love your planet, love your hair

Kate Hudson was shot in a beautiful series of ads for a new line of cruelty-free hair products.

"David Babaii for WildAid" has been in the works for more than two years with Hudson serving as both muse and lab assistant. It was on her head only that products made of volcanic ash, blue algae and white ginger were tested, since the brand is opposed to animal testing.

The products will be paraben-free and packaged in containers made from 10-percent recycled plastic, and they're striving for more. One thing they're exploring is using 10-recycled plastic for a liner, to ensure sturdiness, and using a greater percentage of recycled material for the outer packaging.

The company will donate 10 percent of profits to the animal conservation group WildAid.

I love that this line is meant to be earth- and animal-conscious, but the prices aren't ridiculous that you have to be a celebrity to afford them. A little more expensive than most mass-produced hair care lines, with the range from $11.95-$14.95, I'm excited to try this out.

Ever since I read Alan Weisman's "The World Without Us," I was horrified to learn that some of our every day products can cause a lot of damage to our planet. Take something as simple as face/hand wash that contains microbeads (which aren't biodegradable). I learned that when we wash our hands and faces with a product containing microbeads, the mere fact that these particles are so small, and because they don't break down, they choke the animals in the ocean. When I was looking for a face wash a few months ago, practically every product from every major mass-produced brand contained microbeads! Do marketers tell you this? Of course not! All they do is advertise on what a great job it'll do on your skin, but honestly, this is not the best way to scrub your skin! You're better off using a pumice pad, which is natural and non-toxic.

Anyhow, I digress. I love what this new product is all about, so when I finally run out of my Lux products, I will definitely try this out.


Learn more about the products and their mission here.

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Leon Lai - Sichuan charity song

In an update to the Leon Lai 黎明 charity song CD that is being sold in Hong Kong to benefit the Sichuan Redevelopment Project in China, here is the music video.

Click below to hear a part of the song. It is sweet, and if you are in HK, please purchase the CD for a good cause to help all those who survived the China earthquake!!! The CD will only cost $10HKD. (If anyone can pick one up for me, I will gladly pay you back!!!)

Bracelets for a Cause #2

In celebration of Love Day this year (June 19th), Cartier is launching their 3rd Annual Love Bracelet to benefit a variety of charities. This year, the theme is music, so all of the celebrity ambassadors are various artists/musicians.

In the past, while the bracelets only had one Love ring, this year, the design has two intertwined rings, one in 18kt white gold, the other in 18kt rose gold. Each bracelet is formed with a silk cord, with a choice of 8 colors, each color representing a charity. For each bracelet sold ($995), $200 will be donated to the charity that corresponds with that color.


2008
Janet Jackson - Ovarian Cancer National Alliance - Gunmetal Grey
Fergie - Peapod Foundation - Orange
Good Charlotte - Richie-Madden Children's Foundation - Deep Green
Eve - Women in Transition - Peach
Common - Common Ground Foundation - Khaki
Emmy Rossum - Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Pink
Hilary Duff - Blessings in a Backpack - Purple
Ashanti - Boys & Girls Club of America - Royal Blue

I am actually surprised that there aren't any red cords this year, as that would be the most obvious color for Love Day. In the past, a red cord was designated for YouthAIDS.

Here are the colors and charities from the 1st and 2nd Love Charity Bracelet drives. The 2006 version only had one rose gold ring, while the 2007 version had one white gold ring. It seems that the version from this year was designed to bring those 2 rings together.

2007
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw - Neighbor’s Keeper Foundation - Chocolate Brown
Djimon Hounsou - SOS Children’s Villages - Deep Copper
Eva Mendes - The Art of Elysium - Navy
Julianne Moore - Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance - Lavender
Rihanna - Believe Foundation - Sea Foam Green
Usher - New Look Foundation - Gold
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardener Trust - Lilac
Elie Wiesel - The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity - Yellow

2006
Rosario Dawson – YouthAIDS – Red Bracelet
Salma Hayek – Human Rights Watch – White
Scarlett Johansson – USA Harvest– Baby Pink
Spike Lee – Kanbar Institute of Film and Television/Graduate Division/Tisch School of the Arts/ NYU – Purple
Edward Norton – Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust – Green
Sarah Jessica Parker – UNICEF – Blue
Michael Stipe – Mercy Corps/Gulf Coast Recovery – Black
Liv Tyler – The Breast Cancer Research Foundation – Deep Pink

There is the sense of inflation, since the bracelet was sold for $475 before, with $100 going towards charity. It's double that now. So that's what you have to pay for the name Cartier, huh?

If I had to choose a color, I think the grey one looks the best, as it's neutral, can be worn every day, and it's for a very good cause. I also like the pink, as that brings in the theme of love, and again, for a very good cause.

If you happen to be at Cartier looking for something in the Love collection, note that 10% of all sales on June 19th will benefit the partnered organizations.

Learn more about the Love collection here.

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Harry Potter mania still going strong

The Harry Potter sequel that J.K. Rowling wrote to benefit two charities sold for £25,000 yesterday. Not bad for a double-sided postcard's worth of work! In total, after the auction of all 13 author contributed cards, almost £50,000 was raised to benefit the Dyslexia Action and English PEN.

While I was very excited to read the prequel, I have to say, this wasn't as story-driven as I would've liked. Basically, this was a quick sequence that took place three years before Harry was born, and involved Harry's dad, James Potter, and his godfather, Sirius Black. And what's the deal on "Elvendork?" Can anyone explain that to me?

The one thing that this does for me is that it does put into perspective that if Rowling wanted to, she could continue the saga from the perspectives of an earlier generation, which could have a different feel. But alas, she has said she won't write anything HP-related for the next 10 years, so that's that. This is the last time we'll read anything new that has anything to do with HP!

Here is a copy of the original handwritten copy, but if you're having trouble reading it, there were ppl kind enough to type it out for all to see. Read it here.


Also, you can pre-order a postcard book that will be available in August, which will contain facsimiles of all 13 cards. I already ordered 2 copies; you should do the same!

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music to help the children

UNICEF's goodwill ambassador Leon Lai 黎明 has recorded a charity song CD, called "You Won't Be Alone <你不會孤單>, with proceeds to benefit the Sichuan Redevelopment Project in China. The emphasis is on the children, which is what the title of the song was meant to convey, that they are not alone. Only 25,000 copies of the one song CD will be sold in Hong Kong, and they will be sold in jewelry stores, because he said that people shop more in jewelry stores than in CD stores. (HAH! Must be all of those pirated copies going around).

I haven't heard any music from Leon in a long time, mainly because he chose to stay out of the spotlight after peaking for several years in terms of his fame, so I thought it was nice for him to do this, especially since he didn't really have to do anything, he could've just stuck his face on a poster and ask for donations, but he made an effort to keep ppl engaged in the cause.

I was hoping that someone had the song posted online, as they had also filmed a music video for it, but nothing is available yet. It's too bad I can't buy a copy here, as I would love to have contributed to the cause. Hear more about what Leon had to say about the project. (Sorry, clip is only in Cantonese!)



Anyhow, if anyone out there is in HK, can you help me buy a copy, and I'll pay you back? Please email me if you can help me with this favor. Thanks! :D Better yet, you should buy some copies for the cause, too!

Totes for a Cause #4

If you still haven't gone out and picked up a tote bag for your groceries in place of plastic bags, here are some more adorable choices. Pick either the "Green Living" design or the "Resist Plastic" design, and you will be helping the planet that much more. A portion of sales from these bags will also go to the World Wildlife Fund. Happy shopping!


Go Green Totes - "Green Living" or "Resist Plastic" - $28 each at FredFlare.com

Bracelets for a Cause #1

Fashion empire heiress Margherita Missoni is on a mission to help save the orphans in Africa, and she is doing so by collaborating with designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Every few months, a new item will be for sale, one version that is more luxurious and expensive, and the other version a more mass-produced, less expensive piece. Proceeds benefit non-profit organization OrphanAid Africa.

I wish I knew about this sooner, as I really LOOOooooove the Lux Limited Edition version ($640) of this Ileana Makri-designed bracelet, which is comprised of pink gold, diamonds, and moss silk. It is already sold out on Yoox, but I found that I can buy it from Colette, if I didn't mind paying extra for the dollar-to-euro conversion as well as shipping! I have a weakness for anything that is pink/rose gold (loved it before it was trendy way back when), as I think it looks lovely on any skin tone. I ~might~ consider buying it from Colette, as I think the design is stunning (the oval shape of the pendant was inspired by an African fabric pattern), and it is for a good cause! The normal edition ($240) of this bracelet isn't too shabby either, but who doesn't love their wrist to be covered in diamonds? I would take 30 diamonds over 1...hehe...


Anyhow, I emailed customer service, but I'm sure they'll tell me it's all sold out. I will have to ponder the Colette option, or maybe I'll just wait to see what other fun pieces will be added to this cause. Stay tuned...


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I am a bookworm, unapologetically...

This is probably old news to some, but I had no idea that Amazon had won the auction of the only copy of J.K. Rowling's "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" to be available for sale. Only 7 copies of this handwritten book exist, but Rowling gave the other 6 to those whom she wanted to thank. The 7th copy was placed at auction to raise money for the Children's Voice campaign. Amazon won the auction back in December of last year.


I read a lot, and the Harry Potter books were definitely one of the highlights of my book list in the past decade. I recall being a bit of a book snob when the first book came out, and many ppl recommended it to me, but at my first reading, the book smelled faintly of Roald Dahl's influence (i.e. "James and the Giant Peach," one of my all-time faves), so I thought of her (or him; I don't think I knew the author was a woman then) as a copycat, and couldn't get through the book. A year later, I was bored and wanted to read something, ppl were still telling me that I should read it, so I picked it, and slogged through the first several chapters, hoping to get over my negative feelings. By the end of the book, I was hooked. Luckily for me, the 2nd book was already available then, so I could continue on reading, and I was charmed all over, just like the rest of the world had already been.

Last summer, when I was in London, I was there just when the last book was being released. I didn't stand in any lines at midnight or get dressed up or anything, but I did go into the Waterstone's at Trafalgar Sq. that first day, and picked up my UK copy, and read it on the plane while flying back to Boston. It was so great to be back in that world, but sad, too, because I knew it was all coming to an end.

Anyhow, even though the series is long over, J.K. Rowling continues the saga of her universe through very inventive means. I am actually very glad that it was Amazon that won this auction for "The Tales of Beedle the Bard," because they chose to share it with the world, and that is more than any fan could ask for. The book was referenced in the HP series as a book that Ron had. JKR had to go back and create all new stories to fit in with the original titles she had listed as stories contained in the book. You can Amazon's reviews here, but unfortunately, they didn't transcribe the original text! Better than nothing, huh? :P

A week from now, there is another auction that J.K. Rowling will participate in. To benefit the Dyslexia Action and English PEN, a writers' association, Waterstone's bookstore (that same one that I bought my HP book from) is holding an auction of 13 original works from 13 internationally renowned authors. Rowling's contribution will be an 800 word prequel to "Harry Potter" that she'd handwritten onto a card.


It would be silly to think that any one of us mortals would be able to afford something like this, but you can buy the entire collection of works in book form. And for your Harry Potter fans, the big tease coming from Waterstone's is this last sentence by JKR, saying, "From the prequel that I am not working on - but that was fun! JK Rowling 2008."


Waterstone's Exclusive Postcard Book: To celebrate the National Year of Reading Waterstone's asked 13 world-class authors to tell us their story. We extended this invitation to our customers, in the form of a nationwide competition to win the opportunity to be published in this limited edition postcard book, alongside the original works from JK Rowling, Doris Lessing, Neil Gaiman, Michael Rosen, Nick Hornby, Sebastian Faulks, Lauren Child, Tom Stoppard, Irvine Welsh, Axel Scheffler, Margaret Atwood, Richard Ford and Lisa Appignanesi. This collection consists of 13 story cards from the authors listed above plus story cards from the three winners of the national competition. Due to the exclusive nature of this product, we are limiting orders to two (2) per customer while stocks last. All profits from the sale of this collection will go to Dyslexia Action and English PEN. Please note that because the postcard book contains a mixture of authors, some stories are not suitable for children.

Happy Reading!!! :)

Waterstone's Exclusive Postcard Book - £5

Totes for a Cause #3

I absolutely adore this Wine and Bread tote from Rebecca Minkoff. It has an air of rustic/farmer's market to it, evoking a great loaf of crusty French bread and beautiful bottle of Reisling that one can tote to a picnic along the Charles.

Not only that, but if you purchase this tote directly from RM's website, 5% of profits benefit the Earth Organization. I personally love the royal blue tote. :)


Rebecca Minkoff Wine and Bread Tote - Royal Blue or Chocolate - $185

Totes for a Cause #2

I have not been shy advocating my love of tote bags, as they are not only practical and fashionable, but they also lessen the use of plastic bags. Now you can own a one-of-a-kind design, and it's for another good cause!

Out in New York, there is an exhibit (ending today) called, appropriately, "TOTE/BAG" showcasing specially-designed canvas totes by 125 local artists. 90% of the proceeds benefit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a New York based organization committed to environmental advocacy and education.

Even if you can't be in NY, don't fret, as you can purchase the bags online. My faves include the following:


"Tote/Bag" Exhibit and Benefit Show
April 12th - May 3rd
Open Space
510 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

Designs can be purchased here.

Totes for a Cause

Ever since I traveled through London last summer, I've been smitten with cotton shoppers, otherwise known as totes in the States. I came back with 3 totes as souvenirs, 2 from museum gift shops and 1 that came as a freebie from a UK magazine.

Since then, my radar and preference has been for these light-weight and environmentally-friendly bags, whereby I'm actually putting away my luxury handbags (the horror!) and using these bags for my every day use.

I was as obsessed as all the fashionistas last year when the Anya Hindmarch "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" came out, and boy, did I look everywhere for it, but I did not succumb to the obnoxious price inflations on eBay for the latest "It" bag. I merely moved on, and found my own version of the "It" bag...hehe...

Anyhow, I'm seeing more and more that many organizations, corporate or non-profit, are using these bags to send loud and clear messages, whether they are for the environment or other civic/political lamentations. Here are some that you may want to invest in, as they are all for a good cause.

World Food Programme Feed Bag - reversible
Every FEED bag sold will feed one child for a whole year in school

"A bag for a good cause -- the FEED bag is modeled after the grain bags used to deliver food to schools in need around the world. A sturdy reversible bag, made out of natural burlap and cotton, it is a tangible way to make a difference in the fight against world hunger."

Origins 100% Organic Cotton Canvas Reusable Shopping Bag
"I Don't Get Wasted"
100% of the profits from the purchase of this bag will be donated to the
Organic Farming Research Foundation

"Toting this 100% certified organic cotton canvas bag when you shop makes great eco-sense. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions of these bags end up as litter or in landfills each year. And to make the billions of paper grocery bags used annually, millions of trees are felled each year. The OFRF fosters the improvement and widespread adoption of local organic farming practices by sponsoring research and education projects; disseminating the results to organic farmers and growers interested in adopting organic production systems and educating the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues."

Hayden-Harnett "Green is Good" Tote
100% of proceeds from sale of GREEN IS GOOD organic cotton tote supports Farm Aid

"Help support organic, sustainable farming practices and education with the purchase of our exclusive "GREEN IS GOOD" organic cotton eco-tote. Promoting green farming is a great way to help the environment and ourselves. Using this eco- friendly tote, rather than plastic bags, is another great way to be kind to our planet. Farm Aid promotes local, organic, and sustainable farming through education and training."

Cara Zavaleta "Green is the new Black" Tote
a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Carbon fund

While they're not THE most fashionable bags in the world, they are for a very good cause, so swap out your bags once in a while and make a difference. :)

World Food Programme "Feed" Bag - $59.95 at Amazon

Origins 100% Organic Cotton Canvas Reusable Shopping Bag - "I Don't Get Wasted" - $10 at Macy's

"Green is Good" Tote - $27 at Hayden-Harnett

"Green is the new Black" Tote - $12 at Cara Zavaleta

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