I’m in love with Anthony.

I’m letting you all in on a fabulous little secret: Anthony Logistics, a “multi-functional, multi-benefit, nature based personal care system … designed for men.”

My heart goes pitter-patter over the absolutely fabulous gift ideas, sets and kits designed for travel, shaving, sun protection and more. My favorite is the Grab + Go Travel Kit. The perfect gift for the guy on the go!

Six great products, all the necessities in approved air travel size:

Glycolic Facial Cleanser
Facial Scrub
Shave Cream
Astringent
Coconut Shampoo
Cleansing Gel

Anthony Logistics for Men Grab + Go Travel Kit | $35 Anthony.com

Well it’s the most dreadful time of the year coming up as a woman….Swimsuit Season!

As a curvy gal I do not like shopping for a suit but with the help of these tips based on your style,shape and flaws…you’ll be enjoying it from here on out. I broke it down to four different types of suits that would flatter anyone with worries of heading to a pool or beach.

Skirtinis are great options for those wanting to cover their upper thighs. Many come in two-pieces so if you want to change the top based on your mood that day or fav color you can but still have that coverage on your lower half.

Tankinis are similar and are best for all but especially if your fair-skinned to block as much sun rays as possible. Tankinis emphasis on the legs rather then the mid-section are great if you want to create a distraction from where you feel most uncomfortable with on your body.

Swim-dresses maximize coverage without the hassle of shopping for a separate piece with most swim wear cutting fraction of the cost.

Two-piece shortinis are for those who have fuller hips and thighs. A bonus to this type of suit is it won’t ride up your behind and if you plan on doing some outdoor activities this would be the best option.

Now that we broke down some suit options…here are some last minute quick tips:

• Look for surplice wrapped bodies or a symmetric skirt to put focus on waist or leg. 1950’s style halter top suits are all the style this season but always a classic for the following years to come.
• Got a smaller chest? Go for deep V-necks to bring more focus away from stomach region but also creates the illusion of a larger bust adding more of an hourglass shape.
• Black suits aren’t always the slimming answer. Feel free to get that bold color, or a print you enjoy but was worried it would make you look larger.
• Speaking of prints…Don’t always go for big floral prints. They are the most common prints you find in plus size suits but if your younger, it’ll sometimes make you look like your out of your age range so find something more age appropriate and comfortable to you.

So ladies enjoy looking great while getting that tan!

(and remember to put on sunscreen SPF 15+ to prevent skin cancer/sun damage)

1. alwaysforme.com $89 $44.50

2. newport-news.com $54

3. aliciasimone.com $59

4. swimsuitsjustforus.com $88

5. swimsuitsforall.com $80

If you have a gmail account, you know that they send you targeted ads based on what’s in your email content. I was talking with some girlfriends about how it’s really, really hard anymore to find dresses appropriately cut for work, and a “modest dress” ad popped up. The site turned out to be Shabby Apple.

I don’t know if “modest” is so much the right word, but Shabby Apple’s dresses feel work-appropriate and are unfussy, no matter what your dress code may be. The founders wanted to make dresses available that fit women properly and comfortably without a bunch of camisoles and shaping garments to make them work. As a result, most of the dresses have a knee-length cut and a little more substance up top. Many are perfect for office staples, being a guest at a church wedding, you name it. Don’t be put off by the neutrals I’ve chosen, either- there’s plenty of bright color on the site.

I’m too spring-obsessed right now to pick up the Aspen (left, on sale for $57), but I really like the cut. The Jackie O. shirtdress at right is a great basic and a steal at $66.75.

I’ve tried a few whitening agents without much success, until now.

Aqua Fresh White Trays :: $40 CVS

I noticed a difference. My teeth were ok before, just, well, a little off-white. Possibly on the slightly yellow-ish side if we’re being totally honest.

The only problem I had was the same with Crest White Strips. Even just once a day instead of twice, I missed a day because I was out running a bunch of errands and I didn’t have 30-45 minutes to sit around with two trays of whitening gel in my mouth.

It was much worse with the other brand of strips; I have no idea if they work or not because I used them so sporadically. I just could not find twice a day where I could spend half an hour without talking, eating or smoking crack. Kidding — I’ve never smoked crack. Crack is whack! And also very bad for your teeth.

All this week I’ve noticed my teeth seemed brighter and whiter. I only skipped one day. I don’t think that made a big difference. They’re expensive, more than I’d like to spend, but after a week (or so) there is a noted change. With still one treatment left, I’d buy them again to get my grill going really super bright.

Wait, can you bleach your teeth to death? I wouldn’t want to do that.

I love beauty products, but I am not a believer in 40,000 tiny salves and creams being in the shower with you or 56-step face wash systems. I have shampoo, conditioner, and Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap in there and that’s it. My husband washes his hair with it, and it’s done wonder to tamp down his psoriasis. I use it for my face and even, in a pinch, to wash the dog.

Why does it work so well for so many things? I think it’s because there’s nothing weird, chemical-wise, in the product’s makeup. It makes a great lather without any sodium laureth sulfate- the stuff you find in most soap and shampoo (and the stuff that often makes your skin and hair feel kind of filmy). Companies put it in almost everything because it makes a great lather for cheap, and when you see all those bubbles, it makes you feel like you just got clean. Dr. Bronner’s creates just as good a lather using organic coconut, hemp, olive and jojoba oils.

The peppermint variety is, um, extremely bracing and while it’s my favorite, be judicious about where you choose to clean with it. The baby-mild version is a great everyday choice. Packaging for the liquid soap is made from 100% recycled materials and the plastic bottle can be refilled in many health food stores. A 16-ounce bottle runs around $8.99.