Gifts the Really Give

This year I wanted to do something different for my family. Thankfully, they are all doing well and really don't desperately need anything. However, I do love giving gifts and every year I go the distance the give the best presents I can. This year I decided to give gifts that really give.

I created each member a handmade ornament they can hang on their tree and included a note saying I donated to charity in their honor. There were 12 charities in total I chose, each were relative to the family member. For example, my cousin Alexandra is a vegetarian and animal advocate, like me, so I donated to In Defense of Animals in honor of her.

Here are the charities I chose to help this year:

Books for Africa
Food for the Poor
Little Kids Rock
Cell Phones for Soldiers
Meals on Wheels
Arbor Day.org
Create Now
ASPCA
In Defense of Animals
Rescue Gifts
National Association of the Deaf
Feel Good Foundation - No Responders Left Behind

They all loved their gifts and appreciated the thought behind them. Now they have a unique ornament to hang on their trees and remember all the people they have helped this special Christmas :) I recommend this to anyone who wants to really make a difference on the holidays. As long as you create a beautiful package and a little something for the receiver to remember the donation, it will never be forgotten.

Shop and Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Here are some cute items you can purchase and help the fight against breast cancer in the process. But get shopping because most of the charitable donations will end at the end of the month! Check them out.

EarthLust
I love this bottle! For $18 you get a 20 oz stainless steel bottle with an adorable heart design on the front. I really like its watercolor feel and love that its totally green. For every bottle that sells EarthLust will donate 50% of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. They also have tons of other beautiful bottles that are worth checking out.



Lacoste Pink Croc Collection
This small collection features everything from bags to sneakers so I am sure you will find something you like. Lacoste will donate 10% of the retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Here are a couple of Revolt picks.



The Republic of Tea Sip for the Cure Collection
This all natural tea comes in many flavors so get a few and share. For each sale, $1 will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The have also stated their minimum donation will be $100,00! So cool. Here are some I think sound good.



Opi Pink of Hears 2010 Edition
This beautiful color pink is the official choice for Opi's cancer support campaign this year. The polish contains no DBP, toluene or formaldehyde which is a pretty nice deal. The bottle is $9 and the company will make a $25,000 donation to help breast cancer.

We All Have the Power

I was watching Oprah yesterday and I was surprised and ecstatic when guest Will I Am paid off the mortgages of two families homes. With his own money! Then after listening to him talk I wasn't so surprised because deep inside this is what I expect from people who have large salaries. The entertainment industry is a vessel for all of us to step out of life and be somewhere else. Whether its music, a film, a book or a painting they all are amazing gifts that were born from creativity, inspiration and love. Three things that should be ruling the planet. Instead we have greed, selfishness and ignorance leading the way and its taking us nowhere. The fact of the matter is, people should not be making millions or even billions on anything! I don't care how hard you work. No one works that hard to earn that kind of money. Once people have that much they just want more of it. How disgusting can you be? I can't imagine living a lifestyle that needs to be supported by thousands of dollars. You do not need this to survive.

Will I Am is doing what I feel everyone with large salaries should do. Share it with the world and do some good. Will states that sure its good to raise money for charities but why not use his own money when he has it. Exactly! There are so many people who don't have jobs and can't provide for their families and its so sad. These are the people that know how to work for their money. Normal people trying their best to survive. Not trying their best to buy a $1,000 bag or a pair of shoes! That alone would pay 1/4 of my debt. It is so ridiculous. I really think that once you hit a certain mark with income you should get taxed a percentage that will go to people and businesses in need. This is what keeps the world spinning. We need to stick together and be a team. Isn't that what America is all about? Oh I forgot, its about money, houses, expensive clothes, plastic surgery, killing animals, destroying the Earth and having power over everyone else. This is what America has become people. It kills me to live among such atrocity.

Being an artist I understand first hand how hard it is to live life with not enough finances. Having a single mother growing up I did not have everything I wanted nor was I spoiled. I had what I needed to survive and sometimes extra because I had an amazing family who helped us. Because of this upbringing I learned that money isn't everything. It is here to help up move forward and have a stable life but it is not intended to bring power and superiority. It is just paper! I have always been a creative person so being an artist is what I was born to be. No questions asked. I knew when I was a child I was destined to do great things. Whatever stage of my life I was in I took the time to help people when they needed it and be there for others so they could have a friend, a listener or advice. My soul was always dedicated to communicating with other living creatures so harmony and stability can remain.

Now that I am 30, I look back on my life and see that as I evolved into who I am today, I grew into something better. Better for myself, my friends and family and the people that I can help. I have been through a lot in my time so why not share my experiences with others. Sharing is the key to healthy relationships. We need to share happiness, love, advice, knowledge, inspiration, creativity...the list goes on and on. We as Earthlings need these things to survive! It is in our blood. Humans and animals a like...this is how we are all the same. We see, feel, touch, hear and taste the same. We are alive and none of us have the right to take that gift away from anyone or anything.

My boyfriend and I may struggle with money but we still have a beautiful home, a lovable dog, a great amount of family and friends and each other. In other words, everything we need. And while saving for a house seems nearly impossible we still have hopes and dreams for the future. In between the bills and job searching, there is always room for lending a hand. This is why I started Revolt. For all of you. I have the ability to gather information that may be useful to all of you so why not share it. I use my time and money to build a platform for all to learn, share and gain better perspectives on life. Most of all, I use my heart. I live to do this, period. I always have and always will. When I am passionate about something I go all the way with it. At least as far as I can go with what I have at the moment! I live to make this planet a better place to live. I live to share what I know and help all living creatures make better choices and see the important things in life. The things that matter. I live to not only dream but to inspire others to do so as well.

It makes me so happy to know that there are people like Will out there making a difference. I know there are a lot out there who share and give their time to help others. We just need more! America needs to take a good look at itself and put its priorities in order because right now they are not where they should be, at all. We can all make a difference. If you think that by you doing something positive it won't change anything, you are wrong. Just think of how many people think like that. Nothing will ever change. We need to all do something! The real problem is people are not aware of the damage that is being done. They are suffocated by society and power. They are bogged down by money and greed. They are crawling because they are uneducated and homeless. If everyone was to do their part this would change. We all have the power to share. Let's show the world we can.

Five Important Organizations

There are a lot of crazy things happening in the world today. The war as we know it seems never ending and there are a lot of things we wish we could close our eyes to. Honestly, I wish they weren’t happening either but they are. Its 2010 and I am disgusted and saddened that certain issues are still not resolved. The behavior of many people in this country embarrass me as well. I feel that everyone is able to make a difference in the world if they unite and fight for what they believe in. My hope still remains in the American people to stand up, speak up and evolve for change. We need to remain strong and positive so that this country doesn’t sink into the depths of darkness. A place where greed, control and power reign. Keep your eyes open and do your research. This is our country. Our beautiful Earth. We need to appreciate our natural resources and all living creatures. Now is the time to be serious and make things happen!

Here are five organizations that are working hard to make a difference!

CHARITY: WATER
This non-profit organization is really making a difference that counts. It helps to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Having clean water is so important and every person on this planet should not be without it. On their website you can donate money to give water and build wells where they are needed. Just $20 can give one person safe drinking water for 20 years!



CITY HARVEST: NYC
For more than 25 years this organization is the first to dedicate its services to food rescue. It collects millions of pounds of food from restaurants, grocers, farms and other segments of the food industry and delivers it to over 600 community food programs throughout the city. For free! There are more than 1.5 million New Yorkers living in poverty and City Harvest feeds over 260,000 of them each week. Thats what I call making a difference! Do your part by donating funds or food or even better, volunteer your time. The more volunteers there are, the more money City Harvest saves. Which means more hungry people get fed!



GREEN FOR ALL
This national organization has a mission to build a green economy that is strong enough to lift people out of poverty. They work hard to create programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in the green industry. They have the right idea! I encourage you to go to their website and read up on what they do and how they do it. What you can do is get involved. They have tons of information and resources to get you started.



WAKE UP WALMART
This website is the battleground to fight back against Walmart. It includes facts, resources and information on the war against the largest retailer in the world. Their dirty list goes on and on and only gets worse. WIth issues like worker rights and wages, a horrible health care plan, slacking in security, product imports, law violations and negative community impact there is no surprise as to why people are fighting to change the system. This company is a pure example of what happens when greed and power get out of control. Shopping there and working there supports this behavior and it has got to stop! Not to mention, all our tax dollars going down the drain. Like we need any more of our money going to waste. You can thank Walmart for that too! Join the movement and spread the word. This will only help your community and make the world a better place!



PETA
If you haven’t heard of Peta than its time to wake up! This organization is the biggest animal rights group in the world. With more than 2 million members and supporters it continues to fight for the ethical treatment of animals and where they suffer the most: on factory farms, in laboratories and the fashion/entertainment industry. If you believe that animals have the right to live and shouldn’t suffer than check out Peta’s website and take a look around. There is so much to read and look at you will be overwhelmed so take your time. Help support animal rights and become a member today. For a small donation you can help Peta fight for suffering animals and make this world a better place to live in. Plus, you receive a welcome pack and their quarterly magazine, Animal Times. If you have a voice and want to be heard than get involved and help end cruelty to all animals!



These, among others, are great ways to make a difference in your lives as well as everyone around you. We all want to have a great 2010. In order for that to be successful we need to do the right thing. Don’t you think its time?

Recycle and Reuse

We all have stuff we don't need or want anymore. Why throw it out when there are plenty of people out there that could use it. Just because something may be garbage to you doesn't mean it is to someone else. I always think of where my stuff is going. Besides recycling paper, plastic and aluminum everything else in your home has a place it belongs as well. Giving to charities and goodwill is a great way to add good karma to your belt but always ask your friends or family if they need anything you are getting rid of too. You never know, that plaid shirt you outgrew might look great on your little cousin!

Here are some places you can check out for all your "getting rid of" needs. Remember, there is always a place for your trash and it's not the garbage!

Clothes & Shoes

- If you have old work clothes you don't need anymore or outgrew some of your business gear donate them to people who don't have the money to buy them. Dress for Success helps women around the world look professional on job interviews and Clothes The Deal takes garments and gives them to individuals who can't afford them. Another good organization to look into is Career Gear. They help men look good on their interviews and hopefully get the job!

- For all you ladies out there that are planning on throwing out a dress you aren't into anymore, think again. Visit Donate My Dress and help other girls look beautiful. Whether its an old prom dress or just a simple summer dress all is welcome. Also, check out the Princess Project. Their website is so cute!

- We all grow out of sneakers and even though some may not be worn out we still get rid of them. If you are like me than you tend to buy shoes, never wear them and get rid of them when they are brand new! There are so many people out there who can use a pair of kicks so lend a hand and share the goods. Nike is doing a great thing with their Reuse-A-Shoe program. They take old sneakers and recycle them to help make playgrounds, basketball courts and other sport related surfaces. For more information go to Nike. One World Running and Soles 4 Souls give people in need something to wear on their feet. You can also purchase a pair of kicks at Tom's Shoes and they will donate a pair to children you don't have any.

- Everyone outgrows their coats. Just think of all the jackets your kids go through! The organization, One Warm Coat, is working hard to make sure that everyone has one. Go to their site and find a local coat drive so you can help. Now I hate fur coats for many reasons. The main one being a number of animals suffered for it. If you have one or inherited one donate it to the Humane Society. Their Coats for Cubs program helps orphaned and ingured animals in sanctuaries by giving them comfort. I would say burn it but if it will help animals than that is the better choice!

You can also go to Pick Up Please and they will come to your house and pick up clothes you want to donate for free. It can't be easier than that!

Electronics

- For all you photographers out there donate an old camera to the Kid Camera Project and they will help kids in New Orleans through art therapy. What a great idea! You can also give old cameras to Global Classroom Connection and they will donate them to schools all over the world. Just make sure it still works! If you include your email address they will even send you a photo of the children who received your gift. Now that is awesome. You can also check out Picture Tomorrow and Kids with Cameras.

- If you have an old computer you want to donate visit the World Computer Exchange and you can help developing countries become more educated about technology. Another company, NextStep, recycles old computers by reusing them. They have helped to recycle more than 6 million pounds of waste so far! Through the Recycling Network you can pick who you want to donate to which is pretty cool. Some companies offer free recycling as well. If you buy a computer from Apple, which I recommend that you do, they will recycle your old one at no charge whether its a PC or Mac. They will also do it for a $30 fee if you don't buy a computer. Dell will recycle any of their products for free and there are Sony drop off centers that you can leave your old large Sony electronics.

- Now that everyone has an IPod what do you do with all those cds? You can send them to Discs For Dogs who will resell them and give all profits to the SPCA and help toward the prevention of cruelty to animals. I like that idea! You can also send them to Green Disk, CD Recycling Center of America or make something cool out of them.

- Cell phones are always replaced so there is no excuse not to donate them or recycle them properly. If you go to Collective Good you can pick from a number of charities where you want it donated to. Also, go to Recycle My Cell Phone, Cell Phones for Soldiers and American Cell Phone Drive.

- If you have mp3 players to recycle send them to Recycle for Breast Cancer. They will take all kinds of electronics and they give ou prepaid shipping labels.

Also, check out Recycling for Charities and Gizmodo and to get cash for your electronics go to Gazelle, Youre New, Buy My Tronics and Next Worth. Keep an eye out for a new "Mail Back" program by the United Postal Service. They provide free envelopes for the item you are recycling and makes sure it goes to the right place. Although, it is only in 2 states right now there is word it will spread so cross your fingers!

Everything Else

- How many of you have an old bike just sitting in the garage or the shed out back? Well, the International Bike Fund is where you can find many places to recycle it. You can also visit Recycle a Bicycle.

- I have so many books that I haven't even read them all. Being a collector I will not give them up. But there are some that I just don't need. I am sure you all have some that you can give away too. If its children's books you are ready to donate than go to Book Ends. They accept kids books and give them to schools in Los Angeles. Books For Africa and The Global Book Exchange sends books worldwide. If you want to sell them you can try Amazon, Cash 4 Books, Textbook Wheel and Book Scouter.

- There are a number of charities that take cars as donations, even if they don't run anymore! I know selling your car is the first option, especially with this economy, but if you feel like doing some good than rethink your options. Try visiting Donate Car USA and you will find tons of charities in your area that you can donate to.

- For all you eye glass wearing men and women out there do not throw out your old specs! New Eyes for the Needy helps people in developing nations by giving them everything from glasses to hearing aids. If you go to OneSight you will find many drop-off locations to donate your vision ware as well.

So you see, there is a place for everything. Even things you don't want anymore. Be kind to the earth and recycle and share your goods with people in need. Not only do you make more space in your closet but you help fill someone else's.

Welcome to Revolt

I am so excited to launch Revolt because its something I have been working on for a long time. I really feel there is a need for it considering 2010 is the year for change. People everywhere are making better choices and changing their lifestyle for a greater cause. Thinking that life revolves around you is ignorant, unrealistic and ridiculous. This planet is home for millions of life-forms and creatures and humans must learn to live among them in peace. The more we kill and torture animals our fate for survival lessens each day. The earth was created for all of us and when we take advantage of others it is us who will suffer in the end. Not only does it make us look horrible but it is simply inhumane. Taking care of the earth is just the same. We must all do what is necessary to allow the earth to grow. No exceptions! Take responsibility for your actions and grow up. Nowadays there is so much information out there it is common sense as to what we need to do. If you don't know by now than I am embarrassed for you. Simple as that.

We all need to join together and live the best we can. That means eating healthy organic foods that don't ruin the earth. Respecting ourselves enough to take care of our bodies and be aware what we put in it. Making recycling and other green acts a daily way of life. Loving all creatures and supporting that love by not eating animals, not buying products that do animal testing and not wearing them for fashion. As if that is really fashionable anyway! By living a better life we have to make good choices for ourselves and our families. It is our job, as humans, to evolve for change and move forward toward the success and happiness of the world. The time is now....