Mother’s Day Across the Pond...

March 14 — Celebrating Mother’s Day Across the Pond

Just one day to celebrate how amazing Mum is? It’s hardly enough. The woman who has put her life into celebrating your existence, molding you, guiding you and helping you through every one of life’s trials from first steps to first kisses and all the way to first mortgages deserves much more than a day… the woman deserves a medal!

You’ve never been easy and yet somehow she has loved you through it all. The few responsibilities on your side of this relationship include showering her with gifts on Mother’s Day. Something a grateful child like you surely planned for weeks ago…

Pardon me, what was that? Oh, I see. You haven’t found anything for Mum yet… True, finding a gift that embodies the miracle that is your mother can be difficult. But it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got a list of retailers that is so unique you are certain to find a treasure for your beloved Mum (and these gifts will not only make Mummy happy but will help to make a difference in the world too). Now that’s how she raised you. Well done!

Liberty of London knows that a little luxury goes a long way. This sentiment is reflected in their collection of stylish gifts that sing classic femininity. Pamper Mum with a beauty set or choose from a fabulous fragrance selection. Perhaps choose something from a range of gifts, from iconic silk scarves, candles and stunning leather accessories to eye-catching stationary sets, journals or flowers.

What – too many choices? The Liberty Gift Coin could be the perfect solution, a minted coin redeemable on any item in the Liberty store so she can choose for herself from a vast array of treats.

This store is marvelous! Known not only for their exquisite designs, but also for the positive social impact every sale inspires. Every beautiful garment that People Tree makes is connected to an equally beautiful change happening somewhere in the world. They provide you with exclusive fashions while, at the same time, improving the lives and environment of artisans and farmers in developing countries who work to produce it. It’s Fair Trade throughout.

Mum’s going to love hearing that her gift helped support socially responsible trade, as well as knowing that a percentage of her gift purchase went to her favorite nonprofit group. This may even upgrade you to favorite-child status!

Looking for something truly unique? NOVICA is calling. At the deepest essence of their philosophy, they are committed to making the world a smaller place. They want you to feel an attachment to the product you buy and to know who created it. They give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents while providing you with access to extraordinary, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.

The beauty and excellence that each item exudes, along with a story that can be traced back to the hands of its creator, will make your Mum’s day – quite grand indeed!

Know a fashionista mum-to-be? You’ll find that the art of maternity apparel takes center stage at A Pea in the Pod. Gift her from a selection of maternity clothes from all her favorite designers – Lilly Pulitzer, Splendid, Velvet, Vince and more. Choose from trendy maternity blouses to classic maternity skirts and knickers with both belly elastic and a whole lotta Va-Va-Voom!

Having had a baby is one thing that unifies all mothers everywhere. No Mother wants her baby to go without basic necessities that could give her child a chance at life. Your Mum is empathetic to how scary it can be when trying to provide all the things that will keep a beloved baby alive and thriving. She will adore a gift that supports children in need around the world through purchases made from the UNICEF store. UNICEF’s sales all go towards providing essential vitamins, vaccines and insecticide to hundreds of thousands of children each year. Oh, and did I mention that their store is full of hand crafted items of impeccable taste and beauty?

Treat Mum to a cozy night with the fire going, a nice cup of tea and her favorite BBC programme. Find all her fav hits at one convenient store! Plus you can preorder items and be the first to own hot-off-the-press DVD’s.

We all know everything you need – can be found at Marks and Sparks. It is truly the one stop shop! Of course you’ll find something for Mum and probably a few things for yourself as well… With the convenience of online shopping do it all from the comfort of your own home.

One of my favorites designers… Ted Baker does Mod so well! Simple yet classic designs are sophisticated and sharp while maintaining a Rock N’ Roll edge. If your wife juggles motherhood and a full time job go ahead and get her something so chic she can forget, for a moment, the stressful balancing act that is her life. Let her indulge a bit in fashion therapy – sometimes it makes all the difference in the world…

Mum’s got a green thumb? Get her all geared up for Spring planting. Flowers, veggies, tools, composters and clever gift packages will quite certainly make her day.

Or maybe you just want to stick to the classics – every Mother LOVES flowers. You simply can’t go wrong with a gorgeous bouquet. You also can’t go wrong with free shipping on Mother’s Day weekend! Whether it’s traditional or out-of-the-ordinary gifts you’re looking for this Mother’s Day, you are sure to find the perfect item at nonprofitshoppingmall.com.

Good Boy!

People often wonder how he asked me… and to be honest I can’t remember what exactly was said. All I know is that the moment I saw the ring – everything else in the world went mute.

The symbolism in the diamond was speaking to me and even though I had never been a believer or even a dreamer of this moment – I was overcome by its power just the same.

When it comes to relationships, there’s so much strength that one can draw from the symbolism of a diamond. The diamond has reigned supreme for centuries as the symbol for love, excellence, purification, power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. For not only are they rare and striking but no tool can cut them and even the fiercest fire will leave a diamond unscathed.

So when someone gives you one – you know they are not messing around. You are wearing the symbol of their unwavering commitment to you as a partner in life and every time you look down at the many sparkles – you see the reflection of their deepest love and spirit.

I flaunt my ring around now and wink to people when I say my fiancé is a “good boy!” Because not only did he tell me in no uncertain terms that I am the Princess but he made sure that both my diamond and the gold holding it were ethically sourced. Then to add one more cherry on top – a percentage of the cost of my ring was earmarked for my favorite nonprofit. Quite the knight-in-Shining-Armor that one…

We understand that the process of choosing your first diamond can be overwhelming, on top of being the biggest of romantic gestures – purchasing a diamond needs to be done conscientiously and there’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye. Buying a diamond online may sound strange but for all these reasons it’s quickly gaining popularity. Websites like Blue Nile really grasp the experience and peace of mind a thoughtful shopper is looking to have.

Sometimes the mere vastness of information that needs to be considered will stop a determined lover dead in their tracks on the path to finding the perfect ring. Blue Nile caters to this customer – the first timers – who may be a little overwhelmed by all the options.

For starters being in the comfort of one’s own home really helps fight the pre-proposal jitters. Then Blue Nile walks you through the necessary education in a fun and user-friendly kind of way. Like the Zappos of diamonds you can then purchase your rings risk free – meaning anything you buy can be shipped back free of charge if you don’t end up liking it in person. So from start to finish you can eliminate unnecessary pressure. Choosing and customizing the perfect engagement ring has never been so easy…

Jasmine’s Global Love Letter

Jasmine’s Global Love Letter

Posted on February 4th, 2010 by Jasmine in 1-800-flowers.com, anything goes, artful home, behind the scenes, chefs catalog, dean & deluca, fao schwarz, guitar center, petco, valentine's day 0 Comments

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that has a strange and murky history. Nobody knows for sure how it began, but the two most common tales are rather interesting. Some believe it is based on the life of Saint Valentine who in third century Rome was ordered to be put be put to death by Emperor Claudius II for secretly performing marriages for young lovers after Claudius had outlawed marriage for young men – his crop of potential soldiers.

It has also been said that Valentine was put to death for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. Either way you look at, this Saint Valentine was a truly noble man with love for his fellow human.

Others believe that Valentine’s Day is a Christian take on the Pagan holiday Lupercalia. Lupercalia, which commenced on February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus & Remus.

Whatever the factual history may be, this special holiday has simply become a day to love and be loved.

Now I’ll be honest, for much of my life I have been known as a scrooge over this holiday. I didn’t exactly possess that classic beauty that boys were looking for in a mate, so needless to say I was quite the wallflower when it came to meeting that special someone. However, as I’ve aged I have discovered that there are many different kinds of love in the world. Like the love we have for our children, our pets, our families, our neighbors, our colleagues & so on. That is how I learned that Valentine’s Day does not have to be a dreadful day of loneliness. To me it has become a day to share my heart with each and every person who inspires me. And it doesn’t stop there; Valentines can be shared with more than just loved ones. We have quite powerful hearts and we can extend our love to the earth, to animals, and people all over the globe. So this year I challenge you to change your mindset about this holiday and join me as a thoughtful consumer by transforming your online gift shopping into a global love letter.

There are so many fun and unique online retailers that you can reach through www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com that can help you find the perfect gift for loved ones young and old while helping you support the non-profit organization’s that are dear to your heart.

I’ve put together a collection of some of the coolest online stores to find really standout gifts….

Rather than red roses, try a more exotic flower like the orchid. It’s such an elegant flower and with potted plants you will be giving a gift that will last much longer than fresh cut flowers.

It’s no secret that women adore diamonds but another thing they really love is jewelry that reflects their love of art and beauty. These few pieces from artfulhome.com are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. They have fresh concepts with striking craftsmanship.

Both www.chefscatalog.com and www.deandeluca.com provide irresistibly fine foods and kitchen goods that are sure to deliver a promising evening of indulgent romance. Few things are more enjoyable than spending the evening cooking an unforgettable meal with the love of your life. The time you spend working together in the kitchen, while sharing hopes and dreams together creates priceless memories. Here are some delicious gifts that will sweep your sweetheart of his/her feet….

The items below from www.chefscatalog.com are definitely not your common Valentines gift’s, but who says you can’t give a fabulous pannini grill or wine saver to the person you love? Gifts like this have a creative edge and they are fun for both of you.

At www.deandeluca.com you will find a wide variety of mouthwatering specialty foods. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but guess what fellas – the same goes for women. Most women wouldn’t admit it but trust me – if you lay out a fancy spread of gourmet cheeses, succulent meats, and that perfect bottle of wine….she’ll be eating out of your hand quite literally.

To finish off your romantic meal it helps to surprise her with a treat. But why settle for basic chocolates like every other Joe Schmoe out there when you can send her over the top with these mini cupcake chocolates. Each one is filled with a sophisticated ganache in three different flavors – champagne, strawberry, and passion fruit.

The gift giving doesn’t stop there. What about the kids, and the family pet? I happen to be quite the expert in gift giving with children and teens so here are a few ideas to help you earn the mom or dad of the year award….

At www.faoschwartz.com you will find one of the coolest toys I have ever seen, it’s called the “Muppet WhatNot”. Much like the concept of Build-A-Bear, the Muppet WhatNot is a fully customizable Muppet doll. The little ones will go crazy over this!! Here’s an example of two possible dolls your child can create….

And for the teens in your life? Girls are simple, all it takes is a fabulous new pair of shoes or some real quality make-up but you might want to go for a gift card on this one. It’s better to let the young ladies choose those items on their own, and it gives them an opportunity to do some shopping which secretly ends up being a second gift. Here are two great retailers to shop from….

Teen boys can actually be a tad bit trickier to shop for. However, there is one thing that every boy has in common – they all want to be rock stars!! Guitar Center can help them get started….

The 1974 Fender Stratocaster: quite possibly the most popular electric guitar ever.

There is also the Ludwig Junior drum set, perfect for blossoming percussionists – if you can handle the noise.

Finally, if you have a pet don’t forget to show it some extra love. They are always there for us when we get home from a hard days work and they love us unconditionally. Shouldn’t we show them the same devotion? There is a huge selection of goodies available for pets these days, but the leopard print chaise pictured below is my absolute favorite item, currently sold at Petco. It’s pure luxury for our furry friends.

I wish all of you the most beautiful Valentines Day in 2010. May your hearts be filled with endless love. Remember, this is a day for everyone….even the lonely. You can make an enormous difference in somebody’s life by simply showing them that you think of them….no matter how big or small your gifts may be.

As my Valentine gift to you I’d like to share with you my secret weapon for bringing joy to every person I see and meet. It starts with a motto – “Smile on, pass it on”. It’s very simple, just smile at every person you see and chances are they will feel special inside. They will take that joy you gave them and pass it on with a smile to the next person they see….and so on….and so on. These days a smile can go a VERY long way.

Bed Head PJ's

Archive for December, 2009

BedHead Pajamas

Posted on December 2nd, 2009 by Corine in anything goes 0 Comments

BedHead Pajamas has caught my eye again with their 2009 Fall/Winter catalogue and the introduction of Boo Boo BedHead, a collection of mommy and me styles. As well, they have brought us the new BedHead Stretch, a cotton/lycra blend of the cutest prints and styles available for the kid at heart. As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer we all want something warm and comforting to wrap ourselves in. Might as well dress yourself in something that makes you smile, or possibly invoke a pillow fight. Check these out….

One of the best things about these pajamas is the variety of styles available for each print. We all have personal preferences and whether you are dressed for work or dressed for bed, what is truly important is that you feel confident in what you are wearing. The BedHead Stretch collection is both fun and comfortable no matter what style you prefer. The stretch blend is 95% cotton and 5% lycra, so you still get all the comfort of cotton with just enough stretchy lycra to compliment anyone’s figure just right.

There are plenty more new designs to choose from in the new catalogue. The men have some fresh prints to flaunt as well. Pictured below we have the classy Casablanca Men’s Pajama’s with robe, the Striped Cabana Pajamas, and the Cabana pants with a Henley long sleeve….I love a Henley long sleeve on a man!

Let us not forget that BedHead Pajamas is much more than just pajamas. They have such a beautiful selection of luxurious bedding and many other little goodies for your home. Be sure to check out the news digs for your holiday gifts.

To celebrate the new catalogue our friends at BedHead have been so gracious as to offer our supportive shoppers a special discount code which will be available to you through December 25th. When you’ve finished your shopping at bedheadpjs.com be sure to type NONPROFIT in the discount code box to receive an extra 15% off your entire purchase.

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention a charity that is very special to BedHead. BedHead has teamed up with Esperanza Community Housing Corporation in an effort to better our community and provide fair housing and affordable wages for everyone. BedHead currently has three pajama styles up on the website that, when purchased, 20% of the purchase price is donated to Esperanza. In addition, their Pink Ribbon PJ donates 15% of its purchase price to The National Breast Cancer Foundation. Can you even handle any more good news? Just think of all the good you can do simply by doing your holiday shopping at Bed Head Pajamas THROUGH Non Profit Shopping Mall. With so many charitable options available in one single purchase it’s quite possibly the most important gift you can purchase.

Now….go forth and shop happy!

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With a little help from our Spanx!

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive… except when it comes to a great undergarment from Spanx. And with the holidays just ahead, a little deception from this excellent performance wear line can help hide a multitude of sweet and tasty sins. As a woman, I’ve learned that no matter what shape or size you are, we women all need a good support system. So like a gift from the Gods above, Spanx gives us exactly that. We all want to look great in our clothes. Some people prefer the helping hand of a bra with back support, while those of us who are less top heavy, so to speak, prefer the security of a gentle hug around our caboose. With Spanx you can find the support and discretion you need to proudly strut your stuff from head to toe. They cater to every shape from petite to curvaceous, including those lucky ladies with legs that seem to go on for days or the mommy to be who refuses to give up on her fierce style simply because there’s a bun in the oven. Pictured below is a sampling of the sleek solutions to keeping things under control. Spanx has a surprisingly large line of undergarments to choose from –and nonprofitshoppingmall.com proudly works with 5 major retailers who carry the Spanx brand online, for maximum convenience.

The second best thing about Spanx is how comfortable they are. Unlike traditional girdle-like garments, Spanx products are soft and breathable – with no embarrassing tight bands that roll down at the belly when you sit or bend either!

Spanx has such a great line of tights and pantyhose. There are cute designs like the hounds-tooth tights pictured above, and they even carry fishnets. The tights pictured above center are fantastic. They are reversible. One day you can wear brown and another day you can turn them inside out and wear blue. How cool is that? Most importantly, woman who are pregnant want to feel sexy and they deserve it. Spanx has some great pantyhose that give you sexy legs and full tummy support.

As a big fan of strapless dresses and capri pants, these three shape-wear undergarments are my favorite.

Where can I buy Spanx?

AND WHO DO WE THANK FOR SPANX?
In 1998, Spanx creator Sara Blakely found herself in a fashion dilemma. What she wanted to wear one day was her favorite pair of cream colored pants with some open-toe shoes. Sara was not a fan of the thong, nor did she want a visible panty line. So, she did what any fashion driven woman would do. She grabbed a pair of pantyhose and cut off the toes. Voila — she now had footless pantyhose and did not have to compromise her open-toe shoe. That, my friends, was the birth of Spanx. Sara Blakely now offers women, all over the world, freedom from visible panty lines, clingy fabrics, and tummy bulges. Thank you Sara!!

GAVI Alliance

During this month of December when our thoughts often turn to helping those less fortunate than ourselves, we'd like to introduce GAVI ALLIANCE and its simple, yet powerful mission to IMMUNIZE EVERY CHILD. Vaccines are truly life giving gifts, and perhaps the worlds best hope for slashing the still scandalously high rates of infant mortality in the poorest communities of the world.

Founded by Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, and other world leaders in 2000, GAVI unites all of the major stakeholders in this cause for immunization: developing country and donor governments, vaccine manufacturers worldwide, the World Health Organization, the UN Children's Fund, the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other private philanthropists.

Vaccine-preventable diseases: such as pneumonia, rotavirus and cervical cancer, impose two enormous burdens on the world, one direct, and one indirect. The direct burden is the more obvious: it is the suffering and death of millions of children and adults who are not protected from easily prevented diseases. Every year, 9.7 million children die before their fifth birthday, and a quarter of these deaths are due to diseases that are preventable through vaccination. The problem with such statistics is that they are difficult to grasp. This is a real issue - the human mind is not very good at appreciating the scale of such large numbers. In absolute terms, the death toll is equal to half the total number of US children under five currently alive. Put another way, you could fill every professional football stadium in the United States five times over with the number of children who will die this year.

The very scale of those numbers and the visualization of that many people suffering and dying is justification enough to tackle this crisis. And yet, it is the indirect burden of vaccine-preventable diseases that presents an even more compelling motivation. Through careful and systematic research, the impact of disease on growth and overall economic welfare is now well understood.

Immunization is a cornerstone of public health programs and serves as a platform for other interventions. These programs have been sustained for decades, even through war and conflict. In one of the greatest successes in public health history, smallpox was eradicated by immunization campaigns in 1979, and polio eradication is now within reach. Each year approximately 25 million infants do not receive the necessary immunizations, and at least 2.4 million children die from vaccine-preventable diseases -- approximately 14 percent of deaths in children under 5. Millions more survive, but are left severely impaired. The long-term effects of these childhood illnesses limit the ability of those who survive to become educated, to work, or to care for themselves or others.

The world needs changing - and is changing, with the help of the GAVI ALLIANCE and its partnerships, more than 213 million children have been vaccinated against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, yellow fever, hepatitis B, and Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) and has prevented more than three million deaths in the process. GAVI has improved health services in 72 nations - home to half the world's population and, to date, GAVI has marshaled $4 billion for vaccination through 2015. During this holiday season - why not give the gift of life to a child by insuring their ability to be immunized against childhood diseases - give to GAVI directly or support their cause by shopping through their mall and SAVE A LIFE.