FFF - Shop4 Charity - a blog with charities in mind

A belated FFF but the spirit of Fun, Free Fridays live on! I apologize for the lateness but I was running around my last days in London and am now halfway across the world in Singapore.  Ooh, it's hot here and I'll try to send some of these rays to you!

I wanted to share a new blog I found.  Jane at Shop 4 Charity writes a blog devoted to highlighting different charities each month; March was sexual assault awareness month and she's looking for suggestions for this month.  In exchange for different actions like helping to spread the word about the charity, you'll get entries for various contests she hosts.  So far, the prizes seem to be Lilly Pulitzer themed.  I think it may also be US based as well.

The concept of this blog is pretty great and you can nominate a cause dear to your heart as well for future contests.  It is certainly unique and inspiring so check it out!

FFF - Gap/BR/Old Navy 30% thru 3/21, NYC Times Square Free Walking Tour, and Bumble & Bumble Giveaway extended

Yay for Friday!  We're not going away after all, but that's always a good reason to visit a museum, check out the markets, and perhaps go to the Burberry outlet (I am currently stalking a bag from last season- the bronze metallic Larson- fingers crossed I'll find it!)

Everywhere (US)
Shopping time.  Stock up on basics to work clothes at the GAP Give & Get event (works at Old Navy and Banana Republic too).  You get 30% off and 5% of your proceeds are donated to a charity of your choice (Note this link is to someone else who already selected WWF).

New York
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you can attend a free Walking tour of Time Square "Times square exposé free walking tour".  A guide will take you around to some of the most well-known and historical sites.  Ooh, will they go behind the scenes at "Wicked"?  That would be cool.
 
Oh and since I'm not going away this weekend I figured I'd extend the Bumble & Bumble giveaway until Sunday.  Enter here!

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

FFF - Sample sale benefiting APEX (inner city youth) and Keeping Hope for Haiti Alive

Happy Friday dears!

This week is an NYC event in which everyone can participate! If you're not in NYC, shop to your heart's content at cutdrop.com.

The Lovely Dream Sequins is part of the committee that has organized a designer sale benefiting Apex - a NYC-based youth mentorship program (side note: my best friend met her husband when they both volunteered here!).  I'm thinking of this cute cashmere dress and at only $60!

In addition, let's all remember to keep Haiti in our hearts.


Liz's friend has these amazing t-shirts for $15 and 100% of proceeds benefits Haiti.

Tiffany and her brother Billy are also generously donating their time or services to get us to donate more to the Haiti relief efforts.  For a $20+ donation, she will give you a 8" x 10" print - something like this if you'd like.

For $100, talk to Tiffany and she could donate some photography services if you're in the Seattle area. More info here.

Have a lovely weekend!

Lauren Merkin supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a fab wallet

When I was little, cancer wasn't a tangible thing. It was a big, bad scary disease, but no one close to me had been touched by it. Now it's a different story. The fathers of 2 of my closest friends have been diagnosed with cancer and dear husband's dad passed away from colon cancer last year. We really tried to create awareness for all types of cancer research and even put ACS donations on our Wishpot registry.

Of course there were lots of accessories on our registry as well. The guy got a "gadget purse" but I've been looking for a nice wallet and French wallets have been calling my name. How cool to hear that every year Lauren Merkin designs a special pink item from her collection, where 50% of the proceeds are donated to the Young Survival Coalition.
This year she has designed a Fuchsia Tiled Embossed Lamb wallet, retail $175.
So if you're in the market for a wallet, how nice to get a cute wallet and donate to a great cause as well!

Chocolate and Charity - favors whose proceeds go toward a cause

I see more and more notes at wedding receptions indicating that the couple is making a gift to charity in lieu of favors (or more elaborate favors).

But why settle for just favors or just a donation when you can do both!

That's what Truffles for a Cause said too.
They package beautiful truffles for your wedding favors and $2 from each package goes towards a humanitarian or medical charity of your choice. There is a 100 minimum order and packages range from $3-$7 in your choice of colors.

Sweet indeed.

Give and Get (even bridal things) at Goodwill and Salvation Army

Today, Mr. Chic 'n Cheap and I dropped off 10 bags of clothing and stuffed animals at Goodwill. It felt pretty darn good.

I gave some decent stuff too like a like new DKNY leather bag and a black BR suit. I hope those find good homes. I really encourage everyone to give or buy at Goodwill/Salvation Army.

Why you should give:
- That shirt is cute, but you have 5 of them or you haven't worn it in 5 years.
- You will be eco-friendly and someone will get use out of your things again
- Tax deduction - a cool thing obviously

I actually saw 2 wedding dresses there. Dresses (didn't list formal wear prices separately) were listed at $7.99. How amazing if you were a bride and you could get a dress for the price of lunch. It's really nice to know that even brides with modest wedding budgets can get nice gowns as well.

Goodwill now has an online presence too. I don't believe this includes all stores. Pretty cool though.