Watch it Today. Wear it Tomorrow!?!

As a little girl, Lizzie spent her days turning the sidewalk into a catwalk.  She spent her nights dreaming of become the world’s next great fashion designer.   After years of dreaming, this brave Mom left her job in corporate America, bought 2 used sewing machines, and prayed that someday her looks would make  past her garage.

Today,  thanks to NBC’s “Next Great Fashion Star,” Lizzie’s designs can be found fancying up the shelves at Macy’s.

Hosted by Elle McPherson,  the latest in reality television premiered on Tuesday, March 13th at 9:00 pm.  Taking a page from the hugely successful “Project Runway,”  ”The Next Great Fashion Star,” pits 14 talented designers against one another to compete for a chance at designer stardom.

With advice from their fashion forward mentors, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos, designers create three looks, each of  which include the same signature piece.  Then, representatives from H&M, Saks, and Macy,  make an offer for their favorite designs.  In an exciting twist ”….Fashion Star” makes these designs available in stores the very next day!

Before each look is revealed, the viewers get to learn a little bit about each contestant and what brought them to the show. Like Lizzie, each contestant has their own unique and inspirational story to tell.

After the runway, the designers get feedback on their looks and are told if they receive an offer. On this episode, 6 contestants were given an offer and were safe for the next round , including  Nikki who’s Geo-Print Kimono-Sleeved Maxi Caftan was fabulous!

The remaining 8 contestants were out of luck, and up for elimination.  Nicholas, who proudly proclaimed that women “know nothing about fashion,” was quickly eliminated.

If you like your ensemble accesorized with excitement, tune in to “The Next Great Fashion Star” tomorrow at 10/9 c.

Give us your feedback.  Would you buy Lizzie’s look?  (Pictured above)

“The Voice” Strikes an Inspiring Chord

Unless you don’t have a television, you’ve probably noticed we have quite a few choices when it comes to singing competitions, this year.  Shows like, “American Idol,” ”The X-Factor,” and “The Sing Off” each have their share of fabulous talent, amazing music, and shattered dreams.

But, NBC’s “The Voice,” hosted by Carson Daly, seems to a very strike different chord.

Photo Credit: NBC

Most of the contestants who audition for “The Voice” are already seasoned performers.  Some of them have even inked deals with major record labels in the past.  But on this stage, their history is just that.  Over the past four weeks, celebrity judges Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton have chosen their favorite performances, with their backs to the stage.

With the “blind auditions” now complete, contestants battle their teammates for a spot on the coveted live show where they will compete for a recording contract with Universal Republic and a $100,000 cash prize.

Christina began the battle round with a colossal challenge. Team members Geoff McBride and Sera Hill were set to take on the “Queen of Soul” herself, Aretha Franklin.  Together, the contestants delivered a powerful performance of the classic hit  “Chain of Fools.” Ultimately, the sassy Sera Hill, beat out the 51-year old father of two, for a spot in the finals.

Blake kept the crowd pumpin’ by pairing, Jersey girl Charlotte Sometimes and sultry songstress Lex Land, singing “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People.   Each woman added sexy and soulful elements to the catchy pop tune.  Blake was left to make the most difficult decision of the night.  After much deliberation, Sometimes, who overcame a Condylar Resorption to become a successful singer, ultimately took the round.

Adam delivered another powerful pairing in fifty-year old Kim Yarbrough and her fresh- faced counterpart, Whitney Meyer.  The two took on the emotional anthem “No More Drama,” by Mary J. Blige.   During rehearsal, Meyer was clearly intimated by the power and experience of Yarbrough.   Not surprisingly, Kim dominated the performance and took her spot in the finals.

Cee-Lo delivered my favorite performance of the night.  He paired Juliette Simms and Sarah Golden to sing “Stay with Me” by Rod Stewart.  Golden, a folk artist with a twist of country twang, put up a quite a fight against the gritty rocker, but Juliette Simms’ incredible stage presence and trademark growl won over the crowd and her coach.

Christina continued to challenge her team, asking creative musicians Lee Koch and Lindsey Pavao to perform “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana.  The pair played with unexpected melodies and notes to create a stirring rendition, which Adam called “creepy.”  Luckily for Lindsay, the haunting song was enough to take her to the next round.

Cee-Lo ended the evening by pitting a nerve-racked Jamie Lono, against R & B crooner Jamar Rogers. Rogers easily out-shined Lono, as he belted out the chorus to “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” by Foreigner. After the performance, a tearful Lono seemed humbled by the experience, I know everything happens for a reason, ” he said, “maybe mine was to let Jamar go in.”

Throughout the show, Rogers been very honest about a history of drug use, and his the struggle while living with HIV.  His journey on the voice will certainly be an inspiration to viewers.  ”I am living proof, that there is no pit to deep that you can’t climb out of,” he says.

What will the future hold for all of these talented contestants?  Tune in to find out!  ”The Voice” airs Monday at 8:00 PM EST.

Debbie Drives Home $50,000 for Children’s International

Eighties icon, Deborah Gibson, is most famous for driving audiences wild with pop hits like “Only In My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love.” On last night’s episode of Celebrity Apprentice,  she drove her team to their second victory.

This week, the teams were challenged to a live presentation unveiling the facts and features of the new Buick Verrano.

A win seemed inevitable for the men of team “Unanimous,” who count  Formula One driver, Michael Andretti as a member.   But surprisingly, it was comedian  Adam Corolla who took the lead as their Project Manager.

The ladies chose Gibson, who despite strong leadership, shunned the input of teammates Dayana Mendoza, Tia Carrere, and Patricia Valasquez.  Aubrey O’Day, who has been the team’s most vocal member, called the three “the leftovers.”

Ultimately, Adam’s over-the top sense of humor and an under utilized Andretti, cost the men a victory.  Despite their differences, Debbie and the ladies will deliver $50,000 donation to Children’s International.

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Children’s International strives to ease the burdens of impoverished children all over the world. Through sponsorship, housing, and community programs, the organization supports children in countries like Chile, Ecuador, and Zambia.

Debbie’s donation will help build a community center in India, where 5,000 children will receive medical care, dental care, and educational support.

But, that’s not all.  Trump’s decision in the board room reminded both teams that he is always in the driver’s seat, when he fired both Adam Corolla and Michael Andretti!  How will team “Unanimos” cope with such a loss? We will just have to wait and see.

For information on Children International visit, http://www.children.org/

Logo courtosey of Children’s International.

WWE Superstars Speak Out Against Bullying

It hard to believe, but, before he became a 6’ 4”, 267 pound human wrecking ball, WWE Superstar Sheamus, was renowned as a “pipsqueak.”    The wrestler, better known as the “Great White” shared his personal stories of teenage torment with the children of Leonard J. Tyl Middle School in Montville, CT, on Tuesday.

Some may find in ironic that a company like World Wrestling Entertainment – known for it’s for  well scripted violence – would work so passionately to stop bullying.  But, in April 2011, the WWE along with the Creative Coalition founded the “Be a STAR” campaign.  The campaign encourages young students to help put end to bullying.

As the face of the “Be a STAR” Alliance, Sheamus visits a schools all over the country and warns children about the dangers of bullying.  He encourages students to take the pledge to be a STAR - Show Tolerance and Respect.

The program also offers materials that empower teachers to begin the conversation in their classrooms.  The curriculum, based on the WWE Film entitled “That’s What I Am,” is built around nine important lessons, which are:  Courage, Responsibility, Dignity, Friendship, Advocacy, Resiliency, Empathy, Identity and Morality.

The campaign has been so effective several  other organizations have shown their support including the YMCA, GLAAD, and the United Federation for Teachers.  Hollywood has also taken notice as several celebrities have also joined the cause including Angus T. Jones, David Arquette, and Jordan Sparks.

For more information on the Be a STAR Alliance, visit http://beastaralliance.org/.

Image courtesy of the National Education Association Health Information Network.

Fashion “Forte” to Benefit the Latino Commission on AIDS

With Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza, at the helm, the women of “Forte” took home their first victory on Sunday night’s Celebrity Apprentice.

In the episode, the ladies launched a successful living window display for Ivanka Trump’s spring line of clothing and accessories. Despite a last minute snag, when the photos for their display never arrived, the team was still able to triumph.

Their victory, over Star Trek actor, George Takei, and the men of “Unanimous,” earned $20,000 to benefit the Latino Commission on AIDS.

Founded in 1990, the Latino Commission on AIDS has become the leading Latino AIDS organization in the country. The Commission is dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV / AIDS in the Latino and Hispanic communities. They provide prevention, education, and advocacy programs across the nation, including National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.

It is reported that 18% of those living with AIDS in the United States are Hispanic.

In a press release, Guillermo Chacón, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS stated, “We are extremely grateful and honored to count on Dayana Mendoza’s support since 2008… Dayana is a beacon of hope for a future without AIDS.”

For more information on the Latino Commission on AIDS visit www.latinoaids.org

Photo courtesy of:  Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

…let the fun begin!

After years of behind the scenes activity,  such as board development, legal legwork, and website design, we are excited to announce that Famous Friends is having our very first fundraiser!

On October 30, 2011 Famous Friends will unite with Uno’s Chicago Bar and Grille in our hometown of Warwick, RI for a “DeviLicious Doughraiser.”  Simply present a ticket to your server and up to 20% of your check will be donated to Famous Friends!

But, that’s not all!   Kids who arrive in costume will receive a special Halloween treat!  The Chocolate Delicacy, in East Greenwich, RI has been kind enough to provide a pumpkin pop for each child in attendance.

Famous Friends hopes to gross $3000.00 in sales from the inaugural  event, which would net enough funds to finally begin our celebrity auctions!  Proceeds from these celebrity auctions, will benefit other local non-profits which are awarded  a grant via Famous Friends.  These organizations will be known as “Community Stars.”

Remember, any non-profit (except for a religious organization) is eligible to recieve a grant from Famous Friends. We are currently seeking our first “Community Stars,” so it’s the perfect time to get involved!

So please join us to dine, donate, and learn more about Famous Friends!

For tickets and information, contact:  jenny@famousfriends.org