charity quilting!

Remember this post, from several months ago, showing this (then) recently finished quilt? Well, this little birdie quilt is finally on its way to its new home!

The DC Modern Quilt Guild recently had a project called 100 Quilts for Kids, which was begun by Katie, who is a really wonderful quilter.

The idea was for us to have a quiltalong, and then the baby quilts would be donated to a local organization that was in need. Katie organized it so that quilters all over the country were participating, and then donating to local orgs in their area! Everyone benefits!

I started a few quilts, but had a few hiccups, and didn't finish them in time, so I decided to donate the birdie quilt. After all, it wasn't doing anyone any good by sitting in my sewing room! I do plan to finish what I've started and donate them too! Ours are going to a local org in DC that works with low-income mothers.

Meanwhile, a few of us met at the Lincoln Memorial recently for some hand sewing lessons, and to drop off the quilts we had ready. Being there was so fun- it was a gorgeous day and the monument was filled with tourists who stopped by to see what we were doing, taking photos with us and asking if what we were making was for sale!

Dana made a DC metromap quilt! How cool is that?

I was supposed to write about this and link up to Katie's posts about this earlier, but better late than never, right? :) I'm so glad that I was able to participate, and as I slowly gain more confidence with my quilting, I do want to do more charity quilting. I'm still not at the point where I feel I am ready to make a full-sized quilt, so baby quilts are good for me for now, and there is no shortage of places to donate to. I have a few places in mind already!

I do have a few other projects that I am working on now, so expect photos of those soon as well!

Have you been crafty at all lately?

what could you give up this week?

I'm sure, if you are a long-time reader, you are well aware of my admiration and involvement with World Vision. Steve and I sponsor three children; Majlinda and Redion in Albania and Boikokobetso in South Africa. I've been sponsoring Majlinda for FOUR years this month, which is just amazing to me. Despite never having met her, she's become a big part of my life, and she has a piece of my heart, halfway around the world.

Along with my monthly sponsorship, I do try to contribute in other ways, when I can. I can't as often as I'd like, but every little bit helps. World Vision is all over the world doing amazing things and right now, they have a campaign in Africa, to aid with the hunger crisis that exists.

Just a few facts-

• 
  
  12.4 million are affected in the region


• 
  
  More than 35% of all children in the region are now facing emergency levels of malnutrition


• 
  
  Starvation is a real threat in famine-declared areas of Somalia


• 
  
  Some 30,000 children have already lost their lives


• 
  
  Worst drought in 60 years


• 
  
  World Vision has assisted communities in the Horn of Africa for 3 decades. Even now, our teams in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia are responding to this crisis with food, water, blankets and other critical needs for families
  
  

The one that kills me? 30,000 children have lost their lives. This shouldn't happen. I don't need to post photos of starving children; I know you've seen them and they bring tears to your eyes, like they do mine. I wish I could save them all, but 30,000 is a lot to save. I feel better, knowing that I am saving three right now.

Right now, World Vision is working against hunger in the Horn of Africa, and you can help in just a small way. Take just a moment to text in your $10 donation to "FAMINE" to "20222" and join World Vision in fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa.

Ten dollars. That isn't much at all. That is a mocha and a scone from Starbucks. That is two magazines. That is one yard of fabric. That is a cocktail from your favorite after work spot. That is also one pizza delivered from Dominos.

This week, instead of buying any of those things, I am going to text and donate to World Vision and their fight against hunger. Granted, skipping Starbucks and Dominos isn't a huge sacrifice for me, but I am such a magazine junkie...I have stacks and stacks of cooking magazines everywhere! Also, you know how much fabric I buy!

Also, if you do text and donate, please consider blogging about this too, and link up to the original post. Tweet about it too, using the hashtag #faminenomore and blog about the ONE THING you typically spend $10 on that you could give up this week and use the money you save to help those in the crisis in the Horn of Africa?

Instead of spending money on that one thing, text in your $10 donation to "FAMINE" to "20222" and join World Vision in fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa.

Children should not go to sleep hungry. Ever.

scarlet love again

Remember Monday's post? About the discount on Scarlet Thread's shop? Did you buy an apron yet? Well, I just bought two...one for me, and one, for an upcoming giveaway....

Can you guess which one I'll be giving away?

This is Olivia....

This is Kyra...

This is Lucy...

This is Aubergine...



Can you guess which one I already have? Which I may have just bought for myself, for a little birthday present? (my birthday is Jan 24, yay!)

Most importantly, did you buy an apron for yourself??? The code tea&crumpets is good for 20% off, but this week only...it's Friday, and payday for many, so hurry!!!

what are YOU doing?

Today is National Philantropy Day!

I've seen lots of posts about this on twitter, so I thought it would be appropriate to discuss. According to their website (linked above), 2010 is a very special year, as not only does it mark the 50th anniversary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the chief sponsor of NPD, but it’s also the 25th anniversary of this special day.

In the United States alone, there are more than 1 million charitable organizations, and Americans give more than $300 billion annually to charitable causes (Giving USA Foundation). In Canada, more than 88,000 charities provide countless services to millions of Canadians, who in turn contribute more than $10 billion annually to those organizations (Canada Revenue Agency). In Latin America and Asia, with governments no longer able to provide enough funding for social services, charitable sectors are growing rapidly and creating programs to meet the needs of their countries’ citizens. The quality of life for all people—everything from education, healthcare, the environment and the arts, to name only a few—would be far less if not for these organizations.

(italicized paragraphs come from their site)

I talk about them enough, so I'm sure you know of two of my favorite organizations-

Scarlet Threads

A a compassionate boutique, specializing in unique products designed and produced by talented seamstresses in rural Asia.

World Vision

a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

It has only been recently that I've become involved with Scarlet Threads, but I just love their mission and beauty, and I'd love you to check out their site (linked above, and on the side of my blog) for more information. They have gorgeous fairtrade aprons and other gifts that are perfect for any occasion. They just came out with their new products, and see the Aubergine apron? That was my name suggestion! Time for another giveaway, perhaps?

As you know, I sponsor two little girls through World Vision. Majlinda is seven and lives in Albania and Boikokobetso is three and lives in South Africa. I've been sponsoring Boikokobetso for just over a year, but it's hard to believe some days that Majlinda has been in my life for more than three years! I just love having them both in my life, and I think about them often, sending love and prayers their way. I have a picture of them both on my desk at work too. Unfortunately, I cannot post their pictures on my blog, as WV works hard to protect their privacy, and I respect that, but trust me when I say how adorable they are!

What are your favorite charities and what are you involved with? Are you passing along the message of philantropy today?

on saving the babies

As I mentioned yesterday, I was recently selected to host a World Vision House Party that is supposed to be at the end of the month. While I am thrilled to have been chosen, I am feeling slightly conflicted about it. I feel a bit awkward asking people to sponsor a child.

I know that some people don't like attending parties that ask you to buy something, like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, etc, and when you go to those, it is just a one time purchase. This is a monthly commitment that can go on for several years (I've had my Majlinda three years last month!) I certainly don't want to nose into anyone's financial situation, but I know that times are a bit tough for people right now.

As I've said though, this is a cause that I feel so strongly about, and I've really been so thankful to have it in my life, and it has become a big part of me. It's something that I want to continue with for as long as I can, and have my family and children involved (Steve already sponsors one little boy called Redion, also in Albania!). One day, I'd like to be able to visit my babies.

This party situation is unique in that you can host it in almost any way you wish. They give you suggestions, of course, but from there, it seems it is up to you. I will be receiving a box full of "favors," including tote bags, aprons and spatulas, and of course, information about sponsorship and children in need. They suggest making foods from those areas of the world and they send recipes and whatnot.

My question- what would you think if you were invited to a party like this? Would you feel obligated to sponsor a child? Would you just come to the party and eat the delicious food? Do you think that a party such as this is a bit odd?

Thoughts? Please share, I am curious!

yet another giveaway!

Remember a few months ago when I hosted a giveaway to benefit Scarlett Threads?

Reminder-

Scarlett Threads, a compassionate boutique, specializing in unique products designed and produced by talented seamstresses in rural Asia. Scarlet Threads products are fairly traded and created in compliance with our core vision and values. When you purchase one of our beautiful hand-crafted products, you become part of our story by providing a woman with safe and rewarding work. (from their site)

Well, I am doing another one, and here is why!

Scarlett Threads often has new products come out, and when they do, they have naming contests where they ask their readers to suggest names.

I won!

Thanks to yours truely, this lovely lady is called Penelope!

With summer's end right around the corner, our new reversible apron is also perfect for fall! One side is a bold floral print in shades of pink, brown, and orange. The other side features a leaf motif with shades of teal and gold. The neck and waist straps are both made of green polka-dot and are fully adjustable.

Isn't she cute?! Wouldn't you love to have her in your kitchen?

If you would, here's how you could-
(same rules as last time)

You'll receive one entry for each of the following-

1- leave a comment, first of all, and tell me which of their aprons is your favorite design

2- become a follower of my blog (if you already do, just let me know)

3- become a follower of the Scarlett Threads blog

4- tweet about this giveaway (if you do, add the @lexilooo and @ScarletThreadFT so I see it) (feel free to retweet a few times a week, too!)

5- while you are tweeting, follow both @lexilooo and @ScarletThreadFT

6- blog about this giveaway on your own blog (leave the link here for me)

7- if you are really loving this idea, buy an apron from their shop for either yourself or a giveaway of your own, and you'll receive an extra ten entries!


Also, Scarlett Threads is working to introduce something new- they will be working with readers to host apron parties! It is a very new concept and still in the early stages, but I think I may be hosting one sometime this fall. It would be along the lines of a Tupperware party or the like, but way more fun! Interested in attending mine, either in person or virtually? Let me know! Interested in hosting one of your own? Let me know, and I will put you in contact with the Scarlett Threads girls and they will help make it happen!

I will keep this giveaway open through the remainder of August, so you have some time to enter and tell all of your friends :)

all the cool kids will be there

Please come to this event! I'll be there, and so will Liz and Rachel!








D.C. Charity Chicks' Spring event will benefit Room to Read, a non-profit focused on literacy and education in the developing world. Room to Read builds schools and libraries, publishes local-language books, and provides scholarships to young girls in Asia and Africa.

There will be a silent auction and raffle at the event to help raise additional support for Room to Read’s activities. Event tickets are $25.00 and include one raffle entry. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased for $5.00, or five for $20.00 For more information on the silent auction and raffle items, as well as various event packages, please RSVP below or visit our Events page.

Cocktails for a Cause will be a fun night out with friends, music, food, and drink specials all evening. If you are unable to attend the event, you can still support D.C. Charity Chicks and Room to Read by making a donation on our site.Please forward this invitation to family and friends, and share it online.

Where---
Mezza Luna
1140 19th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20036
(two blocks from Farragut West metro station)

When---
Tuesday, May 11, 20105:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets RSVP to purchase your event and raffle tickets.

an extra special giveaway

I thought I'd call this a "springy giveaway," but considering it is 90* in DC this week, I'm not feeling too spring-like! April, please stick around. I like you better than August.

Despite the temperatures, I do have a special giveaway to share with you, one that I am really excited about. Through blogland (where else?) I've recently learned of Scarlett Threads, which is a compassionate boutique, specializing in unique products designed and produced by talented seamstresses in rural Asia. Scarlet Threads products are fairly traded and created in compliance with our core vision and values. When you purchase one of our beautiful hand-crafted products, you become part of our story by providing a woman with safe and rewarding work. (from their site)

Please read about their vision here and their values here.

Amazing story, wouldn't you say?

For you today, I am offering one of their amazing aprons, in particular, the Caroline, which is my current favorite. Right now, they have several new designs that will be out in the coming weeks, so who knows, I may do another giveaway in a few months :)

the Caroline- A little bit trendy and a little bit tropical, our Caroline apron pairs chocolate brown with a beautiful shade of teal. Styled after our popular Savannah apron, the Caroline brings the same fun ruffled hem and trimmed pocket to you in a modern color scheme. The adjustable neckline features two beautiful wooden buttons made from the husk of a coconut, and with long waist ties, we know this apron will make any woman feel beautiful.

Isn't she adorable? Wouldn't you love to have her? Here are several ways that she can become yours. You'll receive one entry for each of the following-

1- leave a comment, first of all, and tell me which of their aprons is your favorite design

2- become a follower of my blog (if you already do, just let me know)

3- become a follower of the Scarlett Threads blog

4- tweet about this giveaway (if you do, add the @lexilooo and @ScarletThreadFT so I see it) (feel free to retweet a few times a week, too!)

5- while you are tweeting, follow both @lexilooo and @ScarletThreadFT

6- blog about this giveaway on your own blog (leave the link here for me)

7- if you are really loving this idea, buy an apron from their shop for either yourself or a giveaway of your own, and you'll receive an extra ten entries!

So, if you do each of the above, that is a total of 16 entries for lovely lady Caroline. Please do me a favor and leave one comment for each entry, so it is easier for me to count.

I am leaving this giveaway open until Tuesday, April 20. I am out of town the next two weekends, so I will mail it to the winner by that Friday, April 23. Who knows, I may throw something extra in there too! Oh, and yes, I will ship overseas, so spread the news worldwide!

So, go have a look at the amazingness that is Scarlett Threads and tweet and blog all about it!

now's the time that we need to share

I know I'm not the only one who can't believe how quickly the holidays are approaching. Even my darling sister, who begins her Christmas countdown in September set her facebook status today to "what has happened to November?" or something similar.

Of course, with the holidays come buying gifts for friends and loved ones (side note- is it just me, or is that phrase slightly odd? friends and loved ones? are my friends not loved?). Along with those gifts, I always like to do some extra donations to charity. While I complain about my tiny apartment, or how I wish I had an iphone, I need to remember how blessed I really am. I have an amazing family and really wonderful friends. I have a loving boyfriend, an education and a job, a roof over my head, a fridge full of food and legs/metro card to get me where I need to go. There are a lot, a lot, of people in this world who are not as fortunate as I am, so I like to try to do what I can to help. By no means am I wealthy, but I can help in small ways, and I think that is an important thing to do. I know that the economy isn't great right now, and people are struggling everywhere, so I like to think that the little that I do, makes a tiny difference in someone's life.

As you know, I sponsor two little girls through World Vision. At the holidays, I send them an extra donation, which I do a few times throughout the year as well. $75 can buy a lot more in Albania than it can here, and since I just began sponsoring Boikokobetso in South Africa, I haven't done this yet for her, but I imagine it is more than in Albania (am I wrong?). Also, around the holidays, World Vision has a gift catalog where you can donate things like sheep, ducks, chickens, tree seedlings, soccer balls and so much more to needy families in developing nations. $25 will buy two chickens, and $30? Five ducks! Both will have lots of eggs, something that can both be eaten and also sold. Both good things. Last year, I sent along some chickens, ducks and seeds. Oh, and two soccer balls for $16! I don't know where they went, but I know they were well received.

The last few years, I also did the Angel Tree program. A friend had a tree at her office, so she brought me an angel. It listed the name, age and sizes of a child, and I went out and bought a few things for the child. I think I had to wrap them, and then my friend took them back to her office for me and they were delivered. She and I are no longer friends, so this won't happen this year, but maybe I will try it through the website. I have to have a better look at their site, but I like to pick out the gifts myself, rather than just donate money directly (am I strange?).

One year, I also did the Letter to Santa, which was local to DC, though they seem to have it elsewhere. I only did this once, several years ago, and it was a bit hard. I say that, because I went to the post office and picked through a basket full of letters to Santa. Most were written by the mothers, and the majority of them had five or six children (or more) of various ages, most asking for things like ipods or a wii. At the time, I didn't really have the extra cash for an ipod for myself, much less a family of eight. I finally found a letter from a mother of two children, one around eight and one around three. I bought them each a fleecie pullover, a toy and a book.

Every morning and most afternoons, I see Marines at my metro stop, holding a sign for Toys for Tots. I'm thinking that I may go with this one this year. I have a daily reminder to buy a few toys, and there are several drop-off locations in DC, so I think this will be fun. Maybe I will buy a Cabbage Patch Doll! Of course, I'll buy books. Every child needs books. Oh yes, oh yes they do.

There is also a food drive going on at work, it will run through December 31. I've gone through my cabinets and picked out several things to bring in. Also, when I've gone grocery shopping, I've made it a habit to pick up a few extra cans to donate. Many canned goods are less than a dollar each, so picking out a few cans of beans or the like won't put a huge dent in my grocery bill, and local soup kitchens really need the goods. I know that my office is hardly the only one doing this, it is all over the country. I'm sure the Salvation Army takes year-round donations too.

Do you do anything like this at the holidays? What is your favorite organization to support? Please share with me, I'd love to see more!

arrivederci Inaete

Last week, I posted about my learning that Inaete left the World Vision program. At the end of last week, I spoke to someone in the Seattle office about the situation and yesterday's mail brought a letter from them as well. It seems that Inaete and her family has left Albania and moved to Italy. The Italy part surprised me, because, as I mentioned, her grandparents live in Greece, so I would assume they'd go there. At the same time though, it is easier to get to Italy from Albania, as the Albanian-Greek border is tough, from what I understand.

As I said, I'm sad to lose my sponsorship with her, but I am looking at it in a way that it is partly because of my sponsorship that her family was able to move. They'll have new and better opportunities in Italy and Inaete will have new experiences that will only better her later in life. She'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and I'm thankful that I had her in my life for this short time.

Now, the question remains is what to do next. I will continue my relationship with World Vision (I still have Majlinda, after all!), but I am debating where to sponsor this time. I could, of course, continue with Albania. Or, maybe I should sponsor a child in a new country? If I sponsored someone in Latin America, I could practice my Spanish when writing, and that would be a good thing. In case you are curious, here is a list of the countries that World Vision serves. As you can see, there are quite a few to chose from.

What would you do? Stick with Albania, or branch out into the world a bit?

Room to Read in DC events!

I've mentioned my recent involvement with Room to Read before and am so excited that things are getting off the ground. There are three upcoming events here in DC and I'd love it if you came to one! I'll be at two of them, the second and third dates.

For some reason, blogger won't let me place the actual invitation into this post, so I can't link to it. If you are interested in attending, please let me know and I will email it to you, as you do need to register for the events. There will be wine and hors d'oeurves served and space is limited. There are some really exciting things happening and you may love being involved! There are many ways to be a part of it, so come and check things out!


Join the DC Chapter of Room to Read for a 90-minute event to learn more about Room to Read's recent accomplishments, future expansion plans, and how you can be a part of this worldwide movement.


ARLINGTON, VA \ OCTOBER 10TH \ 7:00 PMNRECA Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Boulevard



BETHESDA, MD \ OCTOBER 17TH \ 7:00 PM Sharon Fine Gallery, 5504 Cornish Road


WASHINGTON, DC \ OCTOBER 22ND \ 6:00 PMThe Law Offices of Seyfarth Shaw, 975 F Street NW