Holiday Gifts: Giving Back

You know that on this blog I share all thing beautiful, shiny & sparkly. I'm that girl & I don't apologize for wanting to make the world a prettier place. But last night, I got some heartbreaking news. One of my best friend's brother passed away suddenly at 39. Losing anyone ever is horrible, but right around the holidays is a double bowl of suck. I'm a fixer, I always try to fix things- but I can't fix her heart right now & I feel powerless.
So today's post will be about gifts that give back- gift that will make you feel good about giving them. If you've never seen a FEED bag, you might not know about the amazing concept behind it. Founded by the truly inspiring Lauren Bush, FEED's bags directly feed third world countries in need. This collection from Clarins gives back! For around $40 (both Nordstrom & Sephora have versions) you get a make-up bag plus 3 Clarins essentials while providing 15 school lunches for a child in need. Think of how much we spend on a Starbucks cup of coffee.  I had the pleasure of sitting in on an interview with Ms. Bush & she truly is inspiring- I urge you to check out the FEED site. There are cute bags that with the purchase of one- you will be providing a child with school lunches for a YEAR. Enough said.

My cousin just had a little girl & I do believe it's never too early to shine! Tom's Shoes is such an amazing organization that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased.  Toms was the originator of this concept, before big corporations joined in as a PR move. We should all have a pair of Toms!

I love the Heifer Organization & feature it every year. You can donate livestock to families in need. It's concept of teaching a man to fish versus giving him a fish is right on.  I put a fun spin on it like "you're a cool CHIC" when donating a bunch of baby chicks. If a friend of family member loves a particular farm animal or has always had allergies, you can give an animal in their honor. But you don't need to even look online for giving back, we can look in our own backyards. The Wounded Warrior Project is amazing, my sister adopted 2 families that were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy & I will be focusing on Charm City Animal Rescue in honor of losing my beloved Butterscotch this year. Lend a hand, hug someone you love today. Life is too short.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Hershey's Better Basket: Blog Hop

Ahhh Easter is just around the corner. Screen doors are left open to let in fresh air... The sun tempts us with her beautiful rays while creating a smidge of fear that skimpy clothes season draws near! Easter baskets overflow with all sorts of goodies to sabotage all hopes of cutting out carbs! The best treat(calorie free!) I'm getting for Easter? My favorite girl Laura of Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom bestowing her Virtual Better Basket to yours truly! Not only am I feeling the love, but due to this blog hop money is being donated to the Children's Miracle Network. It's a win win! Who do I pass the torch (ahem basket) to? Actually two lovely ladies: (1)The fabulous Kelly of Gouldylox Reviews who besides becoming a good friend(we're both obsessed with movies & make-up)- gives back to our local community through her amazing organization Karma Dogs & (2) The lovely Jennifer of Sky Blue Events- not just because she can whip up a fabulous cocktail or throw an elegant event(well that doesn't hurt), but because she's been instilling a philanthropic nature in her young daughter ever since I've known her.

• HERSHEY’S BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES*

Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.* Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.* Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.* Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.* Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.* Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).* Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M