Wanna make somebody smile? :)

I have always been a firm believer in the wonders that small things and small meaningful gestures can do for people. A simple 'hello' or 'hope you have a nice day' can really change a person's attitude especially if they are having a bad day. I am guilty of shutting down once in a while when I am not feeling all that happy but recently I have been trying to change my ways. Life is too short and as cliche as this sounds, it really is the TRUTH! I cant live my life questioning it or wondering why I have to face the issues that I face but what I CAN do is to try to make the best of the situation and remain calm.

Anyway, the point of this post is to let you know how I plan to make somebody smile. This somebody is a family member who was recently diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin's Lymphoma to be exact. Her journey in this has not been easy, as you can imagine, and it has been particularly difficult for her parents. As much as I wish I could be a miracle worker and cure her from this horrible disease, there is not much that I can do. But I can support her and let her know that I am here. Always.

Although I dont know what she is going through, because I have never suffered from cancer or any other illness, I can only imagine how bad some of her days can be. For this reason, I decided to gather a few fun items and create a "Feel Better Soon" box and send it her way. Inspired by Eco Emi (check out my post about organic beauty products), I decided to purchase some of my favorite organic and eco-friendly things in hopes that she will smile even if its just for a little bit. Considering the fact that ALL of these products are good for the environment and HER, I know that she will love it. I learned about most of these products through this program and so far I have to say...they are AMAZING. In particular the Fortune Cookie Soap which comes in all different scents. So I packed everything in an USPS Small Flat Rate Box - like Eco Emi does - and wrapped most of the things in nice tissue paper. Seriously, when I get my box every month, I feel like a child during Christmas, its so exciting to see whats in my monthy box and I wait anxiously for the next one to come in the mail!

I have realized that as I am in the process of opening each box, I cant stop smiling and in a way, I wanted to share this experience with my cousin. There have been times when after a long and stressful day an Eco Emi box is waiting for me at home and  it truly transforms me into a much happier-relaxed person. And I can assure you that it is not just the excitement of opening a 'gift' but also the scents and the pretty things that I get to indulge. SO, if YOU are ever in the need of ideas try creating your own box with your favorite goodies. I purchased many of these items at Whole Foods except for the Fortune Cookie Soap (more information below on where you can find it).

Ultimately, I hope that my box can help my cousin feel better especially when she returns home after a day of chemotherapy. I have yet to learn how she likes the items I selected but I will keep you posted. In the meantime, here is more information on what I got her :)

* Alba Botanica Deodorant
* No Bad Stuff Lip Balm
* Verdura Botanica Sal - Black Olive Botanical Minerals for the Bath (verdurabotanica.com)
* Fortune Cookie Soap in the "The Candy Addict" scent (fortunecookiesoap.com)
* Glee Gum - All natural rainforest chicle
* Herbaria Pure Pleasure soap in Almond Spice
* Hello Kitty Sniff Tissue
* Auracacia Soothing Organic Milk and Oath Bath
* Rise Energy Bar in Blueberry Coconut
* Yummy Earth Organic Hot Chili Pops
* EO Handsanitizer
* Auromere Rejuvenating Hand and Body Lotion

The Pink Soap on the Right is called "Pink Lemonade" and it truly smells as such.



I think this says it all, right???



If I had learned about these soaps before my wedding, these would have been our Wedding Favors!!! These are the best things EVER! Definitely future gifts for people!



This stuff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!



I even cut out small leaves to give the box an autumn feel!

  

Women, War, and Peace

For the past three weeks I have been watching a PBS special program titled, Women, War, and Peace, and I must say that it is perhaps one of the most comprehensive reports on the role women have taken in the peace efforts and political change of some of the most troubled countries in the world. If you havent watched it please do yourself a favor and watch IT! I have learned so much from the women featured in this program, and more than ever, I feel so lucky to live in a country where I know my voice is heard.

As you can imagine, many of these stories are sad and extremely disturbing but learning that many have taken these negative experiences and done something positive to help others is quite admirable. Anyway, I have a new found respect for women in countries Im not sure I will ever visit but that somehow I feel connected to because I care.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/