October Treat: Giveaway!!!

I recently hosted a Stella and Dot jewelry party for my new friend Robyn.  I had a blast hosting, it was great to get to know Robyn better, and it didn't hurt to be surrounded by all the gorgeous jewelry.  I think others had fun too based on the sales that were made that night :)  I love their unique and fierce jewelry and I seem to get the best compliments whenever I wear it.  How can you not love this? 

I got a call from Robyn a few days back.  She so generously wanted to gift me their breast cancer Tribute Bracelet.  I was touched that she thought of me and what I went through.  This just tells you what kind of lady she is.    

You might remember from my previous post, that a lot of companies use this time to make a profit selling products that have ingredients that have been linked to cancer.  It is important to support this cause but to do so cautiously.  Luckily, their jewelry isn't hurting anyone and the proceeds go to a good foundation.  That is why I am 100% behind the Stella and Dot Tribute Bracelet ($36).  It is a beautiful simple piece that can be worn alone or combined with other bracelets or a watch. 

During the month of October (which I know has only one week left) 20% of the Tribute Bracelet sales will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.   

Trust me, this bracelet is a hot item.  It has sold out 3 different times this month!  You can purchase it at www.stelladot.com/robyngroves to wear in support of, in honor of, or in memory of anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.  Just about a week left, so get on it post haste.  Plus, lucky you, we could be twinsies!

Just in case they sell out again or you don't want to sacrifice the dough, Robyn will generously give one lucky reader the Tribute Bracelet for free.  The catch is you must "Like" her Facebook page by clicking here.  It can't hurt to tell her "Hi" or that Livin' The Green sent you! 

Subscribers* to Livin' The Green can enter the giveaway by:

1.  Checking out Stella and Dot

2.  Leaving a comment about how you stay healthy or your favorite piece of jewelry that you saw.

That simple.

*If you need to subscribe, just enter your email in the top right side of the page!

One lucky reader will be selected and the bracelet will ship to you asap.

Deadline is October 31st.

I can't wait to read your comments!

Pink in October

I walked into Michael's yesterday to get some Halloween crafts for my monsters and I was stopped dead in my tracks upon entering.  Placed right in the entrance, there was a large display of pink.  Pink ribbons, pink socks, pink stickers, pink duct tape, pink pins, pink printers.  This list can go on and on but I quickly scooted by.  I knew this was going to happen.  I know Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming up, but I couldn't help feeling like I was being used.

Pinkwashing is a term coined by BCAction in 2002 to describe a company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product, but at the same time produces, manufactures, and/or sells products that are linked to the disease. 

Let me tell you, when I had the dreaded disease, I wasn't lovin' pink.  I was scared for my life.  I couldn't relate to pink or the pink ribbon.  I was my own person, surviving.  Even months after, when I did the Komen race, I felt a little uncomfortable about the ribbon thing.  During the race, the love, support, and community that I was surrounded by was beyond powerful.  If that is what pink does than rock on but clearly that is not all.

Much of the pink  ribbon and products was popularized by the editor of Self magazine and EsteeLauder companies.  They want you to buy and support makeup labeled pink and in return, pennies of their profits would go to the cure.  Meanwhile, those who thought they were doing good and supporting the cause were actually heading home to slather makeup onto their face which was full of toxic chemicals.  The same chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer.  It would be funny if it weren't so so awful.   I am guilty of selling (when I worked for a certain cosmetic company) and buying into it.  This was before I really thought about my actions and if they were harmful.  Shoot, I felt like a hero.  Now I realize, not so much.

According to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, they have repeatedly asked Avon, Revlon, and Estee Lauder companies to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to remove chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other harmful health impacts from their products.  These companies have been unwilling to make this public commitment.

Once again, here is a list from the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, of chemicals to stay clear of that are commonly found in makeup and beauty products.

• ·         Parabens
• ·         Phthalates
• ·         Fragrance
• ·         Nonylphenols
• ·         Sunscreen chemicals
• ·         Isobutane
• ·         Ethoxylated compounds
• ·         Metals
• ·         Petrolatum
• ·         Toluene
• ·         Triclosan

Ugly right.  This is why I switched to a green lifestyle and I am happily selling from a compassionate, clean, non-toxic company 100% Pure.  You get the quality without compromising your health.

Now don't get me wrong.  I think companies that shed light on such a horrible disease and help raise money to go to a cure is ah-mazing, but not when they are using that to make money with their toxic product.  Do us a favor and just write a check donating to the cause rather than trying to profit off of a product. 

How about you do me a favor and think.  First and foremost, think about your health.  Do you feel right?  Has there been anything nagging you?  Get it checked!  No point in waiting.  Early detection is key.  October, Breast Cancer Awareness month should be more focused on health and not necessarily pink products.    

Second, think about the product you are about to purchase in the name of breast cancer.  Does "Buckets for a Cure" from KFC really help support breast cancer?  Does eating a cup of growth hormone rBGH induced yogurt help?  What about pink cosmetics?  Pink lipstick?  Gloss?   How about buying some pink alcohol?  Or better yet, pink energy drinks. 

October is an important month.... because it is my husband's birthday and my favorite holiday, Halloween.  Kidding aside, considering how many women (and now men) are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, we need all the reminders we can get about the seriousness of breast cancer.  Discovering it early is critical.  Listen to your bodies and check yourself ladies! 

On a side note, my friend and fellow blogger asked if I would write my testimonial.  I was happy to share.  If you care reading about how I was diagnosed and what it was like for yours truly at that time, please visit her blog at www.heathnutblogg.wordpress.com.  I think her topics are fascinating.  Talk about a health nut!

Livin' PINK

Saturday was a fun day livin' pink.  I am part of an amazing group of ladies called the RAC-PAC (Ready, Aim, Cure- Pledge, Action, Commitment).  RAC-PAC has major beef with cancer.  

Since 2005 RAC-PAC has raised $165,000 to help Susan G. Komen for the Cure find an end to breast cancer.  Sonia (the team leader) put together a fundraiser at Ettore's to help raise funds for the Cure.  

Ettore's is a delicious local bakery/restaurant in Sac.  Ettore Ravazzolo SO generously donated ALL of the proceeds from the sale of burgers, veggie burgers, salads, pink desserts, beer and wine to the cause.  550 burgers were sold on Saturday!  AMAZING!  

It also doesn't hurt that he has an award-winning burger and firemen flipping them! Ettore's has quickly become one of my most adored places!!!

 The firemen of South Placer County donated pink "Heroes Wear Pink" shirts, they are $15 and all of the moola goes to the cause.  Their website is www.heroeswearpink.com.  Let me know if you are interested in getting one!

There was music, raffles, merchandise for sale, and LOTS of food.  Plus some pretty "tit"-illating cupcakes!  It was a great day, put together by a great team, led by an amazing woman, Sonia.  I was happy to help and meet fellow survivors.   

The salon next door, Bravissimo was putting in feathers and pink hair extensions for people with all of the proceeds going to the cause.  I am rockin' a feather until race day Saturday the 7th .   

I just got word that team RAC-PAC with help of Ettore's raised an estimated $10,000+ on Saturday!  Combined with the $19,850 already raised this year, we are looking at over $30,000 for the Cure!!!!    

I am honored to be part of this great team.  I am so THANKFUL to all of the most amazing people who have donated to support me and others for the cure.  Many I know very well, and many I would love to know better.  Thank you.  To those who wish to donate and help me reach and/or exceed my goal of $1,500.  Please click on my link:

 http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/EDH_SacramentoAffiliate?px=9611132&pg=personal&fr_id=2085

Please click on Donate to Anne on the right.

I would have NEVER thought I would get cancer at 30.  Life throws some pretty unexpected curve balls.  I do not want other women and men to have to go through this.  The more funds to find a cure the more lives will be saved. 

Once again, thank you to my friends and family for all of your support.  I am eternally grateful to you.  I am extremely lucky to know each and every one of you.