Monthly Archives: May 2009

TOMS Shoes – Giving Back One Pair of Shoes at a Time

Guest post: TheFind.com, New posts, Shoes, , ,

How can a single pair of TOM’s shoes change the world? Well, according to TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, it can save lives – one shoe at a time. While traveling in Argentina in 2006 Blake found that many children had no shoes to protect their feet. In response Blake founded TOMS and returned later that year to give 10,000 pairs of shoes to deserving children all thanks to the purchases made by TOMS customers. So a single pair of shoes can change a life and perhaps the world.

Tomsshoes

We took the time to chat with a member of the TOMS team to learn more about this innovative and socially conscious company.

1. What is the inspiration behind the new Wrap Boot?
The TOMS Wrap Boot is inspired by the colorful leg wraps worn by Argentine Polo horses. Blake authored a short story that tells the tale of a newly-wed young woman who, to win back the attention of her Polo champion husband, wrapped her legs with the brilliant elastic creating a sassy, flirtatious look. Read the full story and see the looks here!

2. Tell us what happens on a typical “Shoe Drop Tour”.
An Argentina Shoe Drop Tour is a group experience where volunteers hand-place matched pairs of TOMS Shoes on children’s feet and explore some of the country’s most intriguing neighborhoods and activities.

3. How can our readers get involved in the TOMS movement?
– Buy TOMS and wear them daily – share the One for One movement with everyone you meet!
– Stay connected through our emails, Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter
– Share the documentary: YouTube.com/TOMSshoes
– Be part of the TOMS family by applying for an internship on your campus, at TOMS HQ, or on the road as a TOMS Vagabond
– Apply to go on a TOMS Shoe Drop Tour

4. What are the various ways an individual can make a difference?
Know that as a consumer you can choose products that offer sustainability, giving, and positivity at their core. TOMS guarantees that for every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. In the end, “the more you give, the more you live!”

5. What can our readers look forward to in the upcoming collections for TOMS shoes?
TOMS remains true to the classic lines of the Argentine alpargata shoe, but you can look forward to fresh new variations this summer and laces this fall!

Coupon Code: TOMSbday valid for 5% off at www.TOMSshoes.com and expires 5/15.

Shop & Product Review: Screen Printed Wallet from Greenheart

Green, Handbags & Accessories, New posts, Past Giveaways, , ,

greenheart wallet

My husband was very proud of himself when he came home with a 100% recycled product from Home Depot today. He’s on the ‘Green’ bandwagon and now I have something else to tell him about. Fair Trade. Fair Trade supports sustainable community development by ensuring that the artisans making the products are paid fair living wages.
Greenheart is an eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying both fair trade and eco friendly products including handbags, wallets, lotion, and cookbooks. Greenheart believes consumers have the power to affect positive World change by supporting sustainable and fair business practices in their purchasing choices.

What is Eco-Fair Trade? Greenheart follows the guiding principles of “Fair Trade”. “Eco” signifies that our products are made using the most sustainable materials and methods whenever possible. At Greenheart, we are both “Fair to producers, and good to the Earth”.

The product and giveaway featured here is Greenheart’s fair trade wallet measuring a practical 8.5″ x 5″ x 1″. The wallet has a three-side zip closure, four section accordion dividers, a zip coin pocket, and credit card slips and I found that there is plenty of left over room for my phone.

Want to know more about socially and environmentally friendly shopping? Check out this handy guide available at Greenheart.

GIVEAWAY!
We are giving a red screen printed fair trade wallet away to one lucky subscriber! Simply subscribe to our newsletter and then tell us what your favorite item at Greenheart is (besides the wallet) in the comments below. Use the email address you used when subscribing, when leaving your comment.

Review: My Name Is Chicken Joe (Book/CD Set)

Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Age 7-10, Books, New posts, , , ,

Madelyn turned 3 this weekend and her favorite gifts were books.  She loves books.  One of her favorite books right now is My Name is Chicken Joe.   We read it every night.  The story is about a cat named Chicken Joe and other animals whose names don’t quite fit.  Featuring whimsical illustrations and an easy to remember ‘chorus’, it’s nearly impossible for me to not to start singing the story.

My Name is Chicken Joe is a book/cd set and is a fun book for beginning readers and equally as fun for toddlers being read to.  Both of my kids love the 11-song CD which I consider to be a mashup of folk, rock, and country style music. This CD will be one that we listen to on our road trips this summer.  Trout Fishing in
America has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, Parents Choice Gold, American Library Awards, and others.  Trout Fishing in America have earned widespread critical praise from USA Today, Billboard and The Los Angeles Times.

You can buy the My Name is Chicken Joe book/cd set on the Trout Fishing in America website here.

Enjoy!