my dilemma with gifts…and a resulting gift giveaway for you
I’m struggling at the moment. With being given things (yeah, yeah, poor me!).
I’ll come clean with you all. I get sent some very lovely gifts by strangers daily. Some of these strangers are wanting me to promote their wares. Others are genuinely spreading their eagerness for something they really care about. Others are simply giving to say thank you.
But thing is, I’m not a big fan of things. I grew up this way. And I like living this way. Less makes me happier. It’s not a pious statement to the world. Just a preference borne from habit. Anyone who knows me knows I wear the SAME clothes over and over. And am not one for caring about handbags. Or nailpolish. Or scented candles. Or new bikinis. Or whatever. I just don’t derive joy or excitement from them. It’s a different language to me.
Which makes it hard when I’m given things. I’m grateful for the care and gesture. But feel guilty. Because sometimes the thing (not the gesture!) is just wasted on me. So. From Now On… When someone gives me something because they’re genuinely wanting to spread their eagerness…I’m going to share the love with you instead. Not in an Oprah way. More because it’s doing me a favour.
Let’s kick off with this crocheted glass bracelet…
The wonderfully generous team at Kindred Gifts (a gift buying site that features ethical presents) have agreed for me to share this Same Sky bracelet (worth $229) with someone. To be honest, I think it makes sense to pass this love on. These bracelets have a wonderful story behind them:
Same Sky has a worldwide mission to empower women by giving them a hand up not a hand-out. You can read more about Same Sky and their initiatives here. Same Sky bracelets are hand-crocheted by HIV-positive women artisans who survived the Rwandan genocide of 1994. It comes signed by the woman who crocheted the individual piece.
Please add your name to the comments below, and we’ll do a draw in the office in the next day or two.
Thank you Kindred Gifts. xx
I get a lot of joy from giving away my kids’ nice but outgrown clothing to friends and neighbors, and also from receiving “hand me downs” of any type. I love the bracelet and would happily wear it!
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I love both the giving and receiving of gifts. In most cases, I think little gifts that I give are usually just me trying to say, “I quite like/respect/adore/admire you, so here’s a little something to remind you.” I’m a big fan of the “Just Because” gift. Beautiful gift from you & Kindred Gifts as well Sarah.
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Love the bracelet AND the story behind it!
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I’m an incredibly affectionate person and no matter how hard I try not to I always end up showering my boyfriend with gifts. It’s like I love him so much I just can’t help but try to physically manifest it with all manner of things.
But oddly enough, I have a pretty hard time accepting gifts in return. I can relate to the feeling of loving the intention but not so much the thing. c:
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extremely pretty bracelet, I’m always completely mesmerised by such clever people. Beautiful story behind it too!
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What a beautiful bracelet and wonderful story, and how lovely for you , Sarah, to be giving it to someone to enjoy instead of it just cluttering up your place!!
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Paying it forward – lovely (the sentiment and the bracelet).
xx
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It’s beautiful!
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I agree. It’s beautiful as is the story behind it.
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Lovely bracelet. Even more lovely story behind it.
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How lovely! And meaningful! I like this idea Sarah
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Ah, good karma flowing everywhere plus I feel quite drawn to the red, circles and energy of the bracelet. Peace, love and chocolate, Carole
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That is so beautiful! I love bracelets. So much that I have them tattooed on my wrists.
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The circle of glowing red shows heart warmth and strength. The ability to survive terror and turn it into beauty is wonderfully life affiirming! Thank you for promoting the history of the piece and it’s makers!
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That story in beyond amazing. I’m checking out the website right now, gorgeous.
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Love the bracelet and hand made ethical things in general. They’re so beautiful, I wonder if it is because of all the good-will behind the production? Empowering people instead of handouts is such a great thing. It would be great to see more of that intelligence applied within our own country.
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I wish I had your natural disposition with regards to ‘things’, I am trying. This is meaningful idea on so many levels. Great idea for a beautiful bracelet!
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What a great idea. Love it.
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I am a giver, I make things from the heart for people, and would much rather give than receive. I believe that it is the thought behind the gift, not the gift, or the size of the gift, that is the important thing.
Just checked out Kindred Gifts website, what wonderful gift ideas, and I love the story of the bracelet Through Twitter my friends and I started an Angel group, we have been passing the love on to charity for over a year now, and it is amazing and very rewarding.
Your sentiment to share the joy is wonderful Sarah, and I know whoever is the lucky recipient of this beautiful red creation will treasure it.
Kudos to you xo
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I think you’ve given us all a gift just by letting us know about Same Sky and Kindred Gifts, what wonderful organisations!
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What a beautiful bracelet, the beads remind me of pomegranate!
What I love about my family is that no one insists on buying useless gifts – we ask what’s needed, and that’s what we receive. For my birthday this year I just wanted help getting a vegie/herb garden started, so I’ve received offers of a lift to Bunnings, Bunnings vouchers, and cash – all without wasteful wrapping paper!
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The bracelet is beautiful and what a great way to help those women in need.
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I enjoy giving presents to say thank you, to demonstrate my love or respect for someone, or because I’ve seen something that I know a friend or relation would just love. I really, really don’t like giving presents out of obligation, or because it’s “expected”, such as Christmas, birthdays, engagements, office farewells etc.
Likewise, I feel extremely uncomfortable receiving a present which I feel has been given to me in a similar obligated situation. This is usually evidenced by the fact that no obvious thought or consideration has gone into selecting a present and like you Sarah, I end up feeling guilty for acquiring yet another object which will end up in a cupboard or being regifted a few years later….
The bracelet is absolutely gorgeous and I would love to give it to my gorgeous sister, who in the last year has lost a huge amount of weight, discovered the joy of exercise and good health and has regained a strong sense of self and her place in the world. It would look amazing on her.
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Beautiful gift, and generous idea xo
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Wow. Gorgeous bracelet and such an amazing and empowering idea for a website. I would love to gift this bracelet to my sister…she just found out today that her family’s dream of owning their own home is coming true. I’d like to give it to her as a symbol of how hard they’ve worked to make it happen.
Thank you!
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Wonderful concept and great post too – small bracelet, big idea. The world needs more sharing, less attachment, to our material accumulation.
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I had a big clean out of ‘things’ a bit over a year ago when I moved overseas – then living out of a suitcase for 8 months (unexpectedly) meant I didn’t have anywhere to unpack my newly limited collection of special trinkets I like to have around, and made me realise I really didn’t need much. That said, now that I’ve moved back to Melbourne and have found a great place to live, my nesting instincts are back with force! So I have a few meaningful trinkets out, but am trying my hardest to stick with a ‘zen’ rather than a ‘grandma clutter’ approach (but also have a nice tidy box of memories that I can sort through when I’m feeling nostalgic). And that bracelet is lovely!
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Pretty!
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Very nice but I garee with you. I am trying to de clutter my life. There is a Facebook page for donating stuff to Flood victims, maybe it should go there. If I won it thats what I would do with it. Send it someone who has lost everything.
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how lovely!
i’m similar in the sense that, in the privacy of a bathroom or closet, i cry after opening presents on my birthday. it’s just… so much STUFF. i love the concept of gift giving, and yet i’m horrible at receiving gifts. it’s ridiculous.
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Hi, giving is so more rewarding than receiving. I love to bless family, friends & strangers when they least expect it. I was at my local cafe the other day placing my order when the lady behind me was trying to find enough money in her purse, I just slipped a $5 in her hand & said ‘enjoy, it’s on me’.
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Hi Sarah
Please do not add my name to the draw, I am just commenting to sympathize with your “minimalist” dilemma! I too (as a former consumer to the max of EVERYTHING from clothes to shoes to handbags to books) have gone the way of owning less. It makes the few things I own mean so much more to me! Laundry is a breeze and it takes me 2 seconds to get ready because I know what I have in my closet. I love living this way and would never go back!
I love the idea of passing things on to those who would genuinely enjoy them, I think what you are doing is brilliant!
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January 27th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Nice, Mia x
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Beautiful bracelet… i’ll pay it forward and give it to my mum.
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What a gorgeous bracelet. I love purchasing and supporting artisans and suppliers who have a strong social conscious. It’s always great to give their goods as gifts as well because I think it then inspires others to think more consciously about what they buy.
Thanks Sarah!
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Oh so pretty!
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Hi Sarah, I applaud your generosity! I would LOVE this item! Red is my fav colour and unlike you, I love ALL things girly!!!
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Wonderful idea, gorgeous bracelet.
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That bracelet is absolutely stunning! … And such a beautiful cause underlying it all. I admit to loving giving gifts as well.. There is something very satisfying about picking someone’s taste perfectly, and them delighting in the fact that you pay such attention to them that you know what they like. Heartwarming.
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I think your attitude is so refreshing….I would love to become more like that, and also to raise my children with the same non attachment to things….but it is a damn nice bracelet!
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Lovely bracelet! Hope the giveaway is open for overseas readers.
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Thank You Sarah for you have just helped me find a most beautiful gift for a very dear friend of mine who has recently had a birthday and who is difficult to buy for….right now that’s so not the case. Not only have I finally found a unique gift but I feel just awesome because her bracelet comes with a most worthy story and cause behind it and I know she will cherish it. Again, Thank You!
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Thankyou – would derive alot of pleasure wearing this – lovely gesture Sarah (and Kindred Gifts).
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The bracelet is gorgeous and the meaning behind it is so touching. If I had the money I would just go buy one myself. Namaste
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Great column. Always read your Sunday life mag ones too
and what a gorgeous bracelet hope I’m lucky enough 
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I agree, while I love and appreciate the thought behind gifts, it’s always difficult if i receive candles or bottles of perfume, I never know what to do with them..
this is a wonderful idea! I would love to put my name into this lottery!
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Great bracelet… even greater story.
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Good one Sarah
Would love to be in the draw as a proxy for my wife. She lives all that stuff ( aka clutter) and winning something nice just might win me some point
N
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What a lovely post! The bracelet is beautiful. Anyone would be privileged to wear it. I love wearing clothing & jewelry with a story. What a great story behind the creation of this piece. Thanks for brightening my afternoon.
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cool!
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That is a great idea – and if I win, I’ll pay it forward with a giveaway of some sort on my site. Thanks Sarah!
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Sharing the love ♥♥♥ Good on you Sarah! And what a gorgeous bracelet, I’m not one for ‘things’ but jewelry and sunglasses I can’t pass on
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I love the bracelet, the story behind it and the fact that you are paying it forward. Yay Sarah!
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Love the bracelet and the story – I have a passion for African history and the Rwandan genocide and there are so many amazing stories to come out of such a tragic and horrifying event. I could talk for ages about it but if people are interested to know more I recommend ‘We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed with our Families’ by Philip Gourevitch.
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What a beautiful bracelet. I am a member of Freecycle
And pass things on that way.
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Hi Sarah,
Love this paying it forward idea and keeping yourself clutter free! I’d love to pass this bracelet onto my mum and I appreciate you putting my name in the draw.
)
Thanks
Erin
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Thanks for the oportunity to win that gorgeous bracelet.
I’m a big regifter and I gives tons of stuff away to Goodwill. They always say one man’s trash is another’s treasure – so true.
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I love this idea. Who knew re-gifting could be so fabulous!
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Hi Sarah,
I’m loving your pay it forward idea! It’s amazing how fast shiny, new clutter can accumulate, especially after the holiday season. What a good way to declutter your own life whilst simultaneously brightening someone else’s day!
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I just love how many more responses there are when this is mentioned – however i can talk as I am actually putting my name to something here also…
As everyone before me has said, it is an amazing piece, with the story behind it making it all the more beautiful.
I am a huge believer in passing on things that you do not have the need for, and get great pleasure out of doing so – however as much as I love the bracelet, and how it is in my favourite colour supporting a cause I am passionate about, I would have to re gift it to my mum when I get to see her for her birthday in Brisbane, she is amazing and lives out of a suitcase in order to support me in my studies and goals. Could not ask for a better mother – we both adore your blog Sarah! Thank you
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Since my marriage break-up, where my ex-husband kept most of what was valuable, and the proceeds from the sale of our house has been frozen pending a settlement, I’ve discovered how little I actually need to live life. It’s been incredibly empowering, not needing to accumulate ‘stuff’, and like you, if I’m given stuff I don’t need, I pass it on – either to someone I know who needs it, to charity or via my blog. It’s the real stuff that counts, like health and safety and a roof over our heads. My heart aches for the women who make these bracelets, but at the same time they inspire me. And their work is beautiful. The bracelet would serve as a constant reminder to count my blessings, and remember that other women are not so lucky. xo
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Simply gorgeous bracelet and a lovely story as well…lots of meaning!
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Red is my favourite colour! The bracelet seems like a symbol of healthy blood to me… a prayer for the women who make them and a cure for HIV!
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every piece tells a story!
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Do I get bonus points for the fact that I am a mad crocheter (with the old-fashioned wool stuff,not amazing beads) and my favourite colour is red?
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What a beautiful bracelet to compliment a beautiful story.
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I love it all:)
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That is such a lovely thing to do. Thanks Sarah!
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I agree! I have a blog, and as a result get sent a lot of .. stuff. It was great to start with but now I have a cupboard full of skin care and body products I don’t use. I like 1 face wash, 1 moisturiser and 1 lotion, and I don’t want to fix something that isn’t broken. It’s the same with jewellery, clothes etc – always the same.
As a result I would not like to be in the draw, it’s beautiful but I prefer my daily hair tie on the wrist!
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January 27th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
i got one of them too!
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When does your goodness end!?
My life these days = small steps to become more like you, and all the inspirational people you blog about.
rx
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Beautiful bracelet, beautiful cause – thank you for sharing Sarah! xx
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What a beautiful bracelet and inspiring message to go with it. Thanks for sharing both
Sarah.
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thanks sarah, great cause, beautiful bracelet
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One word….KARMA
beautiful bracelet
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So pretty! And so kind of you!
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This is gorgeous and there’s so much stuff on that website I think would be lovely presents. I’m trying to live with less stuff but I’ve got used to being the other way around. I’d love the bracelet though – if you accept international entries (UK).
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What a gorgeous bracelet and from an organization doing positive things! Thank you, Sarah!
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How beautiful, and what a beautiful story to go along with it. Thank Sarah!
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I know it’s only January, but that would be the perfect Christmas gift for someone I know!
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Thank you for promoting this concept Sarah. It is refreshing to downscale your life and realize you don’t need all these possessions in your life. I know someone special who has been doing it very tough lately who would be touched to receive this generous gift from a good friend.well done you
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I love the sentiment, and what an fantastic organisation! I really love the bracelet too
xx
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I’ve got a friend who’s passionate about helping the victims of Rwandan genocide. She’s constantly sending her dollars to Africa. If I won this givaway I’d pass the bracelet along to her because I know she’d simply adore it. And she deserves to be recognized for her ongoing efforts.
I always feel so much better giving gifts than receiving them.
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What a beautiful idea.
More then Christmas/Birthday gifts I love giving and receiving random “because I thought of you” gifts. Its the surprise and the fact that someone has taken a moment to consider you without having to that really makes me smile (rather then the gift itself-although I do appreciate gifts in general too)
Once again Sarah your blog has made me cheery, so thank you!
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Beautiful story and idea by u!!
I love that its red also.
georgous!!
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Ooh, pretty! I have the perfect outfit to pair with the glass bracelet. Cool idea!
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Gorgeous! lovely idea Sarah:)
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Spooky.. a beautiful bracelet….. and I just finished re-reading THE best novel ever called “The Other Hand”, by Chris Cleave. For anyone wanting to read the most amazing tale that makes you really think about women and refugees and the get-wrenching decisions they make….”do yourselves a favour”. Everyone needs a hand up at some time.
Great idea Sarah, and thanks for highlighting these wonderful Same Sky initiatives.
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so lovely, reading this made my day………
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Gorgeous bracelet and lovely story behind it. x
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What a gorgeous bracelet, and I love the story behind it.
Have you heard of kiva.org? It’s this amazing site where you can loan small amounts of money to people trying to start a business in third world countries (you can even pick who, and how much), and it’s really awesome. Love it.
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I love the idea of giving away things that are better enjoyed by someone else. I think about that every time I clean out my closet, kitchen or bookcase.
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@ Fi: Yep, I second the Kiva endorsement. It is a fabulous way to give and support grassroots developing country initiatives. PLUS the money you loan is repaid to you when the borrowers’ enterprise becomes profitable, so you can reinvest it continuously to other projects/people that inspire. They also do gift vouchers – I got one for Xmas from my brother… the gift that keeps on giving, really.
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Great idea Sarah! It’s great to hear about these things, that otherwise we may not. Beautiful story and a beautiful bracelet. I like your idea to hand stuff out to the maybe-a-little-more-materialistic – like me! Put me in the draw!! (Now I feel like the purple girl from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory… “I want one!” !!)
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A women after my on heart…how much ‘stuff’ do we need..what matters in life is health, love and laughter! I love reading your Sunday Life column and ready your Sweeter Fridays….you are a wonderful person and I love what you are doing with your ‘stuff’. Have a great weekend
Love From Lisa
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A tough dilemma indeed.. I like your solution!
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What a gorgeous bracelet from a fantastic company. I would definitely pay it forward and gift it to my mum!
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What a special piece of art from such an amazing source. My heart goes out to the Rwandan genocide survivors. I would give it to my sister!
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Lovely bracelet. Beautiful story. Stunning all round
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What a pretty bracelet! Please add my name to the lucky draw, please. It would be perfect for the Chinese New Year!
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gorgeous bracelet!
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I think of gift giving as an opportunity to share my taste with someone I care about. I look not only for a present they would enjoy receiving, but one that also reflects my likes, interests, and preferences; for example, my favorite roast for a coffee-loving friend, or a local-made vase for someone who takes great pride in their home. In this way, the gift is not just a celebration of some event, but a tangible connection between me and a person I care for. The story, I think, makes the gift so much more special.
This would be a fantastic gift for my dear college friend on the occasion of her second wedding anniversary later this year.
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Very pretty bracelet, Very pretty story….I love the Pay it forward approach here! Smiles!
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Greetings Sarah
I’m with you. I wish I could be more like you …. I have the opposite problem, hoarding. And it effects my life in a most terrible way.!
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What a fantastic idea!
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Love the story – and love the bracelet.
I made my first kiva loan just before Christmas. I hope to do a few more, with each of my kids choosing somebody (my youngest chose the lady for our first donation.)
I will have to check out Kindred Gifts for future gifting purposes.
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Oh man, I am in the midst of trying to get rid of things; yet I love that bracelet. Ridiculous! Seeing how I have only about 12 outfits, I try to accessorize to make it look different most days.
Thanks for sharing!
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Hey Sarah –
Obviously draw is closed now, which is totally fine, as Lord knows I do not need more Things! (Just cleaned my room for a house inspection and as always was left curled up at the door to my wardrobe wailing “Why do I have 10 BLACK DRESSES?”) I was just curious to know (perhaps you’d like to give us a post on it!) how your minimal streak survived while you were editing Cosmo — which, let’s face it, is all about the Acquisition of Things. I’m not accusing you of hypocrisy, I’m just interested to know how you wound up in that position and whether you found it challenging and whether that was part of the reason you decided to leave. xx
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Thats beautiful, something i think we should all aim to implement
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