Don't obsess over weight -- pick something such as waist measurement or dress size to chart your progress. A great way to do this is to pick two outfits: one that fits perfectly at the start of your diet, and one that's too tight. Try them both on every four weeks to get a real feel for how you're doing.

Dying for some chocolate? You might just need magnesium! Many women are deficient in magnesium, which is found in chocolate. Instead of a candy bar, try a supplement. If you still find yourself wanting chocolate and knowing you shouldn't have any, eat a banana instead -- it's been known to satisfy cravings.

Healthy food doesn't mean no flavor! Here are a few simple tips for keeping good taste in your food:

* Boil rice in a mix of half water, half fruit juice, rather than butter and salt.

* Seasoned rice vinegar on salads tastes like oil and vinegar, but is fat-free.

* Use nutmeg or other seasonings instead of salt -- be creative!

* Don't skimp...Read more

If you're trying to eat healthier or lose weight, remember that how you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid eating anywhere except the dinner table, and don't work while you eat -- this helps you concentrate on what and how much you're eating. How quickly you eat is also a factor; if all else fails, try eating with ...Read more

Skirts that are especially short or especially long tend to be unflattering on taller women. Rather than tucking in shirts and blouses, wear them over skirts or pants. Wide belts are very flattering, but tight ones shuld be avoided.

Slim lines and narrow belts are very flattering to petite women. Soft, flowy fabrics are also a plus, so long as they fit well. Try to avoid overpowering prints -- they should be subtle.

No matter what people say, the season's fashions are not what's important -- after all, they don't look flattering on everyone. Instead of sweating over being trendy, dress in styles that express your personality and flatter your figure. Even the newest fashions can look tacky if they don't fit properly.

Got a loose button on a jacket but don't have time to sew it back on just yet? Use a dab of clear nail polish on the threads to hold it in place ... until you can find your sewing kit, that is.

If you find black slacks or skirts that you like, buy an extra pair. Black fades quickly, but having an extra will keep your favorite clothes from wearing out too quickly.

Storing your bras incorrectly may cause the underwires to poke out after just a few wearings. To keep them from getting twisted, store your bras on a hook in your closet, rather than in a dresser drawer.

When bringing out clothes that have been in storage for awhile, try using lightly-scented water when ironing. Add some to your iron and, using the steam setting, brush it gently over your clothing. Lavendar water is a good one to use, but try any subtle scent you like.

Make your legs look longer and slimmer by matching your hose as closely as possibly to your skirt and shoes. For two-toned shoes, wear a neutral color, or try to match the lightest color in the shoes -- never wear hose darker than this!

If you want to look taller and slimmer, try wearing one color from head to toe. Not only does it work on everybody, but it's also trendy among fashion designers!

For most people, a shoulder-length cut makes the face appear slimmer -- avoid hair that is too long or too short. Use layers instead of straight lines to give your hair more body, and consider highlights in vertical sweeps. Of course, it's always best to ask your stylist's opinion!

You don't have to sign up for a special class or take up a new sport to stay in shape -- just keep moving! Everything from mowing the lawn to playing ball with your friends keeps you moving, which keeps you feeling better. Throughout the day, find reasons to move more: take the stairs instead of the elevator, or go out and walk your dog. You'...Read more

To make your face look slimmer, use two shades of blush -- the compacts with two shades work best. After you apply your usual foundation, apply the lighter shade on the apples of your cheeks, followed by the darker shade along the line of your cheekbones. Make sure to blend!

Everyone hates nail polish bottles that stick shut! To keep this from happening, coat the inside of the cap and edge of the bottle with Vaseline.

When picking out new foundation or concealer, test it on the inside of your wrist. This is the most unblemised area of skin, and will give you the best idea of how the makeup will look on your face.

Is your nail polish too thick to apply well, but not thick enough to throw out? Add a very small amount of nail polish thinner to make it last.

If you have trouble with your eyeliner or lip pencils breaking when you sharpen them, place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. This makes them slightly harder, and thus easier to sharpen.