“Gifting for Life”
Hello Everyone
These days, everyone is talking ”Recession” talk. Conversations are either BIG and BOLD and full of exclamation marks or Quiet and Uncertain and full of question marks. These are not easy times. Everyone is feeling the squeeze. All the more reason in my mind to reach out to one another and GIVE in whatever way we possibly can. It is when times are grim that we should make the extra effort to extend a helping hand , offer a smile , lend an ear and come together to make a memorable difference.
At UBU our motto is “Gifting for Life”. I believe the ultimate reason for giving a gift is an expression of kindness and appreciation, sentiments that compliment the tradition of celebrating life events. Giving, sharing and comunicating enriches all of our lives in every way. ”Gifting for Life” is a motto we can all value.
‘Giving” is a universal language. The rewards of ’giving’ , are so huge, so limitless – that amazingly no words are required when it comes to understanding the importance of acts of kindness. From birth we are taught that helping one another is the right thing to do. No matter how small, simple or large the gesture – each time we give, we make a human connection and a memorable difference.
It is in the spirit of “Gifting for Life” that I am proud to introduce you to the Ride to Conquer Cancer Fundraiser. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting a confident, intelligent, beautiful young woman by the name of Shannon. Upon introduction Shannon explained to me that she had lost a friend and colleaque to cancer and the experience had made an emotional impact. Choosing to take on a huge challenge and participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer was her way of celebrating life. Shannon and her two teammates Ashshita and Farhad are three incredible individuals who feel very passionate about “Gifting for Life”.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a cycling journey from Toronto to Niagra Falls – a distance of over 200km. Funds raised for the Ride to Conquer Cancer will support breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at the Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world.
The Goal is to raise $10,000 . An enormous challenge to be sure , especially because the deadline is June 12th 2009 yet I am confident it can be done. So when Shannon came to me and asked for help, I was only to happy to applaude her efforts, salute her determination and offer whatever support possible.
UBU is Sponsoring Shannon, Ashshita and Farhad – Ride to Conquer Cancer to help them reach their goal.
Here is how you can help:
Product Sales - Purchase UBU Fashion Sensations and a a portion of sales will be donated to Shannon and her team for RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER.
UBU Ooh La La Boutique - Fundrasier Event . Fun, feel good, night out! May 4th 2009.
Boutique shopping - Dazzling jewelry, gorgeous scarves, awesome handbags and talk of the town fashion accessories.
Glam-tini’s, hors d’eurves, mingling and giggling. Place: Beccofino Restaurant – Oakville – Time 7pm-10pm.
More details to follow
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For more information please post on the Blog or contact Tara at UBU contactus@ubugiftsensations.com
what a great cause I would love to support that!!
We need to support each other in what ever way we can, a amile a hug or just asking someone how they are today and lending an ear to listen, I believe you can put a light in someones life by just smiling and saying hello.
As a place where we can come together and give suport and hope to each other for what ever reason is great ubu is the place to listen and send a smile or talk and feel great about who you are!!
A little fashion advice I found out for spring is that adding some accessories can be a great way to bring your present wardrobe to life without spending alot. Add a great scraf or some super looking necklaces, what ever your heart desires. let your fashiondiva come out.
When ever I find out some new fashion info I will pass it on just in case anyone is curious for new fresh ideas.
Kay
Karen
You are a future Glam-ette for sure!
That is exactly what UBU is all about – meeting new people, friends enjoying and just good ole fun. The concept is simple – some might even say ole fashioned but whatever you choose to call it – I am delighted it has us all communicating , sharing and enriching each others lives.
Just wait til we get together, kick up our heals and have a glam-tini or two! Baby – we are going to change the world with va va voom style and heartfelt care! What a concept!
We are always curious for new ideas and welcome your input at any time!
thanks a mil and ta ta for now.
Hi Tara,
I’m so proud of you and all that you do and accomplish on a daily basis! You are a true source of inspiration for me. I love your writing style and your fun and upbeat attitude. Whenever I feel down I know to just look over an email or read your blog and it puts an instant smile on my face and lift in my step! Thank you for being you! And I second your ‘change the world with va va voom style!’ Let’s go girls!!
Wow, what an introduction!! Thank you Tara! You don’t know how much your support means to us. Thank you Karen for your support as well – I can see that you share the same passion to make a difference and to simply give to others. We would love to have you attend the “UBU Ooh La La Boutique” and please spread the word! At a time like this, when the recession is on the rise, raising funds for charity becomes an even greater challenge. At the same time, victory feels that much more sweeter – it makes us realize that people were willing to give even at a time that our country is facing economic hardships!
You are absolutely right Tara, giving is a universal language. It is something that we learn from childhood and then experience throughout our whole lives. I personally believe that giving is very rewarding. There’s a saying, “Kindness is hard to give away, because it always comes back.”
Karen, I think it`s such a good idea to add a scarf or some accessories to our wardrobes to spice things up. I am a personal trainer, part time, at a local gym in Mississauga and yesterday morning, I took some of UBU`s accessories with me and both of my clients bought some items!! When I explained that part of the proceeds go towards the Ride to Conquer Cancer, they realized that not only was their purchase going to bring their wardrobe to LIFE, but it was going to contribute to LIFE-GIVING research. What a wonderful way to contribute:)
Thank you once again ladies for your support. I`m happy to know that I am surrounded by people who are so giving and kind and who truly want to make a difference!
Hi Ladies
Let’s join together and help Shannon & her team raise $10,000 for a wonderful cause. Let’s show the world we can do it because we have spirit!
How does an evening of Girl Power sound??
Imagine what could be accomplished if we spread the word like wild fire
Our Motto : “Gifting for Life”
Our slogan: Wear the fashion – Feel the Sensation!
Let’s put the pedal to the metal – and get into high gear so we can help Shanon get to the finish line.
Here are some ideas of how you can help:
** Have a UBU Oooh La La Boutique Home party – % of sales will go to RIDE to Conquer Cancer.
** Have a UBU Oooh La La Boutique Office Party
UBU will bring the Boutique right to your location – home or office. Great Girls night out or office morale booster.
** Order product from Shannon, Glam-ettes, online, phone, email
Methods of payment: Cash, MasterCard, or Visa
For more information contact Tara – owner of UBU at
taramarkus@sympatico.ca or contactus@ubugiftsensations.com
http://www.ubugiftsensations.com
Express yourself in Style … Wear the fashion – Feel the Sensation!
Hi Tova
Welcome! I am so delighted you have joined in !
I first met Tova at a Ladies Who Launch Event. We immediately hit it off!
Tova and I enjoyed not only a great event and meeting Debbie Travis at the event – we also enjoyed talking to each other about our hopes and dreams.
Since then our paths have crossed several times but it’s been a couple of months since we last chatted. I am so pleased you have come onboard Tova. You are a joy!
Tova is wonderfully talented – she has her own company with some very creative products.
Tova – I invite you to tell the Glam Gals all about your company and products. We’d love to hear all about it .
Check in with us daily Tova – Spirits are going to soar!
Today was my first visit to the the UBU website – (which I’m embarrassed to say has been long overdue) – wow, how truly inspiring and uplifting. This is something that we need during a time that is filled with doom and gloom. It seems that many people live in isolation trying to survive daily challenges and struggles. Therefore, it is that much more crucial for people to connect with one another, feel supported, encouraged and have a sense of hope, especially during difficult times.
I’ve lost several people in my life to cancer, my father being one of them. That was 18 years ago, and he was only 57. During his final days, and during my many days of sadness and feelings of grief even before his passing, he was inspiring and uplifting me. One day my dad expressed the following to me, “Don’t be sad, I have no regrets, I’ve lived a happy and full life. Be sure you do the same”. So it is these words, that have been the voice in my head, to do my best to live a happy and full life, even when times are tough and challenging. It is these words, that have taught me the importance of being connected to others. So in my dad’s final days, he was living UBU’s motto, “Gifting for Life” You see, my dad gave me many things, but his simple words were so profound that he gave me one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received, he gave of himself!
So Tara thank you for giving of yourself, your powerful message, and thank you for your powerful and positive energy, which in-itself is truly a gift of life.
I will be sure to spread the word about UBU’s website so that others can be introduced to the wonderful product line, be inspired by its wonderful message and to learn about Shannon, Ashshit and Farhad’s quest. I commend them for their passion and participation in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. I also hope to attend some upcoming UBU events and add some beautiful accessories to my wardrobe.
Here’s to being connected and spreading the word – cheers to all!
Joanne
Thank you for joining in ! More importantly, thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. Your dad and all that know you are so very proud that you are who you are! A fantastic individual with so much to give and share.
This is our chance to form our own Life parade. The more doom and gloom they fire at us – the more we should Rebel! Let’s colour this world with goodness and heartfelt passion. Let’s embrace each other near and far and invite as much positive energy as possible into our lives.
Together , let’s tell stories, talk about silly ole things, share our hopes and dreams – heck let’s even misbehave and get the neighbours talking- a little dancin in the streets and hoopla might be a grand start!
hmmmm – Glam Gals with Glam-tini’s parading down the streets chanting “We are the Glam-ettes – hear our message –
Look Fabulous Feel Fabulous BE fabulous !!
“Gifting for Life” that’s our motto – a motto we can all share and value.
I look forward to every chance I get to join in on the blog.
For me it is like a daily part of my routine. Cup of coffee in hand and seated comfortably I log on and wonder what treasures I will find as I scroll from one posting to the next.
The treasures come in many variances-
Being introduced to different women and men. Hearing their stories and motto – being given the opportunity to jump in and make a comment, give a welcome or to just say hello. Understanding that no matter how often we feel alone, we are truly not. Others are going through the same depression, heartache, struggle or hardship. We seek solace, gratitude, fortitude, courage and encouragement from one another from one level to the next. We anticipate, we excite, we gravitate to people who seek the same feelings and embrace power that is life itself. We enjoy soft words, loud kindles of love, passion, and excitement which makes us all feel better even it is for a moment or several days.
The treasures for me allows me to feel compassion, empathy, and respect for each other. It is a joy to be able to meet and possibly make new long lasting friendships which for me, is gifting for life. The circle of people coming together to join information, to shop, to feel great, to explore , to communicate, to expand, to empower, to laugh, to cry and to just BE….. are like the wonderful products found within your baskets. Tara, your postings and strong words of wisdom and freedom to express is like the satin colourful ribbons tying us all together.
Other treasures are seeing what is new – purses? Sunglasses? The in colour, the in scarf, and the new necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Treasures are the invitations to highlight important events such as Ride to Conquer Cancer. Invitations to disturb the neighbors (like we haven’t done that yet, Tara?) and the Meet the Glam-ettes event.
Treasures are being introduced to other businesses and people with great ideas and thoughts.
This blog has become a huge source of soul and comfort for me. And these treasures are just the spirit one needs to give, feel and be.
Thank you thus far to all who have written, escaped, shared, contributed and enlightened. I look forward to more and I thank you in advance.
Finished my coffee….bye for now.
Hello all !
Imagine an Oooh La La Event when/where we can all gather & introduce ourselves! Just be ourselves! I would absolutely love that as I know each of you to be such dynamic , incredible individuals.
Hmmm….Sounds to me like we’d have an event of a lifetime!
We could actually form a global community of people connecting with people. Together, we could share experiences from our past,
LIVE the Now and dream about our glorious future.
Aaah ladies and gents – we had better be careful or before you know it we’ll be on the Oprah show! he neighbours sure will talk then! Especially when we announce on live TV we’re launching
The New Glam-ette Show!
Oooh, and when all of you Glam Gals meet Leslie & Lynda from
True Divas http://www.truediva.com and they show you how to shine like the star that you are ………well that truly will be a sensation!
Get your boas ready, find that special shade of lipstick, sprinkle a little glitter in your hair, show off a little bling, dust off those dancin shoes and get ready wiggle and giggle! Together we are going to blossom!
A lovely, family owned restaurant in Oakville (right in the village) called Beccofino – has just offered us to have the restaurant for events Monday evenings! Seems the owner is thrilled with the concept of “Gifting for Life” and would love to entertain the idea of UBU ooh La la Boutiques and Inspirational events.
Wanna come together April 20th for Glam-tini’s, nibbles, giggles, fabulous shopping, motivational speaking and good ole fashioned fun??
We could call it a dress rehearsal for the BIG May 4th event.
Good morning ladies!
It’s so exhilarating to read everyone’s stories and blog entries! Tova, nice to meet you. You said just what I was thinking – I love Tara’s writing style too and she is definitely one to lift up anyone’s spirits! Way to go Tara, you have a movement goin’ on in here!
Thank you Joanne for sharing your story – it was very heartwarming:) You must be very proud of your father’s giving nature and I’m sure in return he’s very proud of you! I believe that making others feel good and bringing a smile to their face is one of the most rewarding feelings! I have come across many people in my life who give so selflessly and I can say that I have learned a lot from them and try to strive to be like them – two of these people would be my parents:) Thanks again for your inspiring story Joanne. I hope that I will have the pleasure of meeting you at one of the UBU ohh La La Boutique! Just like Tara mentioned, it would be great to meet everyone face to face and mix and mingle…and even put on some dancing shoes? That would be awesome!
Rosa what a beautiful piece of writing – thank you for sharing your thoughts, in such a poetic manner! This blog is a great place to feel at home. It’s wonderful knowing that we are able to share ourselves, to let others know how we feel, what we think and to also take part in each others’ lives. Tara, I think this is a great idea. Gifting for Life is such a unique idea and it’s just beautiful. The ideas behind it, the support and motivation that you’ve given to so many people, your ability to give so selflessly to charitable organizations (such as the Ride to Conquer Cancer)…it’s just wonderful to be a part of this:)
Hope all of you have a great day…bye for now!
P.S. Can’t wait for May 4th!
Shannon
I thought it might be nice if we all learned a bit more about you and your team mates.
How do you know each other?
How and what are you doing to train for this event?
Do you train together or individually?
What are your interests and hobbies?
Have you done much travelling?
We’d love to learn more .
Good morning ladies!
As you may have already noticed, Tara has put up my personal blog on the main page, called “Shannon’s Blog”. I would like to invite you to take a few minutes to read it. I’d be delighted if any of you would like to add your stories to my blog and share your life experiences.
Tara, thanks for taking the initiative to learn more about our team!
I know Ashshita from university and met Farhad through her. Last summer when we were roaming around downtown, we saw an ad for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. At that time, my coworker was going through treatment and things were looking grim. When they suggested that we do the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I felt like it was a chance for me to embrace life and make a difference. So I agreed to it. We all enjoy doing outdoor activities and we thought why not invest our energy into outdoor fun for a great cause! Ashshita has always been a very enthusiastic and lively person – I was excited to do the Ride to Conquer Cancer with her because I knew that she would be a great partner. Over the last few months, I have gotten to know Farhad better and he’s also a super enthusiastic person who always has great ideas and is willing to take the time and make the effort to make things happen! I believe that all three of us have lots of enthusiasm and together, we complement each other and make a great team!
Training for this event is imperative…the first biking fundraising event that I have ever done was last June for the National Kids Cancer Ride. I road 25 km and that too, through a hilly terrain. A small group of the riders were “trans-Canada” riders…meaning that they rode all the way across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax…in 19 days! It was exhilarating and an honour to ride my bike alongside these warriors and I thought…25 km should be NOTHING! However, even that was a challenge!! Keeping that in mind, I realize that training for this ride will be MUCH more intense. I will be running, biking and training with a personal trainer in order to get into gear and get into shape! As a team, we will be hosting training rides…if any of you ladies enjoy biking, you are more than welcome to join us! We are eager to take advantage of the spring weather and get our training on the go!!
My hobbies and interests are doing outdoor activities such as horseback riding, biking, canoeing, hiking, skiing and running. I also enjoy personal training, mostly because it’s rewarding to see my clients achieve their goals! I also really enjoy kickboxing – nothing better than having every muscle in your body aching the next day, especially ones you didn’t know even existed!
I love listening to music (way to go Tara for adding soundtracks to the blog!), shopping for shoes! and clothes, watching movies whether it’s in the theater or snuggling up on the couch with a big blanky, watching theatricals, and spending quality time with my family and friends. When I have the time to just sit down and relax, I enjoy playing the piano, reading or even writing. I absolutely love getting together with an old-time friend and catching up over coffee or dessert. I am an energetic person and am always finding ways to fill my time.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. I would be interested to learn more about you ladies so please blog away!
Hello Everyone,
Once again, I’ll try to put in some male insight on this blog . I want to begin by saying WOW! It is absolutely wonderful to see that people out there are so passionate and caring about this cause. All of your support, your stories and your enthusiasm is so inspiring. Thank you all sincerely for your motivation. Tara, hats off to you and UBU for hosting
Tara, thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. We have formed as a team sometime around late October. Ashshita and I are childhood friends and hence have known each other practically for ever. Shannon and I met through Ashshita early last year. I had participated in the ride last year and I must say that it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. When I asked Ashshita to take part in the event with me this year to experience the thrill, not only was she excited herself, she felt that Shannon would also be interested in taking part. When she asked Shannon, her excitement was unprecedented. Thereafter, we soon collaborated and started planning various events for our fundraising efforts.
As a bonus, not only did I get two wonderful teammates who have vividly demonstrated the magnitude of Strength in Numbers, I also got a chance to get close to two of my very dear friends. Hence my participation in this event has already given me much more then I ever expected. And I would definitely recommend that all of you somehow
In terms of training, we really have not been able to focus much on our training due to time limitations, but now as the whether is getting better we definitely will be increasing our training efforts. We will soon be hosting many training rides open to everyone and riders of all categories. All of you are more then welcome to join. Please feel free to inquire about the training rides with either Shannon, Ashshita or myself.
In terms of hobbies and self interests I love playing sports. Basketball is one my biggest passions in life. I also love tennis, football, and pretty much all other sports. Oh yeah, not to be mention biking. I’m also working towards acquiring my flying license, so that is also an exhilarating experience.
If you have just read through all of that information above, thank you for taking interest in our stories, please blink a few times to give your eyes some rest. Apparently when I start writing, I go on forever and end up writing a story book……………
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Ok good, thats enough resting. Now please provide your feedback as I will be looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance…
To both Shannon and Farhad
Your posting is a tribute to all that feel the challenge, excitement, hesitation and power when it comes to taking on a commitment of such grandeur. Now, please I am going to be with you in spirit and in heart only-why? Because the bike pedals have not seen these feet in a very long time. So my support will be in the form of helping you raise enough dollars, raising awareness to your cause and to continue to applaud you.
Shannon, you know I love you for this -you are a trooper and a spot of sunshine to me everyday.
Farhad, do not be afraid of all the words you have written…it is very refreshing and interesting to have your point of view on this blog. In case you haven’t noticed I tend to blog on and on as well. It is fun – remember a five paragraph comment is like having a face to face 2 minute conversation without interruptions. So continue with your stories and your writing because we are all reading.
I am absolutley humbled and awestruck by the stories of bravery and compassion. I am so honoured to be asked to be a part of fund raisng for this life event. Farhad when I read your blog about the tear coming down your cheek tears flowed down mine as well. Women adore men’s tears. Ashshita already seems like a gentle and loyal trooper being a forever friend. Shannon your exuberance spills over like an over poured Glam-tini!
Gosh you guys when I was in my early 20’s(apparently I was, there are rumours to that effect) I remember biking up a very long hill and getting my shoelace caught in the spokes….and the rest, well let’s just say I will be fund raising in an alternative form from the biking.
What strikes me is how cancer can actually shine a light on living! the stories about us and our loved ones are about the connections we embrace. Makes us hug longer, love broader and feel deeper.
Tara, Lynda and I were recently and very graciously escorted out of a restaurant. We were so DEEP in laughter and in the moment time had left the building. We spilled out onto the sidewalk in giggles(enthusiasm not glam-tini induced) and were still engrossed in conversation. The restaurant owner, a charming man, came outside and laughed with us as he suggested we could just keep chatting till he re-opened the next day.
And that is what it is isn’t it? As Tara says really being in the In Between in life-really being here now. So as much as I love planning for the event I also look forward to being in the moment when we all meet.
If however any one asks me to ride a bike, I only wear high heels-no collateral shoelace damage that way!
Well good morning ladies!
Rosa and Leslie, I read your blogs last night and was so touched! I only got around to replying this morning considering I was trying to get into bed as early as possible last night having to be up at 5 AM this morning to train for the RIDE! It’s definitely crunch time now!!! With a little bit over 2 weeks left before the Ride, I will be training every Thursday morning for an hour at my gym, with a trainer (yes, trainers also get trained by trainers hehe) and I will be running, biking and doing everyyyything possible to get my stamina up a notch and into shape!! Last week, I was jolted into reality – my legs felt like jello, my lungs were on fire, it hurt to breathe the next day – I thought to myself, “Girl, you gotta get your act together!!!” With a very busy schedule, it’s been hard to train as intensely as I’ve wanted but I have finally worked out a schedule. The morning is the best time for me to train because not only does it PUMP UP THE JAM for the rest of the day, but it also doesn’t get in the way of my busy schedule after work hours.
Anyways enough about me. Rosa, you are a sweetheart! Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging! Our little talk in the cafeteria is close to me and I will always remember your motivating words and spirit. I know for sure you will be with us in spirit, I have no doubts! Just keep doing what you’re doing – keep shining your rays of hope on us and we will flourish, I believe it!
Leslie, thank you for your beautiful blog. You won’t believe how encouraging it was to me to read your words and I am so happy you would like to be part of our fundraising event. I really look forward to meeting you! I love how we have the opportunity to connect like this through the blog. Cancer is devastating but like you said, “cancer can actually shine a light on living!” It’s the choice we decide to make – do we let the devastating effects of cancer dampen our spirits? Or do we stand up to this injustice by trying our best to make a difference? I can see that all of us in this blog have made the choice! And I am honoured to be amongst people like you!
Don’t worry for those of you who can’t participate in the actual Ride. What you don’t realize is that you *will* be with us on the Ride, riding alongside us in spirit with your words echoing in our ears giving us the strength to continue pedaling on. You can and already have helped us in so many other ways! I’m looking forward to seeing all you ladies at the UBU Oh la la Boutique! It shall be a fun event and it’ll be up to us to make it a “talk of the town event” as Tara says!