Pura Vida

One of my sorority sisters is a campus representative for a company called Pura Vida. This company is not only adds a really cute touch with it's colorful accessories, but it is also charitable.

"Pura Vida Bracelets strongly believes in giving back. After traveling around the world and seeing beaches filled with trash and debris, we wanted to make it not only a point to help, but a mission. There is no reason why our beautiful beaches and oceans should be left destroyed.

Therefore, with every Pura Vida Bracelet sold, we donate 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to protecting as well as preserving beaches and oceans worldwide. They have over 50,000 members and completed over 140,000 hours of volunteer work. We are seeking to improve those numbers and truly change how people treat the oceans and beaches that surround us.

In addition to cleaning up beaches around the world, we aim to provide more and more full time jobs to the amazingly talented artisans of Costa Rica. After our time spent traveling all over Costa Rica, and building our close relationship with Jorge and Joaquin, we came to realize that with very little tourism and the low paying jobs, local jewelers have a difficult time making ends meet. From the exponential growth of Pura Vida Bracelets throughout the United States and around the world, we are now able to fully support full-time work for 30 talented artisans. Our goal is to see that number grow and be able to provide as many jobs possible and get their beautifully hand-crafted jewelry on the wrists of everyone in the world. From Costa Rica to around the world, Pura Vida for life! :)"

I ordered a dark grey beanie. They were having a sale for 50% off beanies. I also got an extra 10% off from my sorority sister!

Each order comes with a free bracelet as well! And oddly enough, the bracelet I received was my school colors! I also got a sticker which is shown above on the left that says "Live Free". I put this on my laptop!

This is a great company, so check it out!

You Bought That Where??

While in upstate New York last week, I visited the local Walmart since I don't have one close to me at home in Jersey. I browsed around the ENTIRE store. There's SO MUCH stuff. And I know what you're thinking. "Ew, Walmart is gross and doesn't have anything cute."

If you're actually thinking this, than you're missing out. Yea, you may have to go through some cheap, ugly things to find them, but Walmart has some hidden gems.

Now, I only kind of like statement necklaces...

...Ok maybe I have a problem...

I specifically went through the jewelry section of the store not expecting to find anything but cheap plastic jewelry but I actually found two really cute statement necklaces that really don't look like they would be sold at Walmart!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE CAME FROM WALMART?!

Unfortunately, you can't get these online. I searched their website and couldn't find them. So, check your local Walmart and let me know if you found any!

DIY Ring Dish

I've been on the hunt for a cute jewelry holder to place on my dresser. I've struck out. They're either too expensive or not the style I'm looking for. 

I saw this really cute ring holder at Anthropologie and I fell in love, but it was way over priced for something I could make myself. And that had me thinking, "Wait, I could totally make this myself!" 

So I did. 

First, I went to my local thrift store and picked up some floral, tiny plates. There were so many it was difficult to choose just one. So I got a few and decided I'd make a couple and give them away as gifts. 

They ranged in price from around $0.25 to $1.00. WHAT? SO CHEAP!

Next, the hard part for me was finding toy animals that were cheap. I wasn't about to spend $10.00 for an animal toy (although it would be cheaper than the original ring holder). I wanted to be able to make multiple for a small amount of money. I finally found this package with a ton of different animals that was around $10.00. But of course I used a coupon so it was 50% off. BARGAIN. 

Next, I just picked up a small can of metallic gold spray paint. (Which I also used a coupon on). 

Making the actual ring holder is so easy it should be illegal. 

All I did was spray paint each animal outside on some newspaper and let them dry. 

Next, I just took a glue gun to the feet of the animals and stuck them to the plate. 

Uhhh. That's it?

YES! THAT EASY!

And SOOO cute!