Ugly Christmas sweaters are fun but they're also a pretty overt reminder of how lucky most of us are during the holiday season. This year, Heifer International is challenging us to use our social networks for good, by tagging ugly sweater photos (and other holiday memories) with #GiveHeifer. Each post shared from December 18th – National Ugly Sweater Day! – through December 31st using the #GiveHeifer hashtag will add $5 to Heifer's efforts to provide life-changing livestock to communities in need. They even provided some snazzy shirts for me and the kiddos to take our own #GiveHeifer selfies with:
Learn more about how Heifer International provides livestock and agricultural training to help foster sustainable, self-reliant communities across the globe and here in the United States. It can be as simple as one chicken:
Roo and Jasper start school on Wednesday, so the past week or so has been abuzz with getting all their gear together and making sure we have everything they need ready. With all the hubbub of the back to school season, it's easy to forget that a lot of kids will be starting the year empty-handed.
The Office Depot Foundation wanted to make sure that kids have the basics they need to feel confident in the classroom, so they established The National Backpack Program in 2001. In the 14 years since it began, the NBP has distributed more than 3.3 million backpacks and sackpacks to kids in need.
The specially designed sackpacks include a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and crayons. I think it's really great that the sackpacks do not have any Office Depot Foundation or Office Depot logos or markings – just kid-friendly graphics.
I nearly fainted when I saw this. I figured at least a handful of you out there might feel the same about Star Wars, so I'm sharing this chance to be in Star Wars: Episode VII.
All you need to do is join Disney and Lucasfilm in supporting UNICEF Innovation Labs and programs through Star Wars: Force for Change. You can donate as little as $10 to an entirely worthwhile cause and be entered to be IN the next Star Wars movie. Of course, if you're a high roller, you could also bid $50K and get 5000 entries. So many ways to enter!
I wish you luck, but I hope I win!!!
No Purchase Necessary. Void Where Prohibited. See Official Rules for details.
LUSH Cosmetics is working to “erase bullying” with an interactive art installation displayed in the windows of select shop locations starting August 31st. The windows showcase the work of Vancouver-based artist, Bryce Evans, and are inspired by a friend’s experience with bullying, bringing to life hurtful words in a larger-than-life format. LUSH is encouraging the public to sign an online pledge to treat others with dignity and respect by way of campaign partner Charter for Compassion.
As part of the campaign, LUSH has launched a limited edition Charity Pot hand and body lotion with 100 percent of the sales going to LUSH’s Charity Pot Fund, to help further the good work of grassroots organizations like Charter For Compassion. Enjoy this decadent hand and body lotion made with fair-trade cocoa butter and fragranced with ylang ylang, geranium and tagettes essential oils—and feel especially good knowing that each dollop does a world of good.
More on Charter for Compassion:
The Charter for Compassion inspires people around the world to live by the Golden Rule. It’s a cooperative effort to restore not only compassionate thinking, but more importantly, to restore compassionate action to the center of religious, moral and political life.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I used to drive from Seattle to Vancouver solely to buy Lush products. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.
Social Media Giving Day is the same day as Twitter’s birthday: July 15! Superdumb Supervillain is partnering with Givver.com to make social media matter!
#Give with Givver on Monday to help us set a world record for the most donations given in one day through social media! Will you help us do this?
Givver.com is awesome. It enables you to donate quickly and easily to your favorite causes with a single tweet! Whether it’s a non-profit, educational, or political organization you want to support, Givver is here to help you fund and raise awareness for the issues that matter, all by simply using Twitter.
Givver is a great way to show your friends, family, and followers on Twitter that you care in a tech-savvy way! Let's all tweet to #give to at least one organization that needs our help by using Givver and make social giving go viral this Social Media Giving Day on July 15!
Win an Official Social Media Giving Day Prize Pack featuring:
- Givver #Give Limited Edition T-shirt
- Givver #Give Limited Edition Sticker
Enter by telling me what charities you support in the comments below.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I will receive a gift in return for posting. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.
This December, UGG Australia is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Art & Sole charitable program with a limited edition of the Kids' Classic Short Boot. The Art & Sole boots feature a screen printed puzzle motif based on the winning design from last year's A&S competition. Ten dollars from each pair will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs affected by Superstorm Sandy. Additional donations will be taken at the cash registers (at domestic UGG concept stores only!) and will be matched by the company.
I love UGG boots because they allow me to feel like I'm still going barefoot, even in inclement weather. Jasper just got his first pair of grey shorties last week, before I saw these. I love the puzzle print and the concept of helping others while keeping your tootsies warm this winter.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no compensation was provided for this post although I am a massive fan of Uggs (don't judge me!) and just bought Jasper a pair of grey classics, unfortunately before I saw the press release about the . As usual, all thoughts are my own.
Today is Cyber Monday and lots of folks are shopping online for great deals. I've written before about Heart of Haiti, the collection of artisan-made goods available exclusively at Macy's. The working fair tradepartnership between Haitian artists and a leading American department store is especially compelling at this time of year, with holiday gift shopping looming large and everyone watching Miracle on 34th Street for the umpteenth time.
My feelings about shopping are complicated. I love to buy pretty things, true, but I'd also like my purchasing power to mean something. If I can buy hostess gifts that also help build economic security for artists, that's a no-brainer. Macy's Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace Collections do just that. There's something for almost everyone on your list, from jewelry to baskets, quilts, ceramics and metal home decor.
Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities. The initiative allows opportunities for the artists to work with US designers, helping strengthen international artisan relationships and making their products viable in the US market. The Heart of Haiti campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans who create the product, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination.
To date the program has employed 780 artisans, which has improved the lives of over 6,200 individuals. The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living, feed their families and pay their children’s school fees.
This bracelet is hand-carved from cow horn. Talk about upcycling!
We've been inundated with news of how Hurricane Sandy has affected US communities but it's important to think about how it has impacted Haiti's fragile recovery process, too. While you're making your holiday gift lists, please consider purchasing goods from a fair trade vendor, like Heart of Haiti! Your dollars do make a difference.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the bracelet pictured above to facilitate this review, which is part of a Fair Winds Trading/Heart of Haiti awareness campaign by Everywhere. Rest assured, however, that all opinions are– as usual– entirely my own.
Most people don't think about the luxury of being able to see. I'm very, very nearsighted and have worn glasses or contacts since I was a little kid. Without them, I can barely see a foot in front of me. Everything blurs into abstract colors and shapes. I can't even see my kids' faces in the morning until I reach for my glasses. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I didn't have glasses, they are such an integral part of my everyday life.
In many places around the world, people are not fortunate to have access to glasses and opthalmic treatment. 285 million people across the globe are visually impaired but 80% of those people don't have to be– with glasses and proper treatment, their lives could be totally different. Blindness can be avoided in many cases by early intervention or even preventative treatments.
TOMS is committed to opening your eyes to the importance of World Sight Day. Through their One for One initiative, each pair of TOMS sunglasses can GIVE SIGHT to a person who is losing their vision– via much needed prescription glasses, surgery or medical treatment. The Give Sight project has helped people of all ages from all over the world and right here in the US. The impact is dramatic and incredibly life-affirming.
Do you think about how your vision impacts your daily life? Can you imagine life without it?
To see what a difference corrective lenses can make, try the vision modification filters at http://www.toms.com/world-sight-day/. You can see how cataracts, glaucoma and a simple refractive error can seriously change your world view. Literally.
The next time you're getting your eyes checked and need to renew your prescription, ask your doctor about ways to donate your old glasses. And if you're in the market for some new shades or kicks, you might want to consider a company that gives back.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received information about World Sight Day from TOMS, including some handout materials to share with my kids' schoolmates. No compensation has been provided. (Or shoes!) As usual, all opinions are my own.
Your clicks matter. The next 100 days your clicks – or votes – can decide which 100 nonprofits take home a new ride from Toyota. All you have to do is go to www.100carsforgood.comwhere five finalist nonprofit organizations will be profiled each day. Registered Facebook users are be able to vote once daily for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new set of wheels.
The organization with the most votes at the end of the day will win a new vehicle. The four runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. Voting is open now through Tuesday, August 21 from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm CST. To see a full list of finalists go to www.100carsforgood.com.
There's a Wichita non-profit in the running! Kansas Council on Economic Education is hoping to win a Toyota Highlander to help them in their mission to bring economic and financial literacy to the schoolchildren of Kansas.
If you have the time, I highly encourage you to stop by and vote every day for the organization of your choice, they are all worthy of your time and a new set of wheels.
Share on Twitter: Click on the tweet below to easily share with your Twitter followers.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received no compensation for writing about this program, although I wouldn't complain if Toyota wanted to send me a Prius or Sienna. As usual, all opinions are my own.
Heart of Haiti is an amazing collection of handmade goods at Macy's that lets you feel good about shopping. Not just because you have fabulous taste– which is obvious, dahling!– but also because the Haitian artisans who create the collection receive half of the wholesale price from each piece. This initiative, a partnership between Macy's, Fair Winds Trading and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, allows the artisans to foster self-sufficiency and helps them to become an important part in rebuilding the economic infrastructure of Haiti. Much of the Heart of Haiti collection is steeped in folklore and tradition, so showcasing it in select Macy's stores nationwide makes the artisans de facto cultural ambassadors for their country. I hate the term "win-win" but it definitely fits, in this case!
I have long been a fan of folk art and handmade goods, so I was really excited to be asked to review an item from the Heart of Haiti collection. They have a wide selection of jewelry, sculpture, housewares and textiles so it was hard to choose one thing! I remembered an intricately carved firescreen in a magazine years ago (before I had kids…) and being impressed that something so ornate and delicate could be made from repurposed steel drums. Incised metalwork is a craft that has a long history in Haiti so I decided to choose the Heart of Haiti Songbird Picture Frame for my review. In person, it is even more lovely than I had hoped.
Choosing a photo to encase in this frame was hard! I didn't know if I should use it on a snapshot or a Gocco print from my collection. I decided I would put one of my favorite pictures of Roo in it, showing her as a toddler, leaning against one of her daddy's big wooden sculptures. It seemed to strike a nice balance between art and home life, what do you think?
I love the way it looks against my chartreuse office walls!
The process the artisans use to create the metalwork is really interesting. They make a template on a flattened sheet of metal and then pierce it and emboss it to render a dimensional effect. This video gives you an overview:
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the frame pictured above to facilitate this review, which is part of a Fair Winds Trading/Heart of Haiti awareness campaign by Everywhere. Rest assured, however, that all opinions are– as usual– entirely my own.
To enter and win a Red Robin Yummm Gift Card, please comment on this post with your favorite item from their menu or the weirdest thing you've ever had on a burger.
Entries will be accepted through Sept 14th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no monetary compensation was provided but I received a gift card from the sponsor for hosting this giveaway. Just so you know.
Last year, I was an ambassador for the inaugural Bag It Forward campaign sponsored by Elmer's. The project asked bloggers to "bag it forward" while shopping for their kids' school supplies, filling up an extra bag for needy kids or underserved classrooms. This time, I was tasked with making a surprise "boo!" bag for a special teacher.
I love my kids' school. All the teachers are fantastic and take such good care of the students but I must admit Bob and I have a particular favorite. Mrs. Nur is based in the primary (pre-K) but also teaches foreign languages and art to the older grades. Last year, she did an after-school Spanish program that included projects based on famous artists, tortilla making, and the Aztec culture. She's very crafty and makes funky jewelry as a hobby, plus she has a sense of humor that just cracks me up. For example, inserting Dune jokes in the newsletter that only dorks like us would get and using pictures of Phil Spector's wacky hair as her Facebook avatar. Obviously, she is awesome and needs to be feted with supplies to allow her to impart her keen artistic sensibilities in all the young minds she touches… with that goal in mind, I headed to Walmart to shop for goodies. (See a slideshow of my shopping trip below.)
The end result: A Boo! Box for Mrs. Nur! I hope she loves it.
Elmer's is hoping to make another big impact this back to school season. Alongside their sponsorship of Bag It Forward, with bloggers gathering supplies for charity and encouraging their readers to join the movement, they are already donating one product for every “Like” on the Elmer’s Facebook page to the Kids In Need Foundation, and they will donate an additional item for each view of the video on the Kids In Need tab on their FB page. They are committed to donating up to 200,000 products to KINF, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing school supplies to those in need… imagine how many children will benefit from this partnership!
And don't forget– Elmer's is a Upromise partner, so every time you purchase an Elmer's or Krazy Glue product with your registered drug or grocery card, a percentage of your purchase will be put into your Upromise account.
her comment... I'd love to use it for our neighbor. She's a single mom and I know she'd appreciate a little miracle.
This year, Pampers turns 50. That means for five decades, they have been at the forefront of bottoms. (Yes, I made that up. Clever, right?) Instead of celebrating in the traditional decadent and self-congratulatory manner, Pampers launched the Little Miracle Mission campaign. It's kind of a "pay it forward" project where missions - usually a simple, helpful act or kindness that celebrates babies (new little miracles), mothers and parents - are launched on the Pampers Facebook page. When enough people commit to the mission, Pampers continues the support through a series of impactful pledges of their own. Over 42,000 people have supported the cause since April, when Pampers donated over 30,000 care packages to families and babies in 800 NICUs across the country.
Jasper had to spend his first week in the NICU so I can imagine how significant those care packages must have been, giving families less to worry about so they can just concentrate on their baby. I was given a $50 gift card to perform my own Little Miracle Mission for babies or new parents. Suggestions of how to use the money included buying diapers for a family in need, preparing meals for a family, or even use the money to host a larger fundraiser for a family. I went mommy-ward, since one of the things that new moms often overlook is doing anything for themselves. I bought a bunch of makeup and nail polish to donate to Dress for Success. Read on to see how you can win a $50 gift card to perform your own Little Miracle Mission.
In honor of Father's Day, the most recent Little Miracle Mission encouraged participants to pledge various acts of kindness for dads. The overwhelming response has led Pampers to throw “First Father’s Day Cook-Out” celebrations across the country for new and expecting fathers, providing them with the recognition that they deserve. Last night at at Stage 37 in New York City, celebrity fathers, including Entertainer Drew Lachey, Actor (and first-time dad) James Van Der Beek, New York Jets Running Back Shonn Greene and Film Director Alejandro Monteverde (along with his wife, Actress Ali Landry) kicked off the inaugural “First Father’s Day Cook-Out” celebration. Now through Father's Day, “First Father’s Day Cook-Out” celebrations will also be held in cities across the country, including Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a gift card to put toward the charity of my choice. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.
To enter and win a $50 gift card from Pampers to perform your own Little Miracle Mission, please comment below and let me know what act of kindness you would use it for.
Entries will be accepted through July 1st and I'll pick a winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.
If you know a girl between 11-24 who wants to change the world, read on for an amazing opportunity!
The 2011 International Year of Youth Culmination Celebration will take place on August 11th, 2011 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. 192 delegates from all over the country– one girl for each member of the UN General Assembly– will have the opportunity to speak out, change the world and be heard. The annual event is powered by AllyKatzz, an on-line community specifically designed as a safe social networking/blogging platform for teen/tween girls only.
Do you know a girl who is interested in learning more about the eight millenium goals listed below that were adopted by the United Nations and in coming together with her peers to talk about ways to change them in the future?
1. Poverty and Hunger
2. Universal Education
3. Gender Equality
4. Child Health
5. Maternal Health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS
7. Environmental Sustainability
8. Global Partnership
Please help us find those special world-changing girls! Click here for the application. Applicants must be registered on AllyKatzz and applications must be received by JUNE 30, 2011. In order to be considered for one of the three specially-designated delegate seats, she must answer the question "How did you hear about the Youth Celebration?" with “Elmer's Glue n' Glitter”.
I wish Roo was old enough to participate in this opportunity. I'd love to hear about your nominees in the comments below!
Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have a long-standing relationship with Elmer's but did not receive any compensation for writing this post. As usual, all opinions are entirely my own.
Moms and Jobs (MoJo) is a Boston-based organization that seeks to "break the cycle of poverty among families in the United States by providing sustainable employment opportunities and strategic benefits in the apparel manufacturing industry." What that means is, they create jobs for poverty-stricken moms, a traditionally underserved workforce demographic. MoJo offers an alternative to meager minimum wage salaries by providing training and a new career path, along with completely funded high-quality child care, healthcare, retirement plans, and even education, to empower mothers and give them independence from welfare and food stamps. The women learn to fabricate garments and accessories from fleece and all of the MoJo sales proceeds provide free child care, competitive salaries, and sustainable employment opportunies for MoJo's single moms.
The MoJo Soft and Snuggly Blanket is made of super-plush Polartec fleece and measuring a generous 48" x 60", it's big enough for mom to cuddle up with but also thick enough to use as a playmat. I know it seems cliche to buy a blanket for a baby shower gift, but I think this is absolutely perfect. Not only is it decadently soft but your present will help more than just one mom and baby… win-win. It would also be a pretty great gift for anyone who likes to snuggle up on the couch watching TV. I actually hide mine for personal use. Shhh!
Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a MoJo Soft and Snuggly Blanket through the Get a Blanket, Give a Blanket promotion via Klout. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.
Iams has launched their annual Home 4 The Holidays campaign to encourage animal lovers to donate to and volunteer with rescue organizations this holiday season. Last year, over 1.3 million pets were adopted; this year’s goals are to find forever homes for 1.5 million pets AND provide 5 million bowls of food to shelters in need. Over 3,500 partner animal organizations in 21 countries around the world will participate! For more information on how to get involved, how to find a participating shelter in your area as well as other important tips for new pet parents can be found on Facebook and on the Home 4 The Holidays website. You can also enter your zip code into this handy widget to find opportunities to help near you!
Disclosure: I am not being compensated for this post, it's just a public service announcement for animal lovers like myself. Although, in all fairness, I should mention that we go through a lot of bags of Iams, with five kitties and a hungry basset puppy.
GiveBack is a web platform that makes philanthropy quick and painless, allowing you to set up your own personal "Foundation" and distribute funds to multiple charities that you choose yourself. You can donate money directly via credit card or by shopping online with GiveBack merchant partners, who will donate up to 15% of sales back to your Foundation. You can also get opportunities to earn more for your Foundation by participating in the GiveBack community and inspiring other members and sponsors.
GiveBack lets you do all your giving in one place, divvied up among your favorite charities. There is no charge for individual donors or to organizations who benefit- 100% of donations go directly to the charities, with costs covered by sponsors. In the near future, you will be able to create and manage fundraising campaigns online at GiveBack for your own local charities, too. Since my philanthropical bent runs toward literacy and animal safety initiatives, my Foundation includes the National Center for Family Literacy and the Kansas Humane Society, as well as the Junior League of Wichita and Roo's school. Any charity registered with the IRS is eligible. (GiveBack is currently available only to US organizations because of this.)
GiveBack was founded by Stephen Paletta, who was the winner of Oprah’s Big Give in 2008. Stephen won a million dollars to start a foundation to make a difference in the world and he wanted to share that experience with others by empowering them to start their own foundations to help support the causes they believe in, even with little or no opening investment.
Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this post was written as part of a One2One Network campaign. I have not been compensated for this post, but I will be eligible to win prizes for sharing my thoughts about GiveBack, which are entirely my own.
As an added incentive, two Virtual Bag It Forward participants will be entered to win amazing desktop computer systems, perfect for back to school, including:
Participate in the Virtual Bag It Forward by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom.
You can give as many virtual bags as you want.
The Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on September 10, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted.
The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
In addition copy and paste the following text into your blog post:
ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES
Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.
City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located northeast of Los Angeles dedicated to conquering cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Their women's cancers program seeks to share their nearly 100 years of research (97, to be exact!), generate open discussion and spark the "All In" movement at BlogHer '10. I am pleased to be one of the City of Hope All In Ambassadors at the conference this year and will be spreading the word about cancer awareness. Please come and tell me your story! I'll be distributing "I'm All In" buttons so you can show your support of this worthy cause and, as an added bonus, if you tweet a picture of one of the buttons to @CityofHope, you will be entered to win one of five $10 Sephora gift cards!
Disclosure: "I wrote this review while participating in a blogger campaign by Mom Central on behalf of City of Hope and received a $30 Sephora gift card and a $30 donation in my name to City of Hope to facilitate my review.”
