Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For The Breast Cancer Survivor (Part Two)

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer; a small gift to show your encouragement is a wonderful holiday gesture. Breast Cancer Awareness products are sold year-round, and any of these would be a perfect gift for the breast cancer survivor in your life.

This beautiful bracelet is a great way to show support for the cause and be fashionable all at the same time.

The “Taylor” Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet
BNPink
20% of proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$135.00

A girl can always use a new pair of slippers, and you can’t go wrong with pink and comfy.

Pink Ribbon – velour scuff slippers
Dearfoams
$5 from the sale goes to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
$25.00

These pink ribbon soaps are great for display in a guest bathroom or for decoration in her own.

Savon Pour Une Remede
Gianna Rose Atelier
15% proceeds to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
$27.00

Another great soap for display, and 100% of the profits go towards the leading breast cancer foundation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Glycerin Soap
Soapourri Natural Bath & Body, LLC
100% of profits from the sale go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
$5.50

These bracelets last a lifetime and are a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection. ALL of the proceeds go to a cause very near to her heart.

Stainless Steel Bracelet
Until There's A Cure Foundation
100% proceeds to Until There's A Cure Foundation
$50.00

This basic tee fits in any wardrobe! It’s a great shirt, a great company, and a great cause!

'08 Breast Cancer Awareness Tee
Hard Rock
15% proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
$28.00

For more products benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness, or other philanthropic shopping ideas be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Until next time, happy holidays!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For Her (Part Two)

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

Sometimes finding the perfect present for the women on your list might seem difficult, but Uptown Liz’s products give back to charity, which in itself is a great holiday gift. There are so many beautiful, charity-driven things to choose from, you'll have to buy more than one.

I have never seen a pendant anything like this one before; it’s beautiful and unique. It would be a great addition to any girl’s jewelry collection.

Pink Depression Glass Pendant
Nubius Organics
1% For the Planet
$64.00

ALL of the profits from this stunning 10K gold pendant goes to a great charity. It’s a beautiful piece of jewelry for a beautiful woman on your list.

10K Gold Joyful Heart Foundation Fearlessness Pendant
Me&Ro
100% proceeds to the Joyful Heart Foundation
$485.00

Is your daughter, wife, sister, or woman on your list a school teacher? This beautiful necklace would be the perfect gift for her!

Apple Necklace
Wendy Brandes
50% of proceeds to Minds Matter of NYC, Inc.
$1,090.00

Taking care of our skin is one of the most important things we do every day. Buy this for the girl on your list and help her keep her skin beautiful while benefiting various breast cancer organizations.

Clarisonic Skin Care System in Pink
Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc.
Proceeds to various breast cancer organizations.
$195.00

This unique necklace is a great conversation starter and it supports a good cause.

Mental Health Heart Necklace on BICO Stylus Chain
Linked for a Cause
25% of profit goes to International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD)
$59.95

Every girl can always use an extra blush, and this crystal compact is the perfect addition to a make-up collection.

HOPE blush in a Swarovski crystal compact
GIELLA custom blend cosmetics
100% of net proceeds to Women at Risk (WAR).
$27.00

You can personalize these bags with the name of the girl on your list. They are great for traveling or carrying make-up. And with proceeds going to any of their great charities, you can’t go wrong with this gift.

Bagettes For A Cause
Bagettes
Proceeds to Komen for the Cure, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS in Africa, Until There's a Cure, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, American Cancer Society, Livestrong Lance Armstrong Foundation, Operation Gratitude, Alzheimer's Association, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
$20.00

For more philanthropic shopping ideas, be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Until next time, happy holidays!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For Engaged Couples

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

December is the most popular month for engagements; about 1 in 5 proposals happen around the holidays. Do you know a newly engaged couple? Buy them a gift to show your happiness and support for their future union.

The couple might want to add a special touch to the wedding by buying butterflies for the event. Buy the couple a gift certificate for this company, and let them decide what they want. It will be a lovely touch to what is sure to be a beautiful wedding.

Wedding Butterflies
MonarchBouquets
15% proceeds to Sutter Cancer Center Foundation. $70.00 -- 89.00 per dozen.

It might seem cheesy, but buy the couple a set of matching tees. The groom might put up a little fight, but I’d bet you’ll see them wearing the shirts on their honeymoon!

Gezellig T-shirt: Dutch togetherness. Organic cotton
MotherTongues
$1 per t-shirt to the Center for Women in Transition
$24.99

Just because she is a taken woman, doesn’t mean she won’t enjoy nights with the girls. This box is a great source of interesting topics for a luncheon or slumber party. Buy this for the future bride, and remind her that her girlfriends will always be a part of her life.

The Girlfriends Box of Questions™
The Box Girls
5% profits to Women’s Cancer Research™
$19.95

You already bought the bride-to-be a girlfriends box, now buy the future groom a gift of his own. This men’s tee is very trendy, and has a great message.

OriginOne Men’s Racial Unity T-Shirt ~ Black Mineral Wash
OriginOne
10% of proceeds to Human Rights Watch
$39.00

If the couple has a dog, or is planning on getting a puppy, get them this glow toy for their favorite pet. Animals need presents too, and i'ts like buying two gifts because 100% of the profits go to charity!

Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball
Planet Dog
100% proceeds to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF)
$11.95

This pillow is a great addition for a new home. Its neutral colors go great with any fabric; they can throw it on their couch, bench, or bed.

Urchin EcoArt Pillow
Wabisabi Green
30% proceeds to Nest
$68.00

For other gift ideas that give back to charity be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy shopping!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For The Workout Enthusiast

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

With New Year’s resolutions just around the corner, you might want to consider getting workout apparel and necessities for a woman on your list. These products will be put to use every day and are great gifts for the beginner or the exercise enthusiast.

1. This is a great gift for the yoga woman you know; she can always use another mat!

Pink "Help Fight Breast Cancer' Yoga Mat
MatsMatsMats.com
10% of the purchase price goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
$24.95

2. These tennis shoes are the perfect present for the workout enthusiast in your life. You won’t find a better gift for a better price.

Women's "Courage" Pink Ribbon Walking Shoes
The Breast Cancer Site
For every pair sold, another pair of shoes will be donated through Soles4Souls and 1% of a mammorgram will be funded.
$34.95

3. This tank top is a great way to show support for a worthy cause while going out for a run, or working out at the gym.

Destiny Charity Tank Top "My Destiny is to make a Difference in the World"
Destiny Bodywear
100% of net proceeds to Women for Women International
$39.99

4. This bag is a must-have for the busy woman who makes trips to the gym after work. She needs a bag to carry her workout clothes in, and Jimeale totes are the perfect size.

Nicola Weekend Tote
Jimeale
15% proceeds to Boarding for Breast Cancer
$59.95

5. Every avid runner knows that a good sports bra is essential. Enell promises that superior support and comfort will set it apart from the competition.

Hope Bra
Enell Sports Bra
10% of proceeds to Force Organization. Price varies.

For other philanthropic shopping ideas be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Until next time, happy holidays!

Cooking For A Cause: Donate To Local Food Banks

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

If you are like me, you are in utter disbelief that it is already December. I barely had time to blink at Halloween costumes, and the next thing I knew I started hearing Wal-Mart Christmas commercials playing regularly. It’s that time of year again, the most wonderful time of the year, the perfect time to remember those less fortunate than you.

Food is a big staple of the holidays, and for many it is what brings families together. Finding the perfect turkey, mash potatoes or yams, a last minute-run to the store because you ran out of butter - all of these things remind me of the holidays at my Mom’s house, but for one in eight Americans, feeding the family isn’t this easy.

Feeding America, the nations leading domestic hunger relief charity, services over 25 million Americans each year, including nine million children and nearly three million seniors. According to Feeding America’s Web site, their mission is to “feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.” The network includes 200 food banks, which can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. John van Hengel, a retired businessman, founded the charity in the late 1960’s. Hengel, volunteered at a local soup-kitchen and began soliciting food from grocery stores and business, and 40 years later the company is feeding millions. Today, Feeding America is backed by many financial partners including: Target, Netflix, The Cheesecake Factory, Winn-Dixie, and Tyson Foods, just to name a few.

The truth of the matter is, while you and I are busy planning out recipes and deciding what family member will bring the dessert, countless volunteers are working to gather enough food to feed an estimated 25 million Americans. So why not take a little money that you have been saving for Christmas shopping, and donate to your local Food Bank? To find a local food bank close to you click here. I would like to believe that together, if even just for a day, we can alleviate hunger in America.

Happy holidays to you and your family, and remember to shop Uptown Liz when looking for the perfect gift!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide for Fashionistas

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

Everyone knows a fashionista; she always has a new outfit and you never know what to buy her. I have compiled a list of things every fashionista needs, and probably doesn’t already have (which trust me, is hard to find). Feel free to buy some of these things for yourself, but be careful - it might bring out your inner love for all things fashion and shopping.

This bra strap accessory is a must-have for every girl. It helps your bra work with any outfit, and let’s be honest; a fashionista wouldn’t be caught dead with exposed bra straps.

The Strapper O/S Original 3 pack
The Strapper Inc.
Partial proceeds for every Strapper sold will be donated to: “Support Cancer Research” at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
$14.99

A purse hook is a great gift; it keeps your purse from getting dirty and it adds bling to your favorite bag.

Je’Marie PurseHook – Coral Reef
PurseHook, LLC
25% of sales go directly to Susan G. Komen for The Cure
$19.95

Vintage is always in. When your fashionista wears this tee she will not only look cute, but she’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

Fitted Vintage T w/ Typewriter Logo
Feel Your Boobies Foundation
100% proceeds to Feel Your Boobies Foundation
$30.00 NOW $25

These environmentally friendly bags will keep your fashionista “eco-friendly” on her many shopping adventures.

“World Cities Collection” reusable, sustainable shopping bags
Green World Bags
Proceeds to 1% for the Planet.
Set of 4 for $19.95

This designer lap top bag should be on every girl’s holiday gift list. It is perfect for going to school, work, or Starbucks.

Dubheasa j’Tote Designer Laptop Bag
J’tote Bags
5% proceeds to Candlelight Ranch Foundation
$195.00

These beautiful straps are the perfect addition to a strapless gown. They are a great way to add new flare to an old dress.

Straptinis - Breast Cancer Awareness
Strap Teaze, Inc.
20% of sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
$49.00

For other gift ideas that give back to charity be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy shopping!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For A Young Child ($20 and under)

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

Watching a child open presents is my favorite part of the holidays. I’ve put together a list of unique products from Uptown Liz that would be perfect for a young child on your list. Proceeds go toward great causes, so you won’t feel guilty for showering them with too many presents.

This book from the ASPCA is aimed at children grades 1-3 who are interested in animals. It teaches young readers fun facts and proper care of all different kinds of pets.

Heinemann Library Pet Series
ASPCA
Proceeds to ASPCA
$15.95

This adorable shirt is perfect for any child on your list. We all know a couple who is raising “a little doctor”.

Doctor Not Diva Shirt
Ava’s Closet
10% proceeds to Kiva
$20.00

This tee is great for the creative, little girl on your list. It's fun, cute, and philanthropic. What more could anyone ask for?

HalyeBop Tees - variety
HaleyBopTees
$1 of every shirt sold to Art With A Heart For Children.
$19.00

This 6” bracelet is for children ages 5 and up. Make the little girl on your list feel all grown up like mommy with her very own bracelet. There is no shopping remorse when 100% of the profits go toward charity.

Lollipop Lane Bracelet
lil’ ol’ me
100% of net profits go to lil’ ol’ me Making a BIG Difference.
$20.00

Finger puppets are fun for everyone. Give this to a child on your list and let their imagination run wild.

Finger Puppets for UNESCO LIFE by Fable & Lore
My Princess Closet
$5.00 of each sale goes to UNESCO LIFE
$10.00

For other gift ideas that give back to charity be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy shopping!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For The New Mom

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

Buying presents for a new baby is always fun during the holidays; baby clothes are just so cute and have some sort of gravitational pull. When you are buying for the new baby in your family, don’t forget to get a little something for the new mom as well. Her life is consumed by her bundle of joy, and you are sure to bring some cheer when she realizes you got something just for her.

1. This item is a must have for every new mom. It gives the baby somewhere soft, clean, and familiar to sit while mom is doing the shopping.

Pink Gingham Original Clean Shopper
Babe Ease LLC - cleanshopper.com
$1 from each sale to ESSCO - MGH Breast Cancer Research Fund
$29.95

2. Stretch marks are an unfortunate side effect of pregnancy, and Shea butter is just the magic formula to help get rid of those unwanted reminders.

Shea Body Butter
Shea Yeleen International, Inc.
30-50% to Shea Yeleen International
$25.00

3. The breast kit promises to “sculpt your breasts to its’ sexiest”! This is perfect to use for a night out, a big party, or just to help the new mom on your list feel beautiful.

My Beautiful Breasts Kit
It Cosmetics
10% proceeds to Making Memories Foundation
$69.00

4. “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is a popular piece of advice given to new mothers. Give the new mom in your life something comfy to sleep in - like these beautiful, cotton pajamas.

Pink Ribbon Cotton PJ
Bed Head Pajamas
15% of procceds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation
$142.00 NOW $138

5. A new mom never has time to shop for herself, so do it for her. Add this handbag to her collection for some post-pregnancy style.

“Carmel” Handbag in Black
shopdistinction.com
Portion of proceeds to breast and lung cancer nonprofit organizations
$74.99

For other gift ideas that give back to charity be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy shopping!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide for Her - Accessories

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

From jewelry to handbags, accessories are what make a good outfit great. Accessories are the perfect gift because they are always the right size and you can never have too many. Choose from any of these items for the fashion savvy girl on your list. Go ahead, accessorize away.

1. The vintage look is the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. This pair of earrings is a great way to give affordable fashion, while supporting a worthy cause.

Jessica Earring
Melissa Huntsman
25% proceeds to Build A Nest
$34.00

2. Buy this for a woman on your list, and give them a unique cuff bracelet that truly is inspirational. It’s the perfect fashion forward accessory for any outfit.

Inspiration cuff-bracelet
Artinjection
40% proceeds to Parkinson's Unity Walk
$175.00

3. There are so many great things about this product: there are no two pins alike, proceeds go to a great cause, they aren’t a budget buster, and they are a beautiful accessory for any top or blouse. Buy it for a girl on your list today (or just for yourself).

Puzzle Heart Pin
AutismShop.com
Proceeds to AutismShop.com
$19.95 NOW $18.00

4. This cute tote will liven up any outfit. I could see myself caring my books to class in it; what a great gift!

Tonic Robin Tote
TONIC
5% proceeds to Friends of Paradis des Indiens and 15% proceeds to the Tonic Foundation.
$25.00

5. While this beautiful handbag may be more expensive, $200 is donated to a charitable cause. It’s like two gifts in one!

"Have Faith" handbag
Mimi Vannier Designs
$200.00 from the sale of each handbag will go to The Canadian Liver Foundation
$350.00

For other gift ideas that give back to charity be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy shopping!

Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Holiday Gift Guide For Her - Jewelry

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

Jewelry is the perfect gift for any girl; it always fits and you can never have too many pieces. Whether your girl likes gold or silver, muted or colorful, there is a gift on this list for her. Warning for the boyfriends browsing this list: make sure the box you put the gift in is considerably bigger than a ring box - just in case you’re not planning on popping the question.

1. Whether you get it in 14kt rose gold or sterling silver, this necklace is the perfect feminine addition to any jewelry collection.

Open Heart Pendant
Alex Woo Inc.
Net proceeds to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.
Silver $128.00 and Rose Gold $498.00

2. Make a statement with this beautiful 19” necklace (it’s my absolute favorite!). The unique colorful pendant is sure to brighten up any outfit.

Lucite Bird Necklace
Cara Lyndon Vintage Recrafted Jewelry
30% proceeds to Nest
$48.00

3. When you give this bracelet, you give the gift of inspiration. Written on the circle is “Nothing is worth more than this day” reminding each one of us to live life to the fullest.

BCA-B-14 Open Circle Bracelet
Baroni Designs
$3.60 from each one sold to Humboldt Community Breast Health Project
$55.00

4. Get necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more for the jewelry lover in your life. All beads are made from recycled paper making each piece unique; it’s a one of a kind gift for sure!

Beaded Jewelry
BeadforLife
Between $5-$30 Proceeds to BeadforLife

5. This beautiful 18kt gold butterfly pendant on an 18” chain is a beautiful piece that any girl would love to have. It may be a little pricy, but 100% - yes ALL - of the proceeds benefit a great cause!

EB Mini Butterfly Necklace
Satya Jewelry
100% proceeds to Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF)
$348.00

For other gift ideas that give back to charity, be sure to visit Uptown Liz. Happy holidays!