Mad As A Hatter

Illustration from Lewis Carroll Novel: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Every time I open my social media or look at the Internet there is a celebration going on. It is International Teacher's Day, Doughnut Day, Cat Day and today it is MAD HATTER DAY! 

I had no idea there was such a day but I will celebrate not only by wearing a fabulous hat but by sharing images from my family's 2013 Christmas Card photo shoot. It is also TBT online or "Throwback Thursday" so it's a perfect time to take a trip down photo memory lane.

Mad Hatter Day is celebrated on October 6th because his top hat, originally in the books illustrations as a card labelled "In This Style 10/6". It has been carried on as a symbol through Disney's adaptation in traditional animation form (1951) and the Tim Burton Film in 2010.

This day 10/6 is also six months after April Fools day which is the first silly holiday of the year! who knew?

Louis Carroll Novel Illustration

Disney: Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter

Johnny Depp at the Hatter in the Tim Burton Film

My husband assumed the roll of the Mad Hatter for our photo shoot and brought this wacky character to life in the most amazing way! 

Images by: Tamara Wickstrom

Makeup: Hanna Fisher

Wardrobe/Styling/Set Design/Concept: Lisa Graystone

Daddy Hatter

There were so many amazing images from this day! Our family enjoyed the shoot so much. See details on the shoot and more images HERE

How will you celebrate Mad Hatter Day?

Some Evolution Vintage Hatter Style Offerings:

 Vintage mini-top hat with Elephant Brooch and Vintage Feathers - $40

Brown Ornately Trimmed "Mini Top Hat" with Ostrich Feathers and Vintage Brooch: $40

Vintage Re-Style Adjustable Brooch Ring - $45

Breast Cancer Awareness: Kristin's Story Part II

Image: Hayley West

Styling: Stylist LisaG

MAU: Hanna Fisher

I couldn't possibly share this amazing woman's story in one blog. This is Part II of Kristin's journey from battling Breast Cancer to her road to recovery. Kristin has been so inspiring to me and what an amazing way to celebrate her end of chemotherapy treatment than with a styled pictorial showcasing her beauty - both external and internal. If you missed the first Part read is HERE

There is a lot more to recovery than the physical healing of incisions. Kristin told me what she has been doing to heal herself, and what she would tell others who have received a diagnosis, "You’re not alone! Be careful doing searches on Internet. We are really fortunate to have so many helpful resources in this town. For example, Wellness Kitchen in Templeton I get bone broth and healing tea quite often. There is pick up location in San Luis Obispo.

 No sugar or processed foods! Sugar feeds cancer 

 Buy Book

 Buy Book

I take several supplements to keep my immune system and overall support.  I Know you are thinking that must be so expensive and the answer is YES. But I think it is worth every penny. If you can't afford it at least take Vitamin c, d . Mushrooms are great for immune support. I started with Turkey tail and since then moved on to Mitake and now Shitake (Host Defense Brand).  Consult with a Naturopath doctor first. I feel fortune to have best of both worlds. I have a regular oncologist Dr. Dicarlo and Dr. Hedi Lucas my integrated naturopthic oncologist.

Please check out Kristin'a GoFundMe Page if you are able to help out!

HERE

Kristin explains how your contributions are helping her with her health; 

" I went back and fourth on the derision of doing radiation . After many visits to radiation oncologist with many questions . I decided to not move forward with radiation . Just never had a 100% peace and my gut was telling me it was more harm then good . With that said decided to go an alternative route and work with a nutritionist . On a very strict diet and as he works on re-booting my body . I buy all my fruits and veggies at local farmers market . We are so blessed to have one every day of the week in different towns near by . Usually I attend sat in Templeton and wed. In Atascadero . Currently on a plant based diet with fish and chicken . My nutritionist has me on intestinal cleanse , then gall bladder cleanse , kidney , liver ...... This is to purge the toxins out of my body and keep me healthy ! Also juicing twice a day . So as you can imagine it's very time consuming and costly to work with a nutritionist . I am feeling better and feel this strict regiment is with it ."

Her words of wisdom:

"Stay Positive: Your mind plays a huge part in your mood. Yes there will be good days and bad days. Feel blessed to have had more good days than bad days.

Allow help: Everyone has different ways of showing they care and helping.

Keep moving: I think the biggest reason was so strong through treatment and surgery is a great team of support but also private Pilate lessons at the house. I also try to walk at least 30 min a day and eat really clean.  

I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the project and to have connected with Kristin. I am so thankful for her courage to share her story as it may save a woman's life. Share what you have learned with your sisters, we need to support one another. As women we have an amazing opportunity to educate,  empower and inspire each other and lift each other up by sharing our truth and experiences. Take the opportunity to speak to your friends, colleagues, family and strangers about early detection, self examination and overall health this month and beyond.

L

XO

Breast Cancer Awareness: Kristin's Story Part I

Image by Hayley West

Styling by Me - 

Shabby Apple Tulle Skirt / Betsy Johnson Bracelet/ Forever 21 Ear Cuff

MAU: Hanna Fisher

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month I want to share stories of women that I have had the honor of bring connected with. We have all seen the statistics but like everything else in our fast paced life we have maybe breezed by them or said to ourselves "that could never happen to me". Did you know that in every 8 women 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer?

A really sobering thought. I met Kristin when I was asked to donate my time/styling expertise to a photo shoot celebrating the end of her grueling chemotherapy treatment. Of course I answered the call, anything that will serve to empower or inspire another woman I always show up!

She first met me in my Evolution Vintage showroom and we talked a lot about what she is authentically drawn too. She loves lace, ruffles, anything romantic and feminine. She adores pink and was also open to my ideas. I was inspired by her strength but also by her willingness to step outside her style comfort zone and give some looks a try she may not have otherwise chose. The pictorial is a true celebration of her beauty and life.

Kristin wearing Vintage Ruffle Gown, Vintage Gloves and Vintage Pearls

She told me, "One morning I though I pulled a muscle, so did a self-check and felt around. To my discovery found a lump. Trying not to freak out I immediately booked an appointment with my OB November 14th , 2015.  She said there is defiantly a lump I suggest getting an appointment to get a mammogram/ Ultrasound.

(Nov19th 2015)

From there things progressed pretty quickly

Biopsy December 1st 2015 and December 7th I was officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

I can’t say enough do your self-breast exam on the 1st of every month!You are never too young or too old. There is something to be said about that  "Gut feeling. "

Kristin was 31 when she received the news she had breast cancer. She explained,

"Stage 2-breast cancer, BRCA Positive (carry the gene), HER 2 Positive (the cancer cells have more of protein. It causes these cells to grow and spread faster than the ones with normal level of protein)" 

She shared what inspired her during this chapter in her life,

"God’s overwhelming Grace upon my life.

Family and friends near and far.

Often a physical illness will impact you more than just physically.  It can impact your emotions and hope, your spirit and soul. But God Himself can redeem even those times for good and His glory. When you are ill and forced to slow down, of course visit the doctor, take your medicine and rest. And, yes pray to the Lord, for He is the only one that heals your diseases. Sometimes, though, Jesus also wants to speak to you during this quieter time, so look and listen for what He wants to teach you when you are ill. – God’s Promises for when your Hurting by Jack Countryman"

Tomorrow I will share her tips for staying healthy and strong through Chemo and beyond as well as her recently acquired wisdom for anyone who has been recently diagnosed. You can also come back and see the rest of her gorgeous pictorial! 

L

X

DSAM 2016

I can't believe that another year has gone by and we can officially begin the celebration for Down Syndrome Awareness month. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month and I will be sharing lots of inspiring and meaningful stories of courageous women I have the honor of bring connected with.

To kick off DSAM 2016 I have partnered with The National Down Syndrome Society and started a campaign to celebrate differences, promote inclusion and raise funds for this amazing Human Right's Organization.

My goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of the month in support of NDSS and all the great work they do for The Down Syndrome community and families like mine. The campaign is inspired by my 5 year old son Blake! 

DONATE HERE

Any size donation is helpful and appreciated. No donation is too small (or big!). If you are unable to donate please consider sharing the link on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Blog or email your contacts.  You never know who will be come the next Parents, Sibling, Cousin, Friend of someone who has Down Syndrome. Blake wasn't diagnosed until after he was born in May of 2011 and our world was forever changed!

Together we can create an inclusive world that is full of love, respect, community and celebrate our differences. Lets face it, we all have differences, challenges and ABILITY! There is room for all of us to shine and support one another!

How will you celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

New Moon

Paper Moon Pin-up

A new moon in tropical Libra which to me is a sign of a new beginning, a new adventure and a re-boot of sorts. Take the time this weekend to rest and absorb all that you left on the field of life this week. Sometimes our lives are just so full that a day (or two) is in order to process everything.

MysticMamma shares this, "Whatever it is, this New Moon plants the seeds for increased stability and cooperation in some aspect of your life. Mercury’s retrograde cycle is now over. Perhaps you’ve encountered some setbacks in the past few weeks. But it’s also possible that those setbacks served to gift you with a different perspective.'

Reading this coupled with the wisdom of  Dr. Trent (read her blog feature HERE)

 "Don’t let the current challenges despair you — sometimes it is the ugliness of our environment that propels us towards our greatness." TT

 It looks like we are all in for a fabulous week ahead celestial creatures, because regardless of our current environments it is all a matter of perspective!

Happy Friday & New Moon

L

xo

Actress Hedy Lamarr

Grecian Greatness: Dress Edition

Every single Vintage piece has a story. The story of the woman, or women who gave it a past life or the era/decade that the garment was first created.

I love when I come across imagery showcasing a piece that I have available in my eBoutique, EVOLUTION VINTAGE

Seen here in a light shade version on SNL star Jan Hooks during a skit in 1986.

Nora Dunn, the other half of the Sweeney Sisters alongside Jan Hooks - pictured on SNL in October 1986

The mint green Grecian goddess number by by Mister Jay is a draped delight from the 1980's an available via Evolution Vintage. I love the sequin and beaded detail at the waist. SHOP THE DRESS

Images by Tamara Wickstrom

TINOGONA: Dr. Tererai Trent

Making a commitment to myself and deciding to push through personal boundaries can yield the most profound and unexpected gifts. This weekend I spent in Ojai, California at The Empowered Authors Academy hosted by the dynamic, authentic, publishing powerhouse of Enliven Books Zhena Muzyka. I will chronicle my thoughts and feelings about this weekend in an upcoming post.

I wanted to share one of the MANY amazing humans I had the pleasure of sharing a room with over the last 2 days, the beautiful Dr. Tererai Trent.

Dr. Trent's story is nothing short of incredible! She evolved from living as an abused child bride (age 11)  in a small village in Zimbabwe, under poverty conditions that we spoiled westerners could not even fathom, to dreaming what seemed to everyone else an impossible dream of hope and education. She wanted a life with access to education, plenty to eat and peace. Her mother and grandmother supported the belief that she held the power to change her life and realize all of her dreams.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

She wrote a brilliantly illustrated children's book called "The Girl Who buried her dreams in a can" that tells her story to the girls she is now empowered to uplift. I acquired the book yesterday for my 8 year old daughter and I am so excited to be able to share it with her.

Not only did Dr. Trent realize her dream of acquiring an education (a bachelors degree, two master's degrees, a PhD and 4 honorary degrees) she has inspired thousands of women and girls to reach for their dreams, never letting the bleakest of situation, towering odds or geographical restrtictions stop them from dreaming and living the lives they want.

Dr. Trent is Oprah's ALL TIME favorite guest and received a gratitude gift from lady O herself to the tune of 1.5 million dollars to build schools in Zimbabwe, thousands are now being given access to education because of Dr. Trent's sacrifices, vision, dedication and hard work!

She is currently writing her memoir soon to be published by Enliven Books! I cannot WAIT to get my hands on what I know will be a national and global BEST SELLER.

WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE to you Dr. Trent for inspiring me to not only make all the dreams I have held silent into a reality by sharing my unique voice but showing me through both your word and deed TINOGONA - It is achievable! When we unite our voices as women, empower and inspire one another there is truly nothing that we cannot accomplish.

Make a donation to Dr. Trent's Foundation