Rock out and rock some positive change!

I already loved 3 Doors Down before I knew they used their celebrity to start their own charitable organization and make lives better for countless children. Knowing that, they
now earned themselves a spot as one of my favorite bands of all time!!

On November 13 at the Horseshoe Casino/Hotel in Tunica, MS 3 Doors Down will be taking the stage with Theory of a Deadman and Saving Abel for their 7th annual The Better Life Foundation event!

Get a VIP Package!! For the price of a really fun night out (okay maybe the cost of two, but SO worth it) you can meet the the band and take photos with them, and get prime spots to watch the show! So whether you want to just enjoy the music from a standard fare seat or give a little extra, keep in mind going to a phenomenal cause, either way get your tickets now and enjoy the show! I’m SO jealous! Leave me a comment if you’re lucky enough to go! I want to hear every detail!!

Learn more about the organization and the show at: http://www.thebetterlifefoundation.org/
To quote 3 Doors Down’s mission statement: "Changing the World, One Life at a Time"

Photo credit: Doug Sonders

Home Sweet Homecoming

There’s something about going home that stirs up a feeling unlike any other. The best parts of that experience are almost always found in the special people, comfort and familiarity there. When fall rolls around, there’s no better time to go home sweet home…to homecoming, that is! Whether you are still a student and want to have some fun with your friends while showing off your school pride, or if you are a graduate who wants to reconnect with old pals and feel the excitement in the autumn air once more, seize the chance! Homecoming football games are often the rowdiest, most thrilling games of the year and are guaranteed to have full crowds bursting at the seams with the exhilaration of it all. If it’s chilly out, it’s the perfect opportunity to debut some of your new winter wardrobe, grab a pumpkin spice latte (or something else equally reminiscent of the fall), pack your car full of friends and head to the game! If you’re in high school, you can’t forget to attend the homecoming dance. Don’t have a dress? Get a pretty new one at an inexpensive store like Forever 21 or spice up one you already have by switching up the accessories and adding a feminine jacket to the ensemble. The most important part is to don your best smile and dance the night away while making some unforgettable memories! You don’t always get such a fun reason to go home, so make the most of it this year!

Get Real!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Getting "Real"!

Okay, I admit it... I am (shamefully) a self-confessed reality T.V. show fanatic and therefore, I naturally watch shows like "Jersey Shore," "Teen Mom" and "The Real World" religiously every week. While I’m obviously addicted to the "can’t help but watch" suspense of these somewhat train-wreck inspired shows, I’ve recently noticed a new sensation that’s grabbing my attention and forcing me to stay up even later past my bedtime. What is it you wonder? Well, it’s MTV’s new genre of reality! Shows like "World of Jenks," "The Buried Life" and "If You Really Knew Me" are quickly gaining popularity and shining the spotlight on a different kind of "reality star"– the kind who is passionate, caring, driven and determined to change the world. So while I’ll never fully be healed of my guilty reality show pleasure, at least now I can watch my fav shows with pride (well, some of them that is!). Major props to MTV for making good deeds and inspiring individuals a "reality"... that is SO now!

Catch up on missed episodes or check the T.V. schedule to find out what time these shows air near you at http://www.mtv.com/

The boy with the umbrella

Every day I try to teach my children to appreciate all they have around them. Sometimes we literally list all the ways we are blessed, we did so just this morning!

We have a picture up on our wall of a little boy in the Congo, he’s “home” in a refugee camp. He sits amongst some rocks, holding an umbrella; my guess is it came from the photographer. We call him “the boy with the umbrella” simplistic I know, but simple works, especially with children.

So when my children fuss about eating all their dinner, about having to get up early on Saturday for a soccer game, about not getting some little trinket they saw at the store….all I have to do is say do you think the “boy with the umbrella” would like to eat that dinner, get up and play all morning in a safe environment, have even one toy that he could call his own? And then they smile and appreciate all they have and by now understand full well the lesson I’m trying to teach them.

I confess, I too remind myself of the “boy with the umbrella” when I’m feeling overwhelmed by work, life in general and remind myself of the endless blessings I have. If he could only know the impact he’s had in our family. Thank you “boy with the umbrella” we appreciate you!

If you want to help the children of the Congo, visit UNICEF and learn about the different ways you can make a difference: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/drcongo.html

Special thanks should go to the photographer who captured this image that means so much to my family, and hopefully now to you as well…so thank you Uriel Sinai for capturing this young boy.

Look of the Week – EMMA ROBERTS

Emma Roberts showed up at Spike TV’s Scream 2010 awards looking pretty much perfect. Her black Emilio Pucci dress has TWO trends I’m loving right now—lace and asymmetry. The one shoulder style is uber hot in evening wear this season, and the lace just kicked it up a notch. The best part about this look is that the romance of the lace counterbalances with the edge of the singular sleeve. Positively breathtaking! It’s fun to see stars Emma’s age pull off looks that are both sophisticated and youthful all at once. Props to Emma for her perfect choice!

Full Lips – MWAH!

How is it that every girl modeling in catalogs and on our fave clothing websites has full, pouty lips? They look natural and pouty without looking like they've been stung by a million bees (lucky girls)! Ok...get ready to BE one of those girls because with a few short steps you can have a luscious mouth too, the natural way!

First, apply a white pencil above your natural lip line and blend it in. A good pencil to use for this is IT Cosmetics Dual Plumping Pencil in Attract and Energy. Follow with a lip pencil that's close to your natural lip color and trace a below your lip ONLY in the center. This gives the illusion of fuller lips. Finally, finish up with your favorite gloss or lipstick. See...you ARE one of those girls now! Kisses!

They're cute... they're comfy... and they're SO now!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Cardigans!

I’m totally loving this sudden surge of cute, comfy and classy cardigans! Sleeveless, ruffles, buttons, no buttons, crochet, or knit... the options seem to be endless! Cardigans are the must-have wardrobe item for this fall and are perfect for the college girl juggling her time between class, work and a social life, as they prove to be a great quick-fix for sprucing up any ensemble. Take for example, Miss Fashionista herself, Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf... she’s always working the cardi and looking ever-so classy and chic might I add. You can catch Blair and the rest of the GG crew in all their fashion (and drama) glory tonight at 9/8c on The CW!

Check out these websites for some super cute cardis!
http://www.j.crew.com/
http://www.anthropologie.com/

A heavy topic…but it needs to be said

It seems you can’t turn on the news lately without hearing about yet another young person choosing to end their life. The rash of suicides in the past weeks, many prompted by bullying, has been alarming to say the very least. It’s so troubling to know how many young people see this as an option in hard times. It’s imperative that we teach the youth of our nation that suicide is not a solution to any problem.

Demi Lovato is teaming up with Facebook® and Pacer’s National Center for Bullying Prevention to spread the message. October is actually National Bullying Prevention Month and Demi and other stars are doing their part to spread the word. You can watch Lovato's video message about the topic on her Facebook Page. facebook.com/demilovato

Also check out an excellent, heartwarming plea from Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden imploring young adults that things do get better, that they can overcome their situations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqENROhtbsE http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F&h=10a37

I learned for the first time this week that Facebook® has actually implemented a “Safety Page” to assist people experiencing any type of bullying or unsafe activities they encounter on the social networking site. facebook.com/safety

If you or anyone you know is struggling please contact The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention immediately! Sadly I have experience with this, and know that losing a loved one to suicide is one of the deepest pains you can know. Let’s end this awful epidemic today!

If you are in suicidal crisis please call 800-273-TALK

Go Naked this Fall! Wait....what?

With the fall comes back to school shopping, cooler temps and going naked? Ya, you read that right! One of the hottest make-up trends this fall is naked, not an ounce of make-up (looking), glowy skin. If you've ever looked in the mirror right after rolling out of bed you realize this look isn't literally about heading out the door make-up free. As with anything... there's a little effort behind the look.

To get this "I roll out of bed looking like this every morning look" start with a sheer tinted moisturizer. If you have any blemishes cover them up with a concealer that will never get caky like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye. Next, line your lower lash line with a bronzy shadow and follow with one coat of mascara. To finish the look brush a golden bronzer under your cheek bones for a sun-kissed glow. Ready, set, go naked!

The playful days of summer have officially been cast aside in exchange for the often overloaded days of autumn. If you’re like me, going back to school holds some excitement but definitely causes some anxiety too! Between staying on top of classes, working (multiple) jobs, going to the gym, maintaining involvement with community organizations, and (oh yeah) trying to keep up a social life—it can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least. Whenever I get into that old habit of taking on too much and losing sight of the bigger picture in life, I try to remind myself of one of Dale Carnegie’s principles—“Count your blessings, not your troubles.” It’s so easy to be consumed by all your “to-dos” but I challenge you (and myself!) to actively pursue your “want to-dos.” Allow yourself a night to revel in all the camaraderie and commotion of Friday night football; schedule dates with friends instead of dates with your laptop; and focus on the meaningful parts of your life (like relationships and experiences) a little bit more. What you do will always be a nice reminder of your hard work, but it’s who you are that makes you stand apart. It may not be the “lazy” days of summer anymore, but trademark this autumn with your own special brand of happiness—I know I’m going to!

With peace and hope,

Rebecca :)

It's hot... and it's SO now!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Bikram Yoga... literally!

If you’re looking for a new way to stay in shape, give this cleansing workout a try. So what exactly is it you ask? Bikram Yoga is set of 26 yoga poses which are each performed twice during the course of the 90 minute session. The classes are usually conducted in a room at a temperature of 95-100 degrees, allowing you to sweat out all those dirty toxins in your body. Beginners beware though... these classes are no easy task! Always remember to bring your own bottle of water, towel and mat. You may also want to try taking some regular yoga classes at your local gym or yoga studio before heading into the heat. Celebs who are jumping on the bikram bandwagon include – Jessica Simpson, Beyoncé, Madonna, George Clooney and Jim Carrey (just to name a few)!