We're Vegan, Never Freegan

I was just joking the other day that Wisconsin may not be into composting, but it takes the whole recycling effort to heart with 'dumpster diving'. Massive yard sales and entire containers of good furniture, clothing, electronics, old cds, etc etc etc get tossed or put curbside for whoever wants to claim next. It was a concept I was unaware of before moving here.

Now, we move to a whole other level. Freegans. Dumpster Diving. For Food.

Read On

Earth Day is coming! Earth Day is coming!

Happy Spring. Finally.

Earth Day Blog pimp: We love Ecorazzi

Earth Day approaches on April 22, and though it is a long held tradition, this is the first year it seems that EVERYONE is abuzz about it. How great is it to care about your planet?

Personal ties go back to having bamboo furniture before bamboo was cool (ok, ok, doesn't count), Coastal Cleanup Days, the MASSIVE and impressive recycling programs out of CA (thanks to Jodi and Jim and Mary and MaryEvelyn for the lessens in composting - even out of the fridge - never forgotten) and of course Solessence was founded on the goodness of nature. We've been doing the work on our end with natural and certified organic, vegan formulations. Beautiful but minimal packaging. Recycleable plastics and glass. Making the most of what we have, and sharing with others. No company hybrids yet, but we're working on the wind power credits. We're not perfect, but we're making strides. It's as much about the journey, right?

Have you made steps to the greening of your world, personal or otherwise? Send us your impact via blog post or email by March 22, and we'll randomly select a winner for a SheaShea gift set. What a wonderful, wonderful world!

For those who can't wait, enter the words "green day" during checkout to receive 30% off your order over $20.

Industry Icons - Syd Curry - Men, represent!

I think I saw this in a chain mail version. Yummy.

Industry Icons - Syd Curry - Art for Art's Sake

Truly in awe of this.

Industry Icons: More Syd Curry - Covers

As promised, here are more looks direct from Syd. This is a smattering of current picks. Here are two recent covers:

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

"OK - your gift box is beautiful! I love the whole vibe of it. The feel of it, the texture, and the absolute care it conveys in the overall presentation is truly beautiful! From the serums to the mask to the brush to the luxurious feel of the entire ensemble, I look forward to treating my skin to this wonderful product! I will also proudly display them because they're just too pretty to hide!"

"I'd like to know if I can order the items seperate from the set. I already have a set, and need to purchase another for a gift, but I am running out, especially the oils. Oh, those oils just make my skin feel wonderful..."

"I need to know if I can purchase the serum set items individually? I am quickly running out!"

Answer: Thank you! And yes! The set items can be purchased seperately!

Case Closed

So if you use blogger, you know the long, drawnout goodbye Blogger was giving to an apparently much loved Eric Case has come to a close. The guy is finally out the door. Which actually saddens me for the fact that they won't be posting anymore photos of his pretty cute mug. It's always a catch 22. Farewell Eric, we hardly knew ye...

Speaking of Mariah...

We're not one to promote a certain body type or image, but it is hard to deny the amazing transformation of Mimi. This girl is shining. Maybe it was flying in the trainer from St. Barts that gave that extra 'oomph' to her willpower? Kudos, girlfriend, for finding your extra-happy weight. Comes at a good time too...You just know breaking all of those Elvis records would have brought on a certain, late 70's, poly jumpsuit comparison. No one can go there now! Now bring on the music.

Mequon Country Club Spring Boutique - 4/21

Shop for Spring at the Mequon Country Club this Monday night. Admission includes food stations, one hour of complimentary champagne & wine, and more. Say hi to Michelle while you are there and try our fabulous scrubs, lotions, butters to get your skin baby smooth for your warm weather outfits.

Reservations limited and must be made by Thursday, April 17! 262.242.1400

Monday, April 21
5:30pm - 9:00pm
$29.50 per person - guests welcome
Mequon Country Club
12400 North Ville du Parc Drive
Mequon, WI

Is this you?

If you recognize anyone from this video or this event in general, please contact us! Thanks :)

http://www.hummingbirdproject.org/abouthbp.html

Billy B highlight

Billy b has been busy lately! If you've been keeping track you know, among many other things, he produced a series of looks for Bravo's "Make Me A SuperModel" (including Holly's winning look - which was on fire).

He'd also been working on a pilot for Bravo, which sadly didn't get picked up. Focused more on his efforts to help his town in Aberdeen, MS save their history, it highlights Billy's town facelift project. Following is an excerpt from Shannon Nelson's interview with Billy last year and clip from the pilot:

To be honest, I was not looking for a show, but it was this show came to me.

billy b:I am from Aberdeen Mississippi, which is a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It is struggling like most small towns in America. At one time in the late 1800’s it was rich with cotton etc., which produced tons of gorgeous Victorian and Antebellum houses there. There are more than 250 structures on the National Register of Historic places in this town of 4000. Now there is no industry there and farmers are struggling and these houses were being lost due to neglect and no one having the money to keep them up. There is little opportunity for young people and these houses, which had once been passed down generation after generation, were being left behind, torn down or falling down. I began buying the houses to save them and a writer (Isabel Gonzales) was on a job with me and we chatted about what I was doing there. To make a long story short, she pitched it to The New York Times and my story was featured on the cover of the Home and Garden section. The television producers started calling and I signed a development deal with World Of Wonder productions, and Bravo loved the idea.

The show is about my life juggling doing makeup within New York and Hollywood for magazines, music videos and celebrities on the Red Carpet, but contrasted with my other life of saving these houses with my down home crew helping. It is just me, my 74 year old (pistol toting mom), my ex-con, good ole boy contractor Cecil and trust me the hilarity begins. Who knows if the show will even make it to television, but I am excited about how it might help my little hometown. I am excited about the possibility!

Shannon: Rebuilding your hometown is something you are passionate about, at what point did you decide that this was something you wanted to do and were you worried about how you would get it done?

billy b: I am SO passionate about it and it began a long time ago, actually. I had been living in NYC for years and would go home and see this place where I grew up dying. It made me sad. The houses are so beautiful and so incredibly inexpensive, so I just started buying them. I didn’t have a plan and still don’t LOL! I just do what I need to do as its needed and I worry about the rest later. I have saved about 20 houses and have 17 at the moment. It is a huge struggle, but a struggle I enjoy. It is another creative outlet for me other than doing makeup. Like the name of the show, “The Beauty Foundation,” there are a lot of similarities. I love the art of transformation and making something the best it can be. Whether it is a face or a house, I live for it.

Beautifully, he's saving real estate and helping people at the same time. He's Oprah on a smaller scale!


billy b

Solessence launches at The Pfister Well Spa

"Solessence compliments our focus moving forward on going green with organic and natural products. I absolutely love everything in this line, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for myself or anyone else. The scrubs, the creams, are just phenomenal. Even my fiance loves the product." ~ Mary Bronaugh, Spa Director, Pfister Well Spa

The Pfister Well Spa experience has just been taken to a whole new level!

Solessence has been selected for The Pfister Well Spa's new and exclusive lifestyle retail division in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Renovations are being undertaken now at the hotel, a location Conde Nast readers have voted one of the "Best Places to Stay". Three million dollars in the making, the 12,000 sq foot Well Spa is Milwaukee's only all-private suite spa, and features hamman showers, towel warmers, heated floors, crystal chandeliers, meeting/media room, attached Janice Salon, and newly built, 1.5 million dollar fitness room. A vision of Spa Director Mary Bronaugh, the new lifestyle expansion completes the experience, with consumers able to choose spa products for gifting, room use, or to take home and enjoy.

On selecting Solessence, Bronaugh quotes, "In this business, I see a lot of product. This is the best. I love the scents, I love the scrub because it is a one-step process for exfoliating and moisturizing." In addition to Solessence's natural and organic skincare, scrubs, lotions, mineral soaks, and specialty gift sets, The Pfister Well Spa Lifestyle will feature a fine selection of audio/visual & books from HayHouse, organic baby toys, and pet products for the most discerning pet pamperers.




The Pfister Well Spa operates M-Thur from 9am-9pm, F-Sat from 9am-10pm, and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Grand opening is expected in late April, and will cater to the celebrity, business, and local clientele the hotel serves.

Visit The Pfister WELL Spa at:

WELL Spa
424 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53202
414.277.9207

Feelin' the Love Friday (customer raves)

I absolutely ADORE your product. I give it as gifts all the time trying to get others "Hooked" on it too.
Keep the softness coming! MANY THANKS!

MM, Los Angeles

My daughter went through that scrub jar and cried when we ran out. She said her skin had never felt so soft, and I just had to get more! So...here I am ordering!

PF, Los Angeles

Thanks, Left Coast, for the love :)

Feelin' The Love Friday (customer raves)

I absolutely love the skin care cream/scrub set that I received...It is wonderful! My skin has never felt or smelled so good! I usually buy Clinique Happy Perfume and Gloom Away products by Origins and I thought this scent was similar yet much better!

~KK, Wisconsin

Blush Report

Today I am using the Wine and Roses butter.

A few reasons I like your shea butter:

1. The consistency of the butter is great. It is smooth and easy to spread (after using at night, I run my hands through the ends of my hair for extra conditioning). Some others are a little hard or grainy. Another feels like ordinary body cream/lotion. Whether it helps or not with stretch marks in the end, you want to feel like the "belly butter" is a special product.

2. It feels good right away on my skin...others I tried are cold. Nice for the summer, but a bit too chilly for me right now.

3. Soft skin, but not too much residue. One brand left a greasy residue and was all over my shirt.

4. The container. I don't like the container of x'xxx shea butter. I have swollen fingers and often times useless thumbs (pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome) so a simple lid is important. x'xxx has a metal knob that is annoying. Also, another brand is in a toothpaste-like tube, and after a couple of uses, the product squeezes out of the wrong end.

5. Natural ingredients. Anything natural and/or organic is much appreciated.

A photo response to Pampered Mama

We know what you mean - our product testers get carried away too!

Blush Report

"Just wanted to thank you very much for taking care of this so quickly! It arrived so fast - it came the next day!!" ~ Valentine's Day Gift shipped to Canada

"My skin has been suffering without your scrub!!" - S, Wisconsin

From NY: We have some amazing fans - this one sent a photo on her way to checkout! We luvs!

Happy Valentine's Day?

Sarah caught this at the local market.
What is a pristinely clean teddy bear doing strapped to the front of a Hummer? Hm, this is either:
1) Someone's way of diffusing the angry crowds for not driving a hybrid Prius
2) Valentine's Day gift
3) Effigy of Ex-partner that will be mutilated against a myriad of concrete dividers, bumpers and trees by the Day of Love's end.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Girls Night Out 2.0 - Mequon, WI Feb 21,22

Time again for Girls Night Out at Shoot the Moon Photography in Mequon. The event last year was hot hot hot and we hope to see you there. Stop by, say hello to Michelle, and get pampered!

MAC: Fafinugen

Fahrvergnugen = the pleasure of driving German

Fafinugen = the pleasure of French face painting

So I cruised by MAC tonight, braving yet another blizzard and 7* weather, to pick up another piece or two from the N collection when I realize I can't find it anywhere on the counter. I asked someone who was working the counter where it was and was told they had to make room for the new collection, so it was...and they all hunted around until they turned up a poor, little beaker with some sad used samples left. I really only wanted the lipstick, and all they had was N2.

Me: "Ok then, let's look at the new collection" I said, eyeing the whimsical display they were hard at work assembling. The French graffitti artist Fafi's art graces the boxes, and a set of 3 makes a complete picture.

Her: "Oh, it doesn't really launch until tomorrow...we don't usually put the display out until the actual day, but we needed to get a headstart because this one takes a little more work. Come back tomorrow!"

Me, contemplating yet another drive in crappy blizzard: "Ok, what if you show me the colors to see if I should come back."

Her: "Just a minute" (runs and checks with supervisor) "Oh, sorry, we can't even show the colors..."


Me:"Ok...(suspiciously eyeing very cute pink color on her lips)..."Are you cheating and wearing the new color?" (clearly she was)


Her: "Oh! Yes, I am cheating, and, but, oh..."

And I got the full rundown of what was available.

I am highly recommending those Lipglasses!

However, sans camera, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to get your own glimpse, or check out MAC's website.

You MUST read this!

Billy B had an extraordinary night at the Grammys last night. Read on for inspiration that dreams do come true...

Blush Report

"Just had to let you know how much I love your products. My friend gave me your body butter and sugar scrub. I can't get enough. I am 6 months pregnant and your shea butter is the best belly butter I have ever tried...and I have tried at least 5 other brands. Combined with the sugar scrub, my skin is itch-free and so soft. You must market your shea butter products to pregnant women!! " - Megan, Los Angeles

Thanks Megan, and congratulations! We have been getting a lot of requests for larger sized butters, and...we were in Stork Magazine last year. Keep your eyes peeled!)

"Honestly, after I tried the samples I didn't need to be sold by the sales rep. I was just "Give me an order form!". It works the same way with the customers. As soon as they try your product, they buy. Your product is so wonderful, it is the real deal." Julie, Glo Salon/Spa

This is How You Do It: Girl Power by Nely Galan

That her team on The Celebrity Apprentice is failing to gain ground on the guys does not make Galan a sore loser. As the rules go, the CA winners would have money go to a group of choice. With a defeat seeming imminent, The producer of The Swan decided to take fate into her own hands and earn a few benjamins for her group of choice by using a backup to her teammates: mass girl power.

Galan had announced she would personally donate $25,000 to her chosen group, Count Me In/Make Mine A Million. This organization empowers entrepreneurs via money and mentors, building a community of winners. To add to her 25k, Galan and Make Mine A Million asked members to pledge $10 each to reach a goal of 250,000.

On the Today Show, it was announced that a total of ***Two-Hundred Thousand Dollars*** was raised! I hope she in no way considers this a shortfall. It is rare to see celebrity pull through for the groups or charities they claim to back, and Galan's honest and clever efforts showed Trump and the world that women CAN pull the right strategy out of the hat when needed. You're a beautiful example Ms. Galan!

CosmoGirl!, Solessence and Valentine's Day...

Get ready for the holiday of love!

CosmoGirl! will be gifting 20 lucky readers the Solessence SheaShea gift bag set for their Valentine's Day Sweepstakes. Our signature gold bag is chock full of skin softening products, exceptionally yummy during winter. Valued at $45 each!

Check cosmogirl.com Valentine's Week for updates on how you can win your own set.

Good luck!

I'd love to make my brown eyes blue...

I have been a bit bummed at the slow reporting on Fashion Week this season. I can't figure out what aligning of planets or supernatural experience is causing such a weak show this year (hey guys, no pressure!). However, bits and pieces have been coming in, and one in particular brought back some great memories. Annie at Blogdorf Goodman did a little writeup on Threeasfour. The clothes, photos from style.com, are total knockouts. However, it was the blue mascara that got me swooning.

Blue mascara is my absolute favorite, and most fickle, and hard to find, item. It has been so many ages since I found a good, waterproof blue. I don't mean navy (which in it's own right is a tad scarce), but a beautiful, nearly electric blue. And it really does have to be in season so as not to frighten the unsuspecting. I feel renewed and refreshed to start my hunt again.

That, and my next dream would be for Max Factor to revive the blue-with-silver-flecks, thick eyeliner pencil that once ruled in the late 80's or early 90's. Anyone remember what I am talking about? Spacey, but gorgeous. A girl can dream.

People En Espanol's 51 Most Beautiful?

Ah, it seems only yesterday when Solessence went to People Magazine's "Los 50 Mas Bellos" party in NYC. The 50 Most Beautiful issue is their hottest selling and biggest issue of the year, and now they've found a way to bring their following into the magazine folds: elect a non-celeb for the 51st slot.

Although entries closed on February 3rd, over 5000 submitted their picture online, with plenty of reader feedback. From this, ten finalists will appear on Telemundo, with the winner chosen on February 28. From there, it will be a March reveal and a trip to NY for a makeover/photoshoot, participation at People Magazine's 50 Mas Bello event, and a spot on a famed Telemundo soap opera.

What do you think of People's idea to include a "civilian"?

Good luck to the finalists!

Wedded Bliss Awaits

Congratulations to Leah Sarjoo and her lovely Nuku


















The last time I saw Leah, she looked like this (3 years old):




















I know there are better photos, and one in particular I remember, but at present I cannot locate them. C'est la vie. I will keep looking. Leah is the daughter of the Sarjous, the couple that founded Thembalethu Welfare Society in South Africa, the recipients for the Hummingbird Foundation. Hopefully we will be able to feature her more in the future regarding the fundraising activities of HummingbirdProject.org


It was a miserable, miserable drive down to Chicago and back, but it was all worth it - especially to find out she had just gotten engaged that morning. Leah is now engaged in her studies as well.

I just have one request for their first dance:


Sorry for the delay, but we needed to make sure parents were alerted before blogged. Sweet wishes to the lovely couple!

What have we here?

Soon, my dearies...

Blogs: Ab Fab 2007

Confess: Your closet blog-reading obsession now has your "Favorites" link in your browser on overload, your work hours and coffee break times reversed, and your head crammed full of cultural trivia/fashion forward fever. Sure, the screensaver altar of your favorite beauty blog writers is a little odd, surrounded by the lit, fragrant candles they've recommended in the past - but there are vices worse than blog stalking.

Take all of that devotion to good use and put it in a vote on the "The Fabbies", a lockdown of who's who among blog writers - a People's Choice Awards, if you will. Your contribution to pinpointing the web's finest will be rewarded with a virtually streaming red carpet on January 31 for the winning blogs.

At a complete loss for who to rally to the finish? Here, an earnest and honest request from Shannon Nelson, a blogger who has experienced a fairy tale rise from SAHM of 3 (now 4) to full-time blogger and PR rep. Her simple start: the lone woman in a male dominated household turned to blogging to share her love of beauty. She now attends Fashion Week in NY and interviews some of the top beauty experts in the world - and shares it with all of us. It doesn't get any more amazing than this.



Take a moment to vote for your favorites at Fabbies. VOTING ENDS JANUARY 30!

SAG-alicious

Due to work conflict I missed SAG and didn't Tivo either, so I resorted to the delightful Beauty Addict's posts (brillz!) and then this, the apparent brangelina network that is fox news. I am as eager as the next person to see if the bold and beautiful is carrying twins (and with that tent of a dress and set of new knockers, it will be a shock if she isn't) but I was dismayed the first 37 photos seemed to be of the two. I forwarded to the 60s and still was coming up Pitts.

What happened here?



I honestly thought this was CarrotTop. Mz Messing looks a hot mess, which is so unlike her! I'm one to talk, but I'm not showing up red carpet either. Some disaster surely happened beforehand. The gown is gorgeous, just think hair didn't make it to the church on time. If that stylist wasn't in a deadly accident, I would be expecting some trouble...

Lipstick Sales: Pucker Up or Pout?

We've all heard that lipstick is one of life's affordable luxuries - and one women don't go without in less spendy times, right? Credit Leonard Lauder, former Estee Lauder Chairman, for the insight. One wonders if this logic is the reason for their recent emphasis of the famous lipline at this point in time. However, things don't seem to be as they once were: overall lipstick trends were reportedly down 19% last quarter(source: IRI data Deutsche Bank). Is this where raw data and real world marketing collide?

Hold up. Lipstick has not been a hot commodity for years. As with all beauty items, colors and product come and go. Lip glosses, tints and chapsticky types have been pushed so hard in recent times that I feared an entired generation would never know the beauty of lipstick. Here are a few of my theories behind the seeming demise:

A component may be the nearly decade long push to greener cosmetics. As people continue to scrutinize the ingredient lists of their beauty products, more are becoming selective. How many internet posts have you read on bugs and the like used in your lippy? Whether this is outdated information or not, it became a huge concern for the growing vegan population. Animal free glosses then become a welcome alternative and were marketed as such.

Pricing and quality have also come into play. Where 'green' used to be associated with 'crunchy', many manufacturers have caught up to the fact that a clean product does not have to be, ahem, crap on the lip or for the wallet. Beautiful, and beautifully affordable products, below $20 became bountiful.

The dramatic lifestyle changes that have occurred over the last decade is most likely a major contributor as well. There is a certain formality in the creamy coverage of color in a tube - a seriousness to beauty that seemed to fall by the wayside with pantyhose. Gloss is indeed the symbol of youth and frivality. As we ease into a corrective-action of the wild ride that was the 90's, will that also ease us back into a bit more seriousness for the lip?

I, for one, welcome back the lipstick. Nothing provides such perfect, beautiful coverage, as a tube of lipstick. My theory is, yes, lipstick is on the decline due to intense marketing flux. It's the same flux that is going to bring it on the upswing now. EL has been around a long while because they know what they are talking about. We're just seeing the resurgence of the lipstick after years of submission, and it's going to be beautiful.

Go out. Explore. Be bold. And buy.

(we like pictures too)

01/26 - Last Day for Action Jackson - NLOL - please vote

It's Fast. It's Free. Your vote will save lives.

New Leash On Life has a chance to be the recipient of $50,000!

Sue Chipperton, friend and supporter of NLOL, is a finalist in a photo competition
and selected New Leash to be with recipient of the winning proceeds.

We need your help and your votes.

Go to www.firedog.com/kodak, click on View Finalists To Vote. Then find the photo
titled "Jackson" taken by Sue Chipperton and vote.

Each vote counts for an additional $1.00 on top of the $50,000.

The photo with the most votes wins. Please vote and pass this along to your as many
people as possible.

The polls close on January 26th.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Stephanie Hoefener

Director of Operations

New Leash On Life Animal Rescue

661.255.0097

www.newleash.org

If you aren't familiar with New Leash On Life, I have heard nothing but good things about the organization for a while now. Solessence previously donated for their annual walks. Any organization out to save a life is a worthy cause, but NLOL goes the extra mile to rehabilitate animals who otherwise would have a difficult time going back into society, possibly avoiding a situation of being euthanized. A great cause, and, a great photo! Find firedog and vote for Jackson - a few seconds of your time could help out thousands.

Apply Pretty (quick)!

Looking to get in on the beauty blogging phenomonon but hate to start on the ground floor? TheMakeUpGirlBlog.com has a wonderful opportunity for the right person....

Things are getting crazy around here...and I need someone to help me out. I am looking for a contributing writer for TheMakeupGirl. The right candidate will be able to post to the blog three to five times per week or more on topics ranging from beauty and makeup trends, product releases and beauty events.

Lianne is a former model, current makeup artist, and has a loyal blog following. Go to TheMakeUpGirlBlog.com for more info, and good luck!

Pick Me. Choose Me. Love Me, Milwaukee.

Do you have what it takes? FashionableMilwaukee.com is searching for the next great face. Models in the Milwaukee area, email a photo from your portfolio to : michael@wemergemedia.com for a chance to grace the pages!

Get It While It's Hot

Thank you Beauty Brands clientele!

Solessence products have been flying off of the shelves, and we are elated to hear that you are enjoying the product. More product is scheduled for your locations any day now, so if your store has sold out - hang tight. And again, thank you!

Red Shoes Diary

"They were treasures to me"

Go Pack Go

Two weeks ago, as my husband and I sat at the Milwaukee Public Market watching the football game with their 7 suspended flat screen tvs floating over the upstairs garden area, we brought up today's match. "Would you go if you had a ticket?" I asked. We ended up both agreeing that there was no way given the temps being predicted.

Today at 11am he gets a call from his brother, asking if he wants to go to the game. He turned him down! Sure, I remember what was said, but the sun is shining, Pack is playing NY, Fleet Farm is giving away 30,000 hand warmers, and -19 below is feeling more like 20 degrees. "Yeah, but it won't at 6pm". Sigh. He is right, but sometimes I feel too practical.

I'm not a huge sport fan, but this game, especially with the frigid cold, will hopefully prove to be exciting. I have never seen a state so in love with their sport teams, and I practically grew up at Candlestick, ahem, Monster Park.

Give a shout out if you would bear the cold to see the game in person!

Update: Good thing my husband didn't go. To brave 24 below and a 5 hour round trip doesn't suck ONLY if your team wins. The Pack's loss to NY would be crushing, save for the fact it was a MAGNIFICENT game. Although I would prefer green & gold against the Patriots, I have to give props and well wishes to the Giants. But Favre was robbed :)

Scrub-a-dub love

I rarely ever buy anything like this. I just can't believe it. I turn 84 in February and this is my treat for myself! ~ Phyllis, Milwaukee

Him: Who would have thought I'd be walking out with this (scrub)?
Her: I wouldn't!
Him: It really works. My hands feel great!

My local UPS rep was swooning over my scent a few weeks ago (really!) after asking me to walk along side of him (so he could enjoy the scent) I gave him your site for his significant other. He was thrilled and I was relieved. :) he would comment every single time in crowds of people, ultimately making me a bit embarrassed. But in a nice way. Ahhh- one more happy couple thanks to solessence. ;) the world is indeed a better place because of it.

Yolonda is "Unconditional"

I love New York in February. No, really.

And I love meeting up with people from the past, like the lovely Yolonda Ross. Yolonda, who was in "Antwone Fisher", most recently had a role in the Golden Globe winning, Todd Haynes "I'm Not There" (you go Cate). We recently reconnected before the holidays when she excitedly told me about a play she is in that premieres February 7 at Public Theatre in New York City. Billed as a play that "tells Nine New York stories that converge in a racially and sexually charged tale of love, justice, rage and betrayal", Yolonda glows about it being a 'really touching piece'.

Mark Wing-Davey's "Unconditional" has already been given an extension and now runs through March 9, 2008. Catch it while you can!

MAC daddy's little girl

The number one question these days seems to be, "What makeup does Kim Kardashian wear?".

So there you go. Girl is always looking flawless and is clearly a MAC fan. Extra points to anyone who can identify shade using their crazy color system. We love us some MAC too.

Hats

Here is a photo of the preemie hats I mentioned my friend knits...so many! So cute!

Hi-larious!

First sighting of the Ritchie/Madden offspring. Click here for more celeb deliciousness. They are just like we are...

The Knitting Factory

No, no, this isn't about a club in New York. Rather, it is the quip of a woman trying to go crafty.

I have always wanted to knit. Sure, I could turn a few charms on the crochet needles (and my mother can produce animated figures while yelling 'I can't remember how to do this! I can't remember how to do this!) but I have never been able to master the double needles. Knitting, the elusive frontier.

In 2000, I brought back umpteen skeins of lovely Merino wool in shades of black, grey and taupe from my trip to New Zealand. I also garnered an autograph from the man I was named after, Sir Edmund Hillary. But every year I open the wool bag and look at it rather forlornly. "This year," I tell myself, "this year I will make something exquisite".

It hasn't happened yet.

I had almost given up on even producing something like a patchwork blanket, consisting of multi-colored squares, when I found this:
We're talking tiny knitting looms that allow for flat edged squares, and no coordination needed for the pointy sticks. One kit comes with the loom and needle, yarn, cd and written instructions. Although my son has now disposed of the written instructions, I at least have the cd, and was perusing the website to make sure I do this right. A friend, who is a knitting fiend and makes tons of infant hats for a preemie charity every year, took a look at this and told me: "It looks harder than regular knitting." Then, in an attempt to not discourage me, she qualified it with "Providing you are any good at regular knitting." That was quickly followed by a "Good luck with that!".

My husband echoed with "He needs a scarf? Buy one!".

My son, none the wiser, believes the board is where all hats, gloves and scarves come from, and already tells people I've made everything he wears. haha, let's hope he can't distinguish storebought from mom's hands.

Knittingboard.com

The cure for what ails you

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Are you besting the cold & sniffle season, or is the cold & sniffle season besting you? An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Here are some favorites to be proactive (or if it is too late, to nurse back to health):

Traditional Medicinals: The Season Herb Tea Sampler gives a great selection with Gypsy Cold Care, Organic Echinacea Plus, Throat Coat and Breathe Easy

Note: Echinacea should not be taken when you are in the middle of a cold as it will prolong it. It is used at the beginning to stop the illness from taking hold. Also, avoid using cow milk to blend with your tea at this time as cow milk increases mucous production

Airborne: Amazing preventative, especially when flying, great when you start to feel something coming on.

Manuka Honey: I buy a 25+ grade now available at Whole Foods, and raised my son on this with Rooibos tea. Manuka has wonderful properties for internal & external use, and a delicious, almost chewy texture. Sorry, this is not a vegan option!

Tea Tree steams: Nothing unplugs the nasal passages (and clears those pores) like a good steam. Run the humidifier!

Sleep, sleep, sleep: Your body needs zzzzzz to stay healthy. Make sure you are getting your beauty rest.

Powtered Milk - Stop the Madness!

Last week I was having a conversation with someone who has a niece who has started her period at age 10. We bantered about how the 'joys' of experiencing womanhood used to be reserved for 11 - 14 year olds (around the time you would start giggling and whispering about boys), but now is showing up in girls as young as eight. We talked about how regular milk is one suspect in advancing the years of children due to the high hormone content from feeding hormones and antibiotics to cattle.

Later that day I was having my mani/pedi done when the nail tech mentioned her 7-year-old niece was having her period. Seven years old! Now,this story emerges of a girl who started with cramps and body odor on a regular cycle starting at age 3. Although the article is a bit misleading, it appears she did not actually have menses until age 8. Still, this is madness.

The article only suggests stress, stepdad pheramones and 'calorie rich' diet to blame, but again, hormones in conventional milk have been suggested for years to be altering growth in humans. Organic can get expensive, no doubt, but erring on the side of caution is worthwhile for your health. A great organic cow milk is Horizon. Another option is soymilk. For diabetics, soy milk is processed differently and is considered a different carbohydrate, so is better for your diet. In Taiwan, soy is made into wonderful warm and cold morning drinks for breakfast. Here in the states, my favorite is Silk Soy. This is a company that does not use genetically modified soybeans, which is really important. The outcome of genetically modified foods, even if listed as organic, have still not been deteremined in humans but has been detrimental to growth and life for unexpected groups such as the monarch butterfly. Genetically modified foods were initially developed to be heartier, easier growing strains, but as scientists continue to play with our food, they are finding that mixing and mingling plant dna could cause severe and deadly reactions in humans. It already has in lab animals.

Organic milks - they do a body good!

Another fierce family now official - Christina & Jordan

Christina Aguilera's Gift - Max Liron Bratman...and a video!

"Dear fans,

Today is a very joyful and special day for Jordan and I as we welcome our first son into this world.

In honor of our love for each other and our growing family, I have put together a special video for the song "Save Me From Myself" off my Back to Basics album. This video is very dear to me as it includes actual footage from our personal wedding video!

Just a little something to say "thank you" for your undying love and support. It is in no small part because of you that I live such a blessed and wonderful life!

Please download and enjoy…

With all my love,

Christina"

Open Your Mouth And Say "Ack!"

I'm ever on the quest for a good toothpaste. There is nothing greater in life than a clean feeling mouth and tongue (yes, tongue - since wee high to a grasshopper I've just scraped using my brush bristles, but you can buy one of these yuppie tools) Clay is a wonderful cleanser, so a lot of times I just whip a few things up when the regular toothpaste doesn't seem to be cutting it. I just wish there was a really great natural toothpaste.

The other day though, I was running low and saw what was described on the package as Cherry Gel NATURAL TOOTHPASTE (their caps, not mine) with fluoride. It was from a company I had seen at natural markets (this was a standard grocery store, but in the organic section). I would have checked the box but I was in a rush and the name seemed to imply I was standing at the gate of just grown freshness.

I could not wait to get home and use it. I did, and it was good. Nice texture, it seemed to wick away the bad taste, and the cherry was pleasant. When I woke the next morning, I was surprised at how clean my mouth still felt. This doesn't happen with too many types of toothpaste. I was in love! All of my feelings were crushed to oblivion when I read the label to find methylparaben as the main preservative, and the somewhat more benign sodim lauryl sulfate (almost in all toothpastes, used for foaming, it can cause mouth ulcers) as the fifth ingredient in.

There is a very aggressive movement in health food stores to remove all parabens from shelves, as they were somewhat linked to breast cancer. So why is it showing up in a natural company toothpaste? Alternatives replacing parabens get a little dicey when using formaldehyde/formaldehyde donors, which are positively known carcinogens. And recently it was confirmed that sodium benzoate (which has always been rumored as dangerous but is the preservative in soft drinks, foods and many cosmetics raw materials) could damage mitochondria in DNA. Your very life links.

I don't know about you, but these three items are the last things I want to see in anything I eat or put on my body, let alone brush my teeth with. None of the above ingredients are in Solessence products. If I don't want to apply it to my skin, why do I want it swishing against sensitive gum tissue and possibly sliding down my throat?

Check out your toothpaste and let me know what you find. This is not meant to bash, just a bit of shock and awe, self-awareness exercise. We may all be in for a bit of a show. What do you use? Help me find a great alternative!

Experience the Power of Pampering

Easy to travel with, the vitamin C helps with dry spots, I hope you offer larger volumes soon. "I absolutely love it!" - Ellen, Madison

"The light formula is inviting and refreshing with each use. I also appreciate the vitamin C, which has helped to drastically reduce breakouts in my 'trouble spot' on my chin. My husband even tried it after he saw the difference in my skin! Thank you for creating such a unique product that I can say that I have not experienced with any other." - LC, Atlanta


Antioxidant Serum Defense Set featuring billy b brush. Mixing bowl, Blue Cleansing Oils, Vitamin C Resurfacing Agent, Gold Serum (not pictured)

Benefiting you (great skincare!) and the hummingbirdproject.org (20% of profits)

Got Kids? Whole Foods Market can help

My son is just shy over 3 now, and from the time he could talk he has said he wanted to be two things:

1)a model/guitar (Guitarist, like Murray from the Wiggles, and I guess that is two or he imagines the occupations combined)

and

2)a chef

Now, I have some hilarious footage of his declarations for #1, but mom needs to learn to make this innocent shot a little more G rated (flyin' free that day, know what I mean?). And he did recently find that he ended up being a model, for a very good cause, which we'll highlight for a later time. So how to help fulfill my one and only with the chef dreams? Aside from helping in our kitchen, the answer came to me when I spotted the Whole Kids Club Cooking Class - for ages 3 and up.

Everyone reels in a bit of shock when I tell them about this opportunity. "Cooking classes...for 3 year olds?". The class was a mix of ages, but what I found surprising was how hands on and pro this class truly was. Held in the Lifestyle Center, a gleaming professional kitchen awaits little ones. Room for 10 is at the pub style working/eating table. Step stools are provided for children to add ingredients to their dish on the stove, adult assisted, of course. The night's lesson was 'Stone Soup', and combined a bit of storytelling and then soup making. The children cut up their own chicken, and I was impressed with the Sur La Tab cookware. This isn't an Easy Bake oven swap. Kids get to use the same tools the adults get. At the end of the class, children enjoy the creation (with a few going back for seconds).

One note: I was expecting children to be supervised by parents, but surprised to find they were by themselves with the teacher. One full wall of the center is all glass, so you can sneak a peak if you want to watch. However, be prepared to do your shopping or noshing for most of the hour at WFM's tasty hot bars, wine bar or gelato counter. WFM also offers free WiFi, so you can bring the laptop with you for some work or surfing.

Class prices vary. Join the Kids Club for $15, and you get discounted classes, a chef hat and apron for the little one, a coupon for a free 4 oz gelato, and free treats the kids can pick up in different departments every Wednesday.

At the end of the soup class, I had a very happy guy who promptly showed dad when he got home how to 'stir the pot' in a positive way. Upcoming events include veggies, kabobs, and a Dads & Lads Gross Out Day. They fill up fast. Check out the schedule - you may be tempted with the many varieties of adult education too.


Whole Foods Market
2305 N. Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.223.1500

fierce, fabulous family

How does she do it?

This is what everyone wanted Britney to turn out like!

Light, Camera, Action - Jackson can give a New Leash On Life...with your help!

www.firedog.com/kodak

Today is the day for causes! Just as I was plinking out a post on our serum defense and the Thembalethu Childrens Home/HummingbirdProject.org a portion of the donations go to, I received a very urgent message:

New Leash On Life has a chance to be the recipient of $50,000!

Sue Chipperton, friend and supporter of NLOL, is a finalist in a photo competition
and selected New Leash to be with recipient of the winning proceeds.

We need your help and your votes.

Go to www.firedog.com/kodak, click on View Finalists To Vote. Then find the photo
titled "Jackson" taken by Sue Chipperton and vote.

Each vote counts for an additional $1.00 on top of the $50,000.

The photo with the most votes wins. Please vote and pass this along to your as many
people as possible.

The polls close on January 26th.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Stephanie Hoefener

Director of Operations

New Leash On Life Animal Rescue

661.255.0097

www.newleash.org

If you aren't familiar with New Leash On Life, I have heard nothing but good things about the organization for a while now. Solessence previously donated for their annual walks. Any organization out to save a life is a worthy cause, but NLOL goes the extra mile to rehabilitate animals who otherwise would have a difficult time going back into society, possibly avoiding a situation of being euthanized. A great cause, and, a great photo! Find firedog and vote for Jackson - a few seconds of your time could help out thousands.

Homemade is Best

Shannon Nelson from A Girl's Gotta Spa! manages the world's best band - the Homemade Band. This is from their early days. They also have a holiday and special moments release. Check out her link on You Tube for the finest in boy bands.

We're Feelin': Old School?

An old roommate and I used to have an amazing collection of nail polishes. Perhaps close to 200 shades. A portion of them lined up very pretty, filling the medicine cabinet (who actually needs medicine?), while others stay nestled in baskets and arrayed tastefully in drawers and closets...seriously, it must have been way over 200. It was every shade and every manufacturer imaginable. Still, I can distinctly remember certain phases and looks.

My all time favorite is still a dark red pedicure (circa 1990's Vamp or Essie or Revlon Vixen)and an American manicure, but I've experienced it all. OPI is always an easy grab, you can find them everywhere.

So what am I feelin' lately? I've snagged 5 OPI bottles since October, which is hardly a record, but I find I keep coming back to these. Two bottles of Hollywood Blonde (I cannot get enough of this beautiful pink & gold color), My Big Break (which is a throwback on an old pinky/magenta shade called Orchid I used to wear, but looks deeper and richer - I haven't yet used it), then two blues: Who Are You Wearing? and Light My Sapphire.

I'm not sure if the blues are just catching up with me because it finally feels like winter (it was a long and lovely fall here), but I've scheduled my mani/pedi and want to go all out. Who are you Wearing? looks purple in the bottle, but has blue notes on. It almost looks too...silly, save for the fact it is deep. Light My Sapphire on the other hand alternates between navy-ish blue with a pearl grey hue. I love the serious/industrial feel. And for a dark polish, it is much more attractive than straight black (which I could never get into).

Let's see if I actually jump ship into this sea of blue. Having hoarded them for the last 3 months though, they are feelin' a bit old school.

Do you do blue?