Sunday, December 19, 2010

Happy New Year Card

Unlike most people, I save all the cards and birth announcements I've received through the mail. I actually store them all in a hat box, and cycle them through an album. It's gives me a warm feeling to look back through the years, and see photos of my friends travles, their children and reread the (sometimes) cheesy messages I receive; I can't help it, but I'm a sucker for the holiday cheer. I am well aware that most people are not like me, and end up sending the card into the recycling bin, or worse, throwing it in the trash once the New Year rolls around. Because of this, I've avoided sending holiday cards out for the last few years. I've felt so guilty that I even failed to send out a birth announcement when my little one was born earlier this year.

However, I just couldn't resist this year. I came upon so many options, and since I was on a tight deadline to get them out, I was so excited when I learned that there are now more options to print through the user-friendly Shutterfly on either recycled or sustainably forested paper. So, I decided to bite the bullet and do a combo birth announcement/Holiday card.

If you get one from me or anyone else, please keep it for the memory, find a creative way to reuse it, or just plain ol' recycle!

Happy Holidays to you all!

Through The Seasons New Year's Card
Click here to browse Shutterfly's holiday card collection.
View the entire collection of cards.
xoxo, Laura

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Hair Candy

I'm in the mood for something sweet, and since I'm still trying to shed those last few pregnancy pounds, I'm better off keeping my hands out of the cookie jar. So, I think I'll do the next best thing and feast my eyes on sweet somethings that aren't full of calories, but are sure to satisfy my sweet cravings, while being really pretty to look at!

Made by hand from Twigs & Honey by Myra Callan and using only the finest ribbons, lace, hand dyed silks, beads and jewels (and many more accoutrement's), these bridal hair candy are to-die-for. The attention to detail is truly stunning and leaves me wishing for another big day, just so I can sport one, or two of her creations!

I'm in love with this next Chantilly lace and rhinestone self tying headband. The roughness of the stones and sweetness of the lace is a perfect blend of harmony. Love it.

As for these next two pieces, I love the silvery hues and sparkle--they could definitely be worn after the Big Day. Perhaps for a festive party of New Year's Celebration?

A little color goes a long way, just ask a blushing bride.

Have a great Wednesday everyone! xoxo, Laura

Friday, December 3, 2010

In the spirit of giving • charity: water • charity: ball on December 13

The past few years have been a wake-up call for so many people. Gone are the days of buying tons of expensive gifts for all of your friends and family. Although it's nice to receive, we've all learned how important it is to give...especially to those who are in need. In the spirit of giving, I want to share with you an organization that is truly making a difference. And with your help...they can elevate their mission to a whole new level.

charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund sustainable water projects in areas of greatest need. In our day to day lives, it's hard to imagine not having clean water; something we as a nation take for granted. But right now almost a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. That's one in eight of us!!! 80% of all sickness on the planet is caused by unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation. It kills more people each year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more that three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. These facts are overwhelming, and completely heart-wrenching. It's time to pay attention to this devastating situation! It's time to do our part. As little as $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years! We can't afford not to give!!!

Over the years I've given to many causes...but really never saw the actual effects of my donations. One of my favorite things about charity: water is they are closing the loop. They are proving each water project by connecting donors here with people they've helped in developing nations. Using GPS technology, photography, video and the Internet, charity: water proves all work done in the field, telling stories of communities changed by clean and safe drinking water. I don't know about you, but that would make me feel pretty darn good!

In it's 5th year, charity: water is hosting their annual charity: ball on Monday, December 13th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. And for the 5th year, Adrian Grenier is hosting this multimedia exhibition and gala evening to benefit the work of charity: water...an organization very dear to his heart. It's no secret that Adrian is a champion for environmental and social causes worldwide, and that's why he continues to be one of our favorite Eco-celebrities. But what can a night out on the town really accomplish? A lot more than most people think. charity: ball 2009 proved this - 1,200 guest attended, 125 volunteers gave their time and guests donated more than $1.8 million. By the end of the evening, charity: water had raised enough money to serve a million people with clean, safe water. That's a lot for just one night, even in New York City! And guests had a chance to participate in the Waterwalk, where they lugged Jerry Cans full of water across the Waterwalk to get a taste of life in rural Africa. They wrote notes to be hand-delivered to a community in Ethiopia that will receive a well this year. The event was a huge success, and this year is shaping up to be another triumphant occasion. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased here, and 100% of the price of your ticket will benefit the work of charity: water and help them grow. If you are in the New York area, the charity: ball is one not to be missed. Guest will team up with celebrities and businesses to LEARN, GIVE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

To learn more about how charity: water builds water wells and how these wells improve the lives of millions of people, visit their website. It's not just about providing clean water to bathe and drink. These wells are the catalyst to disease prevention, gender equality, improved food supply, better hygiene, putting kids in school, and building a sustainable future for these developing nations.

This is such an inspirational cause and I urge everyone to get involved. Please take a look at the work charity: water is doing. It will warm your heart and you WILL want to get involved. Find out how you can help by volunteering or making a donation. Everybody can afford to give $20.00. Please reach into your hearts and your wallets and let's help charity: water continue to make a difference in the lives of millions!

Thank you for your support and happy holidays from your Green with Envy girls!