Well, girls, I am totally slacking on this blogging thing. But now is the time for holiday shopping, so I must get in gear. I have some of the holiday shopping done, but I definitely don't have it all done. I need some good ideas for my boyfriend's mom, who refuses to give any indication of what she would like to get under the tree, and it doesn't matter how many times you ask, she won't tell you. That's okay! I used to be that way, too - never telling anyone what I wanted because I never thought about it hard enough! So I found a few things that might work. Wine gadgets or an oh-so-cool digital photo frame, great cookbooks, exercising fun, something to take the edge off after a long day of work or a darling, delicious gift basket! I am sure I will find something she will adore. Happy Holidays!

I've got a bit of an obsession lately (you know, besides shopping, which is a consistent obsession). Belts. I love them, and they are so trendy right now. Bright red, leopard, macrame, stretchy, leather, big, tiny, croc skin, metal - you think of it, and they have it. I have bought a total of three really big belts - a light brown, dark brown and black. I know I need a red. Since there are so many choices, and these belts can really make an outfit, I recommend you jump into this trend wholeheartedly! For more inspiration, check out the links in this post. Happy shopping!

America's Next Top Model

There are some weeks, girls, that all i can do is wait for America's Next Top Model to get here. I adore the show and have been watching it for three years. It is very much a guilty pleasure. I head to my bff Dana's house and scoop out some frozen cosmos to enjoy while watching those catty girls. My favorite is Caridee right now (blonde with book). And my least favorite is Melrose (crazy hair, crazy bitch), who is a bit of a drama queen and somewhat mean to everyone else on the show...but she does take some striking pics. The other girl I like is Amanda (book cover with Fabio, whom I find completely unappealing), who has a consistently beautiful portfolio.

MOTIVATE!

For the past few months, I have been less enthusiastic about going to the gym. I love working out, always have, always will, but my constant routine easily got me to a plateau. So girls, I knew I had to do something, and something I did do. I have been wanting to highlight my hair for the longest time but did not want to spend the big bucks at the salon nor do a horrible job myself at home. In light of my recent lackluster effort at the gym, I decided to use highlighting as a major motivator for getting my butt into gear. Now I am a mere week away from my goal and beautiful tresses. I told myself I had to get myself to the gym everyday M-F for a month and work hard to be able to get the highlight. Now I am almost there. I will post a picture of my new hairstyle once I find the time to make it to the salon. My favorite place is called the Clip Joint. Super cute, don't you think?! Do you have any workout motivation tips?

Shop it to me!

Well, you foxy fashionistas are going to love this. I have just discovered through Daily Candy a fancy little e-mail subscription you can garner. With an easy 1-2-3 process, you can get e-mails in your inbox with lists of outfits available in your size from your favorite brands. I just got my first one and was instantly alerted about the cutest pair of pumps available in my outlandishly big shoe size (11, sometimes 12, yeeks!). Plus, you can change your preferences at any time to receive e-mails daily, every other day, Tuesdays and Fridays (recommended), or whatever you prefer. I feel much like a princess with my personal shopper. What's next? Limos to the online mall?! www.shopittome.com Kisses, girls, and happy spending!

Pilates, please

Sometimes, fashion isn't enough. You've got to to tone your tush, sweat off the calories and work hard to get some svelte arms. It isn't easy, but there are some ways to make it more fun. I just discovered the wonderful world of pilates. I bought a DVD for $5 at the lovely Wal-Mart, and I was well on my way. Here are some good things to get if you want to hop on the pilates train. Just remember, you might want to try this by yourself before showcasing your skills in front of others. Some of these exercises are not only tough but could make you collapse in laughter while thinking about how ridiculous you look...

Balanced Body Pilates - equipment, tips and more

United States Pilates Association - who knew there was an association?!

Power Pilates - a new take on an old favorite

Pilates for Dummies - a great one for beginners

Pilates for Abs - here's to a six pack!

Happy Pilates, girlies!

Fall Fashion Guides

So my darlings, who doesn't love fall? It gives you one great excuse to go out and do some serious shopping. You cannot be the only girl left without the IT item of the season. This fashionista does not want you to be left behind. So I have combed the Internet to find you some fall fashion guides. See links below!

Fashion flash: T.J. Maxx has an extra 25% off their clearance items today, tomorrow and Saturday (October 26-28). That's my birthday present since my birthday was yesterday!

• Nordstrom
• Arizona Fall Fashion Trends
• Elle Ready-to-Wear Fall 2006
• iVillage Fresh Start for Fall
• Style Bakery: Shoes
• Style Bakery: Day Dresses

Keep that stunning boy of yours in style, too...

• Men's Fall Fashion Guide Top 5

Happy Shopping!

Oh-so-chic sites

Do you have an appetite for fashion? Me, too. Sometimes I spend too much time searching for adorable clothes or Web sites about "in" clothes and accessories. Here are a couple of my favorites:

She She Me (www.shesheme.com)

• The cutest Web site for fashion, no doubt. These girls know what they are talking about when it comes to clothes, accessories and fun tidbits. Sign up for their e-mails - you will get great fashion advice and an exciting break in the work week! Source of picture: She She Me

Daily Candy (www.dailycandy.com)

• This site has an array of "daily candy" for you. Sign up for different daily e-mails from various cities in the country or the Daily Candy everywhere. In it, you will find links to good restaurants, travel tips, boutique openings or great online fashion offerings. You can even sign up for Daily Deals - a weekly note with deals exclusively for Daily Candy readers. It's so much easier to buy when it is a bargain!

Ok, chicas, happy shopping! Spending money on staying chic is hard, but somebody's got to do it.