Valley Girl

“Oprah Winfrey Show” to End After 25 Years

Jackie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:58 +0000

Oprah Winfrey, the “most influential woman” that seems as constant and as a much a part of television as her long standing network, is pulling the plug on the talk show she created 25 years ago and has then after transformed into a multi-billion-dollar media empire.

The beloved “Oprah Winfrey Show,” which has seen ratings slip seven percent from a year ago, will air for its last time in 2011. But will that hold back the unstoppable Oprah from continuing to impact the world? Of course not! Winfrey, 55, is to air a new talk show on OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network. This, in collaboration with Discovery Communications Inc., is expected to debut in 2011. The new network, which was announced in January, is to replace the Discovery Health Channel.

“I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it’s time to say goodbye,” a tearful Winfrey says to her audience in today’s special show, according to E Online.

The Oprah Winfrey Show, airing on CBS Television Distribution, is, of course, saddened by the upcoming loss of their money-making host.

“We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success,” the CBS Corp. unit said in a statement. “We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well.”

Oprah films her hour-long, morning talk show in Chicago, and has done so since her debut on January 2, 1984.

According to Wikipedia, Oprah has been ranked the richest African American of the 20th century, the most philanthropic African American of all time and was once the world’s only black billionaire.

Oprah Winfrey is known for her extraordinary power to open doors for people and businesses with a single positive mention. Oprah’s almost scientific ability to turn a book, featured on “Oprah’s Book Club” segment, into a best-seller has become known as the “Oprah Effect.” If your book is at all recognized by the “O,” its sales are seen to increase by about a million.

Oprah has strategically turned her name into a billion-dollar empire. She now publishes two magazines: O, The Oprah Magazine and O at Home. She has not only co-authored five books, but at the announcement of her future diet book (to be co-authored with her personal trainer Bob Greene), she received the world’s highest book advance fee. As well as hosting and appearing on television shows, Winfrey co-founded the women’s cable television network Oxygen. She is also the president of Harpo Productions (Oprah spelled backwards), according to Wikipedia.

Who Wins This Year’s “Sexiest Man Alive”?

Jackie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:07 +0000

You know you’re hot stuff when you are given the prestigious honor of being named “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine. But what if you are given the title for the second time? Johnny Depp has once again been named “Sexiest Man Alive,” which makes him one of the sexiest of the sexiest men on the planet.

The 46-year-old heartthrob also won this flattering endorsement from People Magazine in 2003. This year he is taking the sexy crown from last year’s winner, Hugh Jackman.

Senior editor at People, Kate Coyne, said on CBS’ “Early Show” that Depp has attained an almost “iconic status in terms of sexiness.”

Other “sexy” men who made People’s list:

Ryan Reynolds
Jake Gyllenhaal
Bradley Cooper
Robert Downey Jr.
David Beckham
Gilles Marini
The Glee Guys
Nick Cannon
Adam Lambert
John Cho
Chris Daughtry
Jerry O’Connell
John Legend
Robert Pattinson

Depp was acknowledged for his many levels of sexiness and its longevity.

“Johnny Depp was someone who was sexy 10 years ago. He’ll be sexy 10 years from now. He’s someone who appeals to multiple generations of women,” said Coyne.

But Johnny Depp isn’t the only man who has won “Sexiest Man” twice in his lifetime. Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Richard Gere are also double winners.

Furthermore, People Magazine awarded Matt Bomer, from USA’s “White Collar,” with “Sexiest Rising Star.”

Johnny Depp rose to stardom when he landed the lead role in 21 Jump Street. To his dismay, he was and quickly regarded as a teen idol. Not selling out for the fame game, from then on he only chose rolls that were “offbeat” and “eccentric.” Even though this can be a risky decision for actors, it may, however, be the reason Depp is so highly-regarded and today’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”

His first major hit film and one of his more memorable roles was when he starred as Edward Scissorhands. Shortly after he gained box office recognition in roles such as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, George Jung in Blow, Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and most recently his mobster role as John Dillinger in Public Enemies.

Films featuring Depp have grossed over $2.3 billion at the United States box office and over $4.8 billion worldwide. He has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor three times, Screen Actors Guild Awards four times and Golden Globe Awards eight times, Depp won the Best Actor Awards from the Golden Globes for his role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and from the Screen Actors Guild for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, according to Wikipedia.

www.people.com

Brangelina Launches Jewelry Collection for Charity

Jackie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:38:12 +0000

Now you can sport bling designed by the most powerful couple in the world, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have created a jewelry collection with Asprey London called the “The Protector,” which will hit stores this week. And in total edgy and philanthropic Brangelina-style, they have drawn their design inspiration from the snake and will give proceeds to Jolie’s charity — The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

The Protector pieces, which were created and designed by the beautiful couple, start at $525 and feature rings, necklaces and bracelets. The couple used the snake for the collection’s theme because when Jolie was pregnant with her daughter Shiloh, she was given a ring in the shape of a snake and considers the serpent “a talisman and protector of her family,” according to Women’s Wear Daily.

This limited edition collection has been in the works for more than a year and will be available at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai.

The benefiting organization, The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, was founded by the most philanthropic actress and “Most Beautiful Woman on the Planet” (according to Vanity Fair) Angelina Jolie in 2006. The couple would not comment on the new jewelry collection but did release a statement on their organization:

“These are the children who most need a safe place to learn, a place to heal, a place to learn reconciliation, a place to build a better future and a place — to just be children,” Angelina said in a statement. “Yet the education for these children is often forgotten. Tens of millions of children and adolescents in conflict are not in school.”

To purchase The Protector pieces or for more information visit www.asprey.com.

The Education Partnership of Children in Conflict raises awareness and funds to educate child victims of war, conflict and natural disasters. Co-chairs, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie and Gene Sperling, Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Council on Foreign Relations main goals were to bring together organizations, corporations, and foundations to create awareness about education for these children and rally resources to get them into quality, safe schools.

In 2007, at the Clinton Global Initiative, 19 organizations made a commitment worth $148 million to educate 350,000 of the children out-of-school in conflict areas and help improve the quality of schooling for nearly 700,000 additional children. EPCC now connects over 40 organizations working to help children of conflict learn and heal. For more infomation on the organization visit www.educationpartnership.org.

Girls’ Night Out to Celebrate the Release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”

Jackie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:44:09 +0000

For all you female Twilight fans, it’s time to make it a girls only evening and head to The Westin Kierland Resort this Friday, Nov. 20. The fantastic “Girls’ Night Out” occasion is set to celebrate the release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Ladies and their gal pals will enjoy:

“Twi-tini” drinks sponsored by Alliance Beverage
delectable hors d’oeuvres
a “New Goth” Fashion Show featuring “Twilight-inspired” fall looks
Transportation and tickets to see the new Twilight movie at Harkins 101
a “Vampire-Chic” Gift Bag
a Kierland Commons Shopping event including LATHER, Ruby Boutique, Cos Bar and Stash
a chance to win transportation to the movie courtesy of Sanderson Volvo of Phoenix and even a chance to win a weekend Volvo rental

Make it a Girl’s Getaway, stay the night on Friday, and meet Kiowa Gordon on Saturday! Kiowa, who plays werewolf Embry Call in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” will be at The Westin Kierland exclusively for guests of the “Girls’ Night Out” Resort Package.

All the fun begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $75 for 21 year olds and older. Guests are invited to make a night of it and meet Kiowa Gordon, who plays Embry Call in the movie series, on Saturday!

About ”The Twilight Saga: New Moon”: “After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family. However, a minor accident during the festivities results in Bella’s blood being shed, a sight that proves too intense for the Cullens, who decide to leave the town of Forks, Washington for Bella and Edward’s sake. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds a form of comfort in reckless living, as well as an even-closer friendship with Jacob Black. Danger in different forms awaits.”
IMDb Editors

About The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a four-diamond Resort located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Resort features 732 rooms, 55 suites and 32 casitas; 175,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor function space; eight food and beverage venues; a full-service spa; an elaborate water park and lazy river; Westin Kids Club; and the 27-hole Kierland Golf Club. As an added benefit, The Westin Kierland is adjacent to Kierland Commons, one of the hottest shopping and dining districts in the Valley. For more information about The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa please visit www.kierlandresort.com or call 480.624.1000.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is located at 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale.

Body & Soul Spa’s Inch Loss Body Wraps

Jackie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:56:37 +0000

What if there was a single treatment that made skin look beautifully toned, while also reducing unsightly cellulite and eliminating water retention for weight-loss? It would have Arizonans lining up at the door. Well this treatment, known as the Inch Loss Body Wraps offered at Body & Soul Spa, is real, and has its many avid regulars leaving feeling completely rejuvenated and detoxified. Who would have thought being wrapped like a mummy would make you feel so alive?

This “inch-loss” service is no one-time miracle worker; it is, however, the perfect compliment to your existing wellness plan. Body & Soul Spa offers many different types of wraps all focused on weight-loss, including:

Slenderizing Mineral Body Wrap: detoxifies and hydrates the body, tightens and tones the skin and decreases cellulite while guaranteeing a loss of 8-30 inches for one session.
Fat Burner Body Wrap: target “hard fat / resistant fat areas” such as hips and thighs.
Power Wrap: “cellulite is dramatically reduced, skin is noticeable tightened, and elasticity is improved”
Beach Ready Body: employs a Power Mineral Body wrap and an Arasys Toning Treatment that enhances your inch-loss results

Here’s how it works… Before being wrapped, measurements are taken of various parts of the body and recorded on the your personal record chart. Then a trained wrap technician wraps you in porous elastic bandages that have been soaked in our exclusive mineral solution.

The wrap is applied firmly to areas needing contouring and more lightly where only skin tightening is desired. Bandages are applied with the specific purpose of helping to visibly reduce, lift and tone targeted areas of the body.

Once the patron is fully wrapped, they are rehydrated all over with Body & Soul’s exclusive mineral solution.

“A poncho is worn to help retain the body’s natural heat. Light exercise is then done for about 60 minutes. Staying active helps increase the circulation and enhances the results of the wrap.”

The solution is again re-applied at 20-minute intervals. The body wraps are not dehydrative-they nourish the body with healthful vitamins and minerals in the solution.

At the end of the 60 minutes, you will be unwrapped and remeasured. The results are a visually slimmer appearance, tighter, toned smoother skin, and “a Patron who looks and feels great!”

Body & Soul Spa is located at 15090 N. Northsight Blvd, Ste. 107 in Scottsdale. They can be reached by calling 480.368.0022. For more information please visit www.bodyandsoulspa.net.

Boutique Black Friday Deals

Jackie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:22:21 +0000

Black Friday, although sounds a little scary, is actually an exciting and joyous day for bargain shoppers. Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving and marks the start of the busy Christmas shopping season. To kick off this special and sometimes stressful time, stores offer incredible deals for those getting an early start on their Christmas shopping. But don’t think just the large national franchises take part in this hectic occasion. Local Valley boutiques are offering Black Friday specials for great gifts to give your friends and family (or even yourself) this holiday season!

Because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November, Black Friday occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November. This year it falls on Friday, Nov. 27.

Instant Karma Boutique- Stop into Instant Karma where select items by Prophetik, Angel Court Jewels, Gypsy05, Kelly B, Skarf, and Walleska, among others, will be 40 percent off. For all your gifts to the little ones, Instant Karma will offer $12 off children’s clothes. Plus, shoppers will receive a percentage off signature bath and body products including lavender eucalyptus, vanilla, grapefruit and rosemary sage scents.
Address: 6220 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Web Site: www.instantkarmaboutique.com
480.595.3165
Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Golden Door Spa Home Store- Golden Door Spa’s Home Store, which sells men and women’s apparel, linens, loungewear and accessories, is offering a generous 25 percent off everything in their store (excluding greeting cards) on Black Friday! Take advantage of this one.
Address: 34505 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85266-1204
Web Site: www.elpedregal.com
480.595.4647
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-5:30pm and Sunday from 12:00pm-5pm

Barbara’s Boutique- Stop into Barbara’s Boutique where regular items are 15 percent off and all handbags and jewelry are 20 percent off! Barbara’s Boutique offers a selection of contemporary and dressier casuals, footwear from Desario and Onex and fashion jewelry.
Address: 34505 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85266-1204
Web Site: www.elpedregal.com
480.575.8115
Hours: 10 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tonight’s Face of Foothills Finale Party: Winning Model Chosen!

Jackie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:02:16 +0000

You voted. We picked our top ten beauties. And now, tonight, the model search is over as Arizona Foothills reveals the winner at the first annual Face of Foothills Finale Party in the W Scottsdale!

FOF Top Ten Finalists

From 6 to 9 p.m., Arizona Foothills will end the countdown and crown the first-ever Face of Foothills Model Search winner with a fabulous celebration. The evening is appropriately decked out in style and fashion as Saks Fifth Avenue will present a “flirty” fall fashion show! Plus, ladies can receive makeup touch-ups by Guerlain and sample must-have items by Bliss Spa. Fashionistas should dress to impress as their will be a Best-Dressed Contest and numerous photo ops by our glittering paparazzi.

Guests will also sip complimentary Champagne and nibble on delicious Sushi Roku bites from 6 to 8 p.m., while Arizona’s favorite D.J., Mr. P-Body, provides the evening’s music.

When you join us at the most fashion-forward event of the year, you will be making a contribution to The Fashion Group International of Arizona, Inc.

Tickets:

$40 for one
$75 for two
$120 for four
$275 for ten

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

Stay the Night at the W

Make a night of it and stay at the most fabulous hotel in Scottsdale! Guests can book a room at the W for rates starting from $189 for stays Nov. 12-15. Make your reservation by calling 1.877.782.0104 and asking for the rate plan FACEOFAZ. You can also book online by visiting wscottsdaleshop.com.

**If you have any questions regarding the Face of Foothills Finale Party please email faceoffoothills@mediathatdeelivers.com.

About the FOF Model Search: The contest started with 100 models, and after a month of voting was narrowed to the top 50. The 50 were then narrowed to ten finalists. The finalists will all meet a panel of Arizona Foothills Magazine judges, including the President/Publisher, Creative Director and Fashion Director, who will determine the first-ever Face of Foothills!

The winner will be featured on the cover of the February 2010 issue of AFM, star in a fashion shoot and see her face featured on the ArizonaFoothillsMagazine.com and AFM E-Newsletter headers for one full year. The Grand Prize package includes a three-night stay at the W Hotel Scottsdale, a photo shoot with AFM’s Fashion and Creative Directors, $5,000 in jewelry from Molina Fine Jewelers, a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue and more.

Run from the Sun Arizonans!

Jackie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:29:05 +0000

Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. today and that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime? I didn’t! In an effort to educate the masses on this deadly disease and help fight it, Arizonans are invited to participate in the first annual Run From the Sun Half Marathon, 5K and Family Fun Run this Saturday, Nov. 14 to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Shade Foundation!

The event kicks off at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. The half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. and the Family Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration can be made on Saturday at the Stadium or online at www.runfromthesunaz.com.

Along with helping aid others in the fight against skin cancer, runners and walkers will receive a long-sleeved technical race shirt, pre-race pasta meal, goodie bag, free skin analysis, raffle ticket and a training plan. Everyone who participates will also receive a finisher’s award and prizes are presented to the top three winners in each age group. The whole day benefits the American Cancer Society and the Shade Foundation.

If you want to stay close to your race, discounted hotel accommodations are available at the Phoenix Mesa Marriott by calling 888.236.2427. Simply mention “Run Sun Marathon” or click here and enter “runruna” as the group code to make reservations.

Location:
Hohokam Stadium
1235 N. Center St.
Mesa, AZ, 85201

More Skin Cancer Facts:

One person dies every hour from Melanoma in the U.S. alone
There are more new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined

“Dermatologists believe [these statistics] are due to the fact that patients do not heed/and or know the early warning signs. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate for Melanoma is about 95%.”

“Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun’s rays,” according to the American Cancer Society.

Run from the Sun also invites you to “make you miles more meaningful” and raise funds for the American Cancer Society DetermiNation:

For a donation of only $10 you can:

                                        - Recieve your own personal fundraising website and set your own fundraising goal
                                        - Run or walk in memory or honor of those who have battled cancer
                                        - Recive special recognition during the Run From The Sun race
                                        - Raise crucial funds that will support American Cancer Society research and programs

For a donation of only $10 and a commitment to raise $500 you’ll receive:

                                        - Designation as an official DetermiNation participant
                                        - Personal fundraising website
                                        - Exclusive American Cancer Society racing singlet
                                        -Access to group training programs and special discounts at local running stores & running groups
                                        -VIP amenities during the Run From The Sun race
                                        -Receive special recognition during the Run From The Sun race
                                        -$15 off Run From The Sun Entry Fee
                                        -The opportunity to run or walk in memory or honor of those who have battled cancer

You can make your $10 donation and sign up for your personal website at determination.acsevents.org/phoenix

Fashion Group Int. Hosts Spring 2010 Advance Fashion Preview in Scottsdale

Jackie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:40:23 +0000

Ladies, your chance to see a world class runway show has arrived! Fashion Group International of Arizona is hosting their advance preview of only the hottest collections for Spring 2010 brought to Arizona straight from the runways in New York, London, Milan and Paris. The show, “Fashion Fever”, is sure to be a cut above the rest this year as FGI’s proud members include Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg. All the action will take place at Arizona’s premiere fashion destination, Scottsdale Fashion Square, on Dec. 3. Buy your tickets now!

The evening, also sponsored by Women of Scottsdale, will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with an exclusive pre-screening at one of Scottsdale’s favorite boutiques, HUB Clothing, located on the upper level, west side of the Palm Court in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Guests will enjoy tasty drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Then spectators are invited to Harkins Theater for the exciting trend preview starting promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Michael Kors - Spring 2010 MBFW

The cost to attend is $40 for the general public, $25 for FGI members, and $10 for students. Space is limited. Pre-payment is required and can be made with VISA/Mastercard at spring2010fashionpreview.eventbrite.com, or mail checks payable to FGI-AZ to 4032 N. Miller Road #104, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For more information, please email fgiarizona@gmail.com.

SPECIAL!
Save $5 off the above ticket prices by paying before Friday, Nov. 20. The deadline for reservations is Friday, Nov. 27. Based on availability, tickets will be $50 at the door.

Fashion Group International, Inc. is a global non-profit association of over 6,000 professionals of achievement and influence representing all areas of the fashion, apparel, accessories, beauty and home industries. Some notable members include Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg.

FGI started in 1928 when 17 women, gathered by Edna Woolman Chase, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, met for lunch in a midtown New York restaurant.

“They had three things in common: Each held a job of consequence in the business of fashion, each held all the others in high regard and together they held a belief that fashion needed a forum, a stage, or a force to express and enhance a widening awareness of the American fashion business and of women’s roles in that business.”

For more information, visit www.fgi.org.

Not-to-Miss Upcoming Concerts in the Valley

Jackie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:45 +0000

So it has been a long time since I’ve updated you on the upcoming concert schedule. But it wasn’t until now that I thought any performances deemed worthy. Check out what the end of 2009 has in store for us…

The Used
Nov. 9 . 7 p.m.
The famous Alternative rock band is making its way to Tempe to perform their all new and fourth studio album, “Artwork,” released at the end of August 2009. The Used is most known for hits like ”A Box Full of Sharp Objects” and “The Taste of Ink”. Rock bands The Almost, and Drive A open the all-ages show at the Marquee Theatre.
Marquee Theatre
730 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ, 85281
480.829.0607

Switchfoot
Nov. 13. 7 p.m.
Arizonans are invited to Scottsdale’s Martini Ranch to see the great alternative rock band Switchfoot. The band is set to release their latest album “Hello Hurricane” this year in hopes to gain as much recognition as their album “The Beautiful Letdown,” which sold over two millions copies nationwide and featured two top 10 hits “Meant To Live” and “Dare You To Move.” Switchfoot has won the San Diego Music award for Best Pop Artist, Best Pop Album and Album of the Year. Switchfoot will perform with a special guest on Nov. 13 and the show is for all ages.
Martini Ranch
7295 E. Stetson Drive
Scottsdale, AZ, 85251

B.B. King
Nov. 21. 8 p.m.
Come see who Rolling Stone magazine ranks #3 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. B.B. King has won multiple Grammy Awards and is revered as one of the greatest blues singers of all time. He will be performing at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix with his special Gibson guitar Lucille. This guitar was named in 1950 after escaping a fire caused by two men fighting over a woman with the name. On Nov. 21, B.B. King will sing greatest hits along with songs from his new release ”One Kind Favor.” Also to grace the stage are Steve Ansel and The Jackson Street Band.
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ, 85008
602.267.1600

Kiss
Dec. 1. 7:30 p.m.
Best known for their painted faces and long tongues, Kiss has broke records and even performed with Adam Lambert in the American Idol Finale this year. Well this year, they are celebrating 35 years of rock n’ roll and taking their one of a kind show to the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale on Dec. 1. Come here their greatest songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Detroit Rock City.” Alternative-rock band, Buckcherry will open for Kiss performing songs from their latest release, “Live and Loud.”
Jobing.com Arena
9400 W. Maryland Ave.
Glendale, AZ, 85305
800.745.3000