CONTRIBUTED BY LARISSA

Dear Shoppers - I am currently traveling in the states and I have been shopping in California, Nevada and Virginia.  I always forget how overwhelming it can be when you first arrive from Okinawa and reintroduce yourself to the "Land Of Many Choices".  I have definately boosted the economy and will also be assisting the post office in staying afloat for a little while longer.  Shopping with friends is always more fun and it's even better to be armed with helpful, money-saving tips, too!!

Since I just turned 40, this article titled "18 Ways to Not Look Old in the Recession" caught my eye.  The article is geared towards women who are in the work force but I think most of the 18 ways are pertinent for any of us who are looking to shave a few years off our face or update our look.  There is even a pointer on how to camouflage our trouble spots - the word "muffintop" is introduced here. 

Even though I have been advised by many of my good friends that 40 is not old, it is fun to know the "tricks" to updating my look without straining my budget.  I will share that I discovered a new place to shop for bras and high quality lounge wear - check out Soma.  They are owned by the Chico's company who also owns White House / Black Market and Chico's, of course.  When you get to tip #13 this website might come in handy.  For those of you who will be shopping in the states over the summer this is a "must visit" kind of store. 

We shopped 'til we dropped!

I hope you find at least 1 of 18 tips helpful and easy to implement.  I read the article to a friend who has been shopping with me for the past week and she has implemented 8 of the 12  recommendations - we're still working on #8.