Shop for a Cause: Holiday Gift Guide for the Jewelry Lover

Written by Uptown Liz marketing intern Roslynn Fitch

The phrase goes “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, but it’s not just diamonds that every girl covets. These pieces of jewelry are crafted to fit everyone’s unique style and remind you to be socially conscience. Each item donates a portion of proceeds to a good cause, so anyone can be properly accessoried and make a difference.

Add to your own unique style with this ornate pendant necklace.

#526 Caitlyn Necklace
Dragonfly Designs, Jewelry with a Conscience
10% proceeds to organizations that are dedicated to improving the human condition, promoting equality, and protecting the environment.
$72.00

Show your “peace”-ful side with a peace and love bracelet.

Orange You Lucky Peace & Love Wrap Bracelet
Peace & Love by Nancy Davis
100% of proceeds to the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis
$37.00

A new take on a childhood friendship bracelet. The stone for this necklace comes from South Africa and keeps your friends close to your heart no matter how many miles separate you.

Friendship Stone Necklaces
My Stone Company
10% of all profits go to the community from where the stones originate in South Africa. Price ranges from.
$65.00-$125.00

For other ways to shop for a cause, visit Uptown Liz.

Celebrity for a Cause: Mandy Moore Joins the Nothing But Nets Campaign to End Malaria

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Every 30 seconds one child dies from malaria. Malaria is an especially serious problem in Africa, where one in every five childhood deaths is attributed to this preventable disease. Singer and actress, Mandy Moore, joined the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to help combat malaria.

The goal of this grassroots campaign is to end malaria induced deaths by 2015. One of the simplest ways to prevent malaria and protect families is by using insecticide-treated bed nets. For every ten-dollar contribution that Nothing But Nets receives, a bed net is distributed across 15 different African countries. In order to reach their goal, Nothing But Nets plans on distributing millions of these nets.

Visit http://www.nothingbutnets.net/ where you can find resources on malaria, toolkits to help raise awareness and organize fundraising events, and instructions on how to create or join a NET-Raiser team.

Nail Polishes for a Cause: Are you using the right nail polish?

Written by Uptown Liz Marketing Intern Nandini Kavuri

Who doesn’t love getting a good manicure?  Unfortunately, however, many of our favorite nail polishes contain several harmful and toxic chemicals that can be very damaging to your health.  In fact, these chemicals have been reported to cause cancer, reproductive damage, asthma and many other negative health effects. Three of the most the toxic ingredients you should look out for next time you want to get your nails painted include Dibutyl phthalate (DPB), Formaldehyde and Toluene.

1.     DBP:  DBP is a toxin that is still found in many nail polishes today.  It has been linked to many developmental and reproductive impairments as well as a broad range of birth defects.  DBP has been banned in the use of all cosmetic products in Europe.

2.     Formaldehyde: According to the National Cancer Institute, Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It is also an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, and can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis.

3.     Toluene: Toluene affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Toluene is also associated with reproductive risks such as reduced fetal weight, bone deficiencies and deformities.

There are several companies today that offer non-toxic nail polishes that are free of these harmful ingredients. A few of these companies include: Safe Nail Polish, Polished Mama, Acquarella, and Soulstice Spa. Next time you go to the salon or run to your local beauty store to pick up your favorite polish, opt for these greener nail polishes.