water is not running on my legs, then I take a washcloth to wipe the extra water off my legs leaving them just a little damp. Then take your shaving gel, lather up, and do a little at a time. If you get too much water in there, the shaving gel will just wash off of your legs, and guarantee you will get a rash!! I have also found that soap seems to dull my razor more quickly, and I don't get a close shave with soap.

Make sure you get that lotion on you as soon as you dry off out of the shower!! I love Bath & Body works, because you can get your shower gel and lotion in the same scent, and it stays with you. Just make sure you get something that is not overpowering such as a fruity smell. I would go with a soft floral ( I love Freesia) or Vanilla. If you go into one of the stores, there are sample bottles all over the place. Rub a few samples on different parts of your arms, and see which one you like after an hour or so.

As for the little bikini bumps, I have found that sprinkling a little baby powder (I get the one with aloe) in that area helps out alot. It also helps out in the summer when its hot outside if you know what I mean. Avoid anything with talc in it, I have heard that talc can be dangerous to you if it gets, well I think you know where I mean!!

EXERCISE:
One thing that you want to keep in mind is that there is no such thing as "spot-reducing". What crunches allow you to do is to build up the muscles in your stomach but they will never show until some fat comes off. This is where aerobic exercise or brisk walking will help you. You have got to do some type of fat burning workout to see that muscle. Also, if you start lifting weights, that will increase your metabolism significantly, toning your body everywhere. There are alot of exercise videos out there that now incorporate dumbbells in them.

If you want to see some sample workouts, there are alot of good examples on:
www.shape.com or www.fitness.com

Make sure you drink lots and lots of water, and try to stay away from alot of caffeine or sugar drinks. I am a Diet Coke aholic but tend to bloat up on them!!

If you want to drop some weight fast, I would recommend doing a lower carb diet, I would not do the whole Atkins thing, but decrease your carb intake and up your protein intake. But make sure that your carbs are from vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain products. Avoid any type of refined white bread, white rice, crackers, sugar,etc. Don't spend any money on "Low Fat" Products such as Slim Fast, it is all sugar!! Up your protein, it will fill you up more and is good for you in repairing your muscles from working out. Just make sure that you are not eating bacon for every meal! Choose wisely, chicken, turkey. Eat a protein and a carb each meal. I really like the "Body for Life" Plan.
http://www.bodyforlife.com/

Have fun!!

Wow this is great. I learned sooo much here. Maybe I am too old to try anything new and since I am a lot like my mom who just doesn't wear makeup, I am very uncomfortable with all the fussing of makeup.

The downside is that as one gets older, you eventually have to do something!!! LOL! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> So for now I put on that lavender lotion from Bath and BodyWorks all over. I recently ran out of my perfume (H hates anything with a scent) and ended up using one of those lavendar sticks with a bit of glitter!!! Howz about some glitter? A little on the shoulder maybe?

There was a 'glitter incident' with one of the WS' whose W posts here....... very funny when a man comes to his W's work to pick up the children and he has glitter all over his face! LOL!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> And to be in denial and say he got it from falling asleep on the carpet at home! Their older child went home and checked the carpet. DAd was busted!

Thanks for the suggestions. Nikko, I would like some assistance if you don't mind. I have to find a recent pix, can I send it to you? I'm suppose to work on posting one in the MB album also, maybe after you make me look younger and taller!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

This thread feels like an on-line slumber party!!!

L.

I spent a few years in the department store cosmetics business and I can really simplify this for you! Find a MAC cosmetics counter. They are the BEST. If you don't have one in your area, take a fashion magazine (nothing too trendy...you still want to look natural) and spend an afternoon trying to copy a make-up look you think would suit you. Hair is easy. Find a salon and ask the stylist to help you pick something that YOU are comfortable with (don't put yourself entirely in the stylists hands, some of them get scissor happy). Tummy control under your dress should be as easy as control top pantyhose or you should be able to find something at the store where you purchased your undergarments.(You will not, I repeat will not firm your tummy in such a short time, and believe me it's OK) When it comes time to get naked <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> you must act as though your tummy doesn't bother you and you shouldn't let it. This man loves YOU, tummy and all! (He wouldn't be celebrating with you if he didn't) so get caught up in the moment; think of nothing else except pleasing each other, being truly intimate, and feeling sexy. I promise you that your tummy will be the furthest thing from your mind! Enjoy your anniversary and congratulations!

LOL, these really are great ideas!! The crunches sure are atleast working muscles...if the tummy isn't gone I'm sure control top pantihose will do the trick. I'm not worried about being naked...just going out in public in this drapey dress that will show ALL the curves...even those I wish I didn't have ;-)

Shaved using conditioner...and it worked GREAT! I always lotion right after, but it hasn't made much of a difference in the past...I'd still get rashy. The conditioner left my legs feeling like they were already lotioned! I'm feeling sexy already!!

I'm going to look for the new Venus razor today.

Also today will be day one of quitting drinking pop. I goofed and had one can yesterday. Have been drinking TONS of water.

Dress is ordered...hair lady is called (took a recommendation from a friend), hopefully she can get me in...once the hair appt is made I'll plan on hitting Dillards (Lancome). I can't get all the choices you guys listed in the middle of NE...so I'll have to go with that one. Once a year a group of my lady friends go to the BIG city (4 hours away) and have a huge shopping trip...I might be able to check them out then.

I used to walk 2-3 miles each evening. It was not only GREAT for keeping me fit and trim...but great for my mind and spirit too. I wanted to go last night...but the temps and humidity here have been miserably high. So...I'll try again another day. Should have gone in the morning. I'll pencil that in for tomorrow...maybe.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the help!

Hey Hope,

About the sets of crunches, do as many as you can. It only hurts for the first four or five nights, then it gets easier. The interesting part is that the stomache muscles will stay tight all the time if you continue to do this. Really helps the back too if you have any back problems.

I do not recommend a weedwacker. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> LOL I would never pay $150 for my hair either. I think if I needed to color my hair, I would use a box from the store.

You have some great ideas here!! How exciting. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> Kind of makes me want to take my WW out too! Maybe I need to put it down in my Palm Pilot. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> By the way, how is your organization thing going. Did you ever decide on a plan?

The organization thing is going so so...it's something I need to schedule in to do, ROTFLMAO!!!

We've got a VERY busy 2 months ahead of us. Local Rock festival this weekend, Sons 4th birthday next week, our 10th anniversary the week after that etc etc etc. But once summer is gone I'm hoping to sit down with this Ipaq and get things more organized.

I have been making more lists...it's always been the way I've gotten things done in the past. Seems to be keeping me afloat these days.

The BEST thing I've done lately has been to start taking vitamins again and drinking a V8 and more water, instead of pop. It doesn't help my organizational skills any...but it SURE boosts my energy. The more energy I have, the more I get done...organized or not.

So you're saying MORE crunches? I think it would be GREAT for my back. 4 or 5 days of misery? Maybe I can find a local nurse to slip me a little morphine. Course that would work against the energy issue...but the PAIN the PAIN! (picture a tiny little dark man pointing at the sky) giggle!!

Don't know much about tummy firming... I'd try finding a friend who may have a home gym, though. We have one, bought it for a kid who's really into sports. Had her teach me a few things. Ask around there, most families only use those things a few hours a week at most (at least we do), so perhaps a friend or two may be willing to teach you and let you use theirs?

As for make up, don't be afraid to splurge there. Department stores are great, and I do like the Clinique and Lancome counters myself, although they are expensive. But, they offer good advice. Don't be afraid to experiment for a few days, either. Maybe find a friend whose style you like and ask her to help you find yours?

For hair coloring, I'd suggest you do go to a reputable salon first. I messed up royally one time doing it myself (I'm a honey blonde) and ended up attempting to streak my hair and I ended up looking like a real vamp! (Too streaky... like a blonde Elvira!) So, I had it done professionally and was really happy. It is costly, but you'll be more assured of the results.

Shaving? Yuck. Can't give you any advice there. I stick with razors and good shaving gel because I'm allergic to Nair and waxing is painful and messy.

Good luck!!! Be daring... wear the new dress--for you! I'm sure it'll make you feel great!