Articles by Christine Burger

When I was in college I worked part-time at Nordstrom as a salesperson. It was a great job. Nordstrom’s sales team is on commission and it is possible to make quite a bit of money, especially for a college student. Every pay-period Nordstrom would list department sales by salesperson and their sales per hour. Clearly the more clothes you sold, the more money you would make. While I only worked three days a week I consistently placed as one of the top sales producers in my department. I attribute this to one, very simple thing; I refused to say that something looked good on one of my customers, if it didn’t. Over the years it was my regulars who drove up my sales numbers, not my salesmanship.

EveryBODY has assets and everyBODY can look good. It doesn’t matter if you are big or little, short or tall, you can look good and feel good.

TWO TIPS:

1. Wear the right size (not too tight).
2. Dress for your body shape.

There you have it!

I found a really great little tool on iVillage for body shapes.  Click here, to see what they say about your shape.

Just for fun, check out how body shapes and weights have changed over the years, click here.

Happiness is feeling good with the body you have right now . . .

Happiness is getting e-mailed an adorable picture of your nephew (and brother)!

Picture of Joel Smith with son Byrd Oliver.

There are probably many arguments or justifications for why you do not give to people “begging” for money. Here are a few thoughts you may have had, “I’m not sure that she is going to buy food . . . probably going to fund cigarettes, liquor or maybe even drugs.” “I already give a lot to charity.” “He is not really homeless or hungry, it is a scam.” “If she was really hungry, she would go to a shelter.” “Will work for food . . . he doesn’t want a job, he just wants a free ride.” “She doesn’t need that wheelchair, it is a prop.” “You chose to be homeless; you can get ‘help’ if you really wanted to. . .”

Hmmm . . . maybe you are right and maybe you are wrong.

Nevertheless, there is a person who is “down on their luck” asking you for help. Yes, the streets are filled with addicts, mentally ill, beaten down, hopeless people. People walk by everyday, try not to make eye-contact and if they are absolutely pushed to give an answer, say no.

Yes, it could be a scam . . . but what if it’s not?

Isn’t it better to risk being scammed then to potentially walk away from someone who desperately needs help? You never know where that person is in their life or how a simple act of kindness could potentially make “the difference.”

Circumstances may make it impossible to give every time, but maybe start by considering sometimes.

“He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything.” Samuel Johnson

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky.

He felt the worst had happened and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief and anger.

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!

“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

The Moral of This Story

It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn’t lose heart, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal.

Thank you Patricia for sharing this with us!

What does this mean and why do you care?

The Associated Press wrote an article about the potential dangers of phthalates in baby products. The study that they reviewed was released in the February issue of Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Phthalates are chemicals that are often in personal care products. They are used to stabilize fragrance. This study suggests that baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose infants to phthalates that have been linked with possible reproductive problems.

In the study, phthalates were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who had been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

The current study offers no direct evidence that products used on the infants contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in the babies’ urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried environmental groups that support restrictions on these chemicals. To read the complete article, click here.

Normally if you were to learn this type of information and choose to avoid products that had phthalates, you would simply read the label. The problem is phthalates are in fragrance and the FDA does not require manufacturers to list fragrance ingredients except as “fragrance.”

We have had many e-mails and calls regarding this topic. So, for the record, Noodle & Boo products do not contain phthalates; this includes our adult products too.

Noodle & Boo is 100% phthalate-free!

I have a very special place in my heart for Pumpkinheads, a beautiful children’s boutique in the very prestigious Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Pumpkinheads was one of our very first retailers and its heart and purpose are very much similar to Noodle & Boo.

Founder Jamara Ghalayini and her husband Mo Gallini wanted to help children in need. Pumpkinheads was opened to create a continuous revenue stream for local charities working to improve the quality of life for children in Los Angeles. Pumpkinheads fund raising efforts have generated more than $128,000 through their charitable endeavors including Operation School Bell, The March of Dimes, ArtShare LA, Good Beginnings (Cedars Sinai NICU) and Harmony with No Limits. It is their hope that Pumpkinheads will inspire many and help many more in the process.

In addition to being an entrepreneur with a huge vision, Jamara has an amazing sense of style which keeps her celebrity clientele happy and Pumpkinheads a Hollywood destination for children’s fashion! Here is what she had to say:

When did you open Pumpkinheads? - September 1, 2005

What has been the hardest part of starting your business? - Going home . . . there is always more I want to do. I have enjoyed it so much and the hardest thing is managing to make sure that I take personal time away from the store and don’t live there every waking moment!

What has been the best part of starting your own business? - Autonomy . . . I love being able to have the flexibility of being my own boss! But I MUST say this is only because of my unbelievable store manager Amber whom has been with me since prior to opening in 2005 . . . I have an amazing staff and this just wouldn’t be what it has grown to be without their dedication and input.

What’s the best baby gift you are currently selling (besides N&B of course)?

Amber Hagen Cashmere. Hoodies & blankets . . . it is amazing. The Quaids (as in Dennis and his beautiful wife Kim) bought it for their new twins, Poppy Montgomery has bought probably 3! It has the single most “WOW” factor of anything. We always pair it with a little pair of cashmere socks!

What’s hot in kid’s fashion? - Brights are back! No more earthy neutrals . . . fuschia’s and bright greens and blues! Also, mis matchy outfits . . . the really “outfitty” look is out . . . people want things that aren’t exact matches . . . mixed patterns, etc. It is really more creative and much more fun to work with! Also mixing textures is HUGE, corduroy with fleece, or fuzzy knits . . . YUMMY!

Finish this sentence, I find joy in . . . knowing that every dollar we make continues on and contributes towards a “change for the positive” with our partner Operation School Bell. I love having a meaning beyond myself.

Finish this sentence, I am passionate about . . . being responsible to the community I live in. It is important to help everywhere and always be of service, but I am absolutely passionate about making a profound and meaningful lasting effort in the community that has been so supportive of Pumpkinheads.

My favorite candy is . . . that’s easy!!! Dark Chocolate covered Honey Comb!

Anything else you want to share??? - Yes. I am so grateful for parents that have taught me I could truly do anything I set my mind to. The most frequent thing I remember hearing them say about me when I was little was how determined they thought I was. My dad had taught me to always act with integrity first, and my mom has shown me the greatest example of a friend and compassion to others.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Next time you are in Los Angeles be sure to stop by Pumpkinheads. You won’t be disappointed! You can shop with Jamara everyday online, just click here.

Thank you Jamara! Wishing you continued success!

My interest in research and development of skincare products stemmed from having a child with eczema. I am always looking for the latest information in better understanding eczema, its causes and potential cures. Could there be a link between hard-water and eczema? Professor Hywel Williams and his research team are going to find out.

The independent trial run by clinicians at The University of Nottingham has received funding of nearly £1million from the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program. The study will focus on hard water areas in Nottingham and Leicester, Cambridge, London and the Isle of Wight.

The aim of the Soft Water Eczema Trial (SWET) is to discover whether eczema can be improved by deliberately softening all water used in the home - except at one tap in the kitchen which will supply mains water for drinking.

Families of eczema sufferers and some doctors have said that living in a hard water area may make eczema worse.

Recently a team of researchers at The University of Nottingham found that eczema is more common in primary school children living in hard water areas in the UK compared with children living in soft water areas. No one really knows why, but it could be because hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, leading to increased use of soaps which can act as skin irritants.

Professor Hywel Williams and his research team at the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology are running the trial. Professor Williams said: “I have wanted to do this study for many years as patients keep telling me that water softeners help their skin, but other people aren’t so sure. Carrying out a proper randomized controlled trial will help us find the answer. If ion-exchange water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema, this will be an extremely important finding for both patients and doctors. Many patients worry about the possible side effects of the usual treatments for eczema, so this would be a welcome addition to their treatment options.”

The study is in the process of recruiting 310 children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years who have moderate to severe eczema.

Up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, red and itchy, whist in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not contagious and with treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care and protection against dryness.

The water softener industry (through their representative body, the UK Water Treatment Association) - is closely involved in the development of the trial and a generic water softener has been specially produced for the study. The industry is meeting the costs of producing and installing water softener units. The study findings will be quite independent from any industry influence.

The trial will run until the end of next year and the results won’t be known until the end of 2009 when all the information has been analyzed.

Noodle & Boo’s ultimate ointment was developed especially for sufferers of eczema. It is an excellent alternative to steroid-based medications.

The months leading up to turning 40 were a little bit overwhelming. I was constantly being asked what plans I had for the “big event” and how I was feeling about being forty???

I wanted to do something special that didn’t focus on me. It seemed like the perfect thing to do was to take the opportunity to donate my hair to Locks of Love. It is an organization that I have admired for years and it gave me the opportunity to talk about it often when asked about my “big plans.” As the day got closer I did get a little nervous, but since I had been talking it up for months I was committed (picture - 5 minutes before cutting my hair)! It was so exciting to mail-in my 10 inches of hair.

I love to think of a little person smiling because they get to have hair too!

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides wigs and hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who suffer from long-term medical hair loss. All of the custom hairpieces are made with hair donated from individuals.

Nexxus Salon Hair Care, with Locks of Love, created an easy-to-follow, brief video tutorial to educate interested donors and their stylists on the proper steps to donate. To view the video, click here.

To date, Locks of Love has provided more than 2,000 children in all 50 states and Canada with hairpieces. Most of the children who receive hairpieces suffer from a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cure.

“We can do no great things . . . only small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

Just the words “dry, cracked skin” are enough to make us girls reach for the lotions and potions. And as the weather turns colder, dry skin becomes a common problem for most of us. When choosing lotions, creams and ointments, personal preference is important along with choosing effective products that leave skin hydrated and healthy.

Most lotions and creams contain one or both of the following agents, an oily agent and a watery agent. Most of the time, creams and lotions vary based on the amount of these two agents, or “phases” as they are commonly referred to by formulators.

Some creams or lotions can contain most of one phase and almost none of the other. Or, these agents can exist in equal amounts. In many cases, the ‘feel’ of a lotion or cream may run from very oily to not oily at all. It all depends on the relationship of the two phases. For instance the Ultimate Baby Ointment and the Elasticity Oil are two Noodle & Boo products that are oil-based (no water). The Balm has both oil and water but has a higher percentage of oil than the Super Soft Lotion or Lovely Body Lotion which are light daily moisturizers for the whole body.

Unless some unusual medical condition exists (such as Psoriasis) most skin damage occurs because of dryness. In the winter, the air lacks the same humidity as in the summer. The atmosphere contributes to dehydrating the skin at a faster rate during this time.

It is during this period that creams or lotions with an oily feel come to the rescue and provide a covering that slows the escape of moisture from the exposed surface allowing re-hydrating from below. Oil-based lotions and creams have an ‘occlusive’ function in that they cover the skin and allow healing like a band-aid. These creams and lotions may also contain additives which have proven to provide softening and soothing properties to the skin.

If you suffer from dry skin from head-to-toe, the ultimate luxury we offer is the Elasticity Oil applied just after your shower and before you dry off.

For seriously dry cracked skin on hands and feet the ultimate ointment is excellent. Since it is an oil-based product it will leave skin oily and is recommended for overnight skin therapy.

For dry skin that needs a little tender loving care to keep it in tip-top shape during the winter months, The Balm is “the bomb.” Wonderfully rich it dries quickly and leaves skin supple. For best results it should be used after you shower as well as after every hand-washing.

Happiness is well-hydrated skin . . .

A single cupcake will probably do you no harm, but eating foods with Low GI Ratings have now been linked to clearer, healthier skin.

Before we continue let’s review . . . GI stands for Glycemic Index. You have heard about good carbs and bad carbs as they relate to weight loss, diabetes and heart disease, now eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less pasta, rice and cereal can contribute to the health of your skin as well.

Specifically, a new study suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in blemished skin. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index. This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods and an improvement in acne.

If you would like to compare a meal you might have during the day with one that has a “low GI rating,” click here.

So, let me get this straight, healthy weight, healthy heart and healthy skin . . . sounds like a win, win, win!

When I founded Noodle & Boo, I had a very clear vision. I would start a company and build it into a crazy successful company and use a large portion of the profits to fund initiatives that helped children in need. Gosh, it sounded so easy . . . build an empire . . . help children . . . as my five-year old says, “easy-peasy!”

My grandmother passed away on August 17, 2005, two months after I launched Noodle & Boo. If you have ever started a company you know how hard it is . . . my grandmother was that person who absolutely believed in me. She saw me through rose-colored glasses and never let me forget she adored me. She was the quiet voice that whispered “you can do it!”

As I was boarding the plane to go to her funeral, I was having a “what the heck have you done” moment. With my husband’s blessing, I had cashed out our life-savings with the goal that I was going to help people by making bath and body products. I was having a “you might be crazy” moment.

As I was sitting on the plane reading, I came to poem by W. A. Dromgoale.

The Bridge Builder

An old man walking a lonesome road,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and wide and deep.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The rolling stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow traveler near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here,
Your journey will end with the passing day,
You never again will pass this way.
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you this bridge at eventide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head,
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today,
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
The chasm that was nought to me,
To the fair headed youth may a pitfall be.
He too must cross in the twilight dim -
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

Noodle & Boo is my “bridge.” I sat there and cried tears of sadness and of joy. It was affirmation of my convictions and somehow even though my grandmother was gone, there was a little voice letting me know I was on the right track. Whatever the outcome, I will have no regrets.

Happiness is following your inner voice and being true to your convictions . . .

If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month - get married.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help others.
Chinese Proverb

Alright, maybe us girls need to swap “go fishing” for “get a massage.” But, when I read this it made me smile, because it’s true! If you want to absolutely find happiness, focus on helping others.

I have heard from many who have figured out “the secret,” that it is as rewarding for those who get to help as it is for those who benefit from being helped. It’s like a big piece of chocolate cake; it’s absolutely delicious to bring joy to another person. Once you realize that “personal happiness” comes from making a difference in someone’s life, you are always looking for the next opportunity to serve.

The question is, are you helping others because it brings you happiness or are you helping because it is the right thing to do? Hmmmm . . . . either way, it’s all good!

Here is a great resource that Pat Ferrari found that highlights Ten Tips to Volunteering for those of you who want to give “helping” a whirl. I promise you will not regret it!

“Know how to do good a little at a time, and often.” Baltasar Gracian

Happy New Years! It’s that time of year when all of us are thinking about our New Year’s Resolutions. While losing a couple of pounds and vowing to eat healthier may be at the top of your list, there is another reason to eat well, simply put . . . healthy skin.

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects.

While there’s no mistaking how our diet affects our overall health, it can also impact our skin’s health.

Healthy Food . . . Healthy Skin

Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and ensure the skin is getting optimal nutrition from the foods we eat is to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Daily Food Guide, commonly referred to as the food pyramid.

These include:

• Choosing and eating at least three ounces of whole grain breads, cereals, rice, crackers or pasta.
• Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including more dark green and orange vegetables.
• Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
• Opting for a variety of low-fat or lean meats, poultry and fish.

Research has shown that the antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging skin.

Similarly, we have long known that the B vitamin biotin is responsible for forming the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A - found in many fruits and vegetables - maintains and repairs skin tissue. Without an adequate supply of these vitamins, you may notice it in the appearance of your skin, hair and nails.

While the direct link between food consumption and skin damage has not been widely studied, one study comparing the correlation between food and nutrient intake with skin wrinkling found a positive relationship. The study, “Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?,” published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, determined that Swedish subjects aged 70 and older had the least skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site among the four ethnic groups studied. This cross-sectional study, which analyzed the pooled data using the major food groups, suggests “that subjects with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, and monounsaturated fat and legumes, but a lower intake of milk/dairy products, butter, margarine and sugar products had less skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site.”

Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated will help most people improve the appearance of their skin.

Happiness is eating well for beautiful skin . . .

Have you ever had someone do something nice for you that was totally unexpected? I read on my Starbucks cup of such an act that happened at a drive-thru Starbucks. A driver chose to pick-up the tab for the car behind him. What happened next was a chain reaction in that for the following seven (7) cars, each driver chose to pay for the next person. I LOVED that story.

I do think that kindness can be contagious. Do you have a story where someone showed you unexpected kindness or a story where you had an opportunity to be the instigator of such an event?

I encourage you to be “an instigator” and report back on just how creative you are . . . . . karma my friend!

“Carpe diem, Seize the day . . . “ Horace

On a whim, I entered and won Miss Sonoma County when I was a 17 year-old senior in high school. Just like most girls that age, I was insecure with my looks and almost a little embarrassed that I actually won. As I prepared for Miss California (which I didn’t win), I was scheduled to be photographed by a fairly well-known photographer. As I went through make-up and as the photographer set-up to take my picture, I was nervous. I’m not sure what I said, but I must have alluded to the fact that I wasn’t “that pretty.” I’m sure I was looking for reassurance.

Instead of telling me what I wanted to hear, “oh you are so pretty,” he told me what I needed to hear, and it has stayed with me, and is “the best” beauty advice I have ever received. Here is what he said:

“There is always going to be somebody who is prettier than you and there is always going to be someone who is not as pretty as you. Furthermore, beauty is subjective and what is pretty to one is not to another. Instead of focusing on whether or not you are attractive by social standards, focus on the inside.”

Yes, it may sound cliché, but as an impressionable teenager I took it to heart. After all, he was a “famous photographer.” He went on to say, “if you define yourself by how you look you will never be secure. Rather, define who you are by what you believe in and what you stand for.”

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” Coco Chanel

Having children has been the single largest life-changing event for me. It reaches far beyond the obvious into how I see the world and the people in it. The love and vulnerability that I experienced the first time I held my babies is indescribable. As a mother I have made a lifetime commitment to my children, to love them and to be there for them, no matter what happens, no exceptions.

After having children, when I see a homeless person I think, “that is somebody’s baby,” and my heart goes out to them.

When they ask for money, do I always give it? No, not always . . . until now. A couple weeks ago, I was traveling on business and I was lost. I was in a big city, standing on a busy corner with my GPS trying to talk on my cell phone, late for an important meeting, and a homeless man came up to me and asked for money. I shook my head no and turned my back to him. As I found my building and was riding up the elevator to the thirteenth floor, I thought to myself “is this meeting more important than helping that man?” The answer was no. Nothing is more important than another person, no matter what the story is . . .

When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body’s stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems. Even those with skin that is not affected by acne tend to develop temporary stress-related acne due to increased oil production.

In fact, a study in the January 2001 issue of the Archives of Dermatology entitled Psychological Stress Perturbs Epidermal Permeability Barrier Homeostasis, found that “stress has a negative effect on the barrier function of the skin, resulting in water loss that inhibits the skin’s ability to repair itself after an injury.”

Specifically, the study involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students examined how periods of higher stress (in this case, during final examinations) impacted the skin’s response to repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subjects’ forearms vs. periods of lower stress (such as after returning from winter vacation). Researchers found that it took longer for the skin to recover from the minimally invasive tape stripping during periods of perceived higher stress than during less stressful periods.

“This study was the first of its kind to suggest what dermatologists anecdotally have known for years - that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin,” said Dr. Mayoral. “While the subjects in this study did not have any pre-existing skin conditions, I would suspect that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis would have been even more adversely affected by this experiment.”

Learn to recognize the underlying problem that is triggering your symptoms and develop skills to help minimize the stress.

1. Exercise helps release endorphins in the body that can reduce stress.
2. Avoid very hot showers or baths.
3. Moisturize as soon as possible after bathing.
4. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily to protect your skin from sun exposure.

Adapted from materials provided by American Academy of Dermatology.

Happiness is beautiful skin . . .

“happiness is watching your kids play” 

Win Noodle & Boo product by sharing your happiest moments with us!

We will give away $100.00 worth of product to two people ($50.00 each) every month for sending pictures of “joyful living” in action.

E-mail sumbissions to Chatterbox, chatterbox@noodleandboo.com. In the title put, happiness is . . . . (you fill in the blank that best describes your picture). For more information on contest rules, click here.

First, we will randomly draw an entry. Then we will count the number of “comments” received for every entry in a given month and the person with the most votes or comments in this case will also win (so be sure to send your friends and family)!

To kick things off, I’ve posted a picture that brings me joy, Andrew and Matthew (aka Noodle and Boo) playing in the waves in front of the Moana Hotel, Oahu, Hawaii.

I recently wrote about Britney Spears and promptly received a call from a dear friend. She was concerned that it might reflect poorly on ChatterBox to mention Britney as her reputation is somewhat tarnished. I too cannot escape the never-ending trail of pictures and tid-bits about Britney in the press. I do not deny that by all accounts it appears that she could be making better choices.

The point of Princess Diana and Britney Spears is . . . it is never too late to change. Every person, every day makes choices that ultimately add up to his/her destiny. Britney is young, a mere twenty-six years old. It has been a bumpy road, but on any given day she can make a choice to do things differently. Yes, she has the paparazzi chasing her. Yes, she lives in a fish bowl. But, so did Princess Diana and look how she used her power for good.

The comparison between Princess Diana and Britney Spears came to mind because at this time, Britney Spears sells more magazines than any other celebrity. Jennifer Aniston and a few others are close behind. I thought back to other notable times when a celebrity presence in the press was at an all time high. I thought about Princess Diana’s wedding and when she passed away. Granted we are talking about the “People’s Princess,” the “Queen of Hearts,” the “Princess of Wales.” While there are many reasons to admire Princess Diana, her desire to help people is what endeared her to me the most. What an excellent role model for someone who has “the power” and “the choice” and only needs direction.

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer

Britney image sonybmg

Happiness is a new day and a fresh start . . .

GIVING, How Each of Us Can Change the World, by Bill Clinton, was my reading material on a recent trip to Dallas, Texas. What an amazing review of people in action, making the world a better place, one step at a time.

I have often wondered why some people choose to help others and some do not. I have my own theories, but was interested in what President Clinton thought. Here is what he said, “. . . it seems to me we all give for a combination of reasons, rooted in what we think about the world in which we live and what we think about ourselves. We give because we think it will help people today or give our children a better future; because we feel morally obligated to do so out of religious or ethical convictions; because someone we know and respect asked us; or because we find it more rewarding and more enjoyable than just spending money on material possessions or more time on recreation or work.”

Clinton asks the question, “Will giving make you happier?” He continues, “Who’s happier? The uniters or the dividers? The builders or the breakers? The givers or the takers? I think you know the answer. There’s a whole world out there that needs you, down the street or across the ocean. Give.” What rhetoric . . .

Giving is an inspiration and a call to action. When you read what others are doing it will help you see that giving can be done in so many ways, big and small (both matter). While people like Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates are amazing, ordinary people, like you and me, can change the world too.

book cover and bill clinton image courtesy of clintonfoundation.org

Happiness is making a difference. Let’s . . .

You may ask, what do Princess Diana and Britney Spears have in common? Actually a handful of things: high profile, beautiful, blond, two sons . . . but the one thing that stands out most in my mind is the “power of the press.”

Princess Diana was photographed constantly (like Britney Spears). She, however, chose to use her visibility to help people and to bring visibility to causes that might otherwise never be covered by the press. Credited in helping to breakdown the prejudices associated with HIV, she said, “HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands, and give them a hug. What’s more you can share their homes, their workplaces and their playgrounds and toys.” Lady Harlech noted, “She was the first important person in Britain to show you can touch an AIDS victim and not catch it. One cannot overestimate the importance of what Princess Diana did that day.”

Princess Diana reached out to landmine victims, alcohol and drug addicts, the homeless, those with leprosy and many more. She was photographed talking, touching and hugging the untouchables, the social outcasts and those who needed it most.

Princess Diana is quoted as saying, “Helping people in need is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny. Everybody needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”

Britney Spears has had a tough year. She is twenty-six years old; ten years younger than Princess Diana when she died. While many have criticized her recent choices, it is not over. Her face on the cover of a magazine generates more sales than 99% of the celebrities out there. She, like Princess Diana, has the power of the press. Just imagine what she could do if she chose Princess Diana as a role model and used her power for good.

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Japanese Proverb

I’m rooting for her!

Diana image abc.net.au, Britney image sonybmg

Happiness is having a good role model . . .

Welcome to the launch of ChatterBox!

ChatterBox is Noodle & Boo’s chance to interact with our customers on a regular basis chit-chatting about whatever you want to talk about. The more we know about you and what you appreciate, the better we can develop products that you will love. We want to create an environment that captures the spirit of Noodle & Boo and thus chose “joyful living” as our goal. Our products are about being healthy, feeling good and enjoying the process of everyday routines.

Joyful living is what we value and wish for you.

To that end, we want to see “joyful living” in action. What brings you joy? We will have a monthly photo contest. Here’s how it works, you submit a picture (via e-mail) that you believe captures “joyful living,” we will post it under the joyful living gallery, readers vote by leaving comments for the pictures they like best (so send your family and friends to vote for you), the person with the most votes at the end of the month will receive Noodle & Boo product. To kick things off, I’ve posted a picture that brings me joy . . . yes my babies, aka Noodle and Boo. My girlfriend pointed out that a great pair of shoes brings her joy. I can second that! So even a picture of a great pair of shoes is fair game!

We have a wonderful team of bloggers with diverse talent, impressive credentials and knowledge that comes from real life experience. You can check out who’s in the box to learn more about us.

Please e-mail photos, comments and any questions you might have for our team to chatterbox@noodleandboo.com.

Happiness is sharing a picture you love . . .