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Posts published in “Holidays”

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Ideas – Star Wars Themed – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

This holiday season, awaken the force with Star Wars-themed gifts. Star Wars opens  midnight December 17th, so why not give the gift of Galactic-themed products.
I remember loving Star Wars back in the day. My mom took my sister and I, and it was more than magical. Admittedly, I went kicking and screaming and had no interest in seeing the film, but by the time we got to the parking lot when it was over, I was begging to see it again and acting out every part I could remember. No doubt all generations will love Episode VII.
We’ve found a few items that the child and sci-fi fanatic in all of us might enjoy.
Star Wars The Black Series 6 Inch Finn (Jakku)

STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES 6 INCH FINN (JAKKU) $14.95

This Finn figure is sure to be a hit. Finn is described to be a trained warrior escaping his past. His adventures drive him down an heroic yet dangerous path.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SD8I0SK/ref=s9_acsd_al_bw_sfg_r0_1_t? pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search- 4&pf_rd_r=1EPPRYKCS8E2DDKVS677&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2328311462&pf_rd_i =9059017011
 

LEGO® Star Wars Millennium Falcon

LEGO® STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON $149.99

Aim for the stars with the Millennium Falcon, featuring streamlined design, detachable cockpit, spring-loaded shooter, holo-chess board and lots more.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=54946986&cp=&parentPage=search

Hot Wheels R/C Star Wars Darth Vader Vehicle

HOT WHEELS R/C STAR WARS DARTH VADER VEHICLE $27.14

Star Wars and Hot Wheels team up for the galaxy’s most powerful villain in vehicle form.

#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #StarWars

THE GOODS: Fragrant Holiday Gifts- SMELL SO GOOD – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrances for bath, body and home.  Jo Malone’s origins are often told to have began when founder Jo Malone first blended oils in her kitchen.
Her first scent was nutmeg and ginger – created as a bath oil gift for a small group of skin care clients.  The response was overwhelming.
Today, Jo Malone is a global luxury lifestyle brand. It’s always a safe bet during this holiday season.

Jo Malone Bath & Body Collection
BATH & BODY COLLECTION $65.00

http://www.jomalone.com/product/12032/38351/Gifts/Gift-Sets/Bath-Body- Collection

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Him – Superdry – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

Superdry is an exciting brand that offers high-quality products that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style.
The pieces are unique, fun and super comfy. Here are a couple of gift picks for him.
 

GEL TARP LAPTOP BAG USD $69.50

http://www.superdry.com/us/mens/bags/details/57246/gel-tarp-laptop-bag
Check out the entire online selection here:
http://www.superdry.com/us/
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #superdry

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts That Do Some Good – (RED) – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

This holiday season, why not do some good and purchase (RED) products. (RED) was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 with a simple mission to fight AIDS and an ultimate goal of an AIDS-free generation. Through the years, companies have partnered with (RED) to offer great products. When we buy these products, 100% of the money goes directly to work in the fight against AIDS.
Throughout the past decade, (RED) has raised $320 million… but more can be raised and hopefully an AIDS-free generation is coming…  This year why not give the gift that helps save a life.

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SUGA (RED) LIP TREATMENT SPF 22.50

Gimme some suga! A limited-edition Sugar Lip Treatment wrapped in red to support the fight against AIDS. Can’t think of a better stocking stuffer.
Gap X (RED) T

GAP X (RED) WORD CREW TEE $29. 95

Mens:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=1997410020002&cid=1046545
Women’s:
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=199742002
For all (RED) products click here: https://red.org/products/
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #(RED) #TheGap #Suga(RED)LipTreatment

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Hosts Celebration to Make Sure Prisoners' Kids Have a Christmas

(L to R) Dawn Wilson-Clark of Detroit who plays Kuddles the Clown works at painting the face of Ramiyah Johnson, 5 of Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. (Photo: Eric Seals Detroit Free Press)
(L to R) Dawn Wilson-Clark of Detroit who plays Kuddles the Clown works at painting the face of Ramiyah Johnson, 5 of Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. (Photo: Eric Seals Detroit Free Press)

Three dozen Detroit kids with a parent in prison got a special day of their own Saturday, as members of a local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority presented them with gifts and goodies arranged through a national group that focuses on redemption and healing for offenders and their families.
For the fifth year, the women of the Redford-based Tau Alpha Omega chapter of AKA hosted a Christmas celebration for children, complete with visits with Santa Claus and Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot. Kuddles the Clown painted faces and made balloon animals for the kids.
Sorority members also purchased gifts for the children, working with their caregivers to determine what clothing and toys each child wanted most. The gifts, which the children and their families take home to open on Christmas, come with a message from the incarcerated parent. It’s a way for the children to know they’ve not been forgotten by that parent and are loved.
Doris Pickett brought two grandchildren to the party, Raekwon Mitchell, 9, and Ramiya Johnson, 5.

“They look forward to it every year,” Pickett said as the kids made crafts together before lunch and Santa’s arrival. “We’re just trying to make sure the kids have a good time.”
Asked what his favorite part of the day was, Raekwon couldn’t pick just one. “I like everything,” he said.
The sorority arranges the party and gifts through the Angel Tree program of the Prison Fellowship, a Virginia-based nonprofit that provides assistance for the families of prisoners nationwide. The group estimates there are 2.7 million children in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent.
The festive atmosphere Saturday in a banquet room at the Hotel St. Regis in the New Center area — including a meal of hot dogs, chips, cookies and other goodies — is meant to give the children an afternoon of joy. They’re given Christmas-themed pages to color with markers and colored pens, plus crafts to make gingerbread men and other decorations.
“We don’t want it to be a handout,” said Tau Alpha Omega chapter president Starlett Burrell of Southfield. “We want it to be a celebration.”

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Her – Rings – GBN

lesascarf062016
Lesa Lakin

It’s Day 7 and today we bring you rings for her. These picks are pure fun. Personally, I got into the jewelry game when a co-worker rolled into work after recovering from a reaction to her stronger-than-usual, recent facial peel. I know, I know… you’re rolling your eyes. But let’s not judge… she looked really great after she finally healed. She just had no idea her recovery time would take her into actual workdays.
So there she was peeling and with barely any make-up on, but with a big necklace, earrings and a conversation-starting ring. When I commented on her ring, she gave me a smile and simply said, “Thank you. I tried.” It is still a moment that tickles me. We found a couple of conversation starters…
Gus & Al Silver ‘Smile’ Ring

GUS & Al SILVER ‘SMILE’ RING $150.00

Lately I have been really liking that the magazine business has gotten into bringing us their direct picks, shopping guides and quick links via email and apps. I was roaming through Harper Bazaar’s finds and couldn’t resist the iconic smiley face in a ring.

Bauble Bar Band Ring

BAUBLE BAR BAND RING $72.00

Can’t go wrong with a personalized band ring. Comes in sterling silver or 14k gold plated sterling silver (for an additional 10.00)
http://www.baublebar.com/band-ring-gold.html
#GBN  #goodblacknews.org  #giftideas  #baublebar  #women’srings 

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Guide Day 6 – Graphic T-shirts for Men – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

Today we have men’s graphic t-shirts to recommend.  Yes, T-shirts can sometimes be just an “easy” gift… so if you’re giving one, why not make it special?
Here are a couple of picks that may just make him smile.
 
Rag & Bone Nevermind T

RAG & BONE NEVER MIND GRAPHIC KNIT TEE $71.00

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Rag-Bone-Nevermind-Graphic-Knit-Tee- White/prod182630016___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fcategory.s ervice%253FNtt%253Drag%252B%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30% 2526refinements%253D&grpId=prod182630016&eItemId=prod179960304&cmCa t=search&focusProductId=prod179960304
This shirt made me chuckle. Mostly because… well, it’s just funny.  But it’s also Rag & Bone, so it’s well made, fashionable and will last a while. This is one of my favorite brands. This shirt sold out on the Rag & Bone site, but I found this shirt a few other places. Neiman’s seems to have the most sizes still available. Get it before they are sold out too.
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RAG & BONE ‘JAXX’ RINGER TEE $95.00

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rag-bone-jaxx-ringer-tee/4180215?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2011

Rag & Bone does a spin on the classic ringer tee and we love it.  True to size, this shirt is cut slim for a perfect fit. The texture and design make for a not so expected basic T-shirt. He’ll love it.
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #rag&bone #men’s graphic T

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Her – T by Alexander Wang – GBN

Lesa Lakin*
Lesa Lakin*

It’s Day 5 of our holiday selects. Today we’ve got choices that are SO GOOD. Alexander Wang’s secondary line T by Alexander Wang offers affordable designer picks.
It’s holiday party season and either of these picks can be dressed up or down. I’ve got the dress in black and I’ll be getting the grey.
The fabrics are soft and lightweight enough to pack if you’re headed on a holiday this holiday season. Check out this easy dress and must-have top.
 

Midi Dress T by Alexander Wang

T by Alexander Wang
STRAPPY STRETCH MIDI DRESS, HEATHER GREY $145.00

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/T-by-Alexander-Wang-Strappy-Stretch-Midi- Dress-Heather-Gray-t-by-alexander- wang/prod114450010___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp %253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dt%252Bby%252Balexander%252Bwang%2526 _requestid%253D73990&eItemId=prod114450010&cmCat=search
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CIRCLE CUTOUT SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY TEE $185.00

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/t-by-alexander-wang-circle-cutout-short-sleeve- jersey-tee/4202302?origin=shoppingbag
This is on my “have to have it” list. It’s a great throw-on-and-go piece. Wear with just a bra for a peek of skin or a full camisole. Love it! Want it!

*Lesa is wearing T by Alexander Wang (dress in black) & an old hat her mother found during her travels.
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #TbyAlexanderWang

THE GOODS: Holiday Gift Ideas – Streetwear for Him – GBN

Lesa Lakin
Lesa Lakin

It’s Day 4 of our Holiday Gift picks, and today we bring you streetwear for him with a few finds from Supreme New York.
With their limited editions and cool sensibility and amazing collaborations (musicians, artists, cool kids. etc), this brand takes risks while never really losing their O.G. sense of style and skate shop appeal. I’ve been a fan for years…
 
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Many years ago on a trip East, my friend asked me to meet him at the NY Supreme store. I’d never been… and had no idea what it was. Since he was an “always late” type and it was cold outside, I ducked in without him. I took probably three steps inside and stopped in my tracks. I froze. There was a lot going on in the store. It wasn’t sensory overload or lack of interest or apathy that stopped me suddenly… it was something else. The sales person smiled and seemed to understand what was happening since my smile was ear-to-ear as I bopped to the music the more my head spun around to take it all in. That feeling I had I get rarely… my expectations were surpassed and the repressed art kid in me came out. I sighed. I knew I might need another suitcase because I was about to blow up my credit card.
I’d found everything I wanted to find in a store. Items I HAD to have or figure out how to get. They had everything I loved about the ease and coolness of streetwear. Yes, Supreme is NY skate culture heavy, and riddled with youthful creativity and amazing limited editions… but it also understands trends vs. THIS IS JUST WHO I AM. And it’s remarkably timeless. Bottom line… it’s wearable art. And if you’re lucky you can snag some. Items sell out fast (so fast that I’m sure as I’m writing items are getting snagged up) so check on-line and in stores.
Here are a few things we’re loving:
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ARGYLE CREWNECK SWEATER $148.00, DOWNHILL BEANIE $32.00
UPTOWN DOWN PARKA $468, COMME DES GARCONS TIMBERLAND 6.1 INCH BOOTS $238.00

Check out all the items: http://www.supremenewyork.com/shop/all
About Supreme: http://www.supremenewyork.com/about
#GBN #giftideas #goodblacknews.org #supremenewyork

THE GOODS: For All – Holiday Gift Ideas / Flannel – GBN

Lesa Lakin GBN/The Goods Lifestyle
Lesa Lakin*

Today we’ve got goods for all. Nothing beats a laid back flannel/plaid for an instant look that may not be as haphazardly casual as you think. I found that out when I slipped on this top (pictured) sort of in a panic.
One of my sisters was stopping by my house on one of those middle-of-the-week /middle-of-the-day “Why aren’t we at work?” days. Because she hassles me sometimes about my “house outfits,” I actually hustled and changed the minute I heard she was on her way. Admittedly, I can come up with some seriously “eclectic” house roaming outfits. My son calls them my “behind the scenes” looks. I laugh every time because I do know better, I just don’t really care all the time.
That day I was wearing an old school Batman & Robin T-shirt and some loud patterned sweatpants. Whatever… I was at home, but I certainly wasn’t in the mood to hear the light criticism only a sister can deliver. So I tried a little before she arrived. I grabbed my jeans and this H&M flannel. Besides, I had a lunch date that day, so I figured I’d try at least a little. I was shocked by the immediate compliment my sister gave me. In fact, she wanted one. Okay!
Then, as I was walking her out, my actress neighbor stopped to comment on my “super cute” look. Huh? It’s just a flannel shirt. It wasn’t like it was my Isabel Marant one, and I wasn’t even fully styled. This was my new, reasonably priced find I thought might be cute open with a rocker tee or tank underneath. But I  didn’t really do the whole styled look… just grabbed it and put it on. I get it… it was better than the sweats I’ve been shuffling around in on my off days. Yes, a flannel (if styled correctly) can be dressed up.
Now, I’m not talking the grunge look of yesterday… but the new “flannels” (I put them in quotes because we are really talking plaids and material). Yes, they are different, but for some reason people seem to think they are synonymous. They are not. My kids’ school uniforms were plaid (a pattern) – my pajamas are flannel (material).
The pattern is a classic and the colors can be fun. For today’s gift choices, I will call them all flannels (you get it). The price of these H&M finds & styles are certainly right and make for a gift that might just give a little more than the wearer expects. Lightweight & heavier weights available. unnamed-4