Who said you have to live in the land of boring blue when it comes to your jeans?

The new rage is red in the name of jeans this season, especially since Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was seen wearing a pair while playing a game of hockey at Olympic Park in London.

But this trend isn’t just across the pond! America’s own sizzling celebs, such as Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardashian-Odam, have been sporting the sultry spring jean.

Now it’s time to pack a punch in your own wardrobe. Brands such as  WetSeal, Calvin Klein and Gap all have a pair for under $100!

It may technically still be winter, but the unusually warm weather has us putting away our turtlenecks a little early this year. So, what should we break out next, you ask? How about a closet full of Life Savers candy-colored clothes blazing in hues of lemon, lime and citrus? My mouth is already watering!

The Next Food Network Star started early this Sunday at my house. That’s right; this Sunday for Father’s Day, me and my two sons, who are four and five, woke up at 8:00 a.m. to make the world’s best dad a big breakfast.

As my little chefs pulled up their stools and put on oven-mitts to protect them from burns, I gazed and though, “They are growing their ‘food chops’” as Bobby Flay would say! After I tried to manage their every move, I could clearly see why some people have a knack for cooking and others don’t — meaning me! I think I was more in the way than helpful which is scary since I am much older and should be more experienced in the kitchen. So I think if anyone had to choose to cast someone out of the kitchen this father’s day, it would have been me. Which is fine, I would prefer to eat than cook!

This actually says a lot for this Sunday’s cast off on “Next Food Network Star.” Eddie Gilbert, who landed a spot on this season’s show, he has only been cooking as a professional chef for seven months! Yet he immediately left an impression with viewers and with the judges when he won a food challenge early on in the season.

This week the challenge was to make a Budget Dinner for Ina Garten, Food Network host of “Barefoot Contessa.” Eddie was paired with Melissa, or as they have been called “mommy and meany” and they prepared a watermelon, sweet onion, feta cheese dish. The meal didn’t fare so well with the Ina and her dinner guests, so unfortunately Eddie saw himself back on the chopping block again (he has been there every week) and was fizzled out of the show.

So what did this post corporate honcho made newby-chef think of his cooking chops on season five? He professed that it was the “birth of his culinary career.” Well I guess that is more than enough time to earn those rights. After all I gave birth after nine months and deemed myself a great mom and great care-taker.

But I have to wonder how these contestants manage the stress that is put on them during one of these shows, especially for Eddie who is very green in his career. How does one showcase the knowledge you need to be a chef, but also get used to the cameras? Maybe when you are cooking up a concoction that you feel is fab, everything else comes naturally, right? Well according to Eddie, he found it hard to find himself in the eye of the camera, which is probably why he only made it through 3-weeks of the show.

So what does a cast off of a Food Network show look back on and wish they would have changed? “I wish I would have done ribs in the first episode” says Eddie. Hind sight is always 20/20 as they say-but doing a knock-out punch like ribs would have landed him my vote! De-lish!

So what does Eddie see himself doing now that he won’t be hosting his own food show? Even though he doesn’t really know why he was kicked off the show, he is going to continue his career as a chef and perfecting his favorite food “Lamb Lollipops” which is made with Guinness (a favorite beer of his). Sounds like a tasty move in the right direction.

To see missed snippets of the Next Food Network Star visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-food-network-star/index.html.

What could possibly be better than eating a meal prepared for you by famed Food Network chef Bobby Flay? How about a one on one to discuss the fifth season of Next Food Network Star?

I have never been a good cook, in-fact just short of pouring cereal in a bowl and being able to put it in the dishwasher when I am done is about the only business I have in my kitchen. But I can say I love to eat, watch people cook and envy crazy concoctions cooks can come up with in the kitchen that I would never even dream of attempting to do myself.

So in my interview, as much as I would like to say Bobby Flay offered to give me first hand training in what I’m sure he would call my kindergarten kitchen (it has the basics: sink, stove, counters and cupboards- but mostly bare if you open them), he did however marinate my brain with all the juicy details of this season’s show, and it sound “Flay-vorful!”

If you have been an avid follower of Next Food Network Star or even if you are a novice foody looking to chew on a new show, this season is no joke! ‚ A panel of judges, including Bobby Flay, weighs the chef’s abilities to cook, marinate, describe and even conjure up new dishes through insane food challenges. But in the end, it’s really a six week interview of sorts to see who could become the host of another Food Network show!

Flay, who has been professionally cooking for 26 years, says this seasons chefs “have pretty good food chops, but I am looking for someone who is gonna have a really good repertory of things…even if they win it, I am looking way past that. I want them to be an important roster to the Food Network.”

One of Flay’s favorite episodes is set in Miami and includes a tantalizing twist on a fish dish. The winner gets to be put on a menu at a restaurant, and if you have ever tried to cook any kind of fish, you know that’s a challenge in itself!

So just because you’re queen in your kitchen at home, once you’re in “Flay-ville” you better be able to baste your way to his taste-buds! The recipe for success on this show is easy, you must be entertaining (you can’t be monotone in speech), know what you are doing in the kitchen (don’t ask what a colander is) , and teach your audience something (meaning us “viewers” drooling through the television). If you can’t do that, be ready to pack-up your oven mitts and head home!

Luckily for us the Food Network has found ten of the best and brightest from all walks of life to show off their skills, and in some cases lack thereof!

Tune to the Food Network channel to see all the tasty, delectable, seared and savory season of “Next Food Network Star”. You can even vote on your favorite contestants by going to FoodNetwork.com.

Oh yes my friends, I can smell it, the scent of spring in the air! And for men, that means getting outdoors and showing off a new look that is fitting for a recession. Free football game in the park anyone?

Spring fashion must haves for men will have you feeling loose and free to just chill and hang with the guys, (or an easy going girl in your life) while you look for free concerts in the park, re-visit a childhood basketball court or even a throw cozy spring picnic in the park with pals.

What I think is the cream of the crop in men’s fashion this season is the more relaxed fitting jeans, shorts and pants. If you are more casual and cried over last season’s calf hugging pantsuits, not to worry. The designers this season know you are looking to chill out while leaving the more up-tight look for a special occasion.

One of my favorites for this season is a collection by Michael Bastian. There’s something about a sporty guy with a little muscle and a tan to top it off that seems sexier than ever.

Men can easily sport the wider leg pants or shorts with a little leg room to move around in. Even the hemline is a more easy fit, but not too baggy, which could have easily made this look appear “bummy.” Plus, it’s nice to see a man show a little “leg” for once, we women are tired of doing all the work! WINK WINK!

Another really cool trend with many designers this spring, including Michael Bastian, is the ability to dress up shorts or those torn up jeans with a sport coat. Have you ever seen pictures of 4-year-old boys from the 70′s wearing the short suit outfits with the socks pulled up high? Ok, well we don’t need to see your two striped knee socks now, but the look is oh so cool for a night out at your local hangout.

Designers like William Rast really hit the nail on the head with this cool, yet sophisticated look. But if you don’t have the cash you can easily make your own with an old pair of jeans you can cut down, and pair it with a suit coat you have stashed in your closet. Come on, metro sexual was a great look but for you men who are more rugged you can now be metro-hipstural! Who said you only had to wear a suit coat for weddings or funerals?

And as usual, the cool v-neck tees with retro prints are great for any style you decide to sport. One of the key components to this season’s style is wearability. If you can’t run, relax or be rugged in it, it doesn’t belong on you men this spring. Even if you are not into nature there is something very appealing about stomping through a pond if you so choose to. What man doesn’t want to enlighten his old boyish ways?

There are lots of ways to broaden your wardrobe this season, even if you mock some of the designers runway looks with your own personal touch. But most stores carry items that are similar in style, like American Eagle Outfitters who has the up to date spring must haves like t-shirts, cargo shorts and low loose jeans. Now let’s head outside and play a little flag football.

Oh, and you can take the suit coat off for that.

When we hear of a miracle diet pill that will promise to make us look like Heidi Klum by summer, we buy it. We also, no doubt, failed miserably at achieving those results! Why? Because nobody can look like Heidi Klum, unless, you’re Heidi Klum.

Well one small town smarty has come up with the next best thing to fighting the fat before summer, and it has nothing to do with fad diets and harsh diet pills. Casey Kurutz, of New Castle, Pa., and founder of SlimPerfect has created swimwear and active wear (that can conveniently be used as both) that I have deemed this year’s “Slim-suit.”

So how does one woman come to change the swimsuit nightmares we all have and turn them into a dream come true?

Kurutz bathing suit dreams came to life in 2007 when she told her family she was going to design a new swimsuit and active-wear line. She had struggled enough with pool-side anxiety, and decided to do something about it. “I could not find any swimwear on the market that flattered my figure and made me feel as confident as I did in other areas of my life,” says Kurutz. “My family was skeptical at first until they saw the line in person but they knew there was a need for what I was creating.”

With two young children and another full time business that she runs, you wouldn’t think that in one year’s time she would be on her feet and selling swimsuits, but she is.

So here’s the skinny on SlimPerfect’s slimming collection of swimwear. They have skirts, skorts, bikini tops, dresses, sleeved dresses, tankinis, sleeved tankinis and capris. That was a mouth full. I think many women will feel empowered knowing they can go out and participate in activities they once felt self conscience doing, like playing with their kids at the beach or pool. We all have body flaws, and SlimPerfect seems to have a solution for all of them. Just mix and match the pieces that suit you.

SlimPerfect’s swim and active wear promises to provide great coverage including tummy, thigh and buttock tamers, sleeved pieces and removable molded gel-filled bra cups (great for those who feel a little cheated in the chest.)

Kurutz has also thought of something most swimwear companies haven’t even considered, women who have had mastectomies. With removable molded gel-filled bra cups, you can remove the side that you don’t need or replace it with your own prosthesis. Talk about “awareness” of an issue that is truly stressful for a woman.

Some of the suits also have sewn-in pockets that are great for keys, phones, or even the baby’s binky. How many times have you been hanging out at the sandbar and lost the keys to the boat? Perfect solution here.

All pieces can be worn as swimwear or active-wear with sizes ranging from 8 – 18. And even more thrilling to hear, they are made in the USA.‚ Kurutz‚ really did think of everything.

We all deserve to stop having pity parties when we really should be enjoying the warm weather months with friends and family. Besides that, ‚ a‚ slim-suit‚ sounds much better than a swimsuit so go ahead and check one out.

We ladies have all been there, done that, and will more than likely do it again … fake something! We wear push-up bras to give us a more voluptuous boost, skinny it out in skinny jeans to make us appear longer legged. Even strut around in stiletto boots to make our 5’4″ frames appear to be a more modelesque‚ 5’9″. (Of course if you’re me, you will show your grace by falling down a flight of stairs while wearing them! Jump up, dust yourself off and try again, hence the “do it again” scenario.)

Since we can’t seem to help but lash out against our natural born beauty… it doesn’t seem so bizarre to bat our eyes at a new trend that seems to be taking on a view of its own!

Fake eyelashes are all the rage. From the individual ones that you place near the edge of the eye to the full eyelashes, they are a beauty obsession among many women, and in some cases a must-have for nights out on the town.

False eyelashes have been around since 1916, when American film director D.W. Griffith was filming his epic, “Intolerance.” Griffith wanted actress Seena Owen to pop on screen so he invented lashes that brushed her cheeks, so her eyes would appear larger than life. A wig maker wove human hair through fine gauze, which was then gummed to Owen’s eyelids.‚  They continued to be used in films and were also loved by everyday women looking to enhance their look.

Now fast forward almost 100-years and you will still find women winking over their fake and flirty lashes. Only now they are more practical in design but much more daring in style, and selection. Basic black is the most popular of course, but if you’re looking for a more Glamazon look, you can also find: feathered, furry, glittered and show-girly. It’s all a matter of preference, taste and in some cases how daring you dare to be!

Seeing someone in false eye lashes can make a girl wonder… “How did she get those things on?” It’s not exactly rocket science, but it’s not for the shake-y handed either. It does take a little patience, a good mirror and a little insight on how to apply them.

Here are some suggestions I was given by make-up artists:

• Apply a thin layer of liquid black eyeliner
• Curl eyelashes with an eyelash curler
• Before gluing fake eyelashes, lay them over your natural eyelashes to make sure they are the right length
• If lashes are too long, trim with scissors from the outer edge until you have the right size
• Squeeze out glue (I use the eyelash plastic container, why not)
• I use the back of my tweezers to add glue to the base of the eyelashes
• Wait till the glue is tacky before applying
• Lay fake eyelashes over your eye and slide down as close to the base of your real lashes
• And just like that, you have stunning eyelashes!

As you can see, I have worn lashes before, and I wanted to pass on a little tip I learned. Obviously, I was over joyed at the fact I was able to put them on myself and they stayed on! But one helpful find has made my lash locking a little easier- black glue. I tried the typical white when I first started and you could see I over-used it in fear of them falling off. Even though it said the white would dry clear, when you use as much as I did, there was still little remnants of white caked on the lashes. So even though I have gotten better at application, I still prefer the darker glue. Of course, you can always have a professional put them on for you too.

If you are looking for a long term glue-less solution, you can get eyelash implants. Eyelash implants are hair follicles taken from the scalp and sewn into the lash area. It is considered a surgical treatment, but you will have long thick lashes without the need to apply any fake ones. The only down fall is that the hairs that have been transplanted, may need to be trimmed. I wonder how soon there will be a line item at my salon under Eyebrow waxing that says “Eyelash Trim -$ 25.00?” Implants are also a little pricey, so the drugstore false lashes may have to do for awhile!

If you’re into trying new things, but are a little hesitant about lashing yourself out with false eyelashes or eyelash implants, there are a few liquid alternatives. One hot new product on the market today, that won’t break the bank, is called MaxoLash. If you want the lush lashes, but on a more permanent, no muss no fuss or needle basis, Maxolash can be easily applied to your lashes like mascara. Its patented formula allows your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker within a 4 week period.‚ You just need to plan ahead if that’s the case!

Few! Who would have thought there would be so much to say about eyelashes? Even I am amazed at my findings. So get your fabulous blinkers winking with your new found lash love, it’s something to bat your eyes over!

The girl-volution of a tween can be a trying time-for both ‚ parents and the tween. You know that period between the ages of 9-12 when girls try to act like they are 30? Parents often wonder what is happening to their little girls as they slowly start to change into women, while the tween’s are finding out firsthand what it’s like to start developing a little responsibility and of course self-expression.

It wasn’t too long ago I was a tween who dealt with self esteem issues, insecurities, started noticing boys and most importantly finding a style that proclaimed the inner qualities I was needing to share with the world. Of course for me it was done with caution at first, when you’re a tween it’s about testing the waters … not jumping in. Ha! That’s for the teen years!

But, I remembered the feeling of wanting to empower myself. There were so many things that I saw other tweens do or say or wear that made me wonder if I was not a normal tween.‚  They would dress in ways that would seem like they were competing for attention, the not so good kind, and surged jealousy in us girls whose parents weren’t so liberal in giving us everything we wanted.

The tween years are filled with competition, jealousy and insecurities. So how can we help our tweens feel a little empowered while promoting good values, sub-consciously of course. I spoke with FAO Schwartz Tween expert on hot products that are specifically designed to inspire tweens that parents will willingly want to invest on.

Depending on your little tween’s personality or inner wild child,‚ Rebelle‚ has created handbags that any girl would brag about.‚ Rebelle‚ is the only handbag collection available exclusively to the tween market. The detachable handbags come with a zipper down the middle so you can share them with a friend, thus teaching girls to share and the value of friendship. You can also join the‚ Rebelle‚ Friendship Club and become pen pals with girls from across the world. How distinguished, even for a tween, to say they have a friend in a foreign land.

If you have a very creative and eclectic tween, that you don’t mind spending a little money on to help develop their creative side,‚ Imagine This‚ has just the gift.‚ Imagine This‚ has created custom handbags for that fashionista who is a little finicky. With this special design opportunity, your tween will first receive her Designer’s Portfolio, which has everything she will need to design a bag she can call her own. The kit includes templates and fabric swatches that she can hand pick. Once her design has been completed, you can submit it to the talented designers at‚ Imagine This,‚ who will turn the original design into an actual handbag.

Handbags not your tweens forte? Jump-start their passion to become a fashion designer with this Project Runway Fashion and Figure Drawing Set. The Kit comes with a 12-inch wooden mannequin model, pencils, sketchbook, and more. Sketch your inspired design ideas to create a complete fashion portfolio.

Last but certainly not least, a gift any tween would feel creative with is Silk Scarf Painting by ALEX. Create a brilliant rainbow of freely flowing vibrant colors on pure, shimmery 100% silk. Kit comes with one 45″ long scarf and one 28″ bandana. Decorating supplies include 3 real bamboo brushes, mixing palette, eye dropper, rubber gloves, chunky salt, and easy step-by-step instructions.

Tweens can be a challenge to raise but it can be even worse around the holidays, figuring out what to buy them. Don’t leave the shopping up to your imagination or try to determine what your tween is thinking. The experts know best, and your tween will be pleased with your ability to find their inner spirit they thought you never understood. You can find all of these great gift ideas at FAO Schwartz stores.

Winterizing your wardrobe on a worn out budget, thanks to the wayward economy, can leave one feeling a little frigid in the spending spree department. But thanks to some great designers and a few smart tricks, shopping doesn’t have to be — or at least appear to be — so frugal for the more fashionable minded shopper.

We saw in the fall the landscape that designers laid out earlier this year on the runway. The styles were reminiscent to the 1920s and 30s era of the Depression, with pencil skirts and vintage lace tops and of course the paperboy hats that seem to make us feel demure while walking down the street, even if we have to buy it for a dime at a second hand store.

Classic but traditional pieces can be found almost anywhere.

Winter fashion can be one of the best wardrobe seasons we have. There is nothing cooler than dialed down temperatures to compliment your cool, layered look. So cozy up to a warm mug of hot cocoa and let’s hash out some of this seasons hot closet must haves.

With the woes of the economy and the long winter months of cool air and shorter daylight, it’s easy to get trapped in the negative tone of just wearing black on black. So, instead of dimming down your outfit to reflect an unsure spirit, show some life that still burns inside you with an outfit that is kicked up with color.

This season hosts some bright but not blinding colors like green, gold, blue and deep plums. So pick the color that you like best and find it in one of this seasons styles.

If you’re seeking a little over the top attention with the trendy colors this year, slip on a cool sequined top or even a glossy style dress with black liquid tights. That’s rights, it’s all about the sequins and gloss, just do it within reason. No need to reflect light off you like a flashbulb on a disco dance floor!

If you still want to wear your chic depression era duds from fall, no worries, we have just the complimentary pieces to keep you styling all winter, without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. ‚ Coats are a must have, especially if you live in cooler climates! Tuxedo jackets make the perfect comeback to compliment any wardrobe. With its bold straight lines, you will feel tall and sleek, even if what you have on underneath is not all that new and stylish.

Wool cashmere petal collar coat with belt $2,595 by Stella McCartney

Exterior sex appeal is all the rage this winter. Who doesn’t feel a little safe and warm while wearing our man’s coat? Only now we can have a tuxedo jacket all our own!

Both of these trends are easy to attain no matter what your budget. Target has their new GO International Collection hitting the stores now so you can be just as stylish as those who shop at the trendy boutiques stores, only on a smaller budget of course.

Still want more spark in your wardrobe? Heat up the holidays with a little flair. Bare your not so long ago summer shoulders in a strapless cocktail dress made of chiffon. While you’re at it, accent it with a stylish statement necklace like a large pendant, a long strand of beads or a chunky choker.

We can’t forget the model for all outfits, SHOES! Even the dullest outfits can be kicked up a notch with a killer pair of boots. This season hosts a huge selection of heals, flats, and fringes that will have you walking your way to some of the hottest looks, from girls and guys! Tall boots, the ones that come up over your knee, are all the rage this season. Whether it’s a stunning pair from Nine West or Stella McCartney, they are key for any outfit.

Who would have thought the hooker boots Vivian wore on Pretty Woman could be so hot! Don’t forget to work that tall heal! If you are not so daring, or maybe a little awkward in heals, you can still be trendy in a cute ankle boot. Just throw on a pair of leggings, a long sweater, and you’re ready to go.

Those are the basics! Sequined or glossy styled tops, (don’t forget to get it in one of the season’s hottest colors) tuxedo jackets, leggings of any style or pattern, strapless party dresses and uber tall or ankle style boots!

If you’re not in the mood to go all out, accessories can dress you up too. Add a scarf to your wardrobe, grab a cool clutch in faded hews of green and blue, or throw on a chunky style necklace that will give you a tiny touch of this seasons finest finishes.

If you are a fashion forward guy or maybe you ladies have a guy who needs a little help, we have a few must haves for men too.

Luckily the styles are very reminiscent to women’s fashion. Tuxedo style suits, in dark colors are super hot on a cool winter night. This trend may seem a little ordinary, but it’s far from it. The tuxedo style suit, as revealed during designer Paul Smiths fashion show, revealed a shorter sleeve and shorter than normal hem line.‚ The new men’s look in suits are so hot off the runway, that even in this chilled weather, had us reaching for a fan.‚  Just add accessories, like blue shades, to add some color.

Another fashion necessity for men is a bomber style jacket. We need to keep our men warm too! And if he is a little risky, he can even try sport coats and pants with mixed prints and square patterns! But I have to say, wear at your own risk.

So there it is, winter must haves that will have you feeling warm and fuzzy no matter what your budget.

Just make sure you button up, it’s getting cold out there!