I asked Mike what spurred his interest in cars. “…My Mom was a single parent working 2 jobs to feed her kids. We really didn’t have money for a new car, or to maintain the old one we had. As the car became less and less reliable, we worried more and more about her safety coming home late at night. The fact was, there were plenty of times that us kids ate, but she didn’t, so that she could save money to get her car repaired. Many of the repairs we needed were because we could not afford the proper maintenance on the car. It was then that I decided that no one should be in that position, no less a single parent. So, I educated myself, and have been in the car business all my life. I look at our customers the same way I look at my Mother, as family. I want to keep them all safe.”
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Holiday Inspiration...
I asked Mike what spurred his interest in cars. “…My Mom was a single parent working 2 jobs to feed her kids. We really didn’t have money for a new car, or to maintain the old one we had. As the car became less and less reliable, we worried more and more about her safety coming home late at night. The fact was, there were plenty of times that us kids ate, but she didn’t, so that she could save money to get her car repaired. Many of the repairs we needed were because we could not afford the proper maintenance on the car. It was then that I decided that no one should be in that position, no less a single parent. So, I educated myself, and have been in the car business all my life. I look at our customers the same way I look at my Mother, as family. I want to keep them all safe.”
Friday, December 11, 2009
Willa Shalit Makes Appearance on Martha Stewart
Sunday, November 29, 2009
BELIEVE!
The holiday's provide a magical opportunity to gather our loved ones and create some much needed quality time. Thanksgiving offers the brilliance of the fall, the celebration of the harvest, and the excitement of the Macy's Parade!
From the time I was old enough to wear black patent shoes, my mother and grandmother had me toddling through the doors of Macy's on that long awaited Friday morn. Traditionally, it was then and not one day sooner, that one's eyes would catch the first glimpse of Christmas. The lights, the colors, the Santa's, the sales! For as long as I can remember, Black Friday was always a day spent with the most splendid ladies in my life taking in the magic of the holiday.
Today I carry on this tradition with my own daughters. However this year was truly exceptional - we spent Thanksgiving in New York City. The entire family enjoyed the 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. A year hasn't gone by that I haven't caught at least a glimpse of this historic event on television. While sitting along Central Park Ave. watching the thousands of people marching, dancing, twirling, singing, and jump-roping down the street, I couldn't suppress the excitement of being a part of something as historical as the Macy's Parade.
Black Friday was no different. We lined up at 4:45am in Herald Square, on Broadway and 34th Street. Here stands NYC's most iconic location for shopping - Macy's Department Store. Built in 1902, Macy's Herald Square is their flagship department store and one of the last turn-of-the-century department stores in existence. As we entered with a few other thousand, we were welcomed by yet another icon of NYC...the Rockettes!
The experience was similar to playing out a movie, or living a dream - much like the splendor of being a child during Christmas. While flying home I was able to search the net (wifi at 37,000 feet is a technological miracle) and discovered that Macy's has put together a holiday program for children, "Believe," benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation. Based on the response from a letter to the editor of a New York paper, the everlasting expression, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause," Macy's created a variety of charitable and educational components via their website to allow children the experience of giving, creating, and celebrating this magical time of year.
This holiday, make your own magical moments with your family and friends. Make memories. Make a difference. Do both. But whatever you do, "BELIEVE" that dreams can and do come true!
Photos:
Top: "Believe" balloon from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Middle: My daughter's Amy and Kylee with the Rockettes at 5:01am on Black Friday.
Bottom: Terry Lundgren, Macy's President & CEO, speaks to the press.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Savvy Hour - TONIGHT
elan woman is proud to be in the forefront of connecting So.UT/So.NV women with social media to promote their business, promotional needs, charitable endeavors, or just keeping pace with new age communication.
It's Savvy Hour! Refreshments provided. For more information call 435.680.3272.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Let's Get Socially Savvy!
Everyone’s doing it. If you’re not, you’re getting left behind. Who’s using it?• 200 million+ active Facebook users• 6 billion video views on YouTube a month• 12 million regular Twitter visitors by the end of the year
SOCIAL MEDIA
- Create new connections both professionally and personally
- Launch a new product or idea
- Promote your business, events, groups, or organizations
- Reconnect with friends and family
LEARN
- What social media is and the 4 major networks: Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, LinkedIn
- Proper etiquette
- Which social network is right for you &/or your business
- Bring your laptop and set up YOUR account that night (No laptop? Share with a friend)
$25
Includes dinner, training and a night that only elan woman knows how to put on!
REGISTER
Reservations Required! Call 435.627.woman (9662); or email elanwomaninfo@aol.com for Registration Form.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Rwanda
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Africa here I come...
The lovely Willa Shalit, with whom I am traveling with, is a gentle force in Rwanda. The people love her and know of her good works. The orphanage we are visiting today was assisted in creation by her hands, and prior to beginning her company, Fair Winds Trading. It was about 6 years ago that she was visiting Rwanda. She met two men, both of whom survived the genocide by playing dead under a pile of bodies. These two men met while working at a hotel and both had vowed that they would do something for others if God spared their lives. In walked Willa. She was inspired by their courage and assisted in raising the money to build the orphanage to which I will visit today. This was done on her own, at the will of her heart, and not with any other organization (I will visit another orphanage later this week). One of the men is now married, and recently had a baby, to which he lovingly named, Shalit, in her honor.
Best of State
Monday, May 11, 2009
2009 Utah Best of State Award
This particular award has great meaning to all of us at elan woman. First and foremost, it recognizes the tireless hours spent on each issue by our team of women (& a few guys) working on every issue delivering meaningful stories written by talented individuals. It is a tribute to the AMAZING designers who have worked with us from the very beginning to bring to life the visions dancing around in my head (causing potential drinking problems to which I make no apologies at this time j/k). This award symbolizes the excellence of our photographers who share their abilities to capture the essence of each story through their lens in a way that connects the reader on an intimate level. And this award says thank you to our supporters who have shared their very souls in our pages to elevate the spirit of another.
What also makes this award deeply meaningful is that it honors our publication intertwined with our events, humanitarian awareness, social media efforts, sponsorships, and our connection with our advertisers that solidified elan woman as the winner of this award.
So with the utmost of sincerity, thank you - thank you for being a part of our world. Thank you for assisting elan woman in its infancy to be recognized in this very big way. Thank you for believing in the vision of elan woman and being an actual part of a grass roots concept that is constantly evolving into something better every day. And on a personal note, I thank you for giving so much, then giving more.
Monday, May 4, 2009
We've Been Getting Around!
Friday, March 27, 2009
elan woman escapes to Springdale
www.earthhour.org
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March/April Issue; Healthy Women
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
International Women's Day, March 8th
Join your sisters locally in celebration. Women are coming together in St. George, Utah on Sunday evening, March 8th 5:00 PM at Plant World Nursey's Community Room for a special screening of the inspiring HBO movie "Iron Jawed Angels" and a post-movie discussion.
This powerful film chronicles the struggles of some key women of destiny and their sacrifices to secure the right to vote for women in the United States. 'They had no vote, no political clout, no equal rights. But what they lacked under the law they made up for with brains, determination and courage." When Debbie Waggoner, Positive Persuasions, saw this film her heart was moved in a way never expected and inspired her to head up this celebration in southern Utah. It is an inspirational true story of women who dared to make a stand for women's rights, and ended up shaping the future of America. You will feel their power, reaching back through time and inviting you to join them.
*Dress down and bring your bean bag, blankets and/or pillows.
*Snacks and beverages provided by Elan Woman Magazine and Positive Persuasions
*Bring your love of the power of women and our ability to shape our own lives, our community, our world
For more information go to: http://www.positivepersuasions.com/ or call the elan woman offices at 435.627.9662.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
DEADline
What's new at elan woman? Ummm, actually two things that I'm very connected to (besides my bum to the chair at this moment). Writer Debbie Waggoner and I stumbled (no, slid, it was icy - like idiots, we wore heels) across some amazing people at Sundance this year. Tugging at our heart strings were global stories that have a trickle down effect locally. In the March/April issue, Deb will release the first in a series of deeply moving causes that made us alter what we know and how we think. Exceptionally well written, you will literally feel the pain and experience the journey with Deb, as she shares a horrific scene that is within our own vision.
Secondly...the most serendipitous moment possibly of my life (well, one of a few) - connecting with the right women to assist me in launching a new column for the social conscious. A lifestyle that isn't new to many, but taken for granted by most. Stepping into the generation who cares about our world, you will meet two amazing women who will share with you fresh ideas to evolve the way your live your life.
Well, must get back to ice cream, oh, no I mean, writing...I just wish I was eating ice cream. Tomorrow night I will reward myself with a banana malt and some sleep. SWAK!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
elan woman and KCSG are collaborating...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Phoenix Wildlife Zoo
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2009 Miss Mesquite NV Pageant
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sundance Film Festival 2009
Celebrating it's 25th year, the lights have been raised at the end of another Sundance experience. It's about film; it's about talent; it's about promotion; it's about social; it's about fun; and for many, it's about a good party. But for me, it was about connecting with causes. We learned about some of the heart-driven endeavors the movie industry moguls are taking on. We'll unveil a few of those causes throughout the year in elan woman!