Pura Vida: A Company That Does Good

I am all about companies that you can feel good about purchasing from because of their business practices. Pura Vida is one of those companies.

You may have heard of Pura Vida bracelets. They are simple, yet darling. But did you know how the company got started? Two San Diego natives teamed up with two local bracelet peddlers during a visit to Costa Rica and created a line that helps to provide 100+ full-time jobs to Costa Rican artisans. On top of providing work, Pura Vida is huge on philanthropic causes. They have partnered with 190 charities and donated nearly $1 million to date. AND Pura Vida is also a member of 1% for the Planet. As such, they donate 1% of their annual net revenue to environmental organizations worldwide. Amazing!

With bracelets starting as low as $5 and supporting a plethora of causes from environmental, to animal and memorial, you're sure to find a bracelet, and cause, near to your heart. When you view the Pura Vida charity section on the site, you can learn about what your purchase supports. It's all very cool!

I like these bracelets because they are understated, yet stylish and send a powerful message. Since they are made of simple string, they can be worn alone or stacked with a watch or other bracelets. And they give off a beachy vibe that makes you want to dip your toes in the water and take in a ]n ocean sunset.

The holidays are on the horizon and these bracelets will make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift. In addition to bracelts, Pura Vida has branched out and now sells clothing items, necklaces, and bags. Below are just a few examples of the many must-have products available on the site. Happy shopping!

In exchange for a review, I was provided with Pura Vida bracelets. All thoughts are truthful and my own.

Inspi(RED)

This week's outfit was inspired by World AIDS Day, which was yesterday. However, AIDS is a topic we should keep in mind all 12 months of the year. (RED) is an organization "Designed to Help Eliminate AIDS" that works year-round in the fight against this terrible disease.

Fittingly, this week's Friday's Fancies focuses on the color red and serves as a reminder - of those lost and those who may be touched by AIDS. Here's hoping we can find a cure in our lifetime!

Inspi(RED) by leeannm

Above is an outfit that I would wear to a charity gala. If only, right? Don't we all wish we had amazing outfits to wear to important benefits - along with lots of money to donate to countless organizations? That's OK, even the littlest bit helps. Remember to donate to your favorite charity - whether it be to (RED), an organization that protects the rain forests, or your local animal shelter (which I do). In most cases, donations are tax refundable so you can make a difference and get a little break from Uncle Sam at the same time. Be sure to make those contributions before the end of the year!

To see more red outfits, head over to Long Distance Loving. And for more fashion, link up with Blonde Episodes for Fashion Fridays.

Click to Give @ The Animal Rescue Site

A few months ago I received an e-mail directing me to The Animal Rescue Site, a Web page that enables you to donate bowls of food, as well as care, to shelter animals. By clicking on an icon (you can't miss it once on their site), sponsors donate to this charity...it's that simple.

There is no limit to the amount of clicks that you can make, but it is addicting once you start! It's hard to stop because I want so badly to help these poor animals in any way that I can.

Other features that I like about this site: There are various donations that you can make (options include rescued bunnies and wild horses, marine animals, and even kittens at risk of losing their eyesight), a new rescue story is posted each day, products can be purchased (ranging from jewelry to license plate frames), and much more!

On The Animal Rescue Site there are also links to other organizations, all of which are set up the same way at this Web page. Those charities include hunger, breast cancer, child health, literacy, and the rain forest.

So, please visit these sites and help! It literally takes five seconds, but is worth a lifetime of gratitude from those who are passionate about these subjects.

(Photos courtesy of: The Animal Rescue Site)