There’s a great book that all pending moms read called, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” I read it cover to cover, over and over, during both of my pregnancies! The author gives you great tips, calms your nerves and offers up what’s going to happen during the next nine months.

If only we had a life manual that did this from ages five through 90. Then again, I guess it’s up to us to write that book on a daily basis. You’re the author and all you have is many, many blank pages. How will you fill them?

My point is what you anticipate or expect to happen usually does happen. If you expect that this will be your best week ever then it probably will be for you. You will live your rock star life. Clients will be attracted to you; the jobs pour in; your husband gives you that romantic look and backs it up with words and actions. Even your kids are letting you know in their own ways that you’re the best. It’s no wonder that everyone just wants to be around you.

And by the way, things seem to go so easily. Those skinny jeans even fit and you’re having three good hair days… in a row. Amazing!

What gives?

It’s simple. You’re expecting a great week and the universe is delivering your order. Since you’re expecting things to go well, your behavior has also changes. You feel really comfortable in your own skin and you’re not sweating the small stuff. Your ease is also making the good things roll in because you’re not busy just wading through your pools of self doubt and self criticisms.

The confidence from this kind of week can’t be packaged. You’re not arrogant about it, but you have a vibe of expecting the best to happen and attracting good things to you. Some might even say that there is a “change in vibration” about you that’s attracting all of this positivity and others naturally feel it.

The flipside is the woman who expects everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Call her Ms. Doom and Gloom or as my kids call her; Debbie Downer! Wah, wah, wah.

The universe responds with dark clouds including a bad work week, kids who trip and fall over everything,  that heel that breaks off in the morning and the coffee she spills on her new white pants. She picks a fight with her husband and he’s still sulking three days later. She’s unhappy, so she’s eating cookies in the afternoon and now nothing seems to fit. At her wit’s end, she doesn’t have the patience to stand there and do good hair and makeup. Now, she feels frumpy on top of the rest of it.

Meanwhile, Ms. Positivity isn’t even using bronzer to add that glow to her face! It’s just a perk of being in the sweet zone.

My point here is to choose what side of the line you want to live on.  I’ve been on both sides of this line, and let me tell you.. the landscape looks remarkable different  and brighter on one side than it does on the other!   I prefer to stay as positive and as realistic as possible. Which is not always easy to do, but why not try? What can it hurt? In fact, it helps in ways that most people don’t ever understand

Of course, unexpected things will come up on a daily basis, they usually do. And, you will deal with them on a “need to take care of it” basis. That’s just how it is.

But I try not to always “awful-ize” those either. I take a deep breath, and look at the big picture. “Is it worth it? Will it pass? Does it  really matter ?”  I just wiggle my way through them, put a smile on my face, slip on my big sun glasses and look toward the bright side. I expect the best and know in my heart that things will work out for the best, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment.

Wanna grab your movie star glasses and join me?

WANT TO USE THIS  INTERVIEW IN YOUR E-ZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE?
Please do and be sure to include the complete little bio below.

Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, and Style Consultant, Tamara Gold is the publisher and editor of the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Beauty & Style. News & Reviews for Real Women. Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business. If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TheRedLipstickReport.com

YOUR LIFE AND STYLE IS AMERICAN IDOL

by Tamara Gold

Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. ”

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix. Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

Listen now to an inspiring interview with author, writer and speaker, Danielle LaPorte from white hot truth. LaPorte shares her thoughts about your authentic style,

Shop and adore LaPorte’s new stationary line. The ultimate white space. Make it more personal and send your clients hand written thank you notes.  A great gift item for friends and family. This clean, classy and sassy stationary set includes 10 “great, fulls” $34. Available at whitehottruth.com

When you find what you truly love to do and are following your purpose, it’s no longer work. But, here is what I’ve discovered; You need harmony between all the areas of your life. It’s not all about biz. It’s about blending your life together so it flows effortlessly from one area to another, back and forth.

Can you relate? Do you have a hard time walking away from your work? Or do you run as fast as you can? There are ways to find your passion and ways to create a business you love. But, we can talk about that on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend and the Father’s in your life.

Happy Father’s Day to all!

by Dianna  Amorde

About ten days ago, I was mesmerized and inspired by a movie that came out in 2007. It’s amazing how something as random as choosing to watch a movie can shift our thinking or inspire us to take a leap toward our dreams. And, summer is the perfect time to re-connect with the power of imagination and stories to move us toward our dreams.

August Rush is about a young boy who has been in New York’s childcare system since birth and who believes in the power of music to re-unite him with his parents.

The movie starts with Evan (soon to be renamed August) saying that he believes in music the way some people believe in fairy tales.August Rush closes with a compelling, uplifting symphony that I found to be so inspiring that I downloaded it immediately after watching the movie. The symphony created by the character August is infused with his intense desire to be united with his parents (whom he knows nothing about). 

1. Find The Music or Movie That Most Inspires You. Keep these sources of inspiration handy, so you can  easily bring yourself to the level of energy you need to create your best work or go for the dream you’ve been ignoring. Consider starting each week or day with a snippet from this work to fill you with purpose and passion for the week or day ahead.
   • What do your choices say about you? Does a movie scene or song reveal something that lights you up or that you’re meant to do yourself?
   • Ask your friends what movie scenes or music inspire them. You might learn something new about them.
2. Ask Yourself What Music – - What Notes – - You’re Sending Out Into The World. August created a beautiful symphony designed to call forth his parents. Imagine the love, passion, and intent put into it. Now, look at your days. Are you creating an inspiring symphony designed to bring to you all that you desire? Or, are you caught up in the noisy distractions that show up daily and are only playing discordant notes?
   • A symphony highlights different instruments or sections at different times, with segments where most instruments are playing together. How can you use this metaphor to create a symphony of your life?
   • What area of focus (instrument) is in the spotlight for you now and when do you allow time for other areas of your life to take centerstage? Do you allow yourself to effortlessly flow from one segment to another?
3. Consider Shifting Your Perspective In Order To Believe In Fairy Tales, Music, or Miracles. Have you been stuck thinking that what you “see” or hear about on the news represents the real world? Are you willing to believe in what’s never been done before? August was tenacious in his belief in the power of music, even when being made fun of by others.
   • Start looking for the “happy ending” in every situation you deal with.
   • If you were creating a fairy tale of your life, how do you see the next twelve months unfolding? Think miracles. Think magic.

August Rush ends with a happy boy asking us to pay attention to the music that’s all around us. Do you hear the music? 

By Tamara Gold

Start creating the life of your dreams by first looking at the “Bigger Picture.”  Step back and look at your day-to-day habits, they are forming the foundation of your life. What is the end result you’d like to see? Discover how 9 Simple steps can start you on your way to creating the beautiful life you’ve always wanted.

1. Living On Purpose

Are you living on purpose? Once you discover your deepest desire and follow this one thing, you’ll find your life gets easier. Yes! Easier than you’ve ever imagined. Just think. You know that you are going “Right.” Would you turn Left? Nope. I didn’t think so. What is it you have always wanted to do with you life? Maybe you are already doing it. If so, you’re a very lucky person. Now it’s time to stop worrying about all the rest of the options and just follow forth with your purpose. If you’re a little confused, search out the options. Find your passion, discover your purpose…and then stick to it.

2. The Power of No

Do you hear yourself saying “Yes!” to things you really don’t want to do? Not only does it cause anxiety and frustration, but it takes away from YOU. We sometimes have a tendency to say “Yes!” just to make others happy. We have to realize how important it is to be able to say “No.” Not as easy, but you’ll find it can be very empowering. You’ll free up the time you need to follow your dreams, your passion and your true life purpose.

3. Focus On  One Thing at a Time

Multi-tasking is part of our culture. Especially for women, juggling families, businesses, and other commitments. Try turning off your email. Have one project on your desk or laptop at a time. How about this one? Try to concentrate on grocery shopping….instead of talking on your cell phone as you throw the banana’s in the basket. You’ll find you get things done faster, more efficiently, and without the frustrating little mistakes which happen to all of us when we aren’t present. You’ll may even begin to realize the “Art” behind doing one thing at a time. It can be very Zen.

4. Don’t Try to Do It All

Do you think the President of the United States does everything himself? Of course not! And, neither should you. Ask for help when you can. Hire help if you can afford it. Trying to do everything yourself leads to burn out, irritability and whoooo….a whole lot of unrealistic expectations. Act like the President….Ask for the help you need.

5.  It Starts with Self-Care

If you don’t take care of yourself, no one will. We’ve all heard, “Put Your oxygen masks on first before helping others.” We need to be at our best to run our businesses, take care of our families, and stay healthy. Eating healthy, finding time for exercise, and relaxing with friends are all part of the mix. This is the combination for a beautiful life.

6.  Enjoy the Silence

If you meditate, great! You’re one step ahead of the rest. If not, find a time in your day, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, to sit, and just be. Get quiet, listen to the sound of nothing. It is in the silence where you will actually “hear” the unexpected. The silence is the portal between who you are and who you are becoming. You might be surprised at the inspired action the silence reveals.

7. Clear Your Mind

If you’ve got a highly creative or busy mind, it can be chattering all day long. Not only does it make it hard for you to stop and enjoy the life you have, you may even have a hard time remembering all your brilliant ideas. Carry a small “Idea Book” with you wherever you go. Leave it by your bedside if you’re the type of person who wakes in the middle of a night with the plot line to the next blockbuster movie. Write your brainstorms down in your little idea book and let it go. You’ll be able to refer back to it any time you need inspiration and rummage through the treasures of your mind.

8. Live in the Moment

Your beautiful life is happening NOW! Don’t miss out. Stop and take a deep breath. Look around and see your life as it is, right now. There are so many incredible things we missed, because we are on overdrive, or thinking about the future. Stop and smell the roses! Hey, didn’t some else say that?

9. Give Thanks

You already have more than most people. You may not be where you want to be in your career or even have the relationship of your dreams. But, you already have a lot. Be grateful for your health, your creativity, for your friends, family and for the promise your future holds. The more grateful you are in the moment, the more you receive in the future.

You can create your life any way you like. It’s up to you.  Set the intentions and let your Beautiful Life Blossom.

We have all met her. She’s got it all together on her own terms. She’s built a business through love and passion; hard work and late nights.

She’s inspired us to follow our dreams, and she’s been there to help when we need an ear, or a shoulder to cry on. We want to be like her, and we want to honor her.

Nominate the Entrepreneur who has inspired you. Deadline for nominations December 1, 2009.

I just wanted to catch up with the blog and let you know you are going to see some big changes this year in the look, feel and content of the Red Lipstick Report. It’s not just about the makeup and we all know it.

There will be more specific information to help you in the upcoming year in all areas of your life; Beauty and Business. I’ve been lucky in the past few months to have connected with Experts in all areas who can help you not only look and feel good, get into the best shape in your life, turn your business around, launch your career or follow the dream you never dared to tell anyone.

I’ve been sharing much of this information with many of the people I work with on set and in the makeup room.  And, the feedback is exhilarating! Many of them have asked me to write it all down and share it, so they can follow along. So, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Not just for them, but for YOU too. What questions do you have about your life, beauty, health, business, relationships? What experts would you like to hear from this coming year? What dreams do you want to make reality?

I’m designing this program with you in mind and I want to make it  powerful, engaging, fun and exciting experience. If you have a friend who you think might benefit as well, spread the word. Please join me along with a group of incredible women as we step into 2009 and “Step into our Dreams”.

We’ve all got a dream.

Take one small step towards it and watch the magic unfold!

I’m looking forward to watching YOUR Star Soar in 2009. Check back soon for a sneak peak of what’s to come.

Happy Holidays.

Dream Big.