Hey Girl,
Thanks for stopping by. I´m Holly, in case we haven´t met, and I´m happy to have this opportunity to welcome you to our online community. Some of the most fabulous women gather here to share their wisdom, and fill up on tips from yours truly. One of my greatest passions is to promote the body, mind, and soul wellness of all women — from budding teen to sage mother. I love inspiring and engaging in dynamic conversation, and getting to the heart of what matters the most to all of us. So, feel free to comment or question — you have an open forum here, as well as an understanding shoulder to lean on. Together, let´s make something great happen every day.

Sweet Regards,
Holly

Still Reading Young Adult?

normal_harry_potter_7By Harlow Essex

LA Times writer Susan Carpenter notes the influential progression of Young Adult books in the mainstream. Specifically, Carpenter takes note of the adult public’s interest in literature about and for young adults.

Book series like Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, The Lightning Thief, and The Book Thief have become increasingly popular with many adults. It’s usual for librarians, parents, and teachers to have an active interest in what the youth is reading and liking. Nowadays, popular adventure, romance, and fantasy novels about teenagers intrigue just about everybody, attributing intelligent writing and exciting narratives as key ingredients everyone can appreciate.

I personally heard about Twilight from an older colleague who enthusiastically raved about its intense teen vampire drama. I then found out Cayla, (age 12) whom I baby-sit for, had read all 4 books in a matter of two months. In recollection, I can say the same happened with Harry Potter when I realized I had been reading it the same time my mother, boyfriend, and younger cousin were.

What does this all mean? Perhaps we as adults still want to connect with the youth of today, or maybe we have a lot more in common than we think?

Gone Too Soon

light at the endBy Yasmine Zapp

There has been a recent rash of celebrity lives ending abruptly this year — and it’s only March. Why? What gets into these poor souls heads that makes them think “out” rather than “help” is a better way?

Speaking as a mother of a little boy, every time I hear about another passing, I think about the loved ones left behind. I think of the parents and friends who probably watched them struggle over and over. Each time trying to help, trying to read the signs. Staging interventions and supporting rehabs, trying to do whatever necessary to help. Sadly, sometimes, it’s not enough.

In reflection on today’s news, and that of the past few weeks, my heart goes out to the families of these sons who have gone too soon. Read More »

Twyla Dances for Frank

07tharp_ca0-articlelargeBy Harlow Essex

After the bumpy ride of her latest These Times They Are A- Changin’ Broadway musical based on Bob Dylan’s music, Twyla Tharp has returned with the premier of her newest Broadway endeavor. Come Fly Away, surrounding 4 couples in New York City, features the popular melodies of Frank Sinatra. According to NY Times writer Gia Kourlas, Ms. Tharp has been choreographing dances to Frank’s songs since the 1970’s, and this show will feature several works from her previous work Nine Sinatra Songs.

Most of the dancers working with Ms. Tharp have had a long history with her, whether dancing in her company or from select pieces from her past repertoire. She’s now relying on her deep interest and artistic connection to Sinatra, to fill the stage with colorful movement and diverse characters. Read More »

Can Jamie Oliver Save Our Kids?

jamieoliverfoodrevolution By Christiénne Miller

I don’t think I’m off base when I say that March 26th marks the start of something great. It’s the date of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution premiere. I’m tuning into and hope you do too. We need to, because our children’s lives depend on it.

If you watch the sneak peek, you’ll see something that horrifying. Reports that the medical community is seeing the first generation of children that won’t out-live their parents. A young girl who, due to her fatty liver, was given a prognosis of six years to live. I don’t even think she’s a teenager yet! How about this for a reality check: We are killing our children with what we feed them — in school and at home. Read More »

2010 Oscar Gossip

phone shockBy Christiénne Miller

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve watched the Oscars. I love the glitz, the glamour, and (thanks to my Grandmother) the gossip!

As in the past, this year’s award winners aren’t an exception when it comes to bits of scandal. Whether it’s the upset some feel over the message behind the message of “The Blind Side”, or that both Bea Arthur and Farrah Fawcett were left out of the memorial highlights — which totally ticked me off — the gossip is flying all over the Internet.

Stand outs for me would be the buzz around: Read More »

Yasmine’s 2010 Oscars Fashion Recap

photo by Staff/Getty Images - 2010

photo by Staff/Getty Images - 2010

By Yasmine Zapp

The 82nd Annual Oscars came and went with a bang. And, in my opinion, not only were there winners and losers on film, but they also donned the red carpet. So, let’s break this down, shall we?

On the plus side…

Sandra Bullock nailed the vintage Hollywood look by stunning us with her metallic lacy sheath dress by Marchesa.

Queen Latifah looked very regal and glamorous in her lavender satin, one shouldered gown that was paired with diamonds. For a full figured girl she managed to look simply elegant.

Helen Mirren dressed like a gracious lady in her silver satin Badgley Mischka gown. What a vision at 64. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working. Read More »