Noonday Fundraiser: What I LOVE

I promised you guys last night that I would share some of my top picks from Noonday's fabulous collection.

Boy, it was hard! They have some truly beautiful and unique items. These are special, one of a kind pieces with amazing back stories, so I really had a hard time singling out just a few things to show you.

Here are a few of my recommendations:

Charlotte's Bag - $58

You knew I would pick a bag, right? There are several I would add to my collection, but I love the colors in this 19"W by 15"L Dutch Waxed Cotton bag. I think this would be perfect for the summer as a carryall tote or even a beach bag!

Jones Design Journal - $22

It has chevron. It is a journal. Nuff said.

Sseko Sandals - Base, $44; Straps, $12

This is the coolest idea. You buy the sandal base and then you can buy straps in various colors to customize your look. That didn't sell you? There's NUMEROUS ways to tie them and accessories like fringe to add as well. Top that!

Funky Paper Bead Bracelet - $12

Remember making paper beads in middle school? Well, these are so much prettier! Each bracelet is a little different, and they look awesome stacked together!

Hope you have seen something you can't live without! Don't forget all of these beautiful products are from places like Uganda and Rwanda, and they are lovingly made by artisans trying to make a better life for their families. By purchasing Noonday products for my fundraiser, you're not just helping Operation Bringing Home Baby Riley, you're helping these communities as well.

If you're interested in shopping, check out the shop at http://www.mccallaldridge.noondaycollection.com/.

Sale: Purses

In order to build up a little more cash for the adoption (and space for the baby!), I am selling a few bags from my collection. Most of you know that I've been collecting for years, so I have some special pieces.

If you are interested in buying any of this lot, contact me via comments or Facebook. PayPal and cash are accepted. If you live outside of the Columbus pickup area, I WILL mail the bag to you free of charge! I am a Gold Star seller on EBay with over 45 positive reviews, so you can feel safe buying with meM

Dooney & Bourke: Large leather tote in "Chalk," a grey-based white. Some signs of use, such as scuffing. Overall a beautiful bag. Retails for almost $400. Asking $100.

Michael Kors: Delancey Tote with chain straps and gold studs. Lovely dusty blue color. Genuine, SOFT leather. Tan interior. Lots of organization. Some signs of use on handles, but the bag is beautiful. Retails for over $300. Asking $80.

Happy Thoughts

This week has been a roller coaster of emotion with adoption highs and lows, family stuff, visits with friends, and more. I wanted to round out the week with a few of my happy thoughts:

1.) A couple members of my lline (for those of you not products of the Mississippi University for Women, a line is a group of girls who pledged to be members of an honorary two year social club during their junior year.) is throwing me a baby shower soon for a small group of family and friends. I'm so excited! Don't worry, we'll have a large scale celebration when/if the baby comes home!

2.) Last night, I experimented with layering a regular neon polish in between two gel coats and then "cooking" them in the led lamp. As long as I let the nails dry long enough on the regular polish coats, it worked well. Now we'll see how long it lasts.

3.) My adorable husband gifted me a lovely new bag as a pick-me-up during this crazy, stressful time. My focus has been honed in on buying for the baby and nursery lately, and he wanted to get me something not "baby related." He's, basically, the most thoughtful man ever. This is a fossil bag, not a brand I've ever been drawn to. I can honestly say it has been one of the most complimented bags I own, and you know that's saying something! (Bag addict, much?) If you're interested in picking up one for yourself, the bag is the Fossil Key Per Flap Bag in Starburst.