A T-shirt of the Times

I just saw this tshirt in Urban Outfitters. It's freakin hilarious:
"Broke is the New Black."
You betcha!

Giving Back: Jillian's Backpack Drive

I tried to Google an image of a kid carrying a backpack, but instead Google guided me to this weird, slightly disturbing photo that I can't figure out...

But anyways, let's get serious for a moment:

I know that times are tough right now, and it seems that with every month, times are only getting tougher. With the end of summer approaching, parents are once again faced with the task of back-to-school shopping. The painful truth is that this time around, back-to-school shopping will be harder on the pockets, especially since our area schools don't have the funds to provide some of the basic supplies. For this reason, Nellie Photography will be donating to Jillian's Backpack Drive.

I also chose to donate to Jillian's Backpack Drive because I was impressed by Jillian--a young girl interested in finding ways to help others in her community. (You've gotta check out the website! She's a sweetie! http://www.jilliansbackpackdrive.com/) I also personally know Jillian's mom and dad. In fact, I've posted them on the blog before because they own a fabulous DJ business, D3 Productions DJ Services (http://www.djd3productions.com/). What a talented and giving family.

I encourage you to donate as well...if not to this particular organization, then to someone or something else. Now's the time when we really need each other's help. Here's the letter I received asking for my participation:

We are excited to announce that Jillian's 4th Annual Backpack Drive has been launched! As many of you know, each summer we collect backpacks and school supplies for 6 weeks. We then fill each backpack with a complete set up supplies and donate those backpacks to local non-profits that provide services to children in need.

In 2008 we also connected with families in need directly. After spreading the word about Jillian's Backpack Drive on KSFM 102.5, we had several families contact us and express a need for backpacks for their children. We met with and provided backpacks to 11 children whose families are working hard to survive in these difficult economic times.

Jillian and I are blessed that we get to meet many of the kids that receive the backpacks and they are so appreciative and grateful. We always let them know that our backpack drive would not be possible without the generosity of so many people in the community.

We recognize that with the downfall in the economy, fluctuating gas prices, and the subsequent increases in most of the things we need to live, funds are tight for everyone. We hope that you will continue to keep Jillian's Backpack Drive in mind when you are school supply shopping. YOU can help us continue our mission to help make the first day of school special, one backpack at a time.

Visit our web site at www.jilliansbackpackdrive.com for a list of items to donate. Remember, there is no such thing as a donation that is too small...every little bit helps!

Please pass this email along to your network of family and friends. We need all the help we can get in spreading the word about Jillian's Backpack Drive.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day!

Janeen and Jillian
916.479.2484

donate@jilliansbackpackdrive.com

www.jilliansbackpackdrive.com

You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

A Tid-Bit of the Legendary Veronica Lake

I found this special little video on clip on Youtube. Youtube is so flippin' addictive! Anyways, it features Veronica Lake and that nostalgic male voice-over of films and cartoons during that era. Here's the paragraph that accompanied the video:

In the early 1940s, American film actress Veronica Lake changed her trademark peekaboo hairstyle to encourage women working in war industry factories to adopt more practical, safer hairstyles. Veronica Lake was a popular American film actress who enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim, especially for her femme fatale roles in film noir with Alan Ladd during the 1940s. A stray lock of her shoulder-length blonde hair during a publicity photo shoot led to her iconic hairstyle which hid one eye, and was widely imitated.

I'm Not Brittany, B**ch!

Photo #1: "Oops I Did It Again." This photo just screams "Brittany Spears!"


Man oh man. Julie had a heckofa time 2 weeks before her wedding in Mexico.

First, she came down with a terrible virus--ear infections in both ears, sinus infection, the whole nine. Because of her sickness, we weren't sure if she'd be able to do her Pin-up & Boudoir session before she left for Mexico.

Then, do you remember the whole Swine Flu outbreak and panic that supposedly originated in Mexico? Well, this all happened a few days before her wedding. Julie didn't even know if they'd be able to fly out to Cabo and even more importantly: Get back into the USA! She had only 15 guests coming to the wedding, and some of them began bailing out because of the big scare. What a nightmare!

But after one reschedule due to her illness, Julie was able to come in for her photo session. And thankfully, after the nation began to realize that the Swine Flu was not as ferocious as first believed, Julie's fear of being denied her Mexico wedding subsided. Things began looking up!

Photo #2: "My Choice." Can you believe Julie doesn't like this photo as much as the one below cuz it accentuates the "trouble spot" on her belly!? Get out of town!!!

Photo #3: "Her Choice." Don't get me wrong, this photo is definitely hot, but the above photo is super-cutey-pie-licious!


Photo #4: "Soft." That's all that needs to be said...


Photo #5: "Red Hot Vixen." Her gaze is absolutely gorgeous!

Why is Julie so hot?

1. cuz her mama made her that way.

2. cuz she's a personal trainer.

And good news: If you're looking to work it out, Julie is ready to help. Here's her info:

Julie
Certified Personal Trainer, NASM, AFAA

(916)749-0987 (cell)

http://us.mc560.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=julielovesfitness@yahoo.com
California Family Fitness
Home Club in Roseville

"I believe that everyone regardless of shape, size, age, or physical limitations can achieve fitness success. The key is to take that 1st step and get started! Whether your goals are to lose weight, get lean and sculpted, or to gain muscle mass and bulk up I can help. By listening to what you want to accomplish I'll help you set short-term goals to achieve long-term success. This involves developing personalized workouts (resistance training and cardio) and paying close attention to nutrition. Call me for a free consultation and let's get started today!" ~Trainer Julie

Be sure to vote for your favorite photo so that Julie can receive her free 8x10 print. The winning photo needs only 15 votes! Post your vote by clicking on the "Comments" link below.