Victoria Beckman Fall 2009 Collection

Victoria Beckman Fall 2009 Collection. For fall we can once again expect great designer collections and Victoria Beckman is among one of the newest celebrity designers to join the bunch. She's already had a collection of great dresses and these fashionable clothing for her fall line are trendy, chic and afforable plus I'm loving the deep rich purples in this line.

International Women's Day: March 8, 2009

International Women's Day is March 8, 2009

Did you know that we have a day? Even thought it has been official since 1911, it was news to me until very recently. According to the IWD site, International Women's Day, "is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future." When you visit the site, you'll see that it is devoted to addressing this topic in the areas of innovation, business/finance, media/arts, work & government.

The official theme for this year is "Women and men united to end violence against women and girls." Historically, however, many locales have adapted the theme to make it more relevant to the circumstances in their areas of the world. In 2008, there were 684 events in 56 countries. So far this year, 514 events are scheduled in 40 countries.

To find out what's happening anywhere in the world, click here. If you want to plan an event of your own, you can upload it here to encourage others to attend. If all else fails, consider gathering with friends and being thankful for the good company that you keep.

Scarlett Johansson for Dolce and Gabbana Pictures

Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana pictures. So Scarlett Johnasson is the new face of Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics line. I must say she's the perfect celebrity for the job since her beauty is classic girl next door. The New Dolce & Gabanna line will lauch this spring and prices will range from $20 for nail lacquer to $59 for powder foundation.

I love the look of these ads, Scarlett looks so old Hollywood retro glam, and those red lips and nail polish super fab!

Events Calendar from Women's Adventure Magazine

Women's Adventure magazine has a very cool new events calendar. Click here to see the March page but you can opt for a different month if you choose. There is a color-coded key at the bottom of the page to help you find the events that most interest you: dark blue means adventure racing, light green mean running, teal means a clinic, etc. Run your cursor over any item on the calendar and a box pops up with details.

This is a terrific resource, I'll post the link on the right side of blog with the other adventure links. Thanks Women's Adventure!

Meditation Marathon

I was just reading an interesting post at the Everything Yoga Blog. There is another site holding "Compassion Meditation Marathons" every Saturday through 2009. Their goal: to bring more compassion into the world through 1 million hours of meditation.

For me, meditation is a quiet time when I focus on freeing my mind from any thoughts and concentrate simply on my breath, so I wondered how a site could organize an online meditation marathon. To be honest, it's pretty neat.

The emphasis here is on guided meditation, where someone verbally walks you through visualization and positive thoughts. There are 40 separate guided meditations on this site and you can sit for a marathon and go through all 40 or you can do several at a time for several weeks in a row. Check the step-by-step instructions on the left side of the home page or click here for instructions on how to get started.

If you are new to meditation this is an easy way to begin your own practice. If you are experienced then you already know the wonderful benefits meditation can bring into your life. Either way, I encourage you to visit Compassion Meditation Marathons for a peaceful inner adventure.

Addendum (4/17/10):
I recently learned about a nice site that will help you take mini meditation breaks throughout your day.  Visit the Mindfulness Bell and set the pleasant bells to ring at regular intervals or randomly. As long as you are near your computer, you'll hear the tones gently reminding you to take a moment to concentrate on your breath and quiet your mind. 

Outside Magazine Has Your Guide to Races for 2009

The March issue of Outside magazine offers their list of the best races for 2009. Spanning the country and the calendar, Outside's picks run the gamut from biking to canoeing to multi-sport events and even to running in costume. These aren't just for the Serena Williams of the world, this list has something for serious athletes and amateurs alike.

Don't see what you're looking for? Outside has tips for creating your own race.

Stila for Barbie Runway Show Face Charts

Stila for Barbie Runway Show Face Charts. If you haven't seen the Barbie fashion show from fashion week what in the world are you waiting for. Its one of the biggest things to hit fashion week and you can catch images from the show here. Stila was behind the gorgeous makeup looks for the event and here's the face charts we've all been dying to see.

“Futuristic Barbie”

Face: Tinted Moisturizer and Perfecting Concealer. #2 Stila Sun Bronzer.

Eyes: Charm, Wisteria, Cobalt Smudge Pot, White Pearl Kajal Pencil

Lips: Topaz Kajal Liner, #1 Contour Pencil, Praline Lip Glaze

“Present Day Barbie”

Face: Illuminating Liquid Foundation, Perfecting Concealer/ All Over Shimmer in White Sheen #1.

Eyes: Stay All Day Waterproof Liner, Black Major Major Lash

Lips: “Giggle” Light Pink lip vinyl

“Past Barbie”

Face: Natural Finish Oil-Free Foundation, Perfecting Concealer. Fade Cheek Color, creatre structure.

Eyes: Stay All Day Waterproof Liner, Black Major Major Lash, Chinois. Brow set to add strength.

Lips: Lip Vinyl in Red Glossy