Winter Cause Box
Recently I wrote a post about my fixed feelings about New Year’s Resolutions. As I’ve had more time to reflect I realized that it’s important to find a balance between self improvement and self acceptance. Love oneself as you are but don’t be afraid to set new goals for yourself. The Winter Cause Box was curated with New Year’s goals in mind. The people behind Cause Box chose a variety of tools and treats to help your personal goals in 2019, or as they describe it goals that “build off of the accomplishments of our past year and push us to be greater versions of ourselves in the new year.…
Resolutions
Another year has almost come to a close, and now we look ahead to 2019. I spent the holidays with my family in my hometown in Vermont this year. Being in Vermont always helps me slow down and think about the things that are most important in life. Soon I know I’ll be back in Raleigh, back to work and day-to-day responsibilities, which has got me thinking- what will my New Years resolutions be? Firstly, let me say that I’m not sure how I feel about New Years resolutions. Over the years I have made several resolutions, all focused on bettering myself in some capacity. “This year I will work…
Festive Fair Trade Decor
Holiday Traditions I love the holidays. It’s one of the few times of the year I get to spend with my family in the winter wonderland that is Vermont. I have very fond childhood memories of waking up early to check our stockings and our presents under the tree. I also enjoyed playing dreidel and eating warm latkes with our Jewish friends. I feel very fortunate that I was able to enjoy many holiday traditions over the years. Perhaps my favorite tradition was decorating our Christmas tree. My mother made it custom to give my brothers and I new ornaments each year with our name and date written on the…
Fair Trade Black Friday
Here are the best deals I found from some of my favorite fair trade and ethically made brands! We can all do our part to shop responsibly. Happy Black Friday shopping! Trades of Hope: 60% off select items I work with a company called Trades of Hope that sells all artisan made jewelry and accessories from female artisans in disadvantaged countries. Through your purchases you can empower women by helping them earn a sustainable income in safe working conditions. ABLE: 30% off all items with code ABLE30 and free shipping ABLE is a lifestyle brand that is focused on ending poverty by creating sustainable job opportunities for women. ABLE sells…
Looks Like Fall: My First Cause Box
I love fall. I grew up in Vermont, which boasts the most beautiful display of autumn leaves. I love watching the trees turn while wearing transitional layers and boots, and sipping pumpkin ale or spiced cider. Not to mention that Halloween is my favorite holiday and has been since I was a kid. My mom threw the best haunted house in town, and as an adult I have tried to follow in her footsteps. This year I added something new to my fall traditions: the fall Cause Box. I follow a fair amount of fair trade accounts on Instagram, and was excited to stumble upon a company called Cause Box:…
Sustainable Denim Tops and Jackets for Fall
For those of you who like to wear your denim on top, you’re in luck. Canadian tuxedos are a faux-paus of the past, and now denim-on-denim has become a desired look. Denim has been a staple in our wardrobes for decades, and is actually the most used textile in the world. However, it comes at a huge environmental cost. Denim is made primarily of cotton, which requires thousands of liters of water to produce. Many companies also use pesticides and synthetic dyes to make jeans. Luckily, many conscious minded brands have joined the Better Cotton Initiative, which uses less water and chemicals than other cotton, and has the least impact…
Sunsais: Trust What You Wear
Barcelona is one of the best shopping cities in Europe. The shops seem to flow out of every corner in every district, and it is admittedly hard to show self-restraint. If you’re going to pick one district, I recommend the Gracia district. Sunsais is located in Vila de Gracia, which has been called “Barcelona’s coolest suburb”. This historic old center is where the famous Festa Major de Garcia takes place in August- a huge street party of concerts, food and drink, and a wonder of spectacular themed decorations. During the other months tourists can enjoy restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. There are also a variety of shops on every cobblestone…
Journey to Sesimbra, Portugal
Our first stop in Portugal was Sesimbra– a beautiful coastal town famous for its fishing, seafood, and stunning beaches, just a short drive from Lisbon. Sesimbra lies at the foothills of the Serra de Arrabida, a mountain range extending between Setubal and Sesimbra. Sesimbra is best known for its fishing, particularly its swordfish fishing, and is abundant with small traditional seafood restaurants. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Gold Beach Coast Line, and visit the ruins a Moorish castle on a nearby mountaintop. After a long flight to Lisbon, Sesimbra seemed like the perfect destination to rest and recoup. We enjoyed a short 30 minute drive through dry countryside,…
FAIR Labor Day Deals
Labor Day celebrates the creation of labor in our country and the economic achievements of American workers. It’s also the second biggest shopping event of the year (second of course, to Black Friday). This Labor Day weekend I decided to celebrate FAIR labor by only shopping locally and/or ethically, and only companies that pay their employees fair wages. I challenge you to do the same! I’ve compiled a short list of some of the best ethical Labor Day deals you can find this weekend. Enjoy! Tribe Alive- 40% off with code EXTRA40 Tribe Alive partners with artisans in Guatemala, Haiti, India, Honduras, and Fort Worth, Texas to employ marginalized…
20 Sustainable Statement Earrings
I love a good statement earring. It’s a versatile accessory that can be worn day or night, with a cocktail dress or a simple t-shirt and messy bun. There is no shortage in variety when it comes to statement earrings, which can be colorful, geometric, shiny, with tassels or fringe. It seems that costume jewelry has made a serious comeback. One complaint people have about fair trade or ethically made items is that they don’t look “contemporary” enough. So I scoured the web for modern sustainable statement earrings by my favorite brands. Here are 20 of my favorites. Each pair is ethically made and/or supports a great cause. All earrings…
