Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets Help Families and Build Stronger Communities for the People of Rwanda

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation in the form of the beautiful Baskets from Rwanda  for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Since 2005 Macy's has been selling hand-crafted baskets from Rwanda, this year marks the 10 year anniversary of something truly special and they celebrated in a big way - with a Rwanda Path to Peace pre-sale on their beautiful line of baskets, hand-made by the hard-working people of Rwanda! It's hard to imagine the journey the baskets (and these women) have been on; it's as though each of these baskets is a weaving together of cultures, a reconciliation of sorts - and that's what makes these colorful baskets even more beautiful. Basket-weaving allowing former enemies to come together and make something beautiful, I'm all for a Path to Peace for Rwanda...

After the terrible events that took place in the 90's, Rwanda and Macy's are trying to focus on the future. By focusing on poverty reduction through job creation, improved incomes, access to global markets and job skill training, the women of Rwanda can help lift their family (and their entire community) out of poverty. Macy's didn't want to offer the women a "hand out", but instead wanted to assist the strong and capable women with a hand up and that's' exactly what they are still doing 10 years later...

The purchase of each item from Rwanda provides the basket weavers an opportunity to improve their quality of life and puts a one-of-a-kind craft directly into your hands, it's a win-win situation for all involved! With the basket weavers earning nearly TEN times the average Rwandan wage, it's a huge help to the families in need.

As you can imagine, each women tediously works to hand weave these baskets; with such intricate detail and a process that has been practiced in Rwanda for centuries - these baskets are truly a treasure. Each design is unique and painstakingly created from sisal and grass by women who learned to weave from their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other maternal figures.

The project employs thousands of weavers who are organized throughout Rwanda. What's amazing about this fact is that every group consists of women from both sides of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide conflict, working side by side. This proves that anyone and everyone is capable of working together towards economic stability.

With beautiful red hues and stunning intricate patterns, I absolutely adore my new baskets and will begin collecting these baskets each year - because helping out a good cause and indulging my basket hoarding habit are two fun ways to kick off the holidays! Plus, each basket is signed by it's creator, giving me an indirect look into the life of the strong women in Rwanda.

Do you want to give a gift this year that truly gives back? Get all the details on these beautiful baskets and snag one for yourself and your favorite friend here.

Are you interested in getting your hands on the same baskets I have pictured? The red basket on the top (in the photo below) is Macy's Special Commemorative Basket, woven to represent 10 years of peace and prosperity and is absolutely beautiful. The bottom basket is the shining star fruit basket and it's absolutely stunning as well, no matter which basket you get from Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace program, I'm certain you'll love it!

Want to find more awesome gifts to give over the holidays?

Check out my holiday gift guide!

That Little Pink Dress Though... #ThriftStoreFinds

Some days I just love being girly, on those days I grab my favorite pink mini-dress and a pair of nude heels and I'm ready to rock n' roll all day long. There's just something about the color pink, it makes a girl smile, especially a girly-girl like myself.

I'm in love with this APT 9 dress, with the lace-y overlay and it's intricate detail and short cut - it's a dreamy Florida dress and one of my favorites to wear all year long! I've recently been pairing this adorable outfit with boots and jean jacket, for a more fall vibe - but either way it's perfect to rock for Florida Fall (and winter). Whether my hair is perfectly styled or in a messy pony, this dress makes me feel like I look like a million dollars and every girl needs a dress that can do that!

Are you wanting to invest in a little pink dress of your own? Check out these adorable options and choose your favorite - today is the day to reward yourself with something adorable and pink!

Redecorating? You'll Find Everything You Need (and more) at Big Lots!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ICantEven #BigLots #CollectiveBias

I like to consider myself an interior designer of sorts, but I've always loved finding an awesome bargain. Whether I'm searching for new pieces of wall art or looking for big pieces of furniture for the house, I like to find nice things for a steal of a deal. That's why when we were searching for a new place this summer, I knew I wanted a Big Lots nearby so it could be decorated well without breaking the bank. Luckily, we found the perfect house with a Big Lots only a few blocks away and since styles and assortment vary by store, I'm glad the location by us is an awesome one with a HUGE furniture department.

With one of my favorite stores within walking distance, I'm always finding awesome deals and grabbing new things for our place. Our fridge is stocked full of water from Big Lots, we snack on some of the awesome foods we find there, and we even redecorate on a regular basis with all of the adorable stuff I find there!

After we moved into the new place, I knew it was time to start redecorating with the help of Big Lots. Our house just wasn't feeling like us anymore and I wanted something more neutral and casual, yet still chic.

We've had an over sized ottoman for a few years now and while it's made an amazing table, I was ready to try something new. While I didn't go too far from the original concept, the open feel of this Espresso Ottoman from Big Lots is perfect. Plus, I get to decorate with little succulents and other pretty little things on the bottom part of the bench.

We also bought 6 pillows because they have an AMAZING deal on their home decor items right now and well, because I may be a bit of a pillow-lover. I stocked up on some of the most adorable designs, fluffy and modern - two things I need more of in my life. With frilly, fluffy pillows in cream and tan and a wonderful modern cream and tan printed pillow, I think I found the perfect neutral shades that blend perfectly with our home and our couch.

To add some nice little final touches on our living room makeover, I added a dreamy glass candle holder with a wonderful vanilla candle as well as a pot for succulents underneath - I have yet to plant the succulents but I think I'll work on that this week in between visits to Big Lots! I also added some wall decor and I'm still trying to decide on what to do with the rest of the walls in the room.

I've been going through stages with our living room and I was really unsure of what to do with all of  the wall space. I think I like the simplicity of the starburst mirrors and may add a canvas or two on the other wall and leave my simple, modern living room the way it is.

Now that I've shared how I completely redecorated our living room in one quick visit to Big Lots, I'd love to hear what you have your eye on at your Big Lots store? I'm thinking our next purchase will include one of the beautiful, detailed headboards they sell or maybe some more wall art for the rest of the house; with all of the items they carry, I never know what my next Big Lots inspired project will be! I'm so excited by the possibilities, I can't even...

Tips and Tricks for Thrift Store Shopping: Thrift Store Scores!

Some people are too proud to admit they shop at the thrift store, I'm the opposite of those people. I love bragging about the deals I find and I tend to go shopping at our local stores about once a week, sometimes every other week.

I skipped last week and decided I had to go this week for an upcoming project and I scored all kinds of deals. Everything I bought is in perfect condition and I spent less than $30 on all of the clothing AND 2 little DIY projects from the home goods sections and the one tiny thing I originally went shopping for happened to only cost be a quarter! Life is good when you are thrifty and I'm definitely not shy about all of the awesome items I find while I'm hunting for a bargain.

This week, I chose pieces that were made for me. It's weird, normally I have a cart full of stuff to try on but this week I only had the items I bought. It's nice to be able to recognize when things are going to fit you while out shopping, I know other lady shoppers know the excitement when everything they choose from a rack fits perfectly - it's like a "she shoots, she scores" type of moment if we're relating shopping to sports so the men-folk understand.

Well, today I want to share my loot I came home with from the Salvation army and a few tips on how you can make the most out of your next thrifting trip. While these photos aren't the best quality... I took them as a storm was rolling in so the lighting was off. Regardless, I think I'll make my thrift store scores into a regular post, because shopping is something I do pretty well - I might as well share my knowledge with you and hopefully I can learn a thing or two from my fellow thrift store lovers!

Tip number one is based on this Audrey 3+1 Red Lace Mini Dress. Don't be afraid of certain colors, no matter what. I used to think red wasn't my color, I've always insisted I look bad in the color... and well, I guess I take that statement back.

I love this red lace dress and the only reason I decided to try it on is the fun and fantastic cut. What's not pictured here is the back with a little low back and loop clasp detail, it's adorable. I can't wait to rock this number with a pair of stockings and heels for Florida winter festivities!

While I'll be feeling fantastic in my new red frock, I want to remind you to think outside your normal fashion box while thrift store shopping. Try on unusual floral patterns, funky frocks with short hemlines, and oddball items; after all, that one-of-a-kind piece of clothing could be made for you!

Tip number two is centered around my White and Black Stripe 3/4 Sleeve Top with Neon Trim I picked up this week.

This adorable top is so simple, yet so cute; so my tip is to add basics with a twist to your wardrobe. I love the neon yellow hem line detail and the comfort level on this white and black striped top is through the roof; this top has been added to my closet because it's classic, comfortable, and adds a tiny pop of color - the three things I suggest you look for in clothing while you are thrift store shopping, whether you find these attributes all in one item or separate, they all are important to take note of while shopping!

Tip three is based on this H&M Divided Cream Lace Crop Top and it's a typical piece of advice: Step outside your comfort zone. In all aspects of life, you shouldn't allow yourself to remain "comfortable" with one set way of doing things. For me, this meant learning to accept my body and love it enough to feel comfortable exposing my belly in a crop top. For others, this could mean exposing your legs in a pair of shorts or maybe even going sleeveless for some. Learning to love your body means that you feel comfortable in a lot more, including things that were formerly no's. I'm so happy to have found this awesome crop top for such a great deal, now I can expose my belly when I see fit and I feel awesome doing it. You should give it a try, no matter your shape or size!

Tip four is based on this adorable Lauren Conrad Silver Sequin Dress, I have no where to wear this number but I bought it anyways because it's a good deal and it looks pretty amazing on me, if I don't say so myself.

My bit of advice regarding this new addition to my wardrobe is to buy things that you love, even if you don't have a place to wear them, yet. It may sound silly or indulgent to buy things when you aren't sure if you'll need them, I hear that... but I bought this dress anyways because I feel amazing in it. If you try something on, fall in love with it, but aren't sure if you'll ever wear it... buy it anyways! You never know what events will come up in your life or when you'll need a fancy party dress. I'm hoping for a fun and fancy date night soon or maybe a super-glam night out with the girls!

Outside of all the clothing tips I've shared today, here's the fifth and final piece of advice. This time I'm talking about the home goods section of your store. Always think about what could be.

I grabbed two amazing little mirrors and can't wait to show you where they end up in our house. I have the perfect spot in mind and with a little spray paint, I think they'll fit perfectly!

I also grabbed these cool vintage drawings, mainly for the frames they are in though. I love and respect the art but plan to make these into an awesome project. Some spray paint, a few printables, and a little bit of windex and I'll have a whole new set of art! That's what I love about looking at things with a unique perspective, I'm always able to find something cool and make it into something unique and fun and so incredibly us...

So now that I've shared some thrift store shopping secrets, I'd love to hear your tips and tricks of the thrifting trade! Tell me all about your perfect thrifty find or your strategies when shopping in the comments below!

The Perfect Gift for Every Girl: Spirit Lockets Personalized Jewelry

While I'm a huge fan of Spirit Lockets regardless of my connections, I need to disclose that the links listed below are my affiliate links. I sell these cute little lockets without investing anything other than my time and you can too, find out more about the affiliate program by clicking here.

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people that want to give the best gift ever, for every occasion, to everyone. Whether it's my bestie celebrating her birthday or my mama celebrating the move to her new place, I want to reward my family and friends with the best presents possible.

The thing is, I sometimes have trouble finding that perfect present for everyone on my list. Sometimes you just want to express how much you love someone through a gift and when it comes from a store, pre-packaged, I feel like I can't find the right way to express myself. That's where Spirit Lockets come into the picture, they aren't cookie cutter necklaces but personalized creations for everyone in your life...


I want to shout it from the roof tops, Spirit Lockets are the perfect gift for everyone... They are so cute, so affordable, and so much fun to personalize! Whether your best friend just tied the knot or your grandmother is celebrating being cancer free for yet another year, they have a charm for every occasion and a locket perfect for everyone! Necklaces or bracelets, gold or silver, rhinestones or rustic, polished or punk, there's a little bit of everything!

I love the variety of charms they offer, making necklaces for all ages a possibility and also making designs so unique, for each and every woman in your life! I think my next creation will be for a certain mermaid loving lady in my life, my mama. She deserves to be spoiled and I know with charms like the one's shown below, I can make her something so beachy she'll be keen on it for years to come!

So, if you haven't already, now is the time to check out the most adorable accessories on the market and spoil yourself and your favorite gal-pal with something fabulous! Head on over to Spirit Lockets and let me know which necklace design is your favorite and what charms you would love to add in your locket in the comments below!

Interested in joining me
& becoming part of the Spirit Lockets team?
Check out how you can earn money and sell adorable lockets without any investment here.

Choose Your Karma & Head Back to School with Sakroots Flap Backpack

I can't believe it; it just can't be true. Summer is almost over and it's actually that time of the year again. We are all counting down the last days of summer and getting things organized; soon school will be in session yet again.

Don't hate me for saying this, but I'm almost excited to go back to school this year; partially because I'm rocking an awesome back to school look and because I'm getting closer and closer to finally graduating (3 semesters left after this one, but no one's counting or anything). My back to school look this year is totally different than the past, I feel like I've finally "found myself" as far as fashion is concerned and that's a pretty exciting feeling.

I can't wait to share the outfit I'm going to wear for the first day of school, but for now I'll share what I wore when I attended an orientation earlier this week. I'm in love with this simple outfit and it's the perfect summertime get up, for everything from a BBQ to a quick back-to-school meeting.

On the afternoon of my orientation, I was walking into the building where the orientation was held with plenty of time to spare, but for some reason I decided to cut through the grass to get there quicker. That was a huge mistake, since it's been raining non-stop lately... Not only is the grass muddy, it's down right swampy. I managed to get mud all the way up the back of my legs, all over my nude colored sandals, and literally in between each and every one of my toes.

I was a hot mess, but luckily I was able to scrounge together a few tissues from my car to wipe off most of the mud and ended up attending my orientation barefoot... talk about making interesting first impressions with future classmates and professors.

Regardless of how silly I looked walking around campus barefoot, I'm obsessed with bright colors this season and loved my look with or without shoes. The fading, yet still bright purple hair, my neon yellow shorts, the cobalt blue tank top, and my brand new, gorgeous, bold printed backpack and planner from Sakroots; I'm obsessed with it all.

The best part of my outfit, is that all of my clothing came from a second hand store. Plus, my Sakroots accessories allow me to give back to a good cause. That means this outfit is a double whammy as far as "Karma" and giving back to my community are concerned. I love that you can stand out from the crowd while carrying a Sakroots bag (or rocking any of their fun accessories) and you can give back to a good cause on the same dime!

During check out you'll have the chance to donate to a charity, simply by supporting whichever one of the beautiful patterns you prefer. These patterns designed by artists (like myself) really make me so very happy and inspired every time I look at them and since they all help their own good cause, I think they are all just the bee's knees!

Do you realize this means that you can rock a new pair of rain boots, buy an adorable planer that you write all your assignments in, or even upgrade to a new, cooler backpack and just simply buying these products can change the world for the better? That's pretty cool, huh? Plus, Sakroots matches the amount you donate! So cool!

Want to hear something else really cool? Sakroots is looking for on-campus ambassadors! These lucky Sakroots reps will host sponsored events, have access to exclusive promo codes for friends, and educate everyone on their campus about the Sakroots story. Through this program students have the opportunity to earn college credit, obtain NYC based internships, and receive free swag! Interested in becoming a Campus Circle Ambassador? Click the Campus Circle Ambassador link at the bottom of the Sakroots page to find out more.

Want to learn more about Sakroots and the adorable products they offer? It's time for you to choose your karma (and earn 15%), all you have to do is visit Sakroots.com! I dare you to check out their campus collection and treat yourself to something gorgeous!

After you spoil yourself, definitely come back and let me know which laid back, trendy print you decided on! Do you know the perfect college student to rep Sakroots? Let me know in a comment below which look you love the most and who in your life do you think will make the perfect ambassador?