Saturday, September 21, 2013

More Magazine 2013 Beauty Search Photo Shoot: Behind the Scenes

The photo shoot in NYC was a memorable event, especially because my mom and her twin sister, Lynn were with me! It just happened to work out that the date of the shoot coincided with my aunt's visit! Since they are both beautiful, it felt weird to have them watching the happenings instead of being in the camera's focus.

The prize package included a stay in an NYC hotel, so the day before, we drove into the city and my Mom, Lynn, my husband, and daughter went to The Lion King on Broadway. When I checked into the hotel, an amazing goody was awaiting me.

More Magazine Goody Bag. My mom ganked the wine charms and mascara.
My daughter took the sparkly nail polish.
My husband took the granola bars and caramels.
My favorite item was the Molton Brown shampoo. It smells soooo good.
 
Looking at all the goodies was fun, but made me incredibly nervous for the following day. The coordinator had sent me a call list, which includes a schedule of all of the people involved in the photo shoot, such as: editor, make-up, nails, camera, back camera, video, etc. The lengthy list of names made me realize what a big production it would be-something I'd never considered before while paging through a fashion magazine.

The morning of, I was so nervous I couldn't eat, which  suppose was fine considering it made me feel skinnier (and who doesn't want to feel skinny when getting her picture taken?!?!) The winner for the 50s age group, Vina, and her sister Virgie, met us in the lobby, and the fashion editor, Genevieve Monsma accompanied us in the van to the studio in Brooklyn. (Vina is an amazing woman, and when she later put on a white Valentino dress, I couldn't stop staring at her. Gorgeous!)

Friday, September 20, 2013

More Magazine 2013 Beauty Search: Prize Money Proceeds

When the fashion editor of More Magazine called to inform me that I'd won the 30's age division of the 2013 More Magazine Beauty Search, I was thrilled BECAUSE the prize money enabled me to make the donations I've described below. These three organizations provided my family and me with much needed support during the darkest days following my leukemia diagnosis. I'm so happy to be giving back to them. 

(In terms of the October edition of the magazine, featuring the winners, it hit news stands today. I'll be posting about my experience at the photo shoot, with some pics, sometime this weekend.) 

$1,000 to First Descents

A Bit About the Organization: First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18 to 39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same. (Learn more at First Descents)

To Make a Donation or Join our Team: Team Life's a Beach First Descents Fundraising Page

$500 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

A Bit About the Organization: The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.(Learn more at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)

To Make a Donation or Join our Team: Team Life's a Beach Light the Night Fundraising Page

$500 to Stupid Cancer

A Bit About the Organization: This non-profit organization empowers young adults affected by cancer through innovative and award-winning programs and services. It is the nation's largest support community for this under-served population and serves as a bullhorn for the young adult cancer movement. (Learn more at Stupid Cancer)

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Alex and Ani Charm Bangle Designed to Support Light the Night



An announcement from the Leukemia & Lymphoma society: "Alex and Ani has designed a charm bangle to support Light The Night! For every bangle sold in store or online, LLS will receive 20% of sales to support the Light The Night Walk campaign! The Lighthouse Bangle officially launched on Monday, September 9th. The Lighthouse design was chosen because Light The Night and LLS lights the way for patients and provides hope to families battling cancer. It is a reminder to all to be optimistic and keep strong through difficult times."

Purchase here: Alex and Ani Lighthouse Bangle

Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Campaign


This year, our family will just be participating in the NYC Light the Night event on Wednesday, September 25. My brother, Jeff, and his family will be joining us from Wisconsin! Unfortunately, we won't be able to do the NJ walk this year, but plan to next year.

For info on how to get involved in our Light the Night fundraising campaign, please visit: Light the Night - Team Life's a Beach










Also, we've added a special little girl to our list of those we walk to honor. Her name is Sally. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) this past summer, and she turned one years old this week. You can read about her battle at SweetSallySunshine.