When booking, ask the receptionist to add a few extra minutes for a consultation. Dress nicely for the appointment. It’s hard for the stylist to envision glory when you’re wearing sweats. Inspire. Arrive a bit early to avoid being rushed. In the chair, clearly communicate what you want, your level of styling competence and the time and money you can commit to care. With all that info, the stylist can suggest a cut that conforms to your needs.

Consultations should be show and tell. Don’t just say you want Jennifer Anniston’s hairstyle. That could result in a flash back to the Rachel cut when you want her do from this decade. Bring pictures.

“Do whatever you want. I’m yours,” could end in disaster. This isn’t a romantic liaison. Don’t assume the stylist cares, is motivated or creative at this point in his or her day. Be prepared to give direction. That’s not to say you shouldn’t heed professional advice. If a stylist warns going platinum could cause your hair to fall out, that Gwen Stefani do is a don’t.

I know I’ve learned from my many mistakes in the chair. What is your worst hair horror story?

As my tan fades, the warm glow gives way to the sun damage. I often bump into world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Adrienne Denese in QVC’s green room. As she disapprovingly eyes my sunspots, Dr. Denese reminds me the number one thing I should do for my skin is slather on the SPF. There’s nothing luxe about skin cancer.

Most have us have gotten better about applying it to our faces, but we often forget our necks, hands and other exposed areas. From a vanity standpoint, it’s these parts of our bodies that often give away our age. Let’s leave them guessing with these four fixes.

1. I prefer bangs to Botox (I could change my mind by tomorrow). For a temporary fix, Freeze 24/7 Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment is amazing at making even deep lines disappear (10 g, $65, freeze247.com).

2. Ward off impending droop without dropping a dime at the plastic surgeon. Try Esther Blum’s natural facelift from her book, “Secrets of Gorgeous.”

-       Eat wild Alaskan salmon three times a week or more. Blum calls it a face-lift in your fridge. It’s nutrients act as a wrinkle fighter and improve cognitive function.  Pretty smart.

-       Eat avocado, raw nuts and seeds to moisturize you skin from within.

-       Eat organic blueberries and cantaloupe to plump and protect you skin,

-       Avoid sugar as it causes inflammation and can add years to your face.

3. If you go the injectable or surgical route, be sure to go to a board-certified medical practioner who has a hefty list of happy patients. Just because someone can legally administer a treatment, doesn’t mean they should. You don’t want some greedy guy with a weekend class under his belt giving you a permanent droopy eyelid. You can’t play that off as sultry. I promise.

4. Be sure to book an annual skin cancer check with your dermatologist. Good health equals luscious looks.

1. Bedbugregistry.com. Check this Web site to see if your hotel has a history of infestation. Ew.

2. Hotel Sanitation Kit. Travel-size germ killers in a handy plastic pouch.

3. Flip flops for the shower. Fend off foot fungus in slimy showers.

4. Silk Dream Sack. Slip into this instead of suspect sheets. Comes with matching pillowcase.

1. Aviator sun glasses.

2. White cotton gauze boyfriend shirt.

3. Halter-style sundress.

4. Espadrilles (flat or wedge).

5. Monogrammed canvas tote.

6. Woven straw handbag.

7. Solid-colored tank tops.

8. Canvas tennis sneakers.

9. Bangles (costume, of course.)

10. Gold-tone sandals.

Here are some tips for bringing in those summer blooms from your garden.

- Use garden shears for a clean cut. Rinse between uses to avoid transferring disease from one plant to another.

- When gathering decide on style.

1. Go monochromatic and choose different flowers that are all shades the same color.

2. Pick flowers that are the same but different colors.

3. Go wild with complimentary or contrasting colors and different flower shapes and sizes.

- The supermarket, florist or produce stand can offer affordable additions to your homegrown bouquet. Consider incorporating twigs, fruits and veggies. Anything unexpected adds interest and visual appeal.

- Pair one strongly scented flower with one that lacks fragrance. For example, Hydrangeas and Lilacs make a nice combo.

- Check for insects.

- Pick your vessel. Think outside the vase or put a vase inside another interesting choice such as decorative boxes, a hollowed out pineapple, watering can, etc. If needed, floral foam is available at craft stores. Just be sure to purchase the foam intended for fresh flowers. Floral picks and tape can also be useful for creating a sturdy base.

- Cut your blooms at varying heights keeping the proportion of the vessel in mind. Do you want a loose look or a tight compact bundle?  If you’re lacking in design skill, just try to duplicate an arrangement from a magazine or online photo.

- Strip off leaves that fall below the water line to prevent rotting. Also, some swear by a little Sprite in the water.

- Place bigger, sturdier blooms in first and then fill in the blanks with more fragile stems.

- Change the water every three days to prolong the life of flowers.

If you enjoy art but are afraid you lack skill, consider taking a non-credit flower-arranging course at your local college. It’s low pressure and very relaxing. However, I don’t recommend New Guinea cooking classes.

The first thing to pack is peace of mind. It just takes a little prep work. Research your destination, create an itinerary and share it with someone in case of any emergencies. Make sure your credit card company knows you will be traveling. Otherwise your fraud protection may kick in while your souvenir shopping.

Upload your GPS with maps of the area you’re visiting. They are just as helpful for walking as for driving.

Download travel applications to your smart phone or ipad. I love the one that gives you wait times for Disney World rides in real time. Need free calling? Set up Skype.

A few days before the trip, start packing. If you’re packing lots of shoes (who me?) or gear such as snorkel equipment, ship ahead to your hotel.

“Pack This!” Pads keep me from forgetting my toothbrush.

"Pack This!" Pads

For your carry-on or weekend bag:

I used to pack enough makeup for an entire Vegas showgirl lineup until I discovered the Chanel Collection Essentielle palette. It covers eyes, cheeks and lips. All I add is a waterproof eyeliner and mascara. There are travel-size palettes available from many brands at all price points.

Not every destination includes the complimentary robe. The Solitude micro-fiber bath wrap doubles as a pool cover up. It’s lightweight and rolls up tight for packing.

Who wants the hassle of transferring boutique brand toiletries into containers? Check out – 3floz.com. I especially like the Go Smile Jet Set tooth whitening travel kit and Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes in SPF 30.

Spiegel’s Travel Collections by signature style offers absolutely brilliant collections of travel-friendly outfits and accessories based on style and destination. Think Garanimals for grownups who globe trot.

Create an emergency kit of Shout It Out wipes, Band Aids, pain reliever, Benadryl and any prescription medications you may need. I always throw in ear plugs for the plane and noisy hotels, too.

Speaking of planes, here are a few more things you may want to pack:

· Inflatable travel pillow.

· Cashmere wrap (keeps you warm on flight and in air conditioned restuarants).

· Snacks. Airplane food has taken a nosedive.

· No Jet Lag homeopathic pills.

· The Lights Out REM sleep mask (doesn’t smear eye makeup and allows for deep rapid eye movement sleep).

For your checked luggage:

· TravelPro luggage from Macy’s (25 to 30 percent lighter than same-sized traditional luggage – great for women who over pack – who me?

· Sturdy, Bright Luggage Tags. I can’t believe how many people rely on the ones provided by the airline. They are paper and can be easily torn and lost. Bye bye bag.

At your destination:

You’ve seen the TV news specials with the blacklights. Enough said.

· Flip flops for the shower.

· Silk Dream Sack sleeping bag for hotel bedding that is suspect. Matching pillowcase.

· A compact, flat, automatic umbrella that won’t blow inside out.

What are your favorite travel items and tips?

Some people find ironing relaxing. I’m not one of them. If you do, then stop on by. I’ve got a pile of zen for you.

After I’m done climbing Mt. Washmore, I’d prefer to grab a glass of wine than an iron. But until my budget expands to include a personal laundress, I’ve found one way to make this chore less frustrating.

Create your own ironing water. Fill a spray bottle with distilled water and a few drops of your favorite perfume. You’ll experience a little aromatherapy when you spritz and steam and your garments will echo your signature scent when worn. If ironing for the whole family, use a gender-friendly citrus or lavender scent. Ironing doesn’t have to stink.

Here are some more great ironing tips for the war on wrinkles.

Or, lounge in the lusciousness of Horchow’s Old Hickory Tannery Tufted Velvet Headboard $1429.00 to $1589.00.

Sweet dreams.

Just in time for June weddings, here are some creative honeymoon gift suggestions from Laurin Sydney in her book “Why Bother, Why Not!” Skip the registry with these stand out ideas.

1- Have flowers, wine or champagne delivered to their destination.

2- Prepay for a private tour/tour guide.

3- Give them a spa gift certificate for two at their honeymoon hotel.

4- Tell the couple that you would like to cover their honeymoon photo costs and create an album for them. (Luxe Lady note: Beautiful leather albums are available at Exposuresonline.com.)

5- Keep the honeymoon going after they get back home by giving them an annual membership to a local museum (or theater/orchestra tickets).

Kentucky Derby Party

The Royal Wedding had many ladies donning their fancy hats. This Saturday’s Kentucky Derby is a great excuse to trot yours out again. Why not plan an impromptu viewing party? The race will be aired on NBC at 6 p.m. with coverage beginning at 5 p.m.

Send out a Derby-themed evite via paperless post. Be sure to indicate proper attire. Fancy hats are a must. Guests can even make their own custom creations with craft store finds. Hold a contest for biggest or most creative. Award winners red roses (the official flower of the race) or a horse figurine from a toy store.

Decorate with red roses, spring flowers and horse-themed collectibles. It doesn’t matter whether you serve on fancy floral paper plates or your best china.

Keep the menu simple with Southern BBQ favorites. A sample menu might include seafood appetizers, Bourbon-glazed sliced ham, Hot Brown sandwiches, a layer salad and Kentucky Derby Pie as dessert.

Wash it down with Mint Juleps (served in small silver cups, but you can use silver plastic as a nod to the tradition), ice tea, lemonade and Kentucky Bourbon.

Midnight Interlude, KentuckyDerby.com

Provide guests with betting forms to add to the finish line fun. Take lots of photos and send them to me here. I’d love to post.