Chinese Etiquette Tips

Friday August 8, 2008 begins the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. If you are fortunate enough to attend I have a few Chinese etiquette tips to use while in the country.
1. Tipping is not a common practice in China however they are well aware that in the Western world tipping is a common practice. I doubt they would refuse the kind gesture.
2. I have never been one to be able to manuever chopsticks. If you are in China and want to give it a try be sure not to stab your food with them, lick them, or point them at others.
3. The Chinese do not show PDA (public displays of affection) like we do in the US. Anything beyond hand holding might embarrass the Chinese.
4. When eating at a banquet it is only poite to try a little of everything. If you don't try food that has been served to you it will embarrass the host. Give it a try - if you don't like it leave it on your plate.
5. When walking and crossing the street don't assume pedestrians have the right of way. Cross the street with a group if possible.
6. Smile. It is your best accessory and universally accepted. Chinese smile for more reasons than Americans. In China it can mean that a person is embarrassed, happy, friendly or trying to be helpful.
I have always been amazed and in awe of the discipline and dedication athletes give to their sport. I look forward to the excitement of the Olympics. Hope you can enjoy them as well and find your gold metal in the week ahead. Enjoy.
Joyfully,
Chris

Update Your Cosmetics

As we begin to look in our closets and move our summer attire out and our fall attire in - we need to also look in our cosmetic bags to move old makeup out and put new updated makeup in. Have you ever considered tossing cosmetics before it is all used up? Of course not, but you might need to. Eye shadows, pressed powder, blush and pencils should be replaced after one year. This is for sanitary and seasonal reasons. Your pink colored shadows need to be replaced with warmer tones. Plums and abergines are the colors for fall.

Liquid foundations are only good for six to nine months. Remember - as your tan fades you'll need to replace your dark foundations and concealers with a shade or two lighter. Make sure you still stick with the same undertones.

Bronzers are not the best for fall. Bronzers are meant to be used during those sun-kissed months. Play up the cheekbones instead.

Lip products in a tube only last up to a year. Potted gloss lasts up to nine months. Now is the time to invest in a classic red that is good for your skin tone. The corals and taffy pinks for summer need to be replaced with mauve and lip liners that match your lip color. There are a lot of new lip exfoliating products on the market. These are grainy lip scrubs that remove dried skin and plump and smooth the lips. Don't forget to use a lip moisturizer that hydrates the lips. Dry cracked lips in the fall and winter are not only unattractive but painful.

Because of bacteria- mascara needs to be replaced every two or three months. Don't pump your mascara as that will dry it out. Try to find a mascara that add volume without being chunky.

Keep in mind that you don't have to have a lot of color on your lips, eyes and cheeks. Select one area to play up - maybe your lips - and tone down the color on your eyes and cheeks. Maybe you have knock out eyes - play those up and go lighter on your lips and cheeks. If you have beautiful high cheekbones - play those up and go more natural on the eyes and lips - maybe accentuating the lashes. Yes - less is more but make sure you apply makeup daily - it will make a huge difference in how you "face" the world. Have a fabulous day. Enjoy
Joyfully,
Chris

Recommended Book

This weekend I am attending a Beth Moore conference with several thousand other women. If you are not familiar with Beth - she is a beautiful blonde, spunky, hillarious, convicted, gifted Christian speaker and president of Living Proof Ministries. Between our group and the ones watching from 715 other churches (including 4 countries) she was speaking to over 70,000 women. I am so thankful that I could get tickets ( I purchased them over a year ago) and it fit in my schedule and I am able to attend. It is a chance to get out of my office and think about my purpose, the journey I'm on and who I impact along the way.

I'm asked on a regular basis what books I'm currently reading, what books I recommend, what books I don't recommend. Those who know me know I have a collection of cookbooks and fashion/image books (women love food & fashion). I also love inspirational and motivational books. When it comes down to the best self help book - this weekend has reminded me that the all time best self help book you never finish reading, understanding, and finding all the right answers at the right time is my bible. It truly has all the answers we need for our inner and outer beauty. Sometimes it takes bible studies or individuals like Beth to help us understand but I guarantee it has all the answers we need. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who has a glow from knowing she is truly loved by our Lord and she spreads that love to those she comes in contact with.

I am heading out to experience the rest of my Beth Moore conference. I wish all of you a great weekend and happy reading from the best self help book ever written - the bible! Enjoy
Joyfully,
Chris

Fall 2008-Winter 2009 Trends

I know it is almost 100 degrees outside but I can't help but get excited about the upcoming fall fashions. Summer is my favorite season but fall and winter clothing are my favorite to wear - if you saw my closet you would agree. Here are just a few of the trends for the upcoming season:
Purple - I was in Europe this summer and purple was in every window. Purple is my favorite color so I'm very excited about that.
Cobalt Blue - also seen a lot this fall. This is a good color for a lot of skin tones
Fabrics are plaid and there are even winter floral prints.
Jewel neck blouses, sheath dress, cocktail evening dress and a great statement coat.
You will see accessories with sequin or jeweled embellishments. Colored opaque hoisery and leggings. Patent leather, stiletto pumps, shoulder, clutch and handle bags. Marvelous hats, arm bracelets and a belted waist.
Just to name a few...
When you head outside today - don't sweat it - fall is just around the corner. Now is the time to get in your closet and evaluate what needs to be taken out and what needs to be put in. Have your fall wardrobe ready for that first chilly morning. I promise it will come. Enjoy your day.
Joyfully,
Chris