Sunday, December 4, 2011

Shopping with a Purpose

It isn't hard for me to admit that I love shopping.  But what I love even more than just shopping is shopping with a purpose.  I am not talking about going to Target with the purpose of buying Up & Up fabric softener.  I am talking about using my buying power to make a difference.  In this case, it was making a difference in the lives of very young girls in Oakland.  The boutique committed to at least 25% of the proceeds (many vendors gave a lot more!) going to New Day for Children

New Day is a grassroots organization that is seeking to combat the evils of human slavery & sexual trafficking of young girls.  This is a huge weight on my heart, especially because Oakland is a hub for trafficking activity.  New Day seeks to provide safety and holistic healing for each of the girls.  Though this type of care is not nearly as expensive as moving these girls in and out of "Juvi," it does have a cost.  New Day is committed to having each girl fully funded before entering the program, which does mean that girls have been turned down when there hasn't been money.

In steps my friend Natalie.  She felt a burden to use her gifts to raise money for New Day so that one day, no girl would ever be turned down due to lack of funds.  Natalie is the creator of Natterbugs.  She makes the most amazing lotions, soaps and body products.  They smell so yummy!  And they look even yummier!!


Natalie was the one who rallied everyone together to sell any and all beautiful handmade items and donate a portion of the proceeds to New Day.  This year was the 2nd year for the boutique and what a blessing it has been!  I know it took a toll on Natalie and our other lovely friend Wina (who has the amazing ability to make everything look like it came together without lifting a finger - aren't you jealous of people like that?!) So tonight I just want to say, "Thank You!" to you beautiful ladies.  You do amazing things and I am inspired by you!

Don't worry... I have pictures of the boutique (well, I tried to take pictures in the middle of my shopping and chit-chatting!) on my camera and will get those up soon.

Thanks for taking the time to hear me out from up on my soap box.
Now it's your turn...
"What is your favorite way to shop with a purpose this Christmas?"

Monday, November 28, 2011

Christmas Wishlist

I've got to admit - sometimes I think things in my head as if I were blogging them. Sad, I know - but it's true.  So as I was assembling my Christmas Wishlist and picturing what it would look like on "my" blog and how I would write about each item on "my" blog, I thought, "Why not?" Why shouldn't I start up my own blog and have a place to write out all those crazy one-sided dialogs (totally different than a monologue!) I have running in my head.  So here we are!  My first ever blog post! {Are you as excited as I am?!?!}  And what better topic than my Christmas Wishlist.

 These are the 'Jane' Boots by Frye.  I first saw these here.  Do you know how badly I wish I was the winner the Pioneer Woman picked??!! It would have been amazing, right?! With their $300 price tag, I don't think I will be getting these this Christmas. {sigh} I guess that is what Wish Lists are for... wishes!



These are from the November giveaway over at Jones Design Company.  Not only am I in love with these adorable mittens (that fold back to reveal gloved fingers!), I am also in LOVE with the fact that these gloves are made with purpose and beautifully provided for sale by the folks at Noonday Collection.

Lastly, I want a real hot glue gun.  Sounds ridiculous, I know! But I love doing projects that look super fancy, but only needed a glue gun to complete.  I have been using a terrible, tiny, cheap glue gun for years.  The thought of having to struggle with my less-than-functional gun every time I want to create just makes me sad.  So, yes, this Christmas, I am asking my husband for a hot glue gun.  You know he thinks I'm crazy, right?!


That's my Christmas Wishlist friends... well that plus world peace! (Obviously!)

What is on your list this year?