"The Power of Style" by Bobbie Thomas

This is such a fun book!  Centered all around style, Thomas aims to show readers just how beautiful they are and how beautiful they can become.  The book is divided into two parts.  The first focuses on inner beauty (cue the applause!) while the second focuses on outer beauty.  I love this concept because even the most "good looking" people can feel ugly.  To be truly beautiful, one needs to feel good on the inside before the outside ha any effect.  Thomas walks readers thru various exercises in personality, strengths, and so on.  Then readers dive into color analysis, body shape analysis, and shopping tips.  I learned so much from this book that I am going to go thru my closet right now!

"At Home with Madame Chic" by Jennifer L. Scott

This is the third book of Scott's that I have read and I have enjoyed it just as much as I've enjoyed her other books.  Focusing on the French chic lifestyle, this book teaches women how to cultivate inner peace in their home lives.  From removing physical clutter to removing mental clutter to providing music playlists and recipes, this book has it all.  There are major sections devoted to morning, afternoon, and evening.  The steps and advice are meant to make one's home more pleasant, enrich one's relationships with family, and RELAX.  Women, especially homemakers, are often run aground exhausted from tending house and kids....all the while looking like a hot frumpy mess.  However, it doesn't have to be that way.  Whether single or married, kids or no kids, women of all walks of life can learn how to cultivate serenity, mystique, style, peace, and--most of off--the essence of chic...and look good doing it!

"The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey

This is a time-proven process book on how to get financially fit.  Dave Ramsey is both a TV / radio finance personality as well as someone college educated in economics.  Ramsey explains how so many Americans are drowning in debt.  People buy things they don't need with money they don't have to impress people they don't even like.  Factor in compounding interest and people ending up paying far more than they initially swiped their credit card for.  Speaking of credit cards, Ramsey encourages readers to cut up their credit cards, budget their income, and only spend cash money on what they can actually afford.  After setting up an emergency fund, readers are encouraged to tackle their debts from smallest to largest.  This may involve a downgrade in lifestyle or even selling off a new leased car to purchase an older more affordable vehicle.  What I liked was the stories throughout the book.  People from all walks of life share their money struggles and how they turned their financial lives around using Dave's tips.  Most of the people in the book make less than $50,000 a year yet manage to eliminate debt and save for retirement.  If they can do it, so can you!

"Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic" by Jennifer L. Scott

What a lovely book on poise.  Focused on dignity, style, and class, this book is a must for lady readers.  Scott goes over how to dress oneself, do hair, do makeup, how to talk, how to walk, and so much more.  There is a great emphasis on posture and using proper language.  No slouching and swearing for Madame Chic!  More than physical appearances, being chic is about lifestyle and self-confidence.  Scott encourages readers to treat everyone they encounter with respect and not stoop to anger outbursts, gossip sessions, or entertainment that is improper / not enriching.  Scott learned about how to be chic while traveling in Paris.  While I don't live in France and have never visited, I do feel more Parisian after reading this book.  Look out world, chic Teresa is here to stay with poise!  :-) 

"Lessons from Madame Chic" by Jennifer L. Scott

What a fun and lovely book this is!  Jennifer writes in a style that is half-memoir, half-advice.  Sent to Paris in college for a study abroad program, Jennifer is thrust headfirst into the French culture.  Through her host family--whom she charmingly calls Family Chic--she learns so much about how to live a better life.  There are lessons on fashion, the capsule wardrobe, removing clutter, reducing consumerism, and more.  There is a great emphasis on using the best one has in the moment.  Don't save those fancy dinner plates or luxury dress for "someday" that may never come.  Use and wear your best items now!  Part of that involves getting rid of (or donating) anything that is less than top quality.  That reduces the temptation to use second-rate items.  Enjoy your food, exercise, walk with your head held high, and learn the art of mystique.  There are so many wonderful lessons in this book, and it was super fun to read.