Our TV addiction

True Blood is back June 10, and we caught up with one of the stars, Carrie Preston, for her beauty secrets, favorite designers and what’s next for her character, Arlene.

It seems as if no matter how hard we try, we can’t keep our eyes off of True Blood’s unbelievably hot and stylish cast, especially Preston’s fiery supernatural character — who doesn’t want that red hair?

We can’t help but wish to emulate Preston’s sexy on-camera appearance, but what beauty items does she covet most, and what does she wear off-camera? Read on to find out!

Product picks

SheKnows: What are the five beauty items you can’t live without?

Preston: Dermalogica Ultra Calming Facial Cleanser, LaLicious Sugar Kiss Body Butter, Paula’s Choice Tinted Moisturizer, L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara and Benefit Georgia Peach Blush.

SheKnows: What’s your skin secret? How do you keep your skin so clear and refreshed?

Preston: I use a lot of fragrance-free cleansing and moisturizing products, such as the ones made by Dermalogica. I drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and always do a thorough cleansing of the face both morning and evening. Plus, I stay out of the sun!

SheKnows: How would you describe your personal style?

Preston: My style is urban-eclectic-funky-sexy-chic.

Sheknows: What can we find you in when you’re not on the red carpet or filming?

Preston: Shirt patterned dresses or skinny pants, boots, clingy tops and chiseled jackets.

SheKnows: Who is your all-time favorite designer?

Preston: Mako Takada, who has designed four gowns for me to wear to the Emmys.

SheKnows: How does your character Arlene’s style differ from your style?

Preston: In every way possible! She sports a sexy silhouette, but her clothing choices are much tackier than I think mine are.

SheKnows: What can we expect from Arlene in the next season of True Blood?

Preston: We haven’t seen the last of Patrick, the mysterious figure from Terry’s past.

SheKnows: What’s next for you?

Preston: That’s What She Said, the feature film I produced and directed, staring Anne Heche. It had its world premiere at Sundance in January and will be released in theatres this fall, so I’m making all preparations for that. I’m also looking forward to filming more episodes of The Good Wife and Person of Interest.

Don’t forget to check out the season five premiere of True Blood June 10 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO.

More celeb style

A style session with The Lying Game’s Allie Gonino
A 15 minute style session with Brad Goreski
A style session with The Vampire Diaries’ Torrey DeVitto

Photo credit: Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

These feet
are made
for walking

Heels aren't always a mom's best friend, especially in the summer. Who needs heels to look chic and trendy? Here are my fave five flat trends for moms!

I spend my summers chasing four boys around. We're at the park, at the pool, at the beach, at the library, in the backyard, at the ice cream shop, at the amusement park... we're everywhere. Keeping up with these boys keeps me on my toes. There's no such thing as putting my feet up to relax. I'm constantly dressed for on-the-go! And, putting it simply, wearing heels isn't so easy.

In the summer, I'm a flats girl. All. The. Way.

I can thank William , Alexander , Benjamin and Henry for that one.

I know that flats aren't the "sexiest" shoes to wear, but they can be chic and very trendy. I've become a "mom pro" at making sure I'm finding the most fabulous flats to wear in the spring/summer because as much as I want to wear gorgeous high espadrilles, they just don't make sense in my daily mom-life. I need to be ready to make a mad dash after a child in seconds, and I can't do that in 3-inch heels .

So what kinds of flats are chic and trendy for the summer and fabulous at the moment for moms?

Read more on Perfect shoes for the summer >>

Brandi's fashion corner

What's in Brandi's closet?

Brandi Glanville, reality star, model and single mom of two active boys, is dishing her top tips for everything from beauty and fashion to fitness and nutrition in her new column for SheKnows! Up today? Her top three celeb style icons!

Halle Berry

The epitome of classic and sexy. No one is able to walk that fine line better than Halle and she does it with a remarkable ease the rest of us mere mortals can only hope to emulate… or fake. When it comes to style, effortless should be the end result and Halle achieves it consistently, whether she’s gearing up for a premiere or is on a day out with her daughter. She’s bold and sexy without crossing the line into risqué, and just embodies sophistication from hair to makeup to wearing clothes that seem to choose her, not the other way around.

Jennifer Lopez

Everyone likes to embrace their inner rocker-esque hoochie from time to time and what I love about J. Lo is that she occasionally teeters on it but doesn’t go over the edge. She can rock a high ponytail, sequined mini and boots that would make others look like they were walking the “block,” not conquering it. Then she flips her look and is vintage Hollywood. Her versatility and fearlessness have given us some amazing red carpet moments. I always admire a girl with the guts to take a risk and she does it all the time and succeeds!

Gwyneth Paltrow

It’s almost like I don’t need to say anything else. There’s just such elegance about Gwyneth. She is vintage, chic and always fresh. She’s conservative at times, yet always alluring and she might go with that deep plunge or slit, but it is never tawdry – rather, it’s the kind that leaves men asking for more. She’s very modern day Audrey Hepburn. I really love her style and think it’s so successful because of her understated and unassuming confidence… And that may be the most important accessory.

More tips from Brandi Glanville

Brandi Glanville's top tips for date night mommy-style
Brandi Glanville's top 4 mommy wardrobe essentials
Brandi Glanville’s top swimwear tips and picks

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com, WENN.com, Adriana M. Barraza/ WENN.com

Ask Luke Reichle

Secrets of the red carpet

You've got questions, and we've got answers! SheKnows' contributing beauty and style expert, Luke Reichle, is taking your submissions and dishing out no-fuss answers! Today, we're tackling the serious subject of skin cancer. How can you stay stylish while protecting yourself from direct sun exposure? Luke's here to show you that taking care of your skin is always in style!

Dear Sunny,

Having been given this same news myself at one time, I know something of what you’re going through. If it’s any consolation, we’re on the leading edge of the trend. No actress in her right mind goes in the sun any more. Not in a town where apparently 60 is the new 30.

You can’t control the sun, but you can control your exposure to it. You can shield your skin and still keep your SPF high. And look on the bright side; you get to do it with accessories!

Sunscreen tip #1

Embrace your inner-milliner and go for hats! The brim should be wide enough so that at 11 a.m., its shadow covers your face to the chin. Due to the low angle, the sun is at its most harmful early morning and late afternoon when there is less atmospheric protection. The current vogue in wearing men’s fedoras, while adorable, will do nothing for you.

Sunscreen tip #2

Take a tip from The Jackie and go about in scarves and big wraparound sunglasses. This is an excellent way to protect the back of your neck and your ears, two areas often overlooked. I love this look when combined with a brim — a wide crownless hat .

Sunscreen tip #3

Create some mystery, in what is now for you, the not-so-great outdoors. If you gotta go to the beach — and sometimes you just gotta — bring an umbrella and stay under it. Frolicking in the waves can best be done in a rash guard. That’s the layer that surfers and divers wear under their wetsuits so they don’t get, well, a rash. Some very stylish options with an SPF of 50 are to be found at Gil, Volcom and Body Glove.

All of the above are accompanied by the caveat that you are wearing a full spectrum sunscreen — one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It will say so on the packaging. Put it on before your makeup or use a foundation with a high SPF. And don’t forget to slather up your hands. They, along with your nose, take the brunt of it.

Even if you don’t go into direct sun, wear sunscreen. You get a lot of unnoticed exposure from ambient sun — those are the rays that are bouncing off of things and on to you. Other than having someone walk behind you with an umbrella… wait, that’s not such a bad idea… I can see the outfit now.

More tips from Luke

Ask Luke Reichle: The best jeans for your body shape
Secrets of the Red Carpet: Ask Luke Reichle
Ask Luke Reichle: What to wear to a wedding

More summer fashion

Steal vs. splurge: One-piece chic
Steal vs. splurge: All ruffled up
Best bright sundresses for summer

Swimsuit: Old Navy U-ring bandeau bikini

Make a big splash at the pool with this gorgeous pink bikini. Though this U-ring bikini looks like a million bucks, it's actually very affordable. Each piece is priced under $15 right now at Old Navy. The flaming flamingo pink U-ring bandeau bikini flatters your curves and also looks great on women with smaller busts. This bikini features halter ties and removable foam padding.

Cover-up: RAJ zig zag mesh tunic

When you slip out of the water, slide into a tunic cover-up. A fabulous cover-up is essential for poolside BBQs and other summer get-togethers. If you are looking for an adorable tunic cover-up, check out this RAJ mesh tunic from Loehmann's. Priced at just $35, this 100 percent rayon cover-up is a bargain buy.

Sandals: Barefoot Tess L.A. jelly thong sandals

Skip the boring flip flops this summer and wear fabulous jelly thong sandals instead. These Barefoot Tess L.A. jelly thong sandals come in three different colors and are available now at Endless for only $49. You can wear these sandals with everything from your bikini to shorts and a tee to a flirty summer dress.

Swimsuit: Melissa Obadash Evita bandeau bikini

You'll definitely stand out at the beach or pool when wearing this stunning pink bikini. The Melissa Obadash Evita bandeau bikini features detachable straps and a gold ring at the center of the bandeau top. This fully lined bikini is available now at net-a-porter.com, priced at $180.

Cover-up: Debbie Katz Anaika tunic

Cover up in style with this gorgeous pink and orange printed silk chiffon tunic. This Debbie Katz Anaika tunic coverup is highlighted with pink embroidery and batwing three-quarter sleeves. The beautiful cover-up is a bit pricey, available for $285 at Neiman Marcus.

Sandals: Dior jelly blossom thong sandals

Jelly sandals get a designer upgrade from Dior. These thong sandals feature a blooming ornament on top in the form of the Christian Dior logo flower. These shoes are perfect for poolside or for your summer cruise. Priced at $270, these Dior jelly thong sandals are available now at Neiman Marcus.

More about swimwear

Make a splash in the latest sexy swimwear
Hot product alert: Stylish swimwear for active women
Choosing chest-flattering swimwear

A trip to the beach is the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your inner girly girl. Start with pink bathing suits for mommy and daughter, then have a blast picking out matching accessories for both of you!

1. Old Navy printed one-shoulder suit – She'll love the grown-up feeling she gets from this one-shoulder suit from Old Navy, and you'll love the fun watermelon print. This bathing suit is easy on your wallet at just $17.
2. Terry cloth cover-up – She'll need a cover-up for the trips to and from the beach. This terry cloth cover-up from Justice looks adorable, and will keep her covered and warm.
3. Pink diamond nail color – If you're going to play dress-up, you have to paint your nails! Make your Mommy and Me day complete with a set of matching fingers and toes for you both. We love this Pink Diamond shade from Essie, just $8 from Macy's.
4. Glam sunglasses – Let her get her diva on with these Glam sunglasses in pink from Gap Kids .
5. Glenna sandal – We're loving the gladiator sandals this season. And so will she. Grab this cute pair from Target, made by Xhiliration, for just $18.

1. Old Navy 2-piece – This 2-piece from Old Navy is the perfect swimsuit for the occasion . The shade of pink matches perfectly with hers, without the watermelon print. The top and bottom are mix and match, so if you're looking for another style, they probably have it.
2. Solid cover-up dress – You're definitely rocking that bikini, but you do need to be a little more covered up at times. This solid cover-up dress, made by Apt. 9, is perfect for the occasion. The deep V-neck, wide sleeves and elastic waist make it sure to flatter any figure. Get yours from Kohl's for $38.
3. Cheap Monday Floppy Hat – You need to keep the sun off that pretty face, and the Cheap Monday Floppy Hat from Urban Outfitters is super chic and tons of fun!
4. Oversized sunglasses – Add a little bit of retro flair to your outfit with these oversized oval sunglasses made by Unionbay . The tiny stripe of pink is just what you need to add a little more "girly" to your outfit.
5. Ada-4 sandals – Gladiator sandals are perfect for a day at the beach. They're flat, so they let you walk in the sand, they're easy to get off and on and they look absolutely fabulous! Pick up this cute pair, made by Reneeze, for just $34 from shoebuy.com.

More swimwear tips

The ultimate swimsuit guide: The cover-up
The ultimate swimsuit guide: 5 Shapes and the best fit
Quiz: What's the best swimsuit for your body?

Watch: How to properly apply sunscreen

More summer fashion

Colors for summer: 5 Hues to add to your wardrobe
The best swimsuit fit for your body type
Tacky versus classy: How to accessorize a bathing suit

Read about more of our favorite Pretty Little Things >>

Watch: How to incorporate summer colors into your makeup routine

Today on the Daily Dish, celebrity makeup artist Allison Pynn shows us how to incorporate summer colors into our makeup.

More style tips and trends

6 Must-try spring footwear trends
4 Fun spring style swaps
Shop the trend: Safari

Don’t be fooled by how Tom Cruise “rocks” his leather pants or how Catherine Zeta-Jones carries off shoulder pads. Those of us who experienced the '80s hated those looks then, and we hate them even more now.

Why Rock of Ages makes some of us cringe

Here is a word of caution for a generation that may not know any better. Please do society a favor and avoid these fashion trends at all costs.

Watch a clip from Rock of Ages below!

Summer is around the corner, and if you're like most moms, you are busy trying to coordinate summer vacation schedules.

Warm weather
beauty for moms

From vacations to camps to play dates, you know how important it is to keep the kids occupied so you don’t hear the proverbial “Mommy, I’m bored!” So with this added level of activity and time with the kids, not much remains for “mommy time.” Read on for tips to feel pretty and chic while still keeping the kids happy on summer vacation.

More beauty for moms

Eco-friendly beauty for moms
Why vitamin C is a mom's best beauty friend
Moms and melasma

We're obsessed!

We have a total hairstyle crush on Julianne Hough's chic 'do. Find out why in this week's installment of Celeb Hairstyle of the Week!

For the second week in a row, Julianne Hough is on the top of our best tressed list! Last week, the Rock of Ages star wowed us with her messy updo and this week, we're totally digging her flirty updo.

At the U.K. film premiere of Rock of Ages, Hough wore her blonde locks in a high, wispy updo held back with a thin black headband. The look is fun, spunky and cute without being overdone, and it looks adorable with Hough's plunging black and white dress!

We're loving Julianne's cute hairstyle! How about you? Sound off in the comments! And check out other celebrity hairstyles!

More celebrity hairstyles

Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Kate Middleton
Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Chloe Moretz
Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Claire Danes

Photo credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com

More fashion obsessions

Friday's Fashion Obsessions: Julianne Hough and Jessica Chastain
Friday's Fashion Obsessions: Eva Longoria and Kristen Stewart
Friday's Fashion Obsessions: Nicole Scherzinger and Kate Middleton

Photo credits: Wenn.com, Michael Wright/WENN.com

More Friday fashion fun

Friday's Fashion Fails: Julianne Hough and Zoe Saldana
Friday's Fashion Fails: Diane Kruger and Katherine Jenkins
Friday's Fashion Fails: Kim Kardashian and Willow Smith

Photo credits: WENN.com

Spa time

While most men usually do not go to the spa, they definitely like massages. Look into a series of massage gift cards from spas that offer men's specific services, like Red Door Spas, to ease dad's sore muscles and stress. If you think he will be up to it, book a facial or a pedicure also. Many salons around the country are popping up that cater strictly to men -- from the decor and atmosphere and amenities .

Personal trainer

One way to make sure dad is in top shape is to buy him a series of personal training sessions. Most local gyms have trainers on staff that can be booked for private sessions. To make sure this is one gift that does not sit on his desk, find a trainer that can come to your house in the morning or after work to get him fit and fabulous.

Style him handsome

While not every dad can turn into David Beckham, you can certainly switch up his style to embrace his inner metrosexual self. For Father's Day, take dad shopping and pick out perfect hip, cool and classic outfits, from work to going out on the town. For inspiration, cut out pictures from magazines of men's styles that you and your children think would look good on Daddy. With all of this grooming, you might need to take dad on a date night!

Watch: How to cut your man's hair

Ladies, save your man's money to spend on yourself. Men, ask her to cut your hair so you have beer money.

More Father's Day

iDad Father's Day card
10 Gadgets your dad wants for Father's Day
Plan a Father's Day to remember

Sizzling summer nails

Manicure madness

Ah... the warm weather has finally arrived, and there’s nothing like a smoking haute manicure to accompany your sizzling summer style.

To make sure your fingers are polished to perfection, peep these need-to-know trends for chic summer nails.

Pastel with a punch

According to celebrity manicurist Elle, who has painted the nails of everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Hilary Swank, this summer's nails are all about pastel with a punch. "People are switching it up this season, and it's less about matching everything in the same color and more about having fun," she says. "Color is accessible, and people want to play with it!" Right now, Elle is loving lilac nail colors paired with deep purple hues, as well as baby blues and grays.

Colorblocking fun

Certified nail technician and owner of Happy Feet Boutique Audrey Tarrant says one of the hottest nail trends of the season by far is colorblocking. "This fad recently appeared on fashion runways around the world and is now showing up on the hands and feet of women everywhere." Do it yourself in fun, eye-popping brights or punchy pastels for a striking summer look that's as playful as it is pretty.

Gel Nails

For long-lasting color that's all the rage this summer, try gel nails! Polish stays put for several weeks on end, allowing you to run, jump, swim or play without ever having to worry about your mani chipping away. Right now, we're particularly fond of OPI's new Gelcolor, which is available in an array of gorgeous shades for summer, everything from Pompeii Purple to Cajun Shrimp and Strawberry Margarita. What more could a girl ask for?

Magnetic patterns

Magnetic patterns are a revolutionary way to do your nails, and for the first time, you can actually buy nail polish with reactive magnetic particles, says founder of Beauty Booked Hillary Hutcheson. "After applying, just take a magnet and place it above your nail for 10 seconds. In an instant, cool patterns will magically appear on the nail!" For summer, Hillary suggests testing out designs like stripes, hearts or stars.

Beachy ombre

The ombre trend is still going strong, and this summer it's all about channeling the beach sunset look, with an orange hue slowly fading into pink, says Hillary. Sophisticated yet sexy, "it reminds me of a fruity cocktail and is so easy to achieve!" Want to DIY at home? Simply follow her step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by grabbing two nail polish colors and a makeup sponge.
2. Cut the sponge to the size of your nail so it's easier to apply.
3. Then paint the orange nail polish on the first half of the sponge and the pink nail polish on the second half of the sponge.
4. Dab the sponge onto your nail.
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for each nail.
6. Apply a clear top coat to your nails.
7. Use a Q-tip and acetone to clean around your nails, and voila, you're all done!

More nail tips & trends

Pretty in pink: Achieving the perfect pink pedicure
Tips for long-lasting nail color
Nail art tutorial

Perfect polish

Don’t you hate it when you paint your nails, or worse, shell out money to have someone else do them, and the polish chips after only a few days? Ugh, we know we do! To solve this little problem, we sought the advice of a few experts.

Color that lasts

Check out the experts' best tips for long-lasting nail color.

Make sure your nails are clean

Before you apply any polish, cosmetic chemist of BeautyStat.com Ron Robinson stresses the importance of having clean, buffed and dry nails. "A clean, smooth surface will help the pigment in your nail polish to adhere to your nails better, which will in turn make it last longer." So grab some soap, a hand towel and a nail buffer and get to work, girl!

Skip the hand lotion

Turns out, hand lotion is one of the main reasons polish peels off, as it leaves a film on your nails, notes Becky Sturm, CEO/founder of StormSister Spatique. "Prior to applying a base coat , take a cotton swab and dip it in nail polish remover. Then go over each nail to remove any residue from hand and nail care prep products. After applying a base coat, allow 2-3 minutes of dry time before adding two coats of polish. Allow the same amount of dry time between each coat, followed by a top coat."

Quit biting your nails

Whether it's a nervous habit or just your way of cutting nails , every bite you take removes a chip of color, notes beauty expert and four-time author Laurel House. Simple solution? Just stop !

Try gel nail polish

If you want your mani to remain picture perfect, then gel nails are definitely your best bet. Not only do they dry super fast , but the polish won't chip for at least two weeks, if not longer. Check out OPI's new Gelcolor for a soak-off lacquer that's just your style.

Stick to lighter colors

Darker polishes show every nick, chip and flaw much more so than lighter ones, says Ron. So if you're concerned about your nail color lasting, stick to lighter hues, like pastels.

More nail tips & trends

Pretty in pink: Achieving the perfect pink pedicure
Hot trends for summer nails
How to get a perfect pedicure

Find the perfect red

Manis and pedis are just right in red!

Bright and bold, red nail polish is a classic look that's just right for summer.

The classic red nail is bold, bright and hot for summer. Once women try a manicure and pedicure with revved-up red polish, they're hooked on the look!

With many shades of red to choose from, there's always a perfect red that's just right. Red nails make you feel powerful, pretty and are that finishing touch for fabulous summertime style.

Gels

The biggest trend in nails is gel polish for a manicure and pedicure that delivers a punch of pretty color and is practically indestructible! Gel polishes have been hot in salons and are now available for use at home. They are remarkably easy to apply, dry to a glossy shine and last for around three weeks without chipping.

A favorite gel red that flatters everyone is the classic Big Apple Red from OPI. This shiny red should be a basic in every woman's nail lacquer arsenal — it's clear, clean and can transition easily from the office to the beach. Other pretty reds to love from the OPI line include a hot strawberry red that's as yummy-looking as its name, Strawberry Margarita, and a rich ruby red called Bastille My Heart. The vivacious Chianti-red of their I'm Not Really A Waitress is another classic choice. Many of these favorite colors now available in gel polishes have been popular in the OPI line for years.

Reds with pizzazz

It's no surprise that when you're looking at traditional nail polish formulas, some of the all-time favorite reds are also from the iconic OPI line. This company has dominated the industry thanks to an excellent product and gorgeous colors in formulas that allow for smooth, flawless application in salons and at home. You can't help but smile at the color names that make some of these shades too tempting not to try! Plus, you can get a good idea of how they'll look on your nails when you "try it on" using the OPI website application.

Some of our favorite hues? Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It is a devilishly pretty red-orange that's ideal for summer and adds just a touch of zing coordinated with the season's trendy fashions. If you're a fan of friendly coral, Red Light Ahead should be your pick for a bright and breezy pop of nail color.

Ladies who prefer darker reds and rich berry tones have some decisions to make — the beautiful berry rainbow includes Cha-Ching Cherry, The Thrill of Brazil, Dutch Tulips and Chick Flick Cherry — rich, romantic darker reds with the tiniest hint of blue to add depth.

A perfect pinky-red is The Color of Minnie. The famous cartoon love of Mickey Mouse would squeal with delight over her namesake color that's bright, a bit bold and ultra-feminine.

There's no better time than summer to sweep on some red and show a little love to pampered toes peeking out of sandals, or flatter glowing summer skin with a perfect manicure in a signature red that makes a great counterpoint to breezy white linen shirts and pants, classic nautical looks and cute sundresses. Red nails are a classic because they are always fresh and fashionable.

More beauty & style tips

Glittery bling and bauble picks
Berry-hued fashion finds
Color trends: The hottest shades of summer

If you work in a conservative office, you need to be careful about how you look -- from your hairstyle to your clothes to even your nails. Fortunately, some of the season's hottest nail trends and colors work both at the office and out on the town.

Top nail trends
for the office

Check out these mint green mother-daughter outfits >>

Learn about these ways to sparkle up your nails >>

Read more about ombre nails and other hot nail designs >>

Statement manicure

Another unique trend that has emerged this year is the statement manicure — painting your ring finger nail a different color than the rest of your nails. Though this look can be very dramatic , it can also be more subtle. Consider painting all your nails in a pale shade of pink with the ringer finger in lilac or the aforementioned light blue.

More about manicures

Nail trends to try in 2012
Rihanna's $5K Grammy manicure
Zooey Deschanel's tuxedo manicure

Finding some time to pamper yourself is important for your mental health and your overall happiness. Though it can be difficult to find time for yourself, it's certainly essential.

Get some much-needed pampering

We talked to a variety of real women across the country to find out how they pamper themselves.

Mani-pedi

Most of the women that we talked to mentioned a mani-pedi as one of their favorite ways to get pampered.

"Before becoming a mom, I was great at pampering myself," says Laura Willard, SheKnows Parenting Editor. "And then I slipped into that pattern I swore I never would — always putting everyone else before myself. I recently committed to taking care of me again, so I started by going for manis and pedis every two weeks. I don't answer emails or do any work, and I don't have my kids with me. It's nothing huge, but it's an hour and a half of quiet time, and in the end, pretty toes and fingers make me feel better about myself."

Drive time

Several women mentioned escaping in the car. Not for a weekend getaway, but just for an hour or so of peace.

"Every Sunday, I take a trip to the farmers market, which is about a 45-minute drive," says Veronica Garcia, Texas mom of three "It's all about me, playing whatever music I want as loud as I want on the way there. And then of course, shopping for healthy food for my family is a big bonus."

Chicago mom and writer Lisa Steinke agrees that sometimes it's the drive rather than the destination that matters. "I drive an hour to get my hair done. It's as much about the alone time in the car as it is about the hairdresser."

Meditation

It's important for all of us to take time out to relax, reduce stress and recharge our batteries. One of the best ways to do that is with meditation. Meditation provides peace of mind, lowers your blood pressure, decreases muscle tension, reduces anxiety and can even cure headaches.

"I used to have incredible, debilitating stress headaches," says Crystal Davis of Dallas. "Then, one of my friends got me into yoga. I can't explain to you what a world of difference it has made in my life. Now, not only can I function again, but I feel happier and healthier than ever."

Spa day

When you need a break, there's nothing like letting someone else take care of you — even for an hour. Many women enjoy the pleasures of a spa day, or at the least, a trip to the salon for a mini makeover.

"Whenever I'm feeling exhausted or stressed, I head to the spa," says Caryn McMichael of Florida. "Between work, family and everything else, it's easy to get burned out. But there's nothing an afternoon at the spa can't fix. Every month, I get a massage or a facial. And I have a standing appointment at the salon every two weeks to get a mani-pedi and my brows under control."

More about manicures

Nail trends to try in 2012
Rihanna's $5K Grammy manicure
Zooey Deschanel's tuxedo manicure