June 9, 2011

Ideal Beauty in Advertising-Realizing Myth from Reality

A friend of mine put an interesting clip of a video from Jean Kilbourne on her Facebook page. Kilbourne, for those of you not familiar with her work, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and filmmaker who has been credited with the idea of educating about media literacy as a way to prevent problems associated with mass media advertising campaigns. As I watched the video, I was reminded of how advertising shapes our world, our values, our concept, our version of beauty, and indeed even our concept of normalcy. In the fast-paced world of today, we are bombarded with these images. And pretty pictures sell products.

I’ll admit it….I like looking at pretty pictures. In advertising, when you see a picture of a woman, she is the ideal beauty, flawless.  The problems arise when we compare ourselves and our lives to these pictures. Flawless, while it looks good in pictures, it does not exist in reality. Even supermodel Cindy Crawford has said she wished she looked like Cindy Crawford. If you’ve ever been to a photo shoot, you know it takes an army of people to get a good picture. It used to be done through airbrushing and cosmetics, but now I doubt that any photo that is used hasn’t been photo shopped. Photo shop now makes it possible to have ideal beauty, but it isn’t real.

It is important that we know, and that we teach our kids, that ads are meant to sell products. The image we see is the same as taking a ride on Space Mountain at Disneyland. All smoke and mirrors! Nice to enjoy, but isn’t a reality. Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U&feature=related which was put together from Dove to help promote healthy self -image, especially to young girls who are more likely to feel insecurities on their looks.

We will be seeing more images of ideal beauty….enjoy it for what it is worth…..a pretty picture. Ideal beauty will change constantly, real beauty does not! Your self –worth comes from within, not from comparing yourself to a photo that was manufactured. As my friend Renee (who started modeling at 12 by the way) said “the embodied full woman self is much more dynamic, real and empowered than what the media would like us to buy into”.  Be the best you can be!  Real beauty triumphs over ideal beauty any day!

For the Jean Kilbourne clip see http://front.moveon.org/kate-winslet-i-dont-look-like-that-and-i-dont-desire-to-look-like-that/?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4de124d5c427b1e3,1

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June 8, 2011

Fashion Show to Benefit Bottomless Closet

NYC’s Bottomless Closet Presents the First Annual

“Real Women on the Runway” Fashion Show and Cocktail Party

 

Congratulations to Bottomless Closet! The local non-profit has recently reached the milestone of helping 15,000 New York City women. Since opening its doors in 1999, Bottomless Closet NYC’s volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to help guide local women from economic dependency to financial freedom. The clients of bottomless closet come from diverse backgrounds and experiences including women on public assistance, formally incarcerated, single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and women living in shelters.  Bottomless Closet NYC helps not only with the gift of professional wardrobe; but it gives financial lessons and workplace etiquette training. Despite the hardships and devastation these women have seen in their lives, Bottomless Closet helps them actively pursue a better life and future for themselves and their families.

Today, with unemployment being at an all-time high, combined with an extremely competitive job market, the services of Bottomless Closet have become even more critical. This Thursday, June 9th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, please join Bottomless Closet in its First Annual “Real Women on the Runway” Fashion Show and Cocktail party featuring clients and their success stories. Bottomless Closet clients will be featured as the models, and as they walk down the runway in fashionable, professional attire provided by TJ Maxx and other brands. Fashion Designer Nicole Miller has signed on as one of the main sponsors for the show. She will be attending the event to show her support for this amazing organization.

Help the legacy of this amazing non-profit.  Join the models as they walk towards a better future!

For additional information, visit www.bottomlessclosetnyc.org.

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June 2, 2011

Keeping Safe in Summer Sun!!

Summer Fun and UVA and UVB Rays

Summer fun and summer sun! By now we all know that exposure to the sun is one of the major causes of our skin’s aging. In addition to aging the skin, medical studies have found an association between sunburns and the enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Because the sun is stronger, we become more aware of the sun and its effect on our skin in the summertime. We may think we need sunscreen only in the summer, but in reality, we need to use sunscreen daily.

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. We become more aware of the UVB rays in the summertime, because these are the rays from the sun that lead to sunburn.  These are also the rays most responsible for skin cancer. The rays aren’t always the same strength year round. They are more prevalent in the summer, but they are able to reflect off water or snow, so sunscreen that protects against UVB rays is needed year round. If you’ve heard the advice to stay out of the mid-day sun, it is because these are the hours that the UVB rays are the strongest, and can damage the skin more quickly.

While the UVB rays are more commonly attributed to being the cause of skin cancer, the UVA rays are the rays that are mainly responsible for aging the skin. The sun emits the same strength UVA rays all day long. These rays can pass through windows (UVB rays are blocked by window glass). The rays penetrate into deeper into the skin’s dermis layer, leading to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and ages spots.

Even though the UVA rays cause only 1/1000th of the redness caused by UVB rays, they are even more damaging to your skin. With exposure to UVB rays, you feel the heat; see the redness and quickly take cover…..with UVA rays you don’t. You may be exposed to the UVA rays more than you think. Hours at a sunny window, driving, etc.,  can cause as much, if not more damage than an hour in the sun!

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some are good at blocking UVB rays, but not the UVA rays. You need a sunscreen that blocks both. Without out double protection, you could think you are being protected, stay out longer and end up giving yourself an overdose of the UVA rays with the additional sun time. Sunscreens that contain PABA, Cinnamates, and Salicylates block only UVB rays. Sunscreens that contain Benzophenones will block both UVA and UVB rays, but is water soluble, so ordinary sweat and water remove them. Look for sunscreens that use physical agents, such as white zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They block UVA and UVB rays and are not water soluble.

A sunscreen that is not water soluble is also a must. It will not be washed away by water or perspiration. Personally, I am VERY fair. To protect myself as much as possible from the strong summer sun, I change my routine. I avoid mid-day sun as much as possible, and try to do errands in early morning or after sunset. Having said that, I am also quite the water baby! I snorkel, scuba dive, sail, and love doing anything on the water. I use a scuba skin, boots and gloves pretty much every time I am in the water and utilize my light weight safari wear that not only keeps me covered,but is UV protective so  it blocks the sun’s rays as well. Sunglasses are a must, as is a hat. I keep sunscreen and a lot of water on me at all times!

As you age, as seasons change, even medication that you may be taking can change your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. What SPF you used last summer may not work for you this summer. Have some sunscreen that has different levels of SPF at hand and adjust them. You change and so does your skin. Your sunscreen needs to as well!

Be sure to read Lisa’s piece on areas that we need to pay extra special attention to before stepping out into the sun at http://www.examiner.com/beauty-in-tampa-bay/warning-ignored-areas-you-must-protect-before-stepping-out-into-the-sun-fillin

For those of you who worry that using sun screen every time you are out in the sun will not give you any vitamin D, you can increase the amount of foods you eat with vitamin D (fish, eggs, milk, etc.), take a dietary supplement and /or use a body lotion such as Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion. Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion (www.goldfaden.com) contributes to skin cell growth, repair and metabolism. It will as motivates your skin’s immune system and helps destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging. It is easier to increase levels of vitamin D than it is to repair skin damage!

I would like to thank Peter Lamas for sending me a copy of his book The Truth about Sun Exposure. It is  a very easy read and extremely informative  on the subject. This book will provide you with the facts about sun exposure and what you can do to limit the damage to your skin and your children’s skin. It was an invaluable asset! (www.peterlamas.com)

So who needs sunscreen? We all do! Make it a daily habit!

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May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have died while protecting our country. Whether you chose to celebrate the day at a Memorial Day Service, the beach, at a BBQ, cherish the family and friends around you. And thank a Veteran, for without them we would not have the freedoms that we all enjoy.

And if you haven’t seen this video, take two minutes and thank the World War II Vets! Here is the info on it!

This story is incredible. Send this touching two-minute video about World War II veterans to FIVE friends and family to remind them that every day alive in this great, free country is truly a bonus. Let’s get 50,000 views for the video by Memorial Day (May 30th) to show these living heroes, one last time, just how grateful we are for their unbelievable sacrifice. The video is a trailer to a documentary that will come out in November. The more we can show interest in the trailer (i.e. views), the more Americans will get to see the film. Time is running out: 1,000 WWII vets die every day. We are free today because of these men and women. The least we can do is watch a web video and send it to five people. Let’s get this mission done!

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=176273326&amp%3Bs=fb_feed

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May 29, 2011

Re-Boot For Healthier Eating Habits

Trying to Take Control of Your Health?

Maybe a Re-Boot is in order

 Obesity……..it has been increasingly cited as a major health issue.  In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked obesity as the number one health risk facing America.  One in every three people is considered obese, which is an estimated 72 million people. In 2010, 60% of the United States population was considered overweight or obese.  Obesity leads to many health complications and diseases. These are scary statistics.  America is one of the richest, most progressive countries in the world. Shouldn’t we be one of the healthiest too?

The sad truth is that Americans are some of the unhealthiest people in the world. Even with all of our great economic power and technological advancement we are living in a land plagued with obesity, and the health problems that are associated with the disease.  Of course there are many reasons behind this alarming problem, but the biggest reason really isn’t a mystery. Look at our diet and lifestyle-we live on the go, existing on fast- food and microwave-able dinners. We eat a diet of packaged, processes and refined foods.

This is apparently evident to the USDA as they will be changing the food pyramid chart, making the pyramid into a dish chart which is cut into slices. These slices will show fruits and vegetables at 50% of what we should be consuming.  Say goodbye to large portions consisting of meat products, processed foods, fast-foods, high sugar and high sodium foods. Say hello to larger portions of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes.

If your weight can be responsible for causing illness, is it possible to take control of your life, your health and your future? It can be done, and people with determination and a will to get healthy again have been able to by changing their diet. One person who chronicled his journey to take control of his health is Joe Cross, “We spend the first 40 years of our lives trying to kill ourselves, and the next 40 trying to stay alive.”  He knows of what he speaks. His documentary film, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, (See my April 6, 2011 blog for more information) not only shows how Joe was able to take back his health, but serves as an inspiration for those of us hoping to do the same.

Joe managed to regain his health by drinking only juices for 60 days. (With a doctor’s approval and constant monitoring of course) Doesn’t sound that easy does it? How many of us have that willpower and determination? The film not only chronicles Joe’s journey, but Phil, who Joe had met along the way. When you watch the film, which I was lucky enough to see, you realize we all do have that power, we either really want to change, or that change is forced upon us. “You change the world by changing yourself, “explains Joe. And he is right!

For the past couple of months Joe has been traveling the country premiering the film and appearing on TV and radio, such as The Doctors, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Fox News and numerous morning and local shows. He has been instrumental in creating awareness to not only the problem at hand, but also to the solution.  The purpose of the film isn’t to get us all to begin juice cleanses. The purpose of the film is to show how incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can change not only your body, but your health. Juicing is a way to increase that intake. The film brings home taking responsibility for your health as much as possible and by being more conscious of what is put into your body.

Did I like the film? It was eye-opening!  As Joe traveled across the states, it seems most of us have abhor-able eating habits. In some ways it was disturbing to realize that most of the younger generation wouldn’t know what a vegetable was unless it was put in our fast food burger. I was blown away at the ages of people struggling with their weight. At a time that they should really be out enjoying their life and their family, they were too plagued by health issues. The film certainly has made more me become aware and look at what food I put into my body.

At the same time, I also found the film to be very inspirational. It is never too late to change unhealthy eating habits.  I just made my carrot, beet, apple, spinach, cucumber, strawberry, lemon and ginger concoction. Using Joe as my model, (as a result of his re-boot now incorporates juices into his everyday life. If he wants chocolate ice cream, it will be an occasional treat, with plenty of juices and healthy foods to make up for it), I vow to incorporate more juices into my diet, and use them as a staple.

 I am not alone in being inspired by the film. There is an entire re-boot community out there. People who realize that we have no choice but to change our eating habit or we will pay the price for it. www.jointhereboot.com contains information about nutrition; re-boot programs, recipes, fitness and moral support.  See the movie if you can, I highly recommend it!  (www.fatsickandnearlydead.com)

Giving ourselves and our family what they need starts with us! Healthy eating habits-let’s re-learn them and pass them on!

 

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May 26, 2011

My Apologies!!

On not blogging!! My computer bit the dust! It was very strange not being wired in while my computer was lounging at the Geek Squad Spa! I must admit I felt lost!  Unfortunately, its days were numbered as I now have a new net book to play with!  It is a nice welcomed addition to my technical arsenal!

Thank you all for your patience!

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May 18, 2011

Coping With Allergy Season

Chances are if you have allergies, you ALREADY know it is allergy season! My allergist told me last week, as I was getting my monthly (and sometimes bi-monthly) shots, that he was busier in the past two weeks than he had been all winter! We’re right in the middle of tree pollen season and the stuff is everywhere! The season normally ends in mid June, but with the snowy winter and wet spring, it may go even longer this year. No small comfort for those of us who are plagued by coughing, sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes!

This year allergy season just seemed to explode all at once. Even people who have not had problems with allergies before are having problems now. Asthma sufferers have been hit with a vengeance! While medication can help allergies sufferers cope with this dreaded time of year, there are also things that you can do in your everyday life that can ease allergy symptoms and not make you a magnet for pollen.

First up, your hair. Long and loose hair will gather lots of pollen. Wearing it up will help. Wearing a hat will even add more protection. If you tend to use a lot of hair gel and hair spray, anything that makes your hair stickier, then it will hold onto more pollen. Wash your hair more often, especially before bed time; otherwise the pollen will end up in your bed sheets.  Wash clothes, bed linens and pillows more often.

If you get rashes, watery and itchy eyes, you may want to cut down on make-up. Avoid trying new products, as an allergic reaction to a new product coupled by the sensitivity to pollen won’t be fun. Wear sunglasses to avoid a head-on collision with a cloud of pollen, and rinse those glasses often. Contact lenses can also be a problem for allergy sufferers, switching to glasses, even for a few hours may help.

I would always get a major sinus infection during allergy season. Pounding headaches in addition to all of the other allergy symptoms used to make me spend most of my time during spring indoors. Once I discovered the neti pot, however, that all changed. The neti pot will thin the mucus in your nose and rinse sinus cavities, and not allow the pollen levels to build up and wreak havoc.  Even Doctor Oz thinks that it is one of the most effective ways to clear your sinus and lessen allergy symptoms.

I do listen daily to the allergy reports. On days there are high levels, I do limit my outdoor activities, if possible. No rollerblading around the park on those days! When home, I keep windows closed as not to contaminate my indoor environment. I shower and wash my hair before bed. Keep in minds that pets are also pollen sponges. Wash them more often, especially if they are sleeping on your bed!

Managing my allergies has taken me several years. But thankfully I can now enjoy spring and stop and smell the flowers!

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May 12, 2011

Philanthropy-It’s Always in Fashion-Shop the POSH Sale at The Plaza

It’s the hottest sale in town! Each year, more than 8,000 people from all over the US come to the legendary POSH® sale looking to score that perfect outfit or that head-turning dress! Shop for designer fashions, from A-Z, Armani to Zac Posen, all at a fraction of their original retail prices. Shop for both men women’s and children’s items, designer clothing to accessories, from petites to plus size, at sizzling sale prices of up to 80% of retail.

For nearly 40 years, the Lighthouse POSH® Sale has been the East Coast’s leading fashion fundraiser, offering new and gently worn designer clothing, accessories and footwear for women, men and children. Nestled between couture and ready-to-wear gowns, vintage one-of-a-kind finds, classic suits and pretty pumps are “got-to-have” handbags, jewelry and other fashionable treasures. The city’s hottest fashion fundraiser offering new and gently used designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children – is moving to Manhattan’s legendary Plaza Hotel this year.

Thursday, May 12, 2011 through Sunday May 15, 2011 at The Plaza. Hours will be Thursday-Saturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm. Admission is $10, or $30 for a 4-day pass. For tickets call 212-821-9455 or visit poshsale.org. All POSH® proceeds benefit Lighthouse International’s mission of fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.

It is no surprise that fashion plays such an integral role in philanthropy for Lighthouse International.  Sisters Winifred and Edith Holt used their dress allowances to help fund the organization in 1905. The sisters blazed a trail of firsts and opened up new doors of opportunity for people without sight. 105 years later, Lighthouse International has led the charge in the fight against vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. Today, they proudly continue the Holt legacy on behalf of all those who look to the Lighthouse as a beacon of hope— and will for many years to come.

 Philanthropy is always in fashion at Lighthouse International! Share the gift!

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May 10, 2011

Lessons Learned by Traveling

Traveling….trains, planes and automobiles. Airports, train and bus terminals, perhaps there really is no greater locale that brings strangers together on a daily basis. While traveling last week, from New York to South Carolina, I had the opportunity to see some unique people in action and learn perhaps another great lesson in this thing called life.

Maybe I was a bit more turned into my surroundings having just spoken to Terri Amos-Brit, and learning her journey of discovery as The Enlightened Mom. I have probably seen this happen in the past, but was not in tune with it, and perhaps could not relate it to my life. There are times when you are just so caught up in your own life; you tune out everything around you. Living in the moment isn’t always as easy as it seems.

 As I transferred planes on my way down at O’Hare, I hit the ladies room. A usual transfer activity and I am certainly no stranger to O’Hare. I can do it in my sleep. But on this particular day, one of the ladies wash room attendants was singing hymns in her native Spanish. She was extremely happy, and she had a beautiful voice, which I told her. When I left the wash room, just by hearing her happily singing, I was automatically happier. She set the tone for the day…………

On my back to New York, and a transfer this time at Charlotte (love the Charlotte Airport!) I again, did my usual ladies room stop.  The attendant in this wash room could have been the opener for the Oprah show. “Ladies, I hope that you all are having a good day and safe travels. I have toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, mints, sanitizer, and basically anything that you may need. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions about the Charlotte Airport. I will be glad to assist you in whatever way I can.” Her energy, her genuine happiness at seeing everyone and love for her job left me astonished. Personally I have never been a wash room attendant and hope I never am, but if I ever had to be in their place, I hope I would be as positive as they were.

While I was waiting in Charlotte for the plane back to Newark, there was this college-age woman who would have made the cast of the Jersey Shore look tame. While I watched her, I came to realize how strangers can affect your mood. Even though I didn’t know them, my wash room ladies made me happy. I started to think of how my mood could affect strangers. Did I want them to go away from an encounter with me, like I went away from my wash room ladies, happy,  or did I come across like the woman screaming into the phone, which would negatively affect their mood? It made me vow to seriously work at being nicer, more helpful. I wanted a chance encounter to have a positive effect. Happiness and kindness are contagious…..pass it on!

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May 7, 2011

The Enlightened Mom

This Sunday, May 8th is Mother’s Day. Everywhere you look there are reminders as the perfect gift to get Mom. Nothing against material gifts, they are wonderful. But perhaps one of the best gifts you can give Mom is to be herself, and permission that it is okay to not be perfect.  We women have grown up with generations of hearing that we have to be perfect……the perfect daughter, the perfect wife, the perfect mother……we strive to make everything around us as perfect as possible. And that striving for perfection normally comes at the expense of ourselves. We perform for love and approval. We seek the love and approval from our parents, our spouses and our friends. We become martyrs in a way, striving for love and acceptance. We may get approval, but it isn’t love. Real love comes from within.

The pressure on mothers and women in general is overwhelming.  Most of us feel completely buried in responsibilities, and the last person who matters is you. You give and give, only to feel as it is never enough. You constantly feel guilty that you are not giving enough and are making the wrong decisions. That guilt buries you, overwhelms you and keeps you tired and wanting to run for the hills.

 “We’ve been ingrained with a belief that says life is a competition and we must strive to get ahead. So we momma’s make it our job to prepare our children for the future. But when you realize that each of us is an individual and has unique gifts to share, you discover there is no competition. You don’t have to fight and scramble to get ahead. As you allow yourself to honor and love the way you were created, your gifts are revealed. You align your heart with God. And as you do, you open up to abundance and miracles,” so says author of The Enlightened Mom Terri Amos-Brit.

Terri Amos-Brit knows how you feel. A mother herself, found herself lost. Yelling at the kids, resentful of her husband, and that picture of that perfect family that she had in her head had vanished. She knew that if she wanted things to be different in her family, it would have to start with her. She would have to look within and shift the anger, judgment, resentment, blame, sadness and guilt that she was feeling. She found herself on an amazing journey of introspection and healing. As she let go of her ideals of what a good wife and mother should be, and started loving and honoring herself, she became a more loving, joyous, playful and happier mom. Denying her to be less than perfect had created pain and suffering. Allowing herself to discover, love and honor herself set the tone for the whole family to heal. Mothers set the tone for the family and the ones they love. But the first person they have to love is themselves.

Terri, a Life coach, mom, stepmom and Former Miss USA, shares her journey in an acclaimed new book written just for you, The Enlightened Mom: A Mother’s Guide for Bringing Peace, Love & Light to Your Family’s Life, and its 25 beautifully produced a guided meditation which is now available! She will help you step by step clean up those beliefs that keep you shut down.  An enlightened Mom has the courage to look within, to release beliefs. She has passion, purpose. She is playful and joyous, has abundance and the knowledge to follow her heart. “It is not what we do for our families, but how we live our lives that impacts them the most”. 

You can find out more on The Enlightened Mom at http://http://www.theenlightenedmom.com.book

 Look for at it your local bookstore. And while materials gifts for Mothers Day are wonderful, also pick up a copy, and give this to Mom or yourself. Let Mom know it is okay to not be perfect. What you want is for her to be herself!

I will say that as I reflect on Mother’s Day, which this year is also my late mother’s birthday, I can’t agree with Terri more. Watching my mother come into her own, and releasing any expectations that everyone else had of her, is what I remember the most. She had the courage to teach me to follow my dreams and be true to my heart. I can’t think of a better gift that I was given!

Wishing all you Mothers a very happy Mother’s Day!!!!!!

 
 

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