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Several years ago, I worked for Nordstrom in Men’s Suiting. I was 21 years old and felt as though I was in over my head; I really disliked the initial placement in a men’s department. How was I going to be able to dress businessmen? Looking back, I am truly thankful for my time there. I learned so much and found confidence in styling men’s clothing.

One of the most intimidating aspects of working in the men’s department was pairing a button down shirt with a tie. Sure, solids were easy enough, however there are far more options than solids; there is a whole world of patterns! What to do?! This is where the most valuable piece of information came into play. My manager at the time taught me a rule of thumb: Match colors; clash patterns. One might call it mixing prints. I like to call it “pattern play.”

Pattern play or mixing prints is when the colors are coordinating while the patterns are clashing. For example, it is completely okay to pair a striped button-down with a gingham tie. Both have stripes, which can be tricky. Just remember to clash the patterns. The stripes must be of completely different widths. If the stripes are both thin, it will look too matchy—matchy, as opposed to complimenting each other. A men’s button-down in a thin pinstripe alongside a wide gingham print is complimentary. Alternatively, another way to go about it is to pair a gingham print with florals. As long as there is a coordinating color, the two will balance each other and make a great combo.

Match colors. Clash patterns. The best part about this concept is it applies to everyone. I learned it from styling men, yet it is now a go to for me when styling my own outfits. One of my favorites is stripes and florals. Pairing a striped cardigan with a floral top or dress is a great way to pattern play. Again, just be sure the color of the stripe is tied in with the color of the floral print. Something like this: A white and black striped cardigan in combination with a black floral top.

Another favorite is pairing a leopard print shoe with a printed top and jeans, or leopard shoes and a printed dress. A leopard print is the culmination of neutral colors—black and brown—thus making it a great neutral with some pizazz!

 

Most importantly, have fun with it! Mixing two prints is a great way to change things up and get creative with your clothing. Make it your own. This is why I love fashion so much. It is a visual canvas of your personal style.

Thanks so much for reading. Stop by MACCAROSE.COM with any questions or styling advice you might need. I’d love to help you find the pieces that make you feel confident and beautiful!

You’ve heard it all before. Now it’s time to listen.

#1- Know your investor-self

We all have investment parameters and constraints unique to us. Considerations like risk tolerance and tax consequences are two common investment parameters. Time and money are investment constraints. You may be fed up with work and want to retire tomorrow, but with the cost of living so high, you may not have enough money for a secure retirement just yet. You must know your investment parameters and constraints as they should serve to govern how you invest.

What is your risk tolerance? I have found it helpful to ask clients to state their risk by grading it on a scale of 1 to 10. It helps to quantify your risk tolerance. For help with that, I suggest 6 to be the risk “Of the Market,” or the S&P 500. So, a risk number greater than 6 on the scale is saying you are willing to take on more risk than the market index. A more conservative risk tolerance (below 6) is the opposite. An investor’s asset class and investment allocation should be consistent with their risk number.

Your investment income needs, time horizon, and tax consequences also need to be known before you invest. These are critical variables in any sound investment plan. Here is a classic case of less being more, especially in our high tax state: A high income earner in California seeking safe investment income is typically best advised to buy state bond issues (a municipal bond) paying less interest than a comparable corporate bond because the lower interest rate from the “muni” may be higher on a “taxable equivalent yield” basis. So he would earn less interest, but keep more income net of taxes.

The results of the answers to your investor-self should be clearly and simply reflected in your personal Investment Policy Statement (IPS). If you are not a DIY investor, be sure to only have an investment advisor who provides you with an IPS.

#2 – Know your investments

The one constant element inherent in all investments is risk. Bernard Baruch said, “There is no such thing as an investment without risk.” Know your investment risks. Bonds fall as interest rates rise. Stocks can decline dramatically due to market and unique risk. Even CD’s, or other short-term time deposits have risk. This is not the risk of principle loss, but what’s called, “Opportunity Risk.” That is the risk of not receiving a greater return, especially over a long-term. Even a U.S. guaranteed government obligation has the risk of losing money if sold before it matures.

The risk list is long. There are currency risks, political risks, market risks, systematic risks, timing risks, and as mentioned, interest rate risk, which is related to inflation risk. Market and economic risks are manageable, so don’t worry. Just know the risks to begin with. “Surprise!!” Should only be experienced at your unexpected party, not in your investment portfolio.

All investments have costs. Know them. Even “No Load” mutual funds and “Free” ETF’s have costs. In fact, these fund’s management fees and other expenses combined often exceed 1% per year. They are all disclosed in their prospectus. Like lunch, there are no free investments. Further, low, discount investments and services are often costly. “Caveat Emptor.”

Looking forward to sharing more investment concepts and strategy in next month’s Investor’s Edge column. ~ John

I had an interesting discussion with a friend recently about the responsibility of doing good work. He made the comment that some people are more culpable for the quality of work they do. He said that physicians and police officers, for example, are responsible for people’s lives and therefore are obligated to have a higher level of performance and work ethic. This comment actually upset me and I worry that statistically at least 30% of people may have the same opinion.

I’ve worked different jobs prior becoming a physician. I was a lifeguard in high school, a waitress after college and worked as a retail sales person during medical school. I enjoyed all those experiences and they imparted valuable information about people and taught me how to handle various personal and professional situations. Never once did it cross my mind to put in less than 100% effort because it wasn’t my anticipated career or “no one’s going to die if I don’t do the best job that I can.”

Having a good work ethic has nothing to do with whether the job is important enough. It comes from how much respect you have for yourself and others. If you’re in a job or profession and you’re not doing the best job that you’re capable of, you are cheating. You are cheating your boss who is paying you for a certain level of work; cheating whoever is paying for your services or for the end result of your services, cheating anyone who depends on you financially, and most importantly, you are cheating yourself out of self-gratification, self-esteem, and self-worth. Certain professions may entail a higher level of expertise or risk and require constant vigilance; however, anyone who promises a specific service is accountable for delivering the best possible product for their own self-respect, at the very least.

As a pain management physician, it is important to figure out why someone has developed chronic pain and which outside influences might be preventing the natural healing cycle from restoring the pain-free state. Oftentimes, stress and anxiety are the top factors that cause pain to become chronic. For example, a person who experiences a whip lash injury in a car accident is at risk for chronic pain. The injury causes the joints of the cervical spine to be strained and the small nerve within the joint becomes irritated. This irritation causes the neck muscles to spasm and tighten, attempting to take the strain off the joint. Once the joint and nerve irritation calm down, the muscles relax because they no longer need to “protect” the joint. Normally, this type of injury has a healing cycle of about 15-30 days, after which the pain is minimal. It is not uncommon for the muscle spasm to become chronic after the irritation has calmed down because of external social or emotional stress. Stress will increase muscle tone and cause the neck muscles to stay in a state of spasm for a reason that is related to but not directly caused by the initial injury.

Similarly, if a person is doing a job they don’t enjoy and are aware that they aren’t delivering their best quality of work, they may feel guilt, stress, anxiety, anger, etc. If the underlying problem that is causing the dissatisfaction isn’t remedied, the resultant stress will cause muscles to reactively tighten which may then worsen with time and create more severe pain. The most common types of chronic pain related to emotional distress are headaches, neck, and low back pain. The correct treatment is not medication; it is for the individual to change the aspect of their work that is causing the unhappiness.

Having pride in what you do and in the work you perform is an essential component of a happy and fulfilled life. We spend at least a third of our day working and if that doesn’t motivate and fulfill us, it’s wasted time. When a person stays in an environment that perpetuates negative feelings and emotions, that person can develop chronic pain.

Q. I’m concerned about my fifteen-year-old Apricot tree. In the spring the growth is lush and vigorous, but in the early summer one branch or limb will become sick and dies. Eventually, I have little or no tree left. This is the second apricot tree to decline similarly. What can be done to prevent this?

A. The primary causes of die back in the canopy of apricot trees are Phytophthora Root Rot and Eutypa Die Back. They affect both major and minor branches or limbs, and the disease symptoms look very similar. The one factor that distinguishes or separates the two diseases is when the die back occurs. Phytophthora Root Rot is a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of Apricot, along with Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, and many other ornamentals. Root rot is the primary suspect when a limb or section of a tree fails to break dormancy and leaf out. It’s the causal agent when for no apparent reason the foliage on a branch collapses or wilts and turns brown shortly after the rainy season concludes. You would expect this problem in clay soils that drain poorly and receive excessive summer irrigation. A good soaking with a large watering basin once every three weeks is sufficient for established apricots as well as other fruit trees, and planting under their canopy is discouraged. Phytophthora Root Rot is a slowly developing disease. You’ll find more information at online at Http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r5100911.html. However, from your description, I don’t think root rot is your problem. Instead, Eutypa Die Back would be my guess. Eutypa Die Back is only an issue with Apricot trees and grapes. It’s an airborne fungus that enters the tree through the pruning wounds made during the winter months when it’s wet and damp. The affected branches or limbs collapse in the late spring, after Memorial Day, or in the early summer for no apparent reason. You prevent this from occurring by changing the time of the year you prune. It is now recommended to prune Apricots is the late summer. Although the leaves haven’t dropped the tree is going dormant as its growing season has concluded.
You’ll find more information about Eutypa Die Back at Http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r5100911.html

Note: When fruit trees are under stress, borers will attack, and it’s not uncommon for globs of amber colored sap to be on the limbs and branches. Also, it is possible for an Apricot to be suffering from both of these diseases concurrently.

Q. I have several beautiful rose bushes, but they’re developing small red flowers on some aggressive growth that in some cases are over eight feet tall. The growth is taking over the rose bushes. What can I do to prevent this from happening?

A. Most of the modern-day roses are not growing on their own roots. Instead, they are budded on to a second type of rose known as the rootstock. They are joined together at the bud union. The bud union is the large knot near the ground. Any shoots or growth from below the bud union is growing off the rootstock. This plant produces a single, cherry red flower, which is what I think you are describing. These rogue shoots are commonly referred to as suckers. Roses sucker naturally, so it’s impossible to prevent them from reoccurring. All you can do is be observant and prune off the shoots as they develop.

Q. I’ve been successful keeping my Hydrangeas blue by applying a weekly, diluted, solution of Aluminum Sulfate. I’ve also turned my white Hydrangea blue. Now, I’m experimenting by applying it to several roses, Iceberg, a pure white and Sterling Silver, pale lavender. What might I expect?

A. I’d expect there would be no color change in the roses. Roses, unlike Hydrangeas, are not affected by the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Acidity or alkalinity is measured by the pH scale which runs from one to fourteen. A reading of seven is neutral while seven or below is acid and eight an above is alkaline, It’s the acid soil that makes Hydrangeas blue while alkaline soil turns them pink. In between, they revert to white. Aluminum Sulfate is an acidifier, but there are several others available. I’d be concerned if the pH falls below five. So far, I doubt that has happened. You can monitor the pH with a simple pH kit available at your favorite garden centers.

The Rotator Cuff muscles (four muscles in total) are the primary support structures for the shoulder. Therefore, even minor dysfunction associated with these muscles can create pain and decreased performance of everyday tasks. A Rotator Cuff injury can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motion (e.g. throwing a ball, carrying children) and chronic improper posture (e.g. operating a computer, driving).
There are three major types of Rotator Cuff injuries that we treat successfully:

1. Rotator Cuff Muscle Tears: This is a partial tear of one or more of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. Rotator Cuff muscle tears are often accompanied by deep achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

2. Tendonitis: Tendons are at the ends of each muscle and attach the muscles to the bones they move. When there is inflammation of these tendons it is called Tendonitis. The symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are often trigger point pain over the tendon accompanied by deep, achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

3. Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Chronic injury of the Rotator Cuff can lead to a “pinching” of the nerves passing through the shoulder. This is commonly referred to as a Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Impingement. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand.

HOW DO I HEAL MY SHOULDER PAIN?
The most common forms of medical treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries are anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and surgery. Although meds and injections may reduce the severity of pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction, they are not a long-term solution and may do more bodily harm than good in the long run. Surgery is a last resort and should only be used if there is irreparable damage to the shoulder that cannot be handled with proper rehabilitation.

First: Heal the Damaged Tissue
Ending the pain caused by a Rotator Cuff injury requires stopping the cycle of inflammation that is creating the pain. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. During Laser Therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored.

Second: Correct the Shoulder and Postural Mechanics
Long-term pain relief of shoulder injuries involves rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, and thoracic spine. Shoulder rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific postural adjustments, exercises and specific posture stabilizing methods in order to re-establish proper motion and strength of the shoulder joint. Ongoing strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the shoulder to ensure lasting results.

If you suffer from chronic pain, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain—we will help you explore which combination of therapies will help you heal it. The good news is, you can do it without drugs, and you can get back to the activities you love!

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

In a year when gender equality has been at the forefront of conversation, it’s no surprise that the message of female strength has been manifested through powerful red lips, don’t-mess-with-me-hairstyles, and glam-punk-inspired eyeliner on the Fall 2018 runways. This season’s woman is not afraid to make a statement with her beauty, and the results make for some self-assured looks. Elsewhere, sixties-inspired lashes herald the return of mascara, whilst the glitter-heavy accents seen on catwalks make it clear the 2018 spring and /summer trend for sparkle and sheen is going nowhere fast.

Modern Corporate Chic
Executive realness is the name of the game when applying color to your eyes. You want an effortless, graceful look along with simplicity that says, “real.” The beauty-now movement is using a soft taupe color eye-shade in the crease to open eyes and give them an easy, natural vibe, followed by a neutral nude on the lid to give eyes that ultra coolness. Enhance your look by matching a lip shade to your own pout; it gives you that no-make-up-sophistication, while perfecting your individuality and confidence.

The Recurring Trend: Glitter And Sheen
If you thought 2018’s spring/summer glitter trend was a one-time season thing, think again. The sparkly stuff and highlighter sheens are stronger than ever. Instagram-worthy pics are full of gold-smattered cheekbones, full face glitter, and sparkle-pink lips. This of course is all fun and for the right person, but if you want a more subtle take on the trend, look to the pink and gold highlighters to grace your face.

Super Lashes
For fall/winter 2018 , if you’re going to wear mascara, wear a lot of it! Fluttering lashes are the focus for that ultra-modern-feminine look. You can’t get the same look wearing lash extensions—you need full coverage mascara to get those eyes fluttering and looking sensational. Pair with glowing skin and a dab of sheer champagne lip-gloss to keep the look contemporary.

Power Lips
With many designers drawing from the amplified conversation about the empowerment of women, it’s no surprise that there is an array of powerful reds this season. Scarlet pouts make a bold statement while giving you the sense of authority, while looking feminine at the same time. Brown inspired pink tones were a big hit on the runway too. ON TREND: We all love the nude lips of summer but this season they are mixing it up with brown-inspired nude pink tones. You will love the browner pink tones in lip-shades, it looks so effortless and updated for that beautiful current and modern girl look.

The Rouge Cosmetics offers mini make-overs to let you try the seasons latest on-trend styles in beauty. Come in or book your appointment today to discover all the new looks of the season and put a little skip in your step for fall.