Friday's Faux Paw

Today is supposed to be my Friday's Faux Paw entry, but I thought I'd let everyone off the hook being that it is close to what humans call "Christmas". My family believes that Christmas is the day Jesus was born to one day save the world form sin and death. Not everyone believes that, but I hope that everyone can agree that it is a day of peace and love to your fellow man (and dog I hope). So wear pyjamas if you must, but make sure you have love in your heart and compassion for those who are less fortunate than you.

Joelle and her husband Tim donated some food to feed the hungry. Joelle is also using her singing as a gift at Mass on midnight Christmas Eve. You don't have to do these exact things, but please consider using your time, talent, or treasure (money) to help others at this time of year. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, shovel your neighbour's walk, feed your dog some bacon, visit an old folk's home, or people in the hospital - the list is really endless. I know I speak a lot about dressing well, but at the end of the day dressing great won't hold a candle to how you'll feel after doing something good for your fellow human (or dog). I leave you with a famous dog and my sincere wish for everyone...

Ten Holiday Style Tragedies To Avoid

My apologies on being away from the blog last week. I cleaned the house top to bottom, had a party, had two houseguests, and then caught the flu. I may not update on Wednesday being that this is a crazy time of year, but Zeke will be here Friday with his Faux Paw.

This holiday season you might have to go to a party or two so I thought I would discuss the top ten mistakes people do when getting ready for the big event.

1. Open Toed Shoes And Sheer Stockings

I know Zeke discussed this as one of his fashion faux paws recently, but it never hurts to repeat this one again. If you can't go barfooted in open toed shoes, then it's time to buy a cool pair of closed toe shoes.

2. Overdone Hair

It's time to stop using a can of hairspray to do your hair for evening. Your dress should take centre stage, so why not try more of a natural look such as a ponytail with a section of hair wrapped around the elastic? Or a messy updo?

3. Too Much Cleavage

A Christmas party is not a nightclub! Showing some cleavage is acceptable but if your dress has a neckline that plunges more than half-way down your upper arm, you will look trashy, not sexy.

4. Excessive Bling

If aliens can see you from outerspace, then you've overdone it with the sequins. Yes holiday parties are a great time to break out the sparkle, but limit it to one item. For example, wear a sparkly skirt with a non-sparkly blouse.

5. Visible Panty Line (VPL)

It's never a good idea to have a visible panty line in any outfit you wear, however it looks even more cheesy when you dress up. Wear a super thin thong, laser cut panty, or full coverage pantry to have people looking at you, not your bum.

6. Tight Dress

Too tight is not right! You will want to move around freely and even dance at some parties. It is never good to look like a stuffed sausage. And you will want to have some breathing room with all the yummy goodies that will be everywhere.

7. Holiday Themed Sweater

This should be a no brainer, but in case there is one person out there I can get through to about this, then it will be worth it. Holiday themed sweaters make you look fumpy not festive and haven't been in style since the eighties. People nowadays even have ugly sweater theme parties to mock them.

8. Wearing Green And Red Together

We get it, it's Christmas! You don't have to be obvious about what time of year this is. Green and red will always scream Christmas and don't look that wonderful together. Wear a red dress or a green dress instead.

9. Business Attire

The only appropriate time to wear business atire to a Christmas party is if it's an office party. Otherwise dress up! If you have to go to a party right after work, then plan ahead. Take a wrap (to wear instead of your suitcoat), evening shoes, a clutch, and some statement jewelry to work with you the day of the party.

10. Make-Up Overload

Yes this is the time to wear red lipstick, but if you do, then tone down your eyes and cheeks. If you desire a dramatic smoky eye, then wear a natural blush and lipstick.







Now get out there and paaaaaarty!!!

Joelle

How To Shop Smart

My sincere apologies for not being around last week. I was ill and my internet was cutting out every minute or so. I am now well and have a new modem so all is great!

With Christmas on its way, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss how to shop smart.

1. Know What You Need

Always have a list. It can be in your head but better yet, put it on paper so you're not overwhelmed once you reach the mall.

2. Be Sure About It

Ask yourself, "Will he/she love it?" and "Will he/she use it?" And don't buy it unless the answer is a "yes"!

3. Dress For Action

Wear a comfortable outfit and shoes. Bring some bottled water. Make sure you eat enough and eat more when you need to before low blood sugar strikes.

4. Avoid The Crowds

If you can sacrifice a weekday morning for shopping (before the lunch rush), you'll be rewarded with emptier stores and less stressed out salespeople.

5. Shop Early

I started my Christmas shopping in October. For those of you who haven't started, why not start now? It's just going to get busier and crazier the closer it gets to the big day.

6. Have A Christmas Storage Area

Designate a small part of a closet for Christmas gifts. Throughout the year when you see something you know someone on your list will love and it's a great price, buy it and store it in your Christmas area.

7. Feel Happy

Don't shop when you are hungry, tired, or depressed. Once again don't wait until the last minute.

8. Set A Budget

Figure out beforehand how much you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts and stick to your budget. If you have a tendency to max out your credit cards, then shop with cash only.

9. Keep Your Receipts

If someone ends up not liking something or the gift is defective you can easily return it. Many stores also offer gift receipts that don't show the price so you can include it with the gift. Remember that gift receipts are only useful for a return if you pay with cash. If you pay with a debit or credit card, the gift recipient will only be able to get a store credit because they won't have your card.

10. Buy Extra Gifts
Find some "generic" items on sale that can be for a man or a woman, and purchase a couple of extras. Wrap them up and put a sticky note on the box stating what the item is. This way you'll always be prepared if someone unexpectedly gives you a gift, and you can avoid any embarrassment or hurt feelings by returning the favour.

Happy shopping!

Joelle