CHARITY FEATURE - ALSF 10th Anniversary

NFL Embraces Childhood Cancer Charity, Invites ALSF to set up lemonade stands kicking off 10th Anniversary Year of ALSF.

In recognition of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Year, the foundation will kick off 2010 by hosting a lemonade stand at the Pro Bowl on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 11AM as part of Game Day Fan Plaza, Sun Life Stadium 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami, FL 33056. The family of foundation creator Alexandra “Alex” Scott will be joined by NFL representatives for a lemonade toast to commemorate a decade of standing for hope. Friends and supporters of ALSF are encouraged to visit the stand as well as join Alex’s family for the toast. The lemonade stand will return for Super Bowl XLIV the following weekend. continue reading

ALSF 10th Anniversary Edition T-Shirt Contest

Do you have what it takes to create the 10th Anniversary Edition T-Shirt for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation? If so, they are in search of a unique design to commemorate their milestone year!

For a chance to have your design chosen, submit your sketch by Friday, February 5, 2010. It’s up to all of the ALSF supporters to choose the winner!

In addition to being chosen among the top designs, the top 3 creators will receive an ALSF Prize Pack. continue reading

Hope for Haiti CD

The Hope for Haiti Now global telethon is also an extraordinary digital album including performances by Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Beyoncé, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson, Emeline Michel, Jay-Z, Bono, the Edge, Rihanna, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and Wyclef Jean along with a bonus track from Jay-Z, Bono, the Edge and Rihanna. You can also own the two-hour telethon video.

All proceeds from album and video sales will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme and Yele Haiti Foundation. Order your copy here

Billy Burke at the Artists for Haiti Art Auction

Billy Burke (aka Charlie Swan) attended the Artists For Haiti Art Auction in Santa Monica, CA last Thursday January 28th. continue reading

Hurricane Bells "Monsters"

Check out this really cool video of the Hurricane Bells playing Monsters in Vellore, India. We love this song.

'Twilight' Stars to play New Orleans Saints in charity game

Fox Dallas/Fort Worth is reporting that cast members, which include Peter Facinelli, Chaske Spencer, Alex Meraz and Tyson Houseman, will take part in a charity baseball game against some New Orleans Saints football players. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross, and Hope for Haiti Now. read full article

CHARITY FEATURE - ALSF

It was an easy choice for us to decide which charity we would feature first on our blog. Alex's Lemonade Stand is a charity close to our hearts and is the official charity of TwilightMOMS.com

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $25 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 100 research projects nationally.

Childhood Cancer
Every year 12,500 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. It is expected that of those diagnosed, over 2,000 will die from the disease, making childhood cancer the leading cause of death by disease. Leukemias are the most common childhood cancer, accounting for 30%, followed by brain and other nervous system cancers making up 22% of all childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial (outside of the cranial cavity of the brain) solid tumor in children, accounting for 7% of childhood cancers.

Making A Difference
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is able to sustain the mission of Alex Scott to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for childhood cancer in several different ways, among them: devoted volunteers who host Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraisers; partnerships with businesses and corporations; and individual donations made directly to ALSF. Following in Alex’s footsteps, volunteers across the country host lemonade stands year round to help eradicate childhood cancer with the hope of someday allowing parents to watch their children grow up without the worry of disease.

Grants
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation works directly with doctors, researchers and nurses to identify the challenges they face in finding and bringing new treatments to children with cancer. Using the critical gaps in funding identified by these experts as a guide, ALSF distributes grants across the country to meet these needs. Having distributed over 80 grants across the country and in Canada, ALSF has allowed doctors and nurses to bring new treatments and perhaps more importantly, hope to childhood cancer patients.

We will be featuring more information on Alex's Lemonade Stand over the next few weeks. We also have a guest blogger from Team Alex who will be posting ideas and information on different ways you can help raise money for the charity.

Twilight kiss voted one of the best of the last decade!

Entertainment Wise is reporting that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's kiss in Twilight has been voted one of the best kisses of the last decade.

The survey was conducted by a UK store (Selfridges) ahead of the opening of a kissing booth in its flagship store in London next month. continue reading

You can't argue with that !!

5 things Kristen Stewart and Joan Jet have in common

Tres Sugar has a nice little article on 5 things that Kristen and Joan have in common.

It may look like Kristen Stewart and Joan Jett share only their hairstyles, and that's true for the most part. The stark difference between the icon and the actress is what makes The Runaways so enticing. What director wouldn't say "get me America's favorite virginal vampire lover to play a feminist glam-rock queen"?

Still they must have something in common besides a love of razor cuts! Check out what I found below. continue reading

Stephenie praises Twilight fans

- I've been very impressed with the world in general and the Twilight fansites in specific in the support and love everyone is giving Haiti. It's amazing to see how Twilight fans have come together to help. You are wonderful people. At this point, I think it's important for all of us to remember that the situation in Haiti is not going to be cured overnight, so... keep up the good work, and let's all keep the Haitians in our thoughts and prayers. continue reading

A little something for Lee ; )

peter-facinelli.com

ALSF nominated for a Shorty Award - PLEASE VOTE

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has been nominated for a Shorty Award. What is a Shorty Award we hear you say????

The Shorty Awards honor the best people and organizations on Twitter. These unique awards are for the Twitter community, by the Twitter community. Online voting is public and democratic, culminating in an awards ceremony that recognizes the winners in 27 official categories as well as those in brand new crowd-sourced ones. continue reading

Please cast your vote here for Alex's Lemonade Stand here.

Just for the sake of it - sigh.......

rpatz daily

Jude Law says: Robert Pattinson will take over my heartthrob image

Kristen Stewart sends support to Haiti

Just because Kristen Stewart was busy with the Sundance Film Festival during the Hope for Haiti Now telethon doesn’t mean she didn’t want to help — and not just because Robert Pattinson was there!

While celebs like Rob and George Clooney worked hard to raise over $57 million for Haiti relief, Kristen was doing her own part as well! continue reading

Twilight cast members support good causes

Reelz Channel has a great video highlighting how the Twilight cast members support various good causes - you may even see a TwilightMOM somewhere in the video : )

Do you want to win a Volvo?

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is going to auction off a brand New Volvo.

Volvo Cars of North America, a founding sponsor of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, has once again presented the Foundation with a unique opportunity to raffle off a brand new Volvo! Following in the footsteps of last year's successful raffle, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation will offer supporters the opportunity to win their choice of a brand new Volvo S80, Volvo XC60 or Volvo C70 in 2010. continue reading and to purchase tickets

Sam Bradley "Canadian Musician"

Sam Bradley has written an article for a magazine called Canadian Musician. The article is on page 58 if you fancy a read.

TwilightMOMS night out

We had a great night out on Saturday with our fellow TwilightMOMS in New York. It was so nice to see everyone again after the holidays.

photo "borrowed" from Lisa

Kellan loses out on playing Conan (not that Conan)

According to Deadline Hollywood’s Nikki Finke, Jason Momoa has been chosen over Kellan Lutz to play Conan the Barbarian.

We feel bad for Kellan, but Jason Momoa isn't bad to look at......

Chaske promises peace

Chaske Spencer recently posted this on his Twitter page:

making a peace promise. to be thankful for all the amazing people in my life right now..wanna make a promise go to www.peacepromises.com

30 Day Peace Program
THE PEACE PROMISE PROGRAM starts with a 30 day program designed to create more peace in your life in the areas of inner peace, relationships, your workplace and community.
Each day you will receive an email with a new promise to practice for that day. Promising creates a new future, a future that was not going to happen anyway, a future that includes more peace.

This program will give you an opportunity to exercise the muscles that actually create PEACE. Giving you the tools to create an alternative to stress, an alternative to arguing, an alternative to intolerance, an alternative to war. continue reading

We think this is a great idea and a wonderful way to start the year. Will you make a peace promise?

A little something for Kellan fans!!!!

Source: heatworld.com


Update from eonline regarding Calvin Klein campaign

We are so totally happy to report that Kellan Lutz's new Calvin Klein underwear campaign will be released so very soon...

Sources reveal that ads featuring the Twilight hunk in nothing but, well, his skivvies will likely debut sometime during the first week of February. continue reading

Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org Join Teens Nationwide to Support Homeless Teens in Haiti and the U.S.

Teen Retailer will match the first 100,000 jeans donated thru the Teens for Jeans campaign with brand new jeans for Haiti disaster victims

In support of its third annual "Teens for Jeans" initiative with teen not-for-profit DoSomething.org, NYC-based teen retailer Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) announced it will be matching the first 100,000 pairs donated with brand new jeans to be delivered to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

"Teens for Jeans" raises awareness about the youth homelessness epidemic by inspiring teens across the U.S. and Canada to collect gently worn jeans and donate them to homeless youth in their own communities. In response to the earthquake in Haiti, Aeropostale, Inc. and DoSomething.org are extending the campaign's reach beyond the U.S. and Canada to help teens affected by the disaster. continue reading

Do Somthing updated their Twitter account yesterday:

Kellen Lutz dropped off 50 pairs of jeans today @Aeropostale for www.teensforjeans.org ! (Insert shreiking girls here)

source: http://www.kellanlutzonline.com/

Rob to host Haiti telethon in London!

Marc Matlin from eonline: I just got word that the Twilight star has signed on for Friday's Hope for Haiti telethon. As of right now, it looks like Rob will be the sole presenter in London, with performances by Jay-Z and Bono.

Source: eonline

Crisis in Haiti: How the ASPCA Is Helping

With hearts and minds focused squarely on the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, the ASPCA extends its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in the ravaged island nation. Soon, the animal victims of this disaster will need help, too—that’s why the ASPCA has joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH).

ARCH was created to address the needs of animals in Haiti in this time of crisis. The coalition is headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and in addition to the ASPCA, consists of a number of animal welfare groups including American Humane, Best Friends, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. continue reading

Martin Luther King Day

On January, 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds will come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. Dr. King’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing needs - poverty, economic insecurity, job loss and education. Continue reading

Volunteer with Americans across the nation on the 2010 King Day of Service and make a real difference in your community.

January is 'Unchain a Dog' Month

We are dog lovers as are many of the Twilight cast. Therefore, we wanted to highlight PETA's "Unchain a Dog" campaign.

January is "Unchain a Dog" Month, and PETA wants to enlist your support in bringing chained dogs in your community inside, where they are safest and happiest. Cold weather means extra hardship for "backyard" dogs. Dogs suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration when water sources freeze. Chained or penned dogs often have nowhere to go to escape the cold and snow. As you know, all dogs need nutritious food, fresh water, and sturdy roofs over their heads. But what they really crave is love, attention, and companionship from their human families, their pack.

What to Do If You See a Chained Dog

If you know someone with an outside dog, offer to play with the dog and take him or her for walks. Bring treats and toys—they mean so much to a dog who has little else to do. Make sure that he or she has adequate food, water, and shelter—all of which are required by law—and report neglect to authorities. Your call could mean the difference between life and death for an animal left outside in the cold.

Click here for more ways to help "backyard" dogs.

Kellan and Ashley with their dogs

Photo source

What is Kelly reading on her bus journey to work?

I have to say that I just started reading The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) two days ago and I am already half way through the book. I am addicted!!! This is a book that you will all love.

Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school . . . again. No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. But can he really be expected to stand by and watch while a bully picks on his scrawny best friend? Or not defend himself against his pre-algebra teacher when she turns into a monster and tries to kill him? Of course, no one believes Percy about the monster incident; he's not even sure he believes himself..... continue reading

A major movie is also due to be released in February so make sure you read the book first! Check out the movie trailer

Move over Jasper, Jace and Daniel, there is a new boy in town.

Happy Reading ~ Kelly

Putting our blog to good use

Did you make any resolutions this New Year? Other than reading more books, one of our resolutions is to make sure that we use our blog to do some good. Therefore, we are going to feature different charities that are close to our hearts and those charities supported by those people involved in the Twilight saga.

We will be providing information on different ways you can give to charity as well as providing you with tools to help you decide which charities to give your money to. In addition, you will be able to participate in charity events with Volturi Ventures to help us raise money and awareness.

Donate today

You have all seen the news and reports regarding the earthquake that killed thousands of people in Haiti. One of our friends and fellow TwilightMOMS was in Haiti visiting family when the earthquake hit. We received news that our friend is safe and well but is unable to leave as the airport is closed until further notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friend and her family and all those people who have been affected by the earthquake.

There are many ways in which you can help the victims of the Haiti earthquake:

Doctors Without Borders
Save the Children
American Red Cross
Unicef

CNN world has posted a list of charities that are providing assistance to the victims of the earthquake.

Help Twilight style

For every 500 followers who join her Twitter account, Rachel is donating $100 to the Red Cross (up to $1,000). Rachel also donated blood to the American Red Cross for their efforts in Haiti.

Find your nearest blood drive here.

Eve's Fan Garden

Tempted by the written word?? Then check out the new site by TwilightMOMS, Eve's Fan Garden.

Today, we are blessed with a diverse array of established as well as aspiring authors whose imaginations know no bounds and who, like Eve, have the power to plunge us into new worlds – other dimensions, realms and realities in which we want to escape into time and time again. They persuade us with their relatable, likable female heroines. They seduce us with their irresistibly handsome and perfectly passionate heroes. They beguile us with their intriguing plots. They beckon the entertainment industry to bring their creations to visual life... Continue reading

Good luck with the new site ladies!

What is Kelly reading on her bus journey to work?

I have to tell you about the new James Patterson book I have just finished reading, Witch & Wizard;


Synopsis
EVERYTHING. CHANGES. NOW.

Imagine you wake up and the world around you-life as you know it-has changed in an instant. That's what has happened to Whit Allgood and his sister, Whisty. They went to sleep as normal teenagers, and woke up as wanted criminals. Accused of holding incredible powers they'd never dreamed possible. And now, just how different they are-special, even-if just beginning to be revealed in a strange new world.

It begins...now.


I looooooved this book, it was so much fun. The main characters (Whisty and Whit Allgood) are great and they really suck you into the story. This is the first book of what looks like a classic Patterson series which fans of Maximum Ride will enjoy.

Download the first 20 chapters of the book free from the Witch & Wizard web site.

Happy reading ~ Kelly



http://www.max-dan-wiz.com/

Children's Choice Book Awards

Our friends over at Mundie Moms posted an article which includes two of our favorite authors, Cassandra Clare and Suzanne Collins. Both authors have been nominated for the Children's Choice Book awards.

In association with the Children’s Book Council (CBC), Teenreads.com is giving readers the chance to vote on their five favorite books of 2009. The top 5 will be the finalists for the CBC's 2010 Teen Choice Book of the year.

To see a list of the books you can vote for and to cast your vote, visit Teenreads.com.

Remember Me?

Check out the official "Remember Me" stills and movie trailer on iTunes

WOW!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Bree Despain Book Launch

The Official Launch Party for THE DARK DIVINE was held Saturday, January 2nd at The King's English Book Store. Here's a photo we borrowed from AmyO : )

Here is a schedule of the other events Bree will be attending:

January 5th - will be the special quest on the "Book and a Chat" show on BlogTalkRadio.com. You can listen online and call in and ask questions.
January 6th - l8bloomeronline.blogspot.com is hosting a group chat in honor of TDD.

January 16th at 2pm - Bree will be doing a reading and signing at the West Jordan (Jordan Landing) Barnes & Noble.
February 6th - Bree will be participating in an Authorpalooza at the Sandy B&N.
February 13th - Bree will be signing books at the Orem B&N.

Update from Bree's Twitter account: Wow! Happy New Year News: THE DARK DIVINE is going into a 2nd printing--only 2 weeks out of the gate!! Is it possible to squee to death?