Tuesday, March 27, 2012

soleRebels

Some shoe companies offer a handout to those less fortunate when you buy a pair of their shoes, for example they will donate a free pair for each pair you purchase.  Those shoes may still be made in low wage factories in China.  soleRebels are different.  soleRebels are an Ethiopian company which offers a fair wage to their employees and are made from organic cotton and recycled tires.  We are talking about a fair trade shoe here!  That alone is exciting to me, but even better, their shoes are great looking and comfy.   

To be fair, I must confess that I am NOT a shoe hound.  I own less pairs of shoes than my husband.  I prefer to spend as little as possible on them (we are talking end-cap clearance rack of Target low) and keep them forEVER.  So for me to spend, $60 on one pair of shoes is major, but I did it and I am very happy with my new shoes. 

soleRebels are made in Ethiopia and each pair is custom made.  Sizing is easy with a chart you can print out and check your size.  The price includes shipping (all the way from Ethiopia).  From the date I ordered the shoes until I received a shipment notice was exactly 2 weeks and I received them within 3 days of the shipment notice.  I picked the TOOs xxYYY elite style shoe in Steel Blue.  They are a medium wash denim color; super soft and comfy and they fit great.  Only problem is, I want another pair now.  Maybe soleRebels will make a shoe hound out of me yet!  

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Hearts for Hearts Dolls

Without mentioning the brand name, there is a particular 18” doll that girls are fond of that can be very pricey.  I know, we own two of them.  You know the ones, with a few select boutiques with restaurants in major U.S. cities, their own magazine and website?  No doubt the dolls are beautiful.  They come with books that encourage reading and some even teach about history in a very real way to our girls.  But for 1/4th the price, you can get a similar doll that is NOT a cheap copy of these expensive ones I am talking about, but original in its own way; Hearts for Hearts dolls.

If you have heard the commercial for Hearts for Hearts dolls, there is an annoying little jingle that is played which I think has certainly not helped with their popularity.  Please don’t let that discourage you from checking them out.  There are 5 dolls in the collection, from 5 different countries.  Each doll has it’s own little story of how she is trying to make a difference in her particular country and community.  A portion of the purchase price from each doll is donated to the humanitarian organization, World Vision. 

The dolls are well made, and the quality of hair is much better than their more expensive counterparts.  There are also additional ethnic outfits that can be purchased separately for the dolls.

There is also a website that can be accessed by a code with each doll or outfit to create a personal page for the girl who owns it.  The page is like a bulletin board in which the girl can put what issues are important to her.  The dolls are fun and educational.  I have seen them at BJ’s, Target and Wal-Mart and they can also be purchased online from Amazon. 

Friday, March 16, 2012

147 Million Orphans

Sometimes a name says it all.  Take 147 Million Orphans for example.  Then think about it for a second.  147 MILLION orphans.  ORPHANS – kids without a mommy or a daddy to love them, alone.  147 MILLION of them in this world.   I would love to adopt 1 or 2 or 4.  I would love for there to be 147 million orphans minus one.  If you can’t adopt 1, you can feed 1, love 1, help 1.

Check out the 147 Million Orphans website.  They have an ever-changing supply of gear.  Purchases help orphans in need with basic necessities.  Sporting the gear will help raise awareness too.

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Cupcake Kids

Over on the right of my blog, on my links button, you will see The Cupcake Kids.   

What are The Cupcake Kids?  Well officially, The Cupcake Kids are little people with big hearts for God and the imprisoned children of Africa.  Technically, my Cupcake Kids are on the bigger side of little as they are in their tweens, but they do have great big hearts for God and the imprisoned children of Africa.  

The Cupcake Kids raise money for Sixty Feet.  You can read more about Sixty Feet by clicking HERE.  

This year will be our first year participating in the sale and can I just tell you how excited I am?   I sent an e-mail out a few months ago to see if any of my mama friends would want to join in and I was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support I received.  Since we live in a fairly rural area, a local preschool volunteered their building to host the sale.  We have lots of families on board for baking and manning (or "kidding" I should say) the sale and we even have our church’s puppet group set to perform. 

It’s a wonderful thing to have your heart set on fire for God’s children.  It is beyond awesome to see that fire lit in your children.  Oh, and the picture of the cupcake in this post was drawn by my sweet little neighbor boy, for our sale.

The Cupcake Kids represent how easy it is for everyday people and kids to make a difference. Go  HERE.  Sign up for a sale.  Send in your money.  Change lives forever.

 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34