Posts tagged as “Lesa Lakin”

THE GOODS: Gadgets and Goods Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 18, 2015

Today we’ve got gifts we think any teen would appreciate. Yes, that age group can be a little tricky to buy for, but we think we’ve picked some good GOODS. Yes, I will certainly be doing the “gift card” thing… but I like to throw the teenagers off a bit and actually wrap a gift that scores and surprises them.
We’ve compiled a short list of goods they just might like. I’ve certainly got a little perma-teen in me, and I’d love just about any of these…

SKULLCANDY – CRUSHER – $99.99 (some colors on sale 79.99)

We LOVE the way these headphones look and sound. They come in nine stylish color combos. Crusher brings the sound and feeling that you get from sitting front row at a concert. The headphones’ design features a slider to control the bass and customize your music. Dual ear cup articulation and premium materials deliver long-lasting comfort.
http://www.skullcandy.com/headphones/CRUSHER.html?cgid=1000&color=Bunny %20Teal#6lZUfLFXFpvBWuzJ.97
Naughty or Nice Decorative Pillow, 10" x 14" - 100% Bloomingdale's Exclusive

NAUGHTY or NICE DECORATIVE PILLOW, 10″ x 14″ – 100% Bloomingdale’s Exclusive – $70.00 (each)

These Alexandra Ferguson Naughty And Nice Pillows are the perfect fun gift for anyone on your list. These stylish 10”X14” are pretty fun and irresistible. Machine washable.
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/alexandra-ferguson-naughty-or- nice-decorative-pillow-10-x-14-100-bloomingdales- exclusive?ID=1538137&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Home-NA-_- Alexandra%20Ferguson-_- 818635012752USA&catargetid=120156070000345783&cadevice=c

LOGITECH K380 MULTI-DEVICE BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD (Blue) $39.99

This multi-device Bluetooth universal keyboard is simply the best we’ve seen. It can go in between devices with the click of a button (Mac, PC, Tablet, Smartphone). This keyboard gets our vote. Comes in blue & dark grey.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148NPAT0/ref=asc_df_B0148NPAT04049958?smi d=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=cnet-pc-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0148NPAT0
Polaroid 300 Instant Camera

POLAROID 300 INSTANT CAMERA $79.99

Remember instant photography? Well here’s a modern version of the old throwback Polaroid camera. Exceptionally stylish –the Polaroid 300 instant analog camera is beautifully designed and comes in different colors. We LOVE the red. It’s one of the more reasonably-priced instant cameras out there and makes a great gift.
http://www.target.com/p/polaroid-300-instant-camera/-/A-13043100#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=polaroid+300+instant+camera

Film: $16.99 (sold separately)
http://www.target.com/p/polaroid-300-film-10-pack-pif-300/-/A-13042872#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=polaroid+300+instant+camera
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #teens #Polaroid #logitech #skullcandy

THE GOODS: Baby, It’s Doggone Cold Outside– Holiday Gifts for Dogs – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 17, 2015

Every year without fail it takes me a minute to get into the holiday giving spirit. I Scrooge it up until it really hits me that the holidays are coming fast and furious and I’ve got to step on it to make things happen. This year is no exception. I am more likely to sit at a computer and “add to cart” than I am to brave the crowds in search of the perfect gift. Well, that was until it came to choosing an important gift for someone I love… my dog, Charlie (pictured above). No, I am not a crazy dog person (and yes, he’s a rescue)… and no, he doesn’t go everywhere with me. But we do have a mutual respect for one another and bring joy into each other’s lives on a daily basis.
I run with Charlie every morning regardless of the weather. But as the years pass, every winter I’m noticing he and I are not loving the pre-dawn adventures as much. Quite frankly – we are cold! But at least I am bundled… he is not. We used to sort of snub our noses at the little dogs that were geared up in their little outfits. Charlie is big and sturdy… does he really need a dog-semble? Well… he does now… and I’ve found the perfect one.
I searched the brick and mortars, but found one that fits our needs best in the old-school LL Bean catalog. They’ve got some great stuff in there. More choices from their catalog – for humans – coming in a later post. (Get ready – I’m bringing back the flannel nightgown!)

FIELD COAT FOR DOGS $29.95 (sizes small to extra large)

LL Bean offers the original field coat for dogs. This one comes in all sizes and in two colors. It is layered enough to keep the dog warm but it’s not restricting. Great price!
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/51671?page=field-coat-for-dogs?feat=dog%20coats-srrrtop

PET PARKA $24.00

I really love the look of this parka… too bad my dog is too big. They only seem to have it in small – it’s a great color and a GREAT BUY.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83822?feat=sr&term=dog+parka
Holiday Treats:
I’ll probably pop down to Petco and get Charlie some of his favorite cookies, or maybe a couple of doggy cupcakes from Sprinkles… he deserves a little extra snack this season, too!

THE GOODS: Do Some Good, Get Some Good – H&M Garment Collecting – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 16, 2015

Today we are doing the Holiday Gift Guide a little differently. We’d like you to GIVE for sure. But this time how about giving AND helping the planet at the same time?
The picture above is of my father, Dr. Thomas G. Lakin. He was an educator, the first African-American chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District in California, in fact.
He believed whole-heartedly in the art of giving back… that knowledge is power… and that the Earth was ours to protect and nurture. With that instilled in us, my sister decided to do her part in giving back by creating what she hoped would become an online archive of all the great things that African-Americans do. Thus, Good Black News began. And yes, it is great to have a site that only reports on the GOOD we do (because, um…there is a lot of it!)

No doubt Dr. Lakin (if he were still alive) would be really proud of Good Black News. I am, and that is why I help out when time permits. In the photo above, our Dad is wearing a “Funky Planet “ T-shirt from a now-defunct, eco-conscious clothing venture of my sister Lori Lakin Hutcherson and her partners Teddy Tenenbaum and Bill Kuluva (I was the artist). My Dad loved it… and would often be photographed in Funky Planet product since it was “his daughters’” and well, he liked the idea of a cool planet.
Logo of an H and M store pictured in Warsaw

My father was also one of the first guys I knew to get into health food and recycling… and that whole “earthy” thing way before it was the norm. So today, we’d like to help the Earth and get you a little discount on holiday shopping at the same time.
H&M is doing something great for the planet. Bring in your old clothes – no matter what brand or condition. And for every bag you turn in, you get a 15% discount card to be used on any purchase. Its GARMENT COLLECTING initiative earns H&M the proud label of being the first fashion company to collect clothes we no longer want and recycle or repurpose them. And for this we receive a 15% discount! Yep… it’s a Win Win.
For more information:
http://about.hm.com/en/About/sustainability/commitments/reduce-waste/garment-collecting.html
Shop H&M for affordable fashion: http://www.hm.com/us/

THE GOODS: So Good for Her – Target Plus Size Finds – GBN

THE GOODS: So Good for Her – Target Plus Size Finds – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 15, 2015

I’m not one of those types of people who can stay in Target for hours combing through everything. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Target, but shopping there for me is always purposeful. I go early when nobody is there. Pass on the crowds, the parking hustle… “in and out” is my motto. But on the rare occasion when my daughter is home and suggests going to Target, I suck it up and go for the “bonding” time. But it’s usually only ten minutes before she wants to stay and I want to leave.
The other day we ventured out and I’ve got to say, she was relatively quick. She’d only tried to stick a few extra things in my basket (deodorant, razors, toothpaste, a random pair of Little Mermaid pajamas)… okay you’re a college kid… my treat. But then we chose to separate. I went to the travel section and she to electronics. I grabbed my travel accessories in two seconds and she was NOT in the electronics section when I went to find her. The frantic, ignored “Where are you?” texts started poppin’.
Okay, okay, I know… I was with one of those professional Target shoppers and I let her loose. Who can blame her… they’ve got everything. But come on, she has to scour every little inch of the store until I pop and give her the old, ”I’m getting in line and leaving in five minutes with or without you!”? Really? Every time? But this time, I actually got a little sidetracked when I saw a flash of leopard out of the corner of my eye. It called me.

I knew whatever I was seeing was going to be perfect for my mother, the collector of leopard apparel. Eureka! It was a robe… who doesn’t need a leopard robe? (I imagined her saying that after opening her present). And I was thrilled to see that it was in plus size… in fact, I had ventured into the plus-size section and was LOVING what I was seeing. Jackpot! Not only had I nailed the perfect gift for my mother… the robe also came in sizes XS – 3X! I had flashes of being in it on a cold morning with a cup of whatever doing whatever. Thanks for covering all bases, Target. I needed the robe, too. It was somehow chic and I had to have it.

By the time my daughter found me, I had the robe over my clothes looking completely nuts, admiring myself in a column that wasn’t exactly a mirror. But that’s the beauty of Target – nobody really questions or cares. We are all on our individual adventures. I guess it was my turn to be dragged out of Target… but not before seeing some great plus-size finds (and giving my daughter a lecture about driving herself next time)…

WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE COZY ROBE – Gilligan & O’Malley® $27.99

I have a running dialogue with my brother-in-law about women and their animal prints… yeah, we like them… what? This robe is screaming my name. LOVE it! Want it! #leopard
http://www.target.com/p/women-s-plus-size-cozy-robe-gilligan-o-malley/-/A- 21552899

PLUS SIZE LONG SLEEVE KNIT TOP – Lily Star -$19.99

This lightweight sweater is a cool find that makes for a nice, reasonably-priced gift.
http://www.target.com/p/plus-size-long-sleeve-knit-top-lily-star/-/A- 46783683#prodSlot=large_6_26&term=plus+size+women
Women's Plus Size Flannel Pajama Set - Nick & Nora®

WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE FLANNEL PAJAMA SET – Nick & Nora® $32.99

Every year, I ask for a new pair of pajamas and I make it super easy. “Please get me Nick & Nora p.j.’s from Target.” But without fail, I amend my list because I really don’t like being cold and I get my own way before Christmas rolls around. Great buy and they last a long time. They come in sizes XS – 3X. Highly recommend. Great gift.
http://www.target.com/p/women-s-plus-size-flannel-pajama-set-nick-nora/-/A-46796401

WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE FAUX LEATHER SWEATER JACKET – U-Knit $63.00

It’s still in! Faux fur. This vest gives a special touch with leather accents.
http://www.target.com/p/women-s-plus-size-faux-leather-sweater-jacket-u-knit/-/A-50087805#prodSlot=large_4_4&term=plus+size+women
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #PlusSize #Target

THE GOODS: Party Season with Banana Republic – Gift Ideas – GBN

THE GOODS: Party Season with Banana Republic – Gift Ideas – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 14, 2015

It’s holiday party season and we found a few reasonably-priced items from a store I hadn’t been in for quite some time. No reason in particular… Banana Republic has just never really been my speed (a little conservative – or so I thought). But when I walked in, I was surprised by how far Banana Republic had come.
Full disclosure – I was in there trying to exchange a birthday gift. And after my no-nonsense return haggle… I really looked around and boy, was I pleasantly impressed. Yes, you can still find and always will find classic and conservative pieces, but there are also edgier, fun pieces throughout the store.
First, I have to commend Banana Republic on the store lighting. It looked great in there. Good enough for the woman “on day five” of her facial peel to take her glasses off and sit next to me to try on shoes. She’d made the assumption I was staring at her face. I wasn’t – I was looking at the shoes in her hand – but I was happy she was comfortable enough to sit with me and explain what the big black spots on her cheeks were. Banana Republic actually felt very warm and friendly.
I was shown the following pieces and I gotta say… I bought myself a few things. Sales are going on now and there are some serious on-line and in-store bargains to be had:

Braided Chain Line Bracelet - Banana Republic

BRAIDED CHAIN LINE BRACELET $58.00

Not everyone is a jewelry person… but here’s an easy piece even jewelry lovers may want. It’s a great bracelet to spark up any outfit.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=13896&vid=1&pid=175220002
Faux-Fur Trim Open Sweater Vest - Banana Republic

FAUX-FUR TRIM OPEN SWEATER VEST $78.00

A young saleswoman looked at me and in whisper tones she said, “I have something you will appreciate. Not everyone gets it, but I know you will.” Even if it was a hustle, I bought it. She had me because she liked my style. She was right… I got it and I like it! Look, sometimes I like to save my faux fur for my Vegas trips… but other days I’m in my faux fur, T-shirts and jeans and shopping at Whole Foods. This piece isn’t your average vest… it’s different and special!
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=724045002
Daphne Lace-Up Bootie - Banana Republic

DAPHNE LACE-UP BOOTIE $148.00 (Check in-store I got these for 60% off)

While these camo booties may not be the most practical choice, they are certainly a fun wardrobe addition. I have no idea where or when I am wearing them, but I know it will be a good fashion moment.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=33942&vid=1&pid=722248012
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #holidaygiftideas #women’sfashion #bananarepublic

THE GOODS – Holiday Gifts GAP for Kids – GIRLS – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 13, 2015

Today we are going back to the GAP in search of the perfect gift for GIRLS. There is just so much to choose from, and so many deals to be had. We’ve found some good ones.
Take it from me, it’s not always easy to pick for a girl with her own very distinct sense of style… but cute is cute… PERIOD. We’ve taken a stab at finding some things she may enjoy.
Here are a few of our affordable finds…

HAPPY FACE POM-POM BEANIE $13.56 (on sale)

It’s cheeky, fun, and we LOVE it. It’s the fun-colored beanie for the youngster that likes a smile.

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=695379002

Embellished love sweater dress - The Gap

EMBELLISHED LOVE SWEATER DRESS $35.96 (on sale)

This cute message dress has just the right combination of comfort and fun.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=684340002
Shine long tie-belt puffer - The Gap

SHINE LONG TIE-BELT PUFFER $73.99 (on sale)

I want one! This classic puffer has a sophisticated feel, but it is still kid friendly enough to make a statement. Comes in a matte putty color as well.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1039255&vid=1&pid=678112002

THE GOODS: Festive Affordable Holiday Gift Picks – GAP – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 12, 2015

This year give the gift of peace and love with the cozy beanies we found at the GAP. Affordable and practical these hats make for great gifts. I LOVE the LOVE hat!
Also we found sweaters on sale now. Have you checked out the GAP lately? There seems to be a sale every time I blink. They’ve got great things right now, so don’t miss out. Here are a few of our finds….

WORD LOGO POM-POM BEANIE $24.95

No one can argue that we don’t need a little more peace and love in our lives. These beanies make for great gifts.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=721218032
Floral jacquard pullover sweater

FLORAL JACQUARD PULLOVER SWEATER $29.97

On sale now, this 100% cotton floral sweater is a great buy.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1026493&vid=1&pid=529088002
Slim cropped pants (in garnet)

SLIM CROPPED PANTS (IN GARNET) $41.96

These stretch double weave pants in garnet are perfect for any festive occasion.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1011765&vid=1&pid=112329052
#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #gap

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

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

By goodblacknews on December 11, 2015

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) $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 $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 $27.14

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

http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wheels-Darth-Vader- Vehicle/dp/B00WU39GW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449885921&sr=8- 1&keywords=star+wars+remote+control+rc+car

#GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #StarWars

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

By goodblacknews on December 10, 2015

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

MIMOSA & CARDAMOM HOME CANDLE $65.00

http://www.jomalone.com/product/3567/37447/Most-Loved/Mimosa- Cardamom-Home-Candle
Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Room Spray

LIME BASIL & MANDARIN SCENT SURROUND ROOM SPRAY $65.00

http://www.jomalone.com/product/3567/22239/Most-Loved/Lime-Basil-Mandarin-Scent-Surround-Room-Spray
Check out more Jo Malone favorites:
http://www.jomalone.com/products/3567/Most-Loved

http://www.jomalone.com/most-coveted

THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Him – Superdry – GBN

By goodblacknews on December 9, 2015

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.

TRACKSTER TRACK TOP USD $79.50

http://www.superdry.com/us/mens/whats-hot/details/57291/trackster-track-top
unnamed-6

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

Posts tagged as “Lesa Lakin”

THE GOODS: Gadgets and Goods Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens – GBN

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THE GOODS: Baby, It’s Doggone Cold Outside– Holiday Gifts for Dogs – GBN

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THE GOODS: Do Some Good, Get Some Good – H&M Garment Collecting – GBN

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THE GOODS: So Good for Her – Target Plus Size Finds – GBN

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THE GOODS: Party Season with Banana Republic – Gift Ideas – GBN

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THE GOODS – Holiday Gifts GAP for Kids – GIRLS – GBN

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THE GOODS: Festive Affordable Holiday Gift Picks – GAP – GBN

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

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

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THE GOODS: Holiday Gifts for Him – Superdry – GBN

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Posts tagged as “Lesa Lakin”

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