Keep a Kissable Pout

Hopefully you kicked off 2007 with a kiss at midnight with someone special and you'll want to keep your lips looking fabulous for the rest of the year. Forget about reapplying your lipstick every hour. After putting on your lipstick, dab a complementary-colored eye shadow over your lips. The shadow helps your lipstick stay on longer and adds a little sparkle.

Making the Best of a Crowded Gym

What's the most common New Year's resolution? To lose weight and get in shape! So before you go to the gym for your power workout, remember that gyms are usually most crowded during the early morning hours before work and in the evening, when many people head to the gym from work. While the easiest solution is to go to the gym during off-peak hours, that's not always realistic for many people, especially if you work 9-5. January is another problematic time of year for gym-goers because many people are working on their New Year's resolutions to get fit. The first six weeks of a new year is a notoriously crowded time at a gym. During this time, you can choose to skip the gym and work out elsewhere. Exercise outside or use fitness DVDs at your home.

If you'd rather brave the gym, many facilities offer sessions with personal trainers, some are even complimentary when you sign up. If you go to the gym during peak hours, try setting up a session with a personal trainer during that period so you are more likely to work out instead of stand around waiting for free equipment.

Try something new. If you usually run on the treadmill, but there is a free elliptical trainer, try it! If you've considered taking a yoga class and there happens to be one starting as you arrive at the gym, sign up and see if you've found a new exercise for the new year.

If you're joining a new gym and know you'll be there during peak hours, pay attention to whether machine time limits are enforced by gym employees. A typical time limit on most machines is 30 minutes.

Avoid The Dreaded Fashion Blunders

You've said it over and over again..."If I lose five more pounds, I can fit into these pants." But despite your best intentions or wishful thinking, those pair of pants remain either too short or too small. That shirt you had to have is still too tight and the button came loose. This year, avoid fashion pitfalls with a few easy fashion tips:

-If you are going to buy the pants that you hope to wear after losing your holiday pounds, put them away until they fit. Technically, you can pull those size 6 pants on, but the waist is tight and you've created a "muffin top," the extra flesh that spills upward. Don't wear pants that are too tight. Go with a the next size up and you'll not only look better in your clothes, you'll feel better.

-We all have our favorite t-shirts, but sweat stains on your t-shirts are unsightly. After awhile, the underarms of your tiny tees become yellow and dingy. If you're too attached to your favorite yellow-stained t-shirt, try soaking the shirt in a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Then, wash your t-shirt in cold water and dry completely. If the stain is still visible, it's time to ditch the tees for new ones and avoid this fashion blunder.

--Long pants are in fashion, and with the right flare, long pants can make short legs look long and slender. But beware of the shoe blunder. Don't you hate it when your pants get caught under your heel of an open-backed shoe? It's annoying, but also silly looking. To prevent this fashion faux pas, make sure the hem of your pants hangs about 3/4 inch down beyond your heel.

You And Your Luggage

So, you finally booked that girls week in Europe. Or, maybe that romantic vacation to an exotic locale is coming up. It's possible that the boss is sending you overseas to work with one of the company's largest international clients. Do you know how to pack your luggage according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements?

When packing large luggage and carry-on bags, it's important to remember that there are weight and bag number restrictions on most airlines. Most airlines allow one small carry-on bag weighing approximately 40 pounds, like a lap top bag or back pack, along with your personal bag or purse to take directly on the plane with you. The limits on carry-on bag size fall into a range of 14" to 16" high, 21" to 24" wide, and 8" to 9" deep. The lower limits are for under seat storage and larger limits for the roomier overhead compartment. A 45" total (height+width+depth) can be used as a basic guideline to see if your bag will be allowed as a carry-on.

In addition to carry on bags, most airlines allow two checked pieces of luggage weighing less than 70 pounds. If you plan on bringing extra luggage, or overweight luggage, be sure to check with your airline ahead of time to determine if they will allow the luggage on the plane. Then make sure you know how much extra you'll be charged for additional bags. Be sure to have the request for additional bags noted on your reservation to ensure a smooth check in process when you arrive at the airport.