Is Clean Really Better?

Summer is here and many women are looking for the quick fix to get bikini ready. With this, the popularity of the cleanse is sweeping the nation. From The Master Cleanse, to the SkinnyGirl Cleanse, a variety of juice cleanses, and many, many more, it's no wonder we might turn to one of these to shed those last couple of pounds.

With the abundance of cleanses they each claim relatively similar effects while having slightly different procedures. In the end, they all say they can help you lose weight and have better health. The scary truth is that most health care professionals do not find cleanses a healthy way to lose weight.

Marissa Lippert, a registered dietitian, says that most people who turn to cleanses do not see long term weight loss, rather it is just a quick drop of weight that is added back on once you begin eating normally again. Cher Pastore, R.D., agrees that cleanses are not a way to lose weight for the long term. She, along with M.D. Susan Blum, say that a short one-three day cleanse can be ok, but anything longer than that is not necessary and can be harmful (2011).

According to an article in USA Today many dietitians do not believe in or condone any sort of cleanse (Hellmich, 2009). It was stated that most are deficient in necessary nutrients and proteins. It seems that a cleanse can actually do more harm than help. Salmon (2010) discusses the trend of cleanses and a doctor’s point of view. The author says that there are times when people in certain fields of work or those who have particular medical conditions may benefit from a cleanse. 

However, it is reiterated that we have many organs that are in charge of detoxing our bodies without our help.

So if you're going to dive into the world of cleanses, make sure you do your research and think about the results you are looking for. If it's long term weight loss a gym membership might be a better way to spend your money.

Are juice cleanses really healthy? Why some wellness experts worry. (2011). http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/03/09/are-juice-cleanses-really-healthy-why-some-wellness-experts-worry/#

Hellmich, N. (2009). ‘Cleansing’ diets lure celebs, but not health experts. USA Today, retrieved on November 7, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-03-24-cleanse-diet_N.htm

Salmon, S.B. (2010). Deconstructing Detox Treatments: Myth or Health Restorative? Environmental Nutrition, 33(1), 1-6.

Running to End Domestic Violence Quest

Check out our new guest blogger Mariya Taher. She'll be writing blogs about her running and fundraising journey while keeping us informed on domestic violence. Look out for her future blogs!

Seventy-eight miles. 411,840 feet. 4,942,080 inches. That’s the distance I’ll be covering during the SIX half marathons that I’ll be running between June 3, 2012 through December 2, 2012.

7,800 calories burned. 17 In & Out Cheeseburgers served animal style consumed to counteract this calorie burn. Or maybe I’ll just stick to eating 34 pieces of chocolate cake with white frosting and sprinkles to make up this loss in weight.


The End Result. Undergoing both an intense physical and mental challenge by running 6 Half Marathons all in the name of raising money for an agency dear to my heart, Women Organized to Make Abuse Non-Existent (WOMAN, Inc.). WOMAN, Inc. was founded in 1978, and for the last thirty-four years they have provided essential services for domestic violence survivors throughout the Bay Area.


The Races:

• Jun. 3, 2012: San Diego, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series - COMPLETED!

       

• Sept.  22, 2012 Denver, CO — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
• Oct.  7, 2012: San Jose, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
• Oct.  14, 2012 - San Francisco, CA — Nike Women’s
• Oct.  28, 2012 Los Angeles, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
• Dec.  2, 2012 Las Vegas, NV — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series

So, I am writing to ask my friends and family to sponsor me in undertaking this challenge. I have two ambitious goals – first to beat my personal record of running a half marathon by atleast 1 minute in each of the 6 races and second to help me raise $5000 for WOMAN, Inc. All donations will directly benefit the agency and are, of course, tax deductible. Plus, don’t you want me to eat all those hamburgers and pieces of chocolate cake guilt free?!

Raising money for this agency holds special importance for me as I work for WOMAN, Inc. and as many of you know, I have made it my life’s passion to work towards ending violence against women. Domestic Violence affects more people than you might imagine with one out of every four women experiencing it at some point in their lifetime.  This form of violence does not discriminate and occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, occupations, education backgrounds, meaning the likelihood of this situation happening to you or a loved one of yours is all too real. A statement that I am sad to say holds true for me as too many special people in my life have had to undergo this heart-breaking situation.

WOMAN, Inc. is an agency working to make the end of domestic violence a reality, but as the need outdoes the supply, this agency urgently needs our financial help to continue services for this vulnerable population.  Please join me in supporting this very important cause by considering a sponsorship in my Running to End DV quest!

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

SUGGESTED SPONSOR RATES PER MILE

I ______________ will make a per mile donation of $ ____________ for up to ____________ miles.

            _{Donor Name}

(Table below gives donation amounts based on the number of miles and number of races sponsored)

# of Runs	Miles	$1 per mile donation	$2 per mile donation	$5 per mile donation
Six runs	78 miles	$78	$156	$390
Five runs	65 miles	$65	$130	$325
Four runs	52 miles	$52	$104	$260
Three runs	39 miles	$39	$78	$195
Two runs	26 miles	$26	$52	$130
One run	13 miles	$13	$26	$65

OR

I will make a flat donation of $ ____________ to support WOMAN, Inc. services.

SUGGESTED FLAT RATE DONATIONS

• $1,000 to help provide approximately 75 hours of support line services to survivors of domestic violence!

• $750 to help provide approximately 25 people one-on-one therapy services!
• $500 to help WOMAN, Inc. sit with close to 30 mono-lingual Spanish speaking survivors, looking to end the abuse in their homes.
• $100 to help train volunteers to become agents of social change in the community!

• $50 to help provide groceries to 3 clients!
• $25 to help advocate for survivors’ rights at 3 different community meetings!

• $10 to help provide essential needs such as food and BART tickets to clients in need!

TO SPONSOR: Click on the DONATE NOW (http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=200917) button to make a secure credit card donation:

OR

If you wish to mail a check instead, please make all checks out to the WOMAN, Inc. and mail it to

WOMAN, Inc.,

Attention: Running to End DV

333 Valencia Suite 450,

San Francisco, CA 94103

Did you realize that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?

Here's an informative and educational guest blog from OC Breast Thermography. 

America desperately needs a new health care model. There is no way we can sustain the current expenditures on health care much less fund the projected growth.

The existing model…

• Medicare is underfunded by between 25 and 35 trillion dollars
• America ranks between 42nd and 47th in life expectancy but we spend at least double any other country in health care spending
• We don't spend our money on health care we spend it on sick care.

A new model based on … (1) prevention,  (2)early detection, (3)safety and (4)participation

…is mandatory if America is to continue its place as a world leader.

Don't expect changes to come from the government or the medical model. There is just too much money being made on sick care. We need a grass roots effort to make real change a reality.

The most glaring and obvious place to start is in the prevention and early detection of cancer. We know that education is paramount in our efforts to be successful.

In 2007 OCBREASTTHERMOGRAPHY.COM posted an article outlining steps that if followed would reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer up to 90%.

We also offered a test that is …

Painless   -   FDA approved   -   Accurate (90%)   -   Safe.

The current model, mammography, for screening for breast cancer is a miserable failure if we just look at the statistics.

Not only have the numbers gotten worse in the rates of breast cancer over the last 40 years, mammography may well be a part of the problem.

I mentioned safety as a fundamental pillar of the new model. Mammography is not safe. Mammography uses low energy x-ray, the most dangerous form of x-ray. The leading experts in the world on cancer prevention believe the whole mammography industry maybe just a break even in the good it does compared to the harm.

I wouldn't be writing this if there wasn't a far better answer to breast cancer screening. Breast thermography is the most widely studied, safe breast cancer screening tool. The vast majority of those studies have shown it to be safe, accurate and painless. I mentioned earlier it isn't perfect. There is no perfect test for breast cancer.

We believe we have found the perfect adjunct to breast thermography and plan on adding that at no additional cost to our screening protocols making our screening second to none.

We will go into more details in our next blog.

A breast thermography screening at our office is $235.00.    Have a “Breast Thermography Party” at your house with a minimum of 5 ladies and your screening is FREE.   Call for details (714) 363-5595.

Don't You Think You Should Lose a Few Pounds?

Who hasn't thought that they could drop a couple pounds. But how does it feel when the pressure of the media pushes your own family to ask you that same question?

Reality TV has taken over the television airwaves. With channels like Bravo, E!, and MTV, who have begun to spend more time on reality shows than any other, it is not wonder it is taking over our lives. One show that has dominated E! for years is Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

On an episode a couple years ago Khloe Kardashian was asked to pose naked for the PETA I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur campaign. During this episode, step-father Bruce Jenner asked her if she thought she should lose a little weight before posing naked. Khloe Kardashian is 5'10'', wears a size 8, and weighs between 165-170 pounds. According to The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention the average body measurements of US women over the age of 20 is a height of 5'3" and weight of 164.7 pounds (2009). So why do people constantly berate Khloe for being an "ogre" or a "fat cow" if she is technically the average weight of an American woman, yet she is seven inches taller! Have we become that warped that if someone in the public eye isn't 5'10" and 115 pounds we think they are HUGE?

With mainstream networks showing programs like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show or America's Next Top Model how are we not expected to think that women in entertainment should be tall and thin. What's more disturbing is the mere fact that instead of being supportive of someone like Khloe Kardashian we, and her step-father Bruce, think she should lose weight before posing for a naked ad campaign. Our media has brainwashed us to the point that we belittle someone in the entertainment industry who doesn't fit the super model criteria, yet, 79% of the US population is overweight. We sit back on our couches guzzling down empty calories and judge people on TV for being fat, while really it's the average American who should lose a few pounds.

Center for Disease and Control Prevention. (2009). Body Measurements Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/bodymeas.htm

Facebook LIKE Giveaway!!

Runway Junkie is always in the giving mood. And this time we want to give YOU something. Go on our Facebook page http://bit.ly/L2Jp7L, LIKE us, and you'll be entered to WIN!!! We're giving away this super cute Tory Burch Plato Wrap Bracelet. It's a great addition to your summer wardrobe. Click http://bit.ly/L2Jp7L, LIKE, and WIN!!

California Dreamin Fashion Show-May 17th

At RunwayJunkie.com we love fashion shows that celebrate up-and-coming designers. That is why we are teaming up 149 Sports Grill and Bizness Magazine for the California Dreamin Fashion Show in Orange, CA!

This fashion show will be held at 149 Sports Grill on Thursday May 17th. The show starts at 7pm and goes well into the night with an after party that begins at 10pm. It's sure to be a great evening filled with fashion and fun. You will also be lucky enough to get a glimpse of clothing lines by new designers while listening to the music of talented DJs and performers. VIP guests will be treated to beverages, an appetizer bar, as well as receiving a gift bag along with front row seating to the show. They will also be given the opportunity to meet the designers and performers. It's a backstage pass that you won't want to miss out on. After the evening of talent there will be an after party free for guests and only $5 for those that can't make it to the fashion show. The Bizness Magazine and 149 Grill are sure to put on a fashion show that will not only provide entertainment but also introduce you to a wide variety of up-and-coming designers.

The three featured designers are BritBoy Fashions, AerithE, and Shekhar Rahate.

Stay tuned for profiles featuring each of these designers as well as what you can expect from their upcoming collections. Don't forget to buy your tickets for the California Dreamin Fashion Show today!

Blue Skies and Clean Closets

Spring is really here, well at least for those us of that live in Southern California. Besides these beautiful blue skies, this can only mean one thing...spring cleaning. The thought of going through my closet makes me cringe but I try and look at the positives, the more I get rid of, the more room I can make for new clothes. And that makes me happy :) When you do decide to finally take the plunge into the abyss of fabric and zippers, plan ahead for what you will do with the items you can part ways with.

There are multiple women's organizations that take donations of lightly used clothing. These are great places to donate your professional work clothes that you no longer need. Organizations such as Working Wardrobes, WHW, and Dress for Success, help empower women through job placement and an integral part of this process is clothing. These organizations provide a professional pseudo-boutique, where women can go and pick out a few options for interviews and work outfits. By donating your clothes you're helping women to become more self sufficient and powerful in the workplace.

So now what to do with the rest of your beloved pieces that you must get rid of?? Selling online is a great, easy option. While you might run to sites that you are more familiar with, why don't you try something new? RunwayJunkie.com is a great place to sell your high-end designer clothing and accessories. It's simple, easy, and you get to keep all your profits! Best part is, we donate 10% of our personal profits to different women's organizations. So by simply selling on RunwayJunkie.com you're helping out women.

With the beautiful seasons of Spring and Summer upon us we must find it somewhere deep down in us to take the time to clear away last seasons fashion and make room for the upcoming items we will be collecting.

Edgy and Sweet Designers at OC Fashion Showcase

OC Fashion showcase, a fundraising event to help working wardrobes, was held three nights from April 19 to April 21.

Night Two was on Friday April 20, 2012 and was hosted by Susan Romanishin, this year’s Miss California USA. Her desire to help women and children made her a great host for the event! The theme for the night was Edgy and Sweet. This included denim, leather, men’s and couture.

Purple Reign was the first designer of the showcase. Their designs included bright colors and edgy patterns.

Bine and Bas had stylish and sleek menswear. The shirt shown below could be used for a day at work or a night out.

Brit Boy UK Fashions came back to OC Fashion Showcase for night two with more great designs! This time they showed street wear that was trendy with optical shapes.

Laili Lau is a couture line that draws inspiration from tribes. They have great designs with earthy tones and flattering flowy fabrics.

Check back on Runway Junkie Speak Up Blog for more reviews on the OC Fashion Showcase

Also check out runwayjunkie.com to see some of our designer listings!

Emerging Designers at OC Fashion Showcase

This past weekend, Runway Junkie attended the OC Fashion Showcase and saw many beautiful designs for a great cause!

OC Fashion Showcase is an annual fundraising event for Working Wardrobes, an OC based non- profit organization that helps underprivileged men and women get back on their feet and into the workplace.  This event brings together fashion and local businesses to support their cause. 

The first night's fashion show them, "Beach" showed off amazing surf, swim and casual beach wear designs.

BOLD Girlz was the first designer of the night. B.O.L.D girls stands for Brave Original Loving Daring. This is a local company donates 10% of their proceeds to charities that empower women. Fantastic to know great minds think alike!

Their designs shown were casual beach. One of their identifying features is a G shaped peace sign.

The second designer was Confiance. Confiance (meaning confidence in French) is an LA based company that emphasizes diversity. Confiance has T-shirts and hand made jewelry inspired by other cultures. Many of their designs have phrases written on them in various languages.  Each item even has a handmade logo!

Brit Boy Swimwear is a designer that embodies British culture in each piece. Many have British symbols such as the British flag. The swimsuit pictured below has parts of the British flag lining the edges.

The last designer of the night was Borreca Swimwear. With their bright colors and daring designs, these swimsuits would be a showstopper anywhere.  

 Stay posted on Runwayjunkie Speak Up Blog for reviews from Friday and Saturday night's event! 

Orange County Fashion Showcase 2012

For all you blog readers who are in the Southern California, Orange County area, have I got a fashion event for you! The Orange County Fashion Showcase is an event that brings together fashion, business, and philanthropy. By combining fashion shows, networking, music, silent auctions and celebrities, the goal is the raise awareness of the chosen philanthropy. This year, the OC Fashion Showcase has teamed up with Working Wardrobes. Since this is an organization Runway Junkie loves to support, we felt it imperative to be involved in with this event.

From Thursday April 19- Saturday April 21, there will be a plethora of fashion shows, musical performances, red carpets, networking, and after parties. On Thursday and Friday the events take place in Costa Mesa, then move to Huntington Beach for the last night of fashion and philanthropy on Saturday. There will also be seminars from 9am-12pm on Saturday in Irvine. There's so much to choose from, so come to it all!

For more information or to purchase tickets check out the Orange County Fashion Showcase website. Runway Junkie looks forward to seeing you over the next few days. Don't forget to bring clothing to donate to Working Wardrobes! See you there!

Shopping While Being Socially Conscious

When you hear the word shopping, I bet socially conscious isn't the first thing to come to mind. When a girlfriend says, "Let's go shopping!" you probably think about your favorite boutique or department store you want to visit. Or maybe you think about a new watch or pair of jeans you've had your eye on. Well, if we can all start to think a little more socially conscious when we think of shopping we can make some BIG differences.

Being socially conscious can mean a lot of things, so for the purpose of this specific blog I'm defining it as shopping on sites or in stores that are charitable. Again, you might think charitable? shopping? Well yes, that is exactly what I mean! When you're thinking about buying a new Michael Kors purse or a pair of Seven Jeans, you can check out some sites and stores that might have exactly what you're looking for and even better, donate profits to a great cause!

Many women's charities have boutiques that sell new and used clothing that has been donated to their cause. By purchasing items at these boutiques you're donating to a cause while buying something new. You might be thinking that you're not into the whole thrift store, used clothing thing, but don't knock this till you try it. Many of these boutiques are high-end, have designer items, and many are new, never used items. Orange County, California has many of these boutiques run by women's organizations. Just to name a few...

Working Wardrobes- The Hanger

WHW- Deja New

New Directions For Women- Repeat Boutique

Maybe you don't live in Orange County but if you Google women's charities in your area, you'd be surprised at how many have boutiques.

Another way to shop socially consciously is online. Many fashion websites have teamed up with different charities that they donate a percentage of their profits to. Or certain designers help out their favorite causes by donating money from the sale of certain items. At RunwayJunkie.com we hold this topic near and dear to our heart. We make it our mission to donate at least 10% of own net-profits to a variety of women's organizations. So by shopping on our site you are helping women and getting great deals on high-end, designer items.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation + Michael Kors

Whether or not you, or someone you know has had breast cancer, it is a disease that looms in the back of all our minds. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Between your grandmother, mother, sisters, and daughters, there is a chance that one person you are close to will suffer from this life threatening disease. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has made it their mission to find a method of prevention and a cure for the disease. With an average of 1 woman dying every 13 minutes from breast cancer, it is an important to help fight against it.

Designers, such as Michael Kors, are finding ways to help support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through fashion. Michael Kors was inspired to design a bracelet to help donate money to the foundation that he believes is important. He is donating 100% of the proceeds from the bracelet sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. These $20, yellow, black, or pink leather bracelets will help to find a cure.

Michael Kors is not the only one in fashion to help the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Anne Klein, Bloomingdale's, Hudson Jeans, and Lacoste, just to name a few, have all been involved in giving back to the foundation. Visit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to find out more about corporate partners or how you can be involved in helping research, prevention, or finding a cure for this disease.

Pro-Anorexia Websites: They Might Effect You More Than You Think

There's a rising trend on the world wide web that you may or may not be familiar with, pro-anorexia websites. These sites are made to support this dangerous eating disorder through having forums, tips and ticks, and "thinspiration." While you might not be searching for these sites, at some point you may come across them, or even worse, your daughter or son may already be looking at them.

Pro-anorexia websites have been developed for those who believe they choose to be anorexic. They provide an avenue for these people to discuss their habits and find support from others who are going through the same thing. The scary thing is that they do not believe they are suffering from a disease, rather they view anorexia as a lifestyle choice.

These sites can be potentially harmfull for a few reasons.

First, these sites are filled with information on how to be anorexic. You can go on them to find ways to trick friends and family so they don't know you're anorexic. You can also learn tips on how to eat only an apple a day and ways to trick yourself into not thinking you're starving.

Second, "thinspiration." This is where people on the site post pictures of extremely thin models, actresses, singers, athletes, and even sometimes everyday people. These pictures are to act as inspiration to continue starving yourself to look like them.

Third, even those who are not anorexic are harmed by these sites. Research has found that women who are exposed to these pro-anorexia websites have higher body dissatisfaction after viewing them. They also found that women would also show signs of disordered eating after looking at these sites.

While you might not be personally seeking out pro-anorexia websites, it's important to be aware of them for you and your child's sake. You need to know how harmful they can be for yourself or someone else in your family. By talking with your children and being mindful of what they might find on the Internet you can try to protect them from these dangerous sites.

Healthy Heart Leads to a Happy Woman

When you hear about the importance of having a healthy heart, heart attacks might not be the first thing that come to mind. Younger generations may be thinking about a love lost and how that hurt their heart. Older generations may be thinking about just keeping in shape through the hectic life we call adulthood. But how many women think heart attack?

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Crazy, huh? I bet you thought it was something else. Well the truth is that a large majority of women die from heart disease more than any other disease and this can be at any age. So here are a few tips found on the American Heart Association Website to keeping a healthy heart.

• Make sure you're working out and eating right
• Don't smoke
• Drink in moderation
• Be careful of your birth control
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Know your family history

These are not the only things you should be aware of while trying to keep a healthy heart, but it's a good start. Any women at any age is susceptible to cardiovascular disease so make sure you're aware of prevention, signs, and symptoms. And love yourself and your heart!

Makeup Tips for the Busy Mom

Hey moms! I bet between rushing around to get your children from school to activities to home, and still trying to stay sane you have little time for yourself. It's important to make sure you take some time (even if it's just five minuets) to give you a little attention. One way of doing this is stealing away for a few moments in the morning to apply a little t.l.c. to your face. I'm not saying that you need the makeup (you're beautiful the way you are) but it might just help to make you feel a little extra self love.

First, make sure you are properly cleansing your face every morning. It's important to wash, tone, and moisturize to keep the skin looking young and fresh. Haven't found a brand you love? Try Dermologica, it works for a variety of skin types and has every product you need to keep that skin looking great.

Next, apply foundation. To make this an even quicker and more helpful step, find a foundation that has an SPF in it so there is no need for sunscreen. BareMinerals makes a foundation with SPF 15. Apply the foundation to your eye lids as well and there is no need for eye shadow. It adds a natural look while still looking like you put effort into it.

Third, this is really an extension of step two, but don't forget to add a little blush or bronzer to your cheek bones. It adds color to your cheeks and makes your skin glow. BareMinerals also makes great blushes and bronzers.

Last, mascara. One thing that will always help to make your eyes pop is a little mascara. Whether you can splurge for the MAC mascara or keep it low budget with Maybelline found at your neighborhood Target, it's important to add this little touch to complete your mommy look.

These four quick steps can make such a difference in your fast paced mommy life. Whether you have an infant or high school kids, take a little bit of time to make yourself feel great during the hectic life of a mother. You deserve it!

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the RunwayJunkie.com blog! Here we will be mixing fashion and philanthropy. From selling your Seven jeans, to buying a new BCBG cocktail dress, to helping women's organizations, RunwayJunkie.com is a great site to be a part of. This blog will explore everything from fashion trends to non-profits and all that is in between. So follow our blog and become a part of the RunwayJunkie community!

RunwayJunkie.com is more than just a place to buy and sell clothing, it is somewhere you can go to learn about a variety of women’s organizations and charities that we work with and contribute to. RunwayJunkie.com is about women supporting women through the avenue of clothing. It’s the perfect way to be an active member in the women’s community while looking great!

Let me tell you a little more about Runwayjunkie.com and what we do:

RunwayJunkie.com is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell women's designer clothes and accessories. You list your own items for any price and you decide the shipping and the return policy; you are in total control of your items. We also have an easy purchasing system where you are in direct contact with the person you want to purchase a designer piece from. It makes buying and selling new and lightly used clothes easy. So come join us and start selling your clothes today!

Fashion is not the only thing we do at Runwayjunkie.com, we also love to donate! We take 10% of our net profits and donate them to a variety of women's organizations. We believe that giving back and looking great are non-negotiable. That's why we've created a site where you can buy, sell, AND help a cause. We have teamed up with non-profits that benefit women in the LA and Orange County area. Have a non-profit in mind? Go to our contribution page and nominate your favorite non-profit.

Follow this blog to find out about fashion trends, featured designers and boutiques, and to learn more about women's issues and organizations. And don't forget to visit Runwayjunkie.com for all your buying and selling needs!