Makeover Your Budget: What are you Saying Yes To?

We've been chatting about budgeting the last few posts. It all got kick-started when a friend told me that for her budgeting isn't really about saying "no" to things, it is really about what you are saying "yes" to with your money.

Love it!

The more I thought about it, the more I agreed with her.  Paradigm shift!

How we spend our money shows the world what we really value.  Money talks!

And girls, can I just say I am excited that money talks? 

When we band together, our purchases can send a pretty powerful message!

We hear that the majority of the world lives on less than $2/day, we hear of oppression, we hear of abuse.  So often it just seems too much, too big.

Percentage of Population Living on <$2/day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Percentage_population_living_on_less_than_$2_per_day_2009.png

But, we can be a force for good in a world that seems so out of control, just by changing a few ways we shop.

We all think "what difference will one decision make?" but as Desmund Tutu said, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Who would have thought TOMS shoes would be so successful (or organic produce for that matter!) 10 years ago?  Each purchase adds up and more companies see that people's hearts are changed and they want something more than just the cheapest they can get.  Companies are changing their practices because WE are changing how we buy. 

What matters to you?  What do you want to say yes to?  Tell someone.  Tell a friend.  Take a stand!

Now, use your money to say yes to what matters to you!

Not sure what to say yes to?  Here are a few suggestions:

Say YES to sending children to school who before had no choice by buying an item made by their mother in Rwanda:

Bobbles and Beads Jewelry Caddy

 

Say YES to providing women a pathway out of abuse by buying an item handmade in a cooperative in India:

Boquet Necklace

Say YES to creating meaningful employment for men and women who previously lived on the streets, who never thought marriage and full time work was even a possibility, by purchasing an item made by newlyweds Coral and Bukenya:

Kampala with Love Necklace

 

 

Say YES to connecting with women in Ethiopia, who have been abandoned due to their HIV status but who now have the ability to live a long full life through their work and medical care received, by purchasing one of their stunning items:

tubular bracelet

These are scrapbook pages Noonday Ambassadors made for the artisans to let them know how loved they are.  My scrapbook page is held by the beautiful woman on the top right.  How I LOVE looking at this picture!

Say YES to supporting the belief that every child belongs in a forever family!  Noonday began as an adoption fundraiser and continues to support adoption through providing stable income to artisans as well as helping families fundraise for their adoption - Noonday gives 10% of trunk show sales directly to the adoptive family when they host a trunk show!

Say YES to meaningful work that looks out for the whole person, mind body and soul...and say yes to looking great too:

 

Want to say YES in a more impactful way?  Think about hosting a Noonday Collection trunk show with your friends.  You can share with them what you are saying YES to as well as opening up your home to our artisans! By telling and sharing their story, you will be lifting others out of poverty (and have a chance to score free Noonday accessories OR fundraise for an adoption).

Or, do you want to do even more?  Perhaps even become an ambassador for these artisans in your community?  I said "yes" a year and a half ago and it has been a journey that has changed my life!  See what I wrote a year ago about Noonday...it is a million times more true today!

One thing I KNOW you can say YES to is a giveaway!  I'm the last in a month long Noonday Collection blog train (be sure and check out Kristine's blog to enter her giveaway too!) and I am closing this out with a $50 gift card to spend on anything at www.whitneyray.noondaycollection.com.  Or better yet, to spend at an upcoming trunk show in your area!

a Rafflecopter giveaway