Brandi Chastain & "Play for a Change" with Merck & Active Family Project

 Hey ya Gorgeous!
Two things are going on today that I need to share with you about.

First-today is World Suicide Prevention Day-for anyone feeling in a deep, dark place, please hold on, wait it out a bit, and most importantly get connected with a friend or family member.

Or, better yet, in my second piece of news, why not get involved in a soccer team?
Playing a sport is a fantastic way to beat the blues.

Today I talked with soccer legend Olympian Brandi Chastain.

It is Youth Soccer Month and to celebrate-for every 100 LIKE's or comments on the Active Family project Facebook page, Merck donates sporting equipment. You could be changing a life with a like!

Ok, I had a few key questions for Ms. Brandi!

1) What's the state of women's soccer today?

"It's soaring! More kids playing soccer than ever! Best part, Moms are the best role model for their kids and having more moms on the field, and being involved has kept kids in soccer and playing for fun and health.".

2. What advice do you have for the kids who want to play but feel embarrassed by being overweight?

"Playing is a celebration of who you are, and who you can be, and I encourage those that are not as fit as they want to be, to start moving in any way. I remember the celebration moment in the Olympics-it just felt so good to be a part of a team, so for kids who want to get fit-start being active any way you can. Get a group of others, grab your grand parents or parents and go for a walk around the block, skip, dribble a ball around the block, do something to move. In a short time you will find that your body is moving better, easier and you are getting faster.  Confidence will come as you get more fit. Remember to make healthy eating choices too!".

3. Tell me more about Merck and Play for a Change? Will this help a mom motivate a kid to get off the video and onto the playing field?

"Yes! Merck is partnering with Active Family Project to raise awareness of a fit lifestyle and the opportunity to get some new sporting equipment into local soccer clubs. I'm passionate about being a mom, and family and a healthy lifestyle, plus playing sports is just fun and can be relaxing for kids after a stressful day at school. This month, is National Soccer Month and the goal is to get more kids playing and exercising to stay fit.".

4. What's next for you?

"I'm excited to be a part of soccer and the next movement of players coming up. I hope to be coaching a youth national team in the near future.".

5. Makeup University readers need to know: what are your top 3 favorite beauty products for playing soccer?

1. Sunscreen!

2. Lipgloss

3. Mascara on occassion

And, sweat. It makes your skin glow when you get your blood pumping and sweat!

Thank you Brandi Chastain, Merck and the Active Family Project for sharing an opportunity to get fit and raise awareness to donate sports equipment too!".
 

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 If I were picking sunscreen, lipgloss and the occasional mascara for Ms. Brandi, I would pick:

    

$13 online at  www.trustthebum.com
 

$6 at Ulta stores

$8 at Target

Now, onto some details and specifics to get you involved with playing for a change!

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Merck Consumer Care’s Active Family Project has partnered with US Youth Soccer (USYS) to encourage families to Play For A Change this September. The program promotes being active together as a family through soccer, while also making a positive change in the lives of those less fortunate. 

To celebrate Youth Soccer Month, the Active Family Project will donate a minimum of 75 soccer kits to US Youth Soccer, filled with the equipment needed for kids in underserved communities to play. For every 100 engagements (likes, shares or comments by users) on the Active Family Project Facebook® page, during the month of September, consumers can help enable an additional donation of up to 50 more soccer kits.

Teaming up with the Active Family Project, soccer legend Brandi Chastain – member of the World Cup™ and Olympic-winning women’s soccer teams – is encouraging families to play for a change through media appearances and social media engagement. Chastain will also offer soccer tips on the Active Family Project Activity Finder, at www.activefamilyproject.com, a go-to guide for play and resource for parents looking for some instant solutions to their playtime needs. 

The Play for A Change program with USYS will last through September 30. Tips from experts at USYS about how to be playful through soccer will be highlighted on the Active Family Project Activity Finder and Facebook page. Helpful information on soccer field locations and clubs in the 10 largest U.S. cities will also be featured on the Activity Finder, making it easier for families to join leagues and participate in local games – locations in more cities will roll out this fall. 

The Active Family Project, launched by Merck Consumer Care in May, helps inspire families to live life more fully by spotlighting healthy habits, providing tips and information, and sharing fun family activities, while building a national community of moms dedicated to adopting and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, for the people they care about most.

* Brandi Denise Chastain (born July 21, 1968) is a professional American soccer defender and midfielder who plays for the team California Storm of Women's Premier Soccer League and is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team. INTERVIEW WITH: Brandi Denise Chastain Chastain has played for San Jose CyberRays of the WUSA and FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer. She is best known for her game-winning penalty shootout kick against China in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final and her bra-baring celebration afterwards. Amongst her many achievements, Chastain has won two Women's World Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an Olympic silver medal. Sponsor: Merck Consumer Care

And finally, let's relive the epic moment in history of the goal heard round the world during the 1999 Olympics where Brandi kicked the winning goal. Enjoy!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!