Who doesn’t remember summer camp season? In retrospect, those days were filled with boxed lunches, field trips, and mediocre games of kickball. BUT, at the time, it was the best reason for me to wake up each and every day!

The National Military Family Association wants to bring that same excitement to children with one or both parents deployed overseas. Operation Purple offers children (ages 7-17) a free week of summer camp and an opportunity to hang out with others in a similar situation! This is the only camp program in existence that brings together kids from all military branches and provides them with the tools to deal with the stress resulting from a parent’s deployment.

The camps can be found in most states and while the deadline has passed for enrollment in the traditional camps, a few have an extended registration period! Chicago-area families, there is still space available at the West Lafeyette, IN camp location. Those dates are May 31st – June 6th! You can find more details on the website at www.operationpurple.org!

-kb

Hey, hey, hey! How’s everyone been doing? 

It’s been busy, busy, busy here in Chicago and I think the fantastic weather has had something to do with it! Here’s my mini-recap of what’s been happening in my world:

• I started bikram yoga classes on Thursday! If you haven’t heard of it, bikram is yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees. Yes, I’m absolutely serious. I’ve already taken two classes and must say that I’m hooked. I’m focusing on my breathing and oneness, and I can feel the toxins leaving my body. The only downside is the whole hair issue. When you’re putting in work in 105 degrees, the amount of sweat is crazy. But, I don’t want to discourage you! Here’s the website to the studio I attend: www.bikramcitychicago.com! Best part? They give you freeze pops after class!!! YES!
• I stopped by Aniko Salon and Spa on Thursday night for their Aniko Dream Glam event. It was a fabulous time complete with a DJ, wine, cupcakes, beautiful people, shopping, and beauty treatments! I had to haul ass to yoga so I only stayed long enough to chat with Sarah (Chic Gems), Marti (Aniko Owner), and Jenny (Evlove Intimates); and get a skin analysis. The proceeds from the event benefitted Dreams for Kids. 
• Saturday morning, I volunteered for MS Day at the Museum of Science and Industry. Each year, the MS Society provides free admission and lunch to families affected by MS. It’s one of my favorite events to work, and this year was noooo different! It’s nice to see everyone just enjoy themselves and one of the coolest museums in the city!
• Saturday afternoon, I popped into the “Each One, Teach One” female condom training and advocacy workshop. It was absolutely amazing to see young girls actively taking a role in their health, having discussions amongst themselves, and asking the educators questions. On the other end of the room, the women were talking about what they could do to make sure that young girls (and guys) were educated about safe sex. Thanks to the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project for the invite/information. I’m going to post pictures/video from the event on The Red Pump Project website!

Whew! So, as you can see…it’s been nonstop, and honestly, it’s only going to get crazier! I can’t wait!!!

-kb

Morning, all! Today’s big topic: Twestival! I did a previous post discussing what Twestival is, but I didn’t have the exact event details. Well…voila! I have the details and included them in my Examiner.com article. You can check it out by clicking here!

Hope to see (and meet) some of you at tonight’s festivities!

-kb

It seems that Valentine’s Day is really motivating people to open their hearts and give back! That’s great, guys! If your nonprofit, favorite charity, business, or client (for my PR peeps) is hosting a Valentine’s Day event/initiative for charity, please let me know by this weekend! I’m compiling a list for both The Fabulous Giver (nationwide) and the Examiner (Chicago only).

You can send the info to my email addy: thefabgiver@gmail.com!

-kb

Today, I signed up to assemble Walk MS Team packets at the MS Society on Monday!

-kb

Hey, everyone…I want to apologize for not loading any new posts (especially Fabulous Gifts Part II). My Wordpress is stuck and will only let me develop content in HTML code, and unfortunately, I’m not super-skilled in HTML. At least, not enough to do fancy things…I’m working with the kind folks at Wordpress, and hope to have this worked out SOON!!!

Stay tuned…

-kb

I’m keeping the Hudson family in my prayers…It’s never easy to lose a relative, especially a mother. 

On a sidenote, there is too much violence going on in Chicago. It really makes me wonder what’s going on in this great city that I love SO much! :-/

-kb

As a proud Libra, I must welcome you all to the most fabulous month on the calendar…October! Besides being my birthday month, it is also National Breast Cancer Awareness month. There will be PLENTY of opportunities for fabulous giving, so please stay tuned!

First up…

PrettyCity.com has brought back its signature “Pretty in Pink” event! The month-long program kicks off today and lets us gals get great beauty treatments (think waxing, manicures, facials, massages, etc) for the discounted price of $31! Each participating spa or salon makes a donation in advance to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength (formerly Y-ME!). Last year, “Pretty in Pink” raised over $20,000! 

This program is taking place in eight states: Illinois, Arizona, California, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. It is recommended that you book your appointment in advance to ensure that you receive your service at the discounted rate. Head on over to PrettyCity.com/pink to find a salon and services in your area.

I will be pampering myself the week after my golden birthday, so I have every intention of doing a body scrub and facial somewhere. But, I’m REALLY EXCITED about signing up for classes at Flirty Girl Fitness. Oh, yes…FGF is also getting in on the “Pretty in Pink” action, which makes sense because the entire place is pink! You can take two classes, do one class and a pedicure, or do a two-hour workshop and manicure…for only $31!

J’adore FGF. I really do!

-kb

…since I’ve had a new post! Sorry about that, guys! Life got a little hectic, but I’m back and have some great events and posts so stay tuned!

-kb

I decided that there needed to be a central site that profiles fabulous movers-and-shakers who have committed themselves to changing the world with a stylish hand and an open heart. Everyday, there are plenty of designers, boutiques, celebrities, fashionistas, and more doing their part to support the charitable cause of their choice. They don’t do it for the recognition, but why should their good deeds go unnoticed?

I will do my part to keep you posted on sales, fashion events, galas, and initiatives designed to raise money for charity. This blog will also take a look at the charities connected to some of my favorite celebs!

KB