Cute Jewelry for a Great Cause

I recently came across this website, Rachel's Cure by Design, that's full of fun, handmade jewelry that benefits a great cause.  I'll let Rachel tell you in her own words...

Hi! I’m Rachel and here’s my story.

In 2005, at the age of 12, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Since then, I’ve been supporting the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and their mission to find a cure for diabetes through the support of research.

To help this important organization, I began designing and selling a unique collection of handmade beaded bracelets and donating a portion of the proceeds.  I am proud to report that from the sales of my Cure by Design jewelry, I have donated over $42,000 to the JDRF Western PA Chapter.

I invite you to visit www.rachelscbd.com often as I continue to create new designs for my jewelry and add to my Cure by Design product line.

All of my bracelets have a sterling silver “hope” charm that symbolizes my hope for a cure for diabetes.  This charm can be your symbol of “hope” for opportunities and challenges you and your family may face as well.  On behalf of myself and the 23.6 million people who suffer from diabetes, thank you for your kindness and support!

 ~Rachel T.

Check out http://www.rachelscbd.com/  for all of Rachel's designs ~ bracelets and necklaces ~ or to donate to Rachel's Walk to Cure Diabetes fund. 

Grab a new piece of jewelry and do a good deed?  What could be better?!

xoxo
Bean


{photo credit:  rachelscbd.com}

Keep a Lid on Your Kids' Candy Consumption - AND Give Back!

Well, it's November.  Trick-or-treat time is over, but if you've got little ones, the season for eating way. too. much. sugar has just begun!  With their treat bags brimming with Reese's cups, Kit-Kats, Snickers, and who knows what else, the unfortunate opportunity for your kids to be in a constant state of sugar overload is a very real possibility.  But with a little effort, you can limit their sweets intake {without being mean!} and even teach them about the joy of helping others.

First things first ~ ration out that candy!  Choose the number of pieces of candy that you're comfortable with them consuming daily {two?  three?  five?}.  Then have them ration out the candy into little treat bags, plastic baggies, or similar.  You could do two weeks worth, or maybe enough to last them through the month {again, depending on what you're comfortable with, and depending on how much candy they have}.  You could do the rationing for them if you'd like, but by having them do it themselves they can ensure they get their favorites, and they can start to understand the idea of controlling portion sizes.

Next, research Halloween Candy Buy Back programs in your area {click here for info}.  What's a Candy Buy Back program?  Dentists "buy back" your kids Halloween candy {or some of it}, in exchange for cash, coupons, toothbrushes, and more.  They then send the candy to troops overseas.  The link above allows you to search by zip code to find a dentist near you that participates, and also has lots of info about how the program works.  Act fast if you want to participate ~ many dentists will be hosting their Buy Back days within the next week.  {Thanks to my friends over at Six in the Suburbs for posting about this great cause!}

What a great way to not only teach your kids about not overindulging and how to enjoy correct portions of anything; but also to start teaching them at a young age about the importance and satisfaction of giving back and helping others ~ a timely holiday lesson!

Enjoy those sweets, sweets!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credit:  blisstree.com}