Girly Chat! http://girly-chat.com Women's issues, chat and more Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Victoria’s Secret Promo Codes for February 2012 http://girly-chat.com/2012/02/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-february-2012/ http://girly-chat.com/2012/02/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-february-2012/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:53 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4141

Victoria's Secret promo codes for February 2012, AP graphic

Victoria's Secret promo codes for February 2012, AP graphic

For the past month, Victoria’s Secret has been having a HUGE sale of the majority of their website stock; although there weren’t many individual promo codes around for the month of January, it didn’t seem to matter as it seemed like nearly everything was on sale at some point or another!  Probably because Spring its on its way (I got my first Victoria’s Secret Spring mailing a couple of weeks ago).  Here’s February’s round up of Victoria’s Secret promo codes:

  • FREE mini dog with Victoria’s Secret Pink purchase – only valid until February 2, 2012, so act quick for this offer!  Enter code LOVEPINK at the webstore checkout to receive a free mini dog with qualifying Pink purchases.  See the Victoria’s Secret website for any other restrictions on this offer.
  • FREE shipping and handling on orders of $100 – enter code FA1129365 at checkout between now and 2/24/12 and receive free shipping and handling on orders of $100 and more.  Restrictions may apply.
  • $15 off $100 orders, $30 off $150 orders, $75 off $250 orders – enter code SP1228729 between now and 3/19/12 with qualifying merchandise to receive the stated discounts.  This could be the time to stock on up clothes for your Spring closet!
  • Send a valentine to your sweetheart and enter the Victoria’s Secret sweepstakes – chance to win a Costa Rican getaway for 2 or a US VS $50 gift card.  Simply visit the Victoria’s Secret website, click on the sweepstakes button and you’ll get the chance to send your true love a Valentine card and be entered in the sweepstakes.  Check the website for the full rules and restrictions.  Promo ends February 14, 2012.  Good Luck!

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Victoria’s Secret Introduces the Showstopper (video)

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]]> http://girly-chat.com/2012/02/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-february-2012/feed/ 0 The Future for Plants and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/the-future-for-plants-and-the-iucn-red-list-of-threatened-species/ http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/the-future-for-plants-and-the-iucn-red-list-of-threatened-species/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:16 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4132

The threat to plant species of the world, istockphoto, used with permission

The threat to plant species of the world, istockphoto, used with permission

This article was originally written and posted elsewhere; although some of the information might be somewhat out-of-date the real threat to the extinction of plants is not, so I thought it was relevant to re-post it here on Girly Chat in Social Issues.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was initially set up to assess the conservation status of plant and animal species in the world, highlight those species that are threatened with extinction, and promote the cause for their conservation. The declining population of many of the world’s plant and animal species is alarming; unless action is taken, many species will become extinct. Governments recently met at the 10th Conference of the Parties to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to discuss a plan to highlight the importance of biodiversity and to take steps to prevent further decline.

About the International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN was established in October 1948 as the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUPN); in 1956, the organization changed its name to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). IUCN was the world’s first global environmental organization and today is the largest professional global conservation network. The primary mission of the IUCN is to encourage and to help the world’s societies to conserve nature and the wide range of both animal and plant species. It also makes sure that natural resources are ecologically sustainable.

The IUCN Red List

The IUCN is responsible for the production of the Red List of Threatened Species, “the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plants, animals and fungi and the most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity” (source: IUCN).
There are nine categories in the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species; these are extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, least concern, data deficient and not evaluated. Species are categorized according to an assessment by scientists, based on factors such as rate of decline, size of population and area of distribution.

The Real Threat of Extinction to the World’s Plants

According to a SRLI Plants news release on 29 September 2010, New Study Shows Over One Fifth of the World’s Plants are Under Threat of Extinction, a recent study on the global analysis of the extinction risk for the world’s plants was carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (London, UK), the Natural History Museum in London and the IUCN. The result of the study was alarming; one in five of the world’s plant species is threatened with extinction.
Royal Botanic Garden, Kew’s Director, Professor Stephen Hopper reported:
“For the first time we have a clear global picture of the extinction risk to the world’s known plants. This report shows the most urgent threats and the most threatened areas.”
He added:
“We cannot sit back and watch plant species disappear – plants are the basis of all life on earth, providing clean air, water, food and fuel. All animal and bird life depends on them and so do we.”

Recent Developments in the Protection of Threatened Species

Following on from this report, the world’s governments met at the 10th Conference of the Parties to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan in October, 2010 to try to establish a “plan of action” to reduce the threat of extinction for both animal and plant species. A strategic ten year plan was approved, consisting of 20 targets.
According to a COP10 news release on 29 October 2010, Deadline Life – Nagoya Defines Future for Life on Earth, IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefreve said:
“Here in Japan the international community have moved closer to the realization that it’s time we stopped considering nature as expendable and any related expenditure a write-off – it’s time we valued and conserved nature.”
Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group, Jane Smart, said:
“What we’ve decided at this meeting will change the future of life on Earth – and many solutions are available to us.”

The Future for Threatened Plant Species

Once a year, the importance of biodiversity and the destructive effects that humans are inflicting on plant Earth are focused upon on Earth Day. However, it is apparent that much more needs to be done to try to reduce, and if possible reverse, some of the destruction. Without plants, there would be no life on earth, as we know it. By 2020, it will become known if the 10th Conference of the Parties to Convention on Biological Diversity, and the plan of action agreed upon, will have been effective in reducing the extinction of the world’s plant species.

References:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature web site, accessed 1 November, 2010
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species web site, accessed 1 November, 2010
SRLI Plants news release, New Study Shows Over One Fifth of the World’s Plants are Under Threat of Extinction, 29 September, 2010
COP10 news release, Deadline Life – Nagoya Defines Future for Life on Earth, 29 October, 2010
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]]> http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/the-future-for-plants-and-the-iucn-red-list-of-threatened-species/feed/ 0 Route 89A – Flagstaff to Sedona, Arizona http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/route-89a-flagstaff-to-sedona-arizona/ http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/route-89a-flagstaff-to-sedona-arizona/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:16:53 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4118

Just one of the views along majestic Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona, copyright Sharon Falsetto, all rights reserved

Just one of the views along majestic Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona, copyright Sharon Falsetto, all rights reserved

Route 89A winds it way through 23 miles of spectacular scenery not commonly associated with the usual image of Arizona; pine forests are more abundant in Oak Creek Canyon than desert cacti. In addition, route 89A descends from an elevation of 6,900 feet at Flagstaff to 4,500 feet in Sedona. Along the way, it is possible to experience scenic views, camp in one of several campsites, fish, swim, hike and enjoy the attractions of Slide Rock State Park.

Oak Creek Vista Point on Route 89A

On leaving Flagstaff, the first point of interest is Oak Creek Vista Point; this is probably the most popular viewpoint, located approximately 14 miles south of Flagstaff. The Oak Creek Vista Point gives spectacular views over Oak Canyon and a glimpse of the start of the switchbacks below, which descend into Oak Creek Canyon.

Oak Creek Vista Point is a popular venue for local Native Americans to sell jewelry and other local crafts. In winter, when snow begins to fall, it is likely that Oak Creek Vista Point will be closed, so check ahead, if visiting outside of the regular tourist season (approximately May through October).

Hiking Trails in Oak Creek Canyon – West Fork

After descending the switchbacks into Oak Creek Canyon, route 89A winds it way through the Coconino National Forest; there are many hiking trails to enjoy in Oak Creek Canyon but perhaps the most popular hiking trail is that of West Fork. West Fork is one trail which is relatively level (compared to others) and stays close to the creek in places.

There is a parking fee at West Fork (currently $8); West Fork is extremely popular during the summer months. West Fork is also popular with movie goers; it was the setting of the the 1923 movie The Call of the Canyon, which was adapted from Zane Grey’s novel of the same name.

Slide Rock State Park – A Historic Homestead

Further down Oak Creek Canyon is Slide Rock State Park; in summer, Slide Rock State Park is extremely popular and the area, especially on weekends, becomes crowded with cars and people, when the ‘parking lot full’ sign is more often than not displayed. A former homestead (the Pendleys acquired it in 1910 and turned it into a historic apple farm), Slide Rock today is popular for the natural water slide on the creek; Slide Rock is said to be one of the best swimming holes in America.

Other Points of Interest in Oak Creek Canyon

Other points of interest in Oak Creek Canyon include:

  • Midgely Bridge – located about one mile north of Sedona and spanning Wilson Creek; it is another popular place for views and for hiking.
  • Indian Gardens – located 4 miles north of Sedona, on route 89A, and the location of a general store and restrooms; in addition, Indian Gardens Park hosts weddings and celebrations from March to October.
  • Oak Creek – the creek after which Oak Creek Canyon is named, is a constant element of the drive from Flagstaff to Sedona; it is possible to get down to the creek in places to fish (license required), take photos or just relax.

Route 89A Into Sedona Uptown

Route 89A winds out of Oak Creek Canyon and into uptown Sedona. Uptown Sedona was the original heart of old Sedona but is now a collection of tourist stores, hotels and cafes; the commercial and working element of Sedona (such as banks and regular stores) are now located in West Sedona.

Oak Creek Canyon – An Arizona Highlight

Oak Creek Canyon is sure to delight and inspire all visitors. In the height of summer, it is advisable to bring not only a camera but plenty of patience; on holiday weekends in particular, the drive through Oak Creek Canyon can be slow and frustrating, and sometimes nose-to-tail.

Visiting out of season, particularly in the fall when the trees are the colors of red, gold and orange, may be less stressful for those who enjoy solitude. However, whatever the season, a drive from Flagstaff to Sedona on route 89A, is probably going to be remembered for a long time.

You might also like:

Visit Sedona, Arizona in Every Season

The Grand Canyon in Winter (video)

 

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/route-89a-flagstaff-to-sedona-arizona/feed/ 0 Victoria’s Secret Promo Codes for January 2012 http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-january-2012/ http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-january-2012/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:00:38 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4103

Victoria's Secret promo codes for January 2012, AP graphic

Victoria's Secret promo codes for January 2012, AP graphic

In my last post a couple of weeks ago I indicated that Girly Chat is taking a break and, although this is true, I couldn’t pass up the monthly Victoria’s Secret Promo Codes post! So, here’s a mini-monthly update on those Victoria’s Secret bargains for January 2012.  Happy New Year!

  • FREE shipping on orders of $100 – spend $100 with Victoria’s Secret online and they will comp your shipping for your order! Simply enter code FA1129389 at checkout on valid orders.  Code is valid until 2/17/12.  See the Victoria’s Secret website for any restrictions and exclusions.
  • Another sale? It seems like everyone is having a sale at the moment!  At the time of writing this post, Victoria’s Secret was advertising 20% off Blue London Jean denim purchases (through 1/22/12), 30% – 50% off boots (see the website for current stock availability) and 25% off select bras (again, check the Victoria’s Secret website for current stock availability).

Spring is just around the corner – and with it probably some more promo codes and deals from Victoria’s Secret! I will pop back in for a full Victoria’s Secret Spring Promo Codes update soon!  Enjoy!

You might also like:

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2011: Miranda Kerr and the $2.5 Million Diamond-Studded Bra (video)

Victoria’s Secret Introduces the Showstopper (video)

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2012/01/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-january-2012/feed/ 0 Girly Chat is Taking a Break http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/girly-chat-is-taking-a-break/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/girly-chat-is-taking-a-break/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:02:54 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4089

Girly Chat is on vacation!, copyright Sharon Falsetto, all rights reserved

Girly Chat is on vacation!, copyright Sharon Falsetto, all rights reserved

You might have noticed a slowing down of Girly Chat posts in the last couple of months.  Although I do enjoy writing for Girly Chat, my aromatherapy business, Sedona Aromatherapie, has increasingly been taking up more of my time.  Therefore, I am taking an unspecified “leave of absence” from writing for Girly Chat until I decide what to do with the magazine.  I may pop in from time-to-time to write a post but in the meantime, if you would like to write a guest post for Girly Chat, have a sponsored story idea/proposal, advertising proposal, or another financial incentive, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

sharon@sedonaaromatherapie.com

The magazine still gets several thousand page views a month, so there are readers out there!  Enjoy! :)

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/girly-chat-is-taking-a-break/feed/ 0 Meryl Streep on the Cover of the January 2012 Issue of “Vogue” http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/meryl-streep-on-the-cover-of-the-january-2012-issue-of-vogue/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/meryl-streep-on-the-cover-of-the-january-2012-issue-of-vogue/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:23:32 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4076

Meryl Streep on the cover of Vogue magazine, January 2012, Vogue magazine

Meryl Streep on the cover of Vogue magazine, January 2012, Vogue magazine

It was recently rumored that Kate Middleton might be the next Vogue cover girl but the British princess allegedly turned down any offer of a fashion shoot with Vogue for the moment.  However, actress Meryl Streep has proven that its never too late to say never; the January 2012 issue of Vogue magazine stars Meryl Streep as the cover girl.

American actress Meryl Streep said in an interview with Vogue magazine (that features in the January 2012 issue) that:

“..I was probably the oldest person ever to be on the cover of Vogue.”

Meryl Streep is 62 years old but graces the cover of Vogue with all the charm and elegance of previous cover girls, proving that age is really no barrier to beauty!  Her upcoming movie, The Iron Lady, sees her characterizing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.  However, her career has included a wide variety of roles including movies such as Mamma Mia (2008), Julie and Julia (2009) and Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).

You can read more of Meryl Streep’s interview with Vogue here.

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Rihanna on the Cover of Vogue April 2011: Curvy, Sexy and Independent

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/meryl-streep-on-the-cover-of-the-january-2012-issue-of-vogue/feed/ 0 Victoria’s Secret Promo Codes for December 2011 http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-december-2011/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-december-2011/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:20:58 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4057

Victoria's Secret promo codes for December 2011, AP graphic

Victoria's Secret promo codes for December 2011, AP graphic

These are the last Victoria’s Secret promo codes for 2011! :)   This month Victoria’s Secret has lots of little extra offers to treat yourself for the Holidays! Enjoy and see you in the New Year for more monthly promo codes for Victoria’s Secret!  Happy Holidays!

  • FREE shipping and 2nd day express delivery on orders of $100 – cutting it fine with your Holiday shopping for that perfect little outfit and need it in a hurry?  Spend $100 in the Victoria’s Secret webstore and get an upgrade for 2nd business day express on your shipping!  Only valid in the 48 contiguous United States; other restrictions may apply, see website for details.  Enter code FA1128453 at checkout for this offer; valid until 12/21/11.
  • FREE scarf with sweater purchase – receive a free scarf with select sweaters through 12/22/11.  Enter code FA1128477 at checkout.  Select colors available; see the Victoria’s Secret website for other restrictions.
  • FREE fragrance gift set with sleepwear purchase – receive a bonus Holiday gift when you purchase sleepwear from Victoria’s Secret through 12/22/11; treat yourself twice over! Enter code FA1128537 at checkout.  Restrictions may apply.
  • FREE slippers with a purchase of Victoria’s Secret PJs – only valid until 12/7/11, so you need to hurry on this one!  Enter code SLEEP11 at checkout.  Restrictions may apply on PJs.

You may also like:

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2011: Video Preview

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2011: Miranda Kerr and the $2.5 million Diamond-Studded Bra (video)

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/12/victorias-secret-promo-codes-for-december-2011/feed/ 0 Anne Hathaway is Engaged! (video: engagement ring) http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/anne-hathaway-is-engaged-video-engagement-ring/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/anne-hathaway-is-engaged-video-engagement-ring/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:24:26 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4047

Anne Hathaway is engaged to Adam Shulman, photo credit: Christopherpeterson at en.wikipedia

Anne Hathaway is engaged to Adam Shulman, photo credit: Christopherpeterson at en.wikipedia

According to Monday’s media reports (November 28, 2011) actress Anne Hathaway has just got engaged to boyfriend Adam Shulman; the 29 year old actress, who had her birthday this month, has been dating American actor Shulman since 2008.  Although no further details of the engagement have yet been given, reports have been confirmed by Hathaway’s spokesperson, according to Reuters.  And the video below shows Hathaway’s beautiful engagement ring!

Anne Hathaway is a rising young star in Hollywood, with a variety of film roles to her credit; she was chosen to play Catwoman in the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Night Rises, scheduled for release in July 2012.  Hathaway’s other film roles include:

  • The Princess Diaries (2001)
  • Brokeback Mountain (2005)
  • The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
  • Becoming Jane (2007)
  • Get Smart (2008)
  • Rachel Getting Married (2008)
  • Bride Wars (2009)
  • Alice In Wonderland (2010)
  • Love and Other Drugs (2010)
  • One Day (2011).

Anne Hathaway suffered a very public breakup with Italian real estate developer Raffaello Follieri in 2008; Follieri was arrested on fraud charges in real estate investing.  So her recent betrothal is happy news!  Congratulations Anne!

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Anne Hathaway’s Paris Shoot in Vogue Magazine (Video)

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/anne-hathaway-is-engaged-video-engagement-ring/feed/ 0 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2011: Video Preview http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2011-video-preview/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2011-video-preview/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:48:18 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4038

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011 11/29 10/9 C, AP photo

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011 11/29 10/9 C, AP photo

Tomorrow night, Tuesday November 29, 2011, at 10/9 c on CBS, millions of viewers will tune into the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. In case you can’t wait until then, here’s a sneak peek of the show!  Enjoy!

 

You might also like:

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2011: Miranda Kerr and the $2.5 Million Diamond-Studded Bra (video)

Victoria’s Secret Promo Codes for November 2011

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2011-video-preview/feed/ 0 The Controversy Surrounding the Death of Natalie Wood (video) http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/the-controversy-surrounding-the-death-of-natalie-wood-video/ http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/the-controversy-surrounding-the-death-of-natalie-wood-video/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:03:07 +0000 gypsyprincess http://girly-chat.com/?p=4024

Natalie Wood and James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause, wikimedia commons, photo is in public domain

Natalie Wood and James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause, wikimedia commons, photo is in public domain

Thirty years after her death, the actress Natalie Wood is once again in the spotlight.  Her name might not be as familiar to the younger generation as to those who grew up with TV shows and movies starring Natalie Wood, but recent speculation (and a re-investigation of her death) has led to renewed interest in Natalie Woods.  So who was Natalie Woods – and how did she die?

Natalie Woods starred in a multitude of TV shows and movies and received 3 Oscar nominations; films that Natalie Woods starred in included:

  • Happy Land (1943)
  • Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
  • Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
  • Splendor in the Grass (1961)
  • West Side Story (1961)
  • Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969).

She also starred in several TV shows, although her career declined after the early ’70′s.  Natalie Wood’s personal life was pretty wild and she enjoyed several dates, affairs and (rocky) marriages to stars such as Elvis Presley, British producer Richard Gregson (marriage)  and Robert Wagner (married twice).

Her untimely death on November 29, 1981, at just 43 years of age, was surrounded with theories of foul play; what was certain was that she drowned and had been drinking heavily the night before.  Whether anyone else played a part in her death is open to speculation, particularly as the case has now been re-opened by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, interest in Natalie Woods has increased – and opened up her world to a new generation of movie goers.

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Elizabeth Taylor Dies at Age 79 (video)

New Writings of Marilyn Monroe to be Released in October 2010 (includes video slideshow)

]]> http://girly-chat.com/2011/11/the-controversy-surrounding-the-death-of-natalie-wood-video/feed/ 0