My favorite topic to educate about is sunscreen. And when I say educate I really mean nag! I am often asked to recommend a great anti-aging product and I always answer by telling the person to wear a daily sunscreen. It is truly the best way to slow down the aging process and prevent skin damage and skin cancer. I get asked the same questions over and over, so I wanted to address them here for you.

Q: I’m in my office or home most of the day. Why do I need to wear sunscreen?

A: Sunscreen is not just for the beach or when you’re outdoors. Ultraviolet rays are what we want to protect from, and they are very crafty. UV reflects everywhere, including but not limited to your windows and skylights at home, car windows, and office windows, not to mention some light fixtures.
read more from "Let’s Talk Sunscreen"

What do you do with all those gift with purchase makeup products? If you’re anything like the women I know, you probably save most of them, you know, for that rainy day. The pile above came from a friend of mine – and it’s not everything, just what she was willing to part with. And yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, there are indeed, 25 mini mascaras and another 31 tacky lipsticks in that mix.

The start of the summer season is is the perfect time to go through your makeup bag and medicine cabinet and start throwing away the old stuff.
read more from "When to Toss That Makeup"

Part One of a 31-Year-Old’s Breast Cancer Journey

February 27, 2008, I received the kind of call you never want to hear: “Alice, you have breast cancer.” In a single instant someone pushed the pause button on my life and pulled a gray window shade down over my eyes. At 31-years-old, my first thought was that of vanity, “Will I lose my hair?” While I tried to picture myself throwing up and bald, people kept telling me, “You’re going to be fine, it’s totally treatable,” like I had strep throat and could return to work after being on antibiotics for 24 hours.

Nothing about having cancer is “fine.” It’s not “fine” to face your mortality or lose your hair or be too tired to have a social life when you are in your early 30’s.
read more from "Pulling up the Window Shade"

Most people who say they can’t be hypnotized don’t really understand what hypnosis is. Take Joe, for instance. He had been suffering from insomnia for years. When he came into my office, he was skeptical about whether hypnosis could help. He said he didn’t think he could be hypnotized, but that he was so desperate for a good night’s sleep, he would try anything.

I explained that hypnosis is a natural state of mind, where you are neither fully conscious nor asleep. During hypnosis, the body feels extremely relaxed and the mind is open to positive suggestions.
read more from "So, You Think You Can’t Be Hypnotized?"

As Spa Week starts today, we thought this would be a great time to delve a little deeper into what to expect when you go to a spa.

Once you arrive at the spa, turn your cell phones, pagers, PDA’s, and any electronic devices all the way off (not vibrate, not silent, but off!) or better yet leave them in the car so you can truly relax and enjoy your spa time. There is nothing more distracting than the sound of a phone ringing, beeping, or vibrating during a treatment. It brings you back into the feeling of stress in your busy lifestyle and is very counter productive to letting go and relaxing. Remember you are not the only one there, and the other clients enjoying their treatments do not want to be disturbed by the outside world either. Also keep your voice down, using what I call your “spa voice” in order to preserve a restful, tranquil environment for everyone – we all know what it can be like when someone talks a bit louder than necessary.
read more from "What to Expect When You Go to a Spa"

Ladies, I think it’s about time that we all took a moment and treated ourselves to a lovely spa treatment. What could be better than paying only $50 for a facial, a massage, a body wrap, a Brazilian wax, botox or microderm, I ask you? That’s right, I said deluxe spa treatments are only $50 for this limited time!

This is the fourth year with Spa Week.
read more from "Spa Week is Back: April 14th – 20th"

I use to fantasize about sitting at the top of the corporate ladder; I was in my early twenties and truly felt like I could command the elements. Now, in my late thirties I fantasize about a big glass of wine and a hot tub filled with bubbles. I haven’t given up on success, simply re-defined it. The reason, I got tired of stress being the diagnosis for my physical issues.
read more from "Stress is NOT a diagnosis"

With each new day we have the opportunity to start over and begin with a fresh perspective. We get a chance to create a day that is satisfying and fulfilling. When your day ends, does it end with a celebration of your accomplishments or with regrets? I used to live in the world of regret, and it’s a frustrating world to live in! I once met a wise person who sensed my regret and asked me two questions:

“What would you do if you didn’t need approval from other people?”

“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
read more from "A Fresh Perspective"

Cold season is here, and in an attempt to ward off the sickies, millions of people are reaching for their Airborne – those fizzy little tablets you throw in water and chug (pretending they don’t taste like crap) because it boosts your immune system (or so the package claims) and helps cure the common cold.

read more from "Airborne – Super or Shady?"

Along with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October comes a large swell of pink-themed merchandise trotted out to raise funds for cancer research. If you’re interested in not only making a contribution, but also showing your support for the cause, these items may be just what you’re looking for.

Pink Ribbon Shop offers everything from golf balls to jewelry. Some of their most clever items:
- super cute pink ribbon pencils

- adorable pink floral ribbon temporary tattoos

- beautiful beaded bookmark

The fabulous gift site Red Envelope

has a number of nice breast cancer awareness items. All would make lovely gifts. Here are a couple of my favorite items:
- rose quartz drop necklace

- think pink bamboo terry robe – bonus: this item is made from sustainable organic bamboo

Other assorted items from around the web include:
- OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Polish
- Cook for the Cure KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
- a zillion cute t-shirts from CafePress
- Mobile Edge pink suede business tote

If a straight-up donation is more your speed, here are some options to explore:
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- National Breast Cancer Coalition
- Cancer Research Institute
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- American Cancer Society

Post and share other cool merchandise ideas and suggestions for where to make donations in the comments.

Lawyerlee