Noonday Collection // Brunch Beauties

One of my favorite things to do since moving to St. Louis in July of 2013 is to explore. Not growing up here, I've taken upon myself to get to know the city and to love where I've been planted. After a hard first year of not having people we knew, I finally got connected and met some wonderful people from our church, The Journey! Some of those people are the girls below. God has given me some great friends here and I'm so glad He hears our prayers! 

When you visit St. Louis, you need to stop at Bowood Farms and have brunch. Bowood farms is a natural greenhouse-style facility that has a cafe inside. Cafe Osage is "located within Bowood Farms, and features fresh vegetables and herbs grown directly on-site." It has the ability to transport you to another world inside the city limits. It's such a fun 'girls day' spot and does not disappoint. 

Eight months after moving to St. Louis, I began my journey as a Noonday Collection Ambassador, and, to be quite frank, I was nervous due to not knowing many people at all. The girls in my community group at church were such a driving force at giving me the strength to go for it and the support I needed to "take the plunge" to be brave! Their support has meant the world and they wear it SO well. I love how everyone has a unique style and how Noonday still offers variety to fit everyones different styles! Emily totally rocks the Quito Necklace with her stripes. Swoon.

One of my favorite pieces is the  Rustic leather tote. It is handmade in India out of goat leather and is the perfect size. I love that it can go dressy or casual too. We are best friends forever.

Krissy is rocking the gorgeous black diamond earrings. They are just what Krissy needed to finish off her outfit. Perfect mix of edgy and sparkle. I love how see connects with the pieces made in India. It's so special seeing your friends and family connect with a certain country that our artisans are from!

I am grateful for community and that I get to explore St. Louis with these beauties. Friendship is so special to me and it's so great when you meet others who value the same things you do!

Lastly, Erin just rocks this vintage Noonday piece. She is such a support to me and has even hosted a Noonday trunk show. God knew what He was doing when he placed us as neighbors and I'm so glad he did.

Moving to a new place where nothing is familiar is hard. Growing up is hard. But find people who encourage you and can walk beside you through it and I think you'll see alot of growth. Take the risk and be brave. Now, go enjoy the weekend and never stop exploring!

Noonday Collection Hostess / Lindsay

I am so excited to introduce you to another one of my wonderful Noonday Collection hostesses, Lindsay! Lindsay and I met when she filled out a form online to host a Noonday trunk show. Yes, you read that right. We didn't even know each other before Noonday! That is seriously one of my favorite things about being a part of this world changing company. It allows me to meet so many great people I wouldn't meet otherwise. Lindsay is such a great hostess and everyone at her trunk show felt comfortable and friendships were formed. It's such a great feeling walking into a room where others are excited to see you and that's exactly the kind of hostess Lindsay was! Smiling and welcoming her friends and family in for a world changing evening!

It was great to hear about her "why" of being a Noonday hostess and why she believes her purchase makes a difference. Lindsay shared that we vote with our dollar every time we spend it and I thought that was such a great and tangible way to see the phrase "purchase with purpose." Lindsay's passion is also being passed down to her daughter, Delaney. She gets SO excited about how her purchases are helping men and women in other countries and loves learning about where each piece was made.  

Now...here's a little about Lindsay. :)

What made you go from a Noonday customer to a Noonday hostess?

As soon as I heard what Noonday was all about, I immediately knew I couldn't keep these wonderful products all to myself! A quick tour of the Noonday website led me to know I HAD to host a Trunk Show. I am usually VERY reticent to host parties...I don't like my friends to feel guilted into purchasing, but every Noonday purchase has purpose. Beautiful products made by beautiful people. It's a Win-Win.

What was your favorite part of hosting a trunk show? 
The best part was beginning a new friendship with you, Brooke! Seeing your heart and knowing how like-minded we are was even better than trying on all the pretty things.
(I couldn't agree more, Lindsay! :) Loved getting to know you!)

What is one piece of Noonday you think every women should own? And, your favorite piece you own and why?
Every woman should own a big bold piece like the Luxe Horn Necklace made in Vietnam (limited quantity), because it is eye catching and people will notice it and comment about it.  This is the perfect way to share the mission of Noonday with others!  My favorite piece is the Water Drop Prism Earrings made in India.  They are big and bold - not a style I would normally wear - but they make me feel confident.  They are lightweight and are the perfect touch to dress up my favorite outfits.
Is there a Noonday country or artisan story that sticks out to you?

In my opinion, the artisans of Ethiopia who take the ugliness of war (spent artillery shells, etc) and turn it into something with beauty and purpose is one of my favorite stories; it really embodies Noonday's purpose.

(Some of my great world changing St. Louis hostesses!)

If you would like to host a Noonday trunk show to share these stories like Lindsay did, all you have to say is "yes." You have the opportunity to change lives through fashion. Let's have a fun girls night! And, from now until July 31st - the hostess rewards are INCREASED! Email me at brookevg.noonday@gmail.com to get your date reserved! xoxo

And lastly,  Lindsay's favorite trunk show recipe is.....
Crab Melts Appetizers

Ingredients: 

1. Thomas' English Muffins (original)
2. 2 cans crab meat
3. 1 jar Kraft Old English Cheese
4. 1 stick softened butter
5.  garlic powder

Directions:

1. Drain water from crabmeat
2. Cream together cheese, butter and 1/2 tsp garlic powder
3. Add crabmeat
4. Spread mixture onto muffins halves, then cut halves in to quarters.  Broil until golden brown. 
5. Serve warm. Enjoy!