Unlock Hope

Hey guys, I'm sorry it's been a week since I have last posted anything!  It has been crazy busy.  April is like a second Christmas at our house.  Triston, Lilah, and I all have birthdays in April.  We are also moving in a few weeks.  (Fingers crossed that this buyer works out), and I have a lot of different projects I've been working on in my personal life.  So I apologize for being absent.

Let's move on to today's post.  I'm featuring Unlock Hope on the blog today!  They are a phenomenal company that helps girls in Uganda have a better life.  They are also sponsoring a giveaway!!!  Let me explain a little about Unlock Hope before I talk about the giveaway.

 Uganda can be a hard place to live.  If you are a female who doesn't have an education, you can expect to marry young, have a large family making it hard to make ends meet, and you would have to do many hard and laboring jobs which pay very small amounts.  Unlock Hope provides many opportunities for females.  They've teamed up with Think Humanity which is an organization that runs a hostel in Hoima, Uganda.  This hostel provides health care, food, safety, and helps with education for many refugee girls which sadly most of them are orphaned.

When you purchase a product from Unlock Hope, you are helping cover a multitude of expenses that these girls are unable to provide.  Things like transportation, uniforms, health care, toiletries, books, and many other expenses.

The key shaped necklace is a great way to connect to a child in Uganda.  Most of the children in Uganda have a lock box of belongings that they keep locked up.  The key that unlocks everything they own is tied on a string around their necks. Thus the reason for the key shaped necklace.  Unlock Hope also has inventories of shirts, and one of their shirt designs is based off of one of the children's uniform patch.  The patch on the uniform is a design of crest which shows the school they attend.

I think this is a great company that really focuses not only on education for girls, but they help give them hope by offering so many things we take for granted everyday: Friends, safety, shelter, food, water, and the list continues.  Please check out their website and take a look at their clothing inventory and necklaces.

*Giveaway Rules*

National Giveaway only

Please follow Unlock Hope on Instagram or Facebook

Please subscribe/follow my blog or follow me on Instagram

Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you did all the above.  I've heard from some people that sometimes they aren't able to leave a comment.  If that happens please inform me on Instagram under the post talking about Unlock Hope that you were unable to leave a comment on my blog and leave the comment there instead.

For an extra entry tag at least two friends on instagram.

The giveaway will close on Thursday April 17 11pm MST.  Winner will be announced on Friday's post!

Good Luck to you all and please spread the word about this giveaway.  

Lots of Love
                   Jaimey

A trail of glitter

First things first:  Congratulations to Hailey Ham!  You are the lucky

owner of the beautiful Stag pendent necklace from Red Earth Trading Co.

THANK YOU to everyone who entered.  If you didn't win you'll have a chance

to win something in a few weeks! 

Have you ever met a person who is just so amazing?  They just have this "wow factor" and you can't help but be drawn to them?  They just have this glow to them which makes you want to become their best friend?  I try to be that type of person every day.  That is A LOT of pressure to put on myself I know.  Don't get me wrong, some days I'm worse than the meanest, most evil person you can think of... I am only human so that is expected to happen.  And on those days where I constantly yell at my kids, dog, and hubs, and slam doors, and act younger than my children I think to myself, "Would I seriously want to be my friend at this moment?"  Uh Nooo!  I feel awful when I'm in those moods, and depressed, and I've found that the people around me feel my energy and it brings them down as well.  So I try my hardest to get out of those moods fast.  Here's what I do to lift my mood and be that glittery, glowing girl again.

1. Recognize the mood I'm in
2. Think about why I'm in that mood... Can I change the situation?  Or is it out of my control?  
3. Think of all the things I have been blessed with
4. Go outside for some fresh air and now that it's warming up, walk barefoot in the grass.
5. Put a sincere smile on my face... I'm always surprised that this makes me feel better
6. YOGA- not P90X yoga, but a calm restorative yoga
7. Giving and exchanging hugs with my Hubs and my kids
8. Dancing crazy with my kids
9. Jumping up and down for joy.  Please do this one.  I always look so silly doing this which then makes me laugh and helps change my mood.
10. Taking time for myself, whether it's going for a drive, window shopping, reading a book, a nice warm bubble bath, or putting a movie on for the kids and locking myself in my closet.  (Come on moms, we've all done this at some point) 
11. I find that I am such a happier person when I am doing acts of service for others
12. Positive thinking, and finding that silver lining in awful situations

"Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words.  Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior.  Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits.  Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values.  Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny." 

                                               -- Mahatma Ghandi

In order to be that glittery, happy girl you've got to shine from the inside out.  Like I said some days are much easier than others, but if you make a conscience effort to leave that glittery trail everywhere you go then you'll succeed.  I hope you find my mood lifters inspirational and you try some of them.  What are some ways you guys get out of your nasty moods?  What do you do to leave your trail of glitter?

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!  Lots of hugs and loves Xoxoxo

                                                                                                           Jaimey
(Glitter quote from pinterest & Ghandi quote googled)

Red Earth Trading Co.

I have another amazing company featured on the blog today!  I am so excited to inform you guys about their mission and expose their beautiful and unique products to you all.  Keep reading to see how this company supports artisans in Uganda and Kenya and how it gives back  to community development work.

In 2010, Travis who is the founder of Red Earth Trading Co.  was working in East Africa.  He noticed that regardless of the social classes among the natives, they all shared a common goal:  Survival.  Tourism is a huge part of Africa's income, so many of the artisans' livelihood is dependent on tourists.  Travis saw how he could help artisans grow beyond their local market and contribute in helping them have a more secure income.  For the previous six years, Travis had also been working on ways to sustain the community development work.  The creation of Red Earth Trading Co. allowed both of Travis' goals to be attained.

Red Earth Trading Co. creates hope, and opportunities through trade and business.  It is also involved with supporting non-profit organizations in East Africa by donating 5% of each sale. Red Earth Trading Co. has teamed up with artisans in Uganda and Kenya to provide fashionable, unique, and beautiful handcrafted jewelry, accessories, AND home goods.

Red Earth Trading Co. is also involved in the Know Think Act, which helps empower local leaders by helping to end poverty in their communities.  You can read more about it here.  Red Earth Trading Co. recognizes that the small businesses in Uganda and Kenya are what keeps families out of poverty and helps build their economy. Their support for their artisans extends to helping them manage their business in a variety of markets.

It's an amazing company that provides so many opportunities to help the people of Uganda and Kenya rise from poverty and have a healthy, happy, successful life.  To read more about Red Earth Trading Co. and their story please visit their website.

Red Earth Trading Co. has been generous enough to provide you the opportunity to win one of their most sought after necklaces.  The simple stag pendent necklace which is valued at $50.  This necklace is so beautiful and unique.  It is definitely an attention grabbing accessory, and is also a very versatile piece.  I think it would fit in with any style type.  Below are a few shots of the beautiful piece.

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

Giveaway Rules!!!

Giveaway will close Thursday April 3, 2014 at 11:00 PM MST.  Winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday's inspirational post.

This giveaway is opened to EVERYONE in the US.

Please follow Red Earth Trading Co. on instagram (REDEARTHTRADE) OR their facebook page

follow me on insta (jaimeytripp) OR subscribe to my blog

***For an extra entry go to my instagram page (jaimeytripp) and tag at least two friends.***

Please comment on my blog letting me know how you entered.   

Good Luck to you all!  

Don't forget to check out Red Earth Trading Co. website. They have such a variety of things and it is all so beautiful and unique!

Hugs XXXxxxxXXXX
                                    Jaimey

Remember? You have a filter!

****Congratulations to DEBRA CARLSON!  You are the winner for the Tukula Giveaway.  Contact me and let me know which accessory you would like.  If you weren't a winner this time don't worry there will be another giveaway soon!!!****

Remember when I talked about self reflection?  If you forgot or missed it you can check the post out here. I'll be referencing one of those books on that "Recommendation List."  As I was doing some self reflection, I came across a quote that I clearly needed to read.  

                                                                  "The Real art of conversation 

                                                               is not only to say the right thing

                                                               at the right place but to leave

                                                               unsaid the wrong thing at the 

                                                               tempting moment."

                                         --Dorothy Nevill

                         Volume Four: Thoughts for one hundred days (50)

                                                                     By: Richard L Evans

As you can guess, this incident happened to me this last week.  I was having a conversation with family, and I don't know what came over me during that moment, but I just said what I was thinking.  After I said what I did I realized how mean and negative it sounded.  I apologized for the comment that was said, but I still felt class-less and like a bully for my comment. 

There was a story I read once about someone (person A) handing someone else (person B) a plate.  Person A told person B to throw the plate as hard as they could.  The plate shattered into tons of pieces.  Person A then told person B to say, "I'm Sorry" to the plate.  Person B did, but the plate still stayed shattered.

What I'm trying to say, is even when we mess up and say unkind comments and realize it and apologize, like that plate those words can't be taken back and fix what was said.  So remember how damaging words can be and try to refrain from speaking unkind and negative words. 

"For beautiful Eyes, look for the good 

in others; for BEAUTIFUL LIPS, SPEAK 

ONLY WORDS OF KINDNESS; and for

poise, walk with the knowledge that

you are never alone."

                            --Audrey Hepburn

Best of luck.  Hugs XXXX

                                        Jaimey

Tukula

I am so excited Friday is finally here.  I have been having to keep this post under wraps for a few weeks now, but it is sooo worth the wait.  So, without further ado here is the big secret I've had to keep lol.

I have teamed up with an AMAZING accessories company named Tukula which means "We Grow" to help raise awareness about  their beautiful mission and for a...... A GIVEAWAY!!!!  Yes! Tukula has been kind enough to sponsor a giveaway. So thank you so much Tukula!! Before we get to their beautiful products, let me tell you why I feel like Tukula is such an inspirational company.

Tukula is based in Jinja, Uganda which if you didn't know, is the second largest town in Uganda, Africa. Times in Uganda are far from simple and leisure.  There is a lot of devastating poverty and secure, reliable jobs are hard to come by.  Tukula is amazing because they offer stable and consistent seamstress jobs for women in Jinja.  These women are given health benefits, a safe and encouraging work environment, they are introduced to savings programs, and they are paid fare wages.  Can you imagine how relieving these benefits are to these women in a poverty stricken town??

Another reason Tukula is amazing is because they see how important education is for the women in Uganda. Like I said before times are hard so an education can get you far.  Tukula offers paid internships for girls & women who are considering dropping out of sewing school due to lack of funds, health, or other issues.  The internships allow the women to finish their education and have a guaranteed job after their graduation. Did I mention that the interns also receive the same benefits as the full time employees, so they are able to focus on their education worry free?

I love that Tukula's mission is trying to help Women in Uganda have a better life with benefits and education. These women all have hopes, and dreams.  Many of them have families and small children.  Because of Tukula they are able to achieve their dreams and, give their families more opportunities and set examples for their children.

Tukula has really been a blessing to so many women in Jinja, Uganda. Please head on over to Tukula's website and get to know the amazing artisans.  Their stories are spectacular, and they all are so beautiful and so humble, and loving.  Their smiles are contagious and you can see how genuine they are.  Their stories really put into perspective how much Tukula has helped them, and given them hope.

I think this is super cool, the cloth the items are made from is not always available in the same print, so you my friends will be either be winning a one of a kind beautiful, beaded, handmade clutch, or a gorgeous, bright red, handmade beaded bracelet.  I couldn't decide which one to give away to the winner.  So, I thought it would be fun to let the winner pick the item they'd like.
Just to let you know these items are from their Spring/Summer 2014 line.  Their new website launched this morning so please show your support and go check it out.  Below are some photos of the gorgeous products you have a chance to win!!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!!!!!  Thank you to all who entered!

***How to enter***

This is a NATIONAL giveaway only!!!

1. Like Tukula's Facebook Page (Here)

2. Follow me on Instagram (jaimeytripp)

3. Follow my blog (Here)

4. Leave a comment telling me you did all of the above and let me which item you would like to win.

Contest will end Thursday March 20th at 10:00PM (MST)where the winner will be randomly picked.  This will allow me to announce who the winner is on Friday's post.

Good Luck to you all!!!

Fashion + Giving Back = Sword & Plough

Happy Friday friends.
I'm really enjoying doing my inspirational Friday posts.  I hope you guys are able to find some inspiration from them.  Inspiring people was one of the biggest reasons why I started blogging.  It's been fun finding quotes and books and fashion companies I think will inspire you.

I came across this company who I find has a very inspiring mission.  The company is Sword & Plough.  Are you wondering what their name means?  Here you go.  Sword & Plough is an ancient saying that means "To turn swords into plough shares."  Translation... "To take military technologies and materials and apply them to peaceful civilian applications."  So basically they take military supplies and turn them into items civilians can use.  In this case their items are handbags, and accessories!!!

Their mission: Empower Veteran employment, Reduce waste and Strengthen shared civil-military understanding.  What their company does is first they recycle over 1000 pounds of military surplus materials (tents, sleeping bags, parachutes) that would've been trashed.  Then they combine durable fabrics with Eco-friendly leather accents into stylish designs.  These leather accents, and other durable textiles are manufactured in America.  From there the materials are sent to Veteran owned, and staffed manufactures.  This is where the construction of the bags take place.  One of the manufacturers is Green Vets LA.  Sword & Plough also works with many other American manufacturing companies as well as non-profit organizations. These beautiful bags are then sold and with each sale 10% of the profit goes back to the initial users of the products.

How cool is that?  Their mission is both amazing & beautiful.  Are you guys ready to see their products? Well I think you all will be very surprised.  Theses bags are not only beautiful, but because they are military products, they are all extremely durable and water resistant.

 I will be the first to admit that I forget that there are men and women overseas fighting for our country which allows me to raise my children in a safe country.  I am so grateful for all the selfless men and women who sacrifice their lives and time away from their families.  So thank you so much to all of you who have ties to the military.  We appreciate your service so much!  My challenge for you friends, is the next time you see a vet or a military personal smile at them and thank them for their service.  Or if you have an opportunity to do help them out, please do so and don't forget that they've helped you too.  Pay it forward!!
Don't forget to check out Sword & Plough's website.

I hope you found a little inspiration in today's post.  Big Hugs XxX
                                                                                                   Jaimey

Dreams

It's Friday! I've been working on a few different Inspirational Fridays for the month of March  I am so excited to share them with you guys.  I think you guys will really love them.  Could one maybe involve a Giveaway?!!!  We'll have to wait and see....

I love this quote by Lowell Lundstrom.  I'm sure you all have seen it at one time or another.  I've seen it so many times on pinterest and I know I've pinned in more than once.  But until recently I never really took the time to really think about this quote.  In my "About Me" Tab I talked about pushing myself to uncomfortable bounds as one of my New Year's Resolutions Goals.  Creating this blog has allowed me to be in that uncomfortable place and do things I normally wouldn't do.  As I have gotten more of a footing and an idea of the direction I want my blog to go, I've found myself having these dreams and aspirations that do scare me and I find myself flirting with the idea of not wanting to journey down that path, but you know what?  I make myself do it, and it is such an amazing and empowering feeling being able to move forward and conquering those fears or self doubts that stand in your way in order to get you to the next level of your goal or dream.  

This picture is such an ideal representation of dreams.  You have a vision or a dream.  But, it's so hazy sometimes, and almost eerie.  Definitely a path that sometimes you're uncertain you want to go down.  But if you don't take that scary, uncertain, path toward your dream(s), you'll never know what lays behind the haze, and you'll never know the impact your dream(s) could make for yourself and others.

So dear readers, my challenge for you is to think about a goal/dream and start acting on it.  Take the time to reflect on it's importance of achieving it.  Are you afraid of it?  Good!  Now take the leap and go for it!

Have a great weekend!  Big Hugs XXX

                                                            Jaimey

Raising AWARENESS through FASHION

Happy Friday right everyone?  Are you all excited for the weekend?  I get to spend my weekend with my family.  Yaay.

A few weeks ago I had this company email me asking if I would write a blog post about their company.  I checked out their website and I fell in love with their mission.

The company is Angela & Roi Handbags.  Currently, they have eleven non-profit organizations that they work with and support. What their company has done is they've made different handbags, or in some cases backpacks in different colors.  For each handbag that is ordered depending on the color of the ordered handbag a portion of the sale goes to that color specified non-profit organization.  For example, if you bought a black bag, a portion would go to melanoma research.  If you bought a red bag a portion would go to HIV awareness and care, a yellow/mustard colored bag a portion would go to childhood cancer support.

These handbags are not only designer worthy and affordable, but they support a wonderful cause to bring support and awareness to many non-profit organizations.  As if donating a portion of the sale from each bag is not enough, they also have an amazing referral program to say thank you for your support!

I am so inspired by this company and I am also so grateful that there are companies out there that realize they can do something about illnesses and diseases that we have in one way or another been affected by.
Please show your support and check out their website.  The next time you or a loved one are in the market for a new handbag don't forget to check out Angela & Roi.  Please help spread the word!!  Below are some examples of their exquisite merchandise.

I hope you all have been inspired by this amazing mission this company has created, have a safe and happy weekend!!  Hugs XxX
                                  Jaimey

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you" 

--John Bunyan

LOVE

I found this quote on pinterest a while ago and I am so glad I pinned it.  Because it's the month of Love and today is the actual "Love Day" I thought this quote would be perfect for Inspirational Friday.  

This is so true.  You can tell somebody a hundred times a day that you love them, but if you don't show that person how important and special they are in your life, the words, "I Love You" soon become a mockery of love and fall on deaf ears.

So my challenge to you dear readers is to really show your loved ones through your actions and acts of service how much you really do love them,  Continue to say the words "I Love You" but remember they are felt and heard even more when love is shown.  

I hope you all have a wonderful and special Valentines Day.  

**Smile at strangers today of all days because some do not have a loved one to smile with**

Lots of Hugs XxxxxX

Jaimey

You are Special

I am obsessed with children's books.  Ask my husband Tyler.  I will usually by a new children's book once a week.  I can't help myself!  I think it is so important that children start reading or looking at books at a young age. 

 

But, out of all the children's books that we own, this book is by far my most favorite book.  On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman.  The first time I saw this book was when Kourtney Kardashian posted it on her instagram page. (Now don't hate... ;))  I have two other books by Nancy that I love as well, so I thought I would look into buying this book.  I am so happy I did.

 

Even though this is a children's book, I strongly believe that in addition to every child owning their own book, EVERY ADULT should own one as well.  When I first read this book, I got a little teary eyed.  (Crying is very unusual for me, so it was a big deal!) 

 

In her sweet way, Nancy talks about what effect your birth had on nature, and all the animals.  She talks about how special you are, and how there will only be one of you ever! 

When I read that line, I stopped for a moment and thought, "Oh my gosh, this is so true!  There is only one Jaimey Tripp in the whole wide world!!" This sudden epiphany made me realize how easy it is to get so caught up in my daily life, that I kind of forgot that I am special because there is only and ever will be one of me! 

 

So my dear readers, do yourself a favor and go out and spend $5-$10 on this wonderful book.  Give it to a new mommy for her child, give it as a gift to your teenage sons and daughters, give it to your friends, husbands, wives, family members.  Remember how different you are and embrace everything there is about you.  Read this book as often as possible and try not to get so caught up in your every day lives that you forget why you are special, and why you are you!  Make your life count, and share who you are and everything about you with those around you!  Show the world how special you are!  Hugs XxX

                 Jaimey



 

 

 

"For NEVER before in story or rhyme

(not even once upon a time)

has the world ever known a you, my friend,

and it never will, not ever again....

On the Night You Were Born, By: Nancy Tillman

 



Self Reflection

Follow my blog with Bloglovin As a mother I find myself getting so caught up in everything around me that I forget and have forgotten a lot about me.  Don't get me wrong, I love my little family and I wouldn't change my life, but I am a mom and it's easy to put my goals, and interests on hold and focus on everyday life. 

During the holidays I kind of had an epiphany shall we say.  I was really down on myself and just felt lost.  I felt really strongly that I needed to reconnect with myself and find out who I am.  (Because I don't know about you , but I swear I change daily)  So I took a time out for self reflection.  Here's a small list of things I wanted to improve on.

Doing things that pushed me to my limits
Finding out my strengths and focusing on them instead of on my weaknesses
Who I really am
Developing an artistic way to express myself
Appreciating my life and the gift of waking up everyday to a new day
Not comparing myself to other moms (Moms you know what I am talking about ;))

I have other things, but those were just a few examples. (Can you tell that I'm a perfectionist yet lol)
When I do self reflection, I like to read and explore.  I have a few books I would love to share with you.  I do take the covers off of books because they always get lost anyway so sorry you won't see the actual covers.

Volume four.  Thoughts for one hundred days by Richard L. Evans.

This book is amazing.  It has so many deep quotes by influential people.

Like Thomas Edison, Vergil, Horace.  Not only are there quotes, but there

are short stories that go along with the quotes.  I got this from Tylers' Grandma's

book collection right before she passed away.  I am so grateful for this book. So Inspirational

Treasure Yourself by Miranda Kerr... Yes, the supermodel.  Ok you're probably thinking

how does she know how hard life can be, she's a famous supermodel?!  Well, remember

that she wasn't always a supermodel, and just because someone is famous, doesn't mean they

are 100% confident with who they are.  This book talks about overcoming struggles, and being

confident and comfortable with who you are.  The last section of her book are words of affirmations.  They daily sayings and quotes from licensed professionals.  A lot of her book also talks about

respect and gratitude which I think we all can use.

 

I LOVE this book.  The Day you were born by Linda Joyce.  This book focuses on your horoscope.  For example I am an Aries.  That is me.  It talks about our Ego and Spirit and what happens when one is trying to over power the other, and depending on which one is the more powerful, how you are feeling.  It is spot on 100% correct.  It talks about ways to balance yourself, and how to focus on both ego and spirit.  This book has all of the horoscopes in it, so each horoscope has it's own section. 

Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. My little sister recommended this book to me.  I am a perfectionist, so all of you perfectionists know how hard we are on ourselves, and how we focus on the negative, and how we could do better right?  Well this book does just the opposite.  It focuses on your strengths.  You can't lend out the book you actually have to buy it because each book has it's own code that allows you to log onto the website and take a quiz to find out your strengths.  Once you find out your strengths, it will tell you which strengths you need to pair up with for better results. ( My first strength couldn't be more correct :))

 

Last book on my list is The Birth Order book by Dr. Kevin Leman.  This book talks about.... you guessed it, your birth order.  Our birth order plays a large part on who we are.  I didn't realize that until I started reading this book.  Our birth orders explain why we get along with certain people, and why others are high stress, or perfectionists, or unmotivated.  It is a really interesting book.



 

I hope with the help of these books, you will be able to find your strengths and inspiration.  Remember focus on the positive aspects of your character and who you are.  We each have amazing qualities and talents.  Take a moment and remember yours!  Hugs XxX

 

 

"Let us be patient, tender, wise, forgiving, In this strange task of living..."

 

-Martin Armstrong

Volume Four Thoughts for one Hundred days