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Welcome!

Thanks for visiting my blog! If you are here looking for something specific... like my wedding or newborn work, be sure to click on the categories tab above and navigate through my most recent posts. Whatever your reason for coming to my blog, I'm glad you are here! You will see a mix of my most recent shoots, events in my life and a few of my very random thoughts. If something sticks out to you, be sure to leave a comment! I love to know what you are thinking too! Enough intro, enjoy the blog!

Gifts That Give Back!

It’s 11 PM Thanksgiving night and my roommate and I decide we want to see what this black friday thing is all about. I had seen a Walmart commercial and I remembered that something was happening at midnight so we headed over. We drive into the parking lot and it is packed! I had no idea. Trying to guide a cart down an aisle was almost impossible. People were pushing, yelling and cussing. I’m not sure what deal is worth that! If you want to see the video, check out my Facebook. =)

Looking at all the items these people needed reminded me of this blog that I’ve been wanting to post. Within my family and circle of friends, there really aren’t any huge needs. We are all pretty blessed having food, shelter and pretty much whatever we want. I decided if I’m going to get gifts for everyone, I want it to be meaningful and help those who have serious needs. I did a lot of research and found some new (and some I already knew of) organizations that are selling awesome products and giving to awesome causes. Here are a few if you want to skip all of the black friday madness!

TOMS Shoes
I think we have all heard of TOMS and although they aren’t considered a non-profit, for every pair of shoes bought they give a pair to a child in need. They have given over a million pairs of shoes so far!

Krochet Kids
LOVE these knit hats made in Uganda! They are super cute and help provide jobs and meaning to people’s lives in Uganda.

31 Bits Designs
They are a local non-profit helping women in Uganda change their lives by teaching them important life skills and providing them jobs. The jewelry is gorgeous!

Azizi Life
Baskets, jewelry, bags and purses made by local artisans in Rwanda. All profits go to help develop economical growth, community development, and spirtual growth for the people of Rwanda. A few people I know will be getting the baskets! They are so reasonably priced, unique and beautiful!

PUNJAMMIES by International Princess Project
Almost all of my friends and family got these a few years ago. Super cute pajama pants made by women who have been rescued, released or escaped from forced prostitution. Not only does this provide jobs for the women but they also receive after care.

International Sanctuary
Gorgeous and unique jewelry (I love the peacock necklace!!). All proceeds go to fight human trafficking.

I know there are a ton more out there and if you would like to share, please feel free to leave a link in your comment. I love that I can give these gifts to my family and friends and every time they look at it they know it helped someone in need! It’s so easy to get caught up in the craze of shopping, going into debt and having a little buyers remorse at the end of it but I’m thinking this year will be different for me (and maybe you too). =)

Since a blog without photos is boring, here is one of my grandma and me from Thanksgiving day! (thanks to mom for taking it!)

Facebook comments:

Kristen - justlovecoffee.com, proceeds go to orphans in Ethiopia and families who are adopting... Also risingstaroutreach.org, you can purchase artwork and other items made by people in the leper colonies in India (but their "shop online" link didn't seem to be working this morning).....

Aunt Nancy - Super idea! And yes, you're right and so is buying things we don't need. The Black Friday thing is way over the top and believe me, I've never done it.I like jewelery so one of those is fine or we can both agree on an organization to donate to in both of our names.

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