Discounts + Fundraising ... shopping never felt so good!

There are so many coupon sites out there ... Groupon, Living Social, Circle Buzz, Juice in the City, Spaphile ... the list goes on and on. My email inbox is flooded daily with deals. I event created a Twitter list to help me keep track of any I want to share (you are welcome to follow it). Each of these sites gives you the chance to save a few bucks, but none of these sites gives you the change to also give back like KidsCause.

So what is KidsCause and why should you subscribe to their deals?


KidsCause is an organization that works with local businesses to provide discounts on exciting products and services while also improving the lives of children in local communities. 50% of KidsCause revenues from each and every deal goes to a different youth based non-profit every week. The non-profits include school foundations, non-profits, and other charities that provide kids of all ages with education, food, beds, homes, healthcare and other services. KidsCause’s main goal is to enrich and support the lives of our local kids.

What are you waiting for? Sign up to get the KidsCause Daily Deal Email! After you subscribe a confirmation email will be sent for you to verify your email address. You can also follow KidsCause on Twitter.

Yoga for Hope

I started practicing hatha yoga in 2000 when I was living in San Francisco. For 2 years I twisted my body in a heated room at least 3 days a week. I was in the best physical and mental condition of my life.

City of Hope has also discovered the benefits of yoga. Patients are offered gentle restorative yoga classes as a complementary therapy to traditional treatments. This program has had a profound impact on quality of life for many City of Hope patients.

On Saturday, March 5, 2011, I will be participating in Yoga for Hope, an event to bring awareness to the benefits of yoga practice for patients with life-threatening illnesses. The proceeds will go to benefit research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope, one of the nation's leading centers for cancer treatment and research.

Please support me and City of Hope's work. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Let's help improve lives together.

Here is information about Yoga for Hope if you would like to join me:

DATE: Saturday, March 5, 2011

LOCATION: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Boulevard, san Diego, CA 92101

REGISTRATION FEE: Adults (16+) $40 online or $50 day of event

Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Ceremony: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Yoga and Meditation: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Vendor Booths Open: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Featuring renowned yoga instructors Stacy McCarthy, Tim Miller, Bonnie Saldivar-Jones, Michael Fukumura and Claire Petretti, as well as yogi musician Steve Gold.

Jane Austen’s EMMA A Musical Romantic Comedy at The Old Globe

This past Saturday night I had a GNO (girls' night out) with Stacey, Sugar, Theresa and Jennifer. We went for drinks at The Prado and to opening night of Jane Austen’s EMMA, A Musical Romantic Comedy at The Old Globe. Good company, good drinks and a good show ... that makes for a great night out!



I worked for the Magic Theatre in San Francisco for 3 years working stage production, assistant directing and marketing. No matter how much work is put into a performance to get it ready there is nothing like the opening night of a show. After months, weeks, days of rehearsal and previews it all culminates into the success of opening night. Critics are mixed in with family, friends and colleagues of the cast and crew. You can feel the electricity of excitement and anxiousness in the air. On Saturday night I could feel all of that the minute I sat down in my center balcony seat.

As I mentioned in my previous post I studied Jane Austen as part of my major in university, so I was very skeptical about having one of her a novels turned into a musical. Austen's wrote stories that are relevant at any age, especially Emma. The story of Emma is simple ... a young lady who think she knows what is best for everyone, but in her process of trying to improve her friends' lives she discovers herself. So did adding musical numbers into this story make it even better?

I loved how some musical numbers brought out the comedy of characters like Harriet's Humiliation. Unfortunately, I felt that some songs were pointless or too long. For example, The Argument between of Emma and Mr. Knightley in his office when he lectured her on match making seemed forced. To me, there is room for improvement with the musical numbers.

The adaptation of the novel was decent. Some modern references I found awkward and jarring from the period piece, but most people might not notice them as much as I did (guess I'm just an Austen snob).

With that said, I thought Patti Murin did a wonderful job as Emma and Dani Marcus was a perfect Harriet Smith. The relationship between the actors was believable. I enjoyed the performances of Will Reynolds as Frank Churchill, Amanda Naughton as Mrs. Weston and Brian Herndon as Mr. Elton. I thought Adam Monley came off too pompous and not charming enough to make me really want Emma to be with him. Kelly Hutchinson's performance of Mrs. Elton drove me crazy ... but, I guess that is what that character is supposed to do!

What did impress me was the set. I loved how the floor rotated limiting the set change time. There were some issues with sight line according to other audience members, but I think as the show settles in these little issues will work themselves out.



Overall, I recommend that you see Jane Austen’s EMMA A Musical Romantic Comedy at The Old Globe. It was entertaining and will make for a good night out at the theatre. Also, San Diego Bargain Mama Members receive 50% discount and NO handling fee! Click here to purchase tickets. Select tickets before or on January 22, 2011 and use the Promo Code: SDBM.* All tickets will be waiting at Will Call, located at the Box Office, under your name.

If you see the show come back and let me know what you thought!

*Discounts apply to Area A seating only. Offer only available online.

Heart of Haiti ... shopping can change lives

On January 12, it will be the one year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Seems like last month I called into the Hope For Haiti Now telethon to make a donation. The telethon raised over $57 million and the continued relief efforts of Haitians and the international community have been extraordinary, but the recovery process has just begun for this already impoverished country. The people of Haiti continue to suffer from inadequate access to basic water, sanitation, healthcare, and education services and protection from disease, exploitation, and unsanitary conditions.

Fairwinds Trading CEO, Willa Shalit has created a way for us to help the people of Haiti by simply shopping!

The Heart of Haiti Project helps address the need for sustainable income in Haiti. It has provided employment of 450 artists in Haiti to create an exclusive collection of hand made artisan-crafted home decor for sale at Macy's. The artists receive 22 percent of the retail price for each item in the collection which can help support their families. This effort has already provided financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.

The collection features products made with different raw materials like recycled old drums, wrought iron, paper-mâché and stone. Each and every piece is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity. I personally love the trays:

You can purchase the Heart of Haiti products exclusively at Macy's.

More information on the Heart of Haiti Project:
Macy's Microsite
Facebook
Twitter

I was selected for this very special "CleverHaiti" opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

30 Days of Truth - Day 4

I have told very few people about this, but it has plagued me for 20 years. When I was in high school I made the very stupid mistake of losing my virginity to a boy I didn't even really like. My best friend (at the time) and her boyfriend had already "done it" and somehow convinced me that I should too with one of his friends. To this day the memory of that afternoon is so clear. They arranged the whole thing. I remember when the boy dropped me off afterwards he said without an ounce of happiness "I guess we are going out now."

For a couple months the four of us were inseparable. The movies, the mall, school dances … double dates where ever we would go. I thought that this was that high school was all about. Who cared if this boy didn't really like me as long as I had a boyfriend and was popular.

Then something changed. I still don't know what happened to cause it. All I know is that I showed up at school and my "best friend" had told everyone that I was no longer a virgin and at lunch time the boy broke up with me in front of everyone. The next few months were hell. I was teased and bullied. Rumors were made up about me. I didn't know who my real friends were. From that point independence became my only security and did everything I could to just blend in.

Eventually some other high school drama took the focus off of me, but I never really recovered from the bullying and teasing. I remember waking up in the middle of the night about 10 years ago sobbing because I dreamt about when my "Ho! Ho! Ho!" Christmas gift wrapped locker door was defaced with the words "Yes, you are." So many of my problems now stemmed for that time. There are a lot of people who took part in the bullying, but my so called "best friend" was behind it all and to this day I have never forgiven her.

As a parent I worry every day about Princess D being a victim of bullying, or even worse, taking part in bullying someone else. Join me in making an effort to help prevent bullying.

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Learn more about these two projects:
30 Days of Truth
National Blog Posting Month

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A whole lot of heart

This is the third year I have walked in the American Heart Association 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk. Unlike the past years, it was a hot and humid morning. Like the past years there were hundreds of people walking.



This year my mom walked with me. My family heart history on her side is peppered with heart disease and strokes. My mom herself has battled high blood pressure for years. Because of this I pay close attention to my blood pressure.



Like every other time in my life my mom has supported me. Today we crossed the finish line together. Together we can change our family heart history.

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Under pressure

I am entering my 4th week of training and fund raising for the American Heart Association 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk. I have started going on 3 mile walks about 4-5 days a week. I have been drinking protein smoothies every morning and eating much healthier (thanks to my mom who is a fabulous cook). I have met my fund raising goal of $500. And, I still have 3 more weeks to go!

First, I want to thank all of you that donated helping me to reach my goal. Your money is going to a very important cause.

Second, I know I have met my fund raising goal, but I would love to beat it (pun intended). So, please donate now if you haven't.

Finally, I want to tell you a little about me this week ...

I have always paid close attention to my blood pressure knowing that heart disease is a is a problem in my family. When I was pregnant with Princess D I craved everything that dietitians frown upon -- pasta, cheese, cookies, bread, french fries, ice cream. I craved junk food which showed when I visited my obstetrician for my 3 month check. My blood pressure was elevated higher than what it should be at. I had heard stories about women losing their babies due to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and it scared the daylights out of me.

After my check up I made a trip to the grocery store. I stocked up on fruits, veggies, whole grain products, soy milk and peanut butter. For the next 5 months I ate healthy snacks every hour. I even woke up at 3am every morning for a glass of soy milk and a banana. I even practiced prenatal yoga 3 days a week. Every check up I had after my 3 month check up my blood pressure was perfect and I was gaining the recommended amount of weight.

I went into labor with Princess D two weeks before her due date and for some reason my contractions started to slow down after my water broke. The prenatal nurse administered pitocin to get things moving along. By the time I hit 4cm I was in so much pain my blood pressure started to rise. The labor staff gave me an epidural and took blood to test for Labor Induced Hypertension. I didn't want to panic which would cause my blood pressure to rise more so I started my yoga breathing and soon the epidural kicked in.

In the end, Princess D was born healthy and my delivery was issue free. It is so important to eat healthy during your pregnancy especially if high blood pressure or heart disease runs in your family. Know your blood pressure ... ask about it at every check up and take the free exams at your local pharmacy. It might save the your life or your baby's life some day.

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All in the family - know your family heart history

The story of my friend's father has always made me think about the importance of knowing your heart history and understanding the impact it has on your overall health. He was willing to let me share his story with you all.

His mother died from congestive heart failure and her mother (his grandmother) died of a heart attack at age 46. It was early summer of 1989 when he experienced his first heart attack. Only two weeks later he went into full cardiac and pulmonary arrest, but was resuscitated at the emergency room. His family's heart history told him he was susceptible to heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association:

• If your brother, father or grandfather had a heart attack before age 55, or your sister, mother or grandmother had one before age 65, you may be at risk, too.
• Most people with a strong family history of heart disease and stroke have at least one other risk factor. Just as you can’t control your age, sex and race, you can’t control your family history. That’s why it’s even more important to treat and control any other risk factors you have.

A month later he went back to work and traveled to London and Paris that fall, but his cardiac arrythmia condition deteriorated over the next few years. He made numerous visits to the ER and finally had to have an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted on New Year's Eve 1990. After years on cardiac medication and trips to the emergency room he was placed on the heart transplant list. In August 1998 he became the last investigational recipient of the Novacor LVAS (an implanted electro-magnetic heart pump). In August 2001, he became the longest surviving recipient of the LVAS. By November the pump started to fail and on New Year's Eve he had to have parts replaced. On January 2, 2002, he received a new heart.

According to the American Heart Association:

• There were 2,210 heart transplants performed in the United States in 2007 and 2,192 in 2006.
• In the United States, 73.7 percent of heart transplant patients are male; 67.6 percent are white; 19.9 percent are ages 35–49 and 54.7 percent are age 50 or older.
• As of May 30, 2008, the one-year survival rate was 87.5 percent for males and 85.5 percent for females; the three-year survival rate was about 78.8 percent for males and 76.0 percent for females. The five-year survival rate was 72.3 percent for males and 67.4 percent for females.
  

He has returned to work full time as a consultant and swims competitively. He first competed in the 2004 US Transplant Games as a member of Team Connecticut and placed fourth in one event. By 2006 he won the gold in the 200 meter freestyle setting the national record in my age category (60-69) and a Silver in the 400 meter freestyle. In 2008, he swam in five events and won three Bronzes (500 yard freestyle, 200 yard freestyle, and the 4X50 yard mixed freestyle relay). Next year he hopes to win a gold medal.

Thank you so much, Mr. Kenyon, for letting me share your story and for inspiring me to live a healthier life. I wish you many more years of health, happiness and gold medals!

As you know I am walking in the American Heart Association's 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk. The more you know about your family's health history, the more you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. I ask you to help support this organization's mission by making a donation. Every dollar makes a difference. If you are unable to give please tell your family and friends about this important cause or participate in a Start! Heart Walk near you.

FUND RAISING UPDATE: I set my fund raising goal this year at $500. I am only $50 shy of reaching my goal. Help me shatter my goal by clicking here to donate.

TRAINING UPDATE: Even with my lungs recovering from bronchitis I was able to walk 3 miles on Monday, 2 miles on Tuesday and another 3 miles on Thursday. Who knows how many miles I walked at Legoland on Saturday. And, yesterday I swam 5 laps in the pool. This week I plan on walking 3 miles every day (I must burn off all of the pizza I ate this weekend). Help cheer me on!

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Strokes are not ageists

When my cousin Kathy was going through her divorce she was healthy, but under a tremendous amount of stress. Her doctor is still not sure if it was just the stress that caused it, but at 38 years old she had a stroke.

According to the American Stroke Association:

• Stroke kills more than 143,000 people a year. That's about 1 of every 17 deaths. It's the No. 3 cause of death behind diseases of the heart and cancer.
• On average, every 3 to 4 minutes someone dies of stroke.
• Of every 5 deaths from stroke, 2 occur in men and 3 in women.

Kathy was left paralyzed on her left side for a week. After a year of physical therapy, daily blood thinners, and a diet with a limited amount of dense green vegetables she is healthy again.

It is important to know the warning signs of a stroke. A simple acronym developed by the National Stroke Association is F.A.S.T.:

Face: Check the person for any numbness or loss of muscle control.
Arm: Is one sagging or unable to be raised.
Speech: Is the person slurring or unable to recall simple words.
Time: How long has the person been experiencing the above symptoms.

As you know I am walking in the American Heart Association's 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk. With Americans paying about $68.9 billion for stroke-related medical costs and disability the AHA has goals to increase awareness, scientific research, CPR education and improving treatment. I ask you to help support this organization's mission by making a donation. Every dollar makes a difference. If you are unable to give please tell your family and friends about this important cause or participate in a Start! Heart Walk near you.

FUND RAISING UPDATE: I set my fund raising goal this year at $500. I am only $75 shy of reaching my goal. Help me shatter my goal by clicking here to donate.

TRAINING UPDATE: The cold I developed after BlogHer '09 developed into a pretty serious case of bronchitis. I was bed ridden and coughing for over a week. Thanks to antibiotics and inhalers I am almost at 100%. I will begin my 3 mile a day walks this week.

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Walking it off

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. The CDC states that in 2005, 652,091 people died of heart disease (50.5% of them women). American Heart Association projects that this year heart disease is projected will cost more than $304.6 billion, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

Sadly, friends and family members are part of these statistics. I am trying not to be.

For the 3rd year in a row I will be participating in the 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk on September 19, 2009.



I know I am not my ideal weight. I know I don't eat perfectly balanced meals. I know I don't exercise enough.

It is time to change.

I have already cut back on my caffeine by switching from coffee to tea (part of my new year's resolution). Since I moved in with my parents my meals have become more balanced and I have cut back on my chocolate intake. I have started acupuncture to help reduce my stress. And, this week I will begin walking 3 miles every day.

I plan on featuring a survival story and an update on my progress every week until the walk to help inspire you to think and act healthier. My goal this year is to raise $500 for American Heart Association. Please help me beat my goal by clicking here to donate and help spread the word.

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Remembering Madeline Alice Spohr

I Am Powerful

At the conference I attended this week a representative from one of the largest organizations fighting to rid the world of poverty came to tell us about what they do and how our product has made them successful. I had heard of Care before, but since most of my philanthropic support is focused on breast cancer research I didn't know exactly what they did. The representative from Care showed us one of the videos from their I Am Powerful campaign.



It brought tears to my eyes. When I looked around the room I saw other women dabbing at the corners of their eyes and sitting up a little taller. I thought about the post I wrote last week and what a waste of time it is to brood over people we cannot change and how we can instead use that energy to actually making a change in the world. As women we should be working together to making this world a better place in any way we can.

I ask you to take some time to look over the statics of poverty and how it affects women on the Care website. You will be disgusted thinking about what you and your children take for granted every day when there are families out there that don't even have clean water, food, shelter or education. As a woman you can make a difference. Click here to find out more.

NaBloPoMo 4: Never Forget

This is another retro blog. You have to forgive the fact that I no longer have my MacBook to download and edit photos easily. I hope to get my home desktop PC up and running during my end of year vacation to manage all of my photographs (and for Little 'Ny to play games on). In the meantime y'all are going to have to bare with me!

I am first generation Filipino. My parents moved to California when they were both young and full of hope for a better life. They have both studied and worked very hard to get what they have. They follow politics and the economy closely, and make a positive contribution to society as legal citizens. As expected, they were very passionate about this election. I am not well educated in politics, but I do believe that my vote is important. This country and the constitution were created to give me the right to vote based on what is best for my life. I don't judge whether other people agree with my opinion or not and I hope they pay me the same respect. If elections don't go in the direction I vote for I don't lose hope. So today, like a good American, I contributed my vote and proudly sported my "I Voted" sticker (and I got a free Starbucks!). I even wore my sticker with pride to the Madonna Sticky & Sweet concert!



About 20 years ago my father and I made a promise that some day we would go see Madonna in concert. I am child of the '80s from The Valley. I listened to Madonna religiously. I wore the lace gloves, ruffle skirts, fishnet tank tops and headbands. Yet, I have never been to a Madonna concert. When I heard she would be performing here in San Diego I made sure to buy tickets for me and my dad.

The show was spectacular ... "hard candy" for the eyes! Madonna does nothing half ass. The woman sings while doing double dutch at 50 years old! She performed some of her old songs along with songs from her new album. No lip syncing, no head mic. I sang along at the top lungs while dancing along side my dad. She interacted with the audience, made a reference to her divorce, and even forgot some of the lyrics to "Ray of Light." It was amazing to see her in person. Of course, she shared her passion for the election and Obama.



I missed seeing Obama's speech live since I was at the concert, but I will never forget where I was when I got my CNN breaking news announcing that Obama will be our 44th president just like I will never forget where I was when I heard about the attack on the Twin Towers. My daughter will be reading about this election in her American history books some day and I get to tell her that Mommy was watching Madonna with Lolo and Lola when history was made. I spent an evening with the people who gave me the chance to have the freedom to vote, freedom of speech, and women's rights. It was quite a night!

Will you remember where you were today?

crossing the finish line

Today I walked the American Heart Association 2008 Heart Walk. I had a fundraising goal of $350. Thanks to some very generous people I beat my goal by $110!

It was a great day for a walk in Balboa Park with some of my co-workers. And, I am proud to say that I crossed the finish line!



Ok, it was only a 5k but I got up at 5am to do this! That is the real accomplishment!

If you are still interesting in giving to this very important cause you can still donate on my personal page.

put your heart into it

Tomorrow I am walking in the American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk. I have set a personal goal to raise funds for the American Heart Association, but personal issues really got in the way of my active fundraising. So, I need your help so I can reach my donation goal.

You can help me reach my goal by making a donation online. Click here and you will be taken to my personal donation page where you can make a secure online credit card donation. The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you prefer to donate less, you can do so by sending a check directly to me.

Your donation will help fight our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers—heart disease and stroke. You are making a difference. Thank you for your support.

get off the couch ... start making a difference

Everyone knows someone affected by heart disease or stroke. For those I love, I will be walking in this year’s Heart Walk. I have set a personal goal to raise funds for the American Heart Association and need your help to reach my donation goal. We are raising critical dollars for heart disease and stroke research and education.

You can help me reach my goal by making a donation online. Click here and you will be taken to my personal donation page where you can make a secure online credit card donation. The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you prefer to donate less, you can do so by sending a check directly to me.

Your donation will help fight our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers—heart disease and stroke. You are making a difference. Thank you for your support.

kids can be heroes!

Little 'Ny will be participating in her first fundraising event ... the March of Dimes WonderWalk at her school!

Growing up I was member of the National Charity League. By the end of high school I had completed almost 700 hours of community service. As an adult I have continued giving back in any way I can including working for a company that has developed a software to help non-profits fundraise online. I am excited to introduce Little 'Ny to the world of volunteering and community service.

When I was pregnant with Little 'Ny I had wonderful medical benefits and doctors, as well as a flawless pregnancy and delivery. We were blessed that she was a very healthy baby born two weeks before her actual due date. Even though she is tiny for her age she continues to grow into a happy and healthy little kid. But, some of my friends and family members have not been as blessed -- experiencing difficult pregnancies, very sick babies, developmental issues and even losing their child. So, March of Dimes is a cause close to my heart.

Since Little 'Ny will be walking I will be collecting her donations! Please contact me if you would like to support her and the March of Dimes. You can also donate online.

a better year

A year ago I made some lofty new year resolutions. Did I succeed in meeting all of them? (Imagine me laughing hysterically like a mad woman.) Nope. In fact, I think my chocolate consumption has grown into a level that would consider me an addict. Are there rehabs for chocoholics? I did read 3 books this year ... none of them were the ones I mentioned, but at least I read 3 books cover to cover! My closets are still cluttered, my bathroom & kitchen still look the same and my body is getting more and more stiff every day.

But, I have gotten my credit score a little bit higher, I have started a savings account for Little 'Ny, and I did more philanthropic work this year than I did the year before. So, all in all not too shabby!

resolution: noun. the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones.

This year am simplifying my resolution list to only one thing ... to be a better person/mom/wife/daughter.

I know it sounds like a vague and impossible resolution. But, think about it ... there is no limit or check list. There are ways to meet this resolution ...

• budget & save better
• spend more quality time with Little 'Ny and Hubs and less time with my computer
• get off the couch and out of the house more
• find ways to be more "green"
• improve the health of my body and mind
• simplify my chaos

Here is to a better and more simple year ...

let it rain

We have been one of the lucky Poway residents to still have a home to move back into. The damage the Harris and Witch Creek wildfires has made is unbelievable. Click here to read more information.

During this horrible tragedy there are people who take advantage of the those who have experienced loss and those who want to help. I work for a San Diego based company called Kintera who provides software as a service to help organizations quickly and easily reach more people, raise more money and run more efficiently. The San Diego American Red Cross is one of our clients helping to raise funds for those who have been affected by the fires. Please make sure when you give a donation it is to a well known and reputable organization.

If you are unable to make a donation please do a rain dance for us ... we need it!

Life is Good Pumpkin Festival

Today we went to the Life is Good Pumpkin Festival. It was a gorgeous fall day in San Diego ... perfect for carving pumpkins and eating kettle corn.