Can you believe it? I can't either. It seems like yesterday when we launched a 500 pair Preview Sale on our website on January 31, 2011. I remember getting up early that morning, nervous and excited for what would happen. We sold out and since then we've shipped to customers in 44 states and 10 countries. Thanks everyone for cheering us on. Here are a few shots of the celebratory cupcakes in our office today (thanks to Sharon's Mom for baking last night and letting us get creative with frosting!): 

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Happy Friday! I am back from Paris (photos coming this weekend!) and am pumped to go to Style Week Providence tonight. Today's fashion find is a cropped leather and twill jacket by Boston designer Emily Muller who held an installation last night at Style Week. The jacket below has just enough detail to be interesting without being overwhelming. 

Photo courtesy of www.emilymuller.com. 

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I just so happen to be in Paris right now where the time is 6 hours ahead and I still have time to sneak in today's fashion find. In true French style, I'm choosing the Bourse Rose clutch by Tara Jarmon. Several years ago I bought a coat by Tara at a vintage store and wore it every day that winter. Her clothes at least are top notch quality so I can only imagine accessories are the same. Stay tuned for photos from Paris later this week! I've already had a crepe that was amaaaaaazing!

Photo courtesy of www.tarajarmon.com

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This week we're longing after a satchel bag from the Cambridge Satchel Company, discovered when fashionable friend Sierra from Clementine Lime sported a brown satchel last week. They have a variety of colors, but this one would go perfect with red lipstick...

Photo courtesy of www.www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk

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When we first heard about You ARE Loved, a non-profit dedicated to educating women about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), we were curious. We wondered, does TSS even happen nowadays?? Read Suzan Hutchinson's post below to find out the scoop on the reality of risks when using common tampons and what you can do to be safe.

It’s hard to imagine a sexy period when you’ve plugged it up with a bacterial-growth-encouraging, dry, fuzzy wad of fibers commonly known as a traditional tampon.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not necessarily advocating having tampon-free periods.  I am, however, strongly recommending you rethink the popular thought of shoving what I just mentioned into your lovely.

Why?

I’m glad you asked.

Back in the day when makers of traditional tampons began to look for a longer lasting and more absorbent tampon a product named RELY was marketed. I, along with many young women, used them and got tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) because of them.

RELY tampons provided a breeding ground for Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria– the toxin of which when absorbed into the blood stream, can kill...

…did kill Amy Elifritz on June 13, 2010

That’s 30 years after the RELY tampon TSS epidemic that claimed so many lives and sickened so many of us, and it’s after 28 years of required TSS warnings on all boxes of tampons.

Amy was only 20 when she came down with what everyone thought was the flu.  She was menstruating and using tampons, but no one saw this as a red flag or even thought of TSS…until it was too late.  Her death certificate shows the cause of her death – tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome!  After Amy’s death, her mother, Lisa, founded You ARE Loved to raise awareness about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and to provide factual menstrual information. 

Since launching the You ARE Loved website, we have received and posted several stories of girls and young women who have experienced tampon related TSS in recent years. Lauren was 20, and developed TSS in June, 2010 – Heather, a new mom, in March, 2011 –  Katelyn was 17 – Alex was 16 – Shenikwa was in college – Amanda was 19 – Nikki died of TSS at 21 – Brittany almost died at age 15. 

Don’t rely on traditional tampons to keep you safe from TSS.  They have proved to be RELYable when it comes to young women and TSS!

If you use traditional tampons, please continue reading.  What follows may well save your life, or the life of someone you know and love. 

Most women are more familiar with the myths about TSS than the facts.

Myth #1: Tampon related TSS only occurs when tampons are worn well over 8 hours.
Reality: While longer wear time increases risk, TSS can occur even if you change tampons frequently.

Myth #2: Girls and women are only at risk for tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome if they use high absorbency tampons with the super, super plus or ultra rating.
Reality: While higher absorbency increases risk, TSS can occur even if you only use low absorbency tampons with the lite or regular rating.

Myth #3: All tampons (or all tampons of a given absorbency rating) carry equal risk for TSS.
Reality: Dr. Philip Tierno, a professor of Microbiology and Pathology at New York University School of Medicine, has been involved with tampon related TSS research for over 30 years. He finds that viscose rayon is now solely responsible for tampon related TSS. In contrast to the many cases of TSS associated with traditional tampons containing viscose rayon, there has never been a case of TSS associated with the use of a 100% cotton tampon. 100% cotton tampons are now available at many health food stores, some pharmacies and online.

If Amy or her mom had known the information I’m about to share with you, Amy would not have died.  (If you, or someone you know uses tampons, or are considering using them be sure to read this.)

Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produces a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of TSS

*Sore throat

*Aching muscles

*High temperature; over 102 degrees F

*Vomiting

*Headache

*Watery diarrhea

*Red rash

*Confusion

*Dizziness

*Very low blood pressure

Only one or two symptoms may occur. They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.

What Should You Do?

*Remove the tampon (save it if possible)

*Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention

*Inform the doctor that you have been using tampons

*Take a TSS information leaflet with you

To Reduce the Risk of TSS

*Only use tampons made of organic cotton

*Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of your period

*Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary pads at night so the toxins have time to dissipate

*Use a pad at the end of your period

*Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours

*Don't use tampons if you've had any unusual discharge

*Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible

*Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required

*Read and keep this information and/or the leaflet inside each box of tampons

*If you’ve had TSS never use tampons again

Many women mistakenly assume traditional tampons are their best menstrual option, but there are MANY safer alternatives – disposable and reusable pads, 100% cotton tampons, disposable and reusable cups, sponges and period panties.

A sexy period is a period that’s free from the worries of TSS. 

Bio: Suzan Hutchinson is a survivor of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and serves as the Director of Connectivity for You ARE Loved.  Suzan wants every woman to be able to make an informed decision regarding safe and healthy menstruation.  For additional information about TSS, please read our awareness brochure. You may contact us for more information about TSS, hardcopies of our awareness brochure, or to inquire about our educational materials and programs.

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If you live in or near Rhode Island, you might interested in checking out the Leading Women breakfast series. The next event on January 19th is sponsored by Partridge, Snow, & Hahn and will feature me along with friend Robin Squibb from the Granny Squibb Iced Tea Company. We'll be speaking about daily habits that help keep us on track to run successful businesses. Obviously everyone has up days and down days, but I have found a few tried & true things that get me going in the morning and help me stay focused throughout the day (sneak preview: chocolate really does do wonders for concentration). I'm looking forward to sharing and also meeting other attendees!

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Thanks to GoLocalProv.com for naming me as one of their 12 to Watch in 2012! Always fun to remember my Girl Scout cookie days-- "Growing up in a small town in Kentucky with a population of 2,490 and one of the state's highest unemployment rates, Sygiel sold 10,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies during her 12 years of scouting. Ten thousand." Coincidentally, I just ordered a box of cookies today and cannot wait to get them!

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