Listen Here: Carla Morrison

If you need a break from Christmas music, I've been chilling out with Carla Morrison's newest album all week. Haven't heard of her? I just recently discovered Carla and she's a gem. Yes, the album is entirely in Spanish, but I promise her voice and emotion will get you across the language barrier. Check her out! 

Trendsend by Evereve

A photo posted by Evereve (@evereve_official) on Nov 18, 2015 at 3:03pm PST

As you all know by now, I'm addicted to online subscription services like StitchFix, Birchbox, Trunk Club, etc.

I stopped Stitch Fix when I quit my corporate job this summer but this fall I tried out two different clothing subscription boxes, Trendsend by Evereve and Le Tote (more to come on that). I discovered Trendsend while shopping at the clothing chain Evereve in the University Village here in Seattle. Their company not only has a store but also a subscription clothing service that is similar to Stitch Fix with a few notable differences.

Like Stitch Fix, you start the service by filling out a fashion profile with your tastes, sizes and account details. Unlike Stitch Fix, Trendsend doesn't send a specific number of items and doesn't charge a fee for the box; they also don't offer a discount for keeping all of the items. Most of the clothing is higher end and a bit more expensive than what I received in Stitch Fix but it's also more commonly known brands like Paige Denim, Free People, and Michael Stars. Overall, I've been really please with the two boxes that I've received so far!

Simple Gift Idea

While in China I picked up a bunch of my favorite face masks, made in Korea where my sister lives. I've been wrapping a few of them up with some washi tape and giving them as gifts to friends after I returned from Beijing. BUT I think they'd also make a fun little holiday gift. Everyone could use a face mask in the months of dry winter skin. I love that they aren't as messy as face masks as we think of them, these are actually face shaped sheets with eye, nose and mouth holes and are fun to give out to people to try out!

PS. Here is a similar option I found on Amazon, I haven't tried them, but they seem to have great reviews. 

Friday Roundup

Happy Friday!

Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend-- we are celebrating Rory's birthday tomorrow with a trip to see the Zoo Lights and hoping to get our Christmas tree up!

Here are a few links from around the web to get us started:

These "Elf" quote cookies are pretty amazing.

Near the top of my US travel wish list.

Mulled wine, two ways.

Interesting perspective on dieting and eating healthy.

Hanna Anderson Holiday PJ's are only $20 today!

What do you think of Pantone's color(s!) of the year for 2016?

Incredible Barcelona apartment. 

(vintage xmas tree photo)

Congratulations Julie!

Yesterday, for World AIDS Day (which Teresa posted about here) Jason and I were able to join Teresa and her mom, Julie, in Los Angeles, where Julie received the Nelson Mandela Changmakers Award for her HIV/AIDS related work with the 30/30 Project. You can read more about it on the 30/30 Project Blog.

World AIDS Day 2015

This year is a very special World AIDS Day for my family and me. My mom, Julie, is the honored recipient of the Nelson Mandela Changemakers Award for her work with the 30/30 Project. I get to travel with her to LA today where she will accept the award from Kweku Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Pretty exciting, right??

She also wrote a thoughtful blog post with some of her reflections on World AIDS Day's past and present. It's well worth a read for those interested, and includes a throwback photo of us with Magic Johnson!

If you are interested in supporting 30/30 Project this World AIDS Day, check out this link to learn more about an amazing clinic in Kenya that we are raising funds for now.

PS. Here is where I wrote about the beginning of the 30/30 Project and what it means to my family.

Gift Ideas- Gifts With Stories That Matter

 It's so much fun to give a gift with a story! "The pjs I got you were made by women in India" is way more fun and meaningful than "It took forever for the lady at the mall to find the price on those".

I've highlighted a few of my favorite brands that are empowering women and men all over the world by giving them opportunities and skills to help themselves and their families out of poverty. They all have GREAT stories and and are doing wonderful things. You can read about each brand on their websites to learn more.

Above, are the Julia Flats. and clutch from Uxibal. All of their products are handmade in Guatemala, combining traditional Guatemalan textile and leather with modern styles.  I have the clutch! And a few pairs of Uxibal booties which I wear constantly.  The extra great thing about the Julia collection is that 30% of the proceeds go directly to the 30/30 Project!

UPDATE: Uxibal is having a Cyber Monday sale, up to 40% off! Get over there! 

I know so many families who have varying traditions of getting new PJ's for Christmas morning, Punjammies would be perfect for that! They offer great options for men, women and kids. On top of providing us with cozy lounge wear, Punjammies goal is to provide sustainable jobs for women in India who's alternative options often lead to their being trafficked.

Krochet Kids are made by women in Uganda and Peru. My favorite thing about all Krochet Kids products is that the woman who made it has signed her name on the tag. You can find them on the website, read a bit of their story and you can even write them a note telling them how much you like what they made!

I love the firngerless gloves, as would anyone who, like me,  is perpetually cold and perpetually on her iPhone.

What baby in your life doesn't need an adorable hat with ears?!? There's also a bear one!And an owl!

Every guy can use a good stylish beanie. Thankfully, there are a lot to choose from :)

Also, you can pick up Krochet Kids goods at Whole Foods, which means it makes a great last minute present when you're quickly running in for a bottle of wine on the way to a party.

PS. Krochet Kids entire website is 40% OFF for Cyber Monday! 

Check out Karama Collection for beautiful fair trade goods that have been handpicked for their quality, beauty and ethical practices from artisan collectives all over Africa. 

This beautiful circle bracelet is made of brass in by a group of jewelry makers in a Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa.

The bath towels are a favorite of mine. Made in Ethiopia, out of cotton, but not the traditional terrycloth material we're used to- this means they are super absorbent but won't cause your hair to frizz. They are the PERFECT gift for someone with curly hair! And also beautiful to have hanging in your bathroom. And perfect to pack for the beach-they take up way less room than a regular towel and dry super quickly. I've also been known to wear the ones I have as scarves...can you tell, I really like these towels. I also got to see where they are made while in Addis Ababa a few years back so I can tell you first hand, they are all entirely handmade from dying the yarn to weaving on a giant loom, it's a crazy process to watch! But I can promise you, these are quality towels. 

Most every lady could use a chic backpack.  

The woven serving tray would be a perfect for anyone who loves to host or bake. 

Just a note, NONE of these wonderful brands listed above have compensated me for this post. These are all companies who's missions and products I love and will be buying from this holiday season.