The Good List. v.|1

  This is it! The first ever Good List! I'm so excited for this new blog series. If you know me or having been following my blog for any amount of time, you know that I love good things. By this, I mean things that do good, are good, inspire good. (Keep reading to see how you can win yourself a free goodie from this month's list!)

  This week, I'm sharing my favorite 5 things from Noonday's Fall line. Do I even need to tell you why they make the good list? In fact, Noonday Collection is the first thing that ever made me stop and think and really start to value socially conscious companies. I discovered it in 2012 through Tara and Paige and fell in love immediately. The mission, the partnerships with artisans, the conversations it initiates, the families it supports- all of it is rooted in good and I just believe in it. (So much so that I became an Ambassador!)

  Every piece from Noonday does good- it employs artisans around the world in vulnerable communities and helps them rise from poverty or simply earn a dignified living (read more about it all here). Noonday inspires good by giving money regularly to help support adoptions! We work with 4431 artisans around the globe- helping to provide full-time sustainable employment and healthy working conditions! Over 1621 adoptions have been funded in part by Noonday! That's SO MUCH GOOD STUFF. And it all happens because of people like you opening your homes for good. And from wearing cool jewelry and saying 'you know what? I've got a few bucks and I'm going to go spend it on Noonday!

  So, without further adieu, here are my 5 favorite good things from the Fall line!

Birds of a Feather earrings (Haiti) These earrings are everything. That sounds dramatic, I know. But seriously. Lightweight, super unique and beautiful, go with everything, make a statement (but not too much!), are inexpensive ($32!), and they're made in Haiti. The country has always had a special place in my heart and I find myself extra loving everything from our artisans there!

Rose gold Druzy studs (India) Classy and timeless- these are a jewelry box staple. Our artisan partners in India are earning dignified wages in a country marked by the painful caste system- I love the story Noonday is helping them tell!

Soar necklace (Vietnam) So pretty and perfect for Fall. Its made of Mother of Pearl, which makes it just plain pretty! And there's a fun little tassel on the clasp! Even better? Noonday's sales provide full-time employment for 180 families. Purchasing this necklace (and other pieces made by our Vietnamese artisan partners) literally creates income for nearly 200 families on the other side of the globe!

Haitian leather tassel (Haiti) One of my personal favorites from the Fall line! Maybe that's silly? But I love that it's a little bold (electric blue!) and still classy (leather). I keep it on my Rustic Leather Tote (my current diaper bag) and it just pops it up a notch! And again, I love everything from our Haitian artisan partners- there stories are amazing and everything they make is👌

Wildflower clutch (Peru) Ok, so this is exactly a brand new item. But I've been eying and finally bought it for myself. IT'S AMAZING. I get compliments on it every time I've used it, its super well made and durable, and its simply gorgeous. I basically look for any occasion to swap out my diaper bag for a girls' night out to be able to use it. And its handmade in Peru!

  There you have it- v.|1 of The Good List. Everything on the list is good- they are all helping to support vulnerable communities around the globe and, when you buy them, they initiate good conversations! I cannot even count up the number of times someone has commented on my necklace or purse and I've been able to share with them the idea of shopping with a purpose and being mindful of how we personally can help change the world. Noonday Collection is a company that is doing good stuff, selling good stuff, and inspire all of us to do good too!

  And, as a fun extra- I'll be giving away something from each volume of The Good List. Sign up here to receive The Good List Newsletter and you're automatically entered!

  Check back next month for the next volume of The Good List! It won't always (or even often!) be a list of products to buy, so don't worry. We'll talk about lots of other good things, people, habits, and more. I promise you'll love it. And if you have an idea for The Good List- let me know!

Popping in to say...

Hi hi! I'm popping in from my radio silence here to tell you about two things. First, you'll be seeing more of me really soon here on the blog! I have lots of fun stuff I want to write about and share and it all starts in August. Kids, fair trade, exercise, faith- just a little bit of everything but a lot more often! I love blogging and am excited to do it more in the next few months.

  And second, let's chat about the upcoming Noonday Fall Launch! On August 3rd, Noonday is releasing the Fall collection and you guys, its so so good. So good. I can't wait for you to see it! I have lots to say about my time as a Noonday Collection Ambassador and what the future of that might look like, but I'll save that for another day. Today, I just want to give you 3 reasons why you really really need to host your own Noonday Trunk Show this August

1. You get free stuff! And a lot of it, actually. Every single trunk show earns you free Noonday (yay for saving $$$!), but when you host in August you also get these fun Fall Launch goodies. That leather necklace 😍

2. Gather your girlfriends and change the world. Truly, its as simple as that! Pick a Thursday evening (everyone is free on Thursday!) or get your mom-friends together during a weekday, set out a cheese plate and a bottle of wine, and invite some of your favorites over. Most probably haven't heard of Noonday, everyone loves it a chance to help make a difference in the world, and who doesn't want a head start on Christmas shopping??

3. This one is just for fun! I found a stack of Starbucks gift cards (slightly embarrassing that I forgot about them!), so everyone who signs up to host a Trunk Show in August will get a little card in the mail to treat themselves to some coffee!


  Moral of the story, what are you waiting for? Email, text, message me and let's get your trunk show on the calendar and you'll have lots of free stuff coming your way!

Mother's Day ideas.

  Have any idea what you're gifting the moms in your life this Mother's Day? It's such a fun chance to bless any mom you know. Your mom, a mom friend, your sister who is a mom, or just a woman in your life who has loved you well. I put together some fun Noonday Collection bundles at a discount for everyone who wants to gift accessories this Mother's Day, but also wanted to round up some of my other favorite gifts to give! Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the Noonday deals 😊

Noonday Collection// Want to gift a curated set of accessories that have been handmade by and support other mother's around the globe at the very same time? I'm offering lots of fun ones at a discount! You can find them all at the bottom of this post- be sure to shoot me an email (katie DOT n DOT rush@gmail.com) to get your order in before the May 1st shipping cut off.

prayer journal// I tell everyone about these pretty and functional journals. An amazing gift for any mom or girlfriend in your life

jones market print// On a budget? These little prints are adorable! Just pop on in a simple frame, pair with some yummy chocolates, and you have the sweetest gift for sisters, moms, friends, etc. 

flowers// I'm a sucker for fresh blooms. Potted plants, bud vases, or even delivered bouquets just make everyone smile! I especially love to use Bouqs when I'm sending flowers- they're affordable but also just really, really pretty flowers. 

write a note// I've literally never heard of someone disliking a handwritten note. Write a sweet note to the moms in your life this year! 

photo book// I've started a little tradition of gifting Justin an accordion mini every Father's day and I love that they are compact and uniform. They don't take up much space and they are great to collect over the years. Photo printing sites have a gagillion options these days for compiling photos into big, small, hard or soft cover, predesigned or even custom books. They are also pretty inexpensive! Photo books are an especially great idea for grandparents!

handmade art// Just about every mom/grandma loves handmade art from their kiddos and a simple google search will give you lots of ideas!

custom art// This is one of my favorites on the list! How cute is that heart photo collage? Bonus: it's really well done. Minted.com (and others sites, I'm sure!) have a ton of ideas for creating professional quality gifts with a personal touch. They'll even mat/frame it for you!

pampering/girls dinner// Head to the spa, a movie, or just a fun local Mother's Day brunch. Most cities put on special events just for this occasion and they are (in my experience!) always worth the price to be served and pampered and celebrate!

cooking class// We booked a cooking class for my mom's 60th birthday this past December and it was so much fun. As in, I can't stop talking about it. If you're in the Indy area, I love this place. Most major cities have similar options and they are hands down one of the most fun things I've ever done with my mom and sisters! Not into cooking? You could try a Board & Brush class!

(Interested in a Mother's Day bundle? Email me to snag one today!)

What is Noonday Collection?

  
  This post has been a long time coming! I've been posting more and more about Noonday Collection and that has meant more questions or skeptical looks from friends. I know home-businesses are all the rage these days and Noonday isn't quite as popular as those shakes or clothing lines- so I wanted to answer some of the questions I keep getting. It's a bit long-winded, but guys, I can't tell you how wonderful Noonday is and how I 100% believe that every single person reading this will love it, if they don't already!

What exactly is Noonday Collection?

   In one sentence? Noonday Collection is a socially responsible business that uses fashion to create meaningful opportunities around the world. 

  But to be more specific, Noonday Collection designs and sells a collection of accessories made by artisans around the globe. As a socially conscious Certified B cooperation (that's a big deal!), Noonday partners with artisans to help create sustainable incomes, preserve families (orphan prevention!), and create change around the world in communities that need it most. Don't be fooled though. Noonday doesn't give artisans a handout- they work hard and are crazy talented. The jewelry and accessories sold by Noonday Collection are truly beautiful, well made, and each carries its own story of social justice, empowerment, and hope. 

  You can purchase all Noonday accessories in only two ways- directly online or through in-person Trunk Shows. Trunk shows are vital to the success of our artisans because they create real life marketplaces for their work to be sold. When you open your home (or local happy hour spot) to a Trunk show, you create a place for artisans living in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. Their stories are told and your friends are given a real, tangible chance to use their purchasing power for good. In addition, Trunk Shows can serve as adoption fundraisers for anyone you know who may be in the process of adoption! And after your Trunk Show, you keep the good work going by sending out all those ladies who now quite literally wear the stories of our artisans and can pass along the mission and heartbeat of Noonday Collection! More Trunk Shows are hosted, and more work is created for our artisans. All of that means families are preserved, positive change is created, and more dignified jobs are offered!

Lots of my friends post about their 'home business' on social media. How is Noonday different?

  I can't sell you products that will clean your house naturally or help you lose weight or colorful leggings (all of those are great!). But, as a Noonday Collection Ambassador, I can sell you something that will help to change the world. I'll go out on a limb and guess that you already regularly buy accessories for yourself or as gifts. Noonday Collection simply offers you a unique way to continue doing that while also making the world a better place. I think that's what we call a win-win? :) 

  Noonday Collection is also not a real Mid Level Marketing company- I am not trying to recruit people to work for me so that I can make money off of them. There is a 'sisterhood' mentality where there is a chance to become a team and work together, but it isn't a pyramid and there are not gold, diamond, or platinum levels. Just women cheering each other on, both here in the US and across the world. So, in a nutshell, it's not a scheme to be wary of. 

Why do you talk about it so much?

  I am intentionally taking time off from my career in full-time social work while my boys are little (I will be so excited to go back when they're in school!). Even still, I want to do something. To impact social change and share with others how they can, too. So I joined Noonday as an Ambassador! It is the best outlet for continuing my passions while also providing a little of income for my family.

 As a licensed social worker, I am so passionate about social justice and doing something. Just having knowledge isn't enough- how we react and use that knowledge is what really matters. Noonday Collection embodies that. Problems have been identified around the world (human trafficking, orphan crisis, lack of living wages in developing countries, etc) and Noonday provides a tangible way to address those problems- giving dignified work to artisans and selling gorgeous accessories to women who have purchasing power. 

  You have purchasing power. And I do mean the specific you that is reading this, not the collective anyone who happens on this page. No matter what your income, you buy things at some level. You give gifts and fill your home. That's a good thing! On a similar note, there is nothing safer than jewelry- it is literally one size fits all! And the very reason I talk about Noonday Collection when I have the chance. Because I want to encourage you to use your purchasing power for good, to help create a flourishing world! Noonday Collection is just one way to do that and I don't hesitate to share lots of others too :)

I get it, Noonday is doing good stuff. I'll keep liking your photos, but I'll pass on hosting my own Trunk show, ok?

  I get it. It's always a bit awkward to invite your friends over to spend money. Especially when you get 10 messages a month asking you to host some sort of party or try some sort of new product a friend is selling. And you can't say yes to them all, right? 

  This is where I want you to really hear that our artisans around the world truly depend on women just like you to open their homes, invite their friends in, and shop Noonday Collection. We don't sell in stores or do online Trunk Shows- those both take away from the dignity and real stories of our hardworking artisans! It may seem insignificant to sell 5 necklaces to your friends, but it is not. Every single sale matters and every chance to tell the stories makes an absolute difference! In the Noonday community, we throw around the term 'better together' a lot- and we mean it. We need you! It takes so little effort and makes an incredible impact. 

  But really? Trunk Shows are also fun. They aren't like other 'home parties' you've been too and you are opening the doors for friends to hear about social justice or ethical fashion in a way they never have before!  Plus, you'll earn free stuff! Trunk shows are a beautiful way to invite your neighbors, your coworkers AND your people into a mission that matters. They are a space to step out behind our screens and into the reality that we are more alike than different. Host your own Trunk Show and see!

  And if you know a local family adopting, let me know! We can make any Trunk Show an adoption fundraiser. SO FUN! Even more, if you're interested in becoming an Ambassador- let's chat. You don't have to be on my team (I don't have a team!), I'd just really love to chat with you about the heartbeat of Noonday and how wonderful it is to work alongside a company making real changes in the world. 


  Ok, I'm super impressed with anyone that read through this entire post. But I hope it helped you understand Noonday Collection (and why I truly love it) a bit more! I'm becoming a bit braver when it comes to talking about it (I always worry it comes off too sales-y and people will hate that) and committing to encouraging other women to join and host and share the stories of how buying jewelry can make a difference around the world. It's as simple as that!

  If you want to host a show or learn more about how you can get involved, let me know! And if you're in the Indy area, I'm hosting a fun Galentine's party this month to say thank you to all my girlfriends who have supported Noonday! Please come and bring some friends! I will be giving away lots of Noonday and non-Noonday stuff. Its a chance to (of course) see the brand new Spring Collection, but mostly just to win some free stuff and eat yummy food because I'm thankful for anyone who has stepped up and helped change the world with Noonday :) Leave a comment or shoot me an email and I'll send you an email with the date and address!



SaveSave

9 weeks until Christmas!

There are only 9 weeks until Christmas...

And I want to help make holiday shopping and fun for you!

Here are FIVE easy ways to cross some names off your Christmas list before November 1st with Noonday Collection:

1. Win free noonday! I'm parterning with my new friend Valerie to giveaway a Noonday Collection giftcard to one lucky lady. No strings attached! Just visit her blog or Instagram to see how to enter (and to hear about her love for ethical fashion!)

2. Need gift ideas? These super affordable ornaments are perfect for teachers, coworkers, babysitters, and friends (and will be unavailable after Nov. 1st)! This necklace is the standout bestseller this Fall. Know someone who loves to travel? She needs this accessory! And don't forget all the cozy scarves this winter.

3. On a budget? Shop the BOGO Sale before Oct. 31st!

4. Free shipping! If you place an order between now and October 31st and I will refund your shipping cost. Who doesn't love that?!

5. Host a Trunk Show! Make shopping simple and open your home (or favorite local Happy Hour spot) to help your friends get a head start on Christmas shopping while earning free Noonday Collection goodies for yourself. BONUS! Book a show between now and December 13th and you will automatically receive a $20 gift card. Email me to get your Trunk Show on the calendar!

  But whatever you do, I hope you shop with intention this holiday season. If we all use our purchases for good (whether with Noonday Collection or other ethical companies!), we can work together to help build a flourishing world! Need some ideas of ethical companies to checkout for holiday shopping? Valerie has created this awesome list of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.

Happy shopping!

The best birthday gifts.

The world's best cooking club!
 (we gave Jay a free pass for missing the party so she could bring little McKayla into the world!)

  I showed up at monthly cooking club last night to a surprise birthday party- for me. I so love celebrating others and am truly working on accepting encouragement and being celebrated by others without feeling awkward or minimizing it. And you know? I feel so so loved last night. Five of my absolute favorite friends went out of their way to just love me well and they succeeded. So if this is what my 30's are going to look like, I love it already!

  My birthday isn't until next week and I know it's really just a day and nothing magical will happen when I wake up as a 30 year old on Monday morning. But at the same time, it is still a big deal. At 30, I've settled into myself and how God has created me. I am less concerned with being cool or popular or making every single person happy and more committed to simply loving God and others really well. I'm more aware of the passions God has put in my heart and more confident about boldly sharing those passions.

  So, for my 30th birthday, I'm continuing my 30 for 30: Gather, Grow & Give Back goal for myself. I'm inching along! (and if I make to to 30 combine Noonday Collection orders/trunks shows this fall- I'll likely be able to visit our artisans in Uganda or Haiti or Peru next summer! Talk about extra incentive!) But truly- its been so fun watching people get excited and be bold about doing something outside of themselves. Ethical fashion, supporting artisans around the world to help them earn a dignified living, raising money for a friend's adoption, and sharing about social justice with their friends.

  And what if we didn't stop there? The best birthday present I could think of is for others to do good. Obviously, supporting Noonday Collection and our artisans is a great place to start- but think of all the awesome other ways, too! Sending a care package to your local children's hospital. Dropping off diapers to the nearest women's shelter. Baking cookies for a neighbor. Paying for the person behind you in the Starbucks drive-thru. Calling a friend you haven't talked to in a while and asking them how they're doing. Guys. It's easy and often free and always feels so good to love others well! So if you think of wishing me a happy birthday in the next week, how about just doing something good for someone else? 

And if you need a place to start, I still need 24 brave souls to help me reach this huge goal by making a simple Noonday Collection order OR hosting a Trunk show between now and November!

And know that I'm talking to you- not the whole of everyone reading this blog post. But you specifically- the one thinking that hosting a Trunk Show is not your style or you have no one to invite or you don't want your friends to think you're being sales-y. You- who are thinking this is great for me or someone else but not yourself. Think of the impact even little ole you can have by sharing just the concept of using our purchases for good! Think of the awesome way you can support that high school friend you don't really keep up with by helping them raise money for their adoption (they don't have to come! We just need their agency name and we can donation from your Trunk Show!)

So, if you even have the smallest inkling that this is something you should step out of your comfort zone and do it- email me! (katie.n.rush @ gmail .com) It doesn't have to be fussy. We can just meet up at a local coffee shop with two of your favorite social justice loving friends or host a play date with your mom friends or do a ladies' night at your church. Big, small, easy, detailed- whatever works best for you. If you're up for the excitement of helping me celebrate my 30th birthday over the next few months- I would love it!

{We can find the perfect idea that fits your style, circle of friends and calendar best! Ps. Who doesn't love planning ahead? And don't worry if you don't live near me at all- we can work around that!} 

Just 5 Things: Wynne Elder.

After some weird scheduling things with some of my guests, I had to put this series on hold for a few weeks. But we're back and there's a full month of great guests ahead for July. This month, we're hearing from some amazing women involved with Noonday Collection. I know I talk about it a lot, and that is because Noonday Collection truly is amazing. Amazing mission, amazing products, amazing leaders, and amazing community of people involved who support, encourage, and love each other really well!

So that's what I aim to share with you this month- the behind the scenes goodness of the Noonday community. We're kicking it off by hearing from Wynne Elder- one of Noonday's first ever ambassadors. Wynne was my Noonday secret sister this spring (I told you this community was amazing!) and it was so much fun to bless and surprise her every month. But she was also one of the big influences for me joining Noonday Collection. I have been following her blog for a long time and her words about making a difference and having fun as an ambassador played a big part in me deciding to do the same! With a heart for adoption, supporting others through infertility, and a seriously awesome sense of fashion- you will love hearing from her today.

Make sure, if nothing else, you read her response to number 4. And let's take her reminder to not feel guilty for letting others do things we think we're 'supposed' to do in order for us to do different things!

1. Give us your elevator speech. What's your go-to way to introduce yourself? 

My name is Wynne Elder + I’ve been married to my college sweetheart, Stephen, for almost 10 years. Together, we have two 4 year olds, Camp + Asher, whom we adopted from Ethiopia in 2012. I am a mama, creative, small business owner, passionate about community and creating spaces of connection + belonging for women!  

2. What has surprised you the most about being a Noonday Ambassador? 

The life long friends I’ve met for sure!  I started as an ambassador when I met Jessica + Joe at an adoption conference in 2010, and was excited about it being an opportunity to raise funds for our adoption and educate people on how their purchases really do matter - but in the process, I’ve developed so much as a person through the amazing friends I’ve met.  I also didn’t think I would have the opportunity to travel to meet our artisans in our African countries and see so much growth over the years in their lives and businesses. It’s all just been so fun and such a huge part of my story!   

3. What is one thing you say 'no' to (or hire out!) in order to say 'yes' to better things? 

Oh man, I am such an advocate of self care and saying NO to things that would take you away from things you want to always say YES to. So, I have someone come and clean my house twice a month - honestly, it saves so much time and also is giving someone else a job ;)  I think as women, we feel guilty for letting someone else do the things we “are supposed to do”, but there is great wisdom in asking for help!  Thanks to our founder, Jessica, encouragement - I also have a college girl who picks up my daughter from school once a week and stays for a few hours so I can have a full work day!  It’s hard to let go of those few hours of time, but I know I can be a better mom because of it! 

4. What would you tell your 10 year younger self? 

Oh goodness, I just actually spoke to a group of college girls about this very thing!  I told them they need to take advantage and take more naps! ha, but seriously - I wish I would have started to learn these “boundaries” better back then - letting my yes be yes, and no be no.  I told them something I learned from my friend Jen, when trying to discern if an opportunity is the right one - “if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no”.  I would tell myself that I can be everyone I want to be, just not at the same time - so enjoy the present moment, and don’t always be looking to the future!  You will miss these days! 

5. If you could only wear one Noonday Collection piece forever, what would it be? 

You are just getting me where it hurts- ONE piece forever….well, I do hold onto a lot of “vintage”pieces, and so I think I would have to say my annies feather earrings! they are a classic and I won’t ever let them go! 

Wynne, you are the best. Thank you so much for joining in this week!

Hear more from Wynne:

pinterest// blog// instagram

SaveSave

Summer Sample Sale.

Hello friends!

It's here! My (first ever) Summer Sample Sale! Today, at 7pm, I’m posting items from my current Noonday Collection samples in order to make room for some eagerly anticipated Fall pieces…which will launch in August!! (Stay tuned for all the fun details of the Fall Launch!) And because I need to make space for pretty new pieces, you benefit with some crazy good deals on some gorgeous pieces.

Here’s the essential information for you~

.The sample sale starts today (6/27) at 7pm and ends Wednesday (6/29) at 9pm. This post will be updated at 7pm today with the sale items and all items will ship Thursday! 

.These are all basically new & relatively unworn items (shown at trunk shows but all in “new” condition unless otherwise noted)

.50% or more off regular retail price

.I kindly ask that you understand each piece is FINAL sale

.When you see a piece (or 3!) that you want, send me an email including the NUMBER and the NAME of the piece you’d like to purchase. Helps eliminate any confusion  Also include your PayPal contact information to receive your invoice. 

.Each sale will have a $6 shipping/handling/packing price added to the paypal invoice that I will send you

.Make sure your paypal information is correct before submitting request for pieces (email address as well as mailing address)

.I will keep this page updated and note each item SOLD as they go. First come, first served! 

.In order to keep everything smooth and seamless I kindly ask that you pay within 24 hours of receiving your paypal invoice. Any invoices unpaid after 24 hours will be offered to the next in line (so let me know if you're interested in any item- even if it says SOLD you may still have a chance at it!)

.Some of these items still available via Noonday website so I have hyperlinked them for you. You can find more details about each item through the link (country of origin, length, materials, etc)

I’m currently booking for the big Fall Launch (and working towards my BIG 30th birthday goal) so please reach out if you’re here in Indiana & would love to host! katie.n.rush{AT}gmail{DOT}com .  Trunk shows are super fun and so easy to throw. Set out something sweet, something salty (if even) and maybe a bottle of wine. Round up loads of friends, I show up & do the rest. Or, keep it super simple and just meet your friends for happy hour at your favorite local eatery! You earn free product and together we can build a flourishing world where people have jobs, children are cherished & women are empowered!!

1. CityScape necklace $27 (Originally $52) Pictured with Solitaire Studs SOLD

2. Sunny Day necklacey $19 (Originally $38) SOLD

3. Monaco bracelet $16! $18 (Originally $38)

4. Ibis necklace $18! $20 (Originally $48)

5. Tropic necklace $30 $35 (Originally $46) SOLD

6. Half moon necklace $20 $25 (Originally $34) Pictured with Ibis necklace

7. Linked Horn $38 $45 (Originally $120- sold out/vintage Noonday! Look here for way better photos. 

8. Jalia Ombre $20 (Originally $52- sold out/vintage Noonday!) SOLD

9. Bazaar bangles $24 $30 (Originally $48)

10. Ecuador bracelet $12 $14 (Originally $28)

11. Solitaire Studs $16 $20 (Originally $28)

12. Desert Flower Infinity $29 (Originally $48) SOLD

13. Dulce Infinity $20 $25 (Originally $68)

14. Angelica Scarf $13 $15 (Originally $58- has a small burn mark from candle at a trunk show, but is easily hidden for wear!)

15. Westward bag $65 (Originally $132) SOLD

16. Geo Print wallet $20 (Originally $58- sold out/vintage Noonday!) SOLD

SaveSave

30 for 30: Gather, Grow & Give back.

  My 30th birthday is approaching this summer and I keep hearing the same question- what am I going to do to celebrate? Big parties or fancy nights out aren't my style and I don't love being the center of attention. But I'm not afraid to admit that this does feel like a big birthday and I do actually want to do something equally big to celebrate!

  When I think of my favorite things or what is most important to me in life (in addition to my relationship with Jesus) these three things come to mind: having fun and finding joy, investing in relationships, and making a positive impact on the world around me. So I've been thinking and I keep coming back to those three things I love so much- gathering with people I love and having fun, growing in relationships, and giving back to my community and world. Why not combine those three, along with my love for ethical and fair trade shopping, in some way over the next few months for a really big 30th birthday celebration?? Add to that a catchy name I totally copied from my favorite sports show to watch with Justin, and I've finally figured out how to ring in my 30th year in a BIG way!

  30 for 30: Gather, Grow & Give back is my dream for the next six months- from June until November I have this crazy idea to host 30 Noonday Trunk shows that have one (or all!) of my favorite components. Women gathering together for no other huge reason other than to have fun together! Or ladies stepping up to invite others into their home or out for drinks just for the purpose of investing in new (or old!) relationships! And, my favorite, big and small groups coming together to make an impact on the world!

The best part of this birthday party? You're ALL invited! But seriously, I legit want everyone to join in the fun. And I want to give back to everyone who celebrates with me! I'll be doing lots of giveaways over the next few months to thank everyone (all 30 of you, hopefully!) that joins in the fun. Eek! 30 trunk shows! 30 women to say yes to investing in friendships, gathering their friends just for fun, and making a big big impact on the world! It's a big goal, I know. I'm probably borderline crazy. But I'm turning 30! I want to celebrate in a way that is fun and not really about me at all! Think of all the fun memories with girlfriends that can happen over 30 different trunk shows, or all the ways we could start a new friendship, invest in an old one, or just encourage someone by inviting them into something fun like a girl's night? And the impact! You guys. The potential for impacting literally the world through 30 trunk shows is crazy!

  I have so many ideas swirling around my head for this, too. We can do small little gatherings of your 4 closest friends for a random Wednesday lunch at your favorite restaurant- just because it sounds fun and you never have the chance to do it! Or a night supporting a friend who wants to adopt (or even just blessing someone you don't know by calling your local adoption agency and finding a name of a family to support!). Or being really intentional about inviting that coworker who is new in town or the high school girl in your small group who could use some mentors! Or hosting a trunk show that goes above and beyond to give back- maybe collects diapers or games for the local children's hospital? Or just a crazy fun themed night- murder mystery, mother/daughter tea, playdate, wine night, happy hour, party on the patio, Christmas shopping with a purpose. SO. MANY. IDEAS.

Ok, y'all.  I'll stop blabbing. (I don't know why I said 'y'all'. Maybe I've been listening to too much Jen, Jessica, and Jamie?) Here are the details and ways you can jump in the fun!

I need 30 brave souls to help me reach this huge goal by making a simple Noonday Collection order OR hosting a Trunk show between now and November!

email katie.n.rush@gmail.com if you're up for the excitement of helping me celebrate my 30th birthday over the next few months! 

{We can find the perfect idea that fits your style, circle of friends and calendar best! Ps. Who doesn't love planning ahead? And don't worry if you don't live near me at all- we can work around that!} 

And! The first 5 people to help me inch closer to my birthday goal will be entered to win a fun Noonday prize pack with three of my favorite pieces (hint: one is yellow and fun and supports Ugandan artisans!)

  Stay tuned over the next few months! I'm highlighting different women behind the scenes of Noonday Collection for July's Just 5 Things series and you will love it. I'll also be doing more giveaways and talking a lot about social justice and why I'm passionate about it! Here's to turning 30!

Messy middle.

   Jessica Honegger spoke to a group of Noonday Ambassadors in Indy last night and her words are sticking with me today. She talked about how the majority of life really is lived in the messy middle, how perfection is an impossible goal, and being fearless isn't how it works- we are the most courageous when we're actually fearful, when we moved forward in spite of fear not in the absence of it.

  It is impossible to do it all or be perfect. I'm stating the obvious, I know. But honestly, sometimes I don't know that or I just forget it. The majority of the time, I'm pretty level-headed and realistic. I know my limits and give myself (and others) heaps of grace daily. I know that grace is better than perfection. But, sometimes it seems like that person I follow on instagram or that classmate of mine from grad school or this friend I have really is able to do everything amazingly. Like they have it figured out and I just don't yet. I'm still very much winging this parenting thing, missing my social work experiences, navigating having friendships as an adult, and always working on my marriage or my relationship with Jesus- never feeling perfect at any of those.

  But the reality is, no one is perfect. To be really really good at one thing, sacrifices have to be made in other areas {I love what Jessica said about this in relation to being a working mom!}. And truly, most of life is lived in the messy middle. Not at the starting point or after we reach perfection. But smack dab in the middle, where we're working things out and taking risks and failing and succeeding and trying all over again.

  I love that. I love the reminder that perfection isn't the goal and the journey, the process, is where life really happens. The messy middle is a good and wonderful place to be, even if it is filled with trial and error and not quite knowing how it all ends up. And I feel like that can apply to anything- parenting, career paths, friendship, or life as a whole. As long as we keep saying yes and moving forward, in spite of fears, we will keep growing and learning.

  And can we talk about that for a minute? One little 'yes' can be a catalyst for amazing things. Because just one of Jessica's friends said 'yes' to hosting a trunk show five years ago, Noonday Collection was born and artisans in 12 different countries were able to earn a living wage and preserve their families and ultimately help thousands of orphans join their adoptive families. The same simple 'yes' of women across the country to offer to gather girlfriends in their living rooms to talk about Noonday Collection help to maintain that marketplace and increase the impact across the world. Or just saying 'yes' to a coffee date with a loose acquaintance can lead to a friendship that you never knew you needed. Or saying 'yes' to this silly part time job that seems so random could lead to a unique skill set you'll need 15 years from now at the dream job you never knew you wanted. Little 'yeses' that add up to big impact over time.

  The messy middle is just that, messy. It rarely makes sense or seems linear or feels super comfortable. Social media or our own perceptions can make it seem like we're the only one who doesn't have it (define IT however you want) figured out or perfected, but that's just not true. Have you read the Just 5 Things series? It's full of women doing being, great things in life- and the majority of them hire a cleaning person to maintain their home so they can put energy into the other things they're focused on. You know those working moms who are crushing it in their work life? They have found a trusted person to help care for their kids day to make space for them to invest in their careers! That perfectly styled instagram photo? Probably took some time to set up or plan out and is flanked by dirty dishes or laundry waiting to be folded. No one is perfect, and that's ok. We are absolutely all just doing the best we can, living in the messy middle of life! So keep saying small {and big!} yeses, trying even when you think you might fail, and giving yourself {and others} heaps of grace along the way.