During Fashion's Night Out, I interviewed Laila Ali, Vogue’s FNO at Destination Maternity celebrity host, to learn about the embellished...

During Fashion's Night Out, I interviewed Laila Ali, Vogue’s FNO at Destination Maternity celebrity host, to learn about the embellished designer "Celebrities 4 Maternity Denim" collection, Laila and 8 other celebrities have put up for online auction.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

During my meet and greet with Laila, I asked about the design on her decorated designer denim for the Destination Maternity and March of Dimes online auction, "Celebrities 4 Maternity Denim"
Laila Ali: I had so many different ideas for designs but in the end, I decided to go with a look that was simple, current and something that I felt most women would actually want to wear. Love was the perfect theme for moms to be!

I also asked how she juggles work and family. Laila and husband, former NFL star, Curtis Conway, have a son, and a daughter.

Laila Ali: I make my family a priority. They travel with me and I always make time to be there for them. I'm a hands on mom so I don't travel with a nanny or use one when we're at home. I love being with my family.

Celebrities 4 Maternity Denim Collection

Like Laila, the other celebrities, including Heidi Klum; Naomi Watts; Jewel; Camila Alves; Busy Philipps; Diane Farr; Kaitlin Olson, and Nicole Sullivan, believe that family is one of the most important parts of our lives.

By embellishing a one-of-a-kind pair of designer maternity denim, these 9 celebrities are taking part in the initiative between Destination Maternity and the March of Dimes to raise awareness about the importance of preventing preterm birth so more babies can get a healthy start in life.

Learn more, visit - www.destinationmaternity.com

There seems to be no easy answer to the issue of paying bloggers to post content. Some companies want their information shared for free. Som...

There seems to be no easy answer to the issue of paying bloggers to post content. Some companies want their information shared for free. Some in exchange for a provided product. While other companies don't mind as long as it's disclosed as "sponsored content".

Bloggers on the other hand are tired of "sharing" information that doesn't really provide much value for their blog and their community.

Recently I shared my thoughts on the subjects of compensation for a PRBreakfastClub post "Five Blogger Reactions to Review & Endorsement Compensation".

Read more: www.prbreakfastclub.com/2011/07/18/blogger-reactions-compensation/

Most bloggers started blogging to share about their lives and interests not so much a marketing pitch. As a blogger who has received my share of offers to "share" a companies important message I also understand the bloggers side of "sharing" involves more then just putting up the actual blog post.

Like most bloggers anything I post on my blog also get shared to my community on twitter, facebook and other social networks I have connects to.

Those social media connects have taken me hours, days and yes even years to build up in numbers and more important in trust. It's that trust and connection that companies want to tap into because it has value. Yes value.

At some point there will be a cost factor for access to a bloggers valuable social connections. What happens then?

Recently within the compensation for bloggers conversations, I've started hearing (reading) about the term pay for play. With the holiday season and gift guide requests fast approaching I wanted to share an post from MamaDweeb sharing a bit about what that terms means

Definition of pay for play in public relations: www.mamadweeb.com/2011/09/definition-of-pay-for-play-in-public-relations/

It's always interesting to me to see a comparison between bloggers and journalists. But my comments and thoughts on that will have to wait for another blog post.

For now what do YOU think about this issue of bloggers and "pay for play"?

During Fashion Night Out, I attended Brookstone's in-store shopping event at its Rockefeller Plaza location. That night the store was tr...

During Fashion Night Out, I attended Brookstone's in-store shopping event at its Rockefeller Plaza location. That night the store was transform into a mini spa where visitors could demo the variety of massagers and massage chairs.

Please Note: I received a gift bag after the event. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Visitors also received a preview of the newly launched collection of LELO intimate massagers from Sweden.

LELO Liv, Gigi and Mia

Liv is an mid-size personal massager with five vibration modes for a wide range of soothing sensations, from soft flutter to intense pulsation. Beautifully contoured for a most effective massage.

Gigi is a mid-size personal massager that whisper-quiet with five adjustable vibration modes—taking stress relief to a whole new level.

Mia has a lightweight lipstick-case design, and can be tucked away to be enjoyed at any time. It offers precise control through four varied vibration modes, and can be recharged via USB for added convenience.

• Made with body-safe, phthalate-free silicone
• Fully rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• Intuitive, fully lockable controls for adjusting speed and intensity
• Comes in an elegant gift box and satin pouch for storage
• Includes charger, user manual and 1-year LELO warranty

LELO Yva

Crafted in lustrous, body-safe 18K gold plate, sophisticated LELO’s Yva is for those who enjoy a massage that incorporates the sensations of cold or hot. Five vibration modes give you a choice of massage intensity, from soft flutter to deep pulse. It features a Li-Ion battery that delivers up to 7 hours of use on a single charge, as well as a charging indicator. Intuitive, fully lockable controls let you easily adjust speed and intensity.

• Crafted in body-safe 18K gold plate for sensations of cold or hot
• Fully rechargeable Li-Ion battery; five vibration modes
• Intuitive, fully lockable controls for adjusting speed and intensity
• Comes in an elegant wooden gift box and satin storage pouch
• Includes charger, user manual and 1-year LELO warranty

LELO Personal Moisturizer and Flickering Touch Massage Candle

Specially formulated to serve a dual purpose, LELO’s Personal Moisturizer works as both a massage lotion and as a skin moisturizer. Its water-based pH-balanced formula is fortified with soothing aloe vera to help keep your skin feeling smooth, soft and cared-for. It’s nongreasy and non-staining, and free of glycerin, paraben and fragrance.

Made from all-natural soy wax, shea butter and apricot kernel oil, the lightly scented wax of the LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle melts into a warm pool of massage oil. Specially designed to nourish and moisturize your skin with natural vitamin E, it’s subtle fragrance will tantalize your senses. Candle size is 5.3 oz., with a burn-time of approximately 36 hours.


LELO Sussurra Collection

Sussurra™ is LELO’s luxurious line of lingerie and loungewear. This premier collection makes use of silk stripe chiffon, silk satin and silk habutai pieces for women and men.

To learn more, visit - www.brookstone.com

During Fashion Night Out, I stop by the Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza for a complimentary Violent Lips temporary lip tattoo application....

During Fashion Night Out, I stop by the Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza for a complimentary Violent Lips temporary lip tattoo application. I wasn't sure what to expect but since Violent Lips are a line of natural and vitamin enhanced temporary lip tattoos which are FDA approved, AND vegan, I figured I can take a chance. Besides on a night of fashion and style I needed something to give me some pizazz.

Please Note: I received a complimentary Violent Lips tattoo application. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.


So how was it? Actually it's alot like getting one of those stick on kids tattoos. After I chose the purple Cheetah pattern, my lips were measured for the right sizing, then the appliqués are damped with water while on my lips, a few firm presses and then the backing slides off to leave me with patterned lips.


At first I wasn't sure how it would stand up to my fashion night out of smiling, laughing and of course wine drinking but after setting on my lips the Violent Lip tattoo did great. No peeling or staining. I ate, smiled and of course drank wine with no problems.

I did make sure to keep my lips moisturized with light lip gloss. Not sure if that made a difference for me. Over all I really liked the special look I had for the night and received many compliments on my lips.

Once back home it all came off smoothly with some baby oil and a tissue. My lips weren't dried out or damaged. I think Violent Lips are a great idea to dress up for a fun night out or for the holiday. Many different styles and colors to choose from to fit different skin tones and personalities.

To shop for or learn more about Violent Lips visit www.violentlips.com