Trio to offer Tiara Tips Boot Camp

On Sunday, January 8, 2012 Katie Boyd, Lorna Brunelle and Monique Jones will be hosting the Tiara Tips Boot Camp at the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts -The Alley Theatre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

This intense boot camp will focus on fitness/nutrition, interview prep, platform development, pageant etiquette, walking, stage presence and styling with top trainers in Massachusetts.

Image via WikipediaWith over 60 years of pageant experience between Ms. Boyd, Ms. Brunelle and Ms. Jones, Tiara Tips participants are certain to take one step closer to the crown. Girls will be taught in 3 age groups: Sashes: Ages 10-12, Scepters: Ages 13-17 and Crowns: Ages 18-26. All three ages groups will work with all three trainers on a rotating schedule throughout the day. The boot camp will culminate in a Pop Up Pageant allowing the girls to demonstrate their skills and personal expression.

Girls are encouraged to arrive dressed in black shorts or leggings, a pink top and tennis shoes or trainers. Girls must bring a yoga mat or towel, water, snacks, lunch, a camera, pageant shoes/heels and any pageant clothing, shoes or accessories they wish to trade or sell in the Tiara Tips Boot Camp Boutique of gently used pageant wear.

Katie Boyd is a specialist in pageant preparation with a personal training career spanning over a decade. A native of Taunton, she owns Katie Boyd's Miss Fit Club, co-Owner of MoKa Tan and is the proud sponsor of the Miss Massachusetts USA/Teen USA Pageant. Miss Boyd was crowned Miss Taunton 1999, Miss Bristol County 2000, Miss Fall River 2002, and Miss New Bedford 2004. She placed Top 10 at Miss Massachusetts. She has over 20 years pageant experience and has sent over 30 girls to Miss USA and Miss America. She has been a personal trainer for 12 years. She is an expert rating certified sports nutritionist and holds a personal training certification through International Sports Sciences. Ms. Boyd's high profile clientele includes members of the New England Patriots, Patriots' Cheerleaders and Red Sox wives.

Lorna Brunelle is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory and owns The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts/The Alley Theatre in Middleboro. She is the official vocal coach sponsor for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant. She has been teaching voice, diction, interview, public speaking, acting and pageant preparation for 20 years. Her clients have won countless crowns and thousands of dollars in college scholarship. Since 2008 three of her girls have represented Massachusetts at Miss America. As an On Camera acting teacher and casting director at Boston Casting Inc., her students have landed roles in TV, film and live theatre. Ms. Brunelle is the author of "Dirty Bombshell-From Thyroid Cancer Back to Fabulous" and has been honored for her community service and humanitarian work.


Monique Jones is co-owner of MoKa Tan and is the proud sponsor of Miss Massachusetts USA/Teen USA Pageant. With over 25 years in pageantry Monique was crowned Miss Taunton 2004, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2000, placed TOP 15 at Miss Teen USA, Top 10 at Miss Massachusetts, 1st Runner up Miss Massachusetts USA '02, '05-'09 and was featured in 2003 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Miss Jones was a "Carey Cutie" on the Price Is Right and has been a professional model for the past 20 years. She recently signed with MMG (Model Management Group) in NYC and Los Angeles. Ms. JOnes has a Bachelor's degree in Communications and is a licensed makeup artist. She has had 16 years of dance training.

The Tiara Tips early registration Fee is $200 and must be received by Dec. 24. The fee is $250 after Dec. 24. For more information call The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts at 508-946-1071 or email burtwoodschool@aol.com. Registration forms can be found online at

burtwoodschool.com. Return all paperwork and payments to:

The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, 133 Center Street, Middleboro, Mass 02346, C/O: TIARA TIPS BOOT CAMP.

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Taking trick-or-treating global

My neighbor, Herbie Naumann, served in Japan with her family in the 1950s and early 1960s as a missionary, artist and teacher. Her four children became thoroughly indoctrinated in the American custom of trick or treating during a three-year furlough home. She tells the following story:

What to do when once again immersed in late 1950s Chiba (prefecture) culture—and so isolated from other foreigners? One could hardly descend upon uninitiated Japanese neighbors, pounding upon their doors with a squealed threat of ‘Trick or Treat.’ The children improvised their garbs and sacks, and just assumed Mom would find a solution. Mom pondered, planned and prepared in secret. She gave the children general rules: ‘First, visit our own home, run twice around the house, and back to our front door again, then do it all another time—and once again—and on like that. And don’t forget to say thanks.’

Image via WikipediaGary, a fierce pirate, already nine, caught on. But not quite sure, the cowboy, bunny and princess just followed older brother’s lead—out back at once and to the front to ring the bell and shout ‘Trick or Treat.’ Mom doled out wax-paper covered cookies. The older two knew what to do — stashing the chocolate chippers in their sacks; Scotty at five and younger Teri, unsure of protocol, happily began to munch. A brief reminder of the rules, ‘Say your thanks—and come again—but first a jog around the house!’ That sent the kids a-racing off.

Mom retreated for a change of garb. The light clicked off. Dark now, but knowing stepping-stones so well, the kids pushed on until they sensed a sighing, sheet enshrouded ghost, its sounds a plaintive whistle. Teri hung back but Gary’s outstretched hand snatched popcorn balls and all was well—with whispered thanks, of course. The boys had grasped the game and Teri chugged along as ‘round about they went.

The genkan (entryway) light shone now upon a Chinese gal, her slit eyes formed by scotch taped strips. Towel-wrapped hair with coolie hat atop, she sing-sang sounds and bowed. Her gifts were mochi (special) rice cakes stuffed with sweet bean paste. Great cheers on that — then another round.

The next—-a panther, dark with whiskered mask of painted cardboard, body all in black, its wired, ropey tail twirled menacingly wild. The beastie snarled and mewed and proffered tiny fabric creatures—tiger, lion, leopard and an elephant—'cause sis loved pachyderms. The hissing hostess cat shooed on those beggars, mock fear perhaps concealed, they quickly ran away.

This time it was their mom again, well, sort of but not really. She staggered to the open door, the genkan flowers tossed about in disarray, her hair stringed out all over, and eyelids hanging lazily half shut, glasses on askew, slurred words a drunken babble, and in her wav'ring arm a two-quart bottle half filled with murky, raging liquor—or so it seemed—that surging soy sauce shoyu Kikkoman. The prizes: little ten-yen boxes of Morinaga caramel chews. Her ‘meanor was off-track; it made the children query with their eyes and Teri shook a bit. But, chews are good—and soul reviving too!

A sober Nippon matron took her spot, wearing blue and white yukata (kimono) tied by simple obi sash, trim tabi (divided toe) socks upon her feet. In deference she bowed, her dialect correct in formal Tokyo ben (dialect), hair pulled back and held in place by chopsticks. She bowed again and offered each a treasured piece of manjyu (sweet bean paste) gel. Oishii (delicious). Yum! The children bowed and said, ‘Domo (thanks).’

Relieved, they raced on to the next to find a cackling witch, her face soft sculpture mien—long spindly, bumpy nose, eyes sunk amid the colors, creases, cracks. Gaping holes of black appeared amidst her teeth and matted strings of hair hung from a brimmed and pointed hat. It all cried out — ‘Oh, black, black sense of doom.’ She muttered names of Gretel, Hansel too, and smacked her lips and handed out fat kids of gingerbread. Put off, the siblings shrieked — and streaked away.

Next time around they snuck up to the house to be their own surprise. Scott pried the door and cowboy Rex emboldened, drew his gun and shot ——and then they saw that Mom was waiting there. Suddenly she gasped and clutched her belly, moaned, fell hard upon the floor—and just lay still and quiet. Too real, too real! They gulped and ran fast far away until they panted, stopping by the sandbox out in back. Teri wailed that Mom was dead and even Scotty thought it so and maybe they had killed her. But older Rex knew the gun to be a toy and Gary laughed, took upper hand and said, ‘It’s all a joke. We must go back. Mom’s prob’bly laughing too.’

And there was Mom, upright and in her usual clothes, smiling, yes, with paper bags of oishii sweetened beans—both white and black and red and brown and tan. She received their thanks and then she asked about their night, how it had been and what they’d seen and done and also goodies they’d amassed. Scott and Teri glowed and spread their loot upon some waiting plates but Gary said, ‘Oh, Mom...,’ while Rex

just grinned. And all five beamed.

Herbie tells me that a friend’s daughter who teaches in Japan now has Halloween parties and her Japanese friends love dressing up. We really do live in a globally interconnected world.

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Police looking for armed Advance America robber

Boynton Beach police are investigating the armed robbery of a 43-year-old man Saturday morning in the parking lot of an Advance America at 4782 N. Congress Ave.
The victim told police that a man wearing a black ski mask and dark clothing jumped out of a black and tan Ford Explorer and pushed an object into his chest that was wrapped in a shirt or towel and resembled a gun. The suspect said, “give it up. I know you got it.”
Image via WikipediaAs the suspect tried dragging him into the SUV, the victim reached into his pocket and removed an envelope of cash and his cell phone. The suspect took the cash and phone and fled in the SUV driven by another man.
The suspect is described as a black male, about 175 pounds, about 5-foot-9 with a thin build. The driver of the suspect vehicle is also a black male.
Detectives said there have been two other robberies at Advance America stores in Palm Beach County possibly involving the same vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Alex Moreno at 561-742-6138 or 1st Sgt. Paul Sheridan at 561-742-6133 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted via www.bbpd.org and www.facebook.com/boyntonbeachpolice online. You can remain anonymous.


Read more: http://www.cbs12.com/articles/police-4734579-advance-boynton.html#ixzz1VkOc9yVY

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Comodynes Self-Tanning and Skincare Webstore Launched by DNA Response, Inc

DNA Response, Inc. (DNA), provider of multi-channel e-commerce, interactive marketing and order management solutions, announced today that it has launched the online store BuyComodynes.com.
The most popular products in the store are Comodynes tanning towels, self tanning mitts and tan moisturizers. Sold in a variety of color intensity and packages, these products offer exceptional quality of a no-streak, natural looking tan, safety of paraben-free and natural active ingredients, and the convenience of fuss-free, compact and individually wrapped towelettes - perfect for travelling and busy lifestyles. The Comodynes self-tanning towels were featured on TODAY’s “Morning Show”, where Bobbie Thomas from Bobbie’s Beauty Bag Blog “shared tips for achieving a perfect, sunless shimmer from head to toe”.
“Comodynes products are taking Europe by the storm; we wanted to expand our online business and brand in the United States. We partnered with DNA Response for their unique technology platform, comprehensive set of on-line marketing services and the team experience in the multi-channel commerce,” said Alla Dorodny, Partner In Venture, Ltd. an exclusive distributor of Comodynes products manufactured by Dermofarm, Spain for the United States.
Other highly popular Comodynes items include the makeup remover wipes, which have been used by famous makeup artists. Made with natural fibers and effective on waterproof makeup, Comodynes wipes were featured by Laurie Hibberd on CBS’s “The Early Show” as one of the top five makeup must-haves.
“Our team is very excited to represent an innovative company like Comodynes” said Ranjit Mulgaonkar, president and CEO of DNA Response, Inc. “Not every skincare company makes product quality and safety its mission, and does it in a humane manner by not testing its products on animals, using 100 percent recyclable packaging and an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process”.
About Comodynes
Image via WikipediaComodynes products are designed and manufactured by Dermofarm – a company that created the first cleansing towelette in 1996 and revolutionized facial cleansing. Today, hundreds of brands sell millions of products based on this idea: wash cloths, self-tanning cloths, patches that reduce body fat and so on.
Dermofarm is a pharmaceutical company founded in 1972 with a commitment to promote healthy skincare among consumers. Its main mission is to build value and create cosmetics designed from the highest standards of quality and innovation.
About DNA Response.
DNA Response, Inc. (DNA) provides turnkey e-commerce, online marketing, and order management services to companies in the $300 Billion direct response market. DNA clients sell products direct to consumers using TV, radio, print catalogs, web and mobile as their sales channels. DNA’s ECOM2TM platform utilizes state-of-the art cloud computing technologies and services to improve operational efficiency by reducing transaction costs, eliminating credit card declines, and lowering order cancellations and product returns, while simultaneously increasing online revenue for our clients. DNA provides universal order management for processing orders in real time from all the sales channels with full visibility to the business for the clients. DNA generates incremental revenues and helps build a brand for our clients by providing comprehensive e-commerce and online marketing services.

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Nudism helped me to love my body at last

When friends told me about Britain’s first naturist spa hotel in Birmingham — Clover Spa, which opened in March — I couldn’t help but giggle as they expressed their horror at the very idea of holidaying naked.

They pondered the discomfort of sunburned bits and shuddered at the thought of baring all for the world to see. Little did they know that I’d already been to a naturist spa, and loved it.

I have always been insecure about my body. In fact, for the first year of our relationship, my husband never saw me naked in daylight.


Secret nudist: Kerry's confidence soared after a visit to a 'clothing optional' hotel
In the morning, when I was having a shower, I would pull the blinds in the bathroom to keep it in semi- darkness. In the bedroom, I favoured candlelight.

Though it may sound silly to some, back then, my body felt like the stuff of nightmares — I have stretch marks, dimples and lots of flabby bits.

On a good day, seeing myself naked would prompt me to go to the gym on my way to work. On a bad day, it would cause me to spiral into depression.

A year into our relationship, Joe and I got married at his father’s home in Florida. Surely, now that we were wed, I’d feel more at ease?

I wasn’t. In fact, being in Florida made the situation worse.

While the family frolicked on the beach in tiny bikinis and swimming trunks, I watched from a sun lounger, sweating under a long black skirt and T-shirt.

Joe was concerned by my insecurities, but was nevertheless full of compliments — even when I felt I was at my worst — and told me how beautiful he found me. I believed him, yet I couldn’t quite overcome my phobia. Until I tried nudism.

Seven months later, we were back in Florida and drove past a ‘clothing optional’ hotel. I couldn’t help but wonder what went on inside.


'I saw stretch marks and flabby bits, just like mine. The difference was that these people didn't care'

‘Have you ever been in there?’ I asked Joe. ‘No,’ he grinned. ‘Do you want to have a look?’

Of course, he expected me to dismiss his suggestion. Yet my interest was piqued. Perhaps it would help me to see other people at ease with their bodies.

I wouldn’t have to strip completely, I decided before making a decision. ‘Let’s do it,’ I agreed.

As we pulled up and I opened the car door, I saw three older gentlemen walking towards me swinging tennis rackets, clad only in sparkly, white gym shoes.

They looked as though they hadn’t a care in the world. Then, two ladies in their 30s whizzed by on a golf cart in nothing but their sunhats.

The reception area looked like that of any other well-appointed hotel and the staff were friendly. I explained I was interested in visiting, but was fearful of the concept.


Sense of freedom: Kerry found being naked in public exhilarating (posed by model)
The receptionist smiled and told me that people could be as clothed, or as naked, as they wished. Pushing two free day passes towards us, she asked us to try it out for ourselves and explained a few house rules.

No sexual conduct was tolerated and towels had to be placed beneath you while sitting.

Before I knew it, we were buying two towels and heading out into the main resort area.

Men and women of all shapes and sizes lounged by the pool sipping cocktails, while others played team sports or chatted. I saw stretch marks, dimples, tan lines and lots of flabby bits, just like mine. The difference was that these people didn’t care.

As the sun beat down on us — me dressed head-to-toe in black — Joe eyed me. ‘What do you think?’ he asked.

I pondered for a moment before heading towards two sun loungers by the pool, then said: ‘I think we should take our clothes off.’

Though nervous, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. Slowly, I slipped out of my clothes, and for one nerve-racking minute while I stood nude, I looked at others’ faces to see if they were laughing at my wobbly bits.

To my surprise, not a soul even so much as glanced my way.

‘Your turn,’ I said to Joe. His eyebrows raised, a grin crossed his face as he stripped off, too.

We arranged our towels before laying down and enjoying the sun. I felt an intoxicating rush of freedom. The sunshine on my bare skin was too delicious for words.

For so many years, I’d worried about what others thought of me. I suddenly realised what a huge waste of time that had been.

These sun blocks offer the best protection

 With summer in full swing, Americans may be tempted to catch more than a little sunshine.

But the impulse is often clouded by two conflicting public-health issues. How do you protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays without robbing yourself of the health benefits of vitamin D, which the sun aids the body in producing?

Because vitamin D is also available in food, the general rule, dermatologists say, boils down to this: Wear sunscreen. Reapply it every few hours when you’re in the sun. And seek shade during peak sun hours.

“The sun has an effect on happiness and pleasure,” acknowledges Dr. David Leffell, professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.

But it has a dark side, he says. “We need to understand it and approach our sun-seeking behavior in moderation.”

It’s easier to practice good “sun hygiene” than you might think. Here are a few tips, including highlights of new sunscreen ratings by Consumer Reports.

• Think of sunscreen — whether you choose a lotion, spray or cream — as part of an overall strategy to avoid increasing your risk of premature wrinkles and skin cancer. The strategy also includes wearing wide-brimmed hats and tight-knit clothing and saying no to baking yourself in the sun or a tanning salon.
• Choose sunscreen with a sun protection factor of no less than 30 and apply it before going out in the sun. It’s more effective that way and keeps it from staining your clothes, says Jamie Hirsh, senior associate editor for Consumer Reports Health in Yonkers, N.Y.
• Make sure you use enough of it. Apply two to three tablespoons to cover all exposed skin. That’s about equivalent to filling a shot glass. And put sunscreen on easily forgotten areas prone to sunburn, such as your neck and the tops of your ears and feet, if you’re wearing sandals.
• Reapply sunscreen every few hours. “Don’t just put it on once and think you’re good to go for the day,” Hirsh says. “That’s even true for the water-resistant ones. When you towel off (after swimming,) you’re mechanically removing sunscreen.”

Dr. James Spencer, a member of the board of directors for the American Academy of Dermatology and a dermatologist in St. Petersburg, Fla., says this is where many well-intentioned people can fall down on the job. “The hard part is you have to reapply it every three or four hours. It’s inconvenient.”

Choose brands that perform well in real-world tests of water resistance and radiation filtration — the deeper-penetrating UVA radiation, responsible for tanning and aging the skin, and the UVB type, which causes sunburn.

For its July 2011 edition, Consumer Reports tested 22 sunscreen brands. The magazine recommends nine of them for staying on in water and being “excellent” at protecting skin from UVB radiation and “very good” at protecting from UVA radiation.

They are: Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 30 and Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 100, Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof SPF 30, CVS Fast Cover Sport SPF 30, Walgreens Sport SPF 50 and Ocean Potion Kids Instant Dry Mist SPF 50.

Three on the recommended list were also rated “best buys:” Up & Up Sport SPF 30, No-Ad with Aloe and Vitamin E SPF 45 and Equate Baby SPF 50.

• Don’t let price be a deterrent to using sunscreen. About half of products recommended by Consumer Reports are store brands, not name brands, Hirsh says. One of its “best buys,” the No-Ad product, sells for as little as 59 cents an ounce.
• Pregnant women may want to avoid sunscreens that contain the inactive ingredient retinyl palmitate out of an abundance of caution, Consumer Reports says, due to questions about possible health effects on the fetus. About a third of the 22 brands tested contain retinyl palmitate, Hirsh says. “Because there are great options that don’t contain it, why not choose another one, especially if you’re concerned?”
• Check your skin regularly for abnormal growths or suspicious moles. See a dermatologist if you have any concerns.