Simple Beauty

Shopping Your Closet

by Jill Swanson March 16, 2012
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Dear Jill, Every time I get to the mall there is so much to choose from and so little to spend. How can I flatter my look without flattening my wallet? Welcome to the club! When the seasons change, many of us begin to hear the “call of the mall.” Before you shop, take a [...]

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What to Wear?

by Jill Swanson May 11, 2011
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Dear Jill: I constantly find myself drawing a blank as to what to wear each day. Is there a system to making this decision? One word: Prioritize! Are you dressing for function, fashion, reaction or passion? Function – Is your physical comfort important for your day? Are you sitting at a desk, playing with young [...]

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Packing with Confidence

by Jill Swanson March 11, 2011
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Dear Jill: I love to travel but hate to pack. It just overwhelms me! How can I do it and keep my sanity? If vacations are a time to refresh, renew and regenerate … why, then, do we feel a dark cloud begin to loom over us weeks before we step foot on the airplane? [...]

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Statement Maker Accessories

by Jill Swanson January 9, 2011
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Dear Jill: I need to update my look and would like to do it with jewelry. Lately I’ve been hearing about “statement maker” pieces. What are they and how do I find them? Statement maker accessories are a wonderful way to look trendy and remain true to yourself without being a slave to fashion fads. [...]

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Holiday Dressing

by Jill Swanson November 11, 2010

Dear Jill: It’s that festive time of the year again, and just the thought of it makes me start stressing about the dressing—and I’m not talking turkey here. I want to look nice without spending a fortune, can you help? Dear Festive, Here’s a fresh, inexpensive approach to holiday style: I call it the magic [...]

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Closet War Zone

by Jill Swanson September 8, 2010

Dear Jill: My closet looks like a war zone! How do I delve into this overwhelming disaster? Dear Fellow Warrior, Take heart, you are not alone! The average woman wears about 10% of the clothes in her closet, 90% of the time. Swing open those closet doors and prepare to divide and conquer! Everything is [...]

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Dressing Light

by Jill Swanson July 24, 2010

Question: It’s the middle of summer, and I still haven’t shed those dreaded extra few pounds. How can I dress light without looking heavy? Good news—this season you can be fun and fashionable without fretting! Summer 2010 is all about styles that skim the body and bold accessories that hold the attention where you want [...]

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Budget Fashionista

by Jill Swanson May 1, 2010
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Question: We’ve had a tough year and my beauty budget is almost zero. How can I still look stylish without spending a lot of money? —Cheap Chic Dear Chic, Have no fear—the budget fashionista is here! With a few simple steps in the right direction, you can have beauty without breaking the bank. 1. Organize [...]

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Through the Eyes of Love

by Sharon Patterson March 13, 2009
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This is a story I would like to have written as a first hand witnessed account. I was not present when it happened because my teaching job was a necessity at that time in our family’s life. My mother-in-law was living with us and caring for our eighteen month old son, Joseph. I was tired [...]

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As I Grow Older

by Betty Jo Mings November 21, 2006
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I pray I won’t end up a grouchy old lady, Recounting each ache and each pain In intricate detail to all who will listen, While hoping some pity to gain. I pray I’ll stay kind, and be helpful to others, While striving to put their needs first; And that I will share the sweet story [...]

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