Christinia Applegate Foundation -- Alex Woo Creates Pendant for Right Action for Women

Alex Woo Creates Pendant to Raise Funds for

Christina Applegate's Foundation,

Right Action for Women

The Right Action for Women was a foundation established by award-winning actress Christina Applegate that educates women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. The foundation was created in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3), after Christina Applegate received her breast cancer diagnosis. The Right Action for Women provides aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.

Alex Woo, New York jeweler, has designed a delicately branched "tree of life" pendant, in gold or silver, that will benefit the Right Action for Women.

"Since losing my mother to breast cancer when she was much too young, I have always been active in the fight against it," Woo said. "The opportunity to work with Christina to design a piece to benefit Right Action for Women was tremendous given the inspiration she has provided to millions of young women."

The design has a unique balance of peace and harmony in the shape of a tree but also incorporates the feminine curves of a women. The 7 leaves represent each day of the week, as a reminder to live each day to it's very fullest.

"This piece reminds me so much of the roses I made out of ribbons for my friends and family while in the hospital," said Applegate. "I am so grateful to Alex for creating such a beautiful piece to benefit Right Action for Women. Proceeds from the necklace will help women at high risk for breast cancer get the screenings and testing they need to beat this disease."

The pendant retails at $198 in silver and $998 in 12-karat yellow gold. You can view and purchase the pendant at www.alexwoo.com, select Bloomingdales locations, and select stores nationwide.

In addition, please view the video below with Christina Applegate on the Ellen Show, as she discusses Lee National Denim Day, October 2nd.  This will also benefit breast cancer -- spread the word.




by: msgirlwoman

Hips & Curves: Plus Size Costumes and Lingerie

Lingerie E-Store offers Plus Size Lingerie and Costumes

Here is a store that offers a variety of plus-size lingerie along with some unique fashion costumes just in time for Halloween. The e-store is best known for offering plus-size women fun, sexy lingerie and apparel. Hips & Curves has a very comfortable and inviting website giving women a wonderfully warm experience while shopping.

This year they are introducing mix/match fashions for Halloween with a stunning and sexy look.

"Halloween is always our favorite holiday," says Rebecca Jennings, CEO and President of Hips & Curves. "The problem is that so many costumes just don't make women feel attractive. That's why our new Halloween line is unique. The mix and match fashions allow customers to put their own unique spin on their costumes."

For more information: check out Hips & Curves

Coldwater Creek and Studded Blue Jeans to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure (R)

During National Breast Cancer

Awareness Month --Coldwater Creek

to Host Star Studded Blue Jeans in Pink Program

to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R)

This October Fundraiser will feature 16 pairs of one-of-a-kind Celebrity Decorated Jeans. Coldwater Creek, a national, leading retailer of quality fashion for women, will take part in the Blue Jeans in Pink, a star studded, fashion based fundraiser in support of and to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

From October 1st - October 31st, 2009, consumers nationwide can enter-to-win the celebrity decorated pair of jeans of their choice and are also encouraged to make a donation to Komen for the Cure. Coldewater Creek will match any donations that come in through the Blue Jeans in Pink program, up to $100,000, as an additional donation to Komen.

The Coldwater Creek Knit Blue Jeans will be custom decorated, with a pink theme, by high-profile celebrities and personalities from television, film, music, sports, fashion and the culinary arts. The 16 celebrities who generously gave their time, energy and creativity to custom decorate Coldwater Creek Knit Jeans for the Blue Jeans in Pink enter-to-win/fundraiser include: Sarah Chalke, Rocco DiSpirito, Bob Harper, Mary Hart, Marg Helgenberger, Faith Hill, Susan Lucci, Andie MacDowell, Misty May-Treanor, Drebra Messing, Nancy O'Dell, Ana Ortiz, Sam Saboura, Gabrielle Union, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker. Each of these 16 celebrities have been personally touched by breast cancer or simply share the passion for the fight against the disease.

For more information on Blue Jeans in Pink, consumers can visit www.coldwatercreek.com/komen or any Coldwater Creek store. Official enter-to-win rules are available upon request.

Recently Unemployed -- Get a FREE Wedding Gown!

FREE Wedding Gown if you are recently Unemployed

Need a wedding gown, lost your job in the last 90 days, don't want to postpone your special day, then a free wedding gown maybe in your future. It appears that Patricia South's "The Bride Choice" is giving away free wedding gowns.

With an inventory of designer sample gowns, South found herself wanting to donate these to brides who were in need. "What a shame that these gowns couldn't be used by someone in need," said South. Dress in a variety of sizes from designers Amsale, Jim Hjelm, Rena Kohl, Bellisima, Allure, Jacqueline's, Pronovias and Maggie Sottero are included in the giveaway.

Patricia South is offering select designer wedding gowns from her stock to deserving brides struggling to afford the wedding of their dreams on Wednesday and Thursday, October 7-8 and 14-15, from 4-8 p.m.

Her bridal shop, "The Bride's Choice", is located at 4k066 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, Florida. For more information, call 954-791-6007 or visit http://www.psbride.com/

Happy Weddings!


photo;  http://www.freedigitalphotos,net

MomTV -- 60 Weekly Live Streaming Video Web Chat Shows

MomTV gives Viewers a Web Show lineup of 60 Weekly Shows

MomTV.com offers a variety of shows from health, fashion, finance, parenting and topics for mom and dad bloggers. MomTV.com is the first streaming video destination site for Moms to create, share, and learn via video and live streaming video web chat shows.

Since their launch in May of 2009, MomTV has been adding an average of three new weekly hour long shows a week. Many of the MomTV weekly shows are hosted by mom bloggers; however, there are numerous experts from the fields of parenting, fitness and health, finance, fashion, relationships, travel and holistic living also hosting shows.

"When we launched MomTV we knew we were watching a revolution happen," said Bob Sullivan, CEO of NewBaby.com. "MomTV is growing as a platform where parents can come together and share in real-time via video and text chat from across the world about topics that they care about."

Not only does MomTV provide shows for women but men as well. Two shows give the dad's point of view on a variety of subjects: Greg, popular dad blogger, from TellingDad.com and RJ, founder of SingleDad.com. Slated for October, new show, DateThis Dad, MomTV viewers are part of the vetting process for the selection of the Dad to find dates for.

Working Mother Magazine -- "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers"

"100 Best Companies for Working Mothers"

Working Mother magazine reports the top 100 best companies for working mothers. They have found despite the layoffs, cutbacks and economic craziness that the country is facing, some of the companies reported in the top 100 are still spending on health care, child care and work/life benefits. Many of the top winning companies, spending has increased as a third of the companies report that the added funds have gone to new and improved programs.

As per Working Mother magazine website, a full 100 percent of the 100 Best Companies, offer telecommuting and flextime schedules, 98 percent offer job-sharing, and 94 percent offer compressed workweeks. Also, lets not leave out child-care as 86 percent provide backup care, and 62 percent provide sick-child care.

The following is a partial list from the 100 Best Companies to see the full 100 go to: Working Mother

-- AOL

-- Carlson

-- Cisco

-- Dell

-- FINRA

-- General Mills

-- IBM

-- Johnson & Johnson

-- Lego Systems

-- The McGraw-Hill Companies

-- Turner Broadcasting System

Romance on the Go -- MyRomanceStory has iPhone Application

MyRomanceStory -- iPhone Romance

Are you a romance fiction novel reader? Just can't put the book down? Well, now you don't have to because MyRomanceStory.com announces the release of its library of romance graphic novels on Apple's iTunes App Store than can be easily downloaded to the iPhone.

"The iPhone opens up an exciting platform for readers to experience our romance novels,' says Pat White, CEO Arrow Publications, LLC, the publisher of MyRomanceStory.com "The colors are vibrant and the text is easy to read."

Get all the juicy details and search for your next romantic novel by entering the keywords "myromancestory" or "romance story" in the iTunes App Store.

MyRomanceStory is the premier source for romance graphic novels in eBooks, for the iPhone and paperbacks. Available in English and Spanish.

ConsumerRankings.com -- Top 5 Online Dating 2009

ConsumerRanking.com -- Gives you the 

Top 5 Online Dating 2009

ConsumerRanking.com compared the best online dating sites to give you additional information in order to chose the best dating site that fits your lifestyle.  Listed below are the top 5 sites with their main features:

Match.com

• More members than any other online dating service
• Guarantees you will meet someone special in 6 months
• Employs a proven personality-based matching system
• Start meeting singles fast with their ultra-simple member setup
• 20,000 Singles joining each day
• The fastest growing dating site in the world

Chemistry.com

• Matching based on personality and interpersonal chemistry
• Relies on extensive user feedback to refine the matching process
• Promotional Offer:  Sign up now and get 3 months for the price of 1
• Relationship advice from recognized experts
• Assisted communications to help every user feel comfortable

PerfectMatch.com

• Extensive Personality-based matching based on latest matching technology
• Free Personality assessment 
• Convenient email notifications about potential matches
• Free personality assessment 
• Handy organizational tools to help keep potential matches organized

eHarmony.com

• Designed to create long-lasting relationships
• Guided communication makes singles feel comfortable initiating contact
• Free personality assessment
• Serves millions of singles who are serious about finding a long-term relationship

Yahoo Personals

• Users can keep their profile entirely hidden
• Matching services fueled by Yahoos! trusted technology
• Extensive and easy to use database of users photos
• 6 month guarantee 

Consumer-Rankings.com gives you additional information in regards to the dating services that were evaluated along with how they determined the top 5.  Their articles also give information regarding on how to achieve positive results when using an online dating service.  Check it out!

photo provided by shutterstock.com

"Out of the Closet into Inspired Style" -- Fall Fashion News for Frugal Times

Fall Fashion News for Frugal Times:

Learn the Secrets of

Closet Management and Style

from AICI SFBA's Top Image Pros

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI - SFBA) kicks off the fall season with some sage advice: Shop your closet first! "Out of the Closet into Inspired Style," an event that will offer trade secrets from seven professional image consultants on how they approach their clients' closets to maximize value investments while targeting new shopping needs. Women of various professional profiles and lifestyles will model the results.

Presented in a dinner program on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at the Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., San Francisco from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $69/$75 at the door.

"This program is tailored specifically for the professional woman, who needs to pay special attention to wardrobe and grooming in a challenging economy. Different professions demand individual uniformity," states Colleen Abrie, AICI FLC, CDI, the event's chief organizer who is also a well-known and respected hair, makeup and head-to-toe stylist expert. "This is a must-attend program for savvy women who want to look their best without breaking the bank," laughs Abrie, founder of Concepts in Style.

Six other Image Pros:

Jennifer Bressie, AICI FLC, of Jennifer Bressie Image and Style, San Francisco, a UC Berkley graduate, who transitioned from a highly successful sales and management career with Oracle to doing what she loves most: getting into her clients' closet and helping to develop their personal styles.

Julie Kaufman, AICI FLC, of Julie Kaufman Wardrobe Consulting, an Atherton-based business which includes color analysis, closet editing and personal shopping for both men and women.

Alyce Parsons, AICI CIP CET CIHM of Universal Style, Monte Sereno, is a highly sought-after international speaker, trainer and author of several books on style including her most recent: StyleSource: The Power of the Seven Universal Styles for Men and Women.

Bianca Stark-Falcone, AICI FLC, of B Well Dressed, Mill Valley. Her extensive retail background and knowledge of fashion allows her to do it all for her male and female clients, including closet cleansings anreorganization, personal shopping, packing and travel, undergarments and foundation.

Divya Vashi, a native of India who divides her time between New Delhi, New York and San Francisco, a reporter with the BBC World Service, and spends her time pursuing her passion for fashion working with high profile CEOs, actors, models and people in transition.

Carolyn Woodworth, AICI FLC, owner of Design & Style Image Studio in Lafayette and VP Education Conference for the AICI SFBA Chapter, specializes in make-up, Carlisle courture clothing and custom jewelry and accessories.

Getting into my closet, let's see, yes, I think that I would like that. I am a bit of a retro diva but I am sure a few more leggings would work along with some up to date scarves and jackets.

For more information call Colleen Abrie: 408-772-3358.

Patrick Dempsey Supports The Seventh Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Los Angeles 7th Annual Avon Walk

for Breast Cancer

Raises more than $4.6 Million

Over the weekend, the 7th Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer season continued with the Avon Walk in Los Angeles. The event raised more than $4.6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. The event attracted more than 2,000 participants drawn from 33 states, including almost 200 breast cancer survivors, who joined together to raise lifesaving funds and awareness for breast cancer.

The Avon Foundation for Women Special Ambassador, Patrick Dempsey was a special guest at the Closing Ceremony as he raffled off the race suit he wore in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. He also encouraged walkers to compete in the Dempsey Racing Champions' Circle for the opportunity to attend a 2010 race with Dempsey Racing Team.

Lynn May from Azusa, California, is a seven-year breast cancer survivor and was one of the speakers during the Closing Ceremony, who provided an immediate reminder of the impact of breast cancer and the importance of taking personal action to make a difference.

"My story of survival is a success story because I had great medical care and a lot of loving support. But there are people out there who don't have a large family, who don't have dedicated network of friends and co-workers and who don't have access to medical care. And that's why we're here. Every step we took this weekend was a step to help someone in need. Because help is desperately needed, right here in our neighborhoods," said May.

Patrick Dempsey joined the closing ceremony on stage to congratulate the walkers as well as the local breast cancer organizations who received a total of $2.6 million in grants, which were awarded on Sunday to ensure that funds raised immediately benefit the community. In saluting the Doctors and Scientists, Patrick commented that, "I am so proud to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer here in my hometown of Los Angeles." He continued, "It's really extraordinary that thousands of walkers come together and put so much physical and mental effort into a single cause."

My First Mammogram -- What a Success!

What to expect when you have a Mammogram?

     Well, I finally had enough guts to schedule an appointment for my Mammogram.  Last year I turned 40 and knew that my time was up in regards to getting the dreaded Mammogram.  In fact, I even put off scheduling my Pap Smear last year because I knew the doctor would be referring me for this painful test.  

     Since I am always one to hold true to my annual appointments, I knew that I just had to get over this fear of the Mammogram.  Really, I was just paying attention to others as to the discomfort of the test but I really needed to find out for myself.  

     Well today was the day.  I have successfully scheduled and completed the test.  Wow, what a relief to have it behind me and to move forward knowing that I have just done something good for myself.  In fact, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and if you have not had a Mammogram and are age 40 or over, maybe you should try it as well.

     Since I was so nervous about getting the test, I thought that I would give a detail report as to what really happens so others could take the leap of faith as well.

     My appointment was scheduled for 9am and since this was my first time, I had to be there 15 minutes early in order to complete paperwork etc...  So I sat in the waiting room of our local hospital trying to read the latest gossip magazines as I held onto my beeper (it was similar to the ones you receive at a resturant) waiting to be zapped.  Others around me were doing the same and one by one beepers started to go off.  Minutes later it was my turn as I started vibrating and startling everyone in the waiting room.  Off I went, following the nurse to the radiology department only to sit in another waiting room.  More paperwork and only a few gossip magazines (darn!).  Finally, my name was called and off I went again only this time I was following the technician and wondering what was ahead of me.    

     We walked into the examining room as she asked me to take everything off above the waist and to put this gown on opened to the front.  So I did as I was told, staring into a mirror, noticing that I looked very nervous and a little scared.  As I undressed, I noticed a lot of information in regards to breast health (self examination etc).  You know, most of the time I never read any of that stuff but at that point I felt compelled to do it.  I am glad that I did as I found out the reasons for the compressions.  Compressions are used during this test so there was less radiation for the breast tissue.  Interesting.  I also noticed there were these rolls of stickers on the wall and I wondered what they were for?  Maybe they were used for good behavior.

     Well, the technician entered the room and explained what was about to happen.  She knew it was my first time and was trying to calm my nerves.  She informed me they take two pictures of each breast.  A full frontal picture and side views.  She did say that there would be a mild discomfort but it was temporary.  Okay, I thought, I can't run now as I am half dressed and might as well go through with it. 

     Before we started the procedure, she reached for the stickers (cool now I will find out what these are for).  She pulled two off the roll and asked me to put them on my nipples.  What? Stickers on your nipples?  I guess the nipple gives off a picture that could be mistaken as a lump.  Next, she asked me to lean forward onto the tray and relax my shoulder.  She grabbed as much breast tissue as she could (I have tiny breast and was amazed how much was on the tray).  She then compressed down (a little tight but not bad) and then dissapeared to take the picture.  Good, one down and three more to go.

     She did the same with my other breast and then I had to turn sideways for the rest of the pictures.  I will say, it is a little uncomfortable but not horrible.  Yes, there is a little pain involved but migraines are worse and it is much better than getting stuck with a needle.  I would say the worst part was taking the stickers off the nipples.  Wow, thoses things have a great adhesive as it was much like taking a band-aid off.  Well, maybe not quite as fast.

     Anyways, will I go next year for another test?  Yes, it really is not that bad.  Take the leap of faith and do something good for yourself.  Relax and JUST DO IT!  Remember, it could save your life and the discomfort is only temporary.

Editors Note:  Machine used for testing was digital.

Working Moms Survey -- Reveals Vision not Near Perfect

Working Moms'

Vision Not Near Perfect

A new survey, conducted by Walker Communication for Working Mother Magazine and ACUVUE Oasys(TM) Brand Contact Lenses for Presbyopia, found that working mothers, as they age, changes in their vision are impacting the ability of most moms to perform everyday activities at home and on the job.

As they age, 86% of women over the age of 35 are concerned that their vision is getting worse. Another 74% say they have problems with near vision.

Nearly half (46%) say that having good near vision is most important to get them through their daily activities, but cite problems with everyday tasks such as reading (66%), working on a computer (63%), using a cell phone/PDA (49%), seeing things in low light (45%), or trying to read a menu (44%). Nearly three-in-ten (27%) working mothers who participated in the survey agree that problems with near vision bothers them most while multitasking at work.

"Visual challenges with near-point tasks are signs and symptoms of presbyopia, a common vision condition in which the natural lens of the eye gradually loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects and to switch focus between close and far objects," explains Susan Resnick,O.D. "Everyone will experience presbyopia to some extent in their lifetime."

Presbyopia generally develops in the late thirties or early forties as it is currently estimated that 90 million people in the United Stated have presbyopia or will develop it by 2014.

Besides not seeing clearly, working mothers reported that vision problems make them feel frustrated (61%), old (50%), physically uncomfortable due to headaches and eye strain (47%), and less confident to perform activities (30%).

Carol Evans, President of Working Mother Media, urges women not to let presbyopia disrupt their life at work or at home. "So many Working Mother readers rely on their computers and mobile devices for work. I always tell readers to make time for 'you'. Now I want to tell working moms everywhere to make time to get a comprehensive eye exam and ask their eye care professional about new vision correction options, such as a new pair of glasses or contact lenses."

Being over the age of 35, I definitely have experienced the signs of presbyopia. In fact, I am typing this post with my trusty reading glasses plastered to my face and still experiencing a little frustration. Gee, can you say, "Eye Exam". Yes, I so look forward to Aging.

photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Laura Ling and Euna Lee -- Speak Out from Current TV

Press Release provided from Current TV and Authored by

Laura Ling and Euna Lee

Laura Ling and Euna Lee have released a statement regarding the events leading to their capture. While covering a human trafficking story between North Korea and China, the two journalist were taken captive by the North Korean Government. The following information has been provided by Current TV and documented themselves by Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

Both journalist wanted to document how they were captured and why they were covering this story. It appears that the morning of March 17th at 5 o'clock in the morning both followed their guide out onto the frozen river that separated China from North Korea. They were wanting to document the grim story of human trafficking and were told that the Tumen River was a well used trafficking route. They trusted their guide who was a Korean Chinese man who was used by other foreign journalist as he walked them closer to the North Korean border. They stated that there were no fences, or barbed wire but they knew they were getting closer. Their guide made deep, low hooting sounds, which they thought were a way to make contact with the North Korean border guards. Their guide assured them that he could arrange an interview for them and urged them to move forward. Both had no intentions of leaving China but they found themselves on the riverbank of the North Korean side. Feeling nervous, both turned and headed back into China. At that point they heard yelling and turned to see two North Korean soldiers with riffles running towards them. Of course, being nervous and scared, instinctively, they ran.

There were firmly standing on Chinese soil when they were apprehended. They tried to grab onto anything while being pulled back to North Korea by these two men. Their producer, Mitch Koss, and their guide were able to outrun the soldiers.

Both Ling and Lee spent 140 days in captivity, moved to Pyongyang, isolated from one another, repeatedly interrogated, and eventually put on trial and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor. They were not sure if they would ever come home; however, after five months in captivity they were granted amnesty by the North Korean government. "We are forever indebted to the United States government, particularly to President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, to former Vice President Al Gore and our colleagues at Current TV, to Swedish Ambassador Mats Foyer, and to former President Clinton and his team for taking on this private humanitarian mission."

Below you will find a video of Ling and Lee saying thanks to all of their supporters. For more details regarding the human trafficking aspect of this story, please visit: www.current.com/sl/laura_ling.htm

I did want to comment on the fact that these two journalist (I will refrain from using the word "women") had an extreme amount of guts to have put their lives on the line in order to report on such a dangerous subject.  It is quite obvious that they are truly reporting on the real issues around the world and giving us the facts that we may not hear elsewhere.  I applaud them for their efforts and I am happy that they returned safely.

FDA Reports Lead Levels in Lipstick

FDA Study finds Lead Levels in Lipstick -- No Standard for Lead in Lipstick

The Food and Drug Administration completed a study finding lead in lipsticks at higher levels than those detected by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in a 2007 study.

There were 20 lipsticks tested by the FDA (brands have not been disclosed) and lead was found in all 20. The levels were 0.09 to 3.06 parts per million - four times higher than the highest level reported in by CSC. In testing these lipsticks, a new method was used that concluded that earlier methods likely underestimated lead levels.

The FDA did not release the names of the brands with the highest levels; however, the CSC report found that L'Oreal, Maybelline and Cover Girl had consistently tested with higher lead levels.

"Since recent science suggest that there is truly no safe lead exposure for pregnant women, it is disturbing that manufacturers are allowed to continue to sell lead-containing lipstick," said Sean Palfrey, M.D., medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

FDA found an average lead level in lipstick more than 10 times higher than its own standard for lead in candy. Yet FDA has no standard for lead in lipstick.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information on the lead levels in lipsticks or the toxins in any beauty products go to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

photo credit: www.gettyimages.com