Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton! If only the media would back off.

Is anyone starting to feel like the media is putting too much focus on Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement? Why can't William and Kate enjoy their engagement without all the media hounding them? Did NBC really have to have a 1 hr special on the couple already? Yes, he's a Prince but that doesn't mean he has given up his privacy.

I can't believe so many women are going out buying sapphire rings and the matching dress she was wore just so they can be like Kate. I just find it a little weird that so many women want to wear a copy of another woman's ring instead of being original.

Again, I wish William and Kate a happy engagement and just hope the media will back off and let them plan their wedding.

Girl's Night Out: Manicures & Mochas

Not looking to hit up happy hour, relax after a long day of work by meeting up with friends for Manicures and Mochas. It's a relaxing and inexpensive way to re-connect with your equally busy friends and squeeze in a beauty treatment or two.

Chat with Chicago Chefs for Tips on Cooking with a Budget

CHICAGO, Aug. 10


What:

Opportunity to chat with four of the "hippest" Chicago chefs on tips and ideas for making quality budget meals for the whole family.


Who:

Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, Roger Herring of Socca, Chris Macchia of Coco Pazzo, and Dirk Flanigan of The Gage will be judging the final contestants who created a tilapia meal for a family of four and stayed under a budget of $15. They are available to discuss ways that families can cut costs during these hard economic times, including:

-- Try going meatless a few days a week and eat more salads and soups instead.

-- Start your own garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs.

-- Make your own snacks with goodies like fruits, nuts, and pretzels.

-- Utilize leftovers to the fullest ... don't let anything become unnecessary waste.

-- Cook in large batches to increase efficiency and prepare all meals weeks in advance.

-- Maximize the use of a freezer to save food for as long as possible.


When:

2 - 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 11th, 2009


Where:

Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington St., Chicago


Details:

Regal Springs Tilapia, the world's largest producer of tilapia, is sponsoring a contest to find the best, homemade tilapia meal for under $15. The meal must include a salad or fruit and vegetable. Nearly 300 entries were reviewed by a panel of experts. They narrowed it down to the final 10 winners, who will be judged by these chefs. The six winners will all receive cash prizes, with the grand prize finalist catching $5,000.

5 Things Every Girl Needs.....In August

1. Flip Flops


After working in heels all day your tired little feet will be looking forward to the comfort and rest from a pair of flip flops. Stash a pair in your car or in your tote for a quick change option. Shown: New Metallic Flip-Flops $5.00 sale Old Navy


2. A Frosty Beverage

It's the perfect drink for those hot summer days. Whether you're going for a slushie or a iced coffee, these refreshing drinks will hit the spot and cool you down.


3. Some Bohemian Extras


Show off your free spirit by giving your outfit a bohemian twist, with beads, exotic jewelry, light weight scarves, handbags, belts and bracelets in bold colors. Shown: Marbled Dyed Scarf $9.80 Forever21


4. One Hour to Relax

Enjoy the lazy days of summer by not answering the phone, going online or doing anything tedious for at least one hour. Sit back and relax (indoors or out) with an ice cold drink and read a book or magazine, lounge around, take a nap, meditate or get a massage. The main thing is to enjoy that extra hour to yourself.


5. At Least One Guilty Pleasure TV Show

Be it sitcom or reality, it's a show that you just can't miss. This summer's TV viewing has plenty to offer from HBO's True Blood to USA network's Psych.

Lifestyle: 5 Books to Get You Prepared for "Life After College"

You've graduated from college and now have a brand new diploma. You have absolutely no idea what to do with your life or do you? The transition from college life to the "real world" can be fun and exciting or worrisome and stressful.

This is a huge lifestyle changes for a twenty-something? You have to figure out how to navigate through life and have to start taking total responsiblity for yourself. From finding a job to paying bills and finding a place to live. Don't despair there are some helpful books to help you sort out your "new" life. They have advice from job searching to living with roommates or moving back in with mom and dad. Below are five books to get you started on your new life after college:


The Yo-Yo Principle: A common Sense Guide to Creating a Life of Success After College by David Pollard



Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes by Kristen Fischer



Life After College: What Your Parents and Professors Never Taught You by Chachanna Simpson



How to Survive the Real World: Life After College Graduation by Andrea Syrtash



Graduate!:Everything You Need to Succeed After College by Kristen Gustafson

Style and Focus News Bites 6/26

Style and Focus Lifestyle PR would like to send out condolences to the families of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon.

** Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson. Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him." (Press Release)

** According to the London Times, a study shows that One in Five Women Choose to be Childless as Careers Takes Precedence. One in five women are remaining childless as a growing proportion choose a career over raising a family, according to the study published yesterday. The trend is most marked among women of higher social class, with better qualifications, and who were brought up as an only child. The study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that remaining childless is a lifestyle choice. In the past childlessness was due to poverty, poor nutrition and low marriage rates caused by war and emigration. The proportion of women childless in England and Wales has increased from an estimated 10 percent of a 1945 cohort to 19 percent of women born in 1960.

** Will Your Friends Influence Your Shopping Habits and Interests. That's what two marketing companies, 33Across and Media6Degrees, will be analyzing whether there is a connection between social networking sites, advertising and your friends, and they are not interested in the basic friend lists, but in interactions on the sites, taking note when a user visits a friend’s page, sends a video or exchanges an instant message. In turn, they can identify people who are friends with a company’s existing customers, and then advertise to them.

Instead of using research to identify which Web sites are popular with certain demographic targets, these companies let “the consumer do the heavy lifting for you purely because of the proximity of that customer to other customers,” Mr. Steele said. “There’s a certain traction that you get when you target consumers that you know talk to each other, that you don’t get when you advertise like you would in print.”

Advertisers, eager for any information that allows them to waste fewer ads and spend less money, are trying Media6Degrees and 33Across to see whether friendships are a better indicator of who might like their products than other indicators like age, gender, geography or interests.

It may be valuable for advertisers, but for publishers, it is not great news — tactics like this mean that advertisers can assemble promising audiences while bypassing expensive sites like, say, CNN.com or ESPN.com. And privacy advocates are complaining about online tracking, a subject Congress is examining. (New York Times)

** Beauty Retailer ULTA Celebrates the First-Ever Recipients of the ULTA Enrich, Empower & Enlighten Scholarship. ULTA, "the store on everyone's lips," is honoring today the inaugural recipients of the ULTA Enrich, Empower & Enlighten Scholarship. Committed to positively impacting the future of women, ULTA launched in 2008 the ULTA Enrich, Empower & Enlighten Scholarship Fund to benefit outstanding high school senior girls in select communities across the country.

Sixteen deserving young women were selected based on their academic achievements, community involvement, leadership qualities and commitment to continuing their education; each girl received a scholarship to the educational institution of her choice. The young women also were offered the opportunity to take advantage of a special trip to Chicago for today's awards luncheon and shopping spree at ULTA on State Street with Lyn Kirby, President and CEO of ULTA. (Press Release)

The 2008-2009 ULTA Enrich, Empower & Enlighten Scholarship recipients are:

1. Alexa Del Tufo of Mooresville, NC
2. Katherine Strelzyk of Chicago, IL
3. Alyssa Bilyeu of Chesterfield, MO
4. Laura Rodriguez of Harker Heights, TX
5. Aparna Ghosh of Ann Arbor, MI
6. Leigh Anna Logsdon of Lubbock, TX
7. Chi Wai Tsang of Chicago, IL
8. Lily Marucci of Casa Grande, AZ
9. Emily Gold of Farmingdale, NY
10. Maria del Pilar Delgado deLeon of Fort Collins, CO
11. Emina Becirovic of Omaha, NE
12. Megan Whitehead of Sandy, UT
13. Jessica Morrison of Dunwoody, GA
14. Sarah Eisenberg of New Lenox, IL
15. Julia Alice White of Wellington, FL
16. Shelby Kretz of Toledo, OH

What to Wear for: Weekend Chic

During the weekend, you want to look and feel casual but still put together whether you're running errands or meeting mom for a pedicure. For that casual chic look, pair a roomy top with slim cuffed pants, it's a simple and easy going outfit. Accessorize the look with a tote and T-strap flat sandals or wedges. For chilly evenings add a cardigan or a shrunken blazer.


Eyelet Cami $54.50 Gap


AE Boyfriend Chino $44.50 American Eagle
with removable scarf belt

Style and Focus Weekend: Spring Cleaning

Unless you're a clean freak the last thing you want to do is spend a weekend cleaning. But as much as you hate to admit it, your place is starting to look a little less than fabulous. As an adult it's your responsiblity to clean your place, no more Mom to the cleaning rescue (this goes for those who moved back in with your parents).

Not sure what to do. Before you get started create a chore list that will help keep you on track with your task be it big or small. This also gives you a chance to check your cleaning supplies to see if you have everything you need.

Next, pick a task and get started. The hardest part is getting started.

Still not psych for Spring Cleaning why not give yourself a reward for completing the task. The reward could be something like a day of rest or a night out at your favorite restaurant. There are so many benefits for having a clean home such as not being afraid if guest unexpectedly stop by, all the extra closet space, and the extra money you'll save because you won't have to re-purchase items that you've misplaced.

New to the cleaning thing, don't drive yourself crazy trying to do it all in one day. Just do a little bit a time.

Women Safety Tips: Public Transportation

Whether you're one of the new recruits or a regular user of public transportation you want to make sure you're safe while riding. With more and more people choosing to ride public transportation be it from downsizing to trying to save the environment it's important to include being safe apart of the daily routine.

To encourage you to stay safe I have provided 13 Public Transportation Safety Tips:

Bus/Train:

1. When riding the subway, choose one that has passengers (not too over crowded) over one that is nearly empty. Because that nearly empty one might look great for thinking but it might make you an easier target for thieves. If at all possible take a sit near the driver.

2. After getting off the train or bus, notice if someone is following you or just going your way. If you suspect that you are being followed, don't continue walking to your destination (you don't want to let them know where you work or live) go into a store or any other nearby public space and wait to see if they pass by or not. If they continue to follow you, call the police immediately.

3. Stay alert and don't distract yourself by playing your MP3 player, texting or talking on your cell phone. You want to be aware of your surroundings.

4. Be sure to have the exact change or fare ready when the bus arrives. It will keep you from having to open your wallet or purse in public.

5. Know your bus or train schedule, to limit the amount of time spent standing around the terminal or bus stop. If possible go online to your city's Department of Transportation to print off the schedule.

6. If possible avoid isolated bus or train stops. You want to be able to see everything and everyone.

7. Don't doze off on a bus or become too engrossed in a book. It can make you an easy target.

8. Keep your purse, shopping bag, backpack, packages or other belongings in your lap, on your arm, or between your feet. Do not leave them on an empty seat.

9. Be Confident -- look, act and move as though you know where you're going and what you’re doing. This will prevent you from looking like an easy target and may help you avoid potential danger.

10. Watch out for pickpockets while in a bus or train terminal. Avoid carrying a wallet in your hip or easily accessible coat pocket. While, carrying a purse or handbag make sure you have a firm grip or secure it close to your body. Beware of people accidentally bumping into you at busy stations.

Taxi:

11. When taking a taxi, know the exact location and directions of where your going so you are not taking to the wrong location. Also to ensure your own safety, send a text message to a friend or family member letting them know the license plates, driver’s name, and identification number of the taxi driver.

12. Before you accept shortcuts, detours, and special stops, make sure you know where you are, where you were, and where it is you ultimately want to go. Know the route or general direction to your destination.

13. When you get to your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside or ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.

One last thing don't let these tips frighten you into paranoia. These tips are to empower you to stay safe and not become a victim.

Sources: Style and Focus PR, about.com, Public Transportation Safety (cityofmobile.org), articlebase.com

What to Wear for: A Laid-back Girls Night Out

The end of a long week and you got plans to meet your friends for a fun and low-key evening of cocktails and conversation. You want to wear something that's comfortable yet equally chic. What to wear: pair a tunic with jeans for that global glamour look. Complete the look with d'Orsay open toe pumps and with a bracelet or two. Oh, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the weekend.

(Click on jeans for a better look)



Alexis Woven Top $22.80 Forever21

New Low Rise Boot Cut Jeans $69.50 Gap

Style and Focus Weekend: Girls Night In: Slumber Party

Recharge from all the holiday stress with a little Girls Night In. Instead of going out indulge your inner teen and host an old-fashion Slumber Party but with plenty of champagne or signature cocktails, beauty treatments, movies, comfort and junk food (i.e. chocolate cake) and tons of gossip. Don't worry about calories this is the time to sit back and relax before New Year's Eve and catch up with good friends.

Just make sure your place is cozy and comfortable with plenty of blankets and pillows.

Photo: Illustrator: David Hahn

7 Date Ideas for a Recession Budget

By Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Don't let the sagging economy ruin your romance. Here are a few low dough ways to enjoy your Date Nights:

* Plan a Date Night at Home. Prepare an easy yet delectable meal (check the web for recipes - from Italian - French) and don't forget the dessert. Set the mood by keeping the lighting low. Light a few candles but if you're the forgetful type you may want to opt for flameless candles instead. Perfume the room with a light fragrance by using scented candles to invoke a relaxing and sensuous experience. Remember it's a romantic evening, get rid of the clutter. You don't want stacks of paper and piles of clothes to ruin the moment.

* Daytime Dates Can Be Just as Fun. Meet up for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch and you can find great food at great prices. Also, some restaurants may even offer a special theatre dinner menu and prices be sure to ask.

* Meet at a little cafe for coffee and dessert. The surprising thing is you'll feel like your the only two people in the room.

* Make a date to go Star Gazing. Whether it's the backyard, balcony or the park a night of star gazing can be romantic. Pack a couple of blankets, a Thermos of coffee (tea, hot chocolate) or a bottle of wine.

* Game on. Can't afford Pro Ball tickets? There's always high school or college games tickets available. With the money saved you can continue the energy at a sports bar.

* Feel Like a VIP. Get Dressed up and go out for drinks at a upscale hotel. You will feel like a million bucks.

* Hit up the arcade. Feel like a teenager again and play some of the classic games. For fun, challenge each other for the highest score. Loser buys drinks.

What to Wear for: Dinner with a Client

You finally have that meeting you wanted but it's for dinner. What to wear? You don't want to wear anything that's too flashy or will distract from your ideas or proposal. You want to be seen as the ideal professional. Pair a monochromatic dress with a great pair of heels and keep accessories to a minimum. Just make sure you're on time and prepared.


Knitted Jewelled Evening Dress $138.00 Boden (Bodenusa.com)

What to Wear for: A Low-Key Fall Day

Whether you're running around doing errands, shopping with your sister or meeting your boyfriend for a late afternoon stroll in the park, you want something comfortable, casual and easy to wear. Pair a black turtleneck (medium to lightweight) with gray skinny jeans and flat boots. It's simple yet stylish. Accessorize by adding a large bag (tote or handbag) a wide headband or a newsboy hat.



C&C California Black Cotton 'Dominque' Turtleneck $47.00 Bluefly.com

Roxy 'Brooks' Skinny Stretch Jeans $44.50 Nordstrom

Long Brewster Leather Boots $198.00 J.Crew

Style and Focus Weekend: The Sports Date

Show your competitive spirit by planning a sports date. Even if you're not naturally athletic, you will have a great time. Especially, if you make a real sport out of it by creating a challenge or two with a bet. The best out of 2, 4 or however many challenges you set and winner buys dinner (don't forget to make the reservations). Don't take it too seriously the point is the have fun.

Pick a few sports for the challenge, such as: tennis, running, biking, racket ball, golf, hiking, basketball, horseback riding, pool, indoor wall climbing, kite flying, chess or checker, etc. You could also hit up the arcade and see who can be the best at a few games. Start the date early in afternoon to fit in all your challenges and it'll leave you enough time to get properly cleaned before heading out to dinner.

However, if you're too tired to make it out for dinner simply just order take-out and make it a romantic evening with candles, flowers, wine, champagne, dessert and your take-out (served on real dinnerware).

No matter who won you will both feel like winners.

Fashion Pick for a Casual Night of Bowling

You are in desperate need of a night out but you've had it with the nightclubs at least for tonight. Then why not meet up with friends for a couple games of bowling. It's a fun and affordable casual night of goofing off with friends and not to mention inexpensive drinks.

What to wear? Something casual chic of course. Pair a cute top with your favorite pair of jeans and a cardigan. The object of the night is to be relaxed and have fun.






Welt-Pocket Cardigan $58.00 Gap

Lace Babydoll Tube $39.00 sale Arden B.

Jrs Mossimo Bootcut Destructed Denim $24.99 Target

Get Ready for Fall by Fall Cleaning Your Closet

This is just the time to get started on your fall home projects. Why not get your closet ready for fall and winter by fall cleaning your closet yeah it's not as catchy as spring cleaning but it's still quite necessary.



So here are few quick ways to get your closet ready for Fall:

1. Organize into piles. Take each item and place into one of three piles: Keep (things you love), Donate or Trash. Make it easier on yourself and give away anything you haven't worn in a year or don't ever see yourself wearing again unless it's a special occasion item. Seriously are you really going to wear that hot pink bride's maid dress again. But if you're really on the fence about keeping certain items, then place the items you love but haven't worn in the front of your closet. So that you will see it everytime you get ready to find something to wear and if another year rolls around and you still haven't worn it then give it away.

Next, sort the keep pile into Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer. You want to take stock and look over all your cool weather items to make sure there are no holes, staines, etc.

2. Don't hold on to your past or future (weight that is). Toss anything that has the mental label "My skinny" or "When I reach a certain weight". Odds are when you reach your desired weight you will want to purchase new items to celebrate the accomplishments.

3. Box and Storage out of season items. But keep some Spring/Summer pieces such as cami's, t-shirts, etc to layer under sweaters and jackets.

It doesn't have to be perfect just easier for you to get to what you want to wear.

Friday's Fashion Pick: Romantic Dinner Date

It's Saturday night and you have the perfect evening planned with the perfect date. But what are you going to wear? Set your date's heart a flutter with a sweet and sexy lace dress. Accessorize this romantic fabric with gold hoops, a clutch and black pumps or strappy sandals.


Vampy Lace Halter Dress $159.00 bebe

Domino Magazine's Time Saving Closet Clutter Solutions

Have a hard time getting out the door on time? Your closet may be the reason. With Domino Magazine's Closet Clutter Solutions you will no longer be the last one to the office or late for a party because you can't find what you're looking for.

But, before you begin organizing, assess your morning routine and see how you can free up for time.


Lacking a closet or in need of a great way to organize a studio or a small apartment? Look into having a custom storage unit built around the bed.



To keep the little one's organized and on the go, place bins and boxes on a stainless steel shelving unit to keep toys, papers and more at hands reach. To hid or conceal the unit from guests, add curtains.



To make use of extra space, transform odd nooks and corners into closets by adding curtains and shelves.



Can't remember where you left that proposal or bill? Organize small items, bills and other papers in a storage desk or an armoire to cut down on the clutter.


To maximize all your space, customize closet doors with bulletin boards.



Keep it simple by adding easy to read labels.



Organize with same color boxes for a more uniform look. They're also a great way to store out of season clothing.



Can't find that black cardigan that makes you look smart? Then take time to color-code your clothes it will make getting dress so much easier.



No floor space for shoes, try a unique storage option by placing shoes on a bookcase. No room in the closet, place the bookcase on an unused corner or wall in the room.



To free up additional closet space, fold items like sweaters and t-shirts and place on shelves.



Organize by separating and placing like items together such as pants, skirts, or by office vs party attire.



An easy solution for storing clutches, lie them flat in a drawer to optimize space.



Reduce frustration by organizing jewelry by color then place in jewelry trays.