What To Do With Your Tax Refunds

Hello my fabulous friends! So sorry I've been away all week. I've been recouping from major plastic surgery.

April Fool's!!!!

Pranks and taxes are some of the things we can always look forward to every April. That magical check that appears from the the US Treasury. If you're anything like me, the thought of a tax refund evokes images of spa getaways and shopping sprees. I still have major buyer's regret not picking up a Chloe bag before I left my last retail job when I had the employee discount. Maybe this is the year I'll buy this gorgeous Chloe Marci Hobo Bag.

Chloe Marci Hobo Bag

That yearly check that arrives is always so exciting for me. In years past I've treated myself to a new camera, my awesome bike and a fabulous trip to Mexico. Why not? I worked hard for it. It was my "bonus" and I was going to splurge on something I couldn't do all year.

But now that I'm 40, I'm wondering if that's the best way to make use of this money. I'm thinking, probably not.

But don't be a tax April fool.

Before you pack your bags and sign your name on the sales receipt, really think about how the money can have real, lasting power. That relaxing Swedish massage might be relaxing, but think how much better you'll feel when your debt is under control or even paid off.

After all, your tax return is just a repayment of an interest-free loan you gave the government in the previous year because you OVERPAID them. It's your money that you rightfully earned, just like your pay check and isn't fun money courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Sorry folks.

Here are some suggestions WIFE, the Women's Institute for Financial Education, on what to do with your refund and have some financial meaning to your life:

Set aside a portion of your check, maybe about 20 percent, for your own pleasure. Take the time and pick something rewarding for your life. The bike that I purchased three years ago brings me so much pleasure and it was an investment in my health so the money was totally worth it. The same is true for a vacation I took with Michael to Mexico. I will always have the lifetime of memories.

Now for the business side.

If you have credit card debt, this tax refund can be used to start paying down your debt. First, you should use the refund to pay off bills that you are late on. Secondly, you can use the refund to pay off your credit cards with the highest interest.

If you're lucky enough to not be in debt, you can use the money to set up a rainy day fund for the day you truly needs it. I'm talking about a real emergency like an unforseen health issue or home repair and not a shoe sale at Manolo Blahnik.

If you already have money set aside, use the refund to increase your retirement plan. You could either increase your contribution with your company's retirement plan or contribute to a Roth or traditional IRA.

If you already have everything you need and are all set with your retirement, you can give generously to me.

Are you getting a refund? What are you planning to do with your cash? Let me know in the comments.

Become Your Dream

Yesterday I saw three simple words that were a total wake up call.

Written in chalk along a random sidewalk on the Upper East Side of Manhattan were these three simple words - "Become Your Dream" accompanied by a fish.

These powerful words were written by famous NYC street artist James De La Vega, who has been spreading his poignant messages throughout the city for years. They were so inspiring to me and I can't stop thinking of them. How can these words etched on a dirty sidewalk move me the way they did?

They were a gentle reminder that we all need to follow our dreams and do what we love when it comes to choosing what we want to do with our lives. At this point of my life, I need to figure out what I want to do in my next career path. This will probably entail going back to school or taking some career courses that will help me become more inline with today's marketplace. My first step, and my main challenge, is finding out what it is exactly I want to be doing for the next 20 years or so. Having a career that I love, one that I'm excited to get up in the morning for, rather than continue in a job with no future, can be really depressing.

I know going back to school or changing careers in your 40s can seem rather daunting. But the recent economic downturn that has effected so many of us -- either with a loss of a job or greater insecurity with the job currently held -- can also lead to making major positive changes in our lives. This includes becoming super creative and independent, and ultimately more happy in what we are doing in our daily lives. I have plenty of friends who have taken this step and they are all the more better for it.

We have plenty of years ahead of us to follow our dreams, find a greater meaning in life and do what we love.

Can we afford NOT to pursue our dreams?

With any change comes risk, but once you discover your dreams, you are well on your way to living your life as you should.

If you want to check out more of De La Vaga's gospel, head on over to his museum on St. Marks Place.

Practice Makes Perfect

I took a new gym class on Monday. It was the hardest workout I've ever done. The hour-long class is called Practice. It's an advanced workout "for the athlete in you." I knew I was in trouble when I broke out in a full body sweat during the first 10 minutes, which the instructor Eric VonFrohlich said was just the warm up. I crawled home that night, exhausted. I thought I would take it easy on Tuesday by stretching out the kinks.

It's now Wednesday and I still can't walk. My legs feel like logs and they are screaming. I was hoping when I woke up this morning they would magically be better. But as I took my first steps, my legs were loud and clear about how sore they really are.

This is why I'm sore. The class included:

Squats

Lunges

Tricep dips

Push-ups

All at super high voltage.

I usually like the pain from a new workout. After all, I'm using muscles that I haven't used in a while or I'm using them in a different way. In this case, one part of the class involved speed squats until your butt hit the step about a foot off the ground for 20 seconds, eight times, with 10 second breaks. Another move was attempting to sit down on the step with one leg slightly raised and then getting back up again.

I'm going to take it easy today. This doesn't mean I'm not going to be working out. I still can do light exercises for my lower body and my upper body and abs can certainly be worked on.

So what can you do to make sure you can recover faster?

What you eat after a workout matters as much as stretching. No matter if you're a morning, lunchtime or evening person, the most important part to remember when eating is to combine protein, to help your muscles recover, and carbohydrates, which replenishes your energy. For the best results, you should eat within an hour of exercising, when your muscles are most receptive. In addition, it's really important to drink plenty of water. And if you feel the need, pop a couple of ibuprofen and soak in a hot tub with epsom salts.

Going Sleeveless: How To Get Toned, Sexy Arms

Spring was in the air this past weekend and New Yorkers like me, Tina, Lisa and Jeremy as well as 8 million more eagerly flung off our winter layers to soak up the fabulous 70 degree temperatures. To rejoice in the warm weather, we headed to our personal back yard -- Central Park -- for a chance to feel grass on our feet again. We enjoyed a mini picnic, complete with two bottles of wine, and a few quick games of rummikub. Afterwards, with the sun still bright, we headed to Rancho for some good and creamy margaritas.

Now that Spring is finally here and summer is right around the corner, I realize I need to turn my attention to toning my arms, shoulders and upper back. I want them to look fabulous when wearing tanks and spaghetti straps. Plus, think how much easier it will be to lift all your shopping bags!

Here are some quick and sure-fire ways of giving you the rights to bare arms that you can do at home or a the gym:

Push-ups are an old-school way, but they definitely work and are extremely effective. The best part about doing push-ups is they require no equipment and you can do them at home or when you are on the road. They also take two minutes and are really effective. Push-ups focus on the back of your arms and your upper back. You can do various sorts of push-ups to make your workout just for you. For instance, you can do a classic push-up. Lie chest-down with your hands at shoulder level, palms flat on the floor and slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Your feet can either be together or hip distance apart, just make sure they are parallel to each other. Keep your eyes forward, don't look down at the floor. Straighten your arms, pushing your body up off the floor making sure you chest hits the floor. Then you want to lower yourself, making sure you keep your head straight to your chin and not your nose reach the ground. You can also do push-ups from your knees or with your legs elevated on a step riser or to give you more of a challenge.

My goal this week is to do 10 solid push-ups each day and build upon this by adding one additional push-up each week. My goal is 30 push-ups because that's what I was up to when I was preparing to take my black belt test.

The classic push-up

If you want to work with hand weights, try lifting weights from a plank position and lift one arm along your sides at a time to do a reverse row lift. For this, I always find it helpful to keep my legs a little bit wider than hip distance to keep a solid base of support. Keep your core lifted and tight, this will keep your stomach muscles engaged and give them a workout as well!

Reverse row lift

You can also do tricep dips. All you will need is a single bench, chair or coffee table to perform this exercise. Place your hands on the edge, keeping your knuckles pointed forward and arms with a slight bent at the elbows. Your feet should be straight out, as far out as possible. Now lower your butt towards the floor, keeping your elbows pressed against your ribs. You want to lower as much as possible, ultimately getting your arms to reach a 90 degree angle. Now, push off yourself back upwards with your arms back to the initial position. Do 10-12 reps of this exercise and three sets.

A lot of people get toned arms through different yoga poses. I don't do a lot of yoga work, but when I do, my arms are killing me by the next day. All yoga poses where your palms are on the floor and are used as the foundation to support your entire body weight can only serve to strength arms, shoulders and upper back. Even the standing postures where your arms are resisting gravity's pull downward can develop your strength.

Thanks to my totally amazing and super fabulous friend Tina for taking these photographs. She was even made a delicious lunch - goat cheese, mushroom and Swiss chard panini.

You want the right to bare arms this Spring too, right? Let's tone up together. Who's with me?

Fabulous Fridays: Eyes For Summer

After last weekend's monsoons, I've really been enjoying the Spring-like weather here in New York City. I really do need a pair of these.

The original Tom Ford "Jennifer" sunglasses

These Tom Ford "Jennifer" sunglasses are super chic and are just oversized enough to cover my dark circles. They'll run you $285 at Eye Goodies.

OR

They are also available for a mere $10 at OC Shades.

Imitation Tom Ford "Jennifer" sunglasses

I know I want them because they have my name on it. Who wouldn't want a fabulous pair of shades or a piece of jewelry named after them.

Truth be told, they are actually named after Jennifer Aniston.

Photo source: People magazine

Which do you like better? Do you think the Tom Ford sunglasses are worth the splurge or will have an extra $275 to spend this weekend feel better?

What I Love About Spring

The weather the past few days has been so glorious and we all deserve this. Spring, with its warming rays and longer days, certainly puts everyone in a happier mood. I've always considered my birthday and St. Patrick's Day to be the great divide between the long, dreary Winter and the Spring awakening. Last night I was walking home from the gym with Michael and actually saw buds on the trees. I wanted to do cartwheels all the way home. There is new life blooming again.

Spring, iIt's coming!!!

These are the things I love best about Spring.

*Spring flowers especially lilacs. I had two lilac trees growing up and I still love the powerful smell.

*The feeling of my energy being renewed.

*The sound of birds chirping.

*Longer hours of daylight. It's so great leaving in the morning when there is still light and be able to do more fun things at night.

*Memorial Day Weekend.

*The return of the Yankees to the Bronx.

*Eating outside.

*Going to the park and reading.

*Taking my bike out for a long ride. Speaking of, I need to get mine from my parents house SOON!!!

*Enjoying all your outdoor activities again such as gardening and walking around the neighborhood. Being outside after months of suffering from cabin fever is so blissful.

*Spring cleaning. Maybe not the top of the list, but getting myself organized is immensely satisfying.

*Light color nail polish.

*Taking long walks in the Springtime air.

*The smell of freshly cut grass.

*Opening my window and smelling the fresh air.

*Packing up all my hats, scarves and gloves.

*Stripping away the layers and layers of clothing. Not needing to leave my house with hats, scarves and gloves.

*Wearing sexy pajamas and no longer fidgeting in your flannels.

*Healthy eating. I tend to eat lighter in the warmer weather. Salads, fruits taste amazing after months of comfort food.

*Outdoor concerts.

*Thunderstorms.

*Not needing so much makeup. Bronzer, mascara and your favorite gloss and you are good to go.

*Wearing bright, light and breezy clothing after months of dark colors and heavy wools.

*Sundresses, sandals and flip flops. Need I say more?

Tell me, what are you looking forward to the most this Spring?

You're In Luck: The Best Of Fabulously Green Fashion + Beauty

Happy St. Patrick's Day my fabulous friends!

I love the color green. Green can mean so many things - money, envy, eco-friendly and, of course, St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays. On this day everyone is merrily Irish and the holiday has the happiest of all traditions and symbols - from lucky leprechauns, shamrocks, rainbows and pots of gold.

The streets of New York are a sea of green today. Green is such a pretty, flattering color on everyone. So whether you are going to soak up the holiday with some green beer, green beauty products or you want to wear your colors to the parade, here are some fabulous picks to channel in your inner leprechaun.

Just add your lucky gold bangles and clutch and you'll be ready for your close up in this vibrantCatherine Malandrino silk-blend dress.

Catherine Malandrino

I love the texture of the leaves climbing the neckline of this cotton/cashmere cardigan from Anthropologie.

Anthropologie

Be the lucky lady in this soft, stretch camisole with colorful foil graphics from Old Navy.

Old Navy

I love the draped neckline on this silk Stella McCartney dress. I would wear it all year with neutral pumps and armloads of golden bangles.

Stella McCartney

I love this sweet, romantic tunic in a green floral print from one of my favorite warm-weather shops Calypso.

Calypso

As stunning as they appear on your monitors, these Susan Earrings by gem queen Wendy Brandes are breathtaking in person. They make the most beautiful jewelry accessory to any look.

Wendy Brandes

Green is the most colorful of all the neutral shades. That's why adding green components to your look is always a smart choice. I totally want this Faridah Totally leather bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs to wear with everything.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

This green fig candle from Diptyque will warm any home with its woodsy, fruity scent of fig trees. I've always wanted a candle from Diptyque, the scent fills the room with such an amazing scent.

Diptyque

I like to play with color on my nails and I'm so excited there are so many shades of green to pick from this Spring. I'm going to try this OPI nail polish in Green-wich-Village for sure. It's a medium green jelly shade that looks outstanding.

OPI

If you're looking to get lucky, why not go for these flirty leaf green mid-rise thongs from Hanky Panky. They're festive and sexy and prevents you from getting pinched on St. Patrick's Day. With these though, I'm pretty sure the pinching will only turn into kissing later on. Personally, I never heard of the pinching business on St. Patrick's Day and I can't track down the origin, so if you know what it is, I would love to learn more about it.

Hanky Panky

Of course, if you're up late and your eyes are not adjusting to the morning light, you might want to try Up You Gets from Lush. You'll love the lime, grapefruit and lemon scents. It will awaken your senses, help your brain be more alert and make your morning more bearable.

Lush

Have a happy and fabulous St. Patrick's Day! Just be sure to bring your Lucky Charms with you! I'm going to try something daring, something new and going to cook corned beef and cabbage tonight. Let me know in the comments how you plan on celebrating.