Nail Polishes for a Cause: Are you using the right nail polish?

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Who doesn’t love getting a good manicure?  Unfortunately, however, many of our favorite nail polishes contain several harmful and toxic chemicals that can be very damaging to your health.  In fact, these chemicals have been reported to cause cancer, reproductive damage, asthma and many other negative health effects. Three of the most the toxic ingredients you should look out for next time you want to get your nails painted include Dibutyl phthalate (DPB), Formaldehyde and Toluene.

1.     DBP:  DBP is a toxin that is still found in many nail polishes today.  It has been linked to many developmental and reproductive impairments as well as a broad range of birth defects.  DBP has been banned in the use of all cosmetic products in Europe.

2.     Formaldehyde: According to the National Cancer Institute, Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It is also an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, and can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis.

3.     Toluene: Toluene affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Toluene is also associated with reproductive risks such as reduced fetal weight, bone deficiencies and deformities.

There are several companies today that offer non-toxic nail polishes that are free of these harmful ingredients. A few of these companies include: Safe Nail Polish, Polished Mama, Acquarella, and Soulstice Spa. Next time you go to the salon or run to your local beauty store to pick up your favorite polish, opt for these greener nail polishes.

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guide for The Early Riser

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

For a lot of us, waking up in the morning can be a bit of a drag. For others, the mornings can be the best part of our day. Which ever side of the spectrum you fall in, I complied a list of products that will make your morning just a little brighter. Not only are these products useful and cute, but also you feel great knowing that by purchasing any of these items you will support to Breast Cancer Awareness or research.

What better way to start the morning then with this great coffee maker? And the pretty pink color will look fabulous on any girl’s countertop.

KaBLING Pink 2 Meter 3.5mm Stereo Audio Cable (Model # AUD-1100-06P)
Cables Unlimited®
10% proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)
$24.99

This toaster is cute and functional. Its compact form will fit easily on your counter, making it easy to enjoy a warm piece of toast in the AM.

Compact 2-Slice Toaster
Cuisinart
3% of net sales for Cuisinart Pink Products are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$29.95

Enjoy a nutritious smoothie for breakfast with this Cuisinart blender, and feel great knowing that every time you whip up a treat, you’ve helped raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Smart Power 7-Speed Electronic Blender
Cuisinart
3% of net sales for Cuisinart Pink Products are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$59.95

Wake up feeling refreshed after snoozing on these moisture-rich, natural satin pillowcases.

Satin Hydration Therapy satin pillow cases
Neero & Ana, Inc.
15% to American Cancer Society and Adelphi NY statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Group
$29.99-64.99

For other great ways to shop for a cause visit Uptown Liz .

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guides for the Casual Chic Gal

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

Whether it is hanging around the house on a Sunday afternoon, running errands, or grabbing lunch with a friend, every girl loves to feel comfortable and look cute! Here are some clothes that work great for any occasion and donate to breast cancer research and awareness.

This soft as silk tank top will go great by itself to lounge around the house, or paired with a cardigan for an afternoon out.



Italian microfiber tank top
Adea
10% of total order amount to October Woman Foundation with code OCTWOM
$59.00

This adorable t-shirt reminds us that breast cancer can strike anyone at anytime.



Breast Cancer Has No Borders Tee
Design-her Gals
$20 of every sale to Gal to Gal Foundation
$30.00

When the weather gets chilly, this comfortable turtleneck is a comfortable addition for to wardrobe.



Italian microfiber long sleeve mock turtleneck
Adea
10% of total order amount to October Woman Foundation with code OCTWOM
$81.00

For other ways to shop cute clothes that give back visit Uptown Liz.

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guide for The New Family

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

One of the most beautiful things is the beginning of life. I’ve realized this after welcoming my little niece into the world. For the parents, it is not only exciting and perfect, but also it is sleepless and stressful. Here are a few items that will make this time even better and helps support Breast Cancer Awareness by donating a portion of the proceeds.

This cute and trendy “nipple bag” can store any new moms babies' items in its roomy interior.



“Nipple” Spin Dr. Bag
Rebagz “statement maker” handbags
10% of online sales donated to Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
$110.00

This adorable onesie is a statement maker with its slogan “Gimme your ta-tas and no one gets hurt.” Even your baby can help support breast cancer research.



“Give me your ta-tas and no one gets hurt” onesie
Ta-tas Brand
5% of gross sales go to Save the ta-tas foundation
$19.99

This hysterical shirt will show your husband’s support for breast cancer awareness and his love for you!



“Save a life, grope your wife” Mens Tee
Ta-tas Brand
5% of gross sales go to Save the ta-tas foundation
$25.95

This book is perfect for the type-a mom, with humorous tales of parenting and how to balance all the things in a new mom’s life.



“Peeing in Peace: Tales and Tips for Type A Moms” book
Design-her Gals
$1 from every sale to Gal to Gal foundation
$13.95

For other ways to keep your family supporting charities and enjoy great shopping visit Uptown Liz.

Women for a Cause: Interview with Kim MacGregor of I Believe She’s Amazing (Part 1)

Former model, actress, author and motivational speaker, Kim MacGregor, lost her mother to Colon Cancer 18 months before giving birth to her first child, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and operated on the first day she was born. Two more babies (twins) and years later, Kim lost her best friend, Erika Heller, to Colon Cancer, which inspired her to start a movement like no other. And what is Kim’s response to all that she has been through? “All you need is love.”

RR: What first inspired you to begin I Believe She’s Amazing?  Why do you feel it is important to recognize the amazing women in our lives?

Madison was a very reserved little girl who was very attached to me and didn’t really take to other people, but she took to Erika so quickly. Within about six months, Erika was coming over to our house. I just had twins and she kept asking if she could come babysit.  And so eventually we just said yes.   It was instant; everybody fell in love. There was a sense that she was part of our family right from the beginning. 

And then unfortunately, at 27 years of age, she was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer.  And [she] fought the most astounding, brave battle. She was optimistic. She was spirited. She was beautiful, radiant, just a fireball of energy… she continued to be. And the most astounding thing, I think that hit me during the whole four years, from the time she was diagnosed to the time she passed at 31 just last year, at the end of every conversation we shared she would say to me or my children, “I just want you to know I think you’re so amazing because…” It would be because, “you’re a great friend”, “you’re so smart”, “funny” or whatever it was.

RR: How did the idea for the flash mob come about? 

KM: I am a writer and I had written an inspirational women’s gift book that Erika was actually in as well.  And originally the idea for this started in the very late stages of Erika’s life and I originally thought it was something to launch to maybe make her hang on longer; something she could be involved in because she loved being involved and inspiring people so much.  But she was very sick in the end.  I think I mentioned it once, but I am not sure it really registered with her at the time. And so originally it was going to be something that went in hand with the book, and people were going to write in it and talk about an amazing woman they knew.  But that was sort of an initial plan; a little egg that was hatching in my mind.  And then I was commissioned to write a guide book on social media and I didn’t know anything about social media before. I wasn’t on Facebook; although Erika was, and kept encouraging me to get on Facebook.  I wasn’t on Twitter or anything. 

Learning about social media, I met a whole bunch of young up and coming social media gurus.  [They] were talking about the power of social media, the power of the internet, and how the whole world is changing.  How people are really inspired by videos and how videos are so popular.  Then I learned about a flash mob and of course I had no idea what a flash mob was.  After I saw one, I fell in love with it; I got the goosebumply feeling to see all those people dancing. Dance and music are already so inspiring but to see 200 people dance unison was just incredible.  That is when everything changed.  And then I thought this is what I have to do: it has to be a flash mob. 

All my three children dance competitively.  I went to my children’s dance studio and recruited the choreographers, who were more than happy to do it, and recruited 50 core dancers.  The other 150 people heard about it on Facebook and Twitter and joined in just because they believe in this cause.  So we ended up with a fabulous group of 200 people in this wonderful video. We had one two-hour rehearsal for those first 50 kids at the dance studio; but it was a very fast two hours.  The whole 200-person cast rehearsed for six and a half hours on a Saturday; we filmed on the next morning.  It was incredible. 

The choreographers, I take my hat off to them; they were so talented and so committed to it. They did a fabulous job of making it happen.  The only thing that I had asked for was that it was inspiring and uplifting and that I wanted those pictures at the very end. It was delivered beautifully on a silver platter. Everybody volunteered; I didn’t pay a penny for anything.  The four videographers, the choreographers, and the dancers all came for their own sense of passion.

Those simple words had such a profound effect on me and on my children, that I wanted there to be something that continued on after she passed away.  A legacy in honor for her and also for my children to remember how important she was; what a major part of our lives she was.  She was really a mentor to them in so many ways.  And I thought it was such a simple thing, but it had such a profound effect that I thought it was the best way to pay it forward and carry on her legacy after she passed away.

Stay tuned for part two.

Shopping for a cause: Uptown Liz Breast Cancer Awareness Month Gift Guide for the Entertainer

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Who doesn’t love to wine and dine with friends and family? Social gatherings offer us time to celebrate, relax and enjoy good company. Uptown Liz has the perfect party essentials, whether you are the host or the guest! Have a good time this October and peace of mind that you are supporting Breast Cancer Research!

Read up! This book has great entertaining ideas along with wonderful stories.

Thursdays with Mom & Michael; A daughter's loving tribute to her mother's weekly dinner parties in Aspen
Red Mountain Press
100% of author's proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$48.00

Accessorize! Your food will look even better with these grill charms.

Grill Charms The Pink Collection
Charmed Life Products LLC
10% to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$19.95

Serve in style! This platter is cute and is a good way to get guests thinking about getting involved in giving back!

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure® Pass the Plate
KitchenAid
KitchenAid will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
$24.99


Add a personal touch! Create your own invites or Thank Yous for every occasion.

Personalized Stationery
Design-her Gals
5% of every sale to the Gal to Gal Foundation
$45.00

Find all of these items and many more that give back at Uptown Liz!

Fashion for a Cause: Emma Watson Teams up with People Tree to Launch a New Eco-Friendly Clothing Line

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Celebrities are always looked to for the latest trends in fashion.  These days many stars are taking advantage of their limelight and are using it to cast light on socially conscious fashion choices.  In fact, one star in particular is making waves in the fashion world for her eco-friendly clothing line.  Emma Watson, who is best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has recently teamed up with People Tree to launch her own line of fair-trade, organic clothing.

People Tree is considered by many as the pioneer in ethical fashion design.  This company was one of the first to make clothes from organic cotton and establish relationships with fair-trade groups around the world.  In addition, the trendy styles available at People Tree make it simple to dress fashionable and eco-conscious.

This new collection includes many easy to wear separates that are perfect for summer. Also, not only does the majority of Emma’s collection use 100% organic fair-trade certified cotton, it is also made by fair trade groups entirely by hand.  This allows many disadvantaged people in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to create livelihoods and earn decent wages. 

The right clothes can transform the way we feel about ourselves.  Now you can not only look good, but you can feel good, knowing that you are making a difference.  Check out this clothing line and see how you can use fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty!