I've been a fan of Fresh products for years. They seem to have cornered the market on truly intoxicating fruit scents. I've spent a small fortune on their soaps, bubble baths and on a particular eau de parfum that gives my skin just a whisper of citrus scent.

They put out the obligatory makeup line several years ago. It never really caught on with me, but I'm sure someone uses it. Then they did something really clever: they came out with Crème Ancienne.

This rich, moisturizing skin cream is made in a monastery. That's right: monks in the Czech Republic devote their days to making the product.

People swear by its benefits as a wrinkle-reducer and as the ultimate weapon in the war against aging. At $135 for 1 ounce, it must be worth it because Fresh can hardly keep it in stock.

Recently they came out with Crème Ancienne Eye Cream, so the monks' days must be even busier.

Humor aside, Fresh has managed to corner the market once again with yet another excellent product that will drain our bank accounts even as it adds pleasure to our lives.

Photo above is from Fresh.com.

My aunt (God bless her) has been known to give me lotions for Christmas with this as an accompanying note: "I didn't like the way this smelled but thought you'd enjoy it." So I was delighted when last year I received a basket of assorted L'Occitane shea butter products, with a sheepish note saying she hoped I'd enjoy them.

Enjoy them? I was in heaven.

I was introduced to L'Occitane through their divine smelling french soap. The Shea Butter Verbena Soap is a classic, of course, and, if you don't know it, you should go forthwith to their store to enjoy its scent.

If verbena isn't your thing, they also have lavender, honeysuckle, green tea, milk, rose… and the list goes on. They have a soap for every occasion and trust me: they all smell divine.

I also love their shower gel. It smells like it was produced on a French farm and, in a sense, it is. The company was founded by Olivier Baussan who started out selling essential oils in the markets of Provence.

From its success at a French farmer's market, L'Occitane has grown into a global addiction. And thank God, really, because I know exactly where to find it when I want to buy more!

This post was sponsored by L'Occitane. Photo above is from L'Occitane.com.

So I have never had to do any bronzing; however, I know that people love being beach ready and if you can get it as a spray, it definitely has a uniform look. Here in NYC, Brazil Bronze Glow Bar is a celeb favorite as well as one that has been featured on MTV, Martha and Good Morning America. In addition, Spa Week, has an amazing offer where you can get a Full Body Spray Tan for $25 (normally this would be $60). Whether you're running off for Spring Break, the Hamptons or whatever beach is calling your name - this is a great way to look fab while you're in cute shorts, maxi dresses and more.

Ah, Chanel. Nothing evokes style and grace more than those six letters. It's no wonder that the name is synonymous with the likes of Audrey Hepburn.

Though Chanel will only be an aspiration for so many of us (I will emulate the style, but may never own a closet full of Karl Lagerfeld) I can at least capture some of the trappings of greatness through their fabulous makeup line.

To start with, they make great lip gloss. The glossimer line is sheer with just a little bit of shine. I particularly love the light pink colors which look great over a pencil. They wear well (meaning they don't come off to easily) but they also aren't too thick. They also don't have that old-lady makeup smell that some glosses do.

So I may be a few pounds away from Audrey Hepburn's adorable black sheath dresses, pillbox hats and ballet slippers, but I can always dream. In the mean time, though my clothes may be bland, at least my lips will sparkle!

Photo above from Chanel.com.

Plastic surgery can help enhance natural beauty, according to the patient testimonials of one LA plastic surgeon.


Others agree the procedures, if performed by a qualified professional with whose work the patient is satisfied, can also have both a positive psychological and emotional affect.

For example, Susan, a mother of two, tells the story of the toll taken by weight gain and its impact on her appearance after having her children.

Susan's story appears on the Website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The ASPC also maintains resources including a guide to selecting a qualified ASPC member surgeon when considering having a procedure.

Susan says she consulted two surgeons before making her choice and did not use price alone as a factor before making her final decision.

Susan selected a surgeon she says took the time to consult with her at length and make recommendations about the best procedures to accomplish her goal.

That goal, in Susan's case, was to regain the natural beauty of the body she had before becoming a mother and says that afterward the surgery gave her the motivation to maintain the exercise and diet regimen to keep her new enhanced appearance.

She says she would definitely recommend her ASPC member surgeon and the procedures she underwent to anyone interested in similar results.