Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Holiday Inspiration...

While at a holiday gathering, my friend, Dawn McLain, was telling me about Mike Cass, owner of Tunex, in southern Utah. He is just one of the faces that make up the charitable landscape of people who are always looking out for others first. His gift to a family in need was selfless and I thought appropriate to share his example, especially this time of year:

"Inspiration, is what Mike Cass and the staff at Tunex in southern Utah are all about. In these tough economic times, he feels like everyone can use a little bit of it in their everyday life, and he’s more than happy to be the one to share it. Tunex presented a young couple and their two daughters with a vehicle that they were in great need of in their First Ever Tunex Car Giveaway. Team Tunex distributed nomination forms at local businesses throughout are area for people to nominate people they felt were deserving of a vehicle and why. Once the nominations were collected, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors evaluated them and chose the winners – Brett and Teryl Davis, who received their car on 11/11/2009. For Mike, giving the car away was just the right thing to do. “As a business owner, I feel a responsibility to the community. With the economy today, people are scared. Business owners need to step in and help out, and to promote positive change so that we can get out of the negative cycle. Sure, we could have sold the car and made some money, but we thought we’d change someone’s life instead. It’s a no-brainer.”
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

VIDEO: The women weavers from the Village Kiyombi, Rwanda, provided Lee Lysne and myself with a passionate welcome that I will never forget.

Today the lovely Willa Shalit, Founder of Fair Winds Trading, will make an appearance on the Martha Stewart Show. Her relentless efforts to connect the Rwandan women weavers of Gahaya Links with global partners is changing lives from all perspectives. Not only are the women receiving educational assistance on issues like financial sustainability, health, and personal hygiene, but Willa's injection of the entrepreneurial spirit has empowered village weavers to provide their families with a level of confidence and security they hadn't known before.

The footage you will see on Martha Stewart was shot during my journey to Rwanda with Willa this year.

To learn how you can participate in supporting the efforts of these amazing and talented weavers, tune in to 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.


www.macys.com/believe


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

Join us for Savvy Hour, Tuesday,Oct. 27th, 4pm-7pm, at the new Dixie Applied Technology Building (100 S/1000 E), St. George. This is an Open House. Stop by, bring your laptop, and receive assistance to complete your social media set up (LinkedIn, Twitter, FB, Blogs).

This is a follow-up event to Socially Savvy.

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!


It’s time to get…Socially Savvy
Wednesday, October 7th, 5pm (NV Time)
Eureka Casino Banquet Room

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


While spending time with some girlfriends, I had the opportunity to relive Rwanda. Its been almost a month since my return and I continue to process what I experienced. What I know is that the people are strong and courageous. The women are evolving to learn of themselves, their worth and value, and their talents. The children are a promise of new light, providing the past can escape them. The Sept/Oct issue of elan woman will reveal not only my journey, but the stories of a few heartfelt US companies lending support in the rebuilding of the country. You will also meet women of the southwest who have traveled beyond the seas to illuminate the entrepreneurial spirit across The Land of a Thousand Hills.

The photo above is from my special visit to a rural village. It was the highlight of my trip. The children at first did not know what to think of my white skin, blond hair, and free spirit. Although we spoke a different language, our heart connection was universal...I cried for the four hour drive home, dreaming of when I could be with them again. Read all about it and ALL the inspiring stories in our fall issue of elan woman, on stands September 1st.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Africa here I come...

My passport was pure - never stamped. I am on my first trip out of the country, not including Canada and Mexico. My destination: Rwanda. Yes, Africa. Many minor moments of anxiety along the way, but none worth documenting. What I know on day one is that nothing is familiar. I also know that I have a heart full of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for a few things: first of all, soap! I don't think many around here use it (ugh). I am grateful for hot water (to which is not readily available). I am grateful for drinking water, diet coke, and ice! I am grateful for electrical outlets that WORK with my blowdryer (nope, don't have um here-yikes! getting a converter). And I am grateful for not having to apply insect repellent twice a day as lotion. More importantly, I am grateful that I never have suffered such traumatic loss of family. EVERY Rwandan here lost a spouse, a child, a mother, a brother, and in most cases, lost MANY during the genocide, which, would have been about 2/3s of the way through only fifteen years ago today. If I had been here exactly 15 years ago this town would have been COVERED in blood. I still cannot comprehend it and am sure it will only feel more complicated as we head out today to visit an orphanage.


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



Here she is... Darci in SLC representing elan woman at Utah's Best of State Awards!!! Thank you all again for your wonderful support!

Monday, May 11, 2009

2009 Utah Best of State Award

It is our privilege and honor to share with you that elan woman has received the 2009 Utah Best of State Award, Arts & Entertainment: Publication.

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!

above: girlfriends Kayla and Martha hanging out with Barrack (well, sort of)
 
So much going on and like many of you, treading hard to keep a good hair day above water. elan woman has been outta control on the go! Our reader base has flourished and we THANK you for that. Going to take the time to update you on the latest, but I am desperate for a good night's sleep. So in the words of Arnold, "I'll be back." 

Friday, March 27, 2009

elan woman escapes to Springdale


Ladies: During the community potluck, those of us from out of town will be heading to dinner at Bit & Spur. Join us! Email elanwomanoffice@aol.com or call 435.627.woman 9662 (click on image to enlarge)

www.earthhour.org

Here is your chance to make a conscious effort to honor our earth. From our eco-centric girls, Margi La Porte & Jessie Kidder:
Earth Hour, 2009, is setting the stage for a global call to action and awareness on climate change. Vegas is a flagship city! On Saturday, March 28, 2009, Las Vegas will stand in solidarity with the world to raise awareness about climate change. For one hour beginning at 8:30pm, casinos and hotels on and off of the iconic Strip will dim or turn off neon and flashing lights creating an historical viewing event.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

March/April Issue; Healthy Women

The March/April issue of elan woman is out, "The Power of OPPORTUNITY." We saw this as a great theme to counter balance the negativity in existence today. This issue is driven with ideas to engage in your own life, your own career, your own future. Yes, we know it's tough out there - on the other hand, the beauty of living in a free country is that we are free to choose our destiny. Although working for the dollar is much harder earned, there is a hidden joy in elevating yourself and the others in your world to appreciate what you have, and honor what you can accomplish. We at elan woman love the fact that our level of creativity is being pushed to the limit to assist elan woman and her supporters. It really is all about relationships. Some seem to grasp this concept; most often feel their capitalist point of view is each for his own. Hurray to all making the shift and realizing that we CAN work together, co-habitate and collaborate, WITHOUT feeling threatened. There is endless abundance to go around people!

One effort that fully understands this is the people at Mesa View Hospital in Mesquite, NV. Each month they host a program called, "Healthy Women." Although the name implies health topics, this gathering of estrogen talk about finances, travel, relationships, and even fashion (specifically shoes for Administrator Sue Conelly), all of which lead to personal happiness and wellness. Today is their one year anniversary event at the Casa Blanca including an expo and sit down dinner. Join us, if you're in the area, and see what the people in the southwest are doing to support this great endeavor.

Let's keep on keepin' on people. Are you breathing? Have a place to sleep? Food on your table? GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE...

Monday, March 2, 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009

International Women's Day, March 8th


We can can make a difference if we think globally and act locally to ensure that the future for women and girls is bright, equal, safe safe and rewarding.

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

It's that time again, what we in the publishing industry so fondly refer to as, DEADline. The hurry/scurry, hairy/scary, time when even the smallest of details are being reviewed, edited down, or completely revamped depending on this editors mood! I could drive my fabulously patient designer, Janae, to acquire a taste for strong alcohol during the final 48 hours prior to print. But thank goodness there's med's to keep us calm -opps, wrong, we're a drug free company - ;)

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...

elan woman and KCSG TV have collaborated on the networks program, "Lifestyles for Southern Utah." elan woman's spokeswoman, Tracy Rogers, is the host of the program which features the community that makes up southwest life in southern Utah and Nevada. 

On location for her first taping, poor Trac had to deal with coaching and flashing photography. She's such a "girlfriend," full of class, style, personality, and heart - a perfect representative of elan woman. 

Here she makes the universal "peace" sign for me. But with all the commotion going on around her, in her head I'm quite sure she was thinking of a few other signs she could have given me. We love you Tracy!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Phoenix Wildlife Zoo


OK, this is just funny. These zebras just lined up when I pulled out my camera, and in unison, turned around and showed me their best side. It reminded me of the reaction I'd get from my kids when asked to clean their rooms.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

2009 Miss Mesquite NV Pageant


It was through the Miss America Scholarship Pageant program that I was able to attend college. So it is my heart's desire to give back whenever the opportunity arises. Last week I enjoyed judging the 2009 Miss Mesquite, NV Pageant. What talented and courageous young ladies! They all were simply beautiful. 

But at the end of the night, it was Cristina Crotz who took home the crown. In pure beauty pageant style, she and I gave a true pose for the camera!


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!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

www.one-revolution.com

I am happy to say that Chris is on the mend. Thank you for the out pouring of love and concern. After emergency surgery for an undetected infection, our Main Man is in the recovery stage. Although this pushes back his original date for his climb significantly, it is not stopping him! He is a man with a mission with nothing to prove but everything to inspire! Keep tabs on this "beautiful person" through his website at www.one-revolution.com. 

Friday, January 16, 2009

Paralympian, Chris Waddell

In route to Sundance I learned that my dear friend, amazing athlete, and generous human being, Chris Waddell was in the hospital. Chris's face has graced the Oprah Show, 60 Minutes, countless TV programs, and thousands of magazines, including being featured as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. Chris is in the midst of training for yet another monumental first, to summit Killimanjaro. His intense training and strict diet landed him in the University of Utah Medical Center, crushing plans for the climb in March. However, still hospitalized, Chris has already rescheduled the climb for May. Your support and prayers are so appreciated! Check out his website at: www.one-revolution.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Special Day


















Happy Birthday to my Grandson...Aiden!

In the midst of everything that rapidly surrounds me, family is my center. On this special day I just wanted Aiden to know that his "GG" (glam gram) loves her babe!