Giving Thanks

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving in America. Words alone could never convey the gratitude I have for my life and all of the people in it, both friends and family. As I begin to prepare my VEGAN meal for my family I am left thinking about this countries history and that of my native country Canada (who celebrates their Thanksgiving in October). I guess we all get so bogged down with "tradition" and social norms we never sit and realize how this celebration came to be or even stop to give gratitude to those who were forced to sacrificed their lives and land so we could sit up to our tables today with our loved ones. I think about the millions of slaughtered Turkeys and all of the Natives who lost their land and lives so "we" could call this country OURS. I had to share this statement by Russell Simmons as it really spoke to me today.

"I hope everyone has a wonderful time today with their family and friends, while reflecting on all the things they have to be thankful for. 

In my house, however, we’ll be doing things a little bit differently than most Americans. Instead of eating Turkey flesh, we’ll be chowing down on some delicious Tofu Turkey. And instead of celebrating the story of the Pilgrims, we’ll be reflecting on how the kindness of the Wampanoag tribe who helped them got paid back with enslavement, violence and death.

I don’t say that to judge what anyone else is doing today, but rather to explain why sometimes I have a hard time “celebrating” a day that’s built around the enslavement and impoverishment of indigenous Americans and the annual slaughter of millions of innocent animals.

So today, try to take a moment from your celebration and at the very least be mindful of the suffering the Wampanoag and so many other Native Americans went through. And then take another moment to reflect on the suffering that turkey on your plate must have gone through too. 

No matter what you end up eating and how you end up celebrating today, please have a safe, relaxing and loving time with you family and friends. But please also take that moment to reflect on the real stories behind this “Holiday.” You owe it to the Native Americans, the turkeys and yourself." - Russell Simmons

Enjoy each moment today regardless of your beliefs or traditions. Express your gratitude each and every day to those who you love and to strangers as well. Never forget to say "Thank You" every time someone does something for you, no matter how big or small. I am appalled to see how many people do not thank others or are devoid of simple manners. DO for others and be the example of compassion for all living things. Count your blessings and share them with others. The capacity to do so is what you REALLY should be giving thanks for.

Let today inspire the gratitude you should have all year long!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

LisaG's Gift Guide 2012

Macy's

It is THAT time again kids, when we make our list and check it twice. I for one felt like I JUST wrote my gift guide for 2011. I am knee deep in on-line gift orders, a Christmas Decor re-vamp project and lots more! There is 37 shopping days left until the big day and I hope my list is helpful.

FASHION:

Evolution Vintage Gift Card: $50-$200
Give the gift of unique & Eco-Chic FASHION! The card is electronic and e-mailed. Simply print and give. Can be used toward shipping costs, in the eBoutique or for any Evolution REWIND product.

Evolution Rewind Hair Collection.  A piece of Fashion Fusion. Each piece is one of a kind mixing fashions past and future! 

Evolution REWIND Rings: One of a kind cocktail rings, RE-Styled using Vintage Brooches. Each ring is adjustable and will fit everyone!

Purchase Tori Spelling's picks from the collection at INVENTORI (in-Store or On-line)

JUSTFAB Gift Card

ALL styles $39.95 - Shoes, bags, jewelry & denim

Free Shipping & Returns

MY FAV Piece for the holidays - "Sleigh Bells" Clutch

MUSIC: 

Lisa Marie Presley's STORM & GRACE Album

The album is very moody and lyrically brilliant.

A treat for anyone who loves a singer/songwriter.

BOOKS:

GUTS: Kristen Johnston - A GUTSy gift from a talented writer and honest woman. This book is both entertaining and helpful. We could all use some GUTS and be honest with ourselves. We have all experienced addiction to something, known someone or have been involved with an addict. This book is for EVERYONE.

Super Rich: Russell Simmons - The title is deceptive, it has nothing to do with money or material, in fact the letting go these things and freeing yourself. The giving for the sake of giving and serving others with no expectation of a reward or anything in return. Some of the messages in this book are powerful!

 Decades: A Century of Fashion - Cameron Silver. Anyone who loves fashion and fashion's history will think this book is AMAZING! Filled with amazing images and information this book is a stunning edition to any collection.

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible - Tim Gunn. This is a great book for a lover of factoids AND fashion.

CUSTOM:

A customized, jeweled phone case from Pink Sugar Crystals. 

I just LOVE mine and still receive endless compliments when passer by's are blinded by the bling!

What gift's have made your list??

The First Lady Looks FORWARD

I was blown away by Michelle Obama's speech last night. For the first time I was a VERY proud American resident. With such effortless class and ease the First Lady delivered an amazing speech in support of her husbands re-election. The speech had such a genuine air about it. I read somewhere that she took the last month writing the speech herself (no 3rd party speech writers required). I loved the reinforcement that our choice is really not a political choice but a human choice. Never once slamming, degrading or talking negatively about the Republicans; total CLASS. She highlighted the President's desire for equality for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, income or education level. The choice in November is CLEAR to me; to move FORWARD. It makes me SAD that many people are so hung up on "What has not happened" rather than what the President has accomplished. People need to take a REALISTIC look at the political situation Mr. Obama walked into after 8 years of the Bush administration as well as the fact that REAL CHANGE takes TIME! By adjusting expectations and standing together we can all realize opportunities that are truly afforded to all in America if we are willing to work for it and offer our.

Tracy Reese Dress and J. Crew Pumps

I agree with Russell Simmons statement: Never stop giving back! First Lady Michelle Obama shared so many powerful messages last night, but the 1 that really stayed with me was when she said of President Obama, “He believes that when you’ve…walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. No, you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” To me, that’s the basic choice we face this Fall. Are we going to be a country where the priority is “get yourself paid and everyone else can fend for themselves?” Or a country where it’s ok to, “Get paid, but always give back too.” To me, it’s an easy choice. Listen, I’m as rich as a lot of these big Republicans, but I WANT to pay more taxes if that means better schools, health care, transportation and welfare, for everyone else. Because I know that the second you stop looking to help and give back in life, whatever success you’ve experienced will become worthless. I really hope The First Lady’s message came through loud and clear to ALL Americans last night, because if we don’t collectively embrace the concept of giving back, then we’ll be lost as a country.

Are you registered to VOTE?

(Image: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Esquire.com)

Did you miss the speech?? WATCH:

Monday Motivation: WORK IT!

When I take time for myself I like to read. I'm obsessed with biographies, memoirs, true stories, motivational books or books filled with NON-FICTION essentially. The current book that has my attention is the latest from Russell Simmons entitled SUPER RICH: A Guide To Having it All.There is a lot more to this book that I have responded to, thought about and got inspired by that I will blog about soon but I felt compelled to set my book down and share this quote that I literally read seconds ago:

"Whether it appears on the surface to be pedestrian or prestigious, tedious or tremendous, every moment must be infused with love and hard work. There is simply no other way to find long term success in this world" p. 73

So no matter what you do today, tomorrow or next week; changing diapers or changing lives do it with ALL YOU'VE GOT! Genuinely WORK HARD and Success (regardless how you measure it) will find you!

Style Maven Series: Simone Reyes

Many of you may not know this Maven but let me introduce Simone Reyes. Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons RIGHT hand (assistant), an unequivocal supporter and protector of animal's rights, vegan, burlesque dancer and pole dancing/fitness aficionado.

She starred on the 2010 debut of the Oxygen reality show "Running Russell Simmons" that chronicles the day-to-day grind of Russell Simmons and his fierce femme support team, that organize and facilitate Russell's busy life. Simone and Christina being the top two girls who are the closest to Russell and handle all dealings from business to personal for the extremely busy entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion mogul, philanthropist, and yogi.



Running Russell Simmons (Trailer):




What truly inspires me about Simone is her COMPASSION and PASSION for animals and their rights. She is a Vegan and a hard core supporter of PETA, Mercy for Animals, Farm Sanctuary and Animal Acres. She speaks for those who do not have a voice in our society, the millions of defenceless animals slaughtered each day so society can keep the status quo on their plates. In the wise words of Sir Paul McCartney; “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.” Think about that concept for a moment. People would have to really consider where their food comes from.

Many people also do not realize that their choice to eat meat is not only cruel but they are contributing to an entity that is the LARGEST contributor the destruction our planet - Factory Farms! Did you know that a Factory Farm creates more pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than ALL the cars, trucks, vans, planes, trains and ships in the world COMBINED! This is according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).



I was particularly impressed by her efforts in NY times Square making a statement along side PETA (WATCH THE VIDEO)







Her quest for equality for all; men, women and animals extended to her participation in the NOH8 Campaign.
Lend your face & voice: www.noh8campaign.com

She stays fit and sexy through her pole dancing and fitness.



Simone On Pole Dancing: "I always feel it's my job to introduce women to pole dancing because I have personally gotten so much out of it. Sure, it's a hot badge of honor, a cool notch on your belt to be able to hang upside down on a pole, but the benefits go much deeper. Pole dancing takes me back to a very primitive, organic part of myself physically and emotionally. It frees me. And yes, it's HOT."
My sister owns a business called "RockNPole" (www.rocknpole.ca) which encompasses personalized fitness programs, customized pole fitness with a fun "girls night in" component of pole parties at your home. Get the girls together and ROCK the POLE! I wish more women knew of the benefits of pole fitness and dance. Spread the word Simone!!

She also has spread her creative wings into the area of burlesque dance.







Simone has a hippy-chic sense of style mixing boho with rock-n-roll and sequins; the combination of flashy & earthy! I LOVE her accessories; headbands, hats and Vintage bags. Of course all her fashion choices are 'animal friendly' too -She wears no furs, animal skins, leather or otherwise. If it ain't Vegan she's not buying.

I had a chance to ask Simone my Style Maven Questions:

LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

SIMONE: My personal style is Cherie Currie meets Sharon Tate..70's glam rocker/ 60's flowerchild

LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

SIMONE: I love bell bottom jeans, platform shoes and dresses with sequins. I love anything shiny, like a bird.

LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

SIMONE: I am a vintage girl at heart..its boring for me to shop at a mall and I never follow trends. However, put me in a vintage store and I feel my heart begin to swell. The hunt is the most thrilling part.

LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

SIMONE: I don't limit my wardrobe to only vintage but it's my go-to favorite look. My favorite pieces are a few 70's jumpsuits that I embellished with some retro patches and studs to rocker them up a bit. I have some delicate lace shawls that remind me of my idol, Stevie Nicks and some amazing 60's minidresses that I adore.

LISA: What are you wearing this Spring? Tell our readers the key elements for your Spring 2011 wardrobe

SIMONE: I love capes so I am going to be wearing those as the NY weather goes from chilly to breezy.

LISA: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?

SIMONE: My style advice is to choose their wardrobe from the heart..come from a place of non-violence which means DON'T wear fur, leather, feathers, silk, wool or suede. I remember meeting with a stylist on the first season of filming "Running Russell Simmons" and the look on her face when I told her I'm a vegan and we don't wear any animal products. She had the look of "WHAT am I going to pull for her?!?!". Then, as she got to see all my pieces from my closet she understood that you don't need to be cruel to look cool. Compassion is the Fashion.










Evolution Vintage's Picks for Simone:


Vintage Silver & Black Sequin Top


Designer Re-Sale: Jovovich-Hawk Dress


Late 40's Vintage Whiting & David Metal Mesh Clutch


White Evolution Vintage T-shirt ~ vintage Style Burn out shirt - VERY ROCK N ROLL!

SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com