Hearst Castle: Be a Friend

Neptune Pool - My view from a lounge chair (May 2013)

There are so many causes out there that we can choose to donate our hard earned money too. In fact, since I moved and got a new number my land line has been a 3 week blitz of fund raising calls on behalf of every charity in America. 

Hearst Castle Gardens as seen by me: Mother's Day 2013

We usually lean toward causes that touch our lives in some way, inspire us or make us feel that our money is going to help the most people or the greater good.  Through the year I donate to my fair share of causes, medical, animal and social. One of my FAV local places to support is Hearst Castle (via The Friends of Hearst Castle)

Image: LisaG -Neptune Pool with Synchronized Swimmers there for a private event, warming up to a Cole Porter tune. (Oct 6, 2012)

For those of you who follow my other social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) know how much I adore this historical monument. La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), is indeed that to me. In the 5 years I've lived in California it has been the source of major inspiration for me and frequent visits. 

Images: LisaG - Castle Theatre April 2013

Many people have serious misconceptions about the Castle,, like how it is funded and who pays the bills for example.

CASTLE FYI: The castle was donated to the People of the State of California in December 1957 by the Hearst Corporation. Neither the Hearst Corporation or William Randolph Hearst's estate pay for the Castle. The castle is maintained by both the State of California, through funding and tour ticket sales in conjunction with Friends of Hearst Castle.  FOHC is a non profit organization that raises money for restoration, education and preservation projects.

It is a National and California Historical Landmark as well as a museum. There is really something for everyone up there. If you love history, horticulture (gardens), old Hollywood, architecture, publishing/journalism, and all aspects of art (sculpture, furniture, painting, etc.)

Image: LisaG- Fountain in front of Casa Grande (April 4, 2013)

I will be attending an event, Twilight on the Terrace on June 8th on the hilltop. My eBoutique - Evolution Vintage made a donation to their silent auction:

1) Vintage Silk Scarf

2)Vintage Clutch

3) Evolution Rewind Ring (one of a kind)

4) Vintage Cuff

I will be posting a series of Hearst Castle blogs in the coming weeks with images, info and facts about the castle and the inspirational figures who created it.

Want to become a friend? MEMBERSHIP INFO

You can also make a tax deductible donation HERE

Me - Rockin' a William Randolph Hearst-esque top at in the gift shop at the visitors center - May 2013!

Have you visited the Castle? 

Post your experiences in the comments below!

Joan Collins: 80 & Fabulous!

A true living legend Joan Collins puts the GLAM in glamour.  Her career spans 5 decades with her first, of over 65 feature films in 1951 (Lady Godiva Rides Again / released in USA as "Bikini Baby")

She was born on this day in Paddington (Central London), England in 1933.

 She has had a truly impressive career and life:

* 65+ feature films

*Dozens of Television Credits (Including what I know and love her for  - her role on the 80's smash hit Dynasty as the character Alexis Carrington)

* Best Selling Author (Selling over 50 MILLION copies, translated into 30 languages worldwide)

*She has 3 children (as well as grand children - a true GLAMma)

*She is COB status - made officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997

With a heart as large as her talent Joan  is devoted to the well-being of women, children and families and regularly lends her support and celebrity to causes that include finding a cure breast cancer and empowering children with learning disabilities.

I know and love Joan for the gold lame clad, shoulder pad, diamond dripping, champagne sipping, cage veil wearing cunning character of Alexis Carrington from the popular Arron Spelling produced show Dynasty. I used to beg my mom to let me stay up with her and my grandmother as they religiously tuned in, week after week. I was in awe of her costumes, jewels and hats!

She is a fashion icon of the 1980's and remains a Style Maven. She has been tres chic since her debut in the industry in the 1950's and deserves the style credibility. She is an inspiration now in her 80th year that glamour has no limits!! I LOVE her penchant for hats, turbans and veils .. a girl after my own heart!!

Enjoy some of Joan's looks over the years as you raise a glass of champagne to toast this stylish dame!!

"Glamour is not only about what you wear - it is also about your personality. Glamourous women seem to share something extraordinarily attractive that comes from within. It could be a serene, ethereal quality, a fiery, independent brassiness or a regal bearing, but whatever it may be glamourous women have it in spades."

 

ROCKING the 2013 Clive David Pre-Grammy Party 2013

Wishing you the happiest of Birthdays Dahhhhhling!!

Movin' On Up

I have literally spent the last 28 days moving only to see a sea of unpacked boxes. Let's not even discuss the amount of time sorting, packing and purging I did in the days and weeks prior. I thankfully have had help along the way but now find myself with boxes left and no hands on deck, except for those that are way to small and busy to contribute in a productive way.  My 2 year old son is thriving and growing so fast. He has a keen sense of how to un-do what I have just done. If I put it away he is quick to be at my heels taking it back out again.  I am under a mountain of my past trying to get organized for my future.

I have been on a mini-hiatus from my blog and eBoutique due to this crazy life transition and the symbolic opening of a new chapter. I am happy to report that I'm BACK! I have some amazing content coming up and fabulous pieces to be list to Evolution Vintage eBoutique!

Coping with moving and kids is a lot, but nothing I can't handle. On an all ready full plate, what's one or two more things, right? Each day I set small goals to ensure I accomplish something and not to set myself up for disappointment as the project pile up.  I'm Movin' on up in all aspects so being organized is key and something I'm working on.

Cheers to this new chapter!!

Vintage Dress: Victory Vintage Boutique (VVB Facebook)

Vintage Belt: Evolution Vintage

Shoes: Cambria - JustFab

Shades: Tres Noir Ultra Lux

Bubbles : MaisonVeuve Clicquot

PS - I just unpacked my FAV summer wedge. "CAMBRIA" from JustFab in Black

Bring some Comfy chic to your events this summer!

Available in 4 colors!

Are you making a move in your life? work? or physical space? Tell me how you did it with style in the comments below.

Farewell Mrs. Chancellor

The grand jewel in the crown of the daytime series The Young and the Restless has been lost today in actress Jeanne Cooper. 

She passed away today at the age of 84 after battling an undisclosed illness. She has been a part of life in my home for over 20 years in her role of Katherine Chancellor. 

Since the tender age of 14 I loved watching "Mrs. C" with the glitz and glamour she toted around Genoa City and the heart her character had. She was always there with a tweed clad shoulder to cry on, 

wagging her jeweled encrusted finger with advice 

and always called a spade and space in her beautiful brooched glory.

I have a feeling Jeanne's heart was equal or greater than that of her most famous character based on the tweets and messages of condolence from her cast mates and those who knew her (Read Here). My thoughts and deepest condolence to her family and friends.

Jeanne Began her career as an actress in 1953 in a film "The Redhead from Wyoming"  as the character Myra.

She went on to act in 31 more films as well as over 14 television roles, most famously her full time role on The Young and the Restless.

Jeanne & Co-Star Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman)

I think it is truly amazing that Jeanne she was one of the longest-serving serial television actors in American media history. She joined the cast of Y&R in 1973. For her work on the show she received two Emmy Awards.

Last summer she released her memoir "Not Young, Still Restless" 

Pick up the book and read her amazing life story in her own words! 

The show will not be the same without her ... Farewell Mrs. Chancellor

"Jeanne Cooper - A genuine person, gifted performer, good friend to all. Never before and never again. A true artist and legend. She will be missed. My thoughts and my love are with her family" B&B's Executive Producer/Head Writer Bradley Bell 

“I never wanted to be a movie star. I always wanted to be an actress, one of the best. And I am.” 

1928-2013

RIP

Helping Boston: One Shoe At A Time

The accessory brand JustFab is helping those effected by the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon by donating 100% of the sales of the RED "Latrice" Pump. 

The proceeds will be donated from TODAY'S SALE ONLY! (9am EST-11PM EST). USA Fab's Only.

Shop NOW and help raise money for the One Fund Boston

Put your best foot forward today to help with the aftermath of this terrible event!

Gratitude: Look Inward

I have not been posting lately as I am preparing for the next chapter of my life in a sense. A physical move into a new home and a new showroom space for Evolution Vintage.  I have also been mentally preparing to push my business aspirations forward along with my physical well being complete with a spiritual shift. This complied with 4 children (2 bio & 2 step) leaves little time to indulge in my love for writing/blogging.. but I promise I will be back soon.

In the meantime we should all take pause to be grateful for our lives.  The tragedy in Boston is the most recent reminder at just how short our lives can be.  Do you have a difficult time trying to find something in life to be grateful for?

My cousin shared this amazing quote recently on her Facebook page and I am compelled to share it here:

"If you have nothing to be grateful for - check your pulse" ~ Author Unknown 

It is easy to be grateful for all the material things that surround us in life, but taking time to be grateful for living or life itself requires you did a little deeper. It is also very rewarding.  Look inward and all the treasures you seek are all ready there. Enjoy!

I am excited for the new chapter in my life, complete with a daily gratitude ritual for myself, husband and children. No TV at mealtimes means an opportunity to promote dialogue about gratitude in all of our lives. I am excited to hear what everyone shares each day about what/whom they are grateful for!

To The Moon: Nails

REVLON Moon Candy Polish in Gelactic

I have the coolest pair of friends who indulge each other in Manicure Monday's. Each Monday we go to my friend Jensine's home where we are treated to a virtual smorgasbord of nail confections; polishes in a rainbow of colors, glitter, nail jewels and stencils. Our designs are limited only to our imaginations. We drink, dine and design our Monday night's away.

Last night REVLON's moon candy landed on my nails and I love it. With a dark navy blue base and azul tone sparkle chunk top coat, this at home manicure is out of this world.

What say you nail artists? will you try this lunar nail experience? It comes in a variety of color combos sure to suit any ones taste for outer space.

Enjoy your moon manicures!