It’s Friday. Mother’s Day is two days away, but you’ve been busy, which means you’ve had no time to shop for mom or make dinner reservations.

Now is not the time to panic.

Here are some quick and cheap ideas to make mom happy – and a few to keep her fashionable.

 

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I've been waiting on this one for months.

I can finally shop at my favorite shoe store without leaving the comfort of my living room.

 

 

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Free food and skincare.

That’s enough to get anyone’s attention.

 

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Everyone knows celebrities always sport the latest items and follow fashion trends and they like to spoil their children with designer items as well.

Now eBay is being used to cash in on some of those outrageous and not-so- outrageous buys.

 

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Thrift and consignment shops are filled with name brands, one-of-a-kind finds and unbelievable bargains that would never be found at regular stores.

Lucky you, because Nashua and the surrounding towns are filled with these types of shops just waiting to be explored.

 

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Reading when you were a kid was more about the pictures and less about the words.

The same thing goes for fashion.

 

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The French have joined Madrid, Milan and the U.S. and signed a contract to squash the preconceived notion that you have to be a stick figure to model.

According to the AP the charter, signed by groups including the French Couture Federation, the French Federation for Women's Pret-a-Porter and the Union of Modeling Agencies, asks those who signed to work toward "a diversity of body representatioins" and "not to show images of people that could help promote a model of extreme thinness."

I want to know what happens to those that are natually thin that are now being shunned. 

If you've missed the hub bub of Fashion Week's across the globe, don't fret. You can get up close and personal with designers a little closer to home.

Felt nightclub in Boston is launching Couture Thursdays. 

 

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Get bikini ready in a month? It might be possible. 

Nivea is holding a monthlong bikini challenge to help you get in shape before summer starts.

 

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Don’t get your panties in a bunch.
I mean that literally. One of the only things worse than visible panty lines is underwear that won't stay put causing even more VPL. 

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Over the past month I've been developing a list of wants for the warmer weather.

With all the snow on the ground it was a little difficult justifying these purchases, but now that spring is officially here (even though it’s not quite warm yet) I'm going to turn my wish list into my have list.

 

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In honor of Fred Rogers, David Newall (you may know him as Mr. McFeely) is asking Mr. Rogers’ fans to don sweaters March 20 – it would have been Rogers’ 80th birthday.

 

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Gals who fear they may be dressing inappropriately for their age should check out Oprah Wednesday (or Tivo it).

The show will feature fashion faves Lloyd Boston, Stacy London and Charla Krupp.

The show is on ABC at 4 p.m. For more online tips and after show clips visit Oprah's Web site.

I'm always on a mission to find interesting pots, and I had a few plants that needed to be repotted. I also have a spider plant that is reproducing at an insane rate, and I have promised several co-workers plants.

Never being one for drab and gray – and feeling a depressed because of all the snow and rain – I decided to go on a mission to brighten up my quarters.

 

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My co-workers and I got into a lively debate last week over the ever controversial Mohawk hairstyle.

The boys on the copy desk were dissing the Mohawk’s cousin, the fauxhawk, and rambling on about how stupid the style is. And the girls came to its defense.

 

 

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While searching for a planting pot at HomeGoods last week, I stopped into J.L. Plum.

This was my first time in the store and there were a ton of dresses for $19. It looks as though they just received a ton of items for spring.

 

 

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I went boot shopping on Friday (I know, winter's almost over. I'll explain in the next post.) and couldn't help but overhear two women in Payless discussing whether or not to buy shoes that didn't quite fit.

One of the women had slightly different sized feet (as most of us do), and the shoes she wanted fit one foot but not the other. I wanted to hollar across the isles, "If you love them buy them and make them fit."

 

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So Fashion Week in New York is over and done with but the drama hasn't ended quite yet.

The five finalist from Project Runway all had their chance to shine and a few did, others not so much. (Was Sweet P's collection one, or did she just throw together pieces from different collections?)

 

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Who says accessories have to be boring?

Skins for your favorite gadgets are nothing new, but the industry has come a long way since the days of solid color options that were designed with protection only in mind.

Because of skins popularity, it’s pretty cheap to deck out your new phone, laptop or MP3 player and protect it from scratches. So, if you find yourself struggling between buying the accessory you want for all its features or its color, go for the features, and check out these sites for the perfect look.

 

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I’ve never been a hat person. I went through a phase when I was 22 where I regularly wore visors, and that only lasted for about 3 months. But, for some reason, this winter I’ve become hat obsessed. 

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So you consider yourself someone who’s always on top of the trends, you always have control over your hair and couldn’t imagine ever stepping outside your home in sweatpants. Well, all of this is fine and dandy since you can have some sort of control over your appearance, but what if your body has a mind of its own?

Now, from the maker of Skid Out, comes Subtle Butt.

Skid Out? What? Yep, that’s what I thought, too, when looking at this Web site.

Apparently, someone is trying to cash in on the fashionable yet slightly clumsy (or gassy) gals.

“So,” one co-worker wondered, “does (the Subtle Butt) come with earbuds to block out the sound?”

I’m sure the next model will include a noise muffler as well.

Seriously though, the Skid Out sounds like a life saver. I can’t count the number of times I’ve spent an hour picking out an outfit for the day only to drool toothpaste on it as I’m five minutes from heading out the door.

And for those of you who sweat profusely, it seems as though the whole operation began with you in mind.

 

P.S. For those of you who haven’t voted for which outfit I should wear to NEPA, visit my last blog and scroll down to the bottom. You only have until Feb. 7, so don’t procrastinate.

Award ceremonies are always good for a free dinner, but sometimes I think sitting through the event isn't worth the meal.

At this point I haven't gone to enough of them to be completely sick of them yet, but I can't say I'm looking forward to NEPA in February.

And the only thing worse than sitting there for 2 hours? Oh, it's picking out an outfit to sit there in. This is where you come in. Check out the pics below and vote for your favorite. Ignore the bad hair, it's representative of the day I had, but make sure to pay attention to the accesories.

It's almost like playing dress up with your Barbies when you were a kid, except I'm not blonde or tall (not to mention my demensions are realistic).

Here are the choices:

One of my co-workers refers to this outfit as the matrix, after the long, black coats they wore in the movie.

I'll call this one modern retro. The dress is reminiscent of the '60s but the heels are definitely more Vegas strip club.

What do you get when you mix a traditional white scoop neck sweater and leopard print dress? Classic with an edge. Add pumps and you're golden.

Last but not least, there's always got to be a pants option. After all, I love dresses, but there's only so much you can do without pants on. I'll call this look sweet and modest because I look a little more innocent than usual.

 

 

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With vacations, holidays and the primary sucking the life out of my time over the past month, it’s been hard enough to think let alone write, but a few things have come to me through e-mail that are worth mentioning.

If you read my last blog, you’re probably well on your way to scheduling some sort of clothes swap (or maybe not) but what happens when none of your friends wear clothes even remotely close to your size?

In comes Swango.

It’s a Web site that allows you to swap your old clothes with others. It’s organized by categories, brands and colors. You upload items to get credits with a maximum of 10 free credits. You earn more credits when people “buy” your items.

Shipping is paid using a co-payment method, which results in about $1-$2 per item. There is also a $0.99 transaction fee, a portion of this goes to Dignity U Wear.

I plan to try this site as soon as I have a few free moments.

The other e-mail came from Charle Aiden salon in downtown Nashua.

The salon is looking for models for classes. So if you’re looking for a new you in the new year, but are strapped for cash, give the salon a call.

There are two categories they are looking for.

The first is blondes who are looking to return to their natural color or have significant lowlights of their natural color. There are two openings on Feb. 10 and 11 at 1 p.m.

The second is for models with shoulder length hair who are willing to have their hair colored and cut. This is not for those who only want a slight change. If you are adventurous, there are four openings March 29 at 1 p.m.

The salon’s number is 598-0795. Be quick before all the spots are taken.

The holidays are over, and if you are like most people, you spent way too much money on too many gifts. Chances are you also got a few gifts you’d rather not have received. But don’t fret, there are ways to get around the less-than-desired clothing items your mom or aunt thought would be perfect for you.

Start with a New Year’s resolution.

Clean out your closet (including the unwanted gifts). There’s no need for the cleaning to be boring or tedious.

Make it a party.

Get a bunch of your friends together and hold a clothing swap. Everyone must bring at least two clothing or accessories they no longer want. Get ready to trade and bargain for each other’s items. If there are leftover items no one wants, then donate them to charity.

This is a great way to rebuild your wardrobe without spending any money.

If the clothing swap just doesn’t cut it, then invite over your most fashionable friends.

Give them the items you are considering tossing and see how they would pair them up with other items in your closet. If no one comes up with a good idea, then donate the item.

Chances are they are going to come up with a few different outfits you never would have thought of.

And they just may give you a fresh perspective on your old clothes.

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I can honestly answer: No. Rushing around the last minute to find gifts can be exciting, but when the weather is working against you, it can also be a pain. And if you’re lost for ideas on what to get that special person (or what to get that person who randomly sprang a gift on you), fret not.

Here are a few ideas that are fairly cheap and quick.

For the eco-friendly: Reusable tote bag. I’ve written about them before and I’m sure this won’t be the last time they appear in my blog. Tote bags are practical and becoming a necessity in today’s shopping world. Check out Lucky mag’s online tote guide for some ideas before heading to the store.      

For a couple: Restaurant gift certificate. Everyone likes going out to eat. Check out recent restaurant reviews on the Encore Web site. For a bonus gift, if the couple has kids, volunteer to baby-sit while they enjoy their night out.

For those always on the go: Coffee gift certificates. If you know someone who’s constantly running around, chances are that person uses caffeine to fuel his or her energy. So help them gas up by stopping by their favorite coffee spot.

For the sentimental: Pics with frames or a CD mix?. Buy a multiphoto frame and dig out old photo albums with pictures of you and your friend, relative, etc. Or you can compile your friend’s favorite songs from 2007 and burn a CD.

For the partiers: Shot glass gift sets (and a bottle of their favorite drink). Big Lots has great, reasonably priced drink sets (minus the alcohol). Some of the sets are themed, including ones with playing card motifs and pool table items.

If these ideas don’t work, then check out the Sunday business section for more ideas and feel free to post your own ideas below.

And if all else fails, there’s always the old tie and candle standby.

For the past week, I've been soaking up the sun in Charleston, S.C. The beach, 80 degrees and a bikini are my perfect idea of winter.

With all the warm weather, it's hard to remember that Christmas is right around the corner. And when you're on a trip, it's hard to avoid buying all the touristy junk that ends up burried in the back of closets never to see the light of day again (no one needs a magnet, keychain, add your own useless item in here, etc. with the name of a city on it).

While I was in Charleston though, I stopped into a thrift store to scour for some good finds and walked out with a slew of Christmas gifts.

Thrift stores are a great place to find used items in great shape. And the more you visit, the more you can find.

To support local churches, check out the Grey Nuns Thift Shop at 25 Marshall St. in Nashua or First Church and Pilgrim Church also have shops you should check out.

For good charitable causes check out Goodwill in Nashua at 55 High St. or the Salvation Army at the same spot or at 217 W. Hollis St.

Feel free to post other thrift stores in the comments below.

When I mention the infamous wolf sweater, just about any employee at The Telegraph instantly knows what I’m talking about. This is the type of sweater that could win an ugly sweater contest. It is also the type of sweater that can inspire an ugly sweater contest.

For those loyal paper readers, you know which contest I’m talking about. For those of you who are a little less than loyal, The Telegraph is sponsoring a Christmas sweater contest.

The paper is asking readers to submit photos of you or your friends and family wearing your best (or worst) Christmas sweater. You know, the kind with elves, snowmen and Santa on them. (Maybe we can issue bonus points for a wolf like this one below.)

Send as many photos as you like, but make sure to include the names of people in the photos or else the photos will not be considered for the contest. Sorry, Telegraph employees and their relatives are not eligible.

Photos can be sent to lifestyles editor Deidre Ashe at dashe@nashuatelegraph.com or The Telegraph, c/o Christmas Sweater Contest, P.O. Box 1008, Nashua, NH 03061. Include your name, address and phone number with the photos. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Dec. 14.

One person will be chosen at random to win a prize package and will be contacted on Dec. 17. The photos will appear in the paper on Dec. 18.

In the words of our EA, “Everyone has at least one Christmas sweater.” And although I can disprove that theory, I’m sure even some of the top fashionistas have a sweater buried in the back of their closets. So dig ’em out and you just may win something fun in time for the holidays.

That’s not your Rice Krispies talking to you. It’s your skin screaming out for help now that winter is here.

Don’t worry though. Cracked elbows and hands and itchy skin can be defeated if you spend enough time moisturizing. There are several new products out on the market but some of the old ones shouldn’t be forgotten either.

Here are my favorites:

• Nivea soft: This formula is non greasy and leaves your skin super soft. It retails between $6 and $7 and can be found at most drug stores, including CVS, Wal-Mart and Walgreens, or it can be bought online at Drugstore.com.

• The Body Shop body butter and body scrub: I have yet to find a body butter that matches the ones from this store. They are super hydrating, and unlike most body butters, they don’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Technically, body scrub isn’t a moisturizer, but half the secret to soft skin is good exfoliation and the scrubs at The Body Shop have oils in them for bonus hydration.

Both the butter and the scrubs also come in yummy scents. These are a little pricier – the mini butters and scrubs retail for $10 and the larger versions retail for $20 – but you can always try your hand at bidding on the items on eBay. If you don’t mind coughing up the extra cash, there is a Body Shop store in the Pheasant Lane Mall.

• Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil: That’s a mouthful. I’ve never used oil as part of my moisturizing routine until I saw an ad for this one this year. Like the others, it leaves your skin super soft, but there is some grease to contend with when you apply it.

I would recommend using this on days when you have a little extra time to spend in the buff before getting dressed. That way, it has some extra time to absorb. It also leaves the faint scent of cocoa butter behind, which is a great reminder of summer on the coldest of winter days. Vaseline products can be found at most grocery and drug stores or online at Drugstore.com or Amazon.com. It retails for about $7.

Here are two I plan to try before the winter’s over:

• Dove Pro-Age Body Cream Oil: I love the idea of this line, offering skin protection and exfoliation all in one. It retails for about $7 and can be found at most drugstores and grocery stores.

By the way, Dove is giving away a free (you pay S&H) tote that is quite cute if you buy $15 worth of products. Here’s more information. Hurry because the offer runs out at the end of this year.

• Olay Body Age Transform Body Creme Serum: This line also claims to fight the five signs of body aging using vitamin C, green tea and grape seed extracts. It retails for about $7 as well and can also be found at most drugstores and grocery stores.

Feel free to post comments about any of your favorites.

Bald is in, but not everyone can pull off the look with finesse. There are those who are embarrassed by hair loss and those who’s heads are funny shaped and just look better with hair.

I’ve thought about shaving my hair off just to avoid the hassle of bad hair days but I’m afraid I’d fall into the weird shaped head category.

Other’s who don’t have a choice about going bald may be happy to read the following.

I was reading the ever so thrilling Dr. Gott column on the comics pages and found some advice that might be good for those with hair loss.

A reader wrote in saying her husband’s hair is now growing back after using her shampoo and conditioner. He was completely bald on the top of his head and had hair around the sides. The growing back part hasn’t been verified by any other readers yet, but for a few bucks, why not try?

The shampoo and conditioner she uses are from the TRESemme line: Silk Protein Healthy Volume shampoo and Vitamin E for dry or damaged hair for conditioner.

Now he could be growing hair for some other reason, but think about all the fun TRESemme can have with this one if it turns out to be true.

And if anyone tries this and it does work, please let me know.