Maxim

Project Butterfly

2009-10-30T17:29:00.005-04:00

Maxim is thrilled to have participated in Project Butterfly in Atlanta this past Saturday! Project Butterfly was an event, presented by TeenDiariesOnline.com, based on teenage females and development. The event was hosted by Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, of R&B group TLC, and supermodel Cynthia Bailey, in order to provide “teen females (ages 13-18) with the opportunity to learn from positive celebrity role models and address self esteem issues through a fun and exciting roundtable discussion about healthy skin care and proper makeup application.”

Maxim donated trial packs for the event giveaway.

For more information click here.

2009-09-25T17:19:00.004-04:00

Did you know that every year millions of girls and women in developing countries will miss up to 50 days of school/work because of their periods? Now we’ve all experienced how debilitating our periods can be, now imagine if you had to suffer through this without the proper sanitary tools. Unfortunately, this is actually a reality for the majority of women in developing and underdeveloped areas.

However, I just learned about a great new organization that is involved in aiding this dilemma. SHE (which stands for Sustainable Health Enterprises) has launched an initiative to assist women in these areas create their own businesses to manufacture and distribute affordable, quality, and eco-friendly sanitary pads. Additionally, the products will look to use local raw materials to ensure affordability and accessibility.

SHE is just another example of how women can create positive changes in regards to their menstrual cycle, a concept applauded wholeheartedly by Maxim. To learn more, visit their website here.

Welcoming Summer with 3 Eco-Friendly Beach Outfits

2009-06-19T11:40:00.011-04:00

What’s in this season? GREEN, of course. And I don’t just mean Green the color. With all the fun eco-friendly clothing and accessories popping up it’s becoming increasingly EASY to be green. Therefore, I’d like to introduce myself as your new Eco-nista. Going green never looked so good! I’ve scavenged the internet in search of 3 perfect eco-friendly beach outfits. And for your shopping convenience, I’ve made sure to include links to where you can find these great outfits! Enjoy!

a. This striped racerback top is perfect alone or layered. Link

b. This statement necklace is made of natural red seeds from the rainforest. Also, a portion of proceeds go to charity. This is a must have item for any occasion. Link

c. I adooore this purse! The color of this bag will turn your everyday clothes into an outfit! A color this bold needs to be carried confidently so wear it proudly! Link

d. A classic item with a modern twist. These capris are made of 100% organic cotton. Link

e. Organic swimsuits are a must! This simple black suit will flatter almost any figure and the halter strap adds fun fashion flavor. Link

f. These boating shoes are not only adorable but they’re practical too. Check them out! Link

a. This is one of my favorite discoveries. Not only is this bag incredibly unique and super cute, but it’s a fair trade item made of natural palm leaf in Vietnam. Super purchase-worthy!! Link

b. Keep the sun out and the good vibes in. This fair trade hat is a summer sun necessity. Link

c. I am obsessed with these recycled denim lavender peep toe pumps. Link

d. The shape of this muted pink dress is old-school with a contemporary twist. Link

e. Sunglasses have never been so cool! These bamboo glasses are not only super chic, but a portion of their proceeds go to charity. I am in love! Link

f. This frilly bikini is the perfect addition to this already super cute outfit. Link

a. Hand crafted to perfection these sunglasses are epic. Link

b. This retro dress is so cool! I’m addicted to the super cute vintage buttons and peacock stitching details. While checking out this dress available on econsciousmarket.com search the awesome site for some Maxim products! Link

c. Gracefully sit poolside in style with this stunning swimsuit. Link

d. A white bag is the perfect accessory to this outfit, not to mention one that’s really cutely shaped!! Link

e. These gorgeous yellow pumps add such a hip element to this already fantastic outfit. Link

Earth Day, Maxim Style

2009-05-01T16:50:00.004-04:00

We’re a little late on the Earth Day Post, but we were definitely not amiss on the streets and schools of New York in celebrating our favorite holiday of the year.

Maxim was honored to be amongst several booths at several different schools in our hometown of New York, showcasing what students can do to lead greener lives. During the events, Maxim was able to demonstrate how our products are better for the Earth, and the body too!

At Hofstra University…

We took a spot at the quad in front of Hofstra University’s trendy Bits n’ Bytes Café where Earth Day was all abuzz, as The Center for Civic Engagement hosted an eco-friendly festival. Other booths included PETA, Progressive Students Union, Organic Foods, Anthropology club, Green Career opportunities and so much more!

At New York University…

We were set up under a tent outside on a cold spring NYC day on Washington Place, right smack in the middle of NYU’s most trendy metropolitan campus, where we got to meet some trendy NYUers who were blown away by what we had to say about what was lining their pantiliners. Other fun booths included Honest Tea, POM, Sustainable NYC, and Earth Celebrations.

At East Islip High School…

The gymnasium was converted in to an “earthasium.” Students were bussed in from the elementary and middle schools to take part in the districts dedication to keeping the youth informed about their responsibilities to the earth. You would think youngsters at this age would be shy or giggling about learning about tampons, but they were not only overly enthused, but quite serious about what Maxim had to say about the content of their tampons, pads and pantiliners.

Maxim and V-Day

2009-04-07T22:57:00.002-04:00

Maxim is always looking to take part in events and affairs that focus around women's health, awareness, and well-being. It's funny how many women's events revolve around vaginas; lucky for us, as given the nature of Maxim products, that's right up our alley. Last time it was the Vagina Festival; most recently Maxim was pleased to have participated in Hofstra University’s production of The Vagina Monologues. The performance is part of an annual "V-Day” campaign hosted on college campuses across America to end violence against women.

With the shared value of women’s health and security in mind, Maxim happily supports the cause and donated two different gift baskets to be raffled off at the end of two of the performances. Each gift package contained fun spa packages and a selection of Maxim’s 100% Organic and Natural Cotton Products. Proceeds from the raffle went towards the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The performance is a fun, thought-provoking, provacative and sometimes emotional showcase for exploring some of the issues surrounding women’s rights, issues and perceptions, but it wasn’t the only hit and excitement for the evening. As seen in the picture above, Maxim shared a table with Planned Parenthood, educating students about other related women’s issues. Students were pleasantly surprised as they got handed free Maxim samples on their way in to the theatre. Student, Megan Walker, was beaming as she emerged from the ladies room stating, “It honestly feels healthier.”

With women’s health and security in mind, Maxim was honored be included in such an important event.

For more information on V-day, click here.

Stay Warm with Heat Saving Tips for Your Earth & Pocket

2009-01-08T21:15:00.009-05:00

The Holidays are over, but Winter is in full blast, which means so is your heat. The heat may be warming you up but it may also be contributing to global warming and other avoidable environmental wastes and effects. If you're like me and living in an old small apartment with building controlled thermostats that don't seem to be working and awful insulation then you'll definitely need to read on, along with all other heat blasting earth lovers. For someone who loves to stay warm but not at the cost of waste, here are some pointers for ya....

In addition to watching the great video above created by the Grist team here are some of my tips for staying warm while keeping your impact low:

1. Take a short hot shower right before hitting the sac. This will quickly raise your body temperature which will stay with you for the rest of the night under the protection of your covers. It's also relaxing!

2. Exercise! Even though it's tempting to stay cuddled, get out of bed and move your body. Movement gets the blood circulating in your body, creating a natural heat environment. It's also healthy!

3. Furnish your space. Carpets and heavy drapes will help keep things feeling warmer. Carpets will keep your feet off of cold tiles and drapes will block the cold air from coming through windows. I recommend keeping the drapes open on sunny days as there is nothing more naturally warming than the sun. But make sure to close the drapes at night and windy days.

4. Long Johns. Okay, they may make you look a few pounds heavier or not work well with your fashionable skinny jeans, but leave your fashion trends for the Summer when Long Johns aren't necessary to keep you warm.

5. Clean. Dust acts as an insulator but not the good kind because it builds up on heated surfaces like your furnace that is the source of heat. Make sure to keep your furnace dust free and serviced every year (your gas, oil or electric company can do this for you at a cost that will save you more in the long run).

6. Shut those vents you might have forgotten about. Vents can be found all over your home from the laundry room to the fireplace, acting as an easy avenue for heat to escape. Keep vents closed or the door to the laundry room closed to keep heat from escaping.

7. Electric blankets. Slip one in between your sheets and you'll be heavenly warmed and pleasantly spending less than what it would cost to heat your room.

8. "Think Warm, Be Warm." The power of thought costs nothing and can be stronger than anything else! I'm thinking countdown to Summer....162 days left!!! Woohoo!!!

Warm wishes!

Recession Green Gift Giving Solutions - "Do It Yourself!"

2008-12-16T01:22:00.008-05:00

This post will wrap up the last few posts and bring our Recession series posts to an end on a high note with a good chuckle (I'm sure we can all use one)....So most of us are not shopping at Saks this year, even if everything is practically on sale and for free (relative to the Saks standard), but most of us are looking for green gift alternatives. There are enough blogs and articles out there about green gift-giving so I'm going to stay away from that, but just in case you're living under a rock here are a few:

Gaiam's "Green Gift Guide: 30 Ideas for the Style Maven, Gadget Guy, Yoga Lover & More"

Treehugger's "Holiday Gift Guide 2008: Give Green to Save Green"

The Environmental Defense Fund's "Green Gifts for the Holidays"

These articles will give you great product green gift giving solutions, but I have a more green and recession friendly option inspired by my friends over at www.diygiving.com - "do it yourself!"

Remember when you were in kindergarten, before you knew how to count your change and balance a budget? Remember the creative freedom you had in putting together hand made gifts? Most importantly remember the big smile you put on your loved ones' faces when you gave them your hand-crafted gift that got posted on the refrigerator instead of returned to the department store or re-gifted to an enemy?

Well nothing put a bigger smile on my face than the above photograph of a "diy," "Do It Yourself" gift option, posted by an anonymous contributor on the diyGiving website, which features creative, do-it-yourself, economical gifts ideas for the holidays and special occasions. Not only was I smiling but I was on the floor dying of laughter. What's more organic and priceless than a good laugh??

Just make sure you're being eco-friendly and using Maxim Sanitary Pads when putting together your holiday slippers!

Holiday cheers to the creators of diyGiving.com for coming up with such a unique concept in green (in more ways then one) gift giving. Visit the diyGiving website to submit your "diy" Gift Giving idea; Maxim promises to send free Maxim products to whoever can up with more creative "diy" feminine hygiene inspired ideas like the one above. Email us with your address when your idea has been posted and we'll send you some Maxim Organic and Natural Cotton Feminine Hygiene Products so you can come up with more creative "diy" gifts or maybe just use them yourself.

Have fun "doing it yourself!"

Recession Retail Madness Ctd: Organics Will Prevail!

2008-12-11T17:30:00.009-05:00

My Recession Retail Madness experience at Saks, described in the last post, is a rare opportunity, a spur of the moment occurrence based on the thrill of getting fashion for less, not anything like an organic shopping experience. Organic shopping comes with deep value. Values live beyond a sale or fashion trend. It's not like fashion where "one day you're in and the next day you're out." It's more like, once you go organic you'll never go back.

But, what are the numbers saying and do numbers outweigh values and trends?

The past four to five years have seen the largest growth in organic sales, anywhere from 20 - 30%. Here are some pre-recession statistics about the growth of organics that will tickle your green pickle:

- A study by the Soil Association shows retail sales of organic product sales at over $4 billion in 2007, with an average annual growth rate of 22%.

- “Sales of organic personal care products rose last year almost 20%, eight times the rate of overall sales of cosmetics and toiletries, according to some research.” (PLMA Scanner Spring 08)

- A survey of organic industry leaders by the Organic Trade Association forecasted that everyday use of organic products of all kinds would be both accepted and routine by the year 2025. Such a forecast is evident in the OTA’s 2005 Organic Non-Foods Category Sales Percent Growth figures provided below:

Organic Non-Foods Category Share, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------
05 Sales % Growth
Organic Categories ($Mil) 2005
------------------ -------- --------
Organic Supplements $238 29%
Organic Personal Care $282 28%
Products/Cleaners $ 19 29%
Organic Pet Food $ 30 46%
Organic Flowers $ 16 50%
Organic Fiber (Linens & Clothing) $160 44%
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total Organic Consumer Non-Foods Sales $744 32.5%

Here are some recently sited in-recession statistics that aren't so ticklish:

- Nielsen, a consumer marketing research company, reports "While 52-week dollar sales of UPC-coded organics are up 21% vs. last year, the most recent four-week period ending October 4, 2008, shows growth of only 11.2%. Last year, organics saw 27.1% sales growth during the comparable four-week period ending October 6, 2007."

- Mintel, a leading tracker of consumer product intelligence, reports "the price of all food at home increased more than 7% in the past year. “To cope with higher prices, many shoppers are simply opting not to buy pricey organic or premium brands,” explains Mogelonsky," a senior analyst at Mintel.

It's funny that this year Mintel is projecting a slowing of organic sales, when just last year they were predicting steady growth in organics as reported in "Organic Becomes Mainstream," showing that no projection or report could have ever predicted the recession were in now. This doesn't mean that "Organics are Recession Proof," but I would say they are trend-proof.

Sure organics have been on trend for the past few years, which is what some analysts are saying caused the tremendous sales growth indicated in the "ticklish" statistics first presented, but organics go beyond trends, especially when it comes to necessities and clear health threats, like the dangers of dioxin and the irritation caused by synthetics in conventional feminine hygiene products (had to plug my products here because they really do serve as a good example). Some women have no choice but to stick with organics because of the confirmed negative repercussions of choosing otherwise.

In observing and speaking with the people around me I feel confident in saying "organics will prevail!" Just today I spoke with a Sales Associate in the Organic and Natural department at NYC's very busy and bustling Fairway Market who described the mood of the Organic Shopper as extra conscious on where her dollars are being spent but not sacrificing her need and value for organics specifically in places where it really counts, like feminine hygiene. I was also very happy to see one of my close friends whom I know lives paycheck to paycheck is still stocking his Method, naturally derived biodegradable cleaning products; for him it came down to a re-prioritizing of his spending habits, like his own coffee in the morning instead of stopping at Starbucks on the way to work.

Like the way organics make us think twice about what we're putting inside and on our bodies or the way we're treating our environment, the recession is making us think twice about where we're spending our money. For many people it's a great time "re-access" their spending habits. The only difference is a recession is like a fashion trend, "one day it's in and the next day it's out." This recession will pass, just like tube socks died with the 80s, but Organic lifestyles are more intrinsic and here to stay because they are value driven.

Recession Retail Madness - The Positives In Fashion

2008-11-27T02:20:00.013-05:00

I used to love to shop; that was before I started paying all my bills, had the time to browse through the racks for good deals and as of late, before the recession (or so I thought on this last point)....

Never in my young shopping years have I seen so many sales and great deals, especially before the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. If I get one more email about my favorite retailers' special sales, I will begin the unsubscribing process. All of a sudden I'm every retailers' "friends and family." I remember when that discount actually applied to friends and family only and made you feel special. Thanks to the recession we are all special now...I urge you to TAKE ADVANTAGE of this one ironic double edge sword positive of the recession as I did at Saks Fifth Avenue yesterday.

Now I'm not your typical Saks Fifth Avenue Shopper. Once in a blue moon I might treat myself to that incredible designer dress (Diane Von Furstenberg is my woman of choice) or impossibly unique item that can not be duplicated by any design imposter retailer wannabe, whom my wallet and need for style are extremely thankful for. My typical shopping experience at Saks involves what I like to call "fashion shopping," browsing the beautiful windows and floors to get a taste of the latest trends and styles and then heading to H&M, the more affordable design imposter wannabe retailer, across the street to find them at an eighth of the price. That all changed yesterday when Black Friday came a week early with Saks sales prices equivalent to that of H&M. I'm talking up to 70% off almost all their inventory!!!!

The funny thing is that Saks' sale is the one email I didn't get and when I asked the sales associate about it she said "we're relying on word of mouth." Are times that tough that a huge retailer like Saks can't even afford advertising or emails about their huge pre-Black Friday sale?

According to an article published in the New York Times at about the start of Saks' huge sale, "Saks lost $42.8 million for the three months that ended Nov. 1, compared with a profit of $21.6 million for the period a year ago" or another way to look at it is "Saks sales fell 11.5% for the period compared with a sales gain of 11.4% for the same period last year."

Yes, these numbers are scary, but as always in life let's look at the bright side as I did yesterday when I left Saks with my Diane Von Furstenberg purchase that totaled $65.00, originally marked $325.00.

In my next article we'll take a look at how this recession is affecting less superficial fashion values in the world of organic and natural living, but in the spirit of Black Friday and Thanksgiving I wanted to make sure to share this sale information with you and extend some sort of thanks for once for the recession.

Happy Turkey Day!

W.A.T.C.H. Your Toys

2008-11-19T01:17:00.003-05:00

The trend and demand for increased awareness on content labels started with food. It's easy to understand how food is the primary focus in how the content of our everyday products can be affecting our health and standard of living. Everyone loves to eat and eating is so obviously internal, but what about the toys our children play with and toddlers chew and suck on while teething???

What better time of year for us to be more aware about the toys we are purchasing to celebrate the lovely upcoming gift-giving holidays, christmas and chanukah. Thanks to the non-profit organization, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.), which is dedicated to educating the general population about the dangers lurking in some toys, we can be more confident in the purchases we make this holiday season.

W.A.T.C.H. published their 2008 top ten nominees for the "10 Worst Toys" based on "examples of packaging and labeling which fail to give the consumer fair warning of dangers that are known, or should be known, by the manufacturer." The "Pucci Puppies" Toy, photographed above, is listed on W.A.T.C.H's top ten because the packaging does not indicate that the small parts that come with the toy could be easily ingestible by a child.

Now if I was browsing the aisles for a toy for my little cousin Ariana, the "Pucci" Pup would stand out as the perfect gift for her because she has a real pup named Pucci; she also has a little baby brother running around under the recommended age for this toy. In seeig this item on the shelf I would probably get so excited by the idea behind the toy I might not think twice about the fact that the bite size accessories might be choking hazards for little baby brother.

In this case maybe a label would make me think twice about purchasing this toy for Ariana and I am thankful for non-profits like W.A.T.C.H. that look out for my sometimes thoughtless shortcomings.

W.A.T.C.H. is fighting for our labeling and safety rights, but manufacturers and consumers also need to take more responsibility in our product purchasing and production habits. If manufacturers take more responsibility in being more conscious about what they're producing and consumers take on the responsibility of accepting their product choices instead of suing companies for accidents that unfortunately do happen and are unforseeable, maybe this list of ten would be more like five.

Happy Responsibile Shopping!

26 at 81 and Running the NYC Marathon

2008-11-03T10:30:00.004-05:00

At 26 years old, the thought of running 26 miles scares, so when I hear of 81 year olds, like defending 80-and-over title winner, Joy Johnson, running the 26 mile New York City Marathon without a complaint, I feel so lame.

Johnson finished this year's Marathon in 6 hours, 5 minutes, and 58 seconds, nearly an hour faster than her time last year!

I am so curious to know where her true motivation comes from. I would have to guess a part of her motivation this year came from a desire to keep her title against newly turned 80 year old competitor, Bertha McGruder who completed the race last year in 6 hours and 15 minutes. McGruder finished this year at 7 hours, 9 minutes and 31 seconds, so not only did Johnson finish before McGruder this year, but she beat her time from last year.

Although victory is sweet, no matter who won,loss or finished before the other yesterday, I truly respect all 40,000 participants for setting such high goals.

Special kudos though to my most inspiring 80 year old females!

Vagina Festival - Conversation 2 - Lifestyle Diva

2008-10-31T16:29:00.002-04:00

If you want to feel motivated after a conversation, you must call in the MC of the Vagina Festival, the Luscious Lifestyle Diva herself, Yolanda Shoshi Shoshana!

As if the performers and artwork on display weren't motivating enough, Shoshi made sure to keep things rolling and upbeat the whole weekend with her sassy on stage introductions and fabulously positive attitude. If you ask me she stole the show just like a diva would.

In between her on stage introductions and during intermission, I got a chance speak with Shoshi in detail about all things diva from living a luscious life, the wonders of being single, and self growth. In speaking with her, little did I know she works as a Lifestyle Diva Coach for a living, empowering women to live and create the life they love.

My spirits were uplifted after getting to know Shoshi. If you're looking to divasize your life or the women in it check her Luscious Lifestyle Diva website.

And I'll leave you with my favorite Shoshi-Diva quote for the weekend "Keep The Course, You are the Force!"

Vagina Festival - Conversation 1 - Fahimeh Vahdat

2008-10-30T10:41:00.004-04:00

In my last entry I told you about my conversation with Alexandra Jacoby, which was probably the most all-encompassing one that really pieced together the whole weekend and Vagina Festival for me.

It was the conversation I had with exhibiting artist, Fahimeh Vahdat that really hit close to home in a personal way through the connection we share as Femal Persian/Iranian Americans. I hadn't yet gotten the chance to view the art in the gallery room at Vagina Festival when my sister ran over to me in a frenzy excited about a piece of work that had farsi script written on it. She dragged my dad over to translate and of course I got stuck at the Maxim post.

I sat at my post excited and waiting my turn to view the artwork of a fellow Iranian American Woman and I thought to myself "wow, a Persian Woman Artist on exhibit at the Vagina Festival?!!??!!" Why the "wow" you may be asking?

Even as the very priviliged first generation Female Persian American that I am, in coming from a culture where women were and in some cases still are treated as second class citizens and have no sense of self or opportunity other than being a homemaker(not that there is anything wrong with being a homemaker if that is what you so desire and not something that is forced upon you), I am still impressed and excited by women who have overcome the traditional boundaries faced by their ancestors and other woman.

An artist who is free to express herself however she wishes is truly free. Through her artwork, Fahimeh Vahdat has reached the ultimate freedom; not only has she personally broken the chain of traditional female supression plaguing many Iranian women, but she is using her talent to inspire and inform others about the work that remains to be done to free all women.

In "The Soldiers are Coming" piece photographed above and exhibited at Vagina Festival, Vahdat depicts the threat of violence experienced by the women of Iran. Although Vahdat's focus on terrorized women lies with her experience and connection to Iran, she is quick to note that "violence against women is a worldwide phenonmenon, not limited to country, type of government, ethnicity, race religion or class." "The Soldiers are Coming" is only one of a series from "What will Befall Her?" that explores Vahdat's interest in addressing the other forms of gender opression women face around the world, which include but ar not limited to the killing of female babies, bride burning, "honor killing", rape camps, female genital mutilation, sexual trafficking in women and children and incest. With women like Vahdat on the forefront encouraging people to have conversations about the tortures women face on a daily basis, we are well on our way to free other women.

I'm not much of a talker, so although I say I was lucky enough to actually meet and have a conversation with Vahdat at the Vagina Festival, it really wasn't as much of a verbal conversation as I wish I could have had. It was the visual conversation I had with her piece of work that moved me the most and said more than any number of words could possibly say.

Thank you Vahdat for your work and inspiration in creating conversations!

Taking the Private Public with Vaginas

2008-10-28T10:36:00.005-04:00

Even with the Vagina Security on hand as photographed above, Vaginas were definitely not kept private at this past weekend's Vagina Festival; between the few performances I got to peek in on (when I got a second to sneak away from the Maxim information table), the gallery of artwork on display, the wonderful conversations I had with the lovely women (and men!)I met, and the personal exchanges I had with exhibiting artists, I finally fully understand the boldness behind the Vagina Festival.

In deciding to sponsor the event, it only made sense to be a part of such an empowering event, but as described in my last Explorer entry, I didn't feel comfortable with the title of the event in taking what I always held private, public.

It was really the warm nurturing spirit behind the event that made me understand it fully, but the defining moment came in a brief conversation I had with producer, artist, and activist, Alexandra Jacoby.

The inspiration behind Alexandra's work and creation of the Vagina Festival came from a conversation she had with a friend nearly eight years ago who thought there was something wrong with her vagina. In a world and time where we are infiltrated and in turn sometimes unknowning deeply affected by the overpowering images we see on television, the internet, and other forms of doctored up media that aren't truly reflective of reality, we might be inclined to think there is something wrong with us if we don't look like the airbrushed images we are bombarded with. Not only do the images affect our sense of what the physical should look like, but they affect a sense of how and who we should be, leaving us feel insecure if we don't live up to that standard and forgetful that all vaginas are not created equally.

In spending more time in front of the technological tools, i.e. computers and televesions that spew out these biased unfullfilling images, we don't get to have the conversations and experiences that help us see that there really is nothing wrong with us.

Thanks to Alexandra's one conversation with a friend, Vagina Festival succesfully created three days of conversations and real images that gave people the opportunity to explore different ideas, which left them feeling better about themselves. Over the next few days, I will share a few of my conversations with you, as well as other highlights from the event that left me feeling more proud and public about the private.

Congratulations to the whole fantastic Vagina Festival Staff in accomplishing your goal of bringing people together to converse in the beauty of the Vagina, by taking the private public in order to reach the higher goal of acheiving confidence, conversations and a sense of community.

The Art of Vaginas in Stimulating Conversations

2008-10-23T10:00:00.017-04:00

Vaginas are at the top of our priority list. In creating products that provide vaginas with the healthiest and safest menstrual vagina care possible we're always on the lookout for other Vagina supporters. That's why we made sure to be a part of this year's 2008 Vagina Festival taking place at the Sage Theater in New York City.

Vaginas need recognition and that's exactly what Alexandra Jacoby, the creator the the Vagina Festival is giving women, men, artists, performers and any interested parties an opportunity to do in the most creative way possible. It's not just about the vagina at face value; it goes way beyond that. It's about bringing people togetherto exchange ideas, challenge cultural norms and celebrate women through visual art and interactive activities.

In putting the vagina at the forefront and using it so boldly in the event's title, it makes what some people tend to keep private not so private, encouraging people to talk about things they may never get a chance to talk about and need to know about.

We'll be there talking about why the vagina needs organic and natural cotton, cellulose fluff pulp free, chlorine free, synthetic free, fragrance free products.

When my father, the creator of Maxim products, announced to our friends and family at our last family gathering of thirty people that we will be sponsoring the Vagina Festival, I nearly turned as red as the strawberries we were serving for dessert. The word vagina comes up on a daily basis when working with my dad and I have to admit I still sometimes cringe.

So is it the word vagina that makes me cringe or the fact that I'm talking about it with my dad? I would say it's a little bit of both, but as the Explorer, I'm looking forward to exploring this issue of vaginas (i'm cringing as I type it) and everything else that comes along with it this weekend at the Vagina Festival. I hope all you fellow New Yorkers will join me! I'll keep you posted on my experience.....

Take advantage of those pollution induced sunsets

2008-09-10T21:54:00.008-04:00

....to charge your dying cell phone that is. The sun has always been a clean source of energy...that's why when The Explorer was trekking through Israel she may have found use in Voltaic Systems solar paneled backpack. The solar panels on Voltaic's line of backpacks and messenger bags can produce 4 watts of power, so after an hour in the hot sun you can charge an extra 3 hours of playtime into your ipod. Their new Generator bag produces a whopping 14.5 watts of clean energy, giving you the ability to fully charge a dead laptop.
A built in battery ensures that all that energy you harnessed in the sunlight will be stored and available to you after dark as well. More importantly while you are conserving our environment you also look good! You can customize the color of your solar panels and choose from either orange, green or silver.

They bags may be pricey (ranging from $199-249 & 599 for the high energy output model) but you can't doubt how cool they are. Link below.

Voltaic Systems

Another Sunset...

2008-09-05T18:27:00.003-04:00

Check out this fire engine red sunset at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. There must be a lot of pollution in the air from those race cars....

I grabbed this photo from MSN.com's "Week In Photos"...They post some great pics every Friday for viewers to vote on. Each photo comes with a small explanation about what is going on in the image. I find this to be a visually quick way to get my news and i like to see how my vote for favorite image compares to others'

The Colors of an End of the Summer Sunset

2008-09-05T09:32:00.002-04:00

Aaaaah, what’s better than a Summer Sunset? Although Summer doesn’t officially end until the first day of Autumn, September 23, 2008, 12:55 am EST, in my mind it unofficially ends after Labor Day weekend.

I chose to end my Summer traveling (no better choice) to Israel. Israel is an interesting place to say the least. Putting politics and religion aside, you will find a country bound with geographical delights. For such a tiny country, stretching 263 miles from north to south, and its width ranges from 71 miles to, at its narrowest point 9 miles, there is such a wide variety of terrain to explore from the dry Negev dessert to the fertile Jezreal Valley to the hilly Galilee.

Out of all the beautiful earthly sights I experienced on my trip to Israel, the snapshot I took above of the sunset at one of Tel Aviv’s beaches is what stayed with me the longest. I spent my last day staring at the sunset with my many thoughts. The thought that I decided to explore and share with you is….What creates the exquisite colors that make up a sunset?

I’m going to go against every scientific explanation I read about to find my answer and break it down for you in the simplest terms….

Basically, sunlight is made up of a spectrum of colors, combined together they are perceived as white light or the neutral yellowish white color. The display of colors is affected by two main factors –
1. The density of the air the light has to travel through

2. Angles and distance traveled

The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a variety of molecules that create obstacles for the sun’s incoming light wavelengths. The more molecules in the air the more obstacles the wavelengths of light have to travel through. Different wavelengths of light have different strengths in overcoming the obstacles; the longest light wavelengths – red and orange – are much stronger and have an easier time shining through the heavy molecules, while the shorter light wavelengths – blue and violet – get rebounded away as they journey towards the earth.

At midday, when the sun is most intense, all wavelengths of visible light reach the eye with nearly equal intensity, and the sun appears white. During sunset and sunrise, sunbeams travel through denser patches of air and longer distances due to the angle of the earth and sun, causing shorter blue and violet lights to deflect, while the longer orange and red wavelengths prevail.

Dust and pollution add to the density of molecules that light has to overcome so volcanic eruptions often lead to beautiful sunsets for months after they happen. Who ever thought pollution and natural disasters can create something so beautiful? Let’s not advertise that though.

I can make Videos too….

2008-08-31T12:42:00.003-04:00

In addition to learning how to blog on the job, I produced our first video!!! Of course I couldn’t have done it without TechExplorer. If blogging is as fun as producing a video, I am really going to like this…watch the video as your first educational insight on Maxim Products.

Belkin's answer to saving electricity

2008-08-27T14:39:00.007-04:00

This past January at CES 2008, Belkin introduced their remote controlled Conserve Surge Protector. I have been keeping my eyes opened for the product ever since hearing about it but still don't find it on store shelves. I can't help being impatient!...do you know that after your cell phone is fully charged it still draws energy from the outlet! As I suggested in my last post on cutting down electricity consumption, you have the option of unplugging all your appliances and gadgets every time you leave the house. Or you can write Belkin a letter demanding they put this sweet product out on the market already...

The unit has eight outlets, six of which have their electricity immediately cut off after the push of a button via the provided remote. The other 2 outlets have a consistent flow of electricity. This may be useful in the case where you leave your computer running to download a large file, but have no use in powering the little green lights on your printer while gone!

What I like best about the product is that you can mount the remote on your wall by the light switch and form a second nature habit to turn off unneeded appliances whenever you leave the room

Blogger Status

2008-08-25T11:19:00.019-04:00

With my first entry complete, I can’t believe I actually did it! I actually set up a blog with the help of TechExplorer of course!! Can I officially call myself a blogger??? Wow, I feel so special but also exposed and kind of naked knowing that my thoughts are no longer mine and mine alone, but when it comes to my experiences here at Maxim the thoughts and experiences are too good to be left alone….Finally, a place to let it all free…I’m looking forward to developing our blog relationship!

Like most of my experiences here at Maxim I learned a lot about blogging just by diving in to it. With TechExplorer by my side this is what we found to be most helpful in getting our blog started:

1. Explore other blogs. I am so inspired by fellow bloggers. Here are some of my favorites:

2. Be true to yourself and your blogging aspirations.

3. Take it one step at a time. There are a million websites and bloggers telling you what to do…don’t get overwhelmed.

Some Quick Technical Blog Improvement Tips:

Register your blog with a varity of blog directories (e.g. Technorati, BlogCatalog, Blog Hop etc...)
Link other blog sites and aim to have them link your site. The only way to achieve this is to interact with other blogs in a positive way. Spamming your web address on other blog sites can actually be counterproductive.
Update you blog frequently with posts, images and videos.
Create a site map. (Google's "webmaster tools" are integrated into blogger.com blogs...you can easily create a site map using Google's resources)

Happy Blogging!

Save Energy with the Help of Edison

2008-08-24T02:43:00.004-04:00

Hey There. I am the "Tech Explorer" at the Maxim blog. My interests lies in technology and the environment. You will notice that my posts will mostly deal with those subjects..including this one that will introduce you to Edison's new PC Power Management Tool.

Many of us are inseparable from our computers...but while at work or even when we are just surfing the net, our computers are busy sucking down energy. What options do you have?..well you can put your computer to sleep every time you leave your desk...or...you can trust that Edison's PC Power Management Tool will save energy for you!

After installing the software you can customize the tool to turn off display, monitor and hard drive on a schedule. They have pre-sets for "work-Time" & "Non-work time". Ok..OK.. I know there are tools out there that do similar things, whats cool about this program is that it will estimate for you how much money you will save yearly/weekly using a particular setting, how many Kilowatts of energy you will save weekly. Lastly Edison's tool will pat you on the back by letting you know how many pounds of harmful CO2 you have prevented from being produced.

Try it for yourselves and let me know how it goes.

Link To Download

The Explorer’s History

2008-08-21T12:24:00.009-04:00

My curiosity takes me to some interesting places sometimes. I blame it on the nightly bedtime readings of Curious George during my childhood years. If I had my way and I’m sure the same is true for many of you out there I’d quit my job and explore the world until each ounce of curiosity was juiced out of me. Well, I did quit my job (my last job) and now I’m exploring the world in a different kind of way….

Eight months ago, my father, the founder of Maxim Hygiene Products, offered me the biggest career opportunity of my life when he asked me to join him on his new business venture in creating a line of Organic and Natural Cotton Personal Care Products.

I really had no idea what I was getting in to, but my instinct, conviction and of course curiosity led me to sign up. So, here I am, with no background in business, but with the backing of a great product and the hunger to fill my curiosities.

Since the start, the discoveries have been endless and too good not to go in to writing…

This blog is an exploration of the eco-feminine-business world through my unique career position in developing a green feminine hygiene company with my own and the company’s founding father (who is dying to be an Explorer Contributor, but I’m not sure what Explorer title to give him yet). This is a place for us to exchange our curiosities and experiences about topics ranging from anything and everything, product related or not related, but mostly related to the following:

feminine issues
greening our world
all the funny and not so funny moments we have here at the Maxim headquarters
getting to know the people behind your products and how and why we do what we do both outside and inside the office.