Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sharing is Caring {January}

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Hi Friends!

I want to apologize for not posting much this past month.  I am in the middle of making some big changes to the blog but promise you are going to love all the new content coming to the blog this year. Super excited to continue working on my vision and bringing to you the amazing stories behind for purpose- brands.

Anyways, like I mentioned last month, in the hopes to continue sharing with you all the things that make me happy and life easier-let me give you a rundown of my list for January!

  1. By Chloe and The Butcher’s Daughter: Both restaurants give Vegan food a whole new meaning-go and you will see what I mean {FYI-I’m not Vegan but I have a dairy allergy}. I have been to By Chloe more often because the location is more convenient for me but The Butcher’s Daughter is pretty amazing too. And if you are looking for healthy sweets-By Chloe has yummy baked goods-I mean who would of thought that a vegan chocolate chip cookie could be that damn good! Ugh! Delish!
  2. Vitamix-Ladies and Gentleman, I have been obsessing over this appliance for who knows how long (like probably more than 5 years, seriously.) and I am so happy to say that we finally bought it!!!! Ahhhh. For those of you reading this that have no clue what I am talking about-do yourself a favor and google it. It does it ALL. I can make hot soup in it…sauces, hemp milk etc. I am totally obsessed. I mean it’s totally pricey but it’s an investment and comes with a 7 year warranty. Also we used our wedding gift cards and Amex points to pay for most of it. I don’t want you thinking that I just casually went into Williams and Sonoma and bought a $700 blender. This was a well thought out purchase but one that makes me so happy and that will FOR SURE make my life easier.
  3. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes: If you are a New Yorker then you can all agree that we hate riding the subway during rush hour or probably just at any hour?! For the past 3 weeks instead of looking stressed out and having a grumpy face during my morning commute I now laugh and smile…and I have Shonda to thank for that. I am in love with this book. Every sentence is hilarious…she is so real and funny-I just love it! Plus her advice is so relatable-she totally made my #girlcrush list!
  4. Cricket Circle: Okay, so I don’t have babies and I am not pregnant but I have this “thing” for blogs about moms and babies. I can’t really explain it (feel free to laugh at me…lol) but two of my fave sites are Cricket Circle and Elizabeth Street. Cricket Circle is pretty awesome-it features famous mommas that keep it real when it comes to raising kids. It also just gives you all this cool advice on products etc.  Again, don’t ask me why I love reading baby blogs so much but I enjoy it and wanted to share. J
  5. Panama: I just had the pleasure to attend my friends beautiful wedding in Panama City. The group spend four days in the city and after the wedding festivities, we flew to an island called Bocas del Toro. Panama was never on my short list of travels so when they chose Panama for their nuptials I was excited to have a great reason to go! J . Panama city is vibrant with so many new developments but also has an old area called Casco Viejo which was my favorite. Bocas del Toro was awesome! If you’re the kind of person that appreciates off the radar spots and chill vibes then this island is for you. And when I say off the radar…I am not exaggerating. We took a plane, a van and boat to arrive to our villa. But in the end it was all worth it. 🙂

For The Love of Elephants

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The growth of mankind is damaging nature – our numbers are growing and so is our ignorance. Instead of being grateful to Mother Nature for the gift of life itself, an incredibly large number of people is consciously deciding to neglect the very real and very dangerous facts, and to simply continue with their destructive lifestyles.
This is one of those things where you can’t go back when you realize you’re making a mistake. If we keep this up, there won’t be a planet or the resources to help us bounce back. The first step towards our redemption should be learning to cohabitate peacefully with the wildlife that has as much right to roam the planet as we do, and doing our best to help preserve Earth’s diverse fauna. 
Elephants are Going Extinct
For fifteen million years elephants have walked the Earth, but their numbers have been decreasing dramatically during the past couple of centuries. This fact isn’t just alarming, it is absolutely terrifying. Every fifteen minutes an elephant dies because of continuous ivory poaching. If we don’t act together on this problem now, there won’t be any elephants left by 2025.
Being a keystone species, elephants maintain a certain order in their ecosystem. The survival of many different animals and plants depends on this species, so with the loss of elephants we will also lose an entire ecosystem.
If this happens, the developing countries which are proud to be homes of these extraordinary animals will suffer the consequences as well. 
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Did you know that elephants have the very same cognitive behavior as humans? The can feel love and joy, and grieve for their losses and feel true fear. 
Thanks to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, over 190 infant orphans were saved and successfully reintegrated into wild herds. This trust was founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, a widely famous naturalist. This was her effort to conserve the wildlife, honor her late husband and preserve a long family tradition of protecting the environment.
It took Daphne three decades to perfect the milk formula necessary for orphaned elephants to survive and grow healthy and strong, so that they could be released back into the wild. A lifetime worth of experience has enabled Dr. Sheldrick, her family and every member of their organization to take effective actions that result in successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation.
Support This Cause & Save Our Planet
The elephant extinction would cause a chain reaction and it would have a direct effect on other animal species and mankind as well. The fact is you don’t have to move to Africa in order to help – you can make your contribution from your home, office or while you’re having a cup of coffee.
J. Crew and their “Garments for Good” campaign in collaboration with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust enabled all of us to conveniently help this cause by getting one of their t-shirts. This nonprofit organization forwards all their funds to charity.
Participate in the Orphan’s Project
There’s another way you can make your contribution to elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation project – by adopting an orphaned infant and becoming their foster parent. Once you become a part of this project, you will receive a fostering certificate and a photo of your orphan via e-mail, with all their info, e.g. where they were found and the description of their habitat.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust will keep you updated about the monthly highlights of your elephant, so you’ll be able to see their photos, track their development and be included in their rehabilitation. They will also keep you posted about the latest news on fresh arrivals and basically everything that’s going on.
Building a Better Future for Mankind & Wildlife
Putting our best effort into helping with this cause is just a beginning, but also a great starting point. This is the final hour, and we’re all still able to do something to help revitalize our planet. It’s the only one we have, and every single individual on it is equally responsible for helping build a better future by contributing to good causes like this one for generations to come. 
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Photos by: Arlene St. Hilaire
Outfit: Zara Jeans, Sisley Coat, Zara Booties, David Sheldrick Sweatshirt at J.Crew, Rebecca Minkhoff Bag

Sharing Is Caring

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Hi friends:

Are you the type of person who wants to share all the cool places and ideas that you come across with family and friends? I am totally that person. There’re times I come across something really awesome that fills me with so much excitement that I immediately want to share it with my besties but in real life no one has that kind of time. So, I have decided to post a monthly newsletter to share with you all the things that I am currently obsessed with. These are not necessarily socially conscious companies that give back but they do make my life easier. I also feel like it will give you an opportunity to get to know me a little better. So enjoy and don’t forget to share your faves with me as well! J

  • Mamman Nyc is my new favorite coffee shop! It’s adorable and even serves brunch and cocktails! Can’t speak for how yummy the cocktails are but I will tell you that my matcha latte was delish!! You must check it out if you are either strolling around Soho or Tribeca ( they have two locations in nyc). Invite me if you make plans to go. J
  • Anyone doing classpass? My husband and I signed up and we are hooked!! Not only is it such a good deal but it provides access to so many top-notch studios in the city. My favorite studios so far are BFX, Flywheel, Title Boxing and Exhale. 
  • Sweetgreen-let’s just say I walked in the rain for 15 min to get a salad this week. Actually I went 3x this week. (may I add that I have a Chopt’ salad bar across the street from my job). But I LOVEEEE Sweetgreens!! Let me tell you why they are the best (sorry Chopt’ and Just Salad).     
    •    Sweetgreen is a bit more sustainably focused: they use 100% compostable eco-friendly packaging, strive to have a low footprint and even use solar panels and wind energy to power the restaurants.  
    •  They feature a different salad every month.
    • They give back. This past summer they had a campaign called. “wasted” which raised awareness on all the food we wast. I previously wrote an article about it. Check it out!        
  • Slow Cooker-I am hooked on this cooking appliance. I have very little time to get everything I need to get done during the day so I cut corners wherever I can. On Sunday night my husband and I went to yoga and came home to a cooked meal all because of the slow cooker! It’s making my life so much easier. I bought mine at bed, bath and beyond for $50 bucks! 
  • Have you heard of Vive? It’s a service for unlimited blowouts. Yes, you read that correctly….UNLIMITED! I don’t remember the last time I washed my own hair-it’s pretty amazing. Check them out here.

 

Gifts that Give Back: For Him

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Generous & Practical: 5 Awesome Gifts He’ll Love

 

Finding the perfect gift for someone special is always challenging. I have several practical ideas I’m sure every man in your life would appreciate, but there’s something more to my list of gifts than just being awesome. The holidays are the perfect time to help those less fortunate, and I can show you how to combine generosity and practicality.

State Backpack

 

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A backpack that can never go out of style is something that every man needs. This one from the State collection is extremely practical – the large number of compartments allow you to carry quite a few items in one well-organized package. It can fit a 15” laptop, and it has a convenient number of side pockets.

For every backpack sold, State delivers another to a child in need. By making this purchase you’ll not only get a quality backpack for a special man in your life, but you’re also making a child out there really happy.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Sweatshirt

 

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One of my fave items!  This sweatshirt is made out of cotton, which makes it incredibly comfy. It can also be machine-washed, so it doesn’t require any special care – I’m sure that any man would appreciate that fact.

You should also know that it has an illustration of Eddie by Hugo Guinness on it. Eddie was an orphan elephant who was saved by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, hand raised and released back into the wild. She was one of over 190 elephants that were saved by this trust. The complete net of every purchase goes directly to this cause.

Conscious Step Socks

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I don’t know about you, but almost every man I know has trouble finding one whole matching pair of socks. You should introduce them to Conscious Step. My husband is obsessed and looks forward to getting them every year.

The logic behind these socks is easy. I mean why get “normal” everyday socks when you can get a fun pair that was made to help fund the world’s most important causes, like providing clean drinking water, ending famine, saving trees, fighting HIV and improving education worldwide. Conscious Step socks are quite extraordinary, don’t you think?

Feed Projects-Adventorous Kit

 

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Men, unlike most women, somehow forget to take their essentials with them, and perhaps the reason behind it is that they don’t own their own kit. In order to help that special man in your life have a much more relaxed and convenient trip, my suggestion is to get them a practical FEED kit. The thing that makes this kit so special is the fact that making one purchase provides 15 school meals to children worldwide.

Veja-Most Ethical Sneakers 

 

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We all know that men like their sneakers and really can’t get enough of them. The company Veja is setting an example for other brands. Just to name a few of their accomplishments-Veja uses rubber from the amazon and organic cotton, they employ over 300 families and provide them with a competitive salary, and finally to cut cost for their costumers, Veja does not advertise. A few weeks ago I wrote a detailed post on this brand (yes, I’m obsessed) -please read about it here. It’s an amazing gift for everyone that likes sneakers (every man in the world, really).

Holiday Gift Guide Series: Gifts for Her

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This is my favorite time of year! I have rounded up a few of my favorite holiday gift items for your loved ones. There is no better time of year to show our family and friends how they can contribute to making the world a better place than the holiday season.

 

1. For the Fashionista

 

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Who doesn’t love Tory Burch? She has built an incredible company and doesn’t forget to give back and empower women who are rising entrepreneurs! The Tory Burch Seed Box is perfect for the girl who loves to support local businesses and try new things. The box has products made by women entrepreneurs and 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation. If interested in learning more, please visit The Tory Burch Foundation. 

 

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Article 22 is a company with an incredible story. I learned about them through a friend and can’t wait to shop their beautiful jewelry! The jewelry is made from re-purposed scarp war metals from exploded bombs and other weapons. Now how amazing is that?! So in love with this story-don’t you agree that this would make the perfect gift for your wife, mom, sister or bestie?

 

2. For the Beauty Obsessed

 

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Do you want to save lives in Nepal this holiday season? Then buy someone a gift from Aveda. The wrapping paper on all the gift sets is handcrafted and has employed 5,500 people in Nepal in over 8 years. During 8 years, 2,400 families have been able to buy food, send their children to school and save for the future…..now doesn’t that just make you want to buy everyone an Aveda gift?! 🙂

 

 

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Are you really surprised that this made my list?! So many of us have a girl crush on Jessica Alba. I mean who wouldn’t? She is an awesome mom, wife and CEO. Buy your sister, bestie (or yourself) a few of the Honest Beauty products because guess what? A portion of the proceeds of each purchase will help fund skills training and education for young women. Honest Beauty supports the organization, Girls Who Code which provides girls education in the fields of computer science and technology.

 

3. For the Foodie

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Feed has partnered with Mouth, the best site for small and local food makers to bring you a special holiday gift of small-batch goodies! As you already know, Feed Projects is the social business of Lauren Bush Lauren that helps feed the world. Every bag sold helps feed a child for one year.

 

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Charity Water just launched a digital cookbook perfect for that person who loves to cook! The “Water Changes Everything” cookbook is comprised of 10 chefs and well-regarded food makers. You can download the book for$30 and 100% of the proceeds will bring clean water to one person in need.

 

The Best Diaper Bags

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Baby Bag #1 

If you are looking to buy a diaper bag, I have two that will make new mom’s to-be happy to have them. Jessica Alba has partnered with Feed Projects to sell a diaper bag that will help supply nutrients to mom’s and children around the world. This has come to no surprise to me because over the years FEED has teamed up with great brands such as as Target, Disney, Pottery Barn, Clarins, Whole Foods Market, Gap, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, DKNY, Links of London, Godiva and TOMS, among many others to encourage responsible consumerism.

 Jessica Alba is the founder of the Honest Company. Honest Co. sells affordable toxic-free household products with a focus on baby products that are safe to bring home. Jessica has created a socially responsible business that helps meet the needs of families that want to keep harmful chemicals outside of their home without breaking the bank.

 Lauren Bush Lauren is the founder of Feed. Feed is a social business whose mission is to sell products that have a  measurable donation attached to it and, to date, the business has been able to provide over 87 million meals globally through the WFP and Feeding  America. FEED has also supported nutrition programs around the world, providing over 3.6 million children with Vitamin A supplements through the WFP and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Impact: This Bag will support 1 mom and 1 child with micronutrients for 1 year.

Impact: This Bag will support 1 mom and 1 child with micronutrients for 1 year.

Buy this bag at www.honest.com or www.feedprojects.com 

BABY BAG #2

Rebecca Minkoff does it again! This time is with a stylish baby bag that gives back! This ultra-lightweight baby bag was made in partnership with Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for mothers around the world.  For those who don’t know about Every Mother Counts-it was founded by Christy Turlington, a non-profit dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. For each bag sold, Rebecca Minkoff will donate 20% of the proceeds to EMC to support its efforts to improve global maternal health and reduce maternal mortality worldwide.

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Today’s My Birthday

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Hi Friends:

Yes, friends…today, I turn 32!! How did that happen so fast?! hahaha. In honor of my birthday, I decided to write to you all the reasons I feel so blessed and thankful today. Don’t you agree that when we take a minute and pause to be thankful for the smallest things in our lives..your spirit immediately feels better?! It really does. If there is one thing that I am wishing for on this birthday is to remind myself to take a moment and be thankful for something each day. So here is a list of the things I am grateful for today:

1. I am thankful to be alive and healthy.

2. I am thankful for my family. I am lucky that both my parents and brothers are healthy.

3. I am thankful for my husband. I am grateful to have a teammate in this lifetime whom I can share my passions and dreams with. He is my hearts joy.

4. I am thankful for my girlfriends-they inspire me and love me for who I am. I didn’t grow up with sisters…so having a strong bond with my girlfriends is important to me.

5. I am thankful for my jobs. This is the first time in my life that I can say-I am happy to wake up every morning and go to work. I am doing exactly what I wanted to do and that is a blessing.

6. I am thankful for learning one of the biggest and best lessons of my life, thus far. This past year I learned that you need to trust the timing of your life. Have faith that if you work hard to achieve your goals-the universe will lead you to where you need to be.

7. I am thankful for my readers. I couldn’t continue writing without all your support! It brings so much joy to know that you all enjoy my blog.

Cheers to another year of life!!!

Xoxo,

Lourdes

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Kate Spade’s On Purpose Collection

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Hi Friends:

Kate Spade’s core business values are seriously one of the best. I feel so happy when I see what this brand is doing to make an impact in the world. Their work with women in Rwanda really warms my heart and pushes me to continue talking to you all about how fashion brands really can make a difference.

So what are they doing? Kate Spade has collaborated with 150 talented women from Masoro, Rwanda to handcraft an accessories line called, On Purpose (super cute name, right?!). These women are being paid 40% higher than the average wage in Rwanda and are now able to help their community of 20,000 people.

I was inspired to do a Kate Spade pinterest mosaic (yes, mosaics are my faves lately..lol) for you! Also, don’t forget to check their site here. Do you have any brands you love that have a cool philanthropic initiative? Share them with me! 🙂

More Lingerie, Please.

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Hi Friends:

As promised, today we will talk lingerie!  Some say lingerie is a waste of money…but how could something silky and lacy be a waste? It’s about your personal style. I believe lingerie should be part of your daily wardrobe.  I’m not saying you should wear a garter everyday but replacing the old t-shirt you may sleep in might be nice {not judging, sometimes I still sleep with t-shirts..shhh}.  Anyways, I really do love how delicate and beautiful it all is-I dream of having not a drawer but a closet full of it.{I’m pretty sure I’ve written this to you guys before..lol} If you’re like me, you will love Journelle. It’s my favorite lingerie shop! It’s like no other in the city. I’ve been to several of their locations in NYC and not only do I get superb service but I never want to leave. It really just captures the “feel good” vibe that we ladies like when we walk into a store. I don’t know how to describe it really, take my word and go check it out! Oh, and for those looking for more than just La Perla slips-don’t you worry-Journelle carries beautiful everyday loungewear as well. After all, they have to live up to the name…. Journelle was inspired by the french word Journellement, which means “daily”. The staff at Journelle truly believes lingerie should be worn everyday. 🙂

Below are my faves for V-Day! 🙂 Don’t forget to check out their site: www.journelle.com.

Damaris
Clo Intimo
L’Agent Esma Slip
L’Agent-Idalia Playsuit
Lascivious Midori Bodysuit
Bordelle Contour Angel Dress
L’Agent Iana Playsuit

 

 

 

Goodbye 2014

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Our Wedding, September 4, 2014-Amalfi Coast, Italy

 

Hi Friends:

In my heart 2014 will forever be one of the best years of my life. It was a year of celebration, change and growth. Today, I will count all the blessings that came my way and be thankful for them.

Thank you for supporting me on this blogging adventure. I am still learning every day but I am so excited to bring to life the vision I have for this project! Great things to come-I am ready for you 2015! Bring it baby!!! 🙂

Happy New Year Friends!

 

XO