Give Love

"People making lists,buying special gifts. It's a time to be kind, to one and all. It's that time of year. When good friends are dear, and you wish you could give more than just presents from a store. . .Why don't you give love on Christmas day"

                                    The Jackson 5

We all are dreaming of a White Christmas, but instead of snow my true love sent to me:three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. Not sure where the fascination of birds came from but they are pretty. When I asked him why do they have to be in the house, he replied, "Baby It's cold outside." I would pout and cry, if that really happened, but Tis’ the season to be jolly. Fa La La La La La La La La! Yes, there are 8 “Las” in the phrase, I checked. I checked not once but twice.

It is the season of giving. The only holiday that claims more than just a day, but a month or two, comes with a big price tag! December 25^th! What to give mom and dad? Or my sister and brother? Should I get something for the dog? AHHHH what about my boyfriend? Oh wait, I don't have one this season. Phew! DISCLAIMER: Christmas is all about the gifts. You can't deny it. Whether you have the means or not, coming home for the holidays without a gift is a little embarrassing. At least make cookies! Sure, maybe mom and dad have everything they could ever want or need, but the act of giving is powerful. 

It is not about the quantity or even the quality. Giving is an act of love and has become its own love language as we learned from Chicken Soup or The Five Love Languages a book by Jack Canfield. Words of affirmations, acts of stewardship, and gifts are exceptional ways to tell friends and families you care. Maybe this year, buy a sakroot purse for mom, new TOMS for dad, and Banded headbands and Alex & Ani bangles for your sisters. These are just a few of the many brands that make an effort to make products that give back; the gift that keeps giving. Especially during the holidays, other notable brands like Starbucks create a package deal of a coffee and cookie gift box that when purchased a food donation is made to hungry kids in the United States. But this offer is limited; it has an expiration date and then proceeds to fuel itself as a coffee empire. 

However, TOMS coffee, "every bag of coffee purchased, TOMS will provide one week of clean water to a person in need. One for One. This promise, straight from their website, applies not just to thier coffee grounds, but to their shoes, and newly added clothing line.Every one of their products gives back, "One for One". Statistics show TOMS shoes gave over 60 countries over 35 million pairs. TOMS glasses gave 13 countries 250,000 people restored sight. And TOMS Roasting Co., just launched this year in 2014, provided water in 5 countries. "What began as a simple idea has evolved into a powerful business model in helping to address a need, and also advance health, education, and economic opportunities for the children and their communities around the world". If you have never heard of TOMS check your local Target, they partnered up this year. Target then fostered their branding ideal, One for One. I went to check it out myself, in two states the shelves were wiped clean. TOMS this year has been a success. Is this a sign? Will Target "target" a new audience? Can Target find in their hearts to give back? TOMS is the first company I personally came across this idea. I then discovered, Alex & Ani. (Not available at Target)

To my faithful followers, I won't expand upon this brand too much. Alex & Ani was actually my first blog posts, + Energy. I'm not much to repeat myself, but I will say their strongest line that they should push is their Charity by Design. Alex & Ani has this idea of adorning your arm with bangles that represent your interest and beliefs. With their line, Charity by Design, you can wearing bangles of non profit organizations that you personally are connected with and support. Not only do these charms self advertise you and the individual organizations; each purchase donates 15%-20% back to that organization. As explained on their site, "Charity by Design empowers non-profit organizations both on a national and local scale to reach their goals by sharing their mission through the power of positive energy and creative design. Carolyn creates customized symbolic charms that capture the essence of a charity making it more accessible to the public while raising awareness and funds. A portion of proceeds are donated directly to non-profit organizations who strive to enhance the quality of lives on Earth." They word it so beautifully and passionately that I wish all of their charms supported a cause.  Alex & Ani believes, "by allowing consumers to enter the charitable world through their purchases, we believe a new generation of philanthropists will emerge." I couldn't agree more. But what is a bracelet without matching accessories?

BANDED are quality headbands lined with velvet to prevent from slipping and creases in the hair. BANDED has perfected the design of a headband to prevent from pinching or pulling and causing headaches. They come in different widths and patterns. BANDED is a one size fits all secured with an elastic band. But for every purchase, "BANDED donates three meals to children in Uganda through a partnership with Amazima. In less that two years, BANDED has already helped serve more than 750,00 meals." If you purchased one for everyday of the week, your purchase would feed 21 meals to children in Uganda! Who would have thought that wearing a fashion statement would be so essential? But what's an outfit without a handbag? 

When shopping for a purse, you see brown ones and black ones, red one and white ones. All the brands start to look the same. Then you see these exotic brightly colored patterned purses each unique and sketch like. These doodle like patterned purses are sakroot, you know the little yellow bird blurting out peace? "Each collection features original artwork from our sakroots artist circle gallery of prints and textured embellishments such as crochet accents, giving the collection a relaxed vibe and tying back to the brand's heritage rich in texture. Sakroots encourages you to "Choose Your Karma" by supporting artists and charities of your choice from our circle sharing in belief of peace and harmony among all things." I had no idea sakroots matches all donations that supports The Nature Conservancy, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, NPH, and more! Giving back to protect animals and our environment is just as important! 

These companies make an effort to give love with every product but don't feel the need to boast, especially during the holidays. They are so humble in their generosity, that often their gifts go unnoticed. Often it is the price. But the price reflects their purpose, to give back. I am surprised they do not push more campaigns and advertisement during the holidays. When everyone is flooding the store, when everyone has saved up money, when everyone is filled with the Christmas spirit, that is the perfect time to spread the word. To gloat, to shine light, to pride yourself on your product, a product that's not only shared with a loved one, but a child or family, in need of clothes, shoes, water, shelter, warmth, food, and life.

Rather than belting out “FEED THE WORLDDDD LET THEM KNOW THAT IT'S CHRISTSMAS AGAINNN”, feed the world and give a gift, with the purchase of a product like TOMS, Alex & Ani, BANDED, and sakroot. These companies give everyday with every product. Not just for the holidays but everyday. What makes these companies more notable and memorable is their branding; giving back. Buy a product give a product and support a cause this season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

                                                                                                                         xox SB

Meet Michaela

The Author of FEARLESS

Michaela W.

5'4 

grey eyes

brown hair

Pittsburgh Native

My DIY Blog

My Etsy Shop

Profile:                                              

I am a U.S. citizen

I am the oldest of seven kids

I am a student at the Pittsburgh Arts Center

I currently am taking a year off from traditional schooling to explore different hobbies and interests-mostly art.

I work as a nanny and I love being able to invest in young lives and help kids grow through exploratory play and life experiences

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh

My friends live all over the country

My favorite activity is making art and I love to do this because I'm 100% me

My favorite color is orange because it always has been

I love fashion and have my own DIY/fashion blog: http://thediygal93.wordpress.com/

My favorite meal is sushi-and I hardly ever eat it so it’s always a treat!

I love backcountry backpacking and camping. There is something so incredible about living from your backpack and drinking in part of the country untouched by industrialism

I love to write- I am almost done with my first YA novel

I can be a little too adventurous

I am an activist. Fighting against social injustice is so important to me- especially in the area of human trafficking.

I randomly break into song

I love sewing because you can create so much from your mind and make something completely new from scraps of fabric

I own an Etsy store to raise money for the A21 Campaign, as well as others to help girls rescued from human trafficking:https://www.etsy.com/shop/TurnAround360?ref=hdr_shop_menu

I love running

I am addicted to coffee

It’s my dream to backpack across Europe

I want to see the world

I love creating art

My favorite poet is Pablo Neruda

I want my life to be used to help and encourage other people

My weakness is ice cream

My favorite author is C.S. Lewis

Being around other people energizes me. I love being social and connecting with people-either one on one or in a group.

I am a mentor to several young girls. I love encouraging them to live up to their potential and to help them learn how to figure out problems in their lives themselves.

One person from history who has always inspired me is Corrie ten Boom. She risked her life for the lives of other and even when she was tortured and abused by the Nazis, she chose to forgive and love, even when it was difficult.

My Present:

I believe in Christ. He gives me guidance in everything

I feel very deeply about many things but I don’t always show it

I am a strong person, but I need to learn to let others help me

I am learning the balance between service for others and rest for myself

I want to live every day to the fullest

FEARLESS

By: Michaela
*photocred to Calvetti

In two short months, I’ll be 21. 

Twenty-one.
Even just seeing those words typed out give my the shivers. I’m entering headlong into possibly one of the most glorious and confusing, rewarding and frustrating periods of my life known as young adulthood. I made it. I survived the impossible workings of high school and teenager-hood only to realize that I no more have my act together or really know what is going on in my life than I did at age 16.

Sure. I am more knowledgeable about life in general. I’ve worked several jobs at once, traveled extensively and met a myriad of people from all walks of life. Heck, I’ve even paid taxes. And I’m just now starting school again with high aspirations of what I want to do with my life. 

Yet, I’m still scared to do so much of what I want to do. Sound familiar to you? 

We grow up being told that we can do and be whatever or whoever we want. (Hands up if at one point you wanted to be President of the United States.) We believe it. We believe it, that is, until the end of high school and we are buried up to our eyeballs in college applications and tuition fees. We realize our dreams will require money and work and sleepless nights and doing things waaay out of our comfort zone. Slowly, many in the legions of dreamers will quietly back away and settle for something sub-par; something that they can tolerate for the rest of their lives, but not really enjoy. They forget to live.

I’ve been guilty of this. Of being too afraid of failure or embarrassment to step out and do something crazy. To take a deep breath and pursue something that I’ve always wanted to do. To meet new people, form new relationships and experience new cultures. Yet, I would let those opportunities slide away. “I still have plenty of time,” I reassure myself. “This isn’t the only chance I have to do this.”

Hmm... Really? Says who? Says the girl who is busy swallowing her disappointment over skipping out on something that pushes her from her comfort zone? 

I chose an unconventional route after high school- not starting college right away and working to save money. I also did quite a bit of volunteer work because I knew I wanted to work with children or international families somehow; possibly even missions work. I also didn’t want to blow a ton of money on school if I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do. So I waited and worked and saw most of my friends head off to college. I’m not going to lie. It was hard. As was enduring the judgmental looks and head shakes of people when I told them my current plans. 

   “But you are so intelligent. You would do so well at college.”
Thank you. I feel less like an idiot now. Not.

   “You need to get out and do things. Meet some guys.”
Surprisingly, I don’t need to be in a relationship to have confidence in myself or to validate my level of “hotness.” (What does that even mean, anyway? That objectification just makes me angry.) I often had to bite back irate retorts. I work. I volunteer. I have hobbies. I go out with friends. I do have a life. It was in the midst of the trepidation and frustration over people’s lack of understanding, I  finally realized something. 

I don’t have to let other people’s opinions sway my decisions in life. It was my life and I had to really think, really pray about what I wanted my life to look like. That looks different for everyone. For many, their lives include college or some other type of schooling. For others, it doesn’t. Neither one is wrong or right. 

Everyone is so preoccupied with “having a life” or in waiting for the “next big thing” to happen that they forget to live. I’m learning to slow down and cultivate relationships- to do things that impact other people. It’s when we take the focus off of ourselves that we can truly see that is beautiful and what it important in life. 

   
You don’t have to have everything figured out. There is a lot of immense pressure on young adults to have a game plan for the next 4 or 5 years in, or out, of college. While it is important to be prepared and responsible, our twenties are meant to be the years of daring. Exploration. Discovering who you are as a person and where your talents and passions lie. Play around with different interests or pursue a hobby. Travel to one place a year that you’ve never been and it doesn’t have to be exotic or out of country either. 

This is my challenge to you. Make your twenties mean something. Live purposefully. Trust me, it’s harder than it sounds, but so rewarding.

Don’t make apologies for who you are and what you do. There will always be people who think you should be doing things differently. Politely disagree with them. This is your life. 

Don’t waste these years only to look back yearn-fully on them and think “I wish I would have had the guts to (fill in the blank).” Find those guts now and do whatever it is that you are putting off. An interview for a dream job or internship. Trying a weird new food. Being a tourist in your own town for a day. Taking the time to talk to that guy or that girl you always seem to run into while you’re out. Making a new friend. Volunteering for a cause close to your heart.

There was one line in Paulo Coehlo’s “The Alchemist” that really appealed to my romantic tendency  “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” 

Isn’t that the truth? 

   
So tell me. How are you going to spend your young adult years? Why don’t you hang up those excuses and set a groundwork of fearlessness and dedication for the rest of your life? 

As Robin Williams said, “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

Are You "Linked In" ?

If you don't already have a professional profile of yourself boasting with your achievements and chalked up with previous employer recommendations, I highly suggest you sign up for one. LinkedIn is Facebook with future co-workers and employers. The newsfeed is filled with business tips, interesting articles, new connections, and the latest viewer on your personal profile.

You might even learn something more valuable than who is dating who and where your ex went last weekend. LinkedIn puts the drama aside and everyone's best foot forward. But even if you appear clean cut and ready to work on LinkedIn, I suggest your Facebook mimics that look. Once an employer or a crucial connection finds you and skims your background, it isn't long until your name is "Googled" and your Facebook profile is hand picked and hooked like a fish out of water.

Why am I a strong believer in LinkedIn? After posting Help Wanted , I got the break I was looking for; a chance to prove myself as a professional and not just a college student.  If you hadn't had the chance to read Help Wanted, I suggest you do so now. I was exposing my inner thoughts of the chances of me getting hired in the next few weeks as the fall semester is approaching. Okay, maybe I was ranting or rambling of the frustration of having and losing a summer job.

Whatever the case may be, I extended my experience to others who might be in the same boat. Then...SPONTANEOUS BLISS HAPPENED. No joke. At midnight I posted #ShareACoke on SB and LinkedIn. Some guy from a marketing company connected with me weeks ago read my posts,  + Energy and #ShareACoke, and literally gave me a thumbs up on each piece. Then he sent me a detailed email informing me of how much he connects with my writing and loves my written personality.  He claims it was fate, and the stars aligned have connected us on LinkedIn. I was little unsettled by his comments of not knowing me but wanting to hire me when I graduate. Then he sent a second email, even longer than the first, considering that maybe later will be too late and now is the time for me to build my work experience and potential. He hired me as a freelance  copywriter for his marketing firm.

WAIT WHAT?!

I went from blogger to freelance copywriter in a week. Now do you believe in Spontaneous Bliss?

                                                                                                               xox SB

Help Wanted

Qualifications...

-At least 3years of extensive experience

-Flexible availability hours

-Strong attention to detail, good prioritizing skills, and the ability to work tight deadlines

-You must have strong verbal, written, and visual presentation skills

-Knowledgable in blah blah blah

-Strong, Tall, and Handsome

(Wait, wrong qualification list)

The biggest fear I have when applying to a new job is not fitting their criteria of a perfect candidate. As a college student, I already know I lack experience; not due to the lack of trying, but the lack of study in courses I haven't had the chance to take yet. Then my "flexibility to work" is restricted nine months out of the year and built around my first priority as a student, my class schedule. I pay "attention to detail and prioritize my skills" effectively but how can I prove that without the opportunity to prove it. Maybe you might consider my babysitting experience; I could jot down a gracious neighbor's phone number. Or maybe my professor from my public speaking course could write a letter of recommendation praising my "strong verbal, written, and visual presentation skills". And as far as being "knowledgable" in your company,  I am up to date on your latest projects thanks to your Facebook page, tweets, and Pinterest boards. 

I understand, finding the ideal employee is crucial and hard to come by, but what about the students.  We are the future economy and your companies are trying so hard to keep up with our world of social media and constant desire to stay current with our friends' activity. The way I see it, college students have a lot of time on their hands and most are willing to learn a new trade or skill outside of school. Not to mention, we can easily be bought if compensation is involved. 

If more businesses, big and small, considered having positions that were more flexible to college students, more students would graduate with a foundation of experience under their belts. Rather than leaving with a college degree and still resorting to serving or retail, we can pursue our passions as business men/women, physical trainers, educators, and designers.

I have had my fair share of the hustle and bustle in the restaurants and barely survived the temptation to sell products to myself in retail. These experiences have taught me how to work with others, approach employers with confidence, and maintain a steady work ethic. I do not take these jobs for granted, but how do they look on my resume as I apply to be a freelance writer, graphic designer, or event planner? How can I honestly explain the relevance of these experience without exaggerating with the use of key words such as: "determined", "self-motivated", "punctual" and "competent"?

The standard resume does not fully grasp one's experience. Just like the SAT's, I do not think a resume fully reflects one's intelligence and understanding. To the college students looking for a job, my advice is to not be afraid to stand out. Make your mark through pictures, through blogging, through a portfolio; anything you have made or experienced, show it off. To the potential employers from big companies or small "mom and pop" businesses, give college students a chance. Look beyond the uploaded resume on your computer screen. Give them a call or schedule an interview.
Don't think our extent of knowledge in the field is a store in the mall and babysitting. 

                                                                                                                                xox SB

#ShareACoke

Coke has come a long way from their warm fuzzy polar bears playing in the snow with penguins. In more recent years, Coke emphasized the refreshing taste with the sounds of "ahhh". You know that breathy sound you make after taking a sip for dramatic effect. Along with the sound you make, Coke utilized their glass bottles to make a band out of chiming Coke bottles in their commercial just last year. Coke has hinted the focus of their product was to bring friends and family together. Personally, I don't think Coke effectively executed this message until now. 

When I saw this commercial in a movie theater, I was blown away. Not because there are commercials before previews before a movie....yes, we have come to this; but it was this very commercial posted above. Coke illustrated the bliss of summer. Those summer days of being a teenager, without a care in the world, simply enjoying each others company. Not only did Coke bring more and more friends to the streets in this video, but the idea of a personalized gift, a Coke with your name on it, was distributed. 

Personalized monograms on clothing, jewelry, cars, ect. have been in high demand. Who would have thought that personalizing a beverage in print would become a "must have" for a quick selfie or an accessory piece. 

So what else can be said about the sentimental value and personal pride in a name stamped to the side of a Coke bottle? What makes it different than a personalized key chain, back pack, or license plate? Coke is classic! We all know someone who has a collection of Coke ads and bottles from the 1900s.  It's more than just a sugary fizzy beverage, it is the leading company in marketing in the beverage industry. 

As mentioned before, Coke has come a long way from it's arctic animals. I stumbled upon an article from BuzzFeed and learned a thing or two. And oddly enough it mentions the theory that Coke itself has molded our idea of Santa Claus. If Coke has that kind of influence on us, what else can Coke make us believe. In the late 1800s, when Coke was first established, Coke had wine and cocaine in the beverage. These substances that alter one's state of mind are easily blamed for Cokes control over us. But roughly 25years later, alcohol and cocaine was removed from the beverage. 100 years later we are still mesmerized by the creative marketing schemes of Coca Cola.

The #ShareACoke craze has begun and I have yet to find my name. Have you found yours?

-SB

For more information visit http://www.shareacoke.com/#bottle

#LikeAGirl

I was listening to music on YouTube when I came across this ad. Usually after 5 seconds you have the option to skip the ad, but I couldn't stop watching! Always is a female product brand that embraces the idea of building up women. In their efforts to provide comfort to women during their "time of the month" they back their product with strong messages such as this. #LikeAGirl

As a young adult, the insult of performing a task "like a girl" bares little to no weight. However, as a little girl, being labeled and put down in a social gathering was a big deal. As mentioned in the video, sport settings are the most common way to assume that girls cannot play with as much skill or aggression as boys.

Growing up with an older brother and a jokester of a father, I remember getting offended by this very comment "like a girl". Whether we were throwing a football, shooting some hoops, or kicking a soccer ball, my efforts in returning the ball was automatically a reflection of my gender. Yes, it's true, I am a girl. And I honestly believed that put me at a disadvantage, at least athletically speaking. I always knew I was more book smart then my brother, but that is besides the point.

After watching this video, I wonder if my interest in sports would have been different. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try an array of activities from gymnastics and tap dancing to soccer, basketball, and volleyball. But each activity separated the boys from the girls. I grew up thinking this divide was because we throw like girls or kick like girls. Later in life, I had this misconception that watching sports on t.v. with female participants was slower and less exciting. I even entered college thinking that intramural groups might be too competitive for me personally. What if... I'm sure if we all took a moment to reflect on our childhood, some distant memory will resonate with a decision made since then.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to my nine-year-old self, I would encourage her to stay active and to be proud to be a girl. I would tell her that one day she would be a babysitter, a tutor, a big sister, and a mentor to other girls her age. And these girls are not going to think you are "like a girl". They are going to look up to you and wish to be a girl like you.

-SB

Who Am I

Hannah-Lynn

5'6

brown eyes

ombre hair

Winston-Salem Native 

Hilton Head Local

Pittsburgh Resident

London Survivor

Junior at High Point University

Graphic Design Major

Communication Minor

+ Energy

Alex & Ani. Positive Energy. You know you’re from the south when you pronounce this brand as Alex & (Annie). However, you say it, Ani or Annie, its jewelry that reflects you; your beliefs, your interest, and your values. A statement you can make without permanently branding yourself with a tattoo. These expandable bangles are thin with a lightweight charm that bares a heavy meaning. Before choosing a charm, the big question you will have to answer is silver or gold? This line suggests you mix and match, but us girls are very particular about our jewelry. Then you compare the charms whether they are etched into a circle or cut out into a shape of a seahorse or starfish. 

After picking up a few charms, you notice the three words boldly stated on the cards. Now you have to compare the overall meaning of the charm. But then you are stuck with two charms with similar meanings. You flip the card over to discover a personable message that makes you melt inside. At this point, you are emotionally captivated and end up buying a bracelet for your mother, best friend, and sorority sister.

To you, these charmed bangles are brand new.  As far as the South knows, this Alex & Ani or (Annie) craze had its first kick off this past Super Bowl with the airing of its mesmerizing commercial. But the Northerners know better. Alex & Ani was established ten years ago in 2004 as a small business in Massachusetts. Charm bracelets were reincarnated, in the form of bangles. Originally, these charms were expressions of the mind, body, and soul. That Ying-Yang mind set coexisting with the energies in this world kind of feeling.  Now, Alex & Ani are collectible symbolic pieces with empowering meanings used to give oneself and other’s positive energy.  The charms took on a new life with their new line, Charity by Design, in which non-profit organizations were represented by a carefully designed charm to raise awareness. With the purchase of these selective charms, 20% of the proceeds go to the charities. 

Charms like…

The Sunflower, symbolizes Alzheimer’s Association and means (Optimistic-Compassionate-Resilient).

Or the Life Preserver represents Donate Life America and means (Resilience-Support-Assurance).

And the Create Peace charm raises awareness for the PeaceLove Foundation and means (Creativity-Understanding-Hope).

Wearing a Charity by Design bangle bracelet ignites the flame of passion for a cause and spreads like a forest fire. Raising awareness, giving towards the cause, and word of mouth makes the valued customer of Alex & Ani an activist. Who would have thought that a single piece of jewelry could have such a big impact?! That positive energy is not just a mood setter; it’s a trendsetter. Wearing Alex & Ani is like wearing your heart on your sleeve. Alex & Ani reminds you of the inner strength, confidence, and beauty hidden in you. As you wear it out, people take notice. And those familiar with the line want to know which charms you value most. Alex & Ani is more than just a bracelet. It’s a statement. What’s your statement?

For more information visit their website. www.alexandani.com

xox SB