Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Bethany Hamilton and Heart of Soul ...


Bethany Hamilton is phenomenol. Not only did she survive a shark attack -- but she went back into the water!!! She is a true inspiration and so wise beyond her years. I saw this story and had to post it because the photo is beautiful and her courage and determination are just undeniable!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 22 January, 2008 : - - Promising Surfer, Shark-Attack Victim and Bestselling Christian Author Details Her Return to the Water in New Documentary From Walking On Water Films. Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old girl poised to have a successful surfing career, lost her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark on Oct. 31, 2003. Yet the attack didn’t cause this determined Soul Surfer to give up and turn her back on surfing.

Instead, the attack compelled her to discover her purpose in life as she overcame the loss of her arm and began riding waves just three weeks later. The documentary "Heart of a Soul Surfer" - which is being released by the San Diego-based Christian surf film company Walking On Water - features exclusive footage of Hamilton surfing and with her family both before and after the attack, including Hamilton's first attempts at surfing with one arm and winning the 2005 NSSA National Surfing Championship just 19 months after the attack.

The documentary is a powerful story told from the heart of a young woman with great passion and dedication to God, said Mike Doyle, Walking On Water's director of outreach. The documentary, he said, digs deep into the heart of Hamilton's abiding faith in God, and tackles difficult questions such as, "Why does God allow bad things to happen in our lives?"

Since her attack, Hamilton has become an international celebrity and appeared on national news shows such as Oprah and The Today Show. She has also authored a bestselling book, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board." "Bethany is really an inspiration to anyone who's facing adversity or questioning the power of faith in their lives," Doyle said. "She's basically taken an event that could've easily ruined someone and used her faith and strong spirit to grow from it and help others."

Heart of a Soul Surfer is now available on DVD. For premiere dates and to view a Trailer of the film, go to heartofasoulsurfer.com Bethany will be at the free showing of 'Heart of a Soul Surfers' on January 27th at Phillip Island Adventure Resort 1775 Phillip Island Road Cowes 3922 7.30pm

http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com

(photo by: Bethany Hamilton : photo courtesy Heart of a Soul Surfer (source: http://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing/32421/news.htm)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

‘Baywatch’ Star Gena Lee Nolin On Winning Her Body Image Battle


Baywatch’s” Gena Lee Nolin seemed to be the picture of California perfection while starring on the show, but little did we know she was fighting a daily body image battle.

Gena is now finally ready to admit she went through extreme measures to stay swimsuit slim. Gena Lee is speaking out, looking to help others so they don’t fall into the same body image trap she did.

“It’s insane pressure in Hollywood,” Gena Lee told Access Hollywood. “I mean it’s so unhealthy. I lived it, I know. I have had the salad a day for a month so I could look almost just — sick, I was so thin.

“And I would even still think ‘Gosh, I think I had too much lettuce in that salad,‘ you know? I was worried about how thin I had to be,” she added.

In a looks-obsessed world, especially as a “Baywatch Babe,” Gena Lee Nolin really struggled to maintain an unhealthy weight.

“I’m 5’9 and I think then I weighed about 120 pounds which is – tiny,” Gena Lee admitted.
After having her first son, Spencer, 10 years ago, Nolin was back in that famous red swimsuit six weeks later.

“I had a private trainer, it was the whole Hollywood world I was living in,” Gena Lee said.
But now, living in Scottsdale, Arizona with husband Cale, after having second son Hudson, Gena Lee (at about 160 pounds) refuses to cave to the old Hollywood pressure.

“It is kind of sick world to sort of live in. And now my life, its, it is so different,” she said. “The whole family, my husband Cale, Spencer who is 10 and Hudson who is 18 months — thank you!” (source: Access Hollywood)

Friday, January 11, 2008

Hula Hoops Making a Comeback!

It must be official... I read it in the Post! Hula hoops once the playthings of children, are making a comeback in the adult fitness arena!

New, larger hoops are now made just for adults; their added weight and circumference makes it easier to keep the hoop spinning around the body. This means that even if you think you won't be able to hoop, chances are good that you'll catch on quickly. A growing group of people all over the world are using the hula hoop as a tool of artistic expression, meditation, fitness and unadulterated fun. They call themselves hoopers or hoop dancers, and have an online bible at Hooping.org. They can be found swirling their hips lazily in the sun at summer festivals, dancing with passion and precision in ightclubs and parties, and working up a sweat in fitness classes.

Also, game innovator of yesteryear, Wham-O, plans to bring some of its classic products -- including FRISBEES, HACKY SACKS, HULA HOOPS and others -- to the video gaming world. The company is working with FOG studios on multi-platform games, although the Wii system is obviously best for this project.

Want to give hooping a whirl? Check online for a hooping group near you at hooping.tribe.net, order an instructional DVD and premade hoop from Hoopnotica.com, or gather a few basic materials and make your own hoop (see instructions). Hooping is low impact and irresistibly enjoyable, so set your inhibitions aside and step into the spiral.

By the way, check out our hula swimsuit... just the style to wear if hoopin' at the beach : ) (Available at GetGoRetro.com)

Sunday, January 06, 2008

World's First Surfing Mice - Radical Rodents!

This is really cheesy ... "get it?" : ) Sufing mice. Gotta see it to belive it!

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Soda Pop Top Fashion....

Soda pop-top belt, 'Agnes in Gold' Here's one way to recycle..... soda pop tops. Wish I had the patience to make my own or to have even thought of doing this, but due to time.... carpal tunnel and lack of patience, I'll leave it to others. Soda Pop Top fashions are pretty cool.....

Soda pop-top belt, 'Agnes in Gold'
Sleek and stylish, this belt by Neide Ambrosio celebrates eco-chic. Elegant in golden tones, the belt features pop-top panels held together by fine crochet work.



Soda pop-top backpack, 'Pink Dazzle'

Soda pop-top backpack, 'Pink Dazzle'
Combining shining threads with gleaming aluminum, Neide Ambrosio
presents a delightful backpack-style purse. She crochets the innovative, modern piece by hand. By recycling pop-tops, she affirms environmental
responsibility.







Soda pop-top cell phone pouch, 'Three Colors True' Soda pop-top cell phone pouch, 'Three Colors True'
This versatile bag by Neide Ambrosio keeps a mobile phone handy. Carried on a shoulder strap, the cell phone pouch is crocheted by hand. She
incorporates pop-tops into the design, recycling them into fashionable works of art.