Week of October 26 - November 1, 2010

Event

Procter & Gamble has opened a pop-up store in New York City as part of its Have You Tried This Yet? campaign. The pop-up store will be open now until October 31 at 101 West 57th Street (near 6th Avenue). The Pop-Up will be open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. It will offer free demonstrations and product samples from brands such as Tide, Bounty, Pringles, Charmin, Febreze, Covergirl and Olay, allowing consumers to experience the products first-hand and see what's new.

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Skincare

Recently, skincare companies like Orlane, Perricone MD and Natura Bisee have begun tapping into a new market with regimens formulated for the 25-year-old age group.Too old for acne treatments designed for hormonal teenage skin and too young for full-blown anti-aging treatments, women in their twenties have long been neglected of products that meet their specific skincare needs. Around age 25, the production of substances like hyaluronic acid and collagen, substances crucial for young-looking skin, decreases. The initially hidden effects of these changes emerge five or ten years later as wrinkles on the skin’s surface.Orlane, Paris spearheaded the trend earlier this year with a three-step regimen called Anagenese 25+, including:

• Morning Recovery Concentrate First Time-Fighting Serum ($100)

• First Time-Fighting Care Eye Contour ($85)

• First Time-Fighting Care ($100)

Formulated specifically for women from 25 to 35, Anagenese 25+ postpones the onset of aging using pro-growth factors and crinopexy technology while providing instant, visible improvements to the skin’s luminosity and tone. Available at www.bloomingdales.com

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Running

Marathon season is now in full swing! GEM is pumped about running, especially after watching the recent Chicago Marathon; the Nike Women’s Marathon; and excited about the upcoming New York City Marathon. We decided to break out our kicks and see what else we need for a good run. Whether it’s the great outdoors or the health club treadmill, don’t forget these accessories the next time you lace up your shoes and head out the door.

Zico Coconut Water:
Staying hydrated is a basic rule of thumb when engaging in exercise. Rather than water, refill your bottle with Zico’s 100% coconut water. It contains 5 essential electrolytes, allowing your body to re-hydrate faster by replacing lost minerals. It is available at a variety of organic-based grocery stores including Whole Foods and the Fresh Market.

MiCoach Stride Sensor:
Take control, set goals, and become your own life coach with the help of Adidas miCoach. Simply clip the sensor to your laces and monitor pace, distance and stride rate. Use it in conjunction with Adidas’s other electronic products for the ultimate running experience. The miCoach is $50 and may be purchased at www.adidas.com.


New iPod Nano:
Apple has just introduced “a new way to nano” with colorful, mini iPod Nano’s. Half the size of the original Nano and even easier to play, this new music player has been completely redesigned with Multi-Touch — the same technology that makes iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch so high-tech! Just clip this cute colorful iPod anywhere and you can run to your favorite tunes with ease. To purchase visit any www.applestore.com.


Nike Swift Y-back Women’s Sports Bra:
Its gym class meets chemistry lab with Nike’s new design being the fashionable result. The Dri-FIT fabric offers ventilation by wicking excess sweat away from the body and bringing it to the fabric’s surface, where it then evaporates. This leaves the runner feeling dry and comfortable with the support needed to cross the finish line. Available at www.Nike.com.


Deuce Brand Pink Ribbon Watch:
The ultimate must-have for every work-out, this water-proof watch will withstand the most strenuous of activities, rain or shine. Not to mention, the pink band will add a dash of pizzazz to even the dreariest of mornings. Deuce Brand Pink Ribbon Watches cost $20.00 each and 10% of each watch goes directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The watches can be purchased online at www.deucebrand.com and at various retailers around the country.

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Kicks

Bringing the “Heat” this season is an all new LeBron James signature shoe. The LEBRON 8 uses the best of Max Air 360 and Flywire technology to create a solid performance shoe.
The LEBRON 8 is classically crafted and modeled after the shell of a dress shoe.Functional detailing in the perimeter of the outsole provides flexibility while representing LeBron’s personal inspiration points. Deep cut forefoot flex grooves provide an optimal range of motion. Lightweight multidirectional herringbone pattern specifically designed for LeBron’s first step and his quick cuts.

The lion on the front-side of the tongue represents LeBron’s ravenous nature – like that of a hunter on the basketball court. The tongue-back label is a nod to bespoke off court attire, and highlights the crafted nature of the LEBRON 8 made specifically for Mr. LeBron James. The numbers 828 represent the 82 regular season games and the 28 playoff games.

The height differential between the collar and heel has increased, which results in better lock down and more Achilles flexion.

The structural TPU injected frame around Flywire technology, delivers ergonomic zonally-designed support, for lightweight lockdown only where needed.

The Swoosh design was moved back on the LEBRON 8 towards the rear of the shoe, ending on unique spoiler loop, to symbolize LeBron’s speed on court.

Midsole compression molded Phylon interface works in concert with Max Air 360 cushioning to help guide through the footstrike and further enhance the ride.

Max Air 360 unit was designed for ultimate cushioning and impact protection.

The alternating formation of the laces eye row was created for better fit, with a top eyelet to provide enhanced lockdown through dual pull design, shaped like the number 8.

The fully integrated, seamless mesh innersleeve provides breathability and comfort.

Outsole geometry combined with X Flex design decouples the heel to displace force and pressure.

For more info visit www.Nike.com

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Shopping

With Halloween just around the corner, if you don’t have your costume together visit www.FlirtCatalog.com for an array of fun and flirty costumes, from popular styles like French Maid and Cop, to intricate, high-end get-ups like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” look. One of this year’s most popular collections is the “Adult Tea Party,” which offers a selection of costumes inspired by the hit film “Alice in Wonderland!”

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Day of the Dead

Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead on November 1st and the 2nd. The tradition suggests the belief that between October 31st and the day of the celebration, the souls of the dearly departed roam the earth to enjoy the pleasures they had in their earthly life. The holiday is meant to honor those who have passed, and celebrate their life.

As a result of the mixing of cultures and their Catholic and Mayan antecedents, the days of the dead are a time of great family togetherness in which the whole family take part and everyone is involved.

Throughout the state of Quintana Roo, “Hanal Pixan” -as the Day of the Dead is known within the Mayan tradition- is one of the most significant traditions, due to all the preparations involved: the building of beautiful altars, adorned with palm crosses, candles, drinks, pictures and the “deceased’s” favorite food comes to life. During “Hanal Pixan”, people pray and sing, sweep the yards and paint the walls to receive the dead with full honors.

Gastronomically, “Hanal Pixan” is a celebration that bursts with flavor. Large portions of the best dishes are prepared, with the idea that the souls enjoy earthly pleasures such as food. Proof of this is the Mucbipollo, from the Mayan “Pib” which means “buried” and is a tamale or corn cake stuffed with chicken, sauce, broth and spices, cooked in a hole in the ground and covered with banana leaves. All the food is arranged on the altars for the souls to have their feast. The belief dictates that the offered food looses its flavor and nutrients by the next day.

Day of the dead was declared in 2003 as a World’s Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, due to the importance it has on Mexican indigenous communities’ everyday lives regarding the different dimensions and perceptions of death.

Week of October 12 to October 18, 2010

TECH

On the Run with Nike
The new Nike+ GPS App allows runners to use their iPhone to visually map every run while tracking pace, distance, time and calories-burned as well as stay motivated with instant feedback during and after each run from athletes like Paula Radcliffe and Lance Armstrong, and comedian Tracy Morgan!
The app also connects runners around the world or just down the street through www.nikeplus.com, the largest running community in the world with more than 3 million members. The Nike+ GPS app for iPhone allows runners to:

Run Anywhere: From indoor to outdoor, track to treadmill, this new app combines the power of GPS technology with an accelerometer to map and track a run from anywhere. Even if the GPS signal is not available, the accelerometer will allow the user to continue to track pace, distance, time and calories-burned.

Map Your Runs: GPS technology allows runners to keep track all of their routes including a breakdown of pace and distance at different points during a run. Runners can even tap the screen during a run to see their current location. Challenge Yourself: The “Challenge Me” feature allows runners to challenge themselves to run farther, faster, or longer than a previous run already logged. The app will also track run history to be able to personalize challenges.

Stay Connected: Runners can wirelessly connect with www.nikeplus.com after each run to instantly save the run and share it with friends via the site, Twitter, or Facebook. In addition, they can view their progress on goals, participate in running challenges and download coaching programs.

Stay Motivated: Runners receive motivating messages from top athletes and celebrities when specific customized goals are achieved, challenges are won, or when a personal best is achieved. Runners can also tap the iPhone screen to receive in-run feedback.

The Nike+ GPS App is available for $1.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Nike+ GPS App is compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch although the app will function only through accelometer technology on the iPod touch.

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SHOPPING

Shop for the Cure: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, many brands will inspire shoppers to show their support for breast cancer awareness with this year’s must-have accessory item.

The 2010 Payless Breast Cancer Awareness charm bracelet benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s leading breast cancer advocacy organization. The nation’s largest specialty footwear retailer is proud to once again offer its Embrace the Cause bracelet in all its stores beginning Oct. 1 and online at Payless.com® starting this week for just $2 – an accessible price that enables more people to get involved and has raised more than $3.6 million since 2004 for the cause.

Payless will donate 100 percent of the net profits (at least $1/bracelet) of bracelet sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, helping to support breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Over the past seven years, the Payless Embrace the Cause program has raised more than $3.6 million in the fight against breast cancer and Payless is proud to be a member of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s “Million Dollar Council.”

The limited-edition charm bracelet features three elastic pink bands embellished with several “floating” silver-toned balls, linked together by a dangling breast cancer awareness ribbon charm. To buy the bracelet, consumers can visit all Payless stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico beginning Oct. 1 or shop www.Payless.com beginning this week.

Beginning last week, Payless also began offering the "Sierra" all-pink sweater slipper in select stores in the U.S. and Canada. The Sierra is a scuff-style slipper, co-branded Airwalk and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and features a plush and cozy pink faux fur lining with a cable knit upper also trimmed in faux fur. The slipper is offered in women's and girls' sizing and retails for $19.99 and $17.99, respectively. Payless will donate $2 per pair sold to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

According to the American Cancer Society’s 2010 facts and figures, an estimated 207,090 cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur in the United States this year alone. One woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes in the United States. For more information on breast health or breast cancer, contact Susan G. Komen for the Cure at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or visit www.komen.org.

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TELEVISION

Norte A Sur
Young American Latinos today are known for being explorers, creators, challengers, tearers-down and builders-up. Like every generation of American youth, they are questioning the “what is” and looking for the “what should be”. For them being a pioneer is a mixture of their culture, style and music. They are influenced by the world’s cultural landscape and authentic distinctions of their own. The question is: Where we can find these modern day Latino pioneers?

This fall, Levi’s invites you to ‘Go Forth’ through the lens of the Norte A Sur, Una Ruta...5 Experiencias show where viewers will get a chance to join five modern day pioneers traveling along the Pan-American Highway to discover more about themselves and their roots. The journey will be broadcasted on Discovery en Español from September 25 through November 27, 2010. Throughout the journey these modern day pioneers will make local stops to engage with the Real Work of communities and explore different cultures through the fields of art, music, design and fashion.

Viewers of Discovery en Español will get the chance to be part of the journey through the online community at www.norteasur5enruta.com where, among other things, they can see the travelers’ status updates, make their own comments, send pictures and video, and virtually experience the travelers’ journey. Fans can also interact with the travelers through a dedicated Norte A Sur, Una Ruta... 5 Experiencias Facebook page and even share their own visual journey by posting their favorite pictures on the Norte A Sur, Una Ruta... 5 Experiencias Flickr site.

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APP
Recently launched, the new PayPal app has some great features that are so helpful in everyday use!

• Donations: Choose from over 23,000 charities in the U.S., UK and Canada and instantly make a contribution. Don’t know where to start? Search by keyword to find foundations that support your passions, or search by location to direct your funds to a local charity.

• Send Money: Sending money with the PayPal app is easier than going to the ATM or mailing checks to friends and family you may owe money to, or want to add a little doe to their pockets. All you need is the recipient’s e-mail address or mobile number and they will get a message telling them their cash is ready. They can then log in or sign up for a PayPal account to withdraw the money. This is great to use when splitting the check of a meal, a vacation, a present, etc.

• Split the check: Don’t waste another hour in the restaurant splitting the check down to the very last penny. Conveniently calculate costs and tip with this great function.

• Collect money: Easily collect money from your friends when you take the brunt of the bill. They will receive a notification telling them what they owe you so you can get your money back in your pocket!

• Set reminders: In addition to using this feature to manage your PayPal accounts, it is great for recurring payments, like paying rent or paying off those daunting, but necessary, credit card bills.

• Bump: This one’s really the best of both worlds…fun and effective! Users tap iPhones or Android phones, and funds are quickly transferred between their PayPal accounts with a token “bump” to seal the deal.

• Mobile Express Checkout: PayPal Mobile Express Checkout (currently in beta) makes it easier people to shop from their phones. Take impulse purchases to the next level and instantly shop online from your mobile device. With Mobile Check Capture, skip the hassle of inputting all of your shipping and credit card info every time the shopping bug strikes. With just a couple of clicks and a confirmation your wants (and needs) are yours!

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SPA

SPA WEEK
Its Spa Week again! This year for the 13th edition of the Fall 2010 Event day, medical and resort spas will continue to offer 2-3 of their most exclusive services for the discounted price of $50 each. Spa Week’s Fall 2010 Event will take place October 11th – 17th.

Without further ado, here are our Top 5 Spa Treatment Trends for the Fall 2010 Event:

• Fighting Allergies - Sinus massages, breathe-easy facials and cold and flu bath salts are just a few of the spa services being featured this upcoming Spa Week. New treatments using Eucalyptus, humidifiers and Lymph drainage movements are just a few of the techniques being used to assist in allergy relief.

• Bikini Glamour - Vajazzling made its sparkly splash at the Spring 2010 Event, when bedazzling your bikini became the hot new standard in girly glamour. Bikini/Bum Facials and post-Brazilian waxing rituals such as Airbrush painting and Vattooing are now the latest in bikini adornment.

• Sleeping and Dreaming - A good night’s slumber with proper REM cycles can be just as rejuvenating as a spa treatment, so one of the hottest trends emerging in the industry is a dream-worthy mix of the two to promote better sleeping patterns. Some of these treatments being offering during the Fall 2010 Event include a Stress Solution Facial, Private Yoga Session and Meditation Calmquest Treatment.

• Lash Extensions - Eyelash length, thickness, volume and darkness have gone way up on the beauty priority lists of women now more than ever. While new drugstore and professional lash volumizers continue to crowd the lash-enhancing market, the Fall Spa Week event is poised to give women more professional lash-extending options than ever before.
  

• Instant Inch Loss - The spa is becoming a go-to place to get almost instant, weight-loss results in addition to providing long term benefits. Colon Hydrotherapy is becoming more popular as a quick, easy cleanse, and new med-spa services like the 7E Treatment and Ionithermie give immediate results by targeting muscles with waveform technology.