Holiday Giving Made in the USA

While politicians continue to debate endlessly about complicated trade deals, at The Perfect Provenance we already know numerous companies that are proudly Made in the USA. As a small business owner, I know that sourcing is one of the most difficult parts of my business. The temptation to buy cheaply made goods is enormous, especially when competing with large luxury store chains. We work very hard to counter that trend though and give our clients products and an experience that is unique, by supporting small businesses like ours you are supporting creativity and innovation.  

Finding ethically sourced products made right here at home is not hard, you can easily search on any website you are buying from this holiday season or ask a sales person in store.  Learn the story behind the products you buy, support your fellow Americans or crafstman sourced designs -- support quality over quantity.  Everyone can do their part simply by asking simple questions such as where was this made and who made it? If you really care about fair trade, don't leave it in the hands of politicians, you as a consumer have enormous power. Everyone can and should learn if fair wages were paid, whether important labor practices were followed and how materials were sourced. 

To help you find just some of the amazing companies this holiday season, we have assembled a short list of great designers and companies perfect for anyone on your list or you can check out www.fashionrevolution.org for more information.  Check back every week for companies that we will feature sourced from the United States, and elsewhere, that ethically sourced.  

MadeWorn Tees, Los Angeles, California

Guns N Roses Made Worn Tee

• MadeWorn Rock Tees are the ultimate in music nostalgia apparel. Made in Los Angeles from pure Memphis cotton, the cut tee, tee-shirt and raglan styles, are all hand-loomed on the same 1956 machines that produced the originals, and finished with hand-distressing and staining of staining and stone washing for 7+ hours with pumice stones (just like denim). 
• Designer Blaine Halvorson has developed a proprietary, custom-formulated ink and screen printing technique that replicates the authentic look and wear of the original tees. MadeWorn maintains a stable of licenses for such bands as the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Metallica, the Beach Boys, Queen, and Guns & Roses, among many others. 
• Whenever a customer buys MadeWorn, they can rest assure that no one else has the same product that they do.

Slash with Michel Jackson

Owen & Fred, New York City

Hey Handsome Shaving Kit Bag

• Available in Army Green/ Orange & Brown/Navy combinations
• 5.5 inches high; 8 inches long; 4 inches wide
• Nickel hardware, leather handle and accents, plus a screen printed message on the interior.
• Designed & Made in the USA
• Tired of an overstuffed ziplock bag to hold your grooming essentials? Try the "Hey Handsome" Shaving Kit bag made is from 18 z Duck Canvas and Denier Nylon on the exterior and Denier Nylon on the inside. With zippers to keep your bag shut tight and water repellent fabrics, you can feel safe knowing that your grooming essentials will stay inside your bag, even if they leak.  
• Owen & Fred is a New York-based men's design brand founded in 2012.  Owen & Fred transforms the boring into extraordinary. Simply put: Men's Goods. Made Great. 

Napa Soap Company, Napa, California

Soapignon Blanc

• Soapignon Blanc contains a rich blend of grape seed, olive, avocado and sunflower oils and is complemented by a dose of white wine. 
• The refreshing scent is a perfect combination of grapefruit and pomegranate oils creating a fruity, uplifting bar that has been described as “citrus-y peach”.  
• Made in USA
• The Napa Soap Company crafts their soaps by hand in small batches of 50 bars each at their shop in downtown St. Helena, Napa Valley.  They use natural ingredients, buy organic whenever they can, recycle all of their packaging materials, and try to source as many local products as possible.  All bars are hand poured and approximately 6 + ounces.

All of these products and many more, made in the USA products are available at The Perfect Provenance -- www.theperfectprovenance.com.  Today is Cyber Monday -- shop and save -- you can get $25 any order of $150 or more when you use the code #cybermonday.  Have a great day.

Smile Greenwich to Benefit Operation Smile

Thank you to everyone who came out on November 18 and supported our

Smile Greenwich.  

We raised $131,320 to help children around the world smile!

Smile Greenwich was held at the Belle Haven Club on Friday, November 18th.  Over 180 people gathered for Dessert, Drinks & Dancing, a silent and live auction. Operation Smile Co-Founders Dr. Bill & Kathy Magee spoke movingly about founding the charity more than 30 years ago which provides free surgeries for children with facial deformity in more than 60 countries around the world.

Co-Chairs for the event were Alisyn Camerota (CNN New Day Anchor) Trisha Dalton, myself & Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis -- Grammy winning artist Estelle performed for the crowd.  Julia Merrill & Zack Lori, Founders of the Spreading Smiles Club at Greenwich High School spoke at the event and presented a check and surgery get well kits to the Magees.  Student volunteers from Greenwich High School's Spreading Smiles helped throughout the event.

More than $130,000 was raised from a silent and live auction that included 4 families winning an opportunity to attend a medical mission to Bogota, Columbia with Operation Smile.   Everyone who donated $240 or more received one of the Three Little Bears created by LIsa Lori & Kathy Van Zeeland.   DJ Nick Dean from NYC kept everyone dancing late into the night, he donated his services for the evening.  For more information or to donate at www.operationsmile.org/threelittlebears.

Smile Greenwich Event

To Benefit Operation Smile

To Be Held

At The Belle Haven Club in Greenwich

Operation Smile Co-Founders, Dr. Bill & Kathy Magee, Special Guest Speakers

Grammy Winner, Estelle, To Perform

Greenwich, CT (November 1, 2016) – On Friday, November 18th, Smile Greenwich, an evening of Dessert, Drinks & Dancing, to benefit international children's charity, Operation Smile, will be held at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich. The Co-Founders of Operation Smile, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee will share their story of love, family and giving to those less fortunate. Grammy Winner, record producer, songwriter and award winning actress, Estelle, will perform. The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m., and include a silent and live auction and music by DJ Nick Dean.

Co-chairs for the evening include: CNN'S Alisyn Camerota (Westport resident), Trisha Dalton (Greenwich resident), Lisa Lori (Greenwich resident) and Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis (Greenwich resident). Smile Greenwich, marks the fifth time, Greenwich has hosted an evening of fundraising for the charity. The goal for the event is to raise awareness and funds for Operations Smile, a medical charity that provides free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities.


Lisa Lori, whose three sons were born with facial paralysis, and her husband Mat, know first hand how life changing surgery is for children suffering from facial anomalies. Lisa and Mat Lori hosted their first fundraising event for Operation Smile at their home in 2010. They were introduced to the medical charity by their children's surgeon, Dr. Ronald Zuker, who is a medical volunteer for Operation Smile.

“We want to celebrate the life-changing miracles that Operation Smile’s volunteer medical teams perform every day around the world,” said Lori who has raised more than $2 million dollars through events and corporate partnerships on behalf of Operation Smile. "We are thrilled, with the help of our friends and neighbors, to help continue to spread the love and hope that Operation Smile gives so many."

Local business, community leaders, and philanthropically-minded individuals have agreed to lend their support to ensure children around the world are given a new smile. Host Committee includes: Sara Allard, Flavia Barker, Wendy Block, Alyssa Bonomo, Arleen Armstrong, Michelle Huff Elliot, Rae Ann Herman, Margie Johnson, Cristina Kelleher, Cristin Marandino, Maria Merrill, Jessica Mindich, Kristy de la Sierra, Anne Sylvestor, Kathy Van Zeeland, Diane Viton and Susan Weis.
Corporate sponsors include: the Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, Moffly Media, and the Delamar Hotel. Individual tickets for Smile Greenwich start at $150 with numerous options for underwriting, auction donations and sponsorship. For tickets or sponsorship, please visit www.operationsmile.org/smilegreenwich or call Jessica Szramowski (757) 339-917.2

About Operation Smile
Operation Smile is an international medical charity that has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. It is one of the oldest and largest volunteer-based organizations dedicated to improving the health and lives of children worldwide through access to surgical care. Since 1982, Operation Smile has developed expertise in mobilizing volunteer medical teams to conduct surgical missions in resource-poor environments while adhering to the highest standards of care and safety. Operation Smile helps to fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health, training local medical personnel, and donating much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world. Founded and based in Virginia, U.S., Operation Smile has extended its global reach to more than 60 countries through its network of credentialed surgeons, pediatricians, doctors, nurses, and student volunteers.

Smile Greenwich

Looking forward to a great evening to celebrate smiles in Greenwich!  We hope you can join us.  If you'd like to donate to our silent or live auctions, please visit www.operationismile.org/smilegreenwich.  Have a great day!

Women Who Matter Luncheon Hosted by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce

I am proud to be speaking an this upcoming luncheon in Greenwich hosted by the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and would love to have you join me.  Below are al the details.

Event:

Join us October 20^th at Milbrook Club to hear our fascinating guest speaker, Lisa Lori, founder of The Perfect Provenance, a new art inspired lifestyle store and café.
Lisa has always been a passionate volunteer for many non-profit organizations.  In 2011 she spearheaded a national fundraising program for Operation Smile called the Three Little Bears, an initiative named after her three sons, Zachary, Luke and Griffin.  To date, this campaign and other initiatives such as the Smile More Collection have raised more than $2 million for Operation Smile.
For over fifteen years, Lisa was President of Lisa Lori Communications in NYC and has over twenty five years’ experience in the public relations field including holding senior positions at The Body Shop International, Seagram Americas and International Flavors & Fragrances.  She has written and been interviewed about philanthropy, travel, parenting, disabilities and lifestyle for a variety of news outlets.  She is a Co –Producer of the new documentary film Just Like You: Facial Anomalies.

Name: Women Who Matter Luncheon

Date: October 20, 2016

Time: 12:30 PM -2:00 PM EDT

$50 per person, $475 table of ten
Let us know your seating preference in advance

Tickets:

phone 203.869.3500

 GreenwichChamber@GreenwichChamber.com

Link for Tickets

Made in the USA -- Oprah Magazine

This month we are so proud to have our line of candles included in the August issue of Oprah Magazine and to be featured on the O List.  This month's issue focuses on products that are Made in the USA.  To bring these candles to market, we worked for more than a year with an incredible team of people including: two friends and former colleagues of more than 15 years -- Maryellen Lapsansky, fragrance consultant, and Rhona Stokols, Symrise Fine Fragrance. Maryellen worked with me on the entire process from selecting a perfumery to developing the scents, and finding a US based and eco friendly manufacturer -- DPM Home Fragrance, based in Mississippi. Rhona believed in our project from the beginning and even though we were a new company, she championed our project and was a huge supporter of our vision.  

I met both women early in my career when I was Director of Public Relations and Advertising for International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), the world's largest flavor and fragrance company. Rhona worked with me at IFF for several years and Maryellen and I collaborated on many events and initiatives while she was at the Fragrance Foundation.  At IFF, I met so many people that have become lifelong friends and have helped me profoundly with the development of my new company.  

While at IFF, I learned about the creative process of fragrance, the skill and expertise of bringing an idea to life through scent and how to market a sensory product.  It was very important to us that our candles be made in the U.S and support American jobs.  Because of the support of Oprah Magazine, and CT based outlets such as Greenwich Magazine & CT Cottages & Gardens, who have also featured our candle line, we will be reordering our candles and providing further support of DPM fragrance, who is the last US company to still hand pour their candles (no machines here), each one is unique.  Additionally, our candles are made with a soy wax blend giving them a clean burn, and are featured in a beautiful recycled glass container -- DPM employs more than 100 long term employees at their facility.  A win, win for everyone involved.

When I walk through my store, I see the influence of each one of my jobs over the years and the numerous former colleagues who haved helped me bring my dream to life. You may not see them but they are there.  Perfumers, designers, creative directors, product managers, public relations executives, marketing professionals, journalists, former clients, and more, each one a vital part of The Perfect Provenance.  Being part of a creative community is food for my soul and getting to work with so many long term friends and former colleagues makes my job a pleasure.  Over the coming months, I am going to give a shout out to these individuals through my blog and social media.  

It was a creative and exciting process and we love each scent that we brought to life.  Here is a description of each of the candles featured in the magazine. Check them out if you get a chance.

Sunshine Limone (Lemon Sunshine)

Symrise Perfumers Nathalie Benareau and Christelle Laprade, Symrise 

• Top Note: Italian Lemon, Sparkling Bergamot
• Middle Note: Jasmine Petals, Peach Blossom
• Base Note: Skin Musk, Amberwood, Driftwood
• Hand Poured Soy-based Wax; Recycled Cobalt Blue Glass; Luxurious Wooden Box
• 10 ounces
• Made in the USA
• Approx. 65 hours burn time 
• Each candle comes with a custom Perfect Provenance matchbox
• Featured in the August issue of Oprah Magazine on the O List of products Made in the USA

Sunshine Limone is a part of the Smile Collection that benefits Operation Smile

PROSPÉRITÉ CANDLE 

Sheer bliss awaits with this heavenly scent. Rays of sparkling bergamot and Italian lemon shine through billowy jasmine and peach blossom petals supported by a warm woody back kissed with touches of skin musk.   Sunshine Limone means lemon sunshine in Italian and I love the idea of getting a kiss of sunshine from this fragrance.  I wanted this Smile Collection  product to give people true happiness in their home and I hope they feel that through this fresh, vibrant scent

Symrise Perfumers Nathalie Benareau, Symrise

• Top Note: Mandarin, Italian Lemon, Blood Orange, Eucalyptus 
• Middle Note: Orange Blossom, Golden Honey, Violet, Ginger 
• Base Note: Powdery Clover
• Hand Poured Soy-based Wax; Recycled White Glass; Luxurious Wooden Box
• 10 ounces
• Made in the USA
• Approx. 65 hours burn time 
• Each candle comes with a Perfect Provenance matchbox
• Featured in Oprah Magazine's O List for August

What is Prospérité? To me, it is a life lived fully, peacefully and with generosity.  This candle represents a bounty of energizing citrus notes blend with eucalyptus for an uplifting sensation that dances its way into a radiating bouquet of orange blossom and violet adorned with a drizzle of golden honey and warm ginger.  It is a perfect scent for spring, a time for new beginning, new life and new energy.  

The Perfect Provenance Candles

The Perfect Provenance Opens in Greenwich

Bienvenue Mes Amies!

I am proud to announce the launch of The Perfect Provenance this weekend, a new art inspired, luxury lifestyle store and café located in Greenwich, Connecticut at 47 Arch Street (on the corner of Grigg Street). We are thrilled to introduce our new curated concept store, and we hope you will love as much as we do. Perfect Provenance, which means — a place of origin; especially that of a work of art or archaeological specimen — will seek to discover, share, and exhibit artisan products and designs from around the world.

Our mission is to bring the best of the museum experience to our retail environment and an interactive retail experience to our merchandise. Every 8 to 10 weeks, we will introduce a new exhibition theme inspired by culture, events and people, both past and present. Our store will feature art, home, and men’s and women’s fashion.

Our new café, 47, is led by Chef Arik Bensimon and will feature menus inspired by the current exhibition.

Each of our exhibitions will include an array of antiques, sculpture, photography, fashion, music, and paintings. Like so many people, Paris holds a special place in our hearts. The theme of We’ll Always Have Paris, taken from the classic film Casablanca, really spoke to us creatively. Paris is a place where art, food, fashion, and culture all collide in the most magical way.

This project has been a true labor of love, and represents not just an incredible amount of time, effort and emotion over the past year and a half, but truly represents the entirety of my career.  I have worked hard over the past 25 years in luxury PR, marketing and retail, and so many of my colleagues past and present, have helped me bring this dream to fruition, I could not have done it without them.  I have always dreamed of opening my own store and it is now finally, a reality.  I hope you enjoy it.  Please visit us soon.  We are open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m to 6 p.m.  Our Cafe 47 is open Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  To learn more, visit www.theperfectprovenance.com.

À bientôt.

Lisa Lori

We'll Always Have Paris

(A Preview)

In 1860s Paris, the now famous French poster was born when artist Jules Cheret invented the color technique of lithography that would bring the sights and smells of Paris to life. Soon, Cheret’s work was posted throughout the city, becoming a symbol of one of the art world’s most important innovations. As the posters gained in popularity decade after decade, each generation and artistic movement spread their message through the art form, from the Belle Epoque and Art Deco, to the two World Wars, as well as the Cubists and modern advertising executives.

With this exhibition, we have tried to give you a small window into the vintage poster world, with work that highlights Culture, Travel, Design, Fashion, and Lifestyle. It is a wonderful way to enjoy art but to also take a step back in time.
In addition to vintage posters, we are featuring sculpture, artwork, fashion, and design throughout the exhibit, from important American, French and Connecticut artists and designers. We are proud to have five pieces from American Master Sculptor David Hayes on display inside and outside the store. Each room offers a new opportunity for discovery.

We’ll Always Have Paris is one of the most memorable lines in cinematic history, spoken in the 1942 classic film Casablanca. When cynical ex-pat Rick (Humphrey Bogart) tells his former lover Lisa (Ingrid Bergman), “We’ll always have Paris,” Rick is referring to their brief romance on the eve of World War II — a courtship that ended abruptly with the Nazi invasion of France and the discovery that Lisa’s husband, a presumed dead Resistance fighter, was alive. Rick spoke those romantic words to Lisa in the movie’s final scene, and they have resonated for generations.   WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

Visit us in store to see this and so much more.

My Mother's Spirit

My beautiful mother, Annette Marie Ferenzi DelBeccaro passed away on Thursday, April 29th after a long battle with dementia.  I am reposting this piece I wrote in 2013 for the Huffington Post in her honor.  "A hug is worth more than a million dollars."  xo lisa

LISA LORI

Today, I said goodbye to my 81-year-old mother. As we drove her home from lunch, she asked us where we were going when we turned onto her street, if there was a place for her to stay at her home and finally, she asked me nervously why she is confused most of the time. I know the answers, but could never tell her. She knows who I am and still knows who her grandchildren are, but has forgotten where I live or how old I am. She is alive, but like her mother before her, her spirit is leaving.

For the past 18 months since my father, her husband of more than 60 years, passed away, she has been in an almost reverential fog, unable to comprehend that he died before her. Even my father knew his death would take his feisty and stubborn wife by surprise when he asked my sister in his last week to take care of her. She has never really recovered though, and dementia and the soberness of his death have recently advanced her decline.

Over the past three-and-a-half weeks, my family rented a home in nearby Napa Valley close to her home, specifically so we could spend time with her and so I could share with my family everything I love about where I grew up. Living three thousand miles away from an aging parent is an almost insurmountable obstacle, and I know this luxury time with her will not happen again.

During our short visit with her, my three young sons (9,10 and 12) have encouraged her to eat, held the door open for her, played cards and quizzed her about her life. They have flattered her and hugged her. Like little puppies with endless energy, she has basked in their attention and I’ve been able to witness the gentle young men my boys will one day become. These three boys who are usually bumping into each other like bulls in a china shop sit with her patiently and teach her the rules to tic tac toe. We have come here to make her comfortable, to try and lessen her grief, but she has given us a window to our own future. Like us, she is far away and years away from where she grew up in Chicago and yet, her youth is one of the few things she can recall fondly.

My boys have honored my father’s wishes, made her smile and they have made me proud. When I see her, I am often polluted by my own feelings of missed opportunities between mother and daughter, but my children see none of that, they feel only love. If history is to be repeated and one day I am confused and lose my bearings, I am forewarned. I know that I need to make the most of the here and now. To celebrate the moments of now, to hug my family closely and love deeply, to cherish tradition and pass along every story, recipe and struggle.

This weekend I will fly home from California to Connecticut with my family, not knowing how she will be when I return in five weeks for a quick visit to attend my high school reunion. When I left, she made me promise i will come back. My oldest son hugs her tightly and is afraid to let go. She tells him that hug is worth a million dollars and her caregiver looks as if she will cry. Just last year when we came to visit, my charismatic father died four short weeks later and my sons know this when we leave. We are grateful we left her smiling.

Happy Earth Day!

HAPPY EARTH DAY

You are what you wear. At my company, The Perfect Provenance, we are happy to share the stories behind our designers and partners so that you can be an informed consumer.  Today, to celebrate Earth Day, we want to share the provenance of two of our fashion partners -- San Francisco based Amour Vert -- which literally means Green Love, and our own Smile More tee shirt partner  -- Sonoma based Farm Fresh Clothing Company.  Of course, as a West Coast girl living an East Coast life, I love that these two companies are from my hometown. Enjoy!  www.theperfectprovenance.com

Amour Vert -- San Francisco, California

Born of an elevated global awareness and passion for quality, Amour Vert leads with their heads and hearts to create beautiful products, sustainable practices and supply chain integrity. They believe with our every fibre they are pioneering a considered and sustainable future, having planted almost 100,000 trees through the sales of their just-right tees. Manufactured in America and made from sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and beech wood-derive  modal, they are working towards their mission of every garment creating a cleaner world. 

http://www.theperfectprovenance.com/collections/womens-tops/products/julita-tie-tee-by-amour-vert

• Every stitch has a purpose & every day is Earth day.
• They use non-toxic dye, eco-friendly products
• Amour Vert tee shirts -- they are made from fibers from trees, making them extra soft; but check out all of their styles (pants, dresses, they are all wonderful)
• With every tee-shirt sold Amour Vert plants a tree, they plan to plant 100,000 trees this year.
• Made in USA 
• Learn More About Amour Vert
• 

Farm Fresh Clothing Company -- Smile More Smile Collection Tee Shirts

Our Smile Collection tee shirts for men, women and kids, are 100 percent organic and printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks for an extra soft finish.  All tees are made in California from 100% Organic Cotton.  

• Smile More Design by Luke Lori on front of tee. Smile More logo on back neck of tee. 
• 20 percent of the profit of each shirt will benefit Operation Smile.
• Guaranteed to make you #smilemore

Cugini

DANDY by Tom Elbrecht
Never judge a flower by its bloom. Dandy, she is more than just a weed. Dandy touches everyone she meets with her kindness, generosity, and dreams. 

ROLLIE POLLIE GUACAMOLE by Tom Elbrecht
Two competitive brothers make a brilliant discovery about one another. 

Growing up in a big Italian Catholic family, you grow up with lots of cousins.  The cugini are not just your family, they are your friends, they are home.  Our extended family was often separated by many miles but not in our hearts, both of my parents grew up in Chicago and most of our extended family still live there.  My parents moved a lot when we were growing up as my father moved up the corporate ladder taking them far away from their beloved Chicago. I was born in New York, but raised in Northern California, several of my siblings were each born in a different state from Kentucky to NY.  

My father had one sister -- she had 10 children -- my parents had 8 children so needless to say, that's a lot of cugini!  (of course, that doesn't include my mother's side of the familigia!).  We were all close together in age, because our parents got married very close together in timing. Since both of our families were so big, there weren't many vacations on our schedule but if we did go anywhere it was always to go to Chicago and see our cousins.   We were so close that my cousin Becky and I made a childhood pledge to go to college together and then we actually did it!  We both went to Purdue and I loved every minute of it.  

Our bonds remain so strong that every time we see each other, all of those wonderful childhood memories come back. Becky's brother, my cousin Tom, who lives in Chicago with his family, has written two wonderful children books Dandy & Rollie Pollie Guacamole.  During a recent visit to Chicago, I spoke with him about the books and told him I would love to sell them in my new store.  Tom is a creative, kind soul and you can see that in the stories he tells.

I am so happy to have them available for sale at The Perfect Provenance.  These books are full of positive messages for children and beautifully illustrated, each page a labor of love.  If you are looking for a wonderful children's gift, look no further.  Buy Dandy Here

Have a great weekend.  

Skiing, Smiling, Gaga, Griffin Bear & Plenty of Love

These two need no introduction.

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Park City Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge with my two sons Luke & Griffin.  It was a wonderful weekend full of love and smiles hosted by event chair NBC Entertainment President Jen Salke & her beautiful family. Jen and I have met before through Operation Smile, but this weekend in Park City was a wonderful chance for our two families to get to know each other better.  I also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Kim Rodosky, and her family, who I have also heard so much about.  Flying in to spend the weekend with us, was my co-producer and director, Jen Greenstreet, who I am working with on the upcoming short film Facial Anomalies -- Just Like You films. More on that later...

Dr. Bill Magee with the Salke girls & Luke & Griffin

Hollywood stars who came out to support the weekend,  included Taylor Kinney, Julianne Hough, Evan Ross,Brooke Burke-Charvet, David Charvet, Julie Bowen, Kate Walsh, Lance Bass, Michael Trevino, Ben Feldman and Matt Iseman.  They had a lot of fun when they went head to head with Olympic skiers on the slopes at Utah Olympic Park on March 12, 2015, in several dual ski races to support Operation Smile, while being cheered on by Retta, Jennifer Coolidge, Adam Shankman and Alex Borstein.

Lady Gaga with Luke & Griffin, pretty awesome.

After a day of friendly competition, Iseman, Kinney, and Ross took home championship medals presented to them by  Kate Upton and the always entertaining, Smile Ambassador Whitney Cummings, during a VIP Dinner at Tupelo Restaurant.  Lady Gaga joined fiancé Kinney for the second year in a row, to support his efforts to raise awareness for Operation Smile.  

At the evening event, Junior Event Chair Henry Salke, who was born with a cleft lip, gave a wonderful speech about why helping children less fortunate then him meant so much, followed by a speech by his twin sisters who spoke passionately about their own medical mission experiences. 

Brooke Burke-Charvet and David Charvet, who have also been generous supporters for several years, talked about their recent Mexico mission experience with their children and what it meant to experience giving back for their family.  One aspect of being an Operation Smile supporter that most people often speak about is not just what giving to others does for them, but what Operation Smile has given back to them and their family. Operation Smile is a tight knit group of kind and giving people shepherded by Dr. Bill & Kathy Magee who inspire the best in everyone.

A highlight of the weekend for our family was seeing the love and support given by all of the attendees, and our beautiful Zachary, Luke & Griffin bears distributed to everyone who donated that night.  It is still such a wonderful moment to see how our Three Little Bears have crossed the world helping children and inspiring others to give.  Lady Gaga & Taylor were not only generous, but gracious in their support to the entire Operation Smile family.  It was wonderful for me to personally thank them both for all of the added awareness they have given to our bears and Operation Smile.

To support your favorite celebrity’s personal fundraising efforts, visit www.operationsmile.org/parkcity.or to donate a smile and a bear to a child going into surgery, please visit www.operationsmile.org/bears or you can visit my company's page and support Operation Smile with our Smile Collection -- all of the products benefit Operation Smile at  The Perfect Provenance Smile Collection .

The one & only Lady Gaga with her Griffin bear spreading awareness of our fundraising efforts to give children smiles around the world.  

The Good Rant

Awesome

You know what's awesome about today's world?  You can sit in your family room and write a blog about your life or an article about your experiences, and out there, somewhere, someone reads it and is touched by it.  It can be an individual with a personal story of their own or someone who works at a company that is trying to give back to their community.   They reach out to you and want to connect, maybe to say thank you or to become involved in something that you are involved with.  I am so lucky to get these gestures from friends and strangers, almost always when I least expect it.

That is the awesome power of the written word, the power of the small gesture. We all have the power to do good without even knowing it.  The power to make someone happy without even knowing each other.  It reminds me of the way you feel when someone sends you a beautiful written note to thank you for a gift, or when you get flowers for no reason, from a friend or your spouse.  Why don't we do that more often?  It is those unexpected connections that can be the most meaningful, the small gestures that move us.  Leave the drama to the fame throwers, follow and interact with the artists, the authors, the community members, the teachers, the volunteers, the champions, the people who inspire you with their words, their actions, their deeds.  Give them a rant of encouragement online and offline.  Give the good forward.

I watched 'Jim, the James Foley Story' last night and it is a powerful, powerful story of courage and honor and goodness. Jim, it appears, was not of this world, he had a purity and goodness, that his fellow hostages were and are in awe of. I encourage you to watch the film and reflect as I did about how we can all be more like Jim.  

Have a great weekend.  

Hello San Francisco!

Seems hard to believe but more than 7 years ago, I went to Stephen's Talkhouse in the Hamptons to see Sophie B Hawkins perform.  I met my husband at Stephen's Talkhouse (well technically, I met him on a weekend at a share house that my friend was in, but we didn't really speak until later at Stephen's Talkhouse), so every summer when were dating, and for many years after we were first married, we would go to the Hamptons and always, always stop in for great music at the Talkhouse.

Sophie & Luke at our first Operation Smile party

The night we first heard Sophie sing is one I will never forget.  It wasn't an easy time in our life and we rarely had nights alone together then, but some how we managed to forget our problems and lose ourselves in the music.  A masterful musician and singer, I couldn't believe that we were able to enjoy such talent in such an intimate environment.  I loved her music before I saw her live, but after seeing her in person, I loved her even more.  Sophie is real, she is unscripted, soulful and loves to sing. Something we don't get enough of these days.  

A year or so after we saw her perform, I wanted to host a benefit at my house for Operation Smile and she was the first person I thought of.  The stars aligned and she came and rocked the house. Since then, we have become close, close friends and I adore her.  We've been through a lot together.  I invite you to buy her music at my new company, www.theperfectprovenance.com or to hear her live. You'll see what I mean.  Music has the power to transform us, Sophie is that type of artist.  Happy Valentine's Day.

xo lisa

We're Hiring!

We are now offering a marketing internship for the perfect candidates at my new company The Perfect Provenance.  Communications, English, marketing, arts/design or public fashion majors preferred.  Computer skills, outgoing personality and organizational skills essential. No phone calls please.

Please email resume marketing@theperfectprovenance.com 

Gifts That Give Back

At my new company, The Perfect Provenance (www.theperfectprovenance.com), we make it easy for you to give back now, and all year round.  Give thanks this holiday, with several choices of great gift ideas for everyone on your list,  Give a wonderful gift, and give back to a worthy organization, easy as that.  It is a priority for our company to support local, national and international organizations who are helping those in need.  We will always do our best to source products that represent the best quality and craftsmanship, but we will also, source products ethically and responsibly through fair trade companies that pay fair wages and have responsible working conditions. Our product pricing and sourcing reflects this commitment. Have a wonderful week!

Sunshine Limone Candle The Smile Collection Operation Smile $50.00 Buy Now LSTN Wood Ear Buds Starkey Hearing Foundation $49.99 Buy Now San Francisco Brass Cuff The Caliber Collection $190.00 Buy Now

To learn more about these charities & causes, please visit the product pages that have more information.  Thanks for shopping, please write us at info@theperfectprovenance.com for gift ideas or information about our company. Have a great weekend!