It's the holidays y'all and I have sort of started a tradition where I try to gather some like minded ladies to put some positive vibes out into the world via something that we're doing every day- on our computers, phones, tablets etc. You may remember last year's giving back series here on the blog and we've decided to kick it up a notch for 2017 because in my humble opinion, we need a little more love and kindness this holiday season! Each day we are donating to a specific and worthwhile charity while also celebrating in high style with a brand that we love. It's really about bringing attention to great organizations while also having a little fun! So here's the deal, I've asked my ladies to give me three words that describe how they are blessed. It can be in all their years, just this year, the day they sent me my email. Three words. It's easier said than done when you're really trying to think about how you are fortunate. So before I get to today's ladies, charity and giveaway, I ask you to do the same exercise. What are three words that you would use to describe how you're blessed?
Today's donation was made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. They provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivorship. In 2017, the BCRF awarded $57 million in annual grants to more than 250 scientists from top universities and medical institutions around the globe. In addition, BCRF has established the Evelyn H. Lauder Founder’s Fund, a multi-year international program dedicated to metastasis that is the first large-scale global effort to unravel the biology of metastasis, with more than $30 million earmarked to date. It is the largest privately funded project exclusively focused on metastasis in the world. But they still have more to work to do and that's why we support them today. Bonus: We donated on Giving Tuesday and they matched our donation! *pats ourselves on the back*
Belle Etoile has been one of my longest blogging relationships and that's because they have a truly lovely, thoughtful and conscientious team over there. The jewelry that they make is so unique, I would know it anywhere so the combination of fantastic team and great jewelry, well, they have my heart. They've very generously offered us the opportunity to win the Evermore Pink Pendant, a limited edition piece created for Breast Cancer Research. The piece is gorgeous is it not?Gorgeous hand-painted Italian enamel and pavé-set ribbons of sterling silver interplay with each other to create a truly classic look. Symbolizing everlasting love and hope, the Evermore Collection is timeless. And it's such a perfect fit for today. With every sale of this pendant, Belle Etoile is donating 20% of the proceeds to the BCRF... but you can try winning one first below in the rafflecopter!
*This post was written in collaboration with Cost Plus World Market
It's that time of year again, it's the Cost Plus World Market's Friends + Family sale happening October 6th through October 9th! It's really one of my favorite times to be a CPWM shopper because we can get 30% off their amazing, eclectic home decor, furniture, entertaining essentials plus 10% off food and beverages. This business is good online or in your local store, so however you choose to shop, you are more than covered. Whether you're looking for dining room furniture for the holidays you're hosting, halloween decorations, or even thinking ahead to Thanksgiving food, now is the time to pick it up because this is likely the best deal you'll get all year.
I also love October for another reason, it's time to really GO PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness. Cost Plus World Market was amazing enough to work with me earlier this year on a post centered around Relaxing and Recharging through Remission, a piece that I worked on with both my Aunt and Grandmother, Breast Cancer Survivors. I am stoked again that they let me amplify this message along with some great charities using a really fun message- that you can shop with their F+F coupon starting this Friday! I picked my favorite pink pieces from CPWM and I can't wait to shop the sale with y'all!
I searched high and low for my favorite pink items to sprinkle about your home in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month. Whether you need a touch of pink or a stand out conversation piece, Cost Plus World Market always has the most fun and unique items to choose from.
When looking for a great Breast Cancer charity to support, it's important to look into where the funds actually go and if you feel 100% comfortable with your donations, whether of your money or your time volunteering. There are fantastic national organizations but be sure to do some searching at the local level, there may be an organization doing great work in your neighborhood who would love to have your support!
I'll be heading to my Framingham, MA location (find your local location here) but even if you can't get to a store, make sure to take the opp to use the coupon online, especially if you've been teetering on purchasing something. This is the weekend, people! Tell me, what are you going to pick up at the Cost Plus World Market Friends and Family Sale?!
It's pretty tough to find someone who hasn't been touched by cancer somehow. I know that personally, my family has dealt with a multitude of different kinds in different members with varying degrees of difficulty. Most notably, both my aunt and grandmother on my mother's side have battled breast cancer and won! To have two survivors is not just an inspiration to us but gives others hope when we share their stories. This post gave me the opportunity to learn more about my family and also brings to light the importance of self care after a cancer diagnosis. After going through cancer treatment, and then to be in remission, it's so important to take time to care for your needs whether physical or emotional. Both my aunt and grandmother are survivors but they are also thrivers, which I find to be amazingly inspirational. Through their personal journeys, I've realized that there are great ways to relax, recharge and reflect after a cancer diagnosis, which is very much needed after treatments that can be very traumatic.
Something that has helped countless people in channeling their feelings, is the power of journaling. A notebook and a pen can help in healing if given the chance. My grandmother has always been one to write thoughtful things to me, as long as I can remember. She battled breast cancer in the 1980's when I was a very small child so my experiences with her have always been when she was in remission. I think that in writing we can often express things, put them on paper, to release them from our minds and the weight of those things can be lifted. Easier said than done, I know, but there is something to it. Studieshave shown that the emotional release from journaling lowers anxiety, stress, and helps bring better sleep.
You know that I am all about the wellness and self care rituals that keep us sane from day to day but after the stress of something as serious as cancer, in surviving there is the utmost importance placed on taking that time for yourself, even if you are not going through remission yourself but have been on the journey with a loved one. Cancer is no joke and the experience is most likely one that shakes your friends and family to the core. There is the mindfulness aspect to self care (mediation, journaling etc) but there's also the tangible things as well. Lighting some candles, spraying your pillow after a hot bath or taking quiet time to yourself over a hot cup of herbal tea can go a long way in feeling the love. Spa gifts to yourself count too, since everyone loves to relax a little, so pampering is always in style. In the relaxation, you can find the moments to contemplate your experiences to find better understanding and appreciation for the blessings that you've been given. In my conversations with family, that is one of the most common themes, is the feeling of being blessed. Even if it's hard to find the positives, we should always try to do so!
When my Aunt was first diagnosed with cancer, it was around the same time as Guiliana Rancic. Guiliana had partnered with LOFT to create a line of jewelry where the proceeds would benefit breast cancer charities. For some reason, it was important to my aunt to find a statement necklace that helped her to share her story. She says that people have stopped her to chat about her necklace only to continue talking and realize that they're both breast cancer survivors. Giving herself this small gift, a reminder of her fight, also gives her the opportunity to share her story. I find that to be pretty darn amazing, right? Something that seems so small or insignificant can be so much more. Finding these connections in remission can be a huge part of the healing process so find those special little gifts to yourself that reminds you how awesome you are and who knows what more it can bring to you.
Meditation isn't easy, especially if you have a lot on your mind. Something that I was talking to my Aunt about was being more thoughtful, or mindful if you will. She's taken workshops, that's how important it is to her. In remission, the need to be positive is important because there's always the worry that the cancer will come back. When worry creeps in, so do feelings of sadness. Meditation can help to center you and bring you back to basics, clearing the mind of these worries. Meditation can also help to relieve stress, decreases depression and anxiety while also helping your brain look within. It may sound hokey but it's not, I promise you.
Ultimately, we can help those in our lives going through treatment and in remission by being their support and encouraging them to take time for themselves to heal and to be happy. What I've learned through my family is that these are tippy top priorities. I'm so happy to have partnered with Cost Plus World Market on this post. They aren't just an amazing place to shop but they have initiatives that really show that they care about their customers and their families. Through 06/04/2017 you can enter to win $2500 for you and an amazing woman in your life through Cost Plus World Market's Amazing Women Sweepstakes. Also in May, you buy your favorite jewelry and 10% of the sales (up to $10,000) will be donated to the American Cancer Society through Dazzle and Donate! See? Those are two initiatives that are super fun but have substance so thumbs up to them! And if that wasn't enough, in honor of my Aunt Sandy and my Grandmother Barbara, I am making a donation to the American Cancer Society in their name. It's the least I can do to honor two amazing women in my life!
I love stopping into my Framingham, MA store but you can find your closest location here. Also to snag any of the awesome offerings that I have in my post, be sure to click through below and learn to relax, recharge and reflect in remission or just in your life. Being mindful, present. appreciative and aware are keys to happiness, if you ask me.
Do you have any special ways that you've celebrate life through remission or helped a family member do so? I'd love to hear your story!
We've been busy with Fall activities, Halloween and making stuff for special people over here in the Propah household. Some tasty tidbits for you, since I think these are all well worth your time.
It's still Breast Cancer awareness month: I;m sure you are used to seeing pink ribbons all over the place, alerting you to the fact. Tips on early detection and reducing your risk of Breast Cancer via Avon. Make sure you are taking your health into your own hands, literally.
Been having lots of conversations lately about blogging + sponsored posts + and all of the things and one thing that piqued my interest this week was a post that Wil Wheaton wrote basically, to say, that writers/bloggers/creatives etc should NOT be providing their work for free. It's amazing to me how often someone from a PR firm or brand will contact me and want me to write something up for the "exposure". When I first started blogging, sure, I wrote somethings for the "exposure" but tbh, that exposure rarely did anything for me. If I am going to do the work, I want to be compensated for it. Unless, of course, I totally love you and want to help, then all bets are off. ;-) It's a good article. (via Wil Wheaton)
I didn't get a chance to watch this week's GOP debate but I saw enough of the aftermath to know that I have no intention of voting Republican... but this isn't about my political persuasions, this is about my Psychology minor ("Hey, that Psych major deal, that philosophy major thing, that's great, it's important to have liberal arts... but realize, you're going to be working at Chick-fil-A.") I read many posts today on the "diss" that Jeb Bush threw out at Psychology majors + Philosophy majors. This post from The Mighty, shows lots of successful Psychology majors fighting back that stereo type that it's a a simple major that people coast through. (via The Mighty)
Cold Weather is coming and I need to buff up my fitness gear so that I am actually motivated to keep running + going to yoga but all I want to buy is this Mexican Blanket for my savasana. Does this make me a slacker? How do you keep motivated in the cold weather?
Please vote for my girl, Kate's Simply Mixed Berry Frozen Berry-Orange Mimosa in the Better Homes and Gardens Fresh Files. She is super special and I am 110% that the drink is delicious + she promised if she won, she would have a big berry mimosa party, of which I would invite myself to right away. (via BHG)
And a fond farewell to America's Next Top Model. I have spent countless hours watching full seasons of ANTM. I feel like I know Tyra and I can also spot a former contestant in bit roles, like a pro. I will miss you ANTM. You have been there for me many a sick day. I will forever be thankful to Hulu for having all seasons on deck for me, even the British v American, which I thought was weak. (via The Cut)
If you have read my blog before, you know that I am a big fan of a local salon chain, MiniLuxe. They were kind enough to share some of their newest polish shades with me and obvi, I had to share with you gals as well!
MiniCure has a gorgeous pale pink designed to support the Ellie Fund Do Good Campaign’s effort to battle breast cancer. All net proceeds from the nail polish bottles will go towards the campaign. *The Ellie Fund is a non-profit organization that provides things such as groceries, nutritious meals, transportation to medical appointments, childcare and housekeeping all free of charge for over 500 breast cancer patients and their families across Massachusetts every year.
MiniLuxe in Lynnfield is set to open this month and bring the best of Boston to their first ever North Shore location! Right in the MarketStreet shopping area, MiniLuxe Lynnfield offers 8 manicure stations, 9 pedicure stations, 2 brow stations, and 2 private waxing rooms. There is even a new fall color named LUXE Lynnfield (a sexy maroon, rich and deep) to celebrate the addition of the 8thlocation!
What do you think of MiniLuxe's new polish shades?
It's October, that means it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means everyone is coming out of the woodwork with their products that support a cause related or where proceeds are donated to charitable organizations. This year, I wasn't going to do a round up of my favorite Breast Cancer Awareness picks, that was until I actually saw some of the products that were available. I love shopping for a good cause, who am I kidding, I love shopping period. What do you think of my fave picks for Pink October?
Being that it is October, National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am starting to think about my plans for the next year and my volunteering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I have done the Breast Cancer 3-day in the past and LOVED it. Would want to do it again but not all by my lonesome. I lucked out the last time around by meeting some great gals along the way, but wouldn't want to chance it not happening like that again.
I am setting out right now, to enlist at least one more person to raise sweet moola for a great cause and experience something wonderful. We shall see if I can work some magic. Somewhere in the world, every 69 seconds, a woman dies from Breast Cancer. This statistic makes me sad but so many women are also inspirations. Check out some of their stories... I am sure there are a million more like it out there.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a cause that is near and dear to me. Having a grandmother that endured breast cancer was an eye opening experience. She was diagnosed in the mid eighties, when I was just a little kid. To think, had she not survived, I would have never known her. I am grateful for the chance to have her in my life and thank God she "fought like a girl" and booted that cancer out the door.
My mother tells the story like this. Her mother, we'll call her Barb, well... because that's her name, called her up one day. Barb said she had just returned from the hospital where she had one of her breast removed; she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was starting treatments. My mom was like, "whaaa whaaa whaaat?" My grandma dealt with it all on her own, not telling her children until she had undergone surgery. I can't even imagine the strength that must have taken... what a real challenge that requires emotional and physical energy... she went through a lot... and this could explain her smidge of later in life curmudgeoness. ;) All in all? She rocks. I love her. She makes me proud.
Barb is a "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor"
Because this cause has been close to my heart, I have tried to volunteer my time over the years/ do something to raise awareness/ much needed funds. When in college, my rugby team volunteered for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. We worked the registration before the walk began. This was my first taste of just how many people were affected by Breast Cancer. I will never forget for the rest of my life, one woman who was registered for the walk. She was late to check in and was concerned about being able to leave during the walk and then coming back (something that usually wasn't allowed). She had to leave to attend her mother's funeral. She had passed due to breast cancer just days before. The words I'll never forget, "My mom would have wanted me to do this."
Amplify that experience by 10 and you have the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day. I raised over $2000 just to be able to participate (some of which I had to donate myself). The fundraising in and of itself was a job and took me nearly 5 months to do. I still maintain that the "Booze for Boobs" fundraiser was the best and was a major contributing factor in raising awareness among friends (shout out to John, Cristina and June for helping to throw that killer bash). Come time for the 3 day, 60 mile walk, I was by myself and afraid to spend 3 days walking on my lonesome. WAS.NOT.THE.CASE. I met Wendy at minute one. Jill and Heather shortly thereafter, Rachel and her mom after that. These were women who were a constant support even though we had only known eachother for a short time. The cause brought us together to a 60 mile, teary-eyed emotional roller coaster of sharing and caring... an experience I'll never forget. I called Barb on my ride home to cry a little (you have no idea how emotional it is and how very tiring walking 60 miles can be) and just express my joy in her survival. I hope she got it. I love her and did it for her and all the other families that have dealt with this.
Breast Cancer 3-Day with women I didn't know until we bonded over such an emotional and physical experience.
Barb has been in remission for well over 20 years, so now we can joke about it... joke about the dog dragging her gel breast insert, aka "chicken cutlet", out into the living room, whilst also destroying tissues while he was at it. He obvi didn't want her to stuff her bra. She has a great sense of humor, can totally take a joke and gives it as good as she gets it. Barb= Hot Ticket... and we are lucky to have her with us.
PPS. Barb has given me many things in this life, love, affection, annoying email forwards (just kidding Barb, they're cute) but the greatest gift that wonderful woman ever gave me... and my mother... and my cousin... were D's and DD's. Rock on chesty girls!
