Cashmere Sweater in Pink by Jade Phoenix Designs
  

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"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."  -Buddha 

This year's sobering financial outlook has caused most of us to look within; for strength, for courage and hopefully for love to give to ourselves and to others. I thought I would change the focus slightly for this Valentine's column and really make it about what you can do for yourself to find more comfort. When we feel cared for and replenished, we increase our inner security and everyone receives the benefits of our grounded content. This is what I wish for you dear readers: to take the time and do some very nice things for yourself. Your valentine will thank you! 

WRAP YOURSELF IN PURE LOVE (AND JEWELS)!
Whether you're jetting off for the weekend, or just in need of feeling luscious, the newly launched Jade Phoenix Designs has a custom cashmere sweater that's perfect for you. I favor pink, but these stunning sweaters come in just about every color combination you can think of. As if that's not enough, the buttons on these luxurious sweaters are made with jewels and precious stones such as diamonds, opals and sapphires! It's easy to see why celebs such as Fergie, Tiffany Trump, and Cameron Diaz are Jade Phoenix fans! To wrap yourself in soft cashmere love and jewels, please visit www.jadephoenixdesigns.com.

COUNTERINTUITIVE PAMPERING
Yes, the economy is tanking. Does it make sense to seek refuge in a quiet and peaceful spa? Absolutely! It will allow you to unwind and put things in perspective. I love going to Ole Henriksen Face/Body mostly because they have the best facial in the world as far as I'm concerned. But I also like that it's peaceful and quiet.   Begin your blissful retreat with a relaxing Hydrotherapy Soak Treatment. While you unwind in a private hydrotub filled with aromatic extracts, you have 20 minutes to meditate on a wall glowing with candle light.  Next I recommend any one of the many fabulous massages Ole Henriksen offers from Deep Swedish to Hot Stone to the Head to Toe body treatment. Finally, no trip to this spa is complete without a world-famous Ole Henriksen facial. I swear by the 8-step Calmative Complexion Treatment, which is perfect for skin that is prone to sensitivity, Rosacea, or allergic reactions. No matter what your needs--clogged pores, anti-aging, or just sloughing away the winter skin blahs… Ole Henriksen has a facial that is perfect for you and will leave your skin bright and glowing. To schedule a visit to Ole Henriksen Face/Body in Los Angeles, please call (310) 854-7700 or go to www.OleHenriksen.com.

TAKE 10 YEARS OFF YOUR FACE WITH NO SURGERY!
For anyone looking to improve their skin care regime, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Youth Equation, Take 10 Years Off Your Face by renowned dermatologist Jeffrey Dover. His book gives you the knowledge and tools you'll need to make big changes with just a handful of products and navigate the skin-care aisle with confidence once you learn to understand and read product labels. According to Dr. Dover, it's your skin's virtual age (SVA) not chronological age that reflects your skin's health and status. To determine your SVA, you'll take a simple quiz that factors in everything from your sun-tanning habits to your personal lifestyle to your genes. Once you know your SVA, you're ready to start lowering it with a customized six-week plan that will make your skin look smoother, firmer, and more lustrous. Available at www.Amazon.com.

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF SUNSCREEN
One of the best preventative measures for your skin is to wear an excellent sunscreen. I am a fan of AB Sun formulated by dermatologist Craig Austin. As Dr. Dover explains in The Youth Equation, sun block with SPF only measures the level of protection from UVB rays. You also need to protect against UVA rays which are responsible for almost all forms of visible aging on the face. Only formulas labeled "broad spectrum" guard against both UVB and UVA.  Dr. Austin created AB Sun with SPF 45 for the face and body and it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. For more information and to order AB Sun, go to www.ABskincare.com. 

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH TO FLUTTER YOUR LASHES!
Eye lash extensions are so last year! If you've been hearing stories about an incredible new product that helps your eyelashes to sprout like wild flowers, it's true!  A team of scientists and researchers created a formula called neuLash that increases the length, volume and shine of your eyelashes in just two to four weeks. Made with a combination of beneficial amino and fatty acids, neuLash creates rejuvenated lashes while also adding protective properties against breakage. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist approved, neuLash also protects lashes from damaging agents like mascara and eyelash curlers!  For more information about neuLash, please call 877-638-5275 or visit www.neuLash.com. 

MATCH YOUR INNER SPARKLE
Now that you have a sparkle in your eye, have fun and add a little sparkle to your eyes with DEX New York Mineral Loose Pigment Eye Shadow. Available in 17 vibrant cruelty-free high fashion shades, you can access the artist within and get creative this Valentine's Day! Don't forget to add some luscious red lips to the mix--try Ruby or Blaze and top with a bit of Bond Street Red lip gloss. If you want to play things sweet, go with Dex's Park Avenue Princess Pink lip gloss or try subtle sexiness with Nude. All products available at www.DexNewYork.com. 

HANGING WITH THE LOVE ANGEL 
Since this column is all about love, I thought I'd share the sweetest 18k gold cherub on the horizon. Pearls symbolize the most romantic of intentions and I think you will love this long lustrous strand of the highest quality creamy white akoya pearls with a design close to my own heart, The Love Angel strand from my fine jewelry line. I'm donating 10% of all profits to ALS research in honor of my father; it's my personal valentine. For more information please visit www.MaryJoMatsumoto.com. 

Sending you wishes for a truly beautiful Valentine month!

Fashion designer Mary Jo Matsumoto writes a nationally syndicated style blog at www.trustyourstyle.com. She is debuting a new line of fine jewelry and a women's couture line as well as expanding her successful luxury handbag line. To view her beautiful designs please visit www.maryjomatsumoto.com.