37 Simple Ways to Spread Kindness

It's officially December 1st which means the holiday season is in full swing.  While it's a magical, happy, wonderful time of year for many, the holidays can also be hard, bittersweet, and even sad for others, and some may even experience feelings from both sides.  I do feel during the holiday season, people are kinder to others and act happier in general, but it never hurts to spread a little extra kindness whether it's to strangers on the streets or being kind to yourself.  A little something can go a long way and you never know who's day you will brighten by a small deed.  After all, kind is cool, right!?

1.  Compliment yourself.  Our biggest critics are ourselves and we can be negative about us on the daily.  Find something you truly love about you and own it.  Spreading kindness onto others begins with the kindness within.
2.  Hold the door for someone.
3.  Call your parents just because (or grandparents or siblings or anyone else that you love).
4.  Pay it forward (pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru, whether it's their whole order or just a coffee, burger, partial payment.  Anything unexpected will brighten someone's day).
5.  Compliment a stranger
6.  Donate an item(s) that you don't use
7.  Support a local business
8.  Pick up a piece of littered trash from anywhere
9.  Leave an anonymous happy note or inspirational quote for someone to find
10.  Bake cookies to share at work
11.  Rake leaves or shovel snow for a neighbor
12.  Buy a bouquet of flowers for someone (a friend, significant other, sibling, parent, cousin, aunt, even yourself...It's a-okay to brighten your own day).
13.  Donate $5 to your favorite charity
14.  Let someone go ahead of you at checkout
15.  Help a friend in need
16.  Volunteer for an hour at a local organization
17.  Plant a tree or buy a cute new house plant
18.  Unplug devices when not in use
19.  Organize a family meal and appreciate being together
20.  Disconnect from your phone and computer for an hour (or longer)
21.  Stop and look around while you're outside to actually appreciate nature
22.  Donate school supplies to children in underprivileged homes
23.  Offer to read or play games with someone elderly or at a nursing home
24. Apologize for something you've done, whether its something big or small
25. Treat a friend to dinner
26. Ask a loved one about their day
27. Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, scrubbing dishes, shaving, or take a shorter shower
28. Make one change for yourself that will make you a better person
29. Take food to a neighbor
30.  Bring a hostess a little gift as a thank you for opening their homes and getting everyone together.
31. Recycle any items possible
32.  Help someone older with the internet or learn Facebook.  (After all, my mom has been on the book for years and still has a million questions about it ;) )
33.  Leave a small gift for your mailman/woman.  A box of chocolates, hot cocoa mix with a holiday mug, a gift card
34.  Make homemade gifts to share this season
35.  Invite the girls over for a night of sugar cookie decorating or gingerbread house building
36.  Give blankets, coats, scarves, gloves, socks, mittens to those in need
37.  Continue doing good deeds and spreading kindness through 2018

What acts of kindness will you be practicing this holiday season?

♥ always
Allison

Fall Style + JORD Wood Watch Discount

Huge thank you to JORD watches for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.

Okay, so start this out being completely honest, I haven't worn a watch for the better part of 5+ years because...well, iPhones are to blame.  But truth be told, I'm a girl who loves accessories and over the past few years, it's become trendy to wear cool watches.  The analog watch is a trend that I hope stays forever because they have this classic, chic, old-school feel about them.

When JORD reached out to me about collaborating this season, I was over the moon.  JORD watches are hand-crafted from 100% natural wood, creating refined and unique watches.  No two wooden watches are exactly alike, and there's something special about owning a one-of-a-kind piece.  The company focuses on creating timepieces modeled after a modern lifestyle while valuing efficiency, sustainability, and experimental living.  Not to mention, JORD is based here in St. Louis, MO so supporting a local business is an awesome bonus.

After a long debate (since all of the JORD wood watches are absolutely amazing), I decided on the women's watch Frankie 35 in Zebrawood and Champagne.  The natural minimalism of the wood watch paired with the right amount of metallic gleam effortlessly transitions with day to night outfits.  This watch wears well with monochrome and colorful outfits alike and has quickly become a piece that I reach for every day.

With the cooler temperatures that finally hit St. Louis, it's time to bust out the sweaters.  This fuzzy, short-sleeved sweater perfectly pairs with a jacket for the chilly mornings, then 75+ degree afternoons (who really knows what to wear when it's October-November and temperatures are acting crazy like that!?), then back to cooler evenings.  Skinny black pants are my wardrobe staple and throwing on a pair of flat mules creates a casual, yet put-together look.

Not to freak anyone out, but we're probably all well aware that the holidays are quickly approaching.  From the vast array of women's and men's wooden watch options, there's something for everyone.  JORD offers custom engraving, ideal for adding a little something extra special to an already special timepiece.  Gifting idea, anybody!?

JORD and I partnered for the season with an exclusive early holiday 25% OFF discount offer.  Don't miss out on JORD's biggest deal of the year by saving money on a gift for a loved one or a present for yourself!  Share this post with friends so they can also take advantage of this incredible offer!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR DISCOUNT CODE

Offer ends at 11:59 CST on December 19, 2017

I'm going to end this post with a quote from the JORD company website that I completely related to:
"The value of a watch is not in being able to tell how much time has passed, but in being aware of the need to make that time count.  Moments are bigger than minutes and your watch should tell more than time."

♥ always
Allison

Wooden Wristwatch

11 Eco-Friendly Fall Fashion Items to Celebrate Fair Trade Month

October is Fair Trade Month, so why not celebrate by shopping ethically?  You're updating your wardrobe for fall anyways and with choosing sustainable fashion, you're choosing to help create better lives for Artisans around the world.

Kaylana Scarf

Wrap yourself up in the bold patterned Kaylana Scarf, handmade in India.  The perfect transitional fall accessory for those gloomy, damp, and chilly mornings.

Shop the Kaylana Scarf:  Kaylana Scarf - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Peten Clutch

The Peten Clutch is handmade from traditional Mayan blouses.  Each one is unique, so you'll be guaranteed that no one will be seen with the same clutch.  Made in Guatemala, the artisans are able to invest their earnings in things we take for granted such as smokeless stoves, organic farming, and water filtration, in turn improving the entire community.

Shop the Peten Clutch:  Peten Clutch - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Nadi Ring 

The Nadi Ring is made in India.  Modern straight lines, the Nadi is distinctive with its open design and brushed silver metal texture.

Shop the Nadi Ring:  Nadi Ring - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Nakki Earrings

The Nakki Earrings, also created by Artisan Partners in India, feature the Lotus Flower, a symbol of patience and calmness. 

Shop the Nakki Earrings:  Nakki Earrings - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide 

Tarqui Necklace

The gorgeous teal blue and grey Tarqui Necklace is a stunning accent piece for fall.  The blue beads are sustainably made from the tagua seed and are secured with slate grey leather.  Created in Ecuador, artisans are able to make a living for themselves without leaving their villages, keeping their families together and allowing them to invest in education for their children and themselves.

Shop the Tarqui Necklace:  Tarqui Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide 

Pangani Keychain

Add some flair to your keys or clip on your handbag!  The Pangani Keychain is made in Kenya from sustainably-sourced leather.  Female artisans in Kenya are able to earn a living wage to provide their children with a healthy nutrition and education.

Shop the Pangani Keychain:  Pangani Keychain - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Nisolo Frida Loafer

Classic, chic, the loafer is currently one of the hottest trends (and may never really go out of style).  The Nisolo Frida Loafer is handcrafted in an ethical factory in León, Mexico.  

Shop the Nisolo Frida Loafer:  Nisolo Frida Loafer

SLUMLOVE The Vee Tee

You can't get by without a go-to basic white tee.  The Vee Tee from SLUMLOVE is the perfect shape for everyday wear with favorite jeans or throw on a leather jacket the casual-cool look. 

Shop the SLUMLOVE Vee Tee:  SLUMLOVE The Vee Tee - White

Krochet Kids Naomi in Organic

Classic on the front, cute cutout on the back.  The Krochet Kids Naomi, created from 100% organic cotton in Peru, is a staple long sleeve top perfect for cooler temperatures. 

Shop the Krochet Kids Naomi:  Krochet Kids Naomi in Organic

Alternative Apparel Fifty Yardliner Printed Burnout Vintage French Terry T-Shirt

I'm crazy about camo this fall, so this Alternative Apparel French Terry T-Shirt HAD to make the cut.  The athletic-inspired, ultra-soft crewneck sweatshirt is a great option whether you're hitting up a yoga class, relaxing with friends, or watching Sunday football.

Shop the Alternative Apparel Fifty Yardliner T-Shirt:  Fifty Yardliner Printed Burnout Vintage T-Shirt

Everlane Mid-Rise Skinny Jean (Ankle)

Remember those loafers from above?  Cropped denim jeans are almost essential for a pair of loafers and this pair from Everlane is designed with ease from premium Japanese denim with a touch of stretch for a flawless fit.

Shop the Everlane Mid-Rise Skinny Jean:  Everlane Mid-Rise Skinny Jean (Ankle)

Which items are you adding to your wardrobe this month?  I'd love to know!

♥ always

Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Mangal Bracelet

The Mangal Bracelet is the Threads Worldwide piece featured in this post and let me tell you, this thing is gor-geous.  The Mangal Bracelet is a Threads Exclusive and features 3-strands of multicolored beads with soft yellow tassels. The colors are PERFECT for fall, but the section that completely drew me in was the turquoise-green square beads in it. They seriously had me mesmerized.  This bracelet is also adjustable, so it'll fit wrists of all sizes! It's a great piece to layer with others or totally makes a stand-out statement on its own. 

Handmade in Guatemala, our Artisan Partners use techniques inspired by Mayan culture to create fascinating beaded jewelry.  With the income that they earn, they're able to invest in smokeless stoves, solar technology, organic farming, and water filtration to benefit their entire communities.

Mangal Bracelet

Mangal Bracelet 1

The Mangal is a great accent to a mustard yellow toned blouse, really highlighting the tassel detailing.  Throw on your favorite jeans, and a pair of booties and you're good to go for those still sorta warm, not really sure how to dress fall days.  Featured here with the Toluca Stud Earrings, which you can shop here:  Toluca Earrings - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Mangal Bracelet 2

Add a pop to a solid colored dress with the Mangal Bracelet.  Throw on a pair of flats, crossbody bag, Mulki Scarf, and you're all set for a day at a festival, whether it's a Craft Fair or Oktoberfest :)
Shop the Mulki Scarf here:  Mulki Scarf - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Mangal Bracelet 3

For a night out, add a splash of color to a monochromatic look with the Mangal.  Featured here with the stunning Indravati Necklace, three strands draping of gold-tones glass beads.
Shop the Indravati Necklace here:  Indravati Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Shop the Mangal Bracelet here:

Mangal Bracelet - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Photo Source:  Threads Worldwide

♥ always

Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Pankha Necklace

The Pankha Necklace is a Threads Worldwide exclusive handmade by our artisan partners in India.  Not only is it the perfect statement piece for fall, but every sale from the Pankha empowers the artisans to advance socially and economically, allowing them to send their children to schools rather than beg on the streets.

Back in June, the Threads Worldwide conference took place in Denver, CO.  The Fair Trade Partners that were there were able to have the first look at (and model!) the fall pieces.  Once the BIG REVEAL came, I immediately had my hands on the Pankha Necklace.  The fan-fringe detailing is huge right now and the gray-blue thread flawlessly falls into the neutral trend.  Bottom line, this necklace is a modern and fun must-have for fall-winter.

 Pankha Necklace 

Pankha Necklace 1 by missallierae

I'm totally crushing on the army print trend at the moment.  The Pankha favors greens like no other.  I paired the Pankha with another Threads Exclusive piece in this set, the Mangal Bracelet.  The Mangal is handmade in Guatemala, and let me tell you, this thing is gor-geous.
Shop the Mangal Bracelet here:
Mangal Bracelet - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Pankha Necklace 2 by missallierae

The perfect transitional outfit, a sundress and booties.  This look is featuring the Toluca Earrings.  Handmade by artisan partners in Mexico, the Toluca Earrings feature gold-toned brass pyramids on sterling-silver posts and are perfect for everyday wear.
Shop the Toluca Studs here:
Toluca Earrings - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Pankha Necklace 3 by missallierae featuring a high heel bootie

And lastly, the Pankha pairs with a boho blouse like a match made in accessory heaven.

Shop the Pankha Necklace here:
Pankha Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Photo source:  Threads Worldwide

♥ always
Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Chichi Tote

The Chichi Tote, named after a Guatemalan village, beautifully functions as an everyday tote, from work to travel, to errand running, farmers market trips and the gym.  Because the fabric is handmade, each Chichi Tote is unique.  The Chichi is made in Guatemala, where our Artisan Partners use their earnings to invest in resources to benefit their entire community, such as smokeless stoves, water filtration, organic farming, and solar technology.  Continue through for 3 different looks of how to style the Chichi Tote.

Follow the link here to shop the Chichi Tote along with other gorgeous fair trade accessories:
Threads Worldwide - Chichi Tote

Chichi Tote by missallierae

Chichi Tote 3 by missallierae

Chichi Tote 2 by missallierae 

♥ always
Allison

Photo Source:  Allison Young - Threads Worldwide

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, so if you're in need of a thoughtful gift for your Mom, here's a few ideas to make her feel extra special on Sunday.

What are you doing to treat Mom this weekend?

Best Mom Ever Cosmetic Pouch / Clutch

Mama Bear Tote Bag

Evil Queen - Mom-Bie Gift Bundle

Faux Druzy Earrings

Pastel Floral Necklace

Mini Tinted Lip Conditioner Trio


♥ always
Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Amu Necklace

The Amu Necklace.  The Amu was just released in the Spring/Summer line from Threads Worldwide and as soon as I laid my eyes on this piece during the sneak preview, I was jaw on the ground swooning.  Immediately, I knew it needed to be in my jewelry collection.  A cobalt arrowhead agate is set in 18 karat gold.  On one side of the chain, 3 round blue stones lay, creating a trendy asymmetric look.  Each agate stone is unique, so some will be more blue tone while others show more white throughout.

On top of the Amu being a gorgeous one-of-a-kind piece, it also does good for the world.  Handcrafted by Artisan Partners in Asia, who are survivors of the sex trade, they are gaining a safe work environment, a sense of self worth, access to education and counseling, and a chance to heal by learning how to make this jewelry.  This necklace is the ultimate boho-chic addition to your wardrobe, easily transferring from day to night looks.

To shop the Amu Necklace and more, click here:  Threads Worldwide - Allison Young

Amu Necklace 2 by missallierae

Amu Necklace 1 by missallierae

Amu Necklace 3 by missallierae

Shop here:  Amu Necklace - Threads Worldwide, Allison Young

What do you think about the Amu Necklace?  How would you style it?

♥ always
allison

Yay for International Women's Day!

Happy International Women's Day!  Today, celebrate the amazing women in your life.  Do something to cheer on a fellow female.  Give a compliment to a stranger.  Help out a neighbor.  Call your mother.  Support female-owned businesses.  Grab coffee with your best friend.  Have wine night with the gals.  Blast your favorite female artists (Florence and the Machine, Haim, Adele, Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Serena Ryder, Paloma Faith, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga to name a few...).  Remember, the future is female so a little bit of raising each other up can go a long way.  Today (and honestly, everyday), I'm truly grateful for the strong, supportive, encouraging, courageous, loving, and inspiring women in my life.  

Looking for a simple way to support women today that will make a huge impact?  I'm so honored to have partnered with strong, incredible women all over the world through Threads Worldwide.  These amazing artisans and business women are shattering glass ceilings and embracing freedom.  Browse and shop my online boutique of fair trade jewelry and accessories here:  Threads Worldwide - Allison Young

Below, you'll see a collection of strong women who I admire and look up to.  How are you celebrating International Women's Day today?

"Nothing is impossible.  The work itself says 'I'm Possible.'" - Audrey Hepburn

"You must never be fearful of what you are doing when it is right." - Rosa Parks

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

"A girl should be two things: who and what she wants." - Coco Chanel

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman

"Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." - Mother Teresa

"The most effective way to do it, is to do it!" - Amelia Earhart

"I will not be triumphed over." - Cleopatra VII

"Be happy with what you have while working for what you want." - Helen Keller

"We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same." - Anne Frank

"Men, their rights, and nothing more; Women, their rights, and nothing less." - Susan B. Anthony

Photo Sources:
Audrey Hepburn, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Coco Chanel, Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, Amelia Earhart, Cleopatra, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Susan B. Anthony