{Causes} Help the Victims of Hurricane Sandy

This is that wonderful time of year when we all get excited for the holidays.  We decorate our houses with pretty things and start to think about presents for our loved ones.  Unfortunately, a lot of the victims of Hurricane Sandy don't have that luxury.  Many of them won't have a home to decorate, or the funds or time to even think about buying their loved ones gifts.

It's the perfect time of the year to give back to those who are less fortunate, and that is why I'm teaming up with some great bloggers to raise money to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  All of the funds raised will go to the American Red Cross which has been very instrumental in the recovery process.  You can help us raise money by going to one of two places.  You can either click the "Donate Now" button on the right side of the page, or you can click here to go directly to our fundraising page.  Every little bit counts and is much appreciated!

Once you have donated, I have designed a pretty little button for you to post on your blog/website to help spread the word to others.  Please make sure you copy and paste the code just as is, so that we can assure that people end up on the fundraising page.

Thank you all so much for your support!    

{Causes} Stop SOPA and PIPA!

Hello blog friends!  I don't normally talk about politics, nor do I plan to make a habit of it in the future.  However, today I feel like I must speak up.  On January 24th, Congress will be voting to pass a bill that will censor the internet, even though the vast majority of Americans oppose it.   It was created with the intent to end internet piracy, but the result would do so much more. 

To learn more visit Stop American Censorship or Google Information Page.  

***I have decided not to go into full blackout mode today like some websites have.  Instead, I'm joining up with other bloggers to use this time to spread the word.***

{Causes} Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Fiat Pink Ribbon 500, Essie Nail Polish via Amazon, Chan Luu Bracelet,  Pink Ribbon Shemergency Kit, Loft Cares Bow Bracelet, Hunter Boots via Nordstroms, Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat, Philosophy Hope In A Jar, Coach Kristin Leather BCRF Hippie Bag and BCRF Keychain, and Sephora Pink Eyelash Curler.      

Over the course of their lifetime, 1 in 8 women will develop a form of invasive breast cancer.  70-80% of those women will have no history of breast cancer in their family.  While there has been significant advances in treatment options over the last 20 years, there is still a long way to go.  In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month many businesses are donating a portion of their proceeds for certain items towards Breast Cancer Research.  I've rounded up some of my favorites (big and small) for you all to check out.      

I thought the following quote was fitting, since I usually have "Words of Wisdom" on Wednesdays.

{Causes} Tornado Victims

Photo Credits: Fox News

Yesterday was a very tragic day for many people across the Midwest.  Here in the Twin Cities we had three tornadoes touch down, one that did significant damage in Minneapolis.    

Photo Credits: Fox News

  Then just a few hours later Joplin, MO was hit very hard by another tornado.  The death toll is astonishing, and is expected to keep rising.  They have said that over half of the town is completely unrecognizable.  It is currently tied as the worst tornado (in terms of lives lost) in United States history.

I can not imagine how it must feel to be in the victims position, and I pray that they are able to pick up all the pieces as quickly as possible.  Here are some ways you all can help those affected.

The American Red Cross:

Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit their website here.

Convoy of Hope:

Text "CONVOY" to 50555 to make a $10 donation, or visit their website here.

The Salvation Army:

Text "JOPLIN" to 80888 to make a $10 donation, or visit their website here.

For Japan With Love

The earthquake and tsunami that recently hit Japan is absolutely heartbreaking.  I can not imagine what they have been through, and what they still have left to deal with.  The folks at Utterly Engaged have set up a disaster relief fund.  If you have been looking way to help, click on the image above.  

God Bless.