Give a listen to lucky #13!

This episode’s topics:

• The California Supreme Court has agreed to hear the legal challenges to the recently passed gay marriage ban
• Hugh Jackman is Sexiest Man Alive – People
• The Bachelor’s season 6 winner, Mary Delgado was arrested in Texas for disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and resisting arrest
• Britney, Britney, Britney
• Katie’s shoe story
• Eating & Exercising during the Holidays

• Lenser’s Favorite Thing: Kate Somerville skincare video on YouTube “WE LOVE BEAUTY Beauty 101: Kate Somerville”
• Heidi’s Tip: Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I keep hearing people talk about how thankful they are for their families and the things they have. It’s so wonderful and inspiring. But it makes me think of those unfortunate families out there that don’t have much to be thankful for. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this Thanksgiving we all gave them something they need? Below are a few ideas, but let us know if you have suggestions of your own!

Help promote child literacy in the developing world by donating to this great organization.

Instantly change the life of a low-income family by helping to pay their heating or electricity bill.

Help protect chimpanzees and make a difference for all living things by giving to an organization that works to save our precious planet and animals.

Happy Thanks & Giving!

Lenser

I found out about a great donation program.  It is called “Kidflicks.”  You can donate DVDs to be used and watched by children at hospitals.  If you have any DVDs that you have outgrown or simply don’t watch anymore, you can donate them for the children to enjoy.  Of course you can send new ones as well.  If they receive films that are R rated and are not appropriate for children and teens, they hold them until they get at least 100 of them and then donate those to hospitals that want them for their adult patients.  You can send your DVDs to:

Kid Flicks/Barta
11755 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025 #1450

You can also donate money if you want to help and don’t have any DVDs to give.  Go to www.kidflicks.org for more information.  And sorry, they no longer accept VHS tapes.  Thank you for your support!

Happy donating,

Heidi

In keeping with my promise to bring you unique and reasonably priced holiday gift suggestions, I have yet another list for you. You can’t go wrong with edible gifts! Enjoy, and please let us know if you have any suggestions to share with others

“pearsnapples” $29.95 at Harry & David

“Snowflake Cookies” $16.50 at Williams-Sonoma

“Mediterranean Gift Basket” $39.99 at iGourmet.com

“Balsamic Jelly” $10 at Dean & DeLuca

Happy Food Finding,

Lenser

Our new episode features our first interview, and it’s with Kimberly Howard of Kimberly Howard Designs (she also works with JVS, a non-profit organization).  Give a listen and let us know what you think in the comments, or email us on the contact page.

Kimberly and her partner, Melissa Jarvis-Prieto, at the VMAs

Lenser’s Favorite Thing: A Bag Hook

Heidi’s Tip: Keeping Your Purse Clean in a Public Bathroom

I had two men in my life to honor yesterday for Veteran’s Day.  My father who fought in Vietnam and my husband who fought in Iraq - the two most important men in my life.  I spent the evening with my husband last night so thankful that he is home and safe.  I think sometimes I take our time together for granted even though I promised myself when he came home from Iraq that I would never do that.  So yesterday was a good reminder for me.  It also reminded me of how much it affected our lives.  It’s so funny because a lot of people think that “war times” and long distance love letters are a thing of the past when in fact, it is sadly our present.  Thank you to our men and women who serve everyday for us and the families that support them!

Love,

Katie

Who needs a vacation? I know I do. Who would like to win a free vacation?

Visit the site below and enter to win one of 3 different Colorado vacation trips.

Happy Winning,

Lenser

So I’ve made it my mission to find you all some great holiday deals and unique gifts. I’m going to post my finds at least once a week. Hopefully that will help alleviate some of the stress we all feel to get the perfect gift for a reasonable price.

My favorite find this week:

If you aren’t familiar with Red Envelope, it is a fabulous site that is all about gift giving. The gift ideas are always unique and beautiful. And right now they have a ton of discounts on some really amazing things. I’ve listed a few below, but I strongly suggest you visit their site to see what else they have available!

Acorn Therapeutic Spa Slippers $14.99 (marked down from $32.95)

Silver-Plated Dual Candleholder Set $15.99 (marked down from $49.95)

Plaid Travel Valet $11.99 (marked down from $29.95)

Love Letter Purse Mirror $13.99 (marked down from $38.95)

Happy Savvy Spending,

Lenser

I have a friend who is the President of a company call OUT OF THE BOX EVENTS.  Her name is Kristin Kendall.  She organizes scavenger hunts for people!  You can either participate in ones that she already has set up or you can call her and request her to put together a specialized hunt for you and your friends.  She has one on major holidays here in Los Angeles (around Downtown, in Beverly Hills, The Staples Center), but she provides this service for people out of state as well.  She is very good and has been at this for quite a few years.  How fun for a birthday, bachelorette or just for fun party.  It is one of the new party trends.  So give it a try this holiday season!  Go to www.outoftheboxevents.net for more information and tell Kristin that Katie Brunk sent you.

Happy hunting!

Heidi

Last night my husband and I sat together and watched as the new President Elect made his acceptance speech. We were both Barack Obama supporters, but we were also voting for a change. A change in the way this country works and sees itself. Not only did we witness such a wonderful change, but (along with many others across this nation) we watched history in the making. I have never been so proud to be an American, and I have never felt such hope for the future of this country. On the flip side, there were some disappointing moments that came along with the great last night. In Arkansas voters voted to bar all unmarried people from adopting children or serving as foster parents. Anti-LGBT marriage bans passed in Florida and Arizona. And it looks as though the marriage ban in California will pass, as well. As a friend of mine on twitter wrote: “We took a HUGE leap forward and a million small steps back.” Our work to make this world and country a better place is not over. Prejudice still lives and feeds. We need to take this amazing victory and moment in time, and let it remind us to continue to fight for good and equality. As we learned last night, even the most unlikely person can make a huge difference.

Happy Fighting,
Lenser