Hot Spring and Summer Fashions for 2008

It doesn't take a lot of money or effort to freshen up your look for this spring and summer! Use these quick fashion trends to add fun pieces to your wardrobe to create a new look, or work with what you already own to get the hot looks for the season.

Spring and Summer Fashion Trends:

1. Florals - Flora of every shape, color and size are a hot look whether on a skirt, blouse or dress. Have fun using this feminine print to put you in the mood for warm weather. Go easy on the accessories when wearing florals however, so you don't over due it. Instead, use your makeup to accent your look with fun shades of lipcolor or eyeshadow.

2. Bright Colors - Use bright colors to create impact. Choose a bright solid garment then tone it down with white or neutral colored shoes, a purse, or belt to complete the look. Avoid black with a bright outfit which might push it over the top.

3. Shirt Dresses - The new look for shirt dresses make them fun, interesting and even sultry. This is definitely not the June Cleaver approach to the shirt dress - it's more modern and sexy. Cinch the dress with a belt to help make your waist appear smaller - something most of us moms could use.

4. Sheer - To add an element of romanticism to your look without showing too much skin, incorporate sheer fabrics into your outfit. This is perfect for your date night out to make you feel feminine and updated. Just don't take this look too far by making sure what needs to be covered, is.

5. Cocktail Shorts - Find a length that best compliments your figure, then choose a dressy short to make you feel casual but still look great and ready for a night out. This season, the cocktail short is a little fuller and more comfortable and can be found in beautiful fabrics. Find the perfect top that balances the short's proportion for a perfect outfit. Don't over accessorize or you can ruin the look. Keep the shoes and jewelry simple.

6. Full-Skirt Dresses - These are great because they flatter you up top and minimize your bottom, hiding any unwanted pounds. They have a cool, airy feel which is perfect for those hot summer months.

7. Safari Jackets - Throwing on a safari jacket is a fun way to cover up on a cool evening and create a new look. These are great for women who love to wear neutrals and like the ease of simple makeup and hair, since it's the best way to compliment this season's hot look.

8. Trench Coats - Yes, this wardrobe staple is still considered hot so if you bought into this trend a season or so ago, you're still in luck. Wear it belted to give it a fresh and updated look.

Look in your closet first, to see if you have anything that you can incorporate with these hot trends. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg if you need to add a piece here or there. Purchasing something new to work with what you have, can help make your wardrobe seem new again and give you more satisfaction out of the clothes you currently own. This can save you money in the long run.

Always shop smart when adding trendy clothes or accessories to your wardrobe, so you don't feel guilty when they go out of style. Remember though, before you head to the stores, go shopping in your own closet and really look at what you have and what you can do to make it work for you and the new season.

Vitamins - Friend or Foe?

Vitamins have been under scrutiny for a while now it seems. I never could form a strong opinion on them myself, other than knowing I needed folic acid when trying to get pregnant and iron once I was. I figured vitamin supplements couldn't hurt anything other than my pocketbook, so I'd take them whenever I thought of it, but wouldn't feel guilty when I didn't.

However, recent analysis of 67 study groups concluded that taking dietary supplements didn't reduce death rates. In fact, the studies showed that they might be increasing death rates instead. Not exactly what you were hoping for when shelling out money for something you thought was benefiting you and your family.

The studies, however, did find that taking vitamins A, E, and beta carotene provided strong health benefits and may increase mortality. That said, if you feel like you must take supplements, these are the ones to focus on for the highest benefit.

This information is important to keep in mind if you think by taking vitamins yourself or having your children take them, that any bad eating habits will be nullified. As the studies have shown, that's certainly not the case. Getting the vitamins your body needs through fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins is still the best defense against health ailments because good health comes from nature and not a pill bottle!