33.  You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
34.  You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she is pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
35.  There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
36.  The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above average drivers.
37.  A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
38.  Your friends love you anyway.
39.  Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new.
40.  Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic

Have a wonderful weekend!

25.  It ain’t the jeans that make your butt look fat.
26.  If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved — and never will achieve — its full potential, that word would be “meetings.”
27.  There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”
28.  People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29.  You should not confuse your career with your life.
30.  Nobody cares if you can not dance well. Just get up and dance.
31.  Never lick a steak knife.
32.  The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

Tomorrow:  Facts of Life 33 - 40!

17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you have kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.

Tomorrow: Facts of Life 25 - 32!

9.    For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10.  If you do not look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11.  Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
12.  A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13.  Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14.  Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
15.  No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16.  A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

Tomorrow: Facts of Life 17 - 24!

It is so important to groom and shape your brows. The way your brows look will affect the overall image of your eyes and face. Not to mention, your brows are the external expressions of your individual personality and tell stories on their own.

One fact to remember is that your brows are “sisters not twins.” You may be able to get your brows to look pretty darn close to identical but not totally and that’s okay. This is what makes people so unique and beautiful in their way. As a make-up artist, I have come to believe that flaws and slight imperfections give each one of us our distinctly different beauty.

First, clean and shape your brows. If you are not comfortable tweezing your own brows, your local beauty shop can do it for you. Remember, a thicker brow will tend to make you look younger. Shaping your brow creates an outline, which you can fill in with color. Cleaning up under your brow will open up the eye dramatically. Comfort tip: after your brows are shaped they may be red and a bit sore so fold up and place an Ultimate Cleansing Cloth by Noodle & Boo on your brow bone to cool and soothe the skin.

Next, find a color match for your brow and make sure you are comfortable with the color. I prefer to use a powder brow color vs. a creamy brow pencil. Powder lasts longer and doesn’t smear as easy. Also, I like using the small angle brush that is needed when applying a powder brow color because I can manipulate the movements easier, placement is more precise and the brush produces a truly natural look. It is more difficult to do these techniques with a pencil.

When you place the color, start in the heavier bottom side of your brow, which is closest to your nose. Place color first by gently laying the brush flat on your skin and tap in the natural direction following your brow, then swipe to blend so you won’t be left with dark blotchy spots of color. I prefer to have the color fade lighter as it reaches upward towards the forehead area, again for a natural look. Add color slowly until you reach the intensity desired. If you add too much color, simply take a clean brow brush and brush out excess color. This is another reason to use powder; it’s more forgiving than a pencil if you add too much color.

Lastly, set your brow with a brow gel to keep the hair in place. There is a large brow gel collection to choose from in the cosmetic market today, just inquire about a brow gel with your favorite cosmetic line.

Happiness is having natural brows which define your unique look!

1.  Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2.  Don’t worry about what people think. They do not do it very often.
3.  Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4.  Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5.  If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you have never tried before.
6.  My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7.  Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8.  It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Tomorrow: Facts of Life 9 - 16! 

Myth 6: “It” has to be Perfect
Perfection in everything we do is an admirable but unrealistic goal. It becomes so focused on getting every detail right that we lose sight of the bigger picture and lose all the joy in the effort.

A perfect party, for example, is about friends enjoying each others’ company. If you focus on the fun, rather than worrying that someone might realize that there is a speck or two of dust, you’ll be much more relaxed and a better hostess. Strive for doing the best you can, not perfection.

Myth 7: Good Women Put Themselves Last
One of the values many of us were taught is that we put the needs of other before our own. The problem is, that when we put our own needs last, we do not take the time we need to recharge ourselves, which makes us less able to do for others.

Being happy, fulfilled and energetic enables us to be there for others in our lives. Do not waste time feeling guilty about taking time just for you. It will make you, and those around you, much happier.

Myth 8: All Activities Require a Companion
So many women miss out on things they would love to do, because they do not have someone to join them so they stay home, rather than going alone. While some activities may be more enjoyable when shared, there is a lot to be said for enjoying things on your own.

Do not miss out on something you want to do, just because you do not have a friend available to go with you. Enjoy what you love, with or without a companion.

Myth 9: Getting Lost is Bad
Getting lost is a very stressful experience for most of us. We are determined to reach our goal and any deviation makes us fume. Getting lost, though, can lead to great adventures and new experiences.

Rather than fuming when you lose your way, enjoy the scenery. Rather than giving in to frustration, look at it as an opportunity to visit somewhere you have never been. And remember the old saying: “We don’t know where we’re going, but we’re making good time!”

Myth 10: Women Have to Work Harder than Men
For years, women believed they had to work longer hours than their male counterparts thinking that coming in early, staying late and taking on extra work would further their careers. Rather than working more, try working smarter. Do not hesitate to take on high profile projects and look for opportunities to remind those in positions of authority of what you have accomplished. It is not bragging, its just good PR.

Myth 1: Busy Women Don’t Have Time for Spontaneity
Most of us are ruled by calendars. It is rare to have a few hours, let alone a whole day, that is not booked solid. Who has time for spontaneous fun, we have got work to do and errands to run. We are scheduled and stressed to the max.

Not making time for spontaneity, though, can suck much of the joy out of your life. Carve out an hour on your calendar for spontaneity. When the time comes, get the family and do something just for fun. Whether it is something you love or something you have never tried before, laugh and enjoy the time. Some of the best times are the ones that are not planned.

Myth 2: Mom is Responsible for the House
Dad’s are responsible for working and mom’s are responsible for raising the kids and taking care of the house. That was true in 1950. In this century, most mom’s are working outside the home and yet still feel responsible for the cleaning, cooking, laundry and other chores required to keep a home running.

Have a family meeting and outline what chores need to be done. Agree on chore assignments and the fact that everyone who lives in the home is responsible for maintaining it. Then, let everyone share the load. Could you make your son’s bed more neatly than your 5 year old? Sure, but does it really matter? He’s learning responsibility and it is one less job for you. Relax.

Myth 3: If You’re Smiling Too Much, You Must Not Understand the Situation
When the going gets tough, the tough…don’t smile. The reality, though, is that when things are really tough, that is when we need laughter the most. Humor is remarkably effective at reducing stress and helping to keep things in perspective.

When comforting a friend who has been dealt a serious blow, do not focus on the problem, but talk about positive things. Use gentle humor to lighten the mood. Do the same for yourself when you are the one with problems. The sun really will come up tomorrow. No matter what the problem, you will cope better with a smile.

Myth 4: Thin Equals Happy
Many of us assume that thin equals healthy and happy. Many of us waste a lot of time and create a considerable stress in trying to attain the perfect size. The problem is that the perfect size that nature dictates may not match the perfect size displayed in magazine ads. Rather than stressing over the fact that you are not a size two, focus your efforts on maintaining your health and loving your body, whatever size it is.

Myth 5: If We Really Try, We Can Have It All
Some women believe they have it all, with marriage, children, perfect home and career. The one thing missing is the time to enjoy it. But they are spread so thin they do not have time to enjoy their lives.

Perhaps a smaller home and less focus on career can allow more time to enjoy what you are working for. It is a difficult balancing act, but can be managed, if you are clear on priorities and stick to focusing on what is most important.

Tomorrow: Part 2!

How you apply your make-up is just as important as the colors you choose to wear. Therefore, it is important to invest in quality make-up brushes that last for a long time and give you the look you want.

I love the professional make-up brushes by M•A•C. Their brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature birch, linden and ramin wood handles, nickel-plated brass ferrules. There are 5 staple brushes to own and are really easy to use.  They will have your make-up looking fabulous once you get the techniques down.

#129 Powder/Blush Brush: $34
All-purpose for blush or face powder. This brush is particularly good for a bronzer, blush or mineral powder application. The fibers are soft and form a full, rounded shape. To apply use light sweeping motions and add color gradually to the intensity that is desired.

#150 Powder/Bronzer Brush: $42
Full and dense for dusting loose or pressed powder on face or body. Also fun to use for applying bronzer or mineral powder for a lighter application than brush #129. Remember with the tighter binding and fuller, larger brushes there will be a softer application of color.

#266 Angle Brush: $19
For creating sharp, precise lines. This brush has fibers which are carefully arranged to form a perfect angle. This brush is wonderful for applying a powder eyeliner for a less dramatic look than pencil or cream liner or use it to apply color to your brows. I love powder liner because with my oily skin it won’t smear. Lightly place color from the end of the angle onto the lash line and add to the intensity desired. Be careful not to press to hard or you will get a thicker line.

#249 Large Shader Brush: $27
For applying and/or blending eye shadow. Paddle shaped, with a flat rounded tip. Synthetic: its soft fibres provides pro-quality pick-up and distribution of powder, liquid or cream products. This brush is great for applying concealer or cream shadows that are so popular now.

#224 Tapered Blending Brush: $28
For controlled eye shadow application. This brush has soft fibers which taper to form a medium size dome shape. This brush is for applying and blending with a soft touch (the harder you press the stronger the color) in a back and forth windshield wiper motion in the crease or a small circular motion across the eyelid to blend in shadow, especially great for dark colors in the crease.

BRUSH CARE: It is really important that you wash your brushes. Ideally once a week, but if your busy like me, I wash them once per month. Use a mild shampoo to wash your brushes, I like to use the Extra Gentle Shampoo by Noodle and Boo because it has a low surfactant system and it is conditioning (great for sable and synthetic hair brushes). It is also nice to have the mild and delightful scent around your face.

DIRECTIONS: Put a small amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand and wash brushes in a circular, back and forth motion to get the color out. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water, squeeze excess water out and lay flat to dry on a clean towel. It is so imperative make-up brushes lay flat because if you put them upright to dry the water will move downward into the wooden handle and loosen the binding which will loosen the hair causing the hair to shed on your face during application. Enjoy your investment and have fun applying make-up everyday!

# 6 Laugh!
You may not equate belly laughs with relaxation, but laughing reduces stress and makes you feel more relaxed. Find your commute raising your blood pressure? Put in a CD of your favorite comic.

Had a tough day at work and now the kids are cranky? Put in a funny movie you all can enjoy, like Shrek or Finding Nemo.

# 7 Do What You Love
It’s easy to get so caught up in day-to-day activities and responsibilities that we forget to do what we love. We put our dreams on hold , assuming that someday we’ll spend all our time doing what we love. Don’t wait, start incorporating the things you love in your daily activities.

Love music but don’t have time to practice? Make time! Perhaps you can form a family band, with the less musically inclined contributing with a tambourine. It may not be Carnegie Hall, but it will be fun and relaxing.

# 8 Breathe
Well, duh, we breathe everyday. To relax, though, be conscious of your breathing. Conscious breathing can be one of the fastest ways to relax, and it’s something you can do anywhere. Stuck in the world’s longest grocery line? Instead of fuming, breathe in through your nose for five seconds. Hold it for five seconds. Let it out through your mouth for five seconds.

Conscious breathing will distract you from an annoying situation and make you feel more relaxed.

# 9 Take a Thirty Second Vacation
A fast way to feel relaxed is to take a quick vacation. Visualize your favorite vacation spot. Love the beach? Close your eyes and visualize the scene. Focus on the details and different senses. The feel the warm, gritty sand on your feet. The sound of the waves hitting the shore. The smell of the salty air and sun lotion. The feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Take a deep breath and come back to reality. As you return, bring that feeling of relaxation with you, knowing you can return to that vacation spot anytime you’d like.

# 10 Celebrate and Appreciate
Studies have shown that people who keep a gratitude journal are generally happier. Whether you keep a journal or just spend a few minutes each day focusing on the positives in your life, you’ll feel happier and more relaxed.

The old advice to count your blessings really is a valuable tool to help you relax, feel less stressed and more contented.