Category: causes

Blogmania Sponsor: California Blooms Helps Fight Ovarian Cancer

[ 1 ] September 2, 2010

California Blooms Supports Blogmania and a Worthy Cause!

California Blooms, one of our Blogmania Sponsors will be donating $140 worth of roses during Blogmania on Sept. 15&16. 2 lucky winners will win 2 dozen roses each, in the color of their choice, delivered to the recipient of their choice! For More Blogmania details see this post: http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2010/08/3-new-sponsors-for-our-1000-blogmania-giveaway/.

California Blooms, the premier Internet Retailer of fresh boutiques grown Roses will be helping the fight against ovarian cancer throughout the month of September.

EVERY PURCHASE OF SPECIAL 18-ROSE BOUQUET RESULTS IN A DONATION TO OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH FUND

California Blooms (www.californiablooms.com), the premier internet retailer of fresh eco-friendly, boutique-grown roses from the central coast of California, will offer consumers a special 18-rose white bouquet throughout the month of September in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. (click here to view/order – http://www.californiablooms.com/ovarian-cancer-awareness-roses.html) With the purchase of the benefit bouquet, 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), an organization dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer.

“We are honored to partner with OCRF and to help in their efforts to prevent ovarian cancer,” commented Mark Skorlich, CEO of California Blooms. “This is a worthy cause that has affected so many people, and we’re excited to offer our customers an easy way to contribute with this month-long campaign.”

“We are so grateful to California Blooms for their support,” said Audra Moran, CEO, OCRF. “It’s important relationships like these that enable OCRF to continue funding the most cutting-edge research in our quest to find an early detection method and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.”

According to OCRF, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. However, when ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%. Supporting ovarian cancer research makes it possible to develop new early testing techniques as well as new treatments.

California Blooms proudly supports the search for a cure in honor of the late Gerre Skorlich, mother of CEO Mark Skorlich, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 1994.

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Wear Teal September 3!

[ 1 ] September 1, 2010

THOUSANDS WEAR TEAL ACROSS THE USA TO RAISE AWARENESS OF OVARIAN CANCER

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance launches the “United States of Teal”

Women Over 45 and their younger sisters! September marks the nationwide observance of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, as designated by the President of the United States. The first Friday in September — September 3, 2010 — is National Teal Day and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance will lead the efforts of thousands of Americans wearing teal to increase awareness about the deadly disease. Teal is the ovarian cancer community’s color and serves as a reminder that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the cancers of the reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death among women.

Kicking off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has introduced its latest effort at generating awareness about ovarian cancer. To visually illuminate a disease that kills nearly 15,000 women a year, each State of the Union that demonstrates its commitment to advocating on behalf of the women it represents will be highlighted in teal on the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s website until the entire map of the United States is filled with teal resolve.

“September is our opportunity to significantly increase awareness. We must use every means available to us to get the message out about the risk factors, symptoms and options for women, and this new endeavor helps highlight this issue – state by state,” explains Karen Orloff Kaplan, CEO of the organization. “Any attempt to spread the word, whether it’s by posting a blog entry, handing out symptom cards or writing to our local papers and our congressmen, gets us that much closer to a solution.”

In addition to wearing teal, corporations and organizations are jumping on board to help the cause. More than fifty Partner Member organizations of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance are hosting events including health fairs, walks/runs and fundraisers. Costco, the grocery store chain, is educating their shoppers about ovarian cancer by running Public Service Announcements at all of their 400+ locations. Georgetown Cupcake of the TLC hit show, DC Cupcakes, has created a special cupcake featuring the Teal ribbon called “Teal Velvets” and are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Lifetime Television is educating their viewers with a morning show featuring ovarian cancer survivor and Board President for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, Annette Leal Mattern.

“It’s remarkable that what started out as a small group of survivors getting together for support and community, has turned into a national movement, bringing together leaders from the government, science, medicine and the general community – all devoted to the power of teal and finding a test and a cure for this disease,” says Mattern.

For a full listing of September activities, visit www.ovariancancer.org.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the foremost advocate for women with ovarian cancer in the United States. To advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer, the organization advocates at a national level for increases in research funding for the development of an early detection test, improved health care practices, and life-saving treatment protocols. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance educates health care professionals and raises public awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1997.

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Giveway: $50 Summer Must Have Bracelet–Melanoma Awareness–Women over 45

[ 1 ] May 13, 2010

FOR MELANOMA AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY:

SUMMER’S MUST-HAVE BRACELET PROMOTES SUN SAFETY

WITH PHOTOSENSITIVE “I WILL REFLECT” WRISTBANDS

SpaFinder Bracelet Reminds Wearers to Always Put on Sunscreen,

Cover Up, and Schedule a Skin Check-up

CONTEST CLOSED–Wehave WINNERS! These people have been emailed, waiting for confirmation. Initials, HC, GO, K (yadgirl), MP, MM, JB (3 time winner!), PB, JF, P (2 time winner), CS (long time entrant–1st win) WAHOOOOOOOOO! Keep entering–you will win. All our contests are over $50

For Melanoma Awareness Month this May, SpaFinder, the world’s leading resource on spa and wellness, is offering stylish photosensitive bracelets that immediately change color when exposed to harmful UVA & UVB rays.

While the wristbands serve as a reminder to cover up and be sun-smart, they also have a more serious purpose: they’re the centerpiece of the Melanoma Initiative, a campaign whose mission is to educate the public about melanoma detection and prevention.

Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder, noted that although one American dies of melanoma almost every hour, early detection raises the five-year survival rate to 99 percent.

“Most people aren’t aware that melanoma is the deadliest and most common form of all cancers”, said Ellis. “We wanted the bracelet to serve as reminder to always be vigilant about sun protection. It’s also a great conversation starter, providing a way for each of us to help spread awareness about melanoma prevention.”

The chic white bracelets, which instantly darken to purple when exposed to the sun, bear a metal faceplate engraved with the Melanoma Initiative’s motto, “I Will Reflect.” The phrase reminds wristband wearers to think about the five melanoma-prevention tips included with the bracelet:

- Be sun and skin smart;

- Wear sunscreen year round;

- Use a minimum of 15 SPF sunscreen;

- Have an annual full-body mole check;

- Share this important message with others.

The wristbands can be purchased for $4.95 each on SpaFinder at <http://spafinder.com/melanoma>, or $3.50 each with orders of thirty or more. Proceeds go towards melanoma research and programs to raise awareness of this deadly but largely preventable disease.

SpaFinder has also published a series of melanoma awareness articles on its Club Spa blog (http://clubspa.spafinder.com/category/melanoma-awareness), including prevention and detection tips, how to determine if someone is at risk for melanoma, and the dangers associated with tanning.

According to Ellis, the campaign was inspired by the untimely death, from melanoma, of Alex Szekely, the former president of the world-renowned Golden Door and Rancho La Puerta spas, and one of the spa industry’s true visionaries.

SpaFinder has also partnered with thousands of spas worldwide, enlisting therapists and aestheticians to teach clients about the disease’s early warning signs and encourage them to get regular mole checks from their physicians. Participating spas will also distribute the bracelets.

Chief Blonde Remarks: As someone who has always firmly believed that PALE IS THE NEW TAN, I can heartily endorse this cause. My father suffers from skin cancer after many long years of sun exposure, so the prevention of Melanoma is near and dear to my heart! This bracelet is on backorder until June 7 on the Spafinder website, so this is the ONLY place that you can get one of this LIVESTRONG like bracelets to support the war on Melanoma! I travel most everywhere with a hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves but this bracelet will be another reminder that Protection is a major key to Prevention! Plus these bracelets are really super stylish and come in a great little box and bag! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

THE PRIZE:

10 winners of the Spafinder Melanoma Awareness Bracelet, I WILL REFLECT.

THE RULES:

Contest runs from May 13–May 19

Super Simple Main Entry: Answer ONE or all the questions below and email your entry to stillblondeafteralltheseyears@gmail.com. You must ANSWER AT LEAST ONE main entry question before doing the bonus entries! If you answer more, than that counts as extra entries! Please do not put the main entry questions into the comment section below. I will have to delete it and that will make me sad! You can answer ALL the questions at once in ONE email or spread them out over the length of the contest! Each question answered will be an entry. REMEMBER ANSWER AT LEAST ONE MAIN ENTRY QUESTION

1. Go to this link and email us at the address above: What is Spafinder a proud sponsor of? (Hint: It’s the last sentence of the paragraph) http://www.spafinder.com/Catalog/product_page.jsp?pId=275

2. Go to this link and email us at the address above: How many new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed each year? (Hint: Third paragraph in the middle section) http://www.spafinder.com/melanoma

3. Go to this link and email us at the address above: Please state one prevention tip that you can find on this page: http://clubspa.spafinder.com/melanoma-awareness/melanoma-prevention-tips/

4. Go to this link and email us at the address above: Where does melanoma usually appear on women? (Hint: Second Bullet) http://clubspa.spafinder.com/2010/04/how-to-spot-melanoma/

5. Go to this link and email us at the address above: What is question #1? http://clubspa.spafinder.com/2010/04/are-you-at-risk-for-melanoma/

6. Go to this link and email us at the address above: What is the best way to educate yourself about melanoma? (hint 1st sentence) http://clubspa.spafinder.com/melanoma-awareness/melanoma-links-resources/

Bonus Entries:
Leave a separate comment for BONUS entry in our comment section below.

–Subscribe to our feed burner. You must accept the email in order to get your 5 entries! I will check when drawing the winner!

–Become a Fan of our page on Facebook–Click HERE (2 extra entries)–My facebook fans will have at least one special contest per year just for them!

–Post my Button on the right to to your Blog (3 entries)

–Make a comment on any of our blog posts. You may comment on EACH AND EVERY ONE for over 100 extra entries!

Giveaway ends May 19, 2010 at midnight. Pacific Time.
..

Contest open to U.S. residents in the continental US with a valid street address. Item will be shipped to your home. No PO Boxes please. Winner(s) are selected randomly. To claim your prize(s), Stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com will contact you within 48 hours of the contest closing. You must contact Stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com within 48 hours after that with your mailing address so companies can mail your prizes. Prize(s) not claimed by (48 hours) will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected in a live giveaway. Please provide a valid email address to be informed in case you do win a giveaway. Good Luck!

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STD Awareness in Women over 45

[ 0 ] May 6, 2010

STD Awareness Month and Our Youth Obsession

This year, the CDC, Planned Parenthood, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and others are sponsoring a great STD awareness campaign by MTV to encourage young people to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. It’s called Get Yourself Tested or GYT and it’s a terrific campaign for National STD Awareness Month.

However, this campaign points to one inherent problem in our efforts to bring STD Awareness to the country – it targets the youth market and ignores trending disease rates in older age groups. STDs do not disproportionally affect young people but marketing campaigns would make us believe that’s so.

While it is certainly critical to teach young people how to protect themselves, this important public health awareness effort needs to be broader in scope. The facts show that, according to the CDC, the highest number of newly acquired cases of HIV/AIDS have been found in middle-aged adults, ranging in age from 35 to 44. Following closely behind is the group aged 45 to 54 with the least affected age group being the young people – those aged 25 to 34.

Why might this be?

In a University of Chicago survey of single women ages 58 to 93, nearly 60% said they didn’t use a condom the last time they had sex. A May 2008 study conducted by the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene showed that among single people with at least two sexual partners, 56% of people over age 45 reported using condoms the last time they had sex, compared with 61% of 25-to-44-year-olds and 80% of 18-to-24-year-olds.

Even though the older, and assumed wiser, adults are not the focus of major sexual health awareness efforts, they are the ones taking the most risk. The new faces of HIV/AIDS and other STDs are not just gay men, the sexually promiscuous or intravenous drug users, it’s the woman over 50 who doesn’t use condoms because she’s not worried about getting pregnant. Or even the 42-year-old divorced dad who’s back on the dating scene again after many years and doesn’t know how to bring up the topic of using condoms or regular STD testing.

Viagra, Facebook, online dating, increased rates of midlife divorce, and a lack of awareness may all be contributing forces here. However, the reality is that STDs are no longer just an affliction of the young.

As grownups, it’s important for us not to follow the “do as I say, not as I do” mantra. STDs and their impacts are not taboo anymore, they are an important part of our regular health as adults.

So this STD Awareness Month, make sure you get the message. It’s important for people of all ages to hear it. STDs and HIV are preventable. Use condoms every time you have sexual contact. Be sure to get STD tested and make smart decisions about your sexual health, like talking to your partner about testing.

Talking about STDs and getting tested is something we just don’t talk about with our friends and family. We wish we could change this part of our culture. Even in a modern, enlightened society, we just don’t talk about sexual health. That’s unfortunate and contributes to a massive public health problem. If we talked about STDs in an open and honest way, we could make great strides in screening and treating sexually transmitted infections and disease. STD Awareness month is a great way to start to re-think this part of our health. Let’s think about getting tested for STDs the way we think about recycling, eating organic food, staying fit, and all of the other things we do to make our bodies healthy and the world a healthier place.

Guest Post by:

By Michelle Sobel, co-founder of STDTestExpress.com and sexual health blogger on Unzipped, STD Test Express,

Blog Note: No payment or compensation or products were provided for the post.

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Soles4Souls® Launches Clothing Division Clothes4Souls™

[ 0 ] March 1, 2010

International Shoe Charity to Acquire and Donate New Clothing

Soles4Souls® Inc., the international shoe charity that gives away new and gently worn shoes, announced today it will begin providing new clothing to people in need through Clothes4Souls, a charitable division of Soles4Souls. Clothes4Souls will collect new clothing from manufacturers, designers, retail partners and the general public. In addition, gently worn jeans and coats will be accepted during community events held at select retailers throughout the year.

“We are so excited about the much anticipated launch of our clothing arm and the expansion of our charity to clothes,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. ”We have consistently collected clothing from our footwear partners with apparel lines in the past, and now we will have the complete infrastructure to acquire and distribute clothing to people in need worldwide. We’ve already received donations from our friends at Miss Me Jeans, American Apparel, Blac Label Premium, Artisans, New Balance and Converse.”

“We were honored to partner with Soles4Souls in their efforts to bring relief to the victims of the Haitian earthquake,” said Agnes Hyo-Sung Jung, Marketing Manager for Miss Me Jeans. “And now we are delighted to stand with them as lasting partners with the launch of their clothing division Clothes4Souls,” she added.

The shoe charity has grown from a handful of employees and volunteers into an internationally-recognized organization with 40 employees and four warehouses to handle the millions of shoes it distributes each year. It has distributed more than 7 million pairs of shoes since 2004, and Elsey predicts the clothing division will be equally successful.

“Our footprint is changing as we forge forward for the next five years,” said Elsey. ”We recognized the overwhelming need internationally and domestically for clothing, and we hope to offer the general public and our apparel partners an avenue to give back more than just footwear,” he said.

Clothes4Souls is proud to announce their exclusive partnership with Smartthreads—a likeminded, socially conscious company that strives to create a positive social change. Their philosophy is 1=1, for every garment they sell they will donate a new garment to people in need via the Clothes4Souls partnership. To learn more about this socially conscious brand visit www.smartthreads.com.

For more information about the Clothes4Souls division please visit www.clothes4souls.org.

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Women 45 and Over: I NEED 1 more Present!! Holiday Gift Guide

[ 0 ] December 22, 2009

Blacksocks.com Hits U.S. Customers Below the Belt…

Trusted Sockscription Site Launches Underwear Line

Swiss company Blacksocks known for the innovative “sockscription” service that delivers socks to your door year round, is going down under. Top quality boxers, briefs and boxer briefs, sold as a two-pair trial pack (starting at $24), an annual subscription (starting at $87) or as a single-delivery starter kit of 10 pairs (starting at $149), are available at www.blacksocks.com. All prices include shipping costs.

Thoroughly tested for quality and comfort, Blacksocks underwear products feature cotton/Lycra construction and a durable waistband that retains elasticity. Doing away with scratchy labels and sharp seams

that leave those embarrassing marks on your nether regions, these unmentionables create a smooth barrier between you and the outside world.

“Our sock customers rely on us for high-quality inventory, and hassle-free service,” said Blacksocks president and founder Samy Liechti. “Forget wasting your time on underwear shopping in an overcrowded department store. Our underwear line is designed for the busy male who wants to eliminate time dedicated to shopping chores.”

Blacksocks also carries men’s dress socks, fine T-shirts and travel shave kits, available via subscription.

Chief Blonde’s remarks: Neat concept. Great way to keep your man in NEW underwear. Boxer’s sent for review are very soft and high quality. Are you sure I can’t wear these? Women over 45 will agree this is the perfect gift for your distant brother, dad, uncle or that special someone right around the corner!

The Megu Handbag to the Holiday Rescue!

Yak Pak’s best selling purse, the Megu, has a timeless shape and is a must-have accessory. The features of this bag create a look of ease and style, perfect for day-to-day activities:

Soft cotton twill exterior
Satin interior
Interior zippered pocket
Interior cell phone pocket
Magnetic snap closure
13″ x 4″ x 13.5″

http://yakpak.com/

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: Real quality for $25. This is a bag that translates across generations. It’s urban, hip and cool enough for my daughter but practical, age appropriate, and functional for me! You can get coordinating wallets and change purses too! It just feels wonderful and fun. Women over 45 will want one for their daughter and will sneak another for themselves!

“Seeing is Believing”

the Newest Book from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Crazy Creatures, Incredible Feats, Body Oddities and more are featured in the latest Yearbook of the Weird

Run to your closest Barnes and Nobles or Borders and get this book!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has the perfect gift for that teenage son or daughter; or Dad, who’s not really into reading; or your friend Steve, the one with the strange sense of humor.

The answer is “Seeing is Believing,” the newest book from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The book takes readers on an eye-catching journey through the weird, wild and unusual.

Stories include:

A 9-year old girl who covered her face – in snails!

A Dutchman with a superhuman ability to withstand lethal subzero temperatures

A rubber band ball that weighs 5 tons

A man who can stuff 11 live cockroaches into his mouth.

Surfing rats who really hang ten

“No matter what age, people like weird stuff and they like simplicity. Ripley’s manages to do both and do it creatively in a way that speaks to young and old alike. My friend’s nine year-old son enjoyed the book as did his 31 year-old dad!” – Weird Science Canada.

In addition to 2,500 stories and 500 photos, the book offers access to Ripley’s new fully-integrated website, featuring astounding video clips and pictures to enhance the reader’s Ripley experience.

Ripley Publishing (www.ripleybooks.com) is the publishing arm of Ripley Entertainment Inc., the owner of the internationally famous trademark Ripley’s Believe It or Not! As the world authority on all that is unbelievable, the company offers up its vast archives of the strange and unusual through books, television shows, tourist attractions, merchandise and the worldwide syndication of its daily newspaper cartoon.

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: Sometime the most challenging feat of all is figuring out a gift for that tough-to-buy-for person on your list. THIS IS IT! It’s so colorful–just a feast for the eyes! Super high quality sturdy book. It will need to be because it’s the kind of book that will be looked at again and again. My grandma had one of these for us when we were little and we looked at it every time we went over there. It’s fascinating again and again.

Getting You Green Throughout the Year!

Every day truly can be greener than the last. In Green Year, author Jodi Helmer offers practical, daily ideas to make anyone’s everyday choices environmentally friendly. Any lifestyle can accommodate simple green ideas like:

§ Take a mug to the coffee shop, to decrease the number of paper cups that are thrown away

§ Scrape dirty dishes instead of rinsing them- if every household did this it would save 1 billion gallons of water- in one night

§ Switch to powdered laundry detergent and dish soap, to save water

§ Park in the shade, which will decrease the gas that evaporates and the amount of air conditioning needed

The Green Year

ISBN: 9781592578290, Alpha Books, December 2008, $14.95, $10.17 on Amazon

Author: Jodi Helmer (Charlotte, NC)

Chief Bloggers remarks: Super cute little book that divides the year into a day-by-day devotional to the earth. Great little tips that anyone can do. Excellent book for that granola person on your gift list OR that person who never saves energy because they think it takes too much time. When most people realize that they can save $$ at the same time, well then their tune changes! I love this book!

GOTTA DANCE NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD

The critically acclaimed and crowd-pleasing documentary

about an inspiring senior hip-hop dance team

is now available on DVD

The empowering and uplifting documentary from Dramatic Forces, GOTTA DANCE, is now available on DVD, after a successful theatrical run across the country during the late summer and early fall. The DVD is available at www.gottadancethemovie.com and Amazon.

GOTTA DANCE garnered accolades from both critics and audiences during its theatrical release. It was called “joyous” and “heartwarming” by Variety, “a warm hug” by Stephen Whitty of the New Jersey Star Ledger and The Los Angeles Times’ critic Kenneth Turan proclaimed it “a feel-better movie.” The award-winning documentary New Jersey NETSationals, the first-ever, seniors hip-hop dance team. Directed and produced by Dori Berinstein, GOTTA DANCE follows 12 women and one man, all dance newbies, from auditions to center court stardom. captures the exhilarating adventures of the

Despite swollen ankles, challenges from their 20-something Nets Dancer coaches, exhausting rehearsals, fashion crises, radical personality transformations and seemingly impossible dance steps, the NETSational Seniors spread joy, inspiration and cool dance moves as they hip-hop their way into the hearts of Nets fans and beyond. GOTTA DANCE is a family film that brings generations together in a hip, crowd-pleasing, dance frenzy that has everyone dancing down the aisles and believing that dreams should be chased, no matter what your age!

Dori Berinstein is an award-winning director and producer of film, theatre and television. GOTTA DANCE is her third documentary, her previous credits include: “ShowBusiness: The Road To Broadway,” about the financial risks of Broadway musicals and “Some Assembly Required,” about teams of teenagers competing for the title of National Toy Inventor. Among her many credits as a Broadway producer, shows include: “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Crucible” and most recently “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

This film is unrated and the running time is 94 minutes.

For more information, please visit www.gottadancethemovie.com

The DVD retails for $24.95 ISBN# 978-0-615-33613-8

Chief Blogger Remarks: What an inspirational movie! While the dancing wasn’t always VH1 ready, these 60+ Women (and one man) were an interesting lot, who got out there and kicked it. A great film to show that couch potato of any age. Two of the women were in their 80s! I had fun watching this with my dancer daughter and marveling that these women went through some of the same trials that my daughter did. This reviewer can truly understand when someone says “Gotta dance”…at any age! Highly recommended.

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Mobile IPhone App Lets You Choose Enviro-Friendly Seafood

[ 0 ] December 17, 2009

Blog Note: In preparation for the 2010 CES in Las Vegas Nevada, we are running a series of articles on the latest consumer electronics including Iphone apps.

S. Zurek

If you’re a seafood lover and an iPhone fan, it’s your lucky day. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s popular Seafood Watch guides, including the sushi guide, are now available on your mobile phone to help you make sustainable seafood choices quickly and easily – whether you’re at your favorite restaurant or sushi joint, or shopping at your local market. The guides identify which fish are good options and which to think twice about because they’re overfished or contain contaminants like mercury.

This app will be especially useful in the New Year as sustainable seafood heats up more restaurant menus in 2010 and more people resolve to eat food that’s healthy and environment-friendly. Sustainable seafood has been listed as one of the top trends for 2010 according to the Nation’s Restaurant News’ Annual Chef Survey, the Food Channel, and hospitality and restaurant consultants who keep the pulse of the industry.

Seventy percent of the world’s fisheries are either in decline or are already fished at their capacity. Fortunately, there are many types of tasty fish that are plentiful and are readily available. Through your iPhone, iPod Touch or mobile device with internet connection, you can search by fish and a color-coded grid identifies fish by: Best Choice, Good Alternative and Avoid.

You can download to your Apple iPhone or iPod touch in one of two ways:
1. Visit us on our Seafood Watch pages to get your iPhone app.
2. Browse the App Store on your iPhone or iPod touch and download the free, official Seafood Watch app direct to your device.

Don’t have an iPhone? Seafood Watch recommendations are available for any mobile device with an Internet connection.

Want some Sustainable Seafood Recipes? As you plan their holiday menus, some of them might be inspired by the Feast of Seven Fishes, an Italian American tradition of serving seven different seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. Click here for some environmentally-friendly seafood recipes by some of the nation’s leading chefs, including Rick Moonen.

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program is the most recognized and trusted resource for sustainable seafood recommendations. Seafood Watch recommendations are science-based, peer reviewed, and use ecosystem-based criteria. Since 1999, we’ve distributed tens of millions of pocket guides, our iPhone application has been downloaded nearly 175,000 times, and we have close to 200 partners across North America to build awareness to ocean-friendly seafood choices, include zoos, aquariums, restaurants, retailers, universities, food co-ops, seafood suppliers, and more.

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WikiReader–Last Minute Holiday Gift Idea & Aid for Rural Community Libraries in Asia

[ 0 ] December 16, 2009

Useful Fun Tech Gift is Guaranteed

to Please Everyone on your Holiday List

November 24, 2009 (S. Zurek)

WikiReader is the ideal stocking stuffer for the holidays

Note: This article is part of our continuing series in preparation for the 2010 CES in Las Vegas, NV.

Moms, Dads, grandparents, students, businesspeople, travelers…everyone would love to have information at their fingertips. And now they can have it anytime, anywhere.

Introducing the WikiReader, a small, lightweight touch-screen device that holds all 3.1 million Wikipedia articles and it’s only $99 on Amazon.

It’s like an encyclopedia in the palm of your hand that works everywhere. About the size of a man’s wallet, the WikiReader has three buttons, Search, History and Random and uses an on-screen keyboard so you can type in your search and satisfy your curiosity cravings. Or just hit the Random button and get lost in a wealth of articles that delight, intrigue and educate.

- Openmoko announced today that during this holiday season, for each WikiReader sold, they will donate a WikiReader to Rural Education and Development (READ) Global – a non-profit organization. They pledge to reach each and every one of READ’s library and resource centers in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

WikiReader contains the more than three million English language articles of Wikipedia on an easy-to-use battery-powered device to be enjoyed immediately anytime, anywhere without requiring an Internet connection, making it ideal for information-hungry students and villagers in communities where electricity and connectivity may be inconsistent or non-existent.

READ Centers will offer the WikiReader in its Community Library and Resource Centers, enabling villagers to discover a world of information previously unknown. Each center is partnered with a community initiated and managed for-profit business enterprise that generates income to cover the expenses of the READ Center, enabling enterprising villagers to earn a living while supporting the READ Center.

In 2006, READ Nepal received the prestigious Access to Learning Award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which subsequently awarded READ Global a four-year replication grant to expand the organization’s unique model around the world. The donation of WikiReader leaves READ Global with only $51,000 needed from supporters to meet the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation challenge grant, and receive their 2010 installment to open a new program in Cambodia.

“Openmoko’s WikiReader is very useful for the libraries, in part because it does not depend on the internet, it is like having handheld copies of the encyclopedia, and is easy to use,” said Rural Education and Development Global Founder, Dr. Antonia Neubauer. “Not only will this be a wonderful resource for the students, but for their teachers, who often do not have resource materials.”

“READ Global has provided our customers with a wonderful opportunity to help make a difference. We’re so excited to bring Wikipedia into the lives of children and adults who share a common love of learning and a passionate desire to make the world known.” said Openmoko CEO, Sean Moss-Pultz. “WikiReader’s refreshing simplicity, contrasted with its unparalleled breadth of information, should provide plenty of inspiration for people of all ages.”

WikiReader turns on instantly, and works for months before replacement of its two AAA batteries is necessary. Articles on the large monochrome touchscreen are scrolled with a stroke of the finger and hyperlinks selected with a simple touch. Three buttons, Search, History and Random, offer the convenience of reading specific topics or the serendipitous pleasure of discovering something by chance within Wikipedia’s rich array of topics. Updates for the WikiReader are provided quarterly and available for free download via their website. A yearly subscription plan for updated microSD cards is also available for $29. WikiReader is available for $99 at http://thewikireader.com Amazon.

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: Hard to imagine that much information in a little device that is just smidge larger than a pack of cards. A back light would be nice and typing is a little tricky at first, but truly this device is addictive. The more you use it,,the more you use it! Not really necessary when you have a computer around but great in your purse, playing games, doing crosswords, for trivia, etc. Super easy to use and navigate. Good for kids doing reports. I can see it would be extremely useful in the charitable situations mentioned in this article. No need to keep a large library of outdated encyclopedia around when you can just give each school or schoolroom this device which can be updated each year with a new card! A for my money, and my charitable donation, anything the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation participates in is GOLDEN in my mind. Highly recommend.

Blogger Note: A product was provided for review. No compensation was provided. Positive reviews are only given to products that our reviewers like and feel that our blogging audience could use.

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Stocking Stuffers for Women over 45, Holiday Gift Guide

[ 0 ] December 7, 2009

Great Little Stocking Stuffers!

Wonderful Little Luxuries to Surprise one and all

For the Christmas traveler…

Stocking Stuffer Product: J. R. Watkins On-the-Go Kit

Natural Homecare since 1868!

Stocking Stuffer Product Highlights:

On-the-Go! Kit

TSA-compliant – perfect size for traveling
Includes Lavender Hand & Body Lotion, Lemon Cream Hand & Body Lotion, Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Cuticle Salve and Natural Beeswax Lip Balm

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: $10.99, Available at www.jrwatkins.com, Fred Meyer and select Whole Foods

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: So tiny and cute, in it’s own little pouch. I like the fact that it is just the right size to carry on the plane. Natural Beeswax Lip Balm was my favorite! Women over 45 will love how this can simplify their travel experience!

Peels off Easy…

Stocking Stuffer Product: Montagne Jeunesse face masks

This Year- Why not Give the Gift of Pampering- at a Price that won’t Break the Bank?

Stocking Stuffer Product Highlights: Montagne Jeunesse face masks are great, inexpensive feel-good items that are available at most mass, drug and grocery retailers across the US. With a vast array of different varieties, it’s difficult to choose just one! All are packed with amazing natural ingredients, vegetarian society approved and never animal tested. Treat yourself and loved ones today! Some of the great choices include:

· Passion Peel-Off Mask–Pomegranate, Raspberry, Grape and Cranberry- an antioxidant powerhouse formula!

· Crystal Mask-- An excellent exfoliating mask with sparkling sugar cane, crystallized honey, and passion flower. It smells as yummy as it sounds andgoes on warm – leaves your skin glowing and so smooth.

· Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

· Chocolate Mud Mask—the best seller! The most decadent mask of them all…the signature Chocolate Mud Mask is made with real chocolate (don’t attempt to eat please) and is a deep cleansing mask. The smell will soothe you as your skin is left cleansed, nourished and moisturized.

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: $2.25 (No..REALLY!). At that price, you can buy every variety! http://www.montagnejeunesse.com

Chief Blonde’s remarks: Our reviewers said that peeling off the mask was their favorite aspect of the product because it was really fun. The reviewers said they could feel the mask working and the smell was great! Women over 45 would enjoy this on a girl’s weekend to add a little extra fun. Plus at this price, everyone can try it! Great Stocking Stuffer!

Leaves No Greasy Residue…

Stocking Stuffer Product: Sole Soother Heel Repair Stick

Brand New Product From Dionis !

Stocking Stuffer Product Highlights: Excellent for dry, cracked heels or use on knees, elbows and other rough spots too! Formulated with natural cornstarch, moisturizing shea butter and nourishing tea tree oil, this 100% Natural heel repair stick is gentle enough for everyday use!

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: $6.00 http://www.dionissoap.com/

Chief Blonde’s remarks: Excellent for a dancer or anyone who exercises regularly. It goes right into your gym bag with no risk of the lid falling off and getting all over your clothes. Goes on smoothly. Women over 45 will appreciate this product because it works to eliminate those nasty white dry heels!

For Your Manly Man’s Stocking…

Stocking Stuffer Product: Every Man Jack Holiday Travel Kit

Great Manly Products at an Affordable Price!

Stocking Stuffer Products: For the male holiday traveler, Every Man Jack has a new Holiday Travel Kit, which makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

The Holiday Travel Kit includes:

2-in-1 Daily Shampoo (All Hair Types) / 1.7 oz.
Face Wash (Pre-Shave) / 1 oz.
Shave Cream (Hydrating Formula) / 1.7 oz.
Face Lotion (Post-Shave)
Bonus: Face Lotion SPF 15 / 0.8 oz.
Bonus: Lip Balm SPF 15 / 0.15 oz.
Bonus: Clear Storage Bag to prevent leaks in your carry-on luggage

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: $7.99; Available at www.EveryManJack.com

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: All the products are the perfect size for traveling and just what every guy needs to have! I really liked the price, a real value! As a woman over 45, I liked this product because I felt you could get your son or husband a really expensive looking gift without breaking the bank.

Be in Command of Your Straps!

Stocking Stuffer Product: Bra Barrette

Plain. Charmed. Crystal. A Barrette for every Occasion

Stocking Stuffer Highlights: Finally, a strap holder for every woman and outfit.
For many women falling bra straps are a daily frustration. The Bra Barrette is the relief women have been looking for! The Bra Barrette was the first strap holder designed to work on more than bras, it works great on tank tops and swimsuits as well. Now, the Bra Barrette is the first strap holder available in three sizes, because not every woman or outfit is created equal and one size doesn’t always fit all. The larger size Bra Barrette is perfect for larger women, or those who don’t like how tight traditional bra strap holders pull the straps together. The smaller size Bra Barrette is perfect for Pre-teens who love to wear trendy fashionable tank tops but need a way to keep their straps in place. The medium works for almost any woman, to keep her straps in place under clothing, and bring confidence to her wardrobe. It’s time for a bra strap holder that meets the needs of women – multiple sizes to fit every fashion situation and every size woman!

Retail Price: Prices range from $3.99 (clear) to $39.99 ( Swarovski crystals) Visit www.brabarrette.com

Chief Blonde’s Remark’s: I have been wearing a regular Goody barrette on the straps of my camisole’s for years. Being a rather large chested woman, I have always found this a pain. This beautiful little device solves this, plus it looks nice! No, it looks lovely! They are 100% guaranteed and MADE IN THE USA, which I LOVE!!! We women over 45 have great use for this product as ANYTHING that provides more support in the breast area is truly appreciated!

Handmade Wool Felt Pet Products

Stocking Stuffer Product: Lollycadoodle Felt Snake

Prefect for Fido!

Stocking Stuffer Highlights: Lollycadoodle is a designer and wholesaler of 100% wool pet products. All toys are handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal. The wool is hand-dyed and sculpted into beautiful, natural and durable pet toys. Dogs and cats are attracted to the wool smell and additionally benefit from the dental cleaning that accompanies the chewing of the toys. These products are natural, made from a renewable resource (sheep wool), biodegradable and leave a small carbon footprint in the manufacturing process. Lollycadoodle supports employment that provides a fair wage to the artisans while preserving their traditional craft. The manufacturer has been certified with Fair Trade status in Germany and is in the process of becoming certified with International Fair Trade status.

Retail Price: Unknown, Visit www.lollycadoodle.com for merchant locations

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: At first I didn’t know what to make of this toy when I received the snake. But once I realized it was Squeaker free (hugely important), pet safe, and something my brother’s two big Portuguese Water Dogs would battle over, I was SOLD! So many other cute designs. I have shown pictures of those above. Has won Toy of the Show at various Pet/Toy venues. Women over 45 can get a kick from this toy because if you have two dogs, the will fight over this for hours (or at least until they pull it apart!)

Now You are Ready!

Stocking Stuffer Product: Leatherman Blast, multipurpose tool!

When the Girly Girl wants to be a Manly Man!

Stocking Stuffer Product Highlights: Don’t forget Leatherman for your holiday gift guide ideas. Times are hard and holiday funds are tight. People need their money to go farther and want their gifts to last longer. It’s time to get back to quality, not quantity.

Leatherman products last a lifetime, are backed by a 25-year warranty (10 years on lights) and they’re the gift you can open again and again. Full-size, pocket, or keychain. Tools, knives and LED lights. There’s a Leatherman for every job and a size for every person. Leathermans are the products you buy for the expected situations and you love for the UNexpected ones they get you through. They’re the gift idea that means more and lasts longer.

Retail Price: $45-50. Available nationwide and online at price points to fit any budget. http://www.leatherman.com

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: I was provided the Leatherman BLAST! It has 16 of Leatherman’s most popular tools. I liked it because it fit a women’s hands and had many of the tools that I would use on a regular basis like 2 sizes of screwdrivers, wire cutters, needlenose and regular pliers, Bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver. It’s like a Big swiss army knife with tools that you can actually use. Very ingenious design. Perfect for keeping in the car! It would be the one tool I would take on Survivor! Women 45 and over would enjoy this product because it combines a multi-use tool with something that is really designed for women’s hands.

Missing for 10 years…

Stocking Stuffer Product: Dr. Hess Udder Ointment

Old-time Skin Care Remedy, Returns to Its Family Origins

Stocking Stuffer Product Highlights: For over 100 years, Dr. Hess Udder Ointment has been providing relief for all skin needs including dry skin, chapped lips, cracked heels, diaper rash, athletic chafing, eczema, burns, abrasions and more. Originally developed for cow’s udders in the early 1900′s, farmers were soon remarking on the incredible healing effects it was having on their own worn and weathered skin. This soothing ointment soon became a staple in medicine cabinets across the country. Great Grand-daughter of founder J.L. Clark, Polly Clark Tribe, has recently returned Dr Hess Udder Ointment to the market after a 10 year absence. “There is simply nothing else like it.” Tribe says. “I am thrilled to bring it back to the family and especially back into the market. Our past customers are ecstatic. When you find a product as good as this, you never want to lose it.”

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: 2 oz jar Ointment $6.99. Lip Balm 4/$10.00, Find Dr Hess Udder Ointment and other great Dr Hess Products at www.udderointment.com

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: I was able to sample the Ointment (don’t you just love that work—ointment, it sounds so mystical!) and the Lip Balm. I loved the minty smell (kind of reminded me of winter green but the smell actually comes from Menthyl Salicylate). I would highly recommend going to the website and reading the “Our Story” tab. It reads like the Great American dream. Excellent site to do a classroom report from..anyway back to the Product. I used it on my extremely dry winter chapped legs. They felt smooth and moisturized without feeling greasy. I think women over 45 would really enjoy this product as we suffer so severely from dry skin! You can also get a Free sample on the website and Dr. Hess even pays the shipping! GO FOR IT!

Beat the Rays with UPF 50+–Winner of the Stocking Stuffer Award for this website!

Stocking Stuffer Product: Wallaroo Hat Company

The packable, Crushable, Washable Gift!

Stocking Stuffer Highlights: Wallaroo brings you quality and value. First, their hats start with adjustable sizing, washable materials, and -of course- unbeatable sun protection. Next, designers strive to expand and improve the line of hats, so there is a great selection of styles and fabrics. In the end, you think of a Wallaroo hat purchase as our investment in yourself. Wallaroo Hat Company is committed to the elimination of skin cancer. The Wallaroo Sun Protection Commitment is a promise that each year, they will donate 1% of profits to skin cancer research, education and prevention in the United States.

Stocking Stuffer Retail Price: The Aubrey Winter Hat (pictured above) is $40. The hat is from their 2010 Winter Collection. www.wallaroohats.com

Chief Blonde says: This product is the winner of our Stocking Stuffer award for 2009. While all the products featured in this guide are really something (we left the ones out that weren’t)! We felt that these hats were the Best of the Best. Everything was the highest quality from the website to the catalog to the product itself. The 2010 selection is awesome with a great collection of Winter and Summer Hats. A cool feature that we liked is that the hat’s are adjustable with a draw string inside. Women over 45 will truly love this line of hats for protecting your skin from the sun and cancer. They have selections for the babies, girls and men in your life too! I am hoping to try the summer line once the summer returns. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Blogger Note: Products were provided for this post for Evaluation purposes only.

Other 2009 Holiday Gift Guides for Women over 45:

Books to Read by the Fire

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Eco-Friendly Green Holiday Gift Guide for Women 45 and over!

[ 0 ] November 22, 2009

I Love the Earth!

Gifts for Your Granola Friends, People Who Don’t Want to Wear Animal Parts, and Everyone Who Recycles.

Reduce, Reuse, ReSnackit!

Earth Friendly Product: ReSnackit Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags

Earth Inspired. Mom Invented. Child Endorsed!

Earth Friendly Product Highlights: Why Resnackit? Ever notice how many plastic baggies you go through? Approximately 20 million baggies are thrown away every week in US schools. An average family spends $300 per year on snack packing materials. It takes 1000 years for a plastic bag to break down and as it does toxic substances leach into soil and enters the food chain.

Earth Friendly Retail Price: $7.99—9.99 Sandwich size and Snack size in a varied array of colors for the corporate executive to the tiniest toddler. www.resnackit.com

Chief Blonde says: Well when I first saw these, the mom in me said, “Great idea, but how do they stay clean?” Well, you can wash them in the washing machine, dishwasher, or hand wipe. NEAT! I also liked the fact they have no lead, BPA, Phthalates or PVC. My absolute favorite is that they are made in the USA! ReSackits come packaged so cute–with actually no packaging. They are just tied with a bit of twine and a really cute card explaining how they work. The fabrics are adorable and the quality of construction screams handcrafted. Watch the video, it explains so much!

Join. Reserve. Unlock. Drive.

Earth Friendly Product: Zipcar

Car-sharing Service that gives Urban Residents Access to Vehicles by the Hour or by the Day.

Earth Friendly Product Highlights: With the impact of the recession, owning a car – or giving one for the holidays – just isn’t what it used to be. In fact, a recent survey shows that the average American household spends 19 percent of their income on vehicle-related expenses. Add in the hassles of city parking, and many urban residents are questioning car ownership altogether. A gift of a a Zipcar membership gives the receiver the gift of car ownership – without any of the high costs and hassles.

Some of the benefits of Zipcar membership include:

More money in your wallet – Zipcar members report saving an average of $600 a month or $7,200 a year compared with owning a car
Gas, insurance and parking – included in every reservation
A car for any errand or occasion – Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models
Access to cars globally– Zipcar has 6,500 vehicles in 28 North American states and provinces
A reduced carbon footprint – Zipcar members drive less, and walk, bike and take public transit more; each Zipcar takes 15 – 20 personally owned cars off the road, and Zipcar offers reduced rates on select hybrid vehicles, starting at just $8 an hour

And for the iPhone users among family and friends, the new Zipcar iPhone app allows them to actually honk, unlock and lock their Zipcar – all from their iPhone. Check out a guided tour here.

Earth Friendly Retail Price: Membership cost $50-75. Hourly rates around $7 depending on city. Daily rates available. www.zipcar.com

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: I was not able to try this service. It doesn’t exist in our town. However, I have read about it extensively, it seems like a good value for the consumer and a great idea for the city environment. Just the fact that it has survived this long is a testimony to the service. Watch the video!

You’ll Never Miss A Birthday Again!

Earth Friendly Product: Jack Cards

Sending Paper Greeting Cards on Time for Every Important Occasion has Never Been so Easy!

Earth Friendly Product Highlights: Jack Cards is changing the way people purchase and send greeting cards by delivering ready-to-mail cards to you, to personalize and send, just in time before each important occasion. The site makes it easy to do something special for others.

No more last-minute dashes to the store, tedious card-aisle cruising or post office hassles, Jack Cards is the new must-see site that lets you order all of your paper greeting cards online, in advance of upcoming dates, not only for the holidays, but for the year ahead (birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day….) You simply upload your contact information and important dates, and then choose from thousands of fabulous greeting cards (they’re not your typical drugstore card.) Best of all, Jack Cards remembers important dates for you, addresses and stamps your envelopes and delivers each card to your home or office, just in time for you to personalize and send.

Earth Friendly Retail Price: Membership is free, cards range in price from $2.45 to $6.95.
www.jackcards.com

Chief Blonde says: I tried this service myself. I spent $12 and was able to get three cards purchased and delivered to my house without going to the card store. I would say that’s fairly comparable with Hallmark. The cards were of good quality and the delivery was quick. Certainly an earth friendly idea!

Give Back by Shopping with a Conscience…

Earth Friendly Product: Better World Books

Reduce your Carbon Footprint while Giving the Gift of Reading!

Earth Friendly Product Highlights: Better World Books is a for-profit social enterprise that collects and sells books online with each sale generating funds for literacy initiatives in the U.S. and around the world. With more than three million new and used titles in stock, Better World Books is a self-sustaining company that balances the social, economic and environmental values of its stakeholders. Used books come with a gift card explaining how this gift has helped spread literacy worldwide by benefiting charities like Books for Africa or Invisible Children.

Better World Books diverts books from landfills by conducting book drives on 1,800 college campuses, and by collecting discards from over 1,800 libraries. Since its founding in 2003, the Mishawaka, Ind.-based company has raised over $7 million for its non-profit literacy, library and college partners; donated over 1.3 million college textbooks; diverted more than 29 million pounds of books; achieved over 9,000 tons of carbon offsets through carbon-neutral shipping, and created more than 200 full-time jobs with meaningful benefits.

Earth Friendly Price and Deals: In time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Better World will also be running several discount promotions at the end of this month, including $5 off any purchase of $30 or more and $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. Better World offers deep discounts (cheaper than Amazon) plus free shipping in the United States. Better World also offers a Bargain Bin, where book lovers can purchase any 5 books for $15, all year round. www.betterworldbooks.com

Chief Blonde says: I didn’t buy any books from here…YET! But I have bookmarked it and it is going to be the first place I check in the future. Prices are LOW!

Blogger Note: Products were provided for this post for Evaluation purposes only.

Other 2009 Holiday Gift Guides for Women over 45:

Books to Read by the Fire