EVENT: The Op-Ed Project in Chicago - April 6th

One of the questions I get asked most frequently from students or aspiring writers (which I still consider myself) is what was my plan. The only plan I've ever had after undergrad was to work on feminist issues and find a way to get my voice heard. Yes, once back in the early days of the internet, when newspapers still flourished (or appeared to be) I dreamed of having a newspaper column. Nowadays I have this blog, a few others where I am welcomed, but also op-eds. Op-ed writing is a science and an art. Which of course means someone needs to teach you the tricks. Lucky for us Chicagoans, The Op-Ed Project has settled in Chicago for long term. The next training session is coming up and if your dream is to have someone hear your voice, then you must go. I plan on stopping by the end of the seminar and sticking around for the cocktail hour (For me that means a beer & snacks).  I hope to see you there!

DETAILS

DATE:: April 6, 2013 (Saturday)

TIME:: Seminar: 10 AM – 5 PM

Cocktail Hour: 5:30 – 7 PM


LOCATION
Medill School at Northwestern University
105 West Adams, Suite 200
Chicago, Illinois 60603


REGISTRATION FEES

Super Early Bird (ends March 6): $325

Early Bird (ends March 27): $375

Regular: $425

See their Pay in Words Scholarship option here.


REGISTER HERE!

EVENT: Chicago Abortion Fund Speak Out 1/22

40th Anniversary Roe v. Wade

Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade with the Chicago Abortion Fund!

Join us at a speak out!
Tell your abortion story!
Talk about Roe v Wade!
Explain the work you do in the movement!
Yell about injustice!
Sing a song about abortion!

Counselors will be on hand.
Organizational information will be available.
Refreshments will be served.

January 22nd 2013 * 6 pm until 8:30 pm

Jane Addams Hull House
Halsted and Polk Street
parking lot across the street
public transportation accessible
(#8 Halsted Bus and Blue Line Halsted stop)

Macy's Culinary Council Chef Nancy Silverton in San Diego

Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Nancy Silverton on January 12th at the Macy's Mission Valley Home Store!

As you all know - I LOVE attending events here in San Diego. I have many LOVES that I share on my blog. One of those loves is a love of FOOD! GOOD food. GREAT food!  This weekend two of my loves are coming together!  When experts share their craft I want to BE THERE to learn their trade secrets!  Sadly, I will not be able to attend this one.   BUT I am very excited to share the details just in case YOU are able to attend. This is sure to be a fun one!  If this is the type of event that catches your interest I would look them up in your area as well (since not all of you are here in San Diego)!  I just love cooking demonstrations! Don't you? I hope that you can make it.

Photo Credit: Macys.com

When: Saturday, January 12th at Noon

Where: Macy's Mission Valley Home Store School of Cooking, Main Level 1555 Camino De La Reina San Diego, CA 92108

Photo: Macy.com

Reservations are not required. Seating begins at 11:30am. First come, first served basis.

Bonus: With any $35 Home purchase (use your gift cards that you got for Christmas!) on the day of the event, you will receive a $10 Macy's gift card AND a signed copy of the Macy's Culinary Council Thanksgiving & Holiday Cookbook.

For more details about this event visit: http://bit.ly/NancySilvertonSD





Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  I have partnered with Everywhere & Macy's Culinary Council to share the details about the event and was compensated for doing so. All opinions contained in this post are my own.

Chicago Roe Anniversary Events

Three Events planned for the Fortieth Anniversary of Roe V. Wade !!!


Planned Parenthood Illinois is sponsoring a Fortieth Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, January 23, at 6:30pm at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, in Chicago. Featuring David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, and honoring Dawn Clark Netsch for her unrelenting commitment to promoting equality and justice. It’s a benefit. Tickets are $40 and no doubt the food will be delicious. More info at www.ppiaction.org.

The ACLU of Illinois is sponsoring a Fortieth Anniversary of Roe V Wade Lunch and Panel Discussion, on Friday, January 25, from noon to 1:30 at Sidley & Austin, One South Dearborn, in Chicago. Featuring Lorie A. Chaiten, director of the ACLU’s Reproductive Rights Project, and Sylvia M. Neil, lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School and founder of the Project on Gender, Culture, Religion and the Law at Brandeis University. It’s free but RSVP is required. More info at http://www.aclu-il.org/roe-v-wade-40th-anniversary-luncheon/

And the Illinois Choice Action Team is sponsoring a screening of the move Jane: An Abortion Service. It’s on Sunday, January 27, at 4pm, at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, at 800 South Halsted, in Chicago. Discussion and refreshments will follow the screening, and admission is free. More info at www.ilchoiceactionteam.org.

A fascinating look at a little-known chapter in women’s history, the film tells the story of “Jane”, the Chicago-based women’s health group that performed nearly 12,000 safe abortions between 1969 and 1973. As Jane members describe finding feminism and clients describe finding Jane, archival footage and re-creations mingle to depict how the repression of the early sixties and social movements of the late sixties influenced this unique group.

Event information from the North and Northwest Suburban NOW chapter (www.nwsubnow.org ). Contact them at admin@nnwsubnow.org or contact@nwsubnow.org or 224-565-1500.

EDITED TO ADD:

• 2013 Law Students for Reproductive Justice Regional Conference
  Midwest
  Saturday, January 26
  at DePaul University College of the Law
  

SD Mom's Night Out Fitness Event

I am excited to share my recap of SD Mom's Night Out Fitness Event with Jeremy Jackson (AKA Hobie Buchannon from Baywatch). SDMNO partnered with Look Better Naked (which specializes in healthy lifestyles), FITzee Foods (which creates ideal prepared meals), and Drew Canole of Juicing Vegetables for a wonderful event created for San Diego Moms.

The night was fun.  I had my first boot camp style workout which was led by Jeremy Jackson, DJ Pickel provided music to keep us all motivated, and we had a chance to meet fitness trainer & model Loni Christine.

Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out

I learned about FITzee Foods varieties of healthy prepared meal choices: vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, low carb, and paleo friendly.  I got to sample different juice blends and listened to the many health benefits of juicing. After all of our hard work we had treats to enjoy and time to chat with one another.  All in all a healthy night out!  I didn't go home empty handed!  We received a goody bag and I also purchased a few FITzee prepared meals to take home for hubby to try.


Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out

My takeaway from the event: dropping 60 lbs  ≠  being fit.  I'm only 5'2", picture me at 180 lbs. NOW I thought that I was in shape because I was able to rock this dress (in the picture below) at the last SD Mom's Night Out Event a few weekends ago (I'm the Mom in the middle).  I had put on so much weight with my pregnancy that I did not want to get dressed and go out!  It wasn't until very recently that I've felt comfortable stepping out again. Thankfully, I have a very loving and supportive hubby that looks after our son while I take a "mommy time out". I have been able to enjoy a few hours with the girls. Without his encouragement and understanding I would have such a hard time heading out the door!

Photo Credit: Crystella Photography

THIS SD Mom's Night Out Event was the reality check that I needed to get my butt back to working out regularly, eating healthily, and taking better overall care of my mom self!  Fitness Challenge? Oh, It's ON!

I attended survived the fitness portion of the SD Mom's Night Out Fitness Event. I am now recovering.  My muscles are SORE.  My ego is bruised.  I am praying that unflattering photos from the event do not surface.  I KNOW there are some floating out there to chronicle my struggle.  I am by nature pretty competitive when it comes to sports, athletics, fitness, etc. - I grew up playing sports competitively and I don't like to lose without a fight.  This fight: I lost. BIG TIME.  Not a fight against the wonderful ladies that were participating in the workout let by Jeremy Jackson, but one with myself.  My body just wouldn't (couldn't) do what I wanted it to.  I sucked.  I had let myself lapse so far out of shape that this experience humbled the hell out of me.  I was cussing under my breath and sometimes out loud! I was grunting and groaning and I now officially apologize to those that were near enough to have heard me. Sorry.
 

Check me out! I'm keeping pace with Mr. Fitness.
Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out

I kind of kidded myself into believing that I was in shape since I lost about 60 pounds over the past 2 years. HA!  The joke was on me.  Weight loss does NOT equal being in shape or fit.  I had zero endurance, minimal strength, and became discouraged.  Don't get me wrong - I TRIED AS HARD AS I COULD.  I tried to the point that I seriously wanted to throw up.  I started off strong but ran out of gas FAST! I made sure I separated myself from the pack just in case I might barf.  To my credit: this was a tough workout!  Even the ladies who were fit had to work hard and suffered the soreness too.

Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out

My thanks goes to Samantha & Angela of SD Mom's Night Out for organizing such fun events for local Moms like me!  I enjoyed working out, learning about FITzee Foods, getting to know other moms, and meeting fellow bloggers IRL. I can hardly wait for the next event.

Samantha, Jeremy, and Angela
Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out



Photo Credit: SD Mom's Night Out

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to attend the event. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Diet & Exercise: SD Mom's Night Out Style

I am so excited for an upcoming event organized by SD Mom's Night Out & FITzee Foods!  I needed some motivation with exercise and guidance with nutrition.  This event is PERFECT!

About FITzee Foods:
FITzee Foods creates freshly made, pre-portioned meals designed to keep customers healthy, balanced, and in control of their nutrition. Their meals are prepared daily with fresh, organic, and all-natural ingredients. All you need to do is heat and eat. I can do that!

About SD Mom's Night Out:
Their mission: To create an ongoing opportunity for busy moms in San Diego to enjoy a night out with like-minded women, while promoting local businesses using creative marketing and social media. I had the pleasure of meeting Angela Quisumbing, co-founder of SDMNO, at a conference last month.

About the Event: SD Mom’s Night Out Fitness Event 11/17/12

If you have been following my blog, then you know that I have been meaning to share a post about Diet & Exercise.  I have done pretty well with weight loss (I must toot my own horn: nearly 60 lbs lost since my heaviest weight a little over 2 years ago).  The tough part NOW is the last 5-10 lbs!  I admit that I have been slacking as far as exercise & fitness (unless you count tending to a 2 year old boy - which really IS a workout).  Dieting has never been something that I have done (counting calories, limiting carbs, etc.). I really do follow my cravings. I have been successful with cutting portion sizes down and credit that for the majority of my weight loss.  With the upcoming Holidays it is going to be tough not gaining weight - I may as well forget about LOSING any.  I would be happy with maintaining my current weight, for NOW.  I do plan on shedding the 5-10 lbs and I have already signed on for a 30 Day Fitness Challenge which begins in January! Will I have a Bay Watch bod next year? I'm kidding!  But... speaking of Bay Watch:  one of the cast members pictured here will be leading our hour long workout! Join us to find out which one!

I recently attended the SD Mom's Night Out 1 Year Anniversary Party and had a wonderful time. I am sure that I will enjoy the SD Mom's Night Out Fitness Event, IF I survive the physical exertion!  Stay tuned because I will be telling you ALL about it!  Please pray for me that I make it through the hour long workout session!

I would LOVE to hear your tips on staying motivated when it comes to exercise as well as EASY diet/nutrition/healthy eating tips that have worked (is working) for you.

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed here are my own.

It's Back! Chicago Toy & Game Fair 2012 (GIVEAWAY)

It's the 10th anniversary of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair and just like last year, I'm giving away a free weekend pass!!

We went last year and while we could only stay a short time, we had a ton of fun. This year we'll definitely be staying for a longer period of time.

ChiTAG happens the weekend of November 17 & 18 and will be held at Navy Pier. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, but free admission for teachers, librarians, members of the military, Boy/Girl Scouts in uniform, children under 3 years of age. On Sunday, grandparents accompanied by kids admitted free of charge.

The kid playing a HUGE Perplexus

So how do you get my free weekend pass? Just comment. I'll draw a random winner on Tuesday. It's that simple. No need to tweet or send me cupcakes.

The games at ChiTAG and not just for the kids. I'm sure some adult-sized kids would have a great time.

So hurry and comment! Deadline is Tuesday at noon!!

San Diego Mom's Night Out 1 Year Anniversary Party

It is a rare occasion that my Mom friends and I get a chance to go out together.  We are all so busy with work and family life. When I heard about San Diego Mom's Night Out I couldn't pass up the opportunity at spending a few hours with my sisters and friends. Hubby was all for it so I began inviting the ladies closest to me: my sister & sister in laws.  Sadly, not everyone could make it. Those of us that were able to go had a wonderful time. We enjoyed food (sushi, sliders, tray passed hors d'oeuvres, dessert), drinks, entertainment, and various spa services!  I was in such a rush to get to the event that I had forgotten to grab my camera on the way out.  Good thing for my friends who were able to snap a few photos and for Memories Event Photography & Photobooth!

There were some wonderful prizes that were raffled off.  I wasn't a lucky winner but my friend Melanie won 4 tickets to Peter Pan!  Another highlight was getting to meet a few online friends in person for the first time!

Wonderful memories from our SD Mom's Night Out experience!  My friends and I were all first-timers!  But I have a feeling that we will be back!  In larger numbers no doubt!

The party was held poolside at the Kin Spa at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego which was the perfect venue.

Halloween 2012 Our Pumpkin Patch Adventures

To get into the Halloween spirit we went on a visit to the pumpkin patch. We had a great time. We went early and on a weekday so, for the most part, we had it all to ourselves.  We are not big fans of crowds so it was perfect.

Our son had more fun running around and kicking at the straw than he did on the big inflatable slide!  It humors me how he was unimpressed. I thought he would love it!  He really wanted to go on one of the rides but wasn't tall enough to. Maybe next year!

Grandma joined us and WON our little guy a prize in a carnival type game! Who knew Grandma knew how to throw darts?! To my amazement she hit 4 out of 5 balloons!  I'm so glad hubby caught it all on video!  My siblings will get a kick out of watching mom make it look so easy!

Next up: Adventures in Trick-or-Treating! I'd love to hear your plans and/or traditions for Halloween. Check our out little man from Halloween 2011 as Baby Yoda. Hoping that you have a FUN and safe Halloween!

Family Fun At The San Diego Zoo With Tillamook

My family and I celebrated the Loaf Love Tour with the Tillamook crew today at the World Famous San Diego Zoo.  We met Loafy and got to know the Tillamook Ambassadors. Celebrity Chef Keegan Gerhard and his beautiful wife Lisa demonstrated some tips & tricks on making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. We sampled cheese, had some yogurt, built our own grilled cheese creations, and enjoyed ice cream for dessert! We spent the remainder of our day exploring the Zoo.  Our thanks goes to Tillamook for an awesome family day!

I wanted to share a few photos from our family day of fun!  Hoping that you all had (or are having) an AMAZING weekend! Please let us know what you and your family are up to!

Baby Loaf

Cheese Tasting!

Our Family & Loafy

Cheese!

Chef Keegan, My Silly Monkey & Me
 

Keegan & Lisa

Grilled Cheese Featuring Tillamook Cheese

Tillamook Mudslide Ice Cream

Yummy Yogurt!

Andaz San Diego: Art and Fashion Collide

The Art and Fashion Collide event took place on Thursday October 18, 2012 at the Andaz San Diego.  A display of contemporary abstract art from artist Heidi Thompson was presented by art dealer Alexander Salazar in the Andaz’ Ivy Wine Bar . Following the art show,  guests were invited down to the Ivy Nightclub where a runway show took place.  The fashion portion of the evening showcased designs from local menswear designer Maceoo.

Art and Fashion Collide at The Andaz from Gerald Labrador Video

This was my first experience with a fashion show featuring menswear.  I must say that what I most enjoyed was the use of Maceoo menswear as stylish pieces for the ladies!  Once you see the women in the video you will know exactly what I mean.  The stylists cleverly fashioned a Maceoo shirt into a dress.  Perhaps I should purchase a Maceoo shirt for my husband!  He will never get to wear it once I figure out how to use it as a dress! Take a moment to enjoy our video coverage from the evening.  Video created by Gerald Labrador Video for LifebyCynthia.com.  Enjoy!
 

Photo taken by Gerald Labrador:
Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic, Cynthia, Mehdi Raad of Maceoo, Rachel of Da Paura 

After the fashion show I had a chance to chat with San Diego Style Bloggers Paulina & Rachel. Mehdi Raad, designer of Maceoo, took a moment to tell us a little more about his brand. For more information about Maceoo, visit their website: Maceoo.com To learn more about the art featured in our video visit: Alexander Salazar.

Like the video? Let us know!

Disclosure: We were invited to the event by Chemistry PR and not receive compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Westfield Style Tour San Diego at Plaza Bonita

Photo: Facebook Westfield Plaza Bonita

The Westfield Style Tour San Diego at Plaza Bonita is wrapping up this weekend. Visitors receive a free makeup consultation at the Westfield Beauty Bar, and a free, personalized fashion consultation with a Style For Hire stylist.  Book your appointments for styling & makeup now. Don't miss your chance!  It really is a fun event.  Don't forget to RSVP



Where: Westfield Plaza Bonita, Macy's Court, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., National City, CA 91902

When: October 27-28 Time: Saturday hours: 11 AM - 7 PM | Sunday hours: 12 PM - 6 PM

To book your complimentary appointments and for more information visit: Westfield Style Tour

To view Stacy's tips visit: Westfield Style Manual

You can read more about the event on my prior post: Westfield Style Tour with Stacy London.  I recommend watching the video to a get taste of what to expect!  I did BOTH the makeup and fashion consultations and will be sharing my Style Tour experience with photos & video SOON!

Also coming soon is my interview with Stacy London! Meanwhile, I would like to support the San Diego blogging community by sharing posts from fellow bloggers.  I will share more as posts become available.

Jennifer's blog: Malcriada Read her Interview here: Interview With Stacy London

Magan's blog: A Touch of Class

Lea's blog:  High Heeled Style

Lysa's blog: Garcia Memories
Sara's blog: Sara's Sweet Style
Jess's blog: Jess Glam Diary

Photo: Facebook Westfield Plaza Bonita

Lions, Tigers And Cheese, Oh My! Tillamook® Brings The Loaf Love Tour To San Diego

In Celebration of the Loaf Love Tour, Locals Can Gain FREE Entry to the San Diego Zoo Saturday, October 27th

*Free entry for the first 100 eligible participants only.

Free entry starting at 9:00 a.m. until limit reached. Participating fans may check-in at the Tillamook Baby Loaf bus located outside the zoo’s main ticket gate. To win, attendees must come wearing orange. Limit one free entry per person, no monetary value.

WHO:  Tillamook, the 103-year-old, farmer-owned cooperative from Oregon that has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s premier natural cheese makers and leading dairy product company.

WHAT:  The Loaf Love Tour, the third annual mobile sampling event dedicated to bringing tasty cheese to the people, is traveling to San Diego as the last stop on their 2012 tour. As a fun way to celebrate the end of their nine month cross-country excursion with local residents, Tillamook will be offering free admission to the San Diego Zoo on Saturday, October 27th. The first 100 fans who show up wearing their happiest Tillamook orange will receive free access to the zoo, where attendee’s dressed in orange thereafter will receive $1 off general admission*. Once inside the zoo, event-goers of all ages can taste a variety of Tillamook Cheese, take pictures with Loafy, join in zoo bingo, taste yummy samples of Tillamook Yogurt new to the San Diego market, and much more.

WHEN: Saturday, October 27th from 9:00AM to 5:00PM

WHERE: The San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Before leaving California and wrapping up their third year on the road, the Tour will be cruising around San Diego in their fleet of mini-buses from October 23rd - October 30th. Local fans can find the Tour at grocery stores and special events educating attendees on Tillamook products while sampling their cheeses made in Oregon. To conclude their tour-end travels through San Diego, Tillamook is going out with a bang and holding a twitter contest where the winner gets a party for up to 50 people at a location of their choice. For more information on entering the contest click here.

To see a complete list of stops on the Tour or to sign up for cheese-filled news updates, stop by LoafLoveTour.com and to join in the live chatter, visit the Tillamook Facebook page or follow @TillamookCheese on Twitter.

Stacy London Interview | San Diego Westfield Style Tour

Stacy London was in San Diego this weekend for the Westfield Style Tour. The event was held at Westfield Plaza Bonita. I am THRILLED to share that I had the opportunity to meet Stacy London. Stacy and her team were on hand on Saturday for an intimate interview session.  Please stay tuned for my upcoming post!  There were several bloggers in attendance so look out for their stories too.
 

Stacy London Interview

Westfiled Style Tour Fall 2012 San Diego Event

Creative Director for Westfield Style: Stacy London

Westfield Style Tour Fall 2012 with Stacy London of TLC's What Not to Wear will be held in San Diego this weekend. The tour is now in its fourth season. Stylists and Stacy will be on hand to talk to consumers and share shopping tips.

Life by Cynthia, along with Gerald Labrador Videography, has been invited as media guests for the event. We will have an opportunity to join a "meet & greet" for a group interview with Stacy.  Please stay tuned for a future blog post on that!

I am a fan of Stacy London & the Westfield Style Tour event.  I attended last year's event and LOVED it.  Stacy was not at the Style Tour in my area last year but she will be there this year!  I can hardly wait!

Visitors receive a free makeup consultation at the Westfield Beauty Bar, and a free, personalized fashion consultation with a Style For Hire stylist. Prior to receiving the invitation I had already signed up to reserve a spot for my styling sessions!  You must RSVP.

I am bringing my copy of Stacy's book The Truth About Style & last year's Westfield Style Magazine, just in case she is in the mood to sign an autograph!

Where: Westfield Plaza Bonita, Macy's Court, 3030 Plaza Bontia Rd., National City, CA 91902
When: October 20-21 | October 27-28
Time: Saturday hours: 11 AM - 7 PM | Sunday hours: 12 PM - 6 PM

Watch the video for a feel of what to expect! Learn more about the Westfield Style Tour. I hope to see you there!


Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Art and Fashion Collide Event at Andaz Salon San Diego

Another exciting event happening in San Diego! For all of my fashion blogger friends still buzzing from the recent FWSD runway show - here is ANOTHER awesome opportunity to see the art of fashion! This time: Menswear! We will be treated to an added BONUS: FINE ARTS, wine, and fun social event held at an amazing venue! I hope to see you there!

The Art and Fashion Collide Event is presented by Andaz San Diego on October 18, 2012.  The event will feature artist Heidi Thompson as well as a fashion show by Maceoo Menswear. For More Information about the event Call 619.814.2060

Excerpt from the Andaz San Diego Calendar of Events:

Art and Fashion Collide. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, innovative San Diego art will coincide with a display of stylish creativity in Andaz’ Ivy Wine Bar and Ivy Nightclub.

Fashion and art aficionados are invited to peruse an intriguing display of contemporary abstract art from featured artist Heidi Thompson, courtesy of art critic, collector and acclaimed art dealer Alexander Salazar. Following this art show, guests can take in the cutting-edge stylings of local menswear designer Maceoo during a fashion show in the hotel’s renowned Ivy Nightclub.

At 6 p.m. guests will begin their evening with a welcome from Alexander Salazar complemented by an inspiring art display. Between 6 and 7 p.m., guests will also be able to enjoy hosted drinks in the Ivy Wine Bar.

At 7 p.m., guests will venture into the chic Ivy Nightclub to enjoy the talent and originality of Maceoo, an impressive line of menswear designed by Mehdi Raad. Based in San Diego, Maceoo is an artistically-created clothing line inspired by the cultural and social experiences of its designer; pieces are intended to act as an extension of the body, simultaneously embodying sensuality and sophistication.

Andaz Salon is a series of dedicated events held at esteemed Andaz hotels across the nation, including Andaz San Diego. These occasions, sought after by each cities’ most influential residents, offer opportunities for locals and visitors to engage in unique social experiences under the guidance of knowledgeable event hosts. From fine art exhibits to wine and cheese immersions, and local musical acts to informative culinary demonstrations, guests of Andaz Salon events experience the local scene through the eyes of leading cultural arbiters.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Fashion Week San Diego 2012

Fashion Week San Diego 2012 has come and gone. There is still quite a bit of  buzz surrounding the event.  The runway show, trunk show, and winner announcement was a great way to conclude FWSD.  I am thankful to have been invited to participate as a VIP Press invitee.  I am excited for next year!

A MUST see: Please check out the runway show photos by Gerald Labrador Videography:
Fashion Week San Diego 2012 Runway Show

The audience at the Hard Rock enjoying the runway show!

This year's winner is Kenneth Barlis! Runner ups are Jessica Faulkner and Dos Caras Swimwear. Kenneth's portion of the runway show was one of my favorites! But I have to admit the the ENTIRE production was a wonderful experience!

Kenneth Barlis

Performance by DJ Violinist Spags was phenomenal!

I think a big round of applause is in order for all of the "behind the scenes" folks!  The designers and their talents are the face of FWDS and we all applaud them, but everyone involved should be counted as the heart and soul of FWSD!  So, I give thanks to the hair & makeup artists, the models, the set up crew, the event volunteers (especially the sweetheart that seated me in the VIP section, & the gal who tried to help me locate my swag bag that was never to be found...), the dressers, the bloggers covering the event, the photographers, sponsors, and to you my friends who read my blog!

What I Wore: Kate Spade top, Michael Kors pencil skirt, Ann Taylor Cuff, Kooba Satchel, Guess Stilleto.

FWSD 2012 OOTD by lifebycynthia featuring kate spade

Fashion Week San Diego 2012 Runway Show at the Hard Rock

Allison Andrews is the Founder and Director of Fashion Week San Diego

Sharp Women's Health Conference 2012 - San Diego

Photo Source: Flickr Sharp Healthcare

I was one of about a dozen area Bloggers that received an invitation to attend the Sharp Women's Health Conference.  The conference was such a wonderful experience.  I was inspired, uplifted, humored, and humbled.  I made new friends, I was pampered, educated, motivated, entertained, and FED! The experience nourished my soul, my imagination, and my tummy! I laughed out loud, I danced, and I bled (health screenings & it was just a drop).  I even discovered my DHARMA! Well...that part is a work in progress, but I have been shown the way!  Oh, I could go on and on about how much I gained from my experiences from this day.  I couldn't tell it as well as I lived it.  I will be back next year and I hope to bring many of you with me!  Thank you Sharp Healthcare and to our wonderful blogger liaison Tracey Black who brought us all together!

Bloggers

Tracey, Dorothy, and Angela

Colleen Murphy, RN Sharp Healthcare

Our Wonderful Emcee Kimberly Hunt

Shivani Singh Author of Discover Your Dharma

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. I partnered with Sharp to attend the conference and received admission to the event.

For more event photos please visit the Life by Cynthia page on facebook.