Beyond Words

My co-worker and I were talking about hair today.  She was looking forward to her hair appointment after work and we shared our joys and our woes about styling and coloring our hair.  I feel pretty confident in saying this is a typical conversation topic among women.  It’s no secret that a good hair day makes for a good all around day.

Our hair is our most prominent and permanent accessory and we stress over it a lot.  Those with curly hair want straight hair.  We go short only to grow it out or add extensions.   Our bathrooms border on beauty salons when it comes to hair styling tools.   Guys think we’re crazy but also admit they all wish their ladies had Julia Roberts-style locks.

We all know those girls:  the ones with perfect hair.  My friends Julie and Jeannie.   Jennifer Aniston and Kate Middleton.  We love them but boy do we hate the fact that their hair always looks great.

We also know those celebs whose hair has set the style world on fire at one time or another:  Farrah, Hamill, Rachel, even Halle.  Say “Lisa Rinna” and you not only think of ginormous lips but you probably also think of that same hair style she’s had for years.  Everyone loved Meg Ryan’s tasseled waves but does anyone else remember the TV havoc caused when Felicity chopped off her famous curls?

A New Norm for Hair

That’s why I was so pleased to recently learn that “normcore” hair is in and in a big way.  What the heck is “normcore” hair?  Well, it’s the hair style sister of last year’s normcore fashion, essentially studied yet decidedly dressed down style.  Boyfriend jeans paired with  (gasp!) Birkenstocks, men’s ware at formal affairs.  Over polished became so over and even make-up was less done.  Bare faces were all the rage last summer and the trend is expected to continue this year.

When it comes to hair in 2015, less is more.  Less styling.  Less blow outs.  Less extensions.  Less color.  Less everything.  According to hair stylist to the stars, Marie Robinson, it’s simple hair with natural color.  Your natural color.  Ombre is out, extensions have extended their welcome, highlights are has beens, and platinum is past tense.

Robinson credits one particular celebrity, Jennifer Lawrence, for triggering this back to basics trend.  “Even though she’s had different variations of cuts, her color always stays believable,” Robinson says.   I Googled the fashionable and friendly JLaw, and found this to be spot on.  Judge for yourself:

This toning down of hair color opens the door for more options and possibilities with haircuts.  The thought being women will take bigger risks with their hair cuts if their hair color is toned down. “Don’t over accessorize” applies also to hair so if you have a “look at me” shade you probably want to keep your style simple, or vice versa.

“We’ve been stuck on this middle-long safe length for such a long time and I’m hoping people are going to get more daring,” says Robinson when it comes to choosing a hair style.

Most hair stylists would agree, and many admit, that trimming long hair can get pretty boring, but a fun shorter “do” is way more fun to do.

About the time I learned about this normcore hair trend, I came across Instyle.com’s site where you upload a photo of yourself and “try on” a variety of hairstyles, even those of celebrities.  I had so much fun with it and found the site not only highly entertaining but highly addictive too!

Do we like a bob…

Short and sassy…

Long and flowing…

Mid-length moxie

Or…Kate, Katy Perry, blonde Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, the “Rachel” or Whitney Houston?!

So.  Much.  Fun!

Try it out yourself at instyle.com/hairmakeover.  I’m guessing you’ll have as much fun as I did and you may just find that perfect hair style you’ve been looking for!

Choose Wisely

When choosing a hair style, there are many things to consider.  Nothing can change your look more than a new ‘do but just because your favorite celebrity can pull off the style of the moment doesn’t mean you can.  Study the shape of your face and the texture of your hair.  Both are paramount in deciding what hair cut you decide on.  Also think about how much time and effort you like to spend doing your hair.  I have a lot of hair that grows fast and I could easily have long, flowing locks but I just am not good at or enjoy spending lots of time styling my hair each day.  I also have an oval face, which styling experts say is the most versatile face shape, but as the photos above prove, bangs don’t work on me because my forehead is narrow.

If you also have an oval face (think Julia Roberts or Beyonce), many different cuts will work for you but regardless of length, ask for cheekbone, lip line, or chin-length layers and avoid short layers on top.  Skip blunt cuts all together if you have thick or curly hair.

Long faces (think Sarah Jessica Parker or Liv Tyler) work best with chin-length cuts or bobs.  Bangs can also work on this face shape, as does either straight styles or curls.

Heart-shaped faces like Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Pfeiffer should focus on long layers if the cut is short and side-swept bangs for both long and short styles.  Stay away from blunt-cut bobs.  Subtle layers and playful pieces work best.

Square-faced beauties like Keira Knightley and Julianne Moore should avoid blunt-cut bangs at all costs and opt instead for cuts that soften their prominent jawlines.  Focus on face-framing layers, spiky crops, or sleek long looks.

Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams both boast round faces, and if you do too you’ll want longer, geometric cuts with angled layers.  Pick cuts with more volume on the crown than on the sides and stay away from blunt styles that end above your chin.

It’s not true that blondes have more fun so most importantly, have fun with your hair whether it’s brown, black, red or even pink.   Just think:  it will always grow back!

Always.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

That line is in one of today’s mass readings and it’s also in a song we sing right before the gospel.  I’ve always loved it.

I am His servant and I am listening.

Sometimes it’s hard to hear what He is saying though; really hear.  We often hear what we want to hear and shy away from what He might be telling us.

People in general just aren’t good listeners.  We would rather be talking, texting, reading, or doing something else.  Listening is an art.  It’s a skill and something we have to work on being good at.  We all know the empty feeling of talking to someone we know isn’t really listening and yet we are guilty of doing the very same thing.

Even during sermons in church.  We fidget, we look around, we let our minds wander.  But, we should be listening to the Word of God with open hearts and open ears.  It is a true blessing to listen to God.  It is how we obtain His blessings and improve our relationship with Him.  Yes, we also pray to Him, but praying to God is not the same as listening to Him.  Prayer is how we speak to God but it’s not how He speaks to us.  He speaks to us through His word and in many little ways throughout our days.  It’s up to us to hear those words.

Throughout the bible there are examples of those who did not listen to God from the outset.  Eli.  Nathanael, and even Samuel until God called to him, saying “Samuel!  Samuel!”  Then, Samuel finally replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  After that, God spoke to Samuel regularly and Samuel listened.  He eventually became a prophet and is a shining example for us all.

Every morning the first thing I do is read my “Jesus Calling” devotional.  Today’s reading was so timely as I grapple with listening to God and wondering what His plans are for my life even as I always repeat “the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”  God also said “Follow me” (John 21:19), so it was with an open heart and open ears that I read:

Jesus Calling: January 18

I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight.  Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts.   Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path.  Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me.

Learn to trust Me when things go wrong.  Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through the day.  I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep.  Breathe deep draughts of My presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it.

Concluding Prayer Father, thank you for your great love and care for me. Thank you for the promise of directing my paths. Lord, help me to be open to new heights. I want to serve You with all my heart and I pray that You would direct me to the best place for me to serve You.  Lord, I don’t know if I’m the best place right now.  It’s providing for me and yet it is very empty.  Do you want me to change?  Is there another path you want to direct me towards?   Things won’t always go the way I want them to and when this happens keep me connected to You Lord. I feel my road is steep right now and I admit, I think the answer often is for me to run out and solve a problem in a way I only think it can be solved.   Do I think that you really can do something beyond my understanding?  Lord, I want to trust you. I want to believe You.  More than I know myself.

“Don’t be anxious about tomorrow.  God will take care of your tomorrow.  Live one day at a time.” 

Matt 6:34

Reading all of that as I woke up from a restless night gave me both chills and peace of mind.  It literally and figuratively woke me up.  What an amazing God we have who asks us only to listen.  Let’s all try to make “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” our goal and our motto today and every day.

Happy Friday!

Have you seen those television commercials that say something along the lines of “you may think you’re masking your cat’s odor but when guests come over they smell this” and then the small cat on a sofa becomes a giant cat-shaped couch?    Eeewww!   Pee-you!

It’s all about that smell.  That powerful function of our nose is one of five ways we connect with the world around us and it influences our lives in ways we may not even be aware of.

Thankfully I don’t have any friends whose houses smell like giant cats, but if blindfolded and taken to several of their homes and asked where I was, I could probably figure out whose just by the unique smells their homes have.   Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t mean this in a bad way.  In fact, I often wonder if my house has “a smell,” and if so, I hope it’s a good one!

I love candles, (particularly lemon-verbena, vanilla, or red currant) and I almost always have one burning in my house.  You may also love candles but unless I know what scents you like, I really shouldn’t buy one for you, even as a gift.  Why?  It’s all about that smell.  Like perfume, scented candles are very personal.  Buy a scent that someone doesn’t like and you might as well buy them a trip to the dentist.  They won’t like it.  Buy them a scent they do like however, and you will come out smelling like one rose of a gift giver.

Just this week I was visiting with a co-worker and she mentioned that when she sprayed her perfume on that morning she thought of me because I always compliment her on how she smells.  I could probably smell that cologne 10 years from now in a far-away place and I will think of her.  I also have a friend of nearly 20 years who has used the same fragrance for the two decades we have called each other friend.  In my mind, and my daughter’s for that matter, her perfume is hers alone regardless of its global marketing reach.  That’s how smell works and it’s amazing.

Still not convinced?  Okay, Exhibit B:  recently I placed a small tube of lotion next to my bed to use at night because my hands have been so wintery dry.  The first night I used it, the smell reminded me of something so vivid it made me crazy trying to figure out who or what.  Then, it hit me.  The small tube was the “travel lotion” I took to Rome last summer.  To this day I can close my eyes, smell that smell, and literally visualize me and Kristen in our little hotel room near the Vatican.  Such enormously happy memories coming from a small drug- store bought tube of hand cream, albeit a tube I will probably never throw away now!

I am not alone.  The smell of something brings back memories for nearly all of us and can even influence our moods, work place productivity, and personal lives.  It is all about that smell, but it’s also all about how intricately our noses and brains are intertwined.   Quick anatomy lesson:  the brain’s olfactory bulb transmits smell information from the nose to the brain.  The olfactory bulb is part of the brain’s limbic system, which is closely associated with memory, and it has direct access to the amygdala, which processes emotion.  It’s also closely related to the hippocampus, which is responsible for associative learning.  End of lesson.  Crib notes would state that your nose smells something, the brain tells you that smell reminds you of something, and you go “uh-huh!”  It’s not brain surgery.  It’s all about that smell.

Mind blown.  Literally bind blown.

Not everyone likes or dislikes the same smells and some don’t like scented things at all.  A very good friend of mine detests it when someone wears perfume.  Me being the lover of perfume that I am, I always need to keep this in mind when getting together with her.

Perfume is something that, even if I’m dirt poor, I would hope to be able to afford.  And for good reason.  Growing up my mom always had lovely bottles of perfume perched like little trophies on a bathroom counter mirror and would wear some when she and my dad went out.  Childhood visions of her all dressed up and looking glam rubbed off on me in that I relate perfume to happiness and joy.  Ironically, Jean Patou’s “Joy” was always her favorite perfume.

I Smell a Rat

It’s a two-sided atomizer though, and we’ve all been there and hated that.  The plane ride next to a fellow passenger drenched in a scent that nauseates you.  The whisper or hug from someone with bad breath.  The packed movie theatre and sitting adjacent to someone with the dreaded B.O.  That, however, is pretty much disliked by all, as is smoke, sour milk, and Limburger cheese.

Still, researchers have found that perception plays almost as big a role in smell as reality.  Say what?  Well, apparently an English psychologist labeled a Brie-like scent as both “cheddar cheese” and “body odor.”   He had participants smell the scent and then say if they liked it or not.  Test subjects rated the odor higher and more pleasant when it was identified as cheese.  Shocker!

The sense of smell is probably more closely linked to memory than any of our other senses and because we encounter most new scents when we’re young, smells often conjure up childhood memories.  That explains it!

Chlorine from a swimming pool?  I immediately think of the Municipal Swimming Pool in my hometown of Santa Fe, NM.

A new can of tennis balls?  I’m right back where I learned to play tennis as a child:  the black-top courts near downtown in Santa Fe.

Ralph Lauren’s original red-bottled cologne?  College.

Smell is highly emotive and extremely important when it comes to the attraction of two people and the hiring of employees.  Come reeking of body odor and you probably won’t get the date or the job, but enter free of offensive smells and your odds of getting a call back and the girl increase maybe not sharply but perhaps slightly.  You could say “by a nose.”

“I love the smell of napalm in the morning” is one of film’s most famous quotes.   I certainly don’t agree with the “Apocalypse Now” line, but I do love the smell of rain and freshly mowed grass, rubbing alcohol and gasoline, Play-Do and Easter lilies.  I’m not a big fan of anything lavender scented and I can’t stand the smell (or taste) of cilantro.  I enjoy “new car smell” as much as the next guy but I don’t really fancy car air fresheners.

What about you?  What smells do you love?  Which ones do you abhor?

So last night I watched as much of the Golden Globes as my stomach could take before settling said stomach with the night’s dose of “Downton Abby.”  (Can I just quickly say I was thrilled to see Joanne Froggatt win a Globe for her brilliant portrayal of Anna Bates?)

I’m not even going to get into who won what or who said what.  Nope, I’m heading straight to what everyone really cares about:  the evening’s fashion highs and lows!

I thought both Reese Witherspoon’s and Jennifer Aniston’s choices were pretty yet somewhat boring but how good does Jane Fonda look?  I didn’t love her dress but the woman killed it and doesn’t look overly nipped and tucked.  And, I loved her glitter sparkle pumps!  One last random thought:  will somebody please give Giuliana Rancic a hamburger?  Talented and funny, Rancic is scary skinny and no amount of designer dresses can hide it…especially when she chooses strapless gowns.

Here then, are my picks for best dressed and best had maybe stayed home.

I’m obsessed with Amal Clooney’s elegant Dior Haute Couture dramatic black gown with opera gloves.  I also loved how she seemed slightly bored sitting through a Hollywood “high school reunion.”  This girl just knows how to do fashion and Hollywood should take note.  Not only did she steal away their most eligible bachelor, she’s also teaching them a thing or two about class and style.  Does anyone look better than Amal and George?  Really?

Okay, maybe Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan who looked insanely beautiful in her pale yellow Carolina Herrera masterpiece.  I’m not surprised as Carolina is my favorite designer.  Everything she does is simple yet stunning.  It doesn’t hurt to have Channing on your arm either!

Okay, and now for the rest of the bunch in no particular order:

“Best Dressed”

Julia Louis Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriquez.  Elaine is definitely all growed up and this sexy little Narciso Rodriquez white magic was indeed sexy yet still classy.

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors.  Call me crazy but I like this icey white “cross-cross” Michael Kors dress.

Camila Alves in Monique Lhuillier.  In a word:  stunning.  Austin’s own Mrs. McConaughey was breathtaking in a simple blush column gown with black piping.  Normally I would include the couple up top with the Clooneys and the Tatums, but I didn’t much care for the scruffy look and “interesting” tux Camila’s hubby wore.  This time, it was her turn and she more than showed up.

Naomi Watts in Gucci.  A little ray of sunshine in her bright yellow, the Aussie stunner added her trademark edge with a blinding Bulgari serpenti necklace.  I also liked the touch of a belt.  Nice.

Emma Stone in Lanvin.  Many have given Stone’s “pant suit with bling and a train” choice a thumbs down, but I’m crazy about it.   It reminded me of another Emma’s pant choice at last year’s Golden Globes:  Emma Watson’s stunning red and black Dior Couture look.  I loved them both.

Christine Baranski in Zac Posen.  Not your normal “top of mind” fashion plate, but I think Baranski rocked it in this Zac Posen fitted gown.  Plus, is that color Marsala?!

Diana Kruger in Emilia Wickstead.  Hello silver!  Hello shimmery!  Hello perfection!  A constant “best dressed” list member, Kruger is sure to stay on those lists thanks to this little number.

Kate Beckinsale in Elie Saab Couture.  Another “best dressed” list favorite, Beckinsale’s choices often bore me, but this Elie Saab Couture draped delight stole my heart.  Maybe it’s the glitter.  Maybe it’s the softness combined with the glitter.  Maybe it’s both.

Catherine Zeta Jones in Angel Sanchez.  Okay, don’t laugh but everything I’ve read is comparing this strapless red stunner with the similarly dressed dancing Emoji.  Funny yes, but I still love it.  I’m always a sucker for red and I just think Jones looked fabulous.

“Worst Dressed”

Tina Fey in Antonio Berardi.  Our favorite funny lady, but jokes on her in this mess of a dress.  I don’t get it.  It’s not flattering AT ALL at the waistline (and who would ever want that?!), it’s awkwardly poofy, and the length is all wrong.  Still, the George and Amal joke was hilarious.

Jessica Chastain in Versace.  The ’80s called and they want their bronze lame dress back.  What?  So disappointed in Jessica who is normally spot on.  I do kinda like the hair though.  Kinda.

Claire Danes in Valentino.  This happened to Claire Danes last night and I don’t even know where to begin.  An ill-fitting choice is all I will say.

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad.  We get it JLo; you’re beautiful and your body rocks.  Enough already.  That Tracy Anderson-toned bod is uh-mazing but I’ve seen enough of it.  I’m the first person to admit that as Jennifer Lopez has aged, she has actually gotten prettier but she’s beginning to prove you can take the girl out of the Bronx but you can’t take the Bronx out of the girl.  I did like her hair and make-up but did anyone else notice a weird underwire jobby poking out?

Kate Hudson in Versace.  See above regarding Jennifer Lopez.  Again, yes we know you’re gorgeous Kate but maybe you should spend a little more time upping the class factor and a little less time sleeping with half of Hollywood.  Just saying.

Keira Knightly in Chanel.  I love me some Chanel but Coco must be rolling in her tweed and pearl encrusted grave.   Okay, Knightly is pregnant, but did she not take note of Olivia Wilde’s or Blake Lively’s recent red carpet “bump” looks?

Kerry Washington in Mary Katrantzou.  Oh dear.  Olivia Pope should investigate hiring a new stylist after sporting this couture crime.  A regular head turner, this one just made us want to turn away.  What a scandal.

Lupito Nyongo in Giambattista Valli.  Last year’s red carpet darling, Nyongo missed the mark in this overpowering and aging gown.  We want the old Lupito back.  Please!

That’s a fashion wrap!  It’s time now for my other favorite “f” word:  football!  National Championship tonight.  Go Ducks?  Go Bucks?  Go shopping!

Today I’m taking a break from my normal “Sunday Scripture” to talk about that other religion I follow:  football!  I’ve prayed many, many times for my teams to win but as I’ve come to discover, God doesn’t really care who wins the annual Red River Rivalry or AFC East!  And yes, my Catholic guilt is killing me but THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TOMORROW!!!

Sadly my Oklahoma Sooners aren’t playing in college football’s title game in Dallas tomorrow evening but I’m excited nonetheless.   And even though Smitty’s Buffalo Bills didn’t make the NFL play-offs, let’s not forget pro football’s Super Bowl on February 1.  So today I’m focusing on how to celebrate the best in football in the best way.

If one of your teams is playing, choose a color scheme based on the team’s official colors.  If your team isn’t playing, go with a green and brown football field scheme, black and white referee style, or really anything you want.

I loved the above idea I saw in “Better Homes & Gardens” magazine that features a trophy-like vase for buffet or tabletop flowers along with a chalkboard.  How ‘bout including pom-poms in with the flowers and adding some football-themed snacks to go with them?  There are so many recipes that are simple and yet sure to be crowd favorites, including:

I’m a tried and true team player but I’m also the hostess who likes to sit down and actually watch the game and I don’t like to have to worry about refilling bowls or restocking plates, so in addition to those adorable novelty edibles, I like the idea of providing items that guests can easily eat.  No running back and forth to the kitchen or balancing a big plate with these single-serve temptations, including desserts:  (I’m obsessed with the ravioli and marinara sauce served in the appetizer spoons and the “caramel apples” are to die for!)

To help matters even more, set up your drink station as a “serve yourself” spot and place snacks throughout the house.

No football party is complete without traditional Buffalo chicken wings, complete with the requisite celery, carrots and blue cheese dressing, and eating them with football-themed manicures are oh so spicy!

If you’re like me, you’re always wondering how much food to buy or make for your gathering.  When in doubt, always overestimate and go by these tried-and-true guides:

As for cakes, a baker I am not but I have used this stadium-shaped cake pan my mom gave me years ago.  The finished product was nothing like a custom one you can purchase (like this one) but it works!

Finally, add some festivity to your party with football-themed serving pieces.  How fun are the turf-topped coasters I bought earlier this fall?  And the “penalty flag” yellow napkins and goodie bags?  Insanely adorable!

Other fun ideas include having a signature cocktail as part of the menu (“Packer Punch?”  “Buckeye  Beer?”), keep the vibe casual (it is football after all), and provide nametags if the group will be large.  On them write how each guest knows you, which will serve as great conversation starters and ice-breakers.

Yes, many of these ideas are silly and corny but they are also fun and festive!  The crowd will be cheering as they toast the winning team and you will walk away a true winner!

I’m hunkered down indoors today due to freezing temperatures and drizzle, but that can’t keep me from thinking about fashion.  I’ve recently written about New Year’s resolutions and 2015 weight loss tips and now it’s time to write about the “official” color of 2015…drum roll please…MARSALA!  Huh?  What’s that you say?  Marsala?   Yep, according to Pantone, the global color authority, 2015’s color is Marsala.

“It’s a deliciously warm shade you can almost taste just by looking at it.”

Pantone Color Institute’s Leatrice Eisman

That’s what she says, but you’re probably thinking, “I’ve heard about the Italian wine called Marsala and I’ve heard it used in chicken and veal dishes, but fashion and décor?  Not so much.”  Hold on though, it’s actually do-able!

My daughter Kristen recently purchased (okay, I purchased!) this simple yet stunning leather sheath at Hemline in Austin.  She chose it because of its style and fit, but it’s actually the color Marsala!  It’s also kind of amazing.  Who knew?!

This is the 15^th year Pantone has chosen a color of the year.  Its annual announcement influences product development and buying in a variety of industries, including fashion, home décor, beauty and cosmetics, and graphic design.

Despite grumblings heard upon the proclamation of its “now moment,” Marsala is actually a very versatile color.  Just like the wine that shares its name, the tasteful hue embodies richness and earthiness all at once.  It is a long, cool drink of sophistication.

The shade is also appealing to both men and women, unlike Pantone’s 2015 color of the year, Radiant Orchid, and its red-brown roots make the flavorful shade the perfect pick for apparel, accessories, beauty products, and home décor.

“Marsala enriches our mind, body, and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” Eiseman adds.  “It is a subtly seductive shade and one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.”

Okay, maybe a bit dramatic being that we’re talking about a COLOR, but we’ll go with it anyway.

FASHION’S NEW FRIEND

A hit on red carpets and runways, Marsala is an elegant statement color that works on everything from clothing to jewelry, handbags to shoes.

I recently saw these two cuties at way affordable H&M:

This “bandage” dress by Herve Leger may not be for everyone, but these Gap jeans and low-top Cons are!

And since I’m never one to walk away from a good plaid, let’s not forget our men friends!

The color compliments all skin tones and is best paired with neutrals such as navy or black or complimentary hues like mustard and metallics.

 A BEAUTIFUL SHADE FOR BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Sultry and subtle, Marsala is a great “go-to” color for highlighting cheeks or adding a pop of color to eyes, nails, and lips.  It pairs beautifully with gold metallics and bronzes.  I recommend using it in one area on the face only, adding punch to either your eyes, lips, or cheeks but not all three.

AT HOME WITH MARSALA

When it comes to home décor, you could say hints of Marsala have been around for years.  Remember the popular green and burgundy trend?  What about painting those dining room walls red?  Maybe Marsala has been lurking at home all along!

Today’s tone, however, is complex and full-bodied without being too dominant or overpowering.  Marsala is bold yet understated.  It’s not an Asian red on the walls and it’s not green’s best friend anymore.  It adds elegance to a room and is best reserved for accent pieces, accessories, and paint.  Again, think subtle.  Think throws and pillows, bedding and rugs.

Not surprising, Marsala is perfect for kitchens and dining areas.  The color is great in a stripe pattern, making it terrific for tabletops, dinnerware, and window treatments.

Two things to also consider when choosing Marsala products are matte and sheen.  A matte finish will enrich Marsala’s organic nature while adding sheen with convey glamour and luxury.  In short, 2015’s Marsala is both dramatic and grounding.  It is a full-bodied and earthy tone that brings warmth to any home or office.

Marsala is definitely a statement-making color and one that is both tasty and trendy right now.  As with any “it” thing however, I don’t recommend going crazy with it but I do recommend having fun with it.  Maybe even enjoy a glass of Marsala while doing it!

Although I have no intention of being in a bikini any time soon or even at all…ever…I saw this and thought it was interesting.  Substitute your own cravings or weaknesses as you like.  Be happy and be healthy!