Thinking Bigger: Serving Others and Supporting Small Businesses

Although this time is full of struggle, re-adjusting, loss, learning to homeschool, and bits of frustration or maybe even fear, there are positive ways we can support each other! This time has reinstalled a sense of camaraderie and community. Do y'all agree? Many are serving more than they ever have. It’s a beautiful silver lining to this pandemic. When loneliness sets in, I encourage you to check in on someone else or send a thoughtful note or gift to a loved one; I guarantee it will bring you joy and will only bring comfort to others!

Here on the blog, we've implemented a new series of talks on Thinking Bigger. Last week we touched on How Simplicity Changes Everything, and this week I wanted to talk about serving others and supporting small businesses – A topic that has really been on my heart and surprisingly, has also helped me process during this time.

My family lives in Dallas; we are so close, and it was really tough to cancel the trips we had planned to see each other, not knowing when the safe next time will be. One way that has helped me feel so connected is by sending them presents that remind me of them or fun little things for my sweet nieces! And all the while, I order the items from small businesses. You bring a company joy while sending joy to someone you love, and it doesn’t have to be big!Another long-winded, yet rewarding project we have been diving into is all things home and finishing the furnishing process! With the intension of supporting small businesses, I feel like I have entered an entirely new world of discovering some incredible companies! It makes the purchase that was on the to-do feel much more purposeful.

Fun Ideas

• Create your neighbor a bouquet of flowers from the backyard.
• Write a note to someone you are grateful for.
• Call your grandma.
• Give to a charity that provides meals to others during this time.
• Cook a meal or cookies and deliver it to someone it would help.

Gift Ideas

• Send a bottle of wine from here (it's organic and biodynamic and delicious!)
• A toy for your friend's puppy from here, here, or here.
• Send something cute from here.
• This Box of Sunshine that gives 100% of proceeds to Baby2Baby.
• The cutest organic clothes for kids.
• For new mamas.
• Healthy products from here.

For the Home

• I just got this little vase, mini lamp, and marble counter pedestal (inspo from Ashley Kane).
• These pretty water glasses.
• European linen pool towels for such an affordable price!
• A healthy way to keep the bugs away outside!
• Rugs from here or here!
• Something pretty from here.

To follow along with items I'm getting my hands on, or to see how I'm constantly learning and processing throughout this time, stay up to date on my Instagram. x

How can you serve and support others during this time? Jot down a few ideas and try to implement one this week!

 Shop My Look Here: Shorts, Top, Sunnies, and Shoes [show_shopthepost_widget id="4030274"]

Spotted: Alexandra Beth Jewelry

Perusing Alexandra Beth jewelry is like digging through a chest of treasure. Each piece seems to outshine the last, but at the same time, they are all equally glamorous. And what's even more glamorous is the fact that Alexandra started her craft as a mere 15-year-old. Prodigy in the making? We think so. Despite her young age, a boutique in Maryland bought 90 pieces from her designs to be divided between 13 of their stores. Local selling eventually led to a commercial creation made in the Big Apple, and here we are today.The result: a collection that perfectly melds various metals, soft leathers and skins, studs, delicate chains and a bevy of vivid gemstones. The Alexandra Beth collection blends everyday simplicity with bold glamour at an incredible price point, ranging from $38 to $220. Gift idea? We vote yes! In the meantime, check out our slideshow of favorites.[galleryview id= 98]Andraya Necklace, Alex Tribal Earrings, Pyramid Studs, Druzy Wrap Bracelet, Suzy Snakeskin Cuff, Aztec Leather Wrap, Snakeskin Studded Leather Wrap, Eagle Ring. Shop the full collection here!

Candles Sustained by Nature: Tru Melange

It was about a year ago that I came across my favorite candle in the world. I found it on the shelf at Whole Foods, and the rest was history. Meet Tru Melange candles: they are sustained by nature and are so authentically wonderful. What makes the quality so supreme? They aim to produce the most effective natural candle on the market, which involves balancing the wax content for improved aroma diffusion and a longer burn time (yes, please!). Talk about a gift idea!

The wax: They purchase 100% pure beeswax from North American Apiaries and Co-ops, and the Non GM Soy content comes from US farmers, which aids in using renewable resources. Talk about being green!

The aromas: Tru Melange does not believe in authentic fragrances, period. "We feel that 100% pure essential oils hold enough complexity and depth for us to keep creating blends that will intrigue, enthrall and wow you."

Yes, they even care about the wicks! They are lead-free and cotton-braided, which allows for the best aroma diffusion possible. As for the colors, eco-friendly powder dyes provide these wonderful ambiance-creating hues. They are absent of all toxins, and they are never tested on animals. Hooray!

You can only imagine my excitement when a box of these heavenly aromas came delivered in a package to my front door!

My personal favorites:

Harmony: The mix of vanilla and peppermint is sweet and soothing. I love burning it when I am reading and relaxing.

The SOL Relax Candle: It is the cutest gift! The decor is adorable, and the wooden top gives this home decor item a vintage touch. Plus, the lavender and blood orange combination is exhilarating.

The Noel Holiday Candle: It is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season with a woodsy mixture of fir, spruce, and pine scents.

Visit their website to peruse their fabulous selection! Your new favorite candle awaits you...