Best of Valentine's Day: Gifts!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, you might find yourself scrambling to get that special gift for that special someone. Lucky for you, Ellenor has put together some great gift ideas for your loved ones.

Best Gift to Buy:
Why not give a gift that gives back this year? The Lu Parker Project has teamed up with a local Los Angeles florist, Colors in Bloom, and Kuranda Dog Beds to do just that for this heart-felt holiday... When you buy a bouquet of beautiful flowers through The Lu Parker Project, you are also providing a dog bed to the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter.
The beds are needed in all of the dog kennels to keep these homeless pups from sleeping on the hard and cold concrete ground. These dog beds are specially designed to elevate the dog off of the ground and are made from highly durable products so the pups can't destroy them. The materials also allow for them to be easily cleaned by the staff. The elevated beds not only keep the dogs off the ground (where they often relieve themselves), but they are also easier for older dogs as they provide more joint support and make it easier for them to get up from laying down.
Simply purchase your bouquet through The Lu Parker Project, and then pick up your bouquet and adorable card on Sunday, February 13th, or Monday (V-DAY!) at one of the two convenient locations in Los Angeles. For all of the information, to purchase the beds, make a donation, and to track the progress of the donations click here!
Spread the love this Valentines Day with the Have a Heart, Donate a Bed program! While these dogs may not have a warm home to belong to, at least you’ll give them a warm and comfortable bed to sleep in!


Best Gift to Make:
Money is tight for everyone right now, and Valentine's Day is about showing someone how much you care, not how much you spend! Here are some easy to make ideas to show your loved one you're thinking of them...

Marvelous Mustache Valentine Cards! These simple cards from Paper Source are sure to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to receive them!

Tea for Two? Do you have a tea (or coffee) lover in your life? Buy them their favorite type or a specialty brew and put your own little label on the package with a sweet note. They'll think of you whenever they drink it knowing that you were thinking of them. Easy and thoughtful!

More "Best of Valentine's Day" tomorrow!
xoxo,
Ellenor

Update: Design Makes a Difference!

Check out the latest before and after photos of the South LA Animal Shelter. A special thanks to Kim Rodgers of Bark Pet Photography for providing such great shots. The black and white photo of the terrier mix on the wall is Kim's amazing work as well!



















More photos to come when we complete the project later this month!


Best,

The Ladies of Ellenor

Design Makes a Difference!

Last Saturday marked the first work day of Ellenor Industries collaboration with the Lu Parker Project to re-vamp the lobby of a Los Angeles Animal Shelter. We first learned of the project from Lu Parker, KTLA news reporter, author, animal advocate and 1994 Miss USA. Lu invited Ellenor to design a new look for the front lobby of the South LA Animal Shelter. We immediately jumped on board! The shelter had some very specific needs and requests so we worked with all the participating organizations and volunteers to map out a plan.

We started with a bit of research to sense the public's perception of the shelter. People reported it was one of the most depressing and jail like shelters in Los Angeles. The Lu Parker Project and shelter wanted a new look that was cheerful, bright and encouraged more people to come and adopt animals. Below is an overall pan view of the shelter before this project.



We submitted several concepts to the Lu Parker Project Committee. Here is the color scheme they liked best.



On Saturday, all the volunteers came together and we held our first painting party. After many nights and many hours of work from volunteers and professional painters donating their time, the shelter is already looking much better. However, as you can see, there is still much more work to go!

















We are also working with some of our best vendors to get upholstery, tables, chairs and other furnishings donated. The fabric for the chairs just came in and is currently being treated to make it more dog-friendly and resistant to moisture...if you know what we mean!

We are also excited to announce that an amazing youth art organization called the Urban Arts Crew is designing and painting murals on several walls of the lobby as well as doing new lettering for the offices and important lobby destinations. Check back in with us after Monday the 19th for the unveiling of the final product!!

Best,

The Ladies of Ellenor