Alexander McQueen 1969-2010

The world has lost an amazing and genius designer.  Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Lee Alexander McQueen.  May he finally rest in peace.

Haiti's Hemorrhage

The recent devastation in Haiti has undoubtedly forced the world to take notice of its social and economic poverty. This is the opportune time, to not only rebuild the desolation caused by this week's earthquake, but to help rebuild the livelihood of the people themselves. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. With three-quarters of the population living on less than two dollars a day and the remaining on just one US dollar per day. I urge you to do what you can to help out with the relief efforts and stop the societal hemorrhaging that is taking place. Below, are some reputable organizations that can use our support. Thank you.

Unicef

To make a donation for the children of Haiti.

Yele Haiti

Wyclef Jean's Organization

Text "Yele" to 501501. $5 will be charged to your phone bill for Haiti relief.

Yéle’s community service programs include food distribution and mobilizing emergency relief.

Doctors without Borders

More than 2,000 patients have been treated so far at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) locations in Port-au-Prince.

Mercy Corps

Money will go toward immediate humanitarian needs in Haiti, which may include food, water and temporary shelter.

No Limits

It's been quite some time since my last post.  I hope everyone had a memorable holiday!  Now, we can get back to clearing our heads and focusing on the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us all.  I wish you all peaceful thoughts and clarity to envision your dreams, and the strength and tenacity to take action and make them a reality.  I invite you on a journey of creativity and growth here on our blog and in your endeavors.    We have so many amazing plans in the next coming months.  Let's do it together!

"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another."

-Luciano de Crescenzo

A.W.L. - 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, nowadays, we as consumers, are much more apt to make conscious purchases.  For that reason, I have put together a holiday gift guide, which allows you to support independent artists and charitable organizations with each gift you give.  There are a myriad of choices to help you make responsible purchases.  Below, are some of my favorites:

Elkie Soto

Check out my own Recycled Wristlets and Accessories

MonkeyPoo

The most amazing all natural handmade soaps! You will be addicted.

Dsenyo

Dsenyo is an ethical fashion company committed to offering sustainable accessories, featuring the art of African textile design for fashion and socially conscious women.

Artsy Chica

Novelty candles from the Dalai Lama to Frida Khalo.

Qassa

Amazing hand crocheted blankets.  A portion of all sales will go to support Project Linus and Central Asia Institute.

Ten Thousand Villages

This bed spread is so cheerful and giving as well.  One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries.

 

Sari Bari

These recycled Sari quilts can be purchased at SariBari.com, a business initiative, that seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata’s red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade.

Bead for Life

Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.

The Hunger Site

The Hunger Site was founded to focus the power of the Internet on a specific humanitarian need; the eradication of world hunger.  You can shop for unique and meaningful gifts.  Such as:
-Subsidize a Berkeley Darfur Stove for a family living in the Darfur refugee camps for only $20.
-Send Two Girls to School in Afghanistan From $20.00

Happy & conscious shopping!

And the winner is.....

Congratulations, Ms. Laura Bee,  you are the winner of A Woven Life's first contest!  Thank you for all those who entered.  Your entries were all amazingly insightful and  inspired many.  With that said, our contest was so successful, we will certainly be planning many more to come!  Be on the look out for our next one.  And as always, keep weaving.

Contest Extended!

I've decided to extend the contest until Black Friday!  So, if you haven't entered,  now is your chance to win one of my ES totes.  Did I mention,  it will be full of goodies!  Including, a cute and kitschy candle from  Qassa, a delicious soap from Monkey Poo and tons of other freebies.  Whether you decide to keep it for yourself or give it as a holiday gift, it is sure to bring some happiness!  As stated in my previous post, submit your entry as a comment.  Good luck!

A.W.L. Contest~

What exactly does A Woven Life mean? I like to believe, it's when all aspects of your life, (i.e., home, career, personal goals, spirituality etc.) all weave seamlessly together to form a wholistic and harmonious design that is your life. If, you are anything like me, then you surely know what a struggle it can be to have a common thread tie it all together. We are constantly being pulled and stretched in so many directions, it's no wonder we loose a sense of our heart's desires and dreams. Having a genuine life experience, that encompasses all of ones desires and goals can seem tough, but it's not impossible. By desires, I do not mean a new laptop. =-) Simply the human desire to make a difference in the world. To create your ideal life. I'm pretty sure I am not alone in feeling this way. So, I decided to hold our first ever Woven Life contest!


In a brief summary, tell us:

What does A Woven Life mean to you?

What would your ideal Woven Life be?

What are some steps you take or aspire to take in order to manifest your Woven Life into reality?

Submit your entry as a comment to this post, by Friday, November 20th, 2009. The winner will be chosen soon after, and win a cute tote bag made by me. The tote is constructed from recycled cotton, recycled leather and tons of love. Guys don't let this sway you, I'm sure you know a lady or two who would adore this tote!