Magazine Cover

A Sneak Peek….Mrs. International, Shannon Devine will grace the cover BEST EVER YOU Magazine, February 2011

http://besteveryou.com/bey/best-ever-you-magazine-2/

http://besteveryou.com/bey/

Shannon

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 2: Betty Draper

Today we are excited to feature our second Mad Monday. We love vintage looks and, when it comes to feminine style , there is none more charming than model turned housewife, Betty Draper.  Betty is the epitome of how the modern 1950's wife and mother should look. Her style is a little bit of a mixed bag and goes from pretty and youthful (a la Grace Kelly) to respectable and sophisticated (think Jackie O) little by little.  But, regardless of her choices, she never fails to look fashionable and picture perfect with not a single hair out of place.

One of Birdie's favorite styles to wear is the sleeveless, button down dress.  Throughout the show you'll see her in a variety of these dresses, usually as her everyday kind of wear, and typically paired with a skinny belt.  We can certainly see her wearing something like this around the house, grocery shopping, or at one of her Junior League meetings.

Entertaining guests or just looking to impress?  Be the perfect hostess in a simple but stunning dress like this with it's modern colors and pattern and classic silhouette. Betty usually doesn't choose colors like these but she will for a festive occasion or for when she is looking to get a little attention.

Sure, there is another side of Betty (the pants wearing side) but that is one that we rarely see.  When you do you can bet they'll be some pretty unique and fashion forward pants like these plaid ones!

Charming business men isn't easy!  To wine and dine her hubby's coworkers at formal dinners and weddings, we think Betty would have loved this dress from Macy's.  This dress is modest and appropriate for an upper class woman of her time with it's full skirt and lovely pale pink color.

Being wealthy isn't easy and your bound to have more than a few social events to attend to. If your planning to attend a more modern and fun cocktail party, you could opt for this adorable little number.  All eyes will be on you in this gorgeous dress with feminine colors, a bit of sparkle, and Betty's signature full skirt that creates the perfect hourglass.  Don't forget your white gloves!

In later seasons you're more likely to see Betty is something like this.  As her life changes (no spoilers!) she starts dressing a bit more conservative and respectable, showing that she is growing up and changing. While dressing more mature, she is still as classy and beautiful as ever.

When Betty needs some time to herself she hits the stables for some riding and is, of course, dressed appropriately. This would be the perfect chic and modern equestrian outfit, complete with boots,  riding pants, and a conservative sweater and turtleneck all in neutral classy colors.

Now, let's not forget accessories.  Betty's accessories are classic and feminine and very simple.  Need to add a pop of color to an outfit or make yourself look more respectable and presentable?  Just add a chic silk scarf and you're ready to go!

And, of course, Betty is never without the blue blood staple, pearls!  She is often seen wearing big, oversized pearl stud earrings or a delicate necklace.  Slip on a pair of these and your double strand pearl necklace and you'll feel instantly glamorous. 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Save the Date! The National Council For Adoption Conference is back!

July 6-8, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Every year at the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) annual conference, leaders in the field of adoption learn what is happening at the forefront of adoption policy and practice and how they can play an active role in improving and safe-guarding adoption. This year, we are adding educational tracks that provide prospective adoptive parents the unique opportunity to learn about the latest research on various topics surrounding adoption, as well as resources available to them pre- and post-adoption.

NCFA is committed to producing professional, educational conferences of the highest caliber!

Adoption professionals and prospective adoptive parents (PAP) are invited to join us for a 3-day learning experience that promotes best practices and sound policies in adoption and educates attendees on pertinent adoption-related research in the areas of domestic, inter country, and adoption out of foster care.

Here's a tentative list of topics you can expect to learn more about during the conference:

* Adoption Agency Management
* Birthparent Support
* Domestic Adoption
* Domestic Adoption Programs in Foreign Countries
* Foster Care
* Humanitarian Aid Collaboration
* Parenting children with Special Needs
* Post-Adoption Services
* Public vs. Private Adoption
* Risk Management

Here's an sneak peek to the list of topics that caught my attention immediately:

* Adoption Ethics
* Adoptive & Foster Parent Support
* Advocacy and Public Policy
* Intercountry Adoption
* Legislative Issues Impacting Adoption
* Hague Convention
* Race, Culture, and Diversity in Adoption

REGISTRATION IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN EARLY MARCH 2011.

I don't want you to miss this opportunity. Visit www.adoptioncouncil.org/events for more information.

Make plans TODAY to Build your family through the Miracle of Adoption!

Until next post, remain blessed!

Shannon

Heart Month and Ross Dress for Less

This past weekend launched national retailer, Ross Dress for Less’s fundraising campaign for the American Heart Association in honor of heart month, which begins on February first. Both Miss Teen China International, Lauren, and I volunteered at the event in the store’s Rockville, Maryland location. Lauren and I have the same platform, the American Heart Association’s Alliance for a Healthier Generation, so this is the second time we have volunteered together at an AHA event. Today, we gave out flyers with vital information including heart attack warning signs, reminded shoppers that February is “heart month”, and collected donations for the American Heart Association.

I was so impressed by the generosity of those who appeared to have very little, but dug down deeply into their wallets to support the AHA. Some could only donate a quarter or a dollar, but they were willing to help. For a donation of one, five or ten dollars, they were able to fill out a heart sticker with their name and the saying “I lent a hand to fight heart disease and stroke”, which we posted on a wall in the store for all to see.

The store manager acted as an emcee for the event, announcing to shoppers, “The next shopper that donates $7.00 will receive a $10.00 gift card to The Silver Diner!” There was a great deal of excitement in the store. This event will run through the duration of February, which is Heart Month. Last year, Ross raised $2.5 million for the American Heart Association! I hope to be able to return and help out some more, especially since I discovered the deals in their shoe isles. As a self-confessed shoe-aholic, I LOVE shoe shopping and am always in search of the perfect pair at the perfect price, and I’ll admit found a couple of those “perfect pairs” that day, including a new pair of red pumps which will be absolutely perfect for “go red day” on February 4th!

Well, until next time, keep your hearts healthy!

Juliana McKee

Snow canyons in Japan

Yesterday I read a really interesting article  and it shows us the comparison between the condition of New York and Honsu Island in this snowy time. The condition in New York is sure bad, but compared to Honsu, wow I am shocked. Here are the pictures of snow in Honsu Island in the article and just like the article said it is a real snow and not photoshopped.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, linking Toyama and Nagano Prefecture, is a world class sightseeing roadway soaring through Mt. Tateyama heights that along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hakusan is one of Japan's three most beloved mountains. Snow is so abundant the route closes during winter to re-open in mid-April when snowplows blast through creating 'Yuki-no Otani' (snow canyon), an extraordinary snow corridor up to 20-meters-high which is a spectacular sight for travelers until the end of May. The 3,000 meters high mountain range can be traveled via bus with cable cars and ropeways offering more options for visitors to enjoy grandiose views along with splendid summer alpine flora and an artist's palette of multi-colored foliage in the fall. Witnessing the drainage of Kurobe Dam, Japan's most lofty at 186 meters high, is a must do excursion between June 26 and October 15.

Dream Allstars' Destiny Special Needs Squad

 

Last weekend, I had the honor of appearing at the Maryland State Championships, a large cheerleading event held in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout middle school and high school, I was a cheerleader. In middle school and through my first couple of years of high school, I was a member of Dream Allstars, a competitive cheerleading organization that travels throughout the country to compete.

In 9th grade, I also tried out and earned a spot on my high school’s Varsity cheer squad. It was quite an honor to receive a school Varsity letter my freshman year! I continued to do both until 11th grade, when I decided to only cheer for my high school squad due to the demands of a more difficult course-load, helping lead my school’s Key Club, and applying to colleges.

Cheerleading is a wonderful sport for children with special needs. They all have an integral role in the routine and a part of something greater than themselves. There were three special needs squads competing in this venue. When Dream Allstars’ special needs squad, Destiny competed, there was a problem with their music and it didn’t play.

The athletes are taught their routine to 8-counts, like dancers, so when the music failed to play, their coaches and helpers started counting and clapping out 8-counts for Destiny to perform their routine along to. The entire audience rose to their feet clapping and counting to the 8-counts, almost like it was a standing ovation as Destiny performed. It was truly inspiring!!

The little athletes love to try on the Teen International crown. They light up as they revel in their hopes and dreams of one day becoming teen queens themselves!

Juliana McKee

Winter Style: Scarves

A warm neck goes a long way when there are temperatures below freezing and 40 MPH winds. Cover yourself up with a stylish scarf and keep that chill from cooling you to the core.  With over 7 ways to tie it, a scarf can be a winter survival essential and a risk free fashion statement.

Not only is this colorful scarf perfect for fighting frostbite, it's also bright and cheerful enough to warm your mood as you clear those 18 inches of snow from your car.

Who doesn't love pom poms?  This warm knit scarf is grown up and mature looking but the fun and playful pom poms makes us smile as we think back to childhood snow days.

Here are some scarves you can really feel good about!  When you buy one of these lovely hand made scarves  it helps to fund mammograms for women in need!  We particularly like this intricate pattern and modern colors of these hand made alpaca wool scarves, but there are plenty of other styles and colors to choose from.

 These cashmere scarves are luxurious, colorful, and elegant - great for staying warm and for pairing with your professional work attire to look effortlessly chic.

We love vintage looking items! This cream colored crocheted scarf is simply charming and sure to keep you cozy!

Speaking of vintage, how about an infinity scarf (aka: snood)? This popular accessory from the 1940's has morphed from a hairnet to a ski slope staple in the 1950's to it's tubular shape you see today that lets you wear it in a variety of ways!

And, finally, you can never go wrong with a great plaid scarf! Plaid lets you incorporate all the colors you like in a way that is classic and sophisticated.



That's a wrap!



XOXO

Jen & Saira