To kick off my Season of Giving 2013, I'm donating to one of my favorite local charities. Yes, I did give the Eastern Illinois Foodbank a donation last year, but I find their work so invaluable to my community that I definitely planned to give to them again this year.
If you didn't read last year's post on the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, you can check it out by clicking this link.
During my time of employment limbo this spring, I signed up to volunteer at the Foodbank. I was able to attend a couple of the repack volunteer nights before my work schedule eliminated that possibility, but it was a really great opportunity for me. I enjoyed seeing a bunch of strangers work together really efficiently to repack food from giant bulk bins into manageable family-sized servings. It was a really diverse group, too! I would say the ages ranged from 17 years old to 65 years old, and the group worked together so well. At the end of the evening, it was obvious that we made a huge dent in the work that needed to be done, and for me at least, it was nice to have a sense of accomplishment during a time when I didn't get much of that feeling.
After checking out the Eastern Illinois Foodbank on Charity Navigator this year, I'm even more impressed with the organization. According to the data, more than 95% of the Foodbank's expenses are put toward the services and programs it provides. That's an incredibly high percentage.
A year later, I'm still amazed at the sheer amount of people (over 100,000!)who are served by the Eastern Illinois Foodbank throughout 14 counties!
I know you've been waiting with bated breath to find out what I dug the most in November. Luckily for you, I'm ready to share!
Miscellaneous - My Charitable Giving Plan for 2013
I started this blog to share the stories of the places receiving donations from me last Christmas. I really want to know what organizations you think should receive my donations this year. If you have suggestions, please fill out this form.
Hair - Say Yes to Carrots Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner
I started using products in the "Say Yes to" line last spring, and two of the products I've really liked are the Say Yes to Carrots Scalp Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner. Especially now when the weather has dried out, my hair and scalp can use a little TLC. I like to use this line a couple times a week in conjunction with products formulated for curly hair, as well as the Macadamia Hair Masque I mentioned last month.
Makeup - NYX Deep Purple retractable eyeliner
Purple naturally brings out brown eyes, and I've been adoring the NYX Deep Purple water proof retractable eyeliner lately. NYX is a really affordable brand found online and at Ulta, and I'm really impressed with its staying power. I typically only line my upper lid with it, so I'm not sure how durable it would be along my lower water line, but seeing as how it's water proof, I think it would stick. This color is a deep enough purple that I find totally wearable on a daily basis. The formula is really creamy, the color is really pigmented. I'm a fan.
Skincare - Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
Aveeno is known for making great moisturizers, and I especially love the Clear Complexion formula. The main difference between the Positively Radiant (which is also great) and the Clear Complexion formulas is that the latter also contains salicylic acid which helps clear up breakouts. It can be difficult to find a product that keeps skin soft and moisturized without exacerbating any greasy or oily skin issues, and this one does a great job. I've been using it for years, but it is especially helpful when the weather starts to turn colder, and the air dries out more.
Nails - Essie Mesmerized Polish
I refer to this color as "TARDIS Blue" because I obviously think the shade is similar to my favorite time traveling police box from Doctor Who. Essie color 776, Mesmerized, is a beautiful medium blue shade. As with nearly all Essie polishes, Mesmerized isn't too thin, and you only need 1-2 coats. I definitely painted my nails this shade to watch my favorite TV show this month. See below.
Kitchen/Food - Thanksgiving leftovers
Normally I'm the kind of girl who doesn't really like it when my food touches. Thanksgiving is the only day when that preference flies out the window, and this is especially true when it comes to leftovers. Turkey? Great! Stuffing? Delicious! Potatoes? Throw 'em in the bowl! Gravy? Pour it all over the top! Perfection. I may or may not have eaten leftovers just like this for three meals in a row last weekend. Hint: I did.
I could share a picture of it with you, but let's be honest, delicious as they are, Thanksgiving leftovers aren't so glamorous.
TV - Doctor Who "The Day of the Doctor"
The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special aired on November 23rd, and it was nearly everything I wanted it to be. David Tennant and Billie Piper returned for the special, and they were just lovely. We got a glimpse of the 12th Doctor, Peter Capaldi, who will begin his run after Matt Smith leaves during the Christmas Special this year. John Hurt was a joy and a delight as the War Doctor. The story included so many jokes and references to the show throughout its run that it definitely made me want to go back and watch Classic Who.
Music - Fitz & the Tantrums
Duh. I listened to both albums by Fitz & the Tantrums countless times throughout November. The concert Stacey and I attended was so amazing, I wrote an entire post devoted to it a couple weeks ago.
Book - Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
I've mentioned before that I like to listen to books using Audible.com. I read Such a Pretty Fat, as well as Jen's other books, last year in the Year of Books, and I loved the way she told her stories. Such a Pretty Fat details her quest for better health through various programs with varying degrees of success. I've taken to listening to chapter while at the gym so I can keep my brain engaged instead of focusing on how much I hate my life while exercising. I love that Audible allows me to automatically pause the book at the end of a chapter. I like to set myself a goal of one or two chapters, depending on their length, and then I know I only have to get through so much of the book before I can go home. In general, I highly recommend Audible, and in particular I recommend Jen Lancaster's books. She's funny and sassy, and she tells it like it is.
Place - Orange You Splendid Etsy Shop
So I did this thing... I opened an Etsy Shop! There's not much for sale yet, but I'll be adding a lot of inventory in the next few weeks. My plan is to offer the handmade items that I typically give as bridal and baby shower gifts. Two different friends have mentioned my hooded bath towels to me today, so I think a few of those will be making their way into the shop very shortly.
