Noonday Collection // 2 0 1 5

Well, after about three months of writer's block, I'm excited to be writing again! I took some time off focusing on the holidays and time with family but I'm back and ready to take 2015 by the horns! My holidays were filled with friends and family -- like the pictures below (ice skating in Forest Park). For the second year in a row our best friends visited us during Christmas and it was the best time. I'm so grateful for friends who encourage, pray and love you through hard times. 

I love January and this special time of year. It is a great time for reflecting to set goals and dream how you want to spend the next year of your life. There is something about it that just feels so new and fresh. And, to start my year off focused on God and my goals, I took part in a social media fast with my church. I had no idea how wonderful it would be. If you know me, you know I LOVE photography and Instagram. Border line obsessed. Along with half with world. 

I was expecting to really, realllllly miss instagram and facebook. Like dread being away. Have extreme fomo (fear of missing out) and totally fail. At best, I thought I'd only make it halfway through the week before getting "back on." BUT, I'm proud to say... I stood strong and have learned so much about myself and our culture during the week I was "off the grid."

I learned how I fill every spare moment checking my latest feed on Instagram and how obsessed I was with how many "likes" and comments I was getting on my latest pictures. And, most importantly, I realized just how much anxiety social media was causing me. It's hard for me to admit that I am/was struggling with anxiety but it's the truth. But, this week... I feel like a weight had been lifted off of me. Filling my minutes and hours looking at other people's lives whether good or bad, has slowly began giving me anxiety -- daily anxiety to be exact.

Discussing this with my mom earlier this week, we chatted about how social media and it's far-reaching network gives us a way to see into the lives of so many people and how that just isn't normal. We are not meant to be that hyper-connected. It is just too much to take in on a daily basis. No one's heart or soul can take in that much information about every little detail of everyone's life. 

So...all that to say, I'm excited to share my thoughts on how I'm going to take this week and apply it to my life moving forward in 2 0 1 5. 

Social Media Boundaries:

1. Get all my instagram notifications turned off so I'm not 

constantly reminded of what is happening on instagram. 

2. Keep my instagram app hidden on my phone -- meaning, it will 

help me avoid constantly opening the app when I have a free moment. 

3. Delete the facebook app completely off my phone. 

Because honestly, that will cut down 90% of the time I am on facebook. It will make me open my laptop(which isn't everyday) 

in order to get on facebook.

4. Leave my phone in another room when I get home from work every night so I can focus on my husband who I haven't seen all day & actually get things done and not be distracted by phone.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this social media hyper connected and consumed world and what/if any, actions you take to be in control of it and not let it control you.  And, don't get me wrong, I think that instagram specifically is wonderful and it has given me new friendships I wouldn't have otherwise, but it's all about boundaries and finding a balance. 

I'm so grateful to have friends like Courtney and many others who encourage me along the way. I pray that if you don't already, you find your "tribe" who can keep you accountable and love you during this journey we have here on earth. 

Here's to 2 0 1 5! I am so hopeful for what God has in store this year. If you haven't already, I encourage you to take a social media fast too. It's such a great time to focus and set some goals for yourself. I don't think you'd regret it. And, if you do, let me know how it goes! You got this -- it's not impossible to go a week without it. Trust me. If I can do it.... you can too. 

Complete our looks:

Brooke's Look (left) 

Red Cozy Zip Scarf - handmade by Noonday Collection

Crescent Moon Earrings - handmade by Noonday Collection - current obsession

Delta River Bangles - handmade by Noonday Collection

Milly Lace Boot Socks - Grace and Lace

Lines and Stripes Catch All Purse - handmade by Noonday Collection 

Courtney's Look (right)

Bright Stripes Arm & Leg Warmers - handmade by Noonday Collection

Gem Trio Studs - handmade by Noonday Collection

Hand knit scarf - by Janell Rardon

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Both dresses from Twice. Second hand clothes - game changer. 

Happy New Year, y'all! Let's make it a good year.

xoxo

Noonday Collection // For Sofiya

Fall is in full swing in St. Louis, MO & I am loving it! Fall outfits are so cozy & I am loving the scarf's from this season of Noonday Collection's fall & winter line. There is something so special about the stories these item's represent. It's so much more than a scarf and accessories. Noonday has opened my eyes to how my purchases have power. The story behind this scarf, the Himalyan Scarf, is one that is really empowering. It is made from a new artisan group in India that for the first time have dignity and respect in their community. "people who have suffered from leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease. At the Little Flower village in Bihar, India, 225 people whose lives have been affected by leprosy live and work." - Read more here.

"The silk these artisans use to create our multi-colored Himalayan Scarf is harvested in a special way. Unlike most silk production, the process at Little Flower involves allowing the moths to emerge from their cocoons naturally. This gives the silk a raw, less processed feel than typical silk because the moths create little abrasions in the silk fibers as they emerge. We love that at every step, these artisans take care to consider their impact on the environment and on other living things. It’s just one more detail that makes this handmade scarf a unique work of art."

Our artisans are so talented and I love how we incorporate their talent into our products. I love how they use their skill that has been passed down from generation from generation & how they share it with us here in the states.

Another beautiful piece from our India artisans that is one of our best sellers this season is the Sofiya Wrap bracelet.  Our lead product manufacturer, Claire, is visiting our artisans right now and can you believe that mound of bracelets?! They love what they do. They have dignity for their work. Having a marketplace in the States creates so much opportunity for their product to be displayed well & for their story to be told. The bracelet is named after one of our India artisans named Sofiya.

"Sofiya towers above many of her countrywomen and exudes strength, courage, and positivity, both physically and emotionally. Yet despite her big smile, she has had to overcome many obstacles on her road to independence. In India, women are to be dependent upon others but she wanted to rise above the expectations. She wanted to be the exception & I'm so proud of her for working towards that goal. "When Sofiya was 18 years old, she learned about a partnering Noonday Collection equitable trade group based in New Delhi.When Sofiya heard about their jewelry-making program, she knew she wanted to become an artisan." She set out a goal and never stopped working towards it. Sofyia participated in programs where she learned about her rights as an Indian citizen and as a woman & began her partnership with Noonday. Read more of Sofiya's encouraging story here.

So, when you wear your Himalayan Scarf & Sofiya Wrap, your wearing a story of strength & courage. Think of Sofiya & all our India artisans and be encouraged how we are fighting for eachother & buying a scarf & bracelet is worth so much more than just an accessory. Thanks for believing in Noonday & what it is doing for others around the world!

Noonday Collection // What is your "Why"?

God gave me the strength to be brave – even if that means processing it five years later. During the summer of 2011, I worked at a summer camp called Winshape Camps. I had a camper during one of 

my weeks, let's call him Johnnie, who effected me without even knowing it in the moment. I felt hopeless but offered the only thing I could in the moment – a Bible and God’s love. 

Five weeks later I was told I had a birth defect and there was fluid backed up in my spinal cord. I never had time to process the full effect Johnnie had on me. I never processed camp, or brain surgery because I went straight to complete my junior year at Liberty University. I met my now husband the first week of my junior year so I continued building new relationships, finishing school, and being brave for myself and my family through brain surgery. I’ve been brave praying that Johnnie knows his heavenly Father is fighting for him even though it might seem like no one is fighting for him here on earth. 

I didn’t realize I had all these emotions still inside of me until this past weekend. I went home to visit family in Virginia and had two Noonday Collection trunk shows. One was for my wedding florist, Karen, who I hadn't known before my wedding. It was so special to see how our friendship has grown. The second was with a family friend who I went to church with since the 5th with her trunk show. She wanted to bring women together for good and continue building the new relationships she was forming. I shared the story of Noonday and how it creates economic opportunity for the vulnerable. I also shared how it was created when Jessica, the founder of Noonday, needed to raise money for the adoption of her son, Jack, and to bring him home from Rwanda. 

(Noonday's fearless leader, Jessica Honegger)

Two women had some questions and were asking how I got involved with Noonday. I shared that I found Noonday at a trivia night here in St. Louis and was immediately drawn to the beautiful jewelry and the mission behind it helping men and women all over the world through our purchases. And then, I was asked the question that awoke everything inside of me. “But Brooke, what is your “why”? Why do YOU do Noonday?” quivering no matter how hard you try. All the emotions of being brave for Johnnie, for brain surgery, for being determined to finish college on time no matter what all flooded out. I knew why I was so drawn to the adoption fundraising that is apart of Noonday’s story: Johnnie. The 4th grade boy who I had in my group at Winshape Camps when I was a counselor 5 years ago. Johnnie shared with me that he lived in a boys’ home where he experienced way more horrible things than any child should. His story makes you just want to adopt him and every other child without a home. Every child deserves a home. Every child deserves to be loved and to be loved well. I loved how she chose to be intentional I just started bawling. The ugly cry where your lip can’t stop quivering no matter how hard you try. 

But, that’s not the case with so many children. So, I say all that to say, my “why” of doing Noonday is for Johnnie. My husband and I,feel led to adopt  and we love that Noonday’s mission is to bring forever families together. So, when you partner with Noonday and me to host a trunk show, you are fighting for our artisans’ families who need a constant income to keep their family together and you are fighting to bring a child home for an ambassador’s family. You are a huge part of bringing forever families together. 

I’m so grateful for Jessica and her bravery. I’m so grateful she listened to God’s call on her life to continue selling the beautiful jewelry that brought her son, Jack, home. Her “yes” created Noonday and all the amazing things that accompany it. I love being a part of the group of ambassadors who either have, are in the process of, or are praying about adoption. It’s a group I’m blessed to be apart of this sisterhood with them. Everyday we encourage each other to keep going and to continue on this path because of the artisans. I’m so grateful for opportunities and moments like this that 

change you forever. These are moments when you know God is alive and moving. It’s so easy to doubt God but this weekend I was gently reminded, that he is for you, is fighting for you, and you just have to trust him.

(Some of my Ambassador Sisters & Jessica Honegger, founder of Noonday (middle)

Noonday Collection // St. Louis Balloon Glow!

  I've been so excited to share this blog! I've fallen even more in love with St. Louis this month! Last weekend, St. Louis had their annual "Balloon Glow." I've never been so close up one hot balloon, let alone, 20! The Balloon Glow was my inspiration for my outfit for the day so naturally, I choose the Dainty Paper Bead necklace that is a burst of color for any outfit!  

(follow me on instagram @brookejvg)

The idea of the Balloon Glow was being able to capture the life and details of the balloons while they are "lit up" after the sunset. I think that the balloons represent Noonday Collection artisans so perfectly. Our Dainty paper bead necklace is made in Uganda, our first artisan group that Noonday Collection has worked with. Our purchases create economic opportunity for the vulnerable, keeps children in schools and families together. Our artisans life's have literally "lit up" since working with Noonday.

They have job security for the first time ever. Their children are staying in and continuing in school. Change is happening. And, it all started about 3 years ago with Noonday's first two artisans from Uganda, Jalia & Daniel. And now, because of your purchases, Noonday is now helping over 300 families with our artisan group in Uganda! So. freaking. awesome. Learn about our artisan group in Uganda by watching this wonderful video. 

"When you satisfy the needs of the oppressed, your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

Want to add color to your wardrobe and change lives at the same time? Purchase our gorgeous Dainty Paper Bead Necklace & you can be apart of the amazing change Noonday is doing in the lives of our artisans in Uganda! 

Noonday Collection // What's in your Bag?

I have been totally inspired by the Noonday Collection blog series "A Peek inside our Bag". I love how it makes you feel more connected to the girls who work at home office and I couldn't resist joining! :) 

And here's little more of why I love each item in my bag:

1. My fossil wallet is a must: My Uncle Mike gave me my first fossil wallet when I was in middle school and I blame him for my fossil obsession. I started young and it hasn't faded since. I have a huge obsession now with leather, which you'll also read about at #10. ;)

2. New York & Company Sunglasses: My husband Aaron convinced me to try out aviators two years ago with this pair and I bought two more for $4 each to keep in safe keeping in case I ever lost a pair. Their my favorite sunglasses I've ever owed. And the best value.

3. Rifle Paper Co Notebook: It might be that Anna Bond, creator of Rifle Paper Co, & I are both Alumni of Liberty University that drew me to her work, but it is her incredible talent that keeps me coming back. I am obsessed with her stationary business and love keeping notes in this gorgeous notebook. 

4. BareMinerals Lip Gloss: I became obsessed with this lip gloss last year and haven't turned back since.

5. Kind Bar: With my attempt to eat more healthy snacks, I turned to Kind Bars with the suggestion of my best friend, Taylor. She never fails to bring her A game. I didn't expect to love my healthy snacks but I'm totally hooked on the almond & coconut flavor. You gotta try it. I owe you big time, Tay.

6. Bath & Body Works Lotion: Peach & honey almond lotion for the win. Not only is the packaging gorgeous, it smells divine.

7. Fossil Watch: As said earlier, my obsession started early with fossil. My watch is a testament to that. I don't leave the house without it. And if I do, my wrist feels alone all day. 

8. Noonday Collection Bracelet: my Very Versatile bracelet from Noonday totally caught me by surprise. My sister-in-law, Natalie, purchased it first and I fell in love with it the moment I saw it in person. It has that edgy style I don't typically go for but I feel like every girl should own this bracelet. 

9. Canon Camera/ iPhone 5: The first and last picture are essentially the same except one thing. The camera or iphone. The last picture on the blog is taken with my iphone to show case my camera. After my sister, Candace, & Dad, Rob, introduced me to photography, I haven't looked back. It's a hobby that I love to continue to love about and try new things. Capturing photographs with my Canon or iPhone is something you will always seem me doing. It brings me so much joy!

10. Noonday Collection purse: The last thing on the list is my beloved "Rustic Leather Tote" purse from Noonday! It is made from a group of women who have leprosy in India. This purse has for the first time in their lives, given them purpose and recognition in their community. They have been shunned for their whole lives and looked down upon and this is the first time ever they have dignity and respect from their community. That's something I can't say about my fossil purse. So inspiring and that is what continues to fuel my passion to "purchase with purpose!"

iPhone version to debut my favorite hobby....my Canon. 

Enter Noonday Collection's giveaway to win our Lines and Stripes Catch All bag! Only one day left! And, I want to know, what are some "must haves" in your purse? Can't wait to hear! 

Noonday Collection // Chambray Round 2

As September continues, my Chambray posts continues as well! This may be my new favorite way to wear my Chambray button up. I layered my shirt over my favorite J.Crew Maxi dress. It's so comfortable, yet stylish. I love the axtec pattern paired with the solid chambray.

This outfit stands out in my closet especially because of all the stories it represents. I'm wearing Noonday Collection's artisan stories from Vietnam, Haiti and Ethiopia. 

Our new Terracotta Rope Necklace  is made in Haiti. "This terracotta treasure accented with subtle touches of gold is the perfect accent necklace". I have accented it with our Hanoi Necklace from Vietnam. The terracotta and gold brings plays well with the water buffalo horn and it's an absolute favorite this fall. 

The stories of our artisans are so inspiring and will leave you with the desire to "purchase with purpose" even more. The "impact" section on my website has so many inspiring stories of our artisans and I encourage you to go read them! 

Noonday Collection // Chambray + September

Much to my dismay, fall is coming quickly and I can't stop it. I love what fall brings like pumpkin lattes and apple picking just as much as you but I love summer like no one's business. It's my favorite season hands down. So imagine what a dark day it was for me today when I got to the pool and it was locked for the year. Insane. However, I must carry on and celebrate the season change!

To celebrate, every Monday this September, I will post an outfit featuring chambray. Everyone's seasonal favorite! :) 

Today i'm rocking the collarless chambray shirt from Lauren Conrad's collection at Kohl's. I love polka dots and chambray so I naturally fell in love with this shirt when the two were married together. I am also wearing the gorgeous new "tier drop necklace" from the fall line with Noonday Collection.  This is in my top 3 favorite's from this season and I think you can tell why. It's so unique and different from anything I've ever owned. Since the shirt is lacking a collar and is a sort of neutral color, the necklace really shines. To top off the whole outfit, I added one of my new favorites, the new "Dreamweaver earrings". They are a stunning and eye-catching piece that adds visual interest without going overboard.  (Plus they are as light as air so I even forget I am wearing them!) I absolutely love them and the fact they are made with love in India where our artisans are paid a fair living wage
is just the icing on the cake. 

Cheer's to a great September! xoxo