Category: charity

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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Mother’s Day Dilemma: More Senior Moms will be Alone and Facing the Threat of Hunger this Holiday Weekend

[ 0 ] May 3, 2010

Meals On Wheels Association of America stepping up Mother’s Day awareness campaign as food prices rise

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) wants all Americans to remember senior moms who’ll be alone and facing the threat of hunger on Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 9th. MOWAA recently launched a new campaign called “Meals for Moms ” to bring attention to this national dilemma. MOWAA-sponsored research has found the threat of senior hunger on the rise during the country’s economic downturn as costs for basic necessities such as food continue to rise.

Anyone can go to MOWAA’s new microsite, MealsforMoms.org, to send a virtual flower bouquet to a special mom for this Mother’s Day, or even a homebound senior. By sending e-cards, visitors are helping to raise awareness of all the elderly moms who don’t have the food they need to survive. MOWAA’s goal is to send 10,000 e-cards for the upcoming holiday.

At MealsforMoms.org, visitors can choose from a variety of flowers – including roses, tulips, and lilies – for their virtual bouquet. If someone wants to send their bouquet to a Meals On Wheels client, those e-cards will be printed out and distributed by Meals On Wheels programs, along with any special messages written by the card creators. Money raised from this campaign will go into MOWAA’s Meals for Moms Fund to help Meals On Wheels programs across the country feed homebound moms.

“Right now 1 in 9 seniors in our very own country face the real threat of hunger. These seniors are our mothers and grandmothers and aunts. Many mothers who worked so selflessly to raise their children are now elderly and alone without enough food to eat,” said MOWAA President and CEO Enid Borden. “I hope everyone will join us in our Meals for Moms campaign so that the hidden, hungry, and homebound senior moms are not forgotten this Mother’s Day.”

Six millions seniors in American face the threat of hunger. Go here to see MOWAA-sponsored research about senior hunger in your state. To locate a Meals On Wheels program near you, click here.

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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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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

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Gifts that Give Back Holiday Gift Guide for Women over 45 –2009

[ 0 ] November 22, 2009

Gifts that Help Others

From Chartible Organzations to Companies that Give Back, These Gifts are for Those Who Want More out of a Gift!

A Delicious Way to Show You Care!

Giving Product: Postcake

The Postcake Company distributes cakes to the homeless for Thanksgiving!

Giving Product Highlights: The Postcake Company makes it as easy as the click of the mouse to deliver delicious and affordable cakes to mailboxes all around the world.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a time to give thanks and show gratitude, the Postcake Company will donate one cake to the Long Beach Rescue Mission‘s Thanksgiving Food Drive for every 10 cakes sold during the month of November. On top of that, every time one customer buy’s two or more cakes, an additional cake will be added to the pool of donated cakes.

“When people find cakes instead of cards or letters in their mailbox, it’s an exciting experience that often produces a mega smile – especially in this age of abundant electronic communication,” says Bo Sundström, award-winning Chef of the Postcake Company, “The Postcake makes for a convenient and cost effective way to demonstrate to a long distance friend or relative just how grateful you are to them this season. And now with our Thanksgiving Food Drive, by sending a cake to your recipient, we are able to put that same smile on the deserving faces of the less fortunate.”

The Postcake idea came from the Swedish Postal Service when they issued a challenge to create a cake that would stay fresh, flavorful and crumble-free in the mail. Hence, “Postkakan” (the Postcake) was born. The creative Chef Bo Sundström’s honey-glazed hazelnut cake with chocolate truffle crust was the winning recipe selected out of hundreds of other entries. In addition to the main bakery in Sweden serving the European market, the Postcake Company now also bakes and ships from the US through Rossmoor Pastries.

Giving Retail Price: $24.50. For all those who wish to contribute to the Postcake Food Drive, you may order online at www.postcake.com or over the phone at (888) 491-1051.

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: This cake was loved by all who tried it. At one point, I thought some of the samplers might lose their hands as so many forks were being dipped into the cake to try it! Very different and unique gift, especially if you will not be seeing the person whom you are sending it too. It really has that “homemade—I took time to bake for you” feel.

Share the True Spirit of Christmas…

Giving Product: World Vision Gift Catalog

Give a Gift. Change a Life.

Giving Product Details: Through the World Vision Gift Catalog, you can make a donation to dozens of different projects around the world to help children and families in need. It’s much better than giving an impersonal gift card or a

last-minute purchase like a sweater, and the donations can go a long way to

promoting health and wellness in the developing world.

If you’re looking for great, inexpensive gifts ($25 or less):

- $16 will buy two soccer or basketballs for a child

- $17 will buy improved hybrid or drought-resistant seeds for a nourishing

harvest and income

- $18 will buy enough bed nets to protect an entire family from malaria

- $25 will provide $350 worth of school supplies in the U.S.

- $25 buys two chickens to provide a lasting source of nutrition and income

for a family

Giving Product Retail Price: Give whatever you can, they will use it. www.worldvisiongifts.org

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: My family is aiming to buy a Goat ($75–their most donated gift) but for sure we will buy two chickens ($25)!

This Holiday Season Give A Gift That Will Sizzle All Year Long…

Giving Product: 2010 Calendar New Orleans Firefighters “Look Hot”

Proceeds used to close funding gap to purchase needed equipment for New Orleans Fire Fighters

Giving Gift Product Highlights: This holiday season give the gift of the New Orleans Fire Fighters Look Hot Calendar! In its third year, the calendar was created in response to Hurricane Katrina to replace much needed uniforms and equipment. “It is truly a blessing each year as the community rallies behind the fire fighters to support us through the calendar,” says Assistant Superintendent of the New Orleans Fire Department, Timothy McConnell. “The calendar lets our fire fighters have fun while highlighting them for their hard work and dedication to New Orleans.”

The New Orleans Fire Fighters Look Hot Calendar was first launched in 2007 with the release of the 2008 calendar. In just two years, the Foundation has sold over 10,000 calendars all over Louisiana as well as in 30 other states and even as far away as Norway. The 2008 and 2009 calendars raised over $120,000 in profits. The funds have gone towards replacing uniforms lost to Hurricane Katrina and dollars have been allocated for the purchase of a mobile command and recovery unit which should arrive in the next few months.

Giving Product Price: The third annual calendar –$20.00. For a complete list of retail locations or to purchase a calendar online, visit www.hotnolafirefighters.com.

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: The envelope was BURNING when it arrived. As I am a married woman, I can’t say much more, however I think the cover photo above says it all, DON’T YOU? We will be giving this calendar away on Dec. 1 in our Giveaway blog. Don’t miss it!

Art-Inspired Gifts for the Holidays from the Getty Museum!

Giving Product: The Getty Museum Store

Give the Gift of Art!

Giving Gift Product Highlights: This holiday season give the gift of art to someone special on your list. The Getty Museum Store features items inspired by the collection and exhibitions on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum, at the Getty Center and Getty Villa. These unique and charming gifts include classy timepieces, stylish retro cameras, elegant porcelain plates and mugs, beautiful silk scarves, and delicate gold jewelry.

Giving Gift Price: Prices start at $12.95 and range up to $140, with most gifts in the $25 range. Inspired by the Museum’s collections, these items are available at the Museum Store, at the Getty Center and Getty Villa, or online at www.gettymuseumstore.org.

Chief Blonde’s Remarks: While I was unable to visit the Museum, the website certainly shows the lovely items that are available. As the arts are very important to me and many I know, I chose to feature the museum store’s collection. The J. Paul Getty Trust is an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visual arts.

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