Category Archives: CULTURE + HAPPENINGS

The A List hosts N:Philanthropy’s Give Back Garden Party

June 29, 2017

The unstoppable A LIST  threw an inspiring “Give Back” garden party, celebrating brands that are conscious and give back. Why can’t all of Hollywood be like this? 

The theme? Brands that GIVE A DAMN! Leading the gathering hosts, N:PHILANTHROPY , a ridiculously rad clothing line which donates 10 percent of net profits to – oh – let’s say children’s cancer research or ya know, a little thing like animal welfare? Yah, and um, what are you doing? Exactly! Get out there and volunteer at Children’s Hospital LA, which was also representing.

And who was there? A bevy of glowing Hollywood lovelies sporting the socially conscious brands of the day.

Adria Arjona — n:Philanthropy tank / FASHIONABLE bag
Adelaide Kane — n:Philanthropy dress / Soludos / FASHIONABLE clutch
Cat Deeley — n:Philanthropy dress / Vince Camuto purse / FASHIONABLE bag
Camilla Belle — 1.state heels / n:Philanthropy tee / FASHIONABLE bag
Emmy Rossum — n:Philanthropy top & leggings / FASHIONABLE necklace / Jimmy Choo bag and Sergio Rossi shoes
Gal Gadot — n:Philanthropy top / Madewell Jeans / FASHIONABLE necklace
Jamie Lynn Sigler — LEC Sandals
Jamie King — n:Philanthropy skirt and top / Jimmy Choo shoes / FASHIONABLE
Jurnee Smollett-Bell — n:Phil tee, madewell jeans
Katherine Schwarzenegger — n:Philanthropy sweater
Kat McPhee — n:Philanthropy top / FASHIONABLE bag / Citizens of Humanity jeans / Alex Birman shoes
Kristen Bell — FASHIONABLE shoes / n:Philanthropy dress (top)
Lizzy Caplan — Madewell overalls / n:Philanthropy top / FASHIONABLE bag
Minka Kelly — n:Philanthropy top
Sarah Wright Olsen — n:Philanthropy dress / soludos shoes / FASHIONABLE bag
Serayah — n:Philanthropy dress / Diesel jacket

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, Sarah Wright Olsen

Kat McPhee

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, Adria Arjona

Jen Rade, Tara Swennen

Yvonne Niami, Alanah Joseph

Adelaide Kane

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Kristen Bell, Gal Gardot, Lizzy Caplan, Yvonne Niami

Jaime King

Jurnee Smollett, Minka Kelly

Camilla Belle

Cat Deeley

Lizzy Caplan

Kristen Bell

Jamie Lynn Sigler

Emmy Rossum

Next up in the give back/conscious brands was the stunning line…

Nyakio Beauty

Where this Kenyan born beauty learned about skincare at the age of 8, which is about the age of her skin. Whatever she’s using, I’m doing.

FASHIONABLE

This line knocks it out the ballpark. These exquisite goods are made by giving jobs to women in need.

“In my experience, poor people are the world’s greatest entrepreneurs. Every day, they must innovate in order to survive. They remain poor because they do not have the opportunities to turn their creativity into sustainable income.“

– MUHAMMAD YUNUS, AUTHOR OF Creating a World Without Poverty

FASHIONABLE

Their Mission:

We believe that the end to generational poverty will come when people are able to provide for themselves.

Charity is critical. Its importance lies in giving relief to those who are in great destitution from what are often unbearable circumstances. However, giving food, medical care, clothing, and other charity to the poor is just the beginning point to solving the issues of poverty. It is widely known that if we are to end extreme poverty, two things must happen. One, we must create jobs for those lacking opportunity, and two, we must do so for women. This is the gap that FASHIONABLE wants to fill.

To be clear, FASHIONABLE is not a social model of business that gives something away. We believe that the end to generational poverty will come when people are able to provide for themselves. We believe that social businesses whose aim is to alleviate poverty should use their business skills to create job opportunities for the poor, not give them more charity. What we seek to “give” to those living in poverty is opportunity by purchasing goods from them, and helping those businesses grow and employ more.

We believe in doing the manufacturing in the communities we wish to impact, creating jobs along the way.

Our business model is not creating goods in a strong economic country, selling those goods in the West, and then giving charity to developing countries. This still leaves the developing country out of the opportunity for economic growth, and keeps them in a cycle of dependency. We believe in doing the manufacturing in the communities we wish to impact, creating jobs along the way. Although it often creates a unique set of challenges, trade with developing countries is an empowerment model that we are committed to.

Kapulet Beauty

is a subscription based shopping experience where you can buy top of the line cruelty free, high end products at drug store prices. Here you will find every luxury brand at totally affordable prices.

Their Mission:

Kapulet Beauty was founded by a group of animal lovers, beauty gurus, and tech junkies who wanted to offer the world an alternative way to be beautiful. All of our brands are cruelty-free and are chosen because of the positive impact they have provided to the industry. We reward members with accessible pricing to luxury products, invitations to special events, and insider beauty info.

Kapulet works on a membership model, cutting out the middle man and saving you hundreds of dollars. Yearly membership costs only $59.95 and Kapulet confidently offers a thirty day trial period! Additionally, membership grants you access to exclusive beauty tutorials, pop up shops, and more!

When you become a Kapulet, you’re not just joining a beauty club- you’re participating in a beauty revolution.

The Lipstick Lobby

How about this one – EVERY CENT goes to Planned Parenthood. Is there really anything else I need to say? Yah. Didn’t think so.

Their Mission:

Welcome to THE LIPSTICK LOBBY. We are a social justice movement for change, progress and equality. Please join us in a simple way to protest and make a difference: this bold statement lipstick.

Wearing this lipstick is a reminder that small actions can create big waves. It’s a simple way to speak up and speak out against the threats to women’s freedoms and health care posed by the Trump administration. It’s a small thing we can all do right here, right now to create change.

100% of net profits from the sale of our signature shade KISS MY PINK will be donated to Planned Parenthood. And stay tuned…we have new shades and new ways to make a difference in the works.

So pucker up in protest with us. Together we can resist. Together we can make a difference. Together we can #LipstickItToTheMan!

100% OF NET PROFITS FROM KISS MY PINK WILL BE DONATED TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. This vital organization serves 2.5 million women and men in the United States who annually visit Planned Parenthood centers for health care services and information. If Trump succeeds with his devastating agenda to repeal the Affordable Care Act, millions of people will lose their health care and Planned Parenthood will lose its federal funding. We refuse to accept this. 

We chowed on Pure Growth Organic snacks which I have been totally mad about, because frankly, half my diet is chowing my kids snacks. Now I can do it and they are actually GOOD! And good for you. Done and done. We sipped Rethink Water (more adorable packaging for kids!) And I stared down the tequila cocktails by Viva XXXII but couldn’t drink because I had to teach a spin class later on. Good news, I took a bottle to go, so, um, hi weekend, are you here yet?

 

PHOTO CREDIT – Marc Patrick/BFA

  1. n:Philanthropy
  2. nyakio
  3. Pure Growth Organics
  4. FASHIONABLE
  5. ReThink Water

Future Disruptors Raises Awareness And Funding for Music And Arts Education

June 25, 2017

When I’m not blogging here, I am an arts educator in South Central. I teach Performing Arts in a charter school and during the summer I teach art to kids. It’s the greatest work I do. I was a child performer from the age of 6 on and when I tell you that nothing is more important than giving kids the space to find themselves creatively – I mean it – from first hand experience as both an artist and teacher.

I was blown away today at the Future Disruptors event at The Comedy Store, where proceeds will benefit the Ovation Music Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides music education scholarships for low income children at music schools across the USA. www.ovationmusicfund.org

This showcase of rising talent was the start of a movement designed to inspire parents, help children find their creative voices and combat the underfunding of the Arts in schools.

We saw all my kids’ favorite Disney and Nickelodeon. Not to mention the amazing headlining band, Heffron Drive, featuring Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush) and Dustin Belt, with Demian Arriaga on percussion.

Our hearts were thumping watching this talented crew of rising young stars. The great news is this event will be happening twice a year and it’ll be building more momentum with even more amazing talent. Today we saw these gems.

Asher Angel of Disney Channel’s Andi Mack

Sean Ryan Fox of Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger

Ricardo Hurtado of Nickelodeon’s School of Rock

Megan Lee of Nickelodeon’s Make It Pop

Lance Lim of Nickelodeon’s School of Rock

Ruby Rose Turner of Netflix’s Fuller House

Breanna Yde of School of Rock

Below is my daughter, Aria (right) with her BFF Molly (left) soaking up all the Disney and Nickelodeon faves.

Aria, Ruby Rose Turner, and Molly

Aria, Megan Lee, Molly

  

Aria, Sean Ryan Fox, Molly

Heffron Drive  

Future Disruptors is an event for children and families benefiting Ovation Music Fund. This showcase of rising talent is the start of a movement designed to inspire parents, help children find their creative voices and combat the under-funding of the Arts in schools.

 

Ovation Music Fund, a 501(c)(3) that provides children under 18 from low-income families with music scholarships so that they may attend Ovation-approved after-school music programs in the US. Omaze.com is interested in partnering with us to promote the event via their Omaze Made Platform. They generate millions of media impressions for celebrities and cause campaigns through custom designed t-shirts made specifically for this event. It’s a great way for talent to cross promote and raise awareness with their fan base.

 

“Future Disruptors” Charity Benefit at the Comedy Store-Sunday June 25

June 22, 2017

“FUTURE DISRUPTORS” PREMIERES AT THE COMEDY STORE SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017: NICKELODEON, DISNEY STARS AND OTHERS SING & DANCE TO BENEFIT MUSIC EDUCATION

GET TICKETS

Savoir Agency is launching Future Disruptors, an event for children and families, at the iconic Comedy Store on Sunday, June 25th in Hollywood, CA from 1 pm-5 pm. This showcase of rising talent is the start of a movement designed to inspire parents, help children find their creative voices and combat the underfunding of the Arts in schools.

Sunday June 25th  1:30- 4pm

The Comedy Store Hollywood

8433 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA  90069

Future Disruptors is an event for children and families benefiting Ovation Music Fund. This showcase of rising talent is the start of a movement designed to inspire parents, help children find their creative voices and combat the under-funding of the Arts in schools.

Proceeds will benefit the Ovation Music Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides music education scholarships for low income children at music schools across the USA. www.ovationmusicfund.org

 

 

Ovation Music Fund, a 501(c)(3) that provides children under 18 from low-income families with music scholarships so that they may attend Ovation-approved after-school music programs in the US. Omaze.com is interested in partnering with us to promote the event via their Omaze Made Platform. They generate millions of media impressions for celebrities and cause campaigns through custom designed t-shirts made specifically for this event. It’s a great way for talent to cross promote and raise awareness with their fan base.

The day will be filled with live music and performances by the best & brightest young talent!

An array of young stars from hit Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows, along with other young musical and dance artists, will be performing a concert on Sunday, June 25th from 1:30 – 4 PM at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, CA. The original showcase of rising talent, produced by Savoir Agency, is the start of a movement designed to inspire parents, help children find their creative voice, and combat the under-funding of the Arts in schools. This inaugural event, “Future Disruptors,” is a fundraiser for the Ovation Music Fund, and is open to guests of all ages.

The day will be filled with live music and performances by the best and brightest shining stars in Hollywood. Headlining will be Heffron Drive, featuring Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush) and Dustin Belt, with Demian Arriaga on percussion. Talent performances include:

Asher Angel of Disney Channel’s Andi Mack

Sean Ryan Fox of Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger

Ricardo Hurtado of Nickelodeon’s School of Rock

Megan Lee of Nickelodeon’s Make It Pop

Lance Lim of Nickelodeon’s School of Rock

Ruby Rose Turner of Netflix’s Fuller House

WHERE:         The Comedy Store

                        8433 Sunset Boulevard

                        Hollywood CA 90069


WHEN:          Sunday June 25, 2017 EVENT BEGINS AT 1:30PM

Saje Natural Wellness Opens on Abbot Kinney (6/15)

June 13, 2017

Each day, on average, we are exposed to over 200 different chemicals. These toxins are absorbed into our bodies through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the drugs we take, as well as the creams, lotions and other personal care products we put onto our largest organ – our skin. Over time, these chemicals build up in our bodies, depleting our immune systems and making us more susceptible to stress and illness. Not awesome.

 

Saje Natural Wellness, a household name in Canada for over 20 years, provides 100% plant-derived and natural essential oils and base ingredient product solutions that help our bodies detoxify and recover from these harmful effects. To our luck, Saje is expanding into the United States with one of their openings on Abbot Kinney on June 15th.

Feel free to drop by Saje’s Abbot Kinney Opening and receive up to 20% off of their incredible products.

  • DATE & TIME: June 15th from 4-8PM
  • LOCATION: 1421 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

An evening to delight in…Norma Jean Gala in Aid for Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove

May 19, 2017

Last night we engaged in an evening for a relevant cause, for some, a very a personal “near and dear” to us kind of cause. The Norma Jean Gala in Aid for Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove.

Uplift Family Services has been making the world a better place since 1867 when the founder created a community of wellness programs in support of mental health services by offering pioneering after-school programs, camps and support groups with enhanced therapies.

The room was full of momentum and excitement as the auctioneer lead us into raising $380,000!!!

Although the highlight of the evening was the moment when two bidders went into complete stand off for the honorable prize of an afternoon with Obama (it lasted over 20 minutes, back and forth until one finally surrendered), the real prize was that this organization brings to the forefront a necessary yet daunting topic that has resulted in society shying away from something that effects so many of us. With a courageous room and the ever radiant Busy Phillips (her dress was its own success story) hosting, great achievements were among us and will continue. 

Matt Bomer and Busy Philipps raise their auction paddles during Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove Gala

Busy Philipps wore an alice + olivia gown to Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove Gala

Simon Halls and Matt Bomer received the Ambassador of Children Award during Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove Gala

Janie Bryant enjoyed Tank Garage’s “Stars Like Ours Rose” at Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove Gala

HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 18: Janie Bryant attends Uplift Family Services at Hollygrove Gala at W Hollywood on May 18, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Uplift Family Services)

(Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Uplift Family Services)

xx kira