Giving Back With: glassybaby

Hey guys, so I wanted to try out a new feature on the blog. Well, an old feature I used to write about – brands that give back.

Every now and then I’ll include a mention but some of these companies are doing such GREAT things that they deserve more than a mention. In the past, I’ve mentioned MUJUS, DellaLA, OneSight and even Old Navy.

Today, I’d like to shine some of the spotlight on glassybaby. I had the pleasure of meeting their impassioned team a few weeks ago and I could not stop thinking about their project. Which brings us to today’s post and restarting this old blog column.

glassybaby are votives with a motive, giving – and giving back – inspirational stories since it’s inception. The concept was started back in 1995 after the founder Lee Rhodes was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. She met with other patients and heard their stories about not being able to afford basic necessities for either themselves or their children because of the cost of treatment. During this, she had an “Aha” moment with a tea candle and a glass cup – and glassbaby was born.

With that, she starts up glassbaby and hires artists to make more glass votives for us to gift. Each sale, she donates a portion to charities that are committed to helping their patients heal. For example, the ‘true white’ glassybaby gives 10% to help cancer patients with day-to-day needs not covered by basic health insurance. This has now grown to something even bigger – the white light fund – which supports the same cause and provides a family housing service at the university of Washington Medical Center.

Since 1995, Lee and glassbaby (and their amazing team) have raised over three million to go towards their cause. They’ve also expanded the list of causes they give to - specific votives give to specific causes too. And in case you’re wondering no two glassybabys are the same since they’re all made by hand which makes them a unique gift.

As we head into the holiday season (or simply need gift ideas as party favors), keep this brand at the top of your mind.

www.glassybaby.com

Layered in Neutrals

Time to start pulling out the light jackets that I have. Over the summer, I minimized my closet and pared certain categories to one or two pieces of each. Being a jacket fanatic a few years back, it felt refreshing to get more space in my bedroom.

As for the jackets, some were sold on Poshmark, others given to cousins-in-need, but most were up for grabs on Craigslist. By the way, my Craigslist free 99 encounters have all been so rewarding. Everyone I met has been so appreciative about their freebies. So, if any of you are looking to get rid of coats/jackets definitely donate them to a charity or a person in need on Craigslist - you'll feel so amazing afterwards!

In case you're wondering, this H&M jacket survived the purge. They're selling a similar one here and it's such a great deal - it's survived a whole year and keeps me comfortably warm.

And this watch from Follie Follie is the perfect starter watch for any office gal. It's so gorgeous in person and great for layering bangles and bracelets.

The color scheme is great for fall layering which is necessary when opting for booties and a mini skirt (which is basically my fall uniform). And if I ever get too hot, which tends to happen right around noon, I can always remove a layer and still feel well-dressed.

The key is sticking to neutrals. The colors in heavy rotation consist of: whites, grays, blacks, or dark blues. If that's not your jam I suggest going with: tan, browns, and one pop of color (maybe orange or red).

White Button Down: Ann Taylor (on sale)  Sweater: Gap (similar here)  Jacket: H&M  Skirt: J. Crew (similar styles)   Tights: Calvin Klein  Necklace: Baublebar  Earrings: MUJUS  Watch: Follie Follie  Boots: Zara (similar pair)  Clutch: Ora Delphine  Lipgloss: Grapefruit by Stila  Brows: Benefit

Since there was a meeting later this day, baubles were a definite must as the finishing touch. Baublebar tends to be my go-to for statement necklaces and bib-style necklaces.

As for my earrings, I found this gorgeous pair from MUJUS which offers handmade designs from sustainable materials. It's a pretty great socially conscious company ran by co-founder Paola and her artisan partners in South America. Definitely check them out if you're looking for unique pieces not offered at fast-fashion retailers.

Side note, I got my hair done in loose waves and kind of wish I had a glam team to recreate this hairstyle every day. Totally obsessed.

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

Shop the look:

10 Tips for a Healthier You

Happy Friday Guys!! After getting sidetracked by a head cold I'm excited to get running again and back to business. Now we all live busy lives so it's even more important that we stay healthy as we enter one of the busiest seasons of the year. Or hey, maybe there's a fitness goal that you're trying to conquer in addition to being a healthier version of yourself.
With that in mind I think it's time for a post that is dedicated to 10 tips you can do daily and under 10 minutes. I find that breaking up a large goal into smaller more attainable goals is the best way to go when training, changing your lifestyle, or even wanting to be a healthier version of yourself. 

1. Move It
Take the stairs or a walk around the block but whatever you do aim to move your body for ten minutes. Try to go longer if you can and get your heart rate up there and it'll be your cardio for the day. You can even aim to do 10 minutes of movement in the AM (i.e. walking the dog), 10 after lunch (an outside stroll near the office), and the last 10 when you're home again (walking fido again) - whatever you choose know that it'll be beneficial to you in the long run.

2. Drink More Water
I tend to struggle with this one. But did you know that being tired is a symptom of dehydration? I didn't, but it explains a lot. My solution was to take a few minutes out of my day to find an app and set up reminders to drink more H2O. I've started using Daily Water Free and will let you know how that works out for me. 

3. Smile
Have you ever heard that smiling is contagious? Well, it is. Not only will the smiles spread throughout the crowd but it's also linked to having a positive effect on your attitude and can even help boost your immune system. If you need another reason to smile YouTube kittens.

4. Eat Breakfast
Enjoying a well balanced meal in the AM can help improve your focus throughout the day and even help you with weight loss if that's your goal. Putting together a healthy meal doesn't have to take long either. Here's my fail-proof meal when time matters: toast with avocado and then I grab a banana as I head out the door. Easy Peasy.

5. Meditate
Here's another great one, wherever you are stop and breathe. Focus on the good things in life or simiply try to be as still as you can. Take these 10 minutes to destress and you'll have given yourself another to be a healthier & happier you. Have more than 10 minutes? Sign up for a yoga class near you.

Shop this look here.

6. Stretch
There is nothing better than grabbing your toes towards you or even pulling in your knees to your chest for that ultimate AM stretch. If you're work consist of you sitting down from nine to five don't forget to get in a few stretches every half hour too! Stretching increases blood flow and circulation to where we need it most so make sure to take 10 and stretch.

7. Go Outside
Even if it's for 10 minutes being outside tends to put us in a more positive attitude. Try to take 10 and head outside after your lunch during the work day. Being outside helps improve concentration and gives our immune system a boost - this is also a great time to get in those 10 minutes of movement 😉.

8. Spray A Lavender Mist on Your Pillow
My mom actually introduced me to this new concept. She's been studying aromatherapy for the past two years and knows how hard I struggle with sleep so I gave her suggestion a go. In the past month I've actually felt more relaxed before going to bed and felt like I had a deeper sleep so to speak. Since spraying my pillows with a lavender mist my quality of sleep has gone up ten-fold and my AM attitude has improved as well.

9. Turn Off the Digital Devices
This. Probably the reason I've had such a hard time falling asleep in the first place but I've been a lot better about turning off my digital devices at least 10 minutes before sleep. Did you know that staring at our screens can increase anxiety and has been linked to sleep problems. I'm going to implement a new "no screens" rule an hour before bed but starting with 10 minutes is also ideal. Remember start small but reap big benefits.

10. Go to the Walmart Fair
My last tip is to head to your local Walmart and partake in America's Biggest Health Fair. It's happening tomorrow at your local Walmart from 12p - 4p. While you're there you can get free health screenings, learn more about health insurance and even walk away with a goody bag to help you with your new path to a healthier you.
Click here to learn more about America's Biggest Health Fair.

Photos by Anna Rosh.