Mandy Moore Pumps Up the Net

Tue., Feb. 19, 2008 11:22 AM PST by Sarah Hall

Mandy Moore is pumped up about inspiring her fellow woman.

To that end, the pop star has partnered with Crystal Light to launch a new Website, uPumpItUp.com, designed to provide an online community for women through which they may improve their day-to-day lives.

The site provides visitors with a place to share their stories, with the aim of empowering one another and helping themselves and others to achieve personal goals.

"UPumpItUp.com is specifically designed to help women truly better themselves, as opposed to just learning how to dress better or lose more weight," Moore said in a statement about the venture. "It's a place where women can visit when they need some 'me time'—and not feel guilty about it.

"Women will feel celebrated and rewarded, and I'm honored to be part of this endeavor."

The site offers tips and encouragement in four wellness categories: Connect, Express, Inspire and Explore, with a specific expert overseeing each section.

Fashion expert Bobbie Thomas provides tips on making savvy wardrobe choices; social expert Erika Lenkert shares knowledge on planning get-togethers and outings; celebrity yoga instructor Mandy Ingber offers ideas on staying fit and balanced; and journalist Cynne Simpson provides suggestions on exploring the world and trying new things.

Proving that she's practicing what she preaches, Moore has already used the site's message of self-empowerment to confront one of her own fears: going on vacation alone.

"I was always kind of terrified of going on vacation alone. That thought really scared me, but I wanted to push that bruise and do it anyway," the 23-year-old singer told Reuters.

"I ended up having the most incredible time. It was so peaceful, not having to answer to anyone or take anybody else's opinions into account."

Moore said she's also making the effort to compliment at least one person every day and that she plans to take cooking classes to develop her culinary skills.

The singer-actress most recently appeared on the big screen in the comedies Because I Said So and License to Wed. Her latest album, the indie-flavored Wild Hope, was released last June.

Up next, Moore is headed to Australia to tour with Kelly Clarkson.