November Fashion: Appreciating Fashion that Matters

Tomorrow concludes the end of "appreciative month" and the beginning of "reflective month." Today, I want to do a little bit of both. How's that? Well, I want to reflect on how I can help the people in the world by appreciating those around me. In order to do this, I am thinking this is a perfect opportunity to start gift buying for a cause. A few years back, my family began donating to charities in the other person's name as a Christmas gift. This is wonderful idea in theory. However, when you add in a fashionable bonus, it becomes a bonafide Christmas miracle. So we here at 6andahalfthings have taken it upon ourselves to research a few companies that take philanthropy so seriously that they donate a huge portion of their profits to people in need. They also employ people in need to give them jobs. It's really a win-win-win type of situation. Check out these three options for your gift buying extravaganzas. You can also click on the little sound icon just below for a little tune for your reading.

1. The Giving Key
 
This is such a cool company. They employ people who are trying to transition from homelessness, first of all. Secondly, the company was started by singer/songwriter Caitlin Crosby who was simply trying to deliver the message that no matter what hardship someone is going through, they should always be reminded that they are special, one-of-a-kind, and loved. Each key is recycled, and should continue to be recycled. Each owner is encouraged to "pay it forward" when they encounter someone who needs the key's message. Click HERE to order a key for yourself or someone who could use the message this holiday season. 


2. Me To We 

Me To We donates half of all their profits to Free the Children programs all over the world. Free the Children works hard to provide better opportunities for under-privileged children by providing schools, clean water and sanitation, medical resources, and alternative income. Me To We employs 453 Mamas to hand craft all sorts of  jewelry, clothing, and accessories that are sold to raise money for their organization. Click HERE to shop for an unique and beautiful gift for someone while giving back to a program that is changing the world. 

3. Live Fashionable

Live FashionABLE employs African women to fashion these scarves, which in turn creates a sustainable business opportunity for them. They are so cute, affordable, and each scarf is named after a woman whose life was changed by this program. Live FashionABLE provides a better life to women who had been exploited due to the effect of poverty. To continue this progress, click HERE to shop for yourself or someone who would appreciate it. 

Happy Holidays! And yes,  if you were wondering, it really is the time to start your shopping. So what are you waiting for? Get started here by giving these sites a look through! You are one step away from changing the world. I won't even try and take the credit, I promise. 

- Morgzz

November Health: A Thanksgiving Diet?!

I know I may seem crazy, but I am starting a diet today. A serious diet. One day before the holiday that celebrates overeating. The food you eat is stuffed so it is expected that you will do the same. You should be stuffed with food that's stuffed with food. It's like the dream within a dream theme of Inception, but with food. So why diet tomorrow? Because 1) it's becoming that necessary for me, clothing-wise. And 2) because why does celebrating food mean celebrating overly processed junk? I'm going to keep it simple and learn to love the basic food itself, much like the Pilgrim's did on their first Turkey Day. I thought for this month (appreciative month), I should appreciate what food naturally offers, rather than pile on extra sugar and fat. So, I went on a search for my T-Day recipes. Have a look - I think they look amazing, and I can't wait to taste the final products! Try them out yourself if you would like and let me know what you think! 

Cooking Light's Ultimate Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving without a Turkey is like Halloween without costumes. It doesn't make sense.  This recipe has apparently won over Test Kitchens across the country, and guess what? It's light and healthy, too! Click here for Cooking Light's recipe. 

Eating Well's Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes 

Tons of Vitamin A (230% daily value-WOW!), 10 minute prep time, and only 96 calories per serving? Sign me up, please! I'm a huge sweet potato casserole fan, but this looks sweet and savory enough to do the trick. Click here for Eating Well's recipe. 

"Hungry Girl's" Rockin' Lean Bean Casserole 

"Hungry Girl" needs to be called "Hungry Smart Girl." She is BRILLiant. I love a good green bean casserole, but apparently it just loves to make me fat. This recipe swaps out a few of the fattiest ingredients, and guess what? This recipe is only 76 calories per serving! Click here for Hungry Girl's recipe. You won't be disappointed! 

Weight Watcher's Pumpkin Ice Cream in Homemade Ice Cream Bowls 

Takes 18 minutes to make, it's only 6 weight watchers points, and it becomes a delicious alternative to a heavy and highly caloric slice of pumpkin pie. Click here for Weight Watcher's recipe. "Tortillas are sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice, then baked. They turn into edible bowls for this delicious, elegant autumn dessert."

- MORGZZ

November Playlist: Dedications

This month the word is "appreciative." Basically, there needs no explanation for why this month is about giving thanks to those who have inspired us, believed in us, made us who we are. So, with that - here is your November playlist. What's the theme? Dedications, naturally. Each of these songs were written for someone in particular, and you may be surprised by some of them. Enjoy and enjoy! Oh - and we wanted you to know how THANKFUL we are for you readers, so we are dedicating this entire playlist to you!!

"Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel (written for Elle Macpherson and then Christie Brinkley)

"Me and Mr. Jones" by Amy Winehouse (written for Nas) 

"Meg White" by Ray Lamontagne (written for Meg White of The White Stripes) 

"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel (written for Rosanna Arquette) 

"Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 (written for martyrs, notably MLK, Jr.) 

"Man On the Moon" by REM (written for Andy Kauffman) 

"The Warmth of the Sun" by The Beach Boys (written for JFK) 

"Boom, Like That" by Mark Knopfler (written for Ray Kroc about the founding of McDonald's) 

"Angel of Harlem" by U2 (written for Billie Holiday) 

"The Wish" by Bruce Springsteen (written for his mom)

"Hey Mama" by Kanye West (written for his mom)

"Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T's (written for distance runner Delilah Dicrescenzo)

"Jessie" by Joshua Kadison (written for Sarah Jessica Parker)

"Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John (written for Billie Jean King)

"Glory" by Jay-Z (written for his and Beyonce's daughter, Blue Ivy) 

As a special treat, you can check out this playlist (with even MORE songs) on Spotify right now when you click HERE!! Get listening, and don't forget to leave comments if you have any songs you think should be included on this list! 

- MORGZZ

November Little Things

Oh hey, do you have 5 minutes to spare today? Use them differently! Surely you can appreciate these fun suggestions :)

Nov 1: Write a letter to an old teacher who served as a catalyst in your younger years

Nov 2: Learn to spell a word that you commonly butcher

Nov 3: Unsubscribe to the stupid junk emails you get (for me, they come predominately from pizza delivery places and urban outfitters-both dangerous)

Nov 4: Make a construction paper card for your mom and/or dad

Nov 5: Cut a PBJ sammy into fun shapes with a cookie cutter

Nov 6: Give yourself a pep talk in the mirror- use funny voices, please

Nov 7: Put a leaf in your pocket...just do it!

Nov 8: Tell a stranger all about your favorite animal

Nov 9: Ask a waiter/waitress what his or her preferred menu item is and order it

Nov 10: Make an emo Facebook status using some 90s alternative rock lyrics

Nov 11: Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning. Yuck.

Nov 12: Cut a pretty something out of a magazine or newspaper and put it on your wall

Nov 13: Interview a random gas station customer

Nov 14: Draft an email to Oprah about all of your problems.  This always makes me feel better.

Nov 15: Clean out the trunk of your car, dead bodies and all

Nov 16: Get a new toothbrush! Bacterias are raging on your bristles!

Nov 17: Ok, time for a hand turkey.  It's a crowd favorite

Nov 18: Drive exactly the speed limit all day.  Good exercise in focus and self control!

Nov 19: Stretch. Like, for real. Thank me later.

Nov 20: Offer to do something that you really don't want to

Nov 21: Read a sonnet

Nov 22: Repurpose something you already own

Nov 23: Listen to an album all the way through.  Might I suggest Aja (Steely Dan)

Nov 24: Learn about your anatomy a little.  You should know where your vital organs are!

Nov 25: There are 5 countries that start with the letter 'L'.  Memorize them. Use this info to make your family members feel inferior at the dinner table.  Just kidding...maybe

Nov 26: Paint an endangered species (preferably on a t-shirt or hoodie)

Nov 27: Leave an encouraging note on a windshield

Nov 28: Throw away something negative you've been holding on to (like old ramen noodles, stirrup pants or the Twilight bday card your ex "thoughtfully" gave you although you've never seen Twilight)

Nov 29: Dance in your undies and boots.  Perfect start to a cold day!

Nov 30: Plan your own random little things to do for next month; adopt the habit!

CT