Valentine's Day can be the most exciting and romantic day of the year. Obviously, the anticipation and process of being "romance ready" is half the fun. On the other hand, not having a reason to get ready can be terribly depressing. The good news is that with age, and what I like to think of as maturity, you can have a good time on Valentine's Day without a Significant Other.

But what if you do have someone to celebrate with?  How can you prepare for the big date without looking too prepared? I was talking with my publicist Leigh and she was bubbling over with enthusiasm planning a romantic Valentine's weekend with her new beau. I asked her to tell me everything she was doing to get ready. Little did I know how involved it would be. Here's what she said to say:.

Manicure and pedicure as close to the date as possible, or in my amazing case, just before the weekend.

Wax ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE. It's essential to do this a couple of days before your date. You never want to take the chance of having your skin look red or irritated.

Depending how long you will be with your man friend, have your hair done the day before or the morning of his arrival. Do not look as if you went to a salon--even if it's LOUIS LICARI--to have your hair done. Your hair should look soft, natural, and begging to be touched. It should never be frozen in place. And do not change your color or your style. If he wants to spend Valentine's with you, he obviously already likes the way you look.

Holiday parties always sound like fun... until the day of the event! All of a sudden you realize your schedule is impossibly booked, you're having a bad hair day, and you are stressed. Panic sets in. You wanted to look and feel great for your holiday celebration. You know everyone else is going to look fabulous. You don't feel or look like celebrating. Instead you feel like running home and hiding under the covers. This is usually not an option because holiday parties are almost always work-related or hosted by your nearest and dearest. Attendance is mandatory. This means you have to dig deep into your bag of beauty tricks to give yourself an instant party makeover.

Here are my top five tips for hot holiday hair!

1. Have a mini-makeover kit in your purse. It should include bobby pins, hair elastics, a mini-curling or flat iron, your favorite hair brush, and travel size hair spray and root lift. This kit and a little imagination can transform any casual day 'do into night-time glamor.

2. Don't worry about what you can't see. Focus on the front and top layers of your hair when you have the need for speed. Have you ever had a special night scheduled and your boss just won't let you leave? Often this leaves you with only 15 minutes to get ready for a party that has already started. When your hair looks disheveled from a long day at work, blow dry only the top layers and the hair around your face. This just takes a few minutes and will give you a finished look. I promise no one will notice that your under layers are undone.

3. Take a tip from Madonna. Did you notice how great her hair is looking on the "Sticky and Sweet" tour? Her curls and waves look romantic and chic. This is a perfect hairdo for the holiday season. Use a large barrow curling iron and take 2-inch sections at a 90-degree angle from your head. You can also use electric rollers for a similar effect. Roll the curlers away from your face. Undo the rollers and comb with your fingers.

4. Wear a pony to your party. Pony tails no longer mean you are going to spend the night at home alone eating popcorn while watching an old movie on TV. Beyonce was recently spotted out sporting a pony looking sexy and glamorous. To be party-ready in moments, pull your hair back with your fingers, secure with an elastic, and spray hair in place. The best pony tails are medium to low in height. For a more finished look, twist a small strand of hair around an elastic and pin in place.

5. Work a messy updo.  Ironically, it also the easiest style to do yourself. The messy updo is a favorite of Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, and many others on Hollywood's A-list. To achieve this look, use a root lift spray and blow dry your head turned upside down. Pull hair up and back in a loose pony tail. Randomly twist, pin, and secure pony to the hair you tied back. Release a few tendrils of hair to frame your face.

By the way, if you are a salon color client, make your appointment today. This is the time of year when every colorist is booked solid. Nothing is worse than getting dressed up and having your roots show. This usually only works if you are Madonna. If it's not possible to see your colorist, use a root touch-up kit. These are easy to use and take only 10 minutes. They come in limited colors so it's easy to pick the right shade for your hair color. If it's not possible to color your hair, avoid straight hair with a definite part. Cover and disguise your roots sporting a hair style with curls or waves.

Party time is here! Don't be nervous if you are not picture perfect. Look around the room. No one really is. Have a good time. The season only happens once a year. Happy holidays!

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Yes, I went to see the movie Twilight. I can't lie and tell you that my young niece and nephew dragged me to see the film. I wanted to go. Since I discovered Ann Rice's novel, Interview with a Vampire, I have been fascinated with the subject. I have been reading every bit of press about this film for months. Vanity Fair featured the cast of the movie posed as the hot new Hollywood icons. Entertainment Weekly's cover story this week features the movie's smoldering star, Robert Pattinson, with the headline "TWILIGHT EXPLODES!" I was at the Today show studios and watched the escalating frenzy as Pattinson and his beautiful costar, Kristen Stewart, walked into the studio. It was total pandemonium. How could I not go? I had to see what all the hype was about.

I tried to order my tickets online, only to find the movie was sold out for the entire opening weekend in every theater in New York City. I was disappointed but I accepted my fate and made plans for the following weekend. During the week I heard more about the movie's romance than the usual kills and blood sucking that occur in every vampire story. I was a bit confused. I really had no idea what to expect as I navigated through the mad crush to get in the theater and find a seat.

About 15 minutes into Twilight I realized that this was a movie about a first love. Initially, I was irritated. I was expecting a movie with amped-up action scenes and fair maidens in distress. Instead, I found myself in the middle of a fantasy about an impossible love that could be eternal. What I found most surprising was that I became mesmerized by the movie. I realized that no matter how jaded I have become, the fantasy of finding a soul mate is never lost.

Fantasies are a pleasure we should always allow ourselves to enjoy. They provide the sweet moments in life that often make us excited about tomorrow. Fantasies have never been more important than they are now. These are precarious times. The holidays are upon us. It is time to live our fantasies to the fullest.

Memorial Day Weekend is often considered the unofficial start of summer. The Long Island Expressway is bumper to bumper traffic. The car I am in is crawling East. I am actually seeing other people I know on the road. Too bad it’s not easier to talk from car to car. Wait a second, my cell is ringing. It's Leigh, my publicist. I often mention her in this blog. I call her the "the woman behind the man", and this time she is literally in the car behind me.

"Leigh, what's up! Can you believe this traffic? I am going a bit crazy and it's only the first weekend of the season."

"Relax, Louis,” says Leigh “it’s only the beginning of a long hot summer and this is not the last time the Long Island Expressway is going to feel like a parking lot."

"Who is in your car?", I ask.

"Just some girlfriends," she replies.

"So you are going on a manhunt?" I ask.

She coyly responds, "no doubt about it, what did you think I was doing? Fighting this traffic to play badminton on the beach?"

"Hey Leigh, since you are just sitting there, I need some help on this blog. Text me some summer trends."  The phone goes quiet but in a matter of seconds I get a text from Leigh with just two letters, "OK."

I know she will have some brilliant ideas because 1- She is always put together, even on her off days and 2- She loves to see her name in print.

Inspired by the Emerald Isle, Hairstylist Louis Licari reveals the new looks of women and men who wanted their manes to look fiery-hot. Watch the video below to see the dramatic new looks and for tips on how to go red and look great! Watch the segment from TODAY What do you think of the makeovers? Leave a comment or question below!

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As I stumbled back to my apartment from a brutal shopping day on "Black Monday" with shopping bags in hand, I was hit by the reality that the holiday season has arrived. It's here! Shopping time, party time, and time to be sure that you have acknowledged friends, family, and everyone that has helped you throughout the year.

It sounds like fun until you look at your "to do" list and your very full calendar. Then you realize your life has turned into an endurance race. Panic kicks in as you think of all your responsibilities. So much to do, and so little time! You feel like running home and jumping into bed and hiding under the comforter. (Sorry to say this doesn't work.)

You can make it through the holiday season with grace, and dignity. Not to add extra pressure, but I am sure you will want to look great for every party and family get together from today to New Year's Day. We tend to see more old friends, go to office parties and get-togethers with the neighbors. Nothing feels better than hearing the occasional "You're looking great" from someone you haven't seen recently.

I know you are thinking, “This guy has to get a grip. This ‘glam’ time will not fit in my life," but it can! So take a moment to chill, and let's figure out how you can make it through the holiday season looking great. The first step is to have a plan so you will be prepared for any and every occasion. It's not a big deal.

Here are five easy points to get you through the season:

1. If you color your hair, do it now. Nothing looks more festive than a fresh touch up. Even if you wear your color with roots showing, make sure your ends are bright. You might think about kicking up your color a shade or two. Remember, a small change can make a big difference.

2. Cut your hair. The only exception would be if you are on a mission to grow your hair long. It doesn't have to be a dramatic hair cut. Your hair cut must be a great shape for your face. Are your layers too long? Does your hair only look good when you tie your hair back? Call for your hair cut appointment today.

3. Come up with three party styles. They don't have to be elaborate. (Check out the pictures below for some simple yet stunning ideas.) Remember you will often be running from work to party without time to go home. Time is of the essence. You must be able to do each one yourself.

One could be your every day style looking perfect.

TIP - The smallest amount of backcombing can transform your day hair to party hair.

The second could be your hair with a different texture. This is the perfect time to experiment making your hair wavy, curly, or straight.

TIP - Bring your curling iron or flat iron to work. Five minutes in the ladies room can do wonders to make hair more glamorous. Concentrate on the top layers of your hair. That's what people will notice.

The third should be an updo that you can do yourself and without a mirror. It can be as simple as a twist with the ends of your hair fanning out.

TIP - Updo's work best on days that you don't shampoo your hair.

4. Add a bit of bling. A delicate headband or ornament will instantly brighten your face and give your hair more of an evening look.

TIP - Less is more. The most understated clip or headband can look the most glamorous.

5. Carry a small bag of supplies that can prepare you for any occasion. It should be small enough to toss in your purse, so you can keep with you at all times. You never know when you will have to give yourself an instant makeover for an impromptu get together. It should contain your favorite mini size styling products, bobby pins that match your hair color, clips, and that touch of bling.

TIP - Be sure to include and spray your hair with a smidgen of your favorite fragrance.

Now you are ready to party! Sometimes at the last minute we all have the feeling, "Do I really have to go out tonight?" The answer is yes, and getting ready will help put you in the mood.

Once you are there, you will have a great time. Kick back and have fun! You know you are the best looking woman at the party!

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