February 23, 2015

#AskHerMore...


So...the Oscars have officially closed the book on another year. Lots of celebs seemingly partaking in the mutual admiration society while a handful of speeches and performances delivered a healthy dose of inspiration. But did you see something new? You may have noticed it last month as the 2015 award season got underway. A few of our Hollywood elite are saying,"No." Specifically to the repetitious two questions from the red carpet entertainment reporters. You know what I'm talking about. "Who are you wearing and what jewels are you sporting for the event?" Seriously, for as long as I can remember, that's all they ask!

Well, things they are a changin'. Thanks to the grassroots Bay Area organization called The Representation Project. An organization that is responsible for highlighting issues that have been overshadowed by an uber critical, highly judgmental society.

Our leading female actors like Reese Witherspoon, Patricia Arquette, and Julianne Moore are blatantly rejecting the mundane red carpet conversation and, as a result, are forcing entertainment reporters to #askhermore. A hashtag that has gone viral and has award show viewers asking for more than a couple of superficial questions that don't have anything to do with the average American.

It has been a bit of a game change for reporters from networks like E! When requests to have the female actors walk their fingers into the Mani Cam were rejected early in the award season, they scraped it altogether for the Oscars. And it was clear that they were making more of an effort to engage the group of A-listers with more thought-provoking questions.

The efforts of The Representation Project has been mighty impressive and is showing no signs of slowing down. I highly recommend following them on Facebook or Twitter if this blog resonates with you.


February 15, 2015

You're Welcome...



Friends~

If you are anything like me you can become increasingly frustrated with the cost and effort of blind trial and error. Blind because you can be easily wooed by an advertisement, and then subsequently dejected when the result is anything but successful.

You will be glad to know that I do not serve up a recommendation on a whim. I like to give new products a proper test period before I give a thumbs~up. Today I am officially prepared to give my faithful readers three super duper recommendations.

The first will carry you through between meals or sustain you after a rigorous yoga session. It is, in my opinion, the best energy bar on the market. Made in Salem, Oregon Liv Bar has the most impressive list of ingredients and tastes amazing! You might not find these yummy treats in your local health store, but you can order directly from the company. Not only are they nourishing, but the packaging is lovely. Check out www.livbars.com and like them on Facebook if you want to follow their path on social media.

My second suggestion was discovered after I found myself suffering from dry winter skin. You will be happy to know that this hydrating gem can be picked up at your local Target. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is worn once or twice a week after you wash you face at night. You literally slather it on and go to bed. The next morning wash your face and, if you are anything like me, you will feel incredibly replenished.

Last but not least, the feet. Cracked, dry, callused. Sound familiar? Okay, so this one was not initially encouraging because it takes at least five to seven days to fully work. It is called Baby Foot because the end result will actually give you smooth, soft, beautiful feet that will remind you of those delicious little tootsies that we associate with the unblemished feet of a baby. I bought it through Amazon and suggest you peruse the comments from other customers to achieve the best results.

If you decide to try my recommendations, be sure to leave a comment. I would love to know if you agree with my trifecta of happiness!


Best,

Jules






February 9, 2015

Closer Than Ever To Change Life For Millions of Women And Girls...


As you know, I typically write for the women and girls who follow my blog. Why? Well, this writer happens to believe that when you give women and girls an opportunity, you are potentially changing the footprint of their communities, their friends, their children, and so on and so on.

Seven years ago writer and social activist, Isabel Allende stood before the TED Talk audience and gave a hilarious and massively compelling speech. As a masterful writer, who has successfully weaved fictional literature many times over, she delivered an optimistic and frankly simplistic approach that would improve the lives of women and girls who are navigating life in underdeveloped countries.

Now fast forward to 2015. Brilliant philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates recently released their annual letter. After 15 years of tireless work to improve lives and educational opportunities worldwide, they look forward to the next 15 years with an optimistic vision. A vision that incorporates simple changes that would quickly translate to significant results. The kind of results that change lives, communities, families, as well as the way third world civilizations become self~sustaining and able to compete internationally.

I encourage you to watch Allende's Ted Talk. It is both entertaining and inspirational. I also hope you will peruse the annual letter by the Gates Foundation. It is not long and boring. Rather, it is simple and short, with eye~catching graphs that will give the reader a snapshot of today's international climate.




http://www.gatesnotes.com/2015-annual-letter?WT.mc_id=01_21_2015_DO_GFO_domain_0_00




http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=21&ved=0CIcBELcCMBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftalks%2Fisabel_allende_tells_tales_of_passion%3Flanguage%3Den&ei=PBbSVLPSFc2vyAT0gYL4DQ&usg=AFQjCNErGeb0HxyT_tJ4lDPuEpwnldGhgg&sig2=sdk2lrBEOQjIf9hTQNFdRQ

February 2, 2015

Proud To Call Him A Friend...


I often write about the fact that we move a lot. By a lot I mean we have lived in five different states in the past eight years. While challenging at times, I wouldn't change a thing. It has afforded our family the privilege of living in places we may have only visited on vacation. But more importantly, we have cultivated lifelong friendships every step of the way.

In state #3 we met Jay Alexander and his terrific family. So get this...Jay is a magician. And by magician I am talking about one of the most entertaining, mind-blowing illusionists I have ever witnessed. His shows are epic, causing audiences to walk away wanting more! Over the years Jay has not only attracted the attention of those seeking mystical fun, but also a whole host of international celebrities and corporations.

Last year Jay took the TED talk stage. The attached video is naturally entertaining, but also tells a sweet story about a boy who could have quietly stepped into the shadows. But he didn't...


http://www.jayalexander.com/#!ted/cs4g