Gap's Give and Get

If you are going to be spicing up your wardrobe for spring (its coming soon, I promise!) at the Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy this weekend, why not take advantage of a discount - who doesn't love saving money? And the best part is, while you get 30% off your purchase, the Gap will donate 5% to a charity! A win, win situation if you ask me. Here's a link to the Give and Get site and here's a link to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society coupon. Happy Shopping!

Support on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up and it should be about the people we love. But we should also find the time to support those others who can't do that themselves.

This Valentine's Day, add a cause to your circle of loves with the Allumonde charity ring.

The Allumonde charity ring shows your commitment to helping others. 19% of the proceeds goes to the charity of your choice and 2% goes to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Starting at $25, the ring comes in acrylic, stainless steel, titanium-coated stainless steel in gold and black, sterling silver and 18k gold. Order your ring at the Design21 website.

Every ring makes a difference!

Shopping Thriftily

I feel as though I'm constantly being bombarded with messages about how I "need" new jeans, or I simply "have to get" that new stylish top. Well, gosh darn it, I'm tired of spending money! And I'm trying to increase my minuscule nest egg, just in case my secure job becomes not so secure. Not to mention I'm trying to consume less overall in order to be more environmentally friendly.

However, I still like consuming. I do. It's fun to get new stuff, or at least 'new to me stuff.' Some of my favorite places to pick up trendy deals are:

Urban Renewals, Allston, MA
Think Goodwill, yet not, because it's not actually Goodwill. But it could be one. They have a ton of clothes here. You're not likely to find any of that cool vintage stuff you always hope thrift stores have, but I did get a fantastic dress there that served as the basis for my mermaid costume. They do have a fairly good selection of home goods. I picked up some great baskets that I use for storage. The other great thing about this place is that it's open until 8 PM on Thursdays, and open Saturdays and Sundays.

Nearly New Thrift Shop, Brighton, MA
This place is actually in a church (see their sign on the right) and helps them raise money for churchy things, like giving groceries to people who can't afford them. They're only open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, but it's a wonderful Saturday morning expedition. This place seems to get a lot of stuff from older people. Some nice woman's donated sewing supplies jump started my button collection. I have also gotten quite a few random plates here, which I enjoy.

People here are nice, clients are mostly older folk also in the building to get groceries. The other day I tried to pay more than what she wanted to charge me ($2, I offered her $5 since I only had a $20 bill), but she insisted on giving me full change. I wanted to be like, "LADY! It's for CHARITY! And I have a TON of buttons and lace here!" But I didn't make a fuss.

This weekend I'm planning on dropping off some stuff to help replenish their stocks, and help raise money for their food pantry.

Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA
When my library fines overwhelm me and I'm feeling extravagent, I visit the basement of the Brookline Booksmith where they sell used books. Last time I was there, I picked up a huge oversized version of Curious George. Hollah!!! I also managed to buy a book I had already read. Dang. At least it was just $7 down the tube, not $20.

Craig's List Free Stuff
It's what it says. Free. Sometimes it's shit, sometimes it's not; sometimes it needs repair; and sometimes it's just chock full of nada. The "for sale" listings sometimes have good stuff, but often it's overpriced.

Freecycle
It's free, it's stuff, it's all in the spirit of reusing.

ShopGoodwill.com
The only Goodwill store I know of that has its own online shopping interface!! What fun! Any items you purchase will come from far-away Santa Ana, CA.

The Curb, At A Location Near You
Yes, I have been known to pick up stuff off the curb. One man's trash, another man's treasure! Keep your eyes peeled on trash day. The redeemable can/bottle gatherers will likely leave the furniture for someone a little more ambitious. I have a great little chair I painted red that I picked up off the curb in good ole Somerville.

Of course on snowy days like today, you could always snag someone's annoying "parking spot saver."

Where's your favorite place to get deals?

Related Posts: Composting in an apartment; Moving? Donate your items; Spring Cleaning Part Deux
Photo courtesy of romaryka.

Buy Local for the Holidays

So the "experts" finally realized that we are in a recession. Thanks for FINALLY admitting what we all have known to be true for awhile now. With the terrible economy many are choosing to scale back on their purchases for the holidays.

However if are able to buy gifts this year, you can really help the local economy if you buy from local vendors. Where to find these local vendors? Come on out this Sunday to the Bazaar Bizarre at the Castle at Park Plaza on the corner of Arlington Street & Columbus Avenue in Boston.

Bazaar Bizarre began in 2001 in the Boston-area as a celebration of local artists and their handcrafted DIY wares to sell and at the same time staging an offbeat entertainment extravaganza. If you're looking for gifts that are unique, I guarantee this place has it.

Details
Date: Sunday December 7, 2008
Place: The Castle at Park Plaza
Time: Noon-7pm
Cost: $1 to get in

Related Posts: The R-word, Sock Monkeys for Charity, designgive - creativity is a gift
Photo Courtesy of http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/

Holiday Shopping & BYOBag

This Thursday like many other US Americans I will be eating my weight in turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing. I will inevitably fall into a food coma and wake up on Friday with the energy and stamina needed to shop on Black Friday.

Before I am out the door I will do the mandatory check-list; wallet-yep, game plan to hit the sales-yep, cell phone for emergency calls only-yep, and reusable bag-yep. Wait a second reusable bag? The stores you will be going to have bags so it isn't a requirement for you to bring one, yet it is extremely important for the enviornment that you bring one.

We have written to you before about how important it is to be green and reduce your carbon foot print as much as possible. Bringing your reusable bags for shopping can continue this trend and would reduce the amount of trees needing to be cut for paper bags and reduce the amount of plastic in our landfills.

If mother earth isn't a good enough reason for you to think about bringing your reusable bag. Then consider you won't be a FREE walking add for whatever store you purchased items from. Stores pay big bucks for advertisements on billboards, magazines, & TV adds, yet they don't pay you for walking around with their name brand on your bag, essentially its free marketing for them.

I bring this up because I rarely see people use reusable bags while shopping, with the exception of a grocery store. I bring my reusable bag whenever I am going shopping, even if its just an outing with the girls. It really doesn't take a lot of effort either, just leave your reusable bag by your purse or wallet. Then, before you leave you grab both your reusable bag alongside of your holder of money and you are out the door. Easy right?

Well it is easy to me, but I would be curious why people are reluctant to use reusable bags for other purposes than grocery shopping? Is it a trend that hasn't caught on yet?

Related Posts: To Have or Not to Have Plastic Bags; The Greenest Generation; Green Tips for the New Year

Photo courtesy of: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/news/los-angeles-day-without-a-bag-december-20th-038191

A Gift to Remember

Years ago my grandmother gave me a rather odd birthday present. Instead of opening a big box and getting a new shirt or even better, money, I got handed a large envelope. Inside was a picture of a water buffalo and several other pages filled with pictures and long descriptions.

Just imagine what was going through my mind.

She explained that she had donated money in my name toward the purchase of a water buffalo for a family far away that needed it badly. I smiled of course, and said thank you, but I had no idea how great that present really was.

Today, I am thankful for that gift. There have been many times that I do not really know what to get someone for their birthday, and the present most likely ends up unused and a waste of money. This was one of the best uses of money I could have asked for. Of course, it can be hard to resist buying someone a new sweater or that DVD that they wanted, but in the long run, this type of present means the most.

My suggestion to you now, is to search around. Look for charities and non-profits which conveniently offer this type of service online, and take advantage of it! My grandmother donated money through an organization called the Heifer Project, and I am sure that there are many other organizations which offer this very same opportunity to make such a big difference.

Related Posts: DesignGive - Creativity is a Gift; 'Tis the Season to Change the Gift; Conscious Giving

bringing sexy back~

i've never been one for "fashion." in fact, i'd probably be a prime candidate for "what not to wear" since stacy and clinton cringe anytime they hear someone say she dresses for comfort.

well, guess who's a (comfortable) fashionista now?!

apparently, social issues, volunteering, and blogging about social issues and volunteering is the hip new thing. kenneth cole has begun the AWEARNESS blog, which is a blog that "provides daily updates under four socially-aware pillars of discussion: Social Rights, Well-Being, Political Landscape and Hard Times [and] hopes to raise awareness around the issues that fall under these four areas in a dynamic and engaging format."

The blog also features "Q&As, original content from Kenneth Cole himself and contributions from staff members of Kenneth Cole Productions."

you can also contribute to the AWEARNESS fund, which is a not-for-profit established by Kenneth Cole, by purchasing an AWEARNESS t-shirt. the non-profit currently helps fund amfAR, the Foundation for AIDs research, and Help USA, which provides homes, jobs, and services for america's homeless.

so, who knew you could look so good just by bettering the world around you?! what are you waiting for? fashion doesn't get any easier or more comfortable than this!

(of course, if you've met the rest of the oyfp crew, you already knew that caring is sexy!) ;)

after you're done perusing the awearness blog, make sure you scoot on over to the Best of Blogs site and vote for the Volunteer Boston Blog as the Best Hobby Blog.

Images taken from the Awearness blog and Awearness site.

designgive - creativity is a gift

designgive is an apparel retail web site created by designers who donate a portion of every sale to charity. They sell mostly t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and hoodies. One dollar of every shirt sold is donated to charity.

“As artists we were given a talent to create, it's up to you to use those talents to try and make a difference in the world.”

The buyer can choose where their donation will go from some of the largest and most far-reaching charitable organizations in the world. These groups include:

- American Diabetes Association - diabetes affects an estimated 20 million men, women and children in the United States. Out of each dollar spent by the ADA, 78 cents support research, advocacy and services for people affected by the disease.

- American Cancer Society – invests nearly $3 billion annually in cancer research since 1946. Cancer kills more than a half a million Americans each year, equaling more than 1,500 deaths per day. In the United States, cancer accounts for one of every four deaths.

- UNICEF - or the United Nations Children's Fund, provides humanitarian aid to children and mothers in developing countries. With staff in over 150 countries and territories, UNICEF is the world's leading children's organization. Contributions also support humanitarian support in the Sudan, where a $3 donation can buy a large wool blanket to protect children from the cold during an emergency.

- American Red Cross - provides relief to victims of disasters and provides respond to emergencies. The organization responds to more than 70,000 disasters each year.

- Make-a-Wish Foundation - is the country's largest wish-granting organization for children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. The foundation has granted almost 150,000 wishes since it was founded in 1980.

- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is the oldest humane organization in the United States. It has worked for over 140 years to eliminate injustices toward animals.

- Children with AIDS Charity – supports children diagnosed with pediatric HIV and AIDS. The group uses donations to fund its three-pronged approach of education, transport assistance and financial support to children and families affected by the disease.

designgive encourages designers who would like to participate in this project to contact them. Each design appearing on the designgive site will feature the artists name as well as a brief "About the Artist" section. To contact designgive check out their contact page.

“Creativity was a gift to you, now is your chance to give something back. Contribute to designgive, and realize your cause for design.”

http://www.designgive.com/

To Have or Not to Have Plastic Bags

That is the question. In the news today, the Boston City Council is considering a two cent fee for every shopping plastic bag that people use. This amount could increase to 15 cents by 2015.

According to Councilor Robert Consalvo, who sponsored this bill, wants this bill to also institute a recycling program for the current amount of plastic bags and introduce bio-degradable bags into these stores.

In this article it goes on and talks about the concern for the elderly folks who ride the T. The claim is that it is easier to for these folks to carry plastic bags. I have switched over to reusable bags for probably close to a year now and I find they are WAY easier to carry then the plastic bags that leave my fingers numb from all the weight of my food. I love food too, so I have a huge grocery list and these reusable bags make the climb to my third floor apartment much easier.

Additionally, reusable bags don't break as easily. I often see grocers double bag items because of the weight of the food could easily make one plastic bag break. I used to get so annoyed with grocers when they would put one item in one plastic bag because of the weight of it.

It also cuts down on the amount of plastic bags around your place. I used to have a big pile in the corner that would keep piling up until I remembered to bring it to the store and by that time I was overrun with plastic bags.

When the weather gets warmer you can find reusable bags that keep your food cool while you shop. Jamie and I use a bag that is originally designed to keep your food and drinks cool while at the beach. It keeps the food fresher from the grocer's freezer to my freezer. I have even seen backpacks used, which are even easier to carry compared with traditional reusable shopping bags.

What are your thoughts of this proposed bill?

What a mess!

Photo courstesy of www.chrisjordan.com/

10,000 Reasons to Buy...

i'm sure many of you have heard about, passed by or even shopped in a store called ten thousand villages. if you've never heard of this store, listen up 'cause you're in for a treat.

ten thousand villages is a company whose inception was inspired by mahatma gandhi's following quote: “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.”

the company extrapolated from those words their guiding principle: "each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people…offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions."

as one of the largest fair trade organizations in north america, this company brings in the work of artisans from over 30 countries in asia, africa, latin america and the middle east to the US. they maintain long, nurturing relationships with these individuals and offer them not only a means to live but also dignity.

ten thousand villages stores has partnered with the national coalition against domestic violence, and during the month of march, they are celebrating international women's day by hosting community shopping benefits for local domestic violence prevention agencies and shelters near the 80+ store locations throughout the country. during these events, ten thousand villages will donate a percentage of purchases to the local agency to help provide needed services, all in a concerted effort to build a global community of empowered women.

there are over 160 ten thousand villages stores across the counry, and there are three stores in massachusetts. i know budgets are tight, and pennies are being pinched, but they have items in a wide price range, so maybe you'll scrounge under those couch cushions and come up with a few dollars to impact the village in which you live. (but if you still don't think you can spare even just a few dollars, let me be the blunt woman i am and tell ya: we *are* the richest amongst all the villages.)

besides, we all deserve to live with a little dignity wherever we are, no? (although sometimes oyfp members push it a side for a little while - for a stinkin' good reason, of course!) ;)

Everyone needs a little handmade Peruvian wool vicuna love in their lives.
Yes, vicuna. They're related to alpacas and llamas.