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!

Noonday Collection Hostess / Jillian

I am SO excited to introduce you to my good friend and Noonday hostess, Jillian! Jill and I met through serving at our churches children's program together at the Journey Tower Grove. I love how God uses instances like these to bring people together. I am so beyond grateful for Jill and her friendship these last few months. She is such a gatherer and makes everyone feel loved as soon as they walk in the door. As you can imagine, Jillian's trunk show was nothing shy of amazing. Her friends know how to have a good time and there was so much laughter and joy at her trunk show. 

It was great to hear about her "why" of being a Noonday hostess and why she believes her purchase makes a difference. Jill just "gets" Noonday, so much so that her roommate just signed up to be an ambassador! I love when you can see the tangible example of someone saying yes. 

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

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

I wanted to share my experience with my friends. I knew I could talk to them about it but there is something about trying on the collection and hearing the stories of artisans that really makes an impact. 

What was your favorite part of hosting a trunk show?  

THE WHOLE THING! I loved bringing my friends together for a night of community, a night of feeling beautiful and bold trying on jewelry, a night of empowerment as these ladies used their purchasing power to impact people across the world. 

What is one piece of Noonday you think every women should own? And, your favorite piece you own and why? 

Definitely a Noonday bracelet. There are so many to pick from! You can really dress them up OR down. My FAVORITE piece is my first purchase, the Metallic Pearl Earrings. From the start I was unsure if I could rock noonday jewelry but I took a chance because I wanted to support Brooke and the company’s mission. Turns out, I LOVE THEM. They are simple. They can go with any outfit. They make me feel beautiful AND they have a story. The artisans in Ethiophia used artillery from war in the hoops. It is a beautiful reminder to me how God can take something so broken and make it new & beautiful. 

          Is there a Noonday country or artisan story that sticks out to you?

I really love the story behind the Rachel necklace. I love that due to Noonday, a mother and daughter can continue to thrive as a family together. Mother-daughter relationships aren’t always easy but I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have my mom.  Her birthday was on the day of my trunk show which makes it even more coincidental & special. 

Jillian is wearing the Rachel necklace in her pictures -- Rachel is the name of the daughter of our artisan partner Olivia. Before Noonday, Olivia almost had to give Rachel up for adoption but when Jalia, the leader of our artisan group in Uganda, heard about this, she hired Olivia to make paper beads for Noonday Collection. This allowed Olivia to be able to care for Rachel and Noonday provided scholarships for Rachel to attend school. Noonday believes that together we are creating a flourishing world where Children are cherished and the Rachel necklace paints that picture just perfectly. 

If you would like to host a Noonday trunk show to share these stories like Jillian 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 lastly,  Jillian's favorite trunk show recipe is.....

Coconut Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice, from about 9 lemons
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 8 cups coconut water
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 recipe Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. Place lemon juice, sugar, coconut water, and water into a pitcher and shake or stir vigorously until all the sugar is dissolved. I prefer to shake because it aerates the lemonade and makes a nice head on top.
2. Pour 1/2 of the lavender syrup into the pitcher and stir. You can add more or less lavender syrup to your personal taste. I personally find that 1/2 of the lavender syrup recipe is a good balance.

Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons dried lavender
• a few drops of violet food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the sugar, water, and lavender in a medium, heavy bottomed saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil on high heat, and boil for 1 minute.
3. Remove from the heat, cover, and let the lavender steep in the syrup for 20 minutes.
4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender, add the food coloring (food coloring is optional and is just used for presentation purposes).
5. Set syrup aside to cool.
6.  Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

-garnish with lemon wedges or slices, lavender flowers, or rim the glass with yellow or purple colored sugar. Maybe rim the glass with some sweetened toasted coconut

Noonday Collection & WH Clothier Collaboration

I am SO excited to share a company that is so dear to my heart, Wholehearted Clothier! After becoming a Noonday Collection Ambassador last May, it's completely opened my eyes to how we have purchasing power and can actually play a part in changing the world through our purchasing!

I found Wholehearted Clothier on Instagram and loved what they were about. Sunny, the founder, was tired of the corporate world and knew she was born for something bigger. WH Clothier was born out of her passion! You can read all about her here on her blog.

Sunny mentions on her blog that her "dream for this company is to celebrate fashion and individual style while supporting our neighbors both locally and around the world. How do we do that? Well, here at WHC, 10% of EVERY PURCHASE is set aside for a family, person, charity, or organization that is in need. To date, our world changers have raised almost $1500 which has gone to help a teen mom purchase a car and to CASA of Collin County."

This goes hand in hand with what Noonday is all about. The moment I found out about WH Clothier, I knew I had to be apart of the work they are doing.

This black pleated skirt is my current favorite in my closet and comes from Whole Hearted Clothier! It is for sure the most comfortable skirt I have ever owned; it's like a fancy sweatshirt!

It was such a fun skirt to style and I love how it gave me a french vibe with the stripes. It would also look so cute dressed down with a graphic tee and converses! The sky's the limit!

Just how Noonday Collection's name was named from Isaiah 58:10 "When you satisty the needs of the oppressed, your light will become like the Noonday" Wholehearted Clothier was also named after a Bible verse:

"Driven by Jeremiah 29:11-13, WH Clothier intends to seek God wholeheartedly in this venture and encourage others to do the same."

Another thing that immediately drew me to WH Clothier was how Sunny pairs Noonday with her pieces on her Instagram! I love how it's such a beautiful example of women empowering women and how when we support each other, everyone wins. 

If you know me and follow me, you know Noonday continues because of women joining hands with their local ambassador, and creating a marketplace for our artisan partners by opening their homes and inviting their friends over. If you're in Texas, WH Clothier has trunk shows as well! I mean, world changing accessories AND clothing? At the same place? Yes please! 

If your in Dallas, TX (or surrounding areas) learn all about having a WH Clothier
trunks show here!

I should probably not leave out my current necklace crush too. The Quito Necklace made in Ecuador is my surprise favorite from the Noonday Collection Spring line that launched last month! "This gorgeous necklace combines natural tagua seed and coconut shell with a graphic Ecuadorian fabric. When Noonday discovered this printed fabric on a trip to Ecuador, they knew it would be a perfect addition to this special piece."

p.s. because of the fabric, it is SO comfortable! The red tagua seed is the perfect pop of color this summer.

I am just so excited to introduce you to Wholehearted Clothier and all they are about. And, as a huge thank you for shopping ethically and continuing to learn more about fair trade, Sunny at Wholehearted Clothier has given you a 10% off coupon to shop! 

At checkout, use code BROOKEJVG10 to take 10% off your order until March 31, 2015. I can't wait to see what you purchase. Make sure to tag me (@brookejvg) and @whclothier on instagram to show off your newest, world changing outfit! 

p.s.s. TOMS Jutti flats are my favorite. They give one pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased. And, the Black Jutti flats are currently on SALE! Bonus! 

Now, I'd love to continue shopping ethically and find out about new fair trade brands. Write below with your favorite brands! 

xoxo, 

Brooke

Outfit Details:

Quito Necklace
Cubed Studs, Silver
Head of the Class Pleated Midi Skirt
TOMS - Black Jutti Flats 
Glasses: Wilkie, Warby ParkerShirt - Old Navy (last season)

Noonday Collection // It's a jungle out there...

It's HERE!!! The new Spring Line is finally HERE! I have been drooling over these new pieces since last month and just itching to share something so dear and special to my heart!

In November, I was approached by Noonday's home office to be in the Spring 15' Look Book"! You can imagine my excitement and shock at this out of the blue opportunity. I was totally blind sided and completely humbled at the same time. They shared that they loved the pictures from Aaron & I's wedding and wanted to feature a newlywed. I'm so honored that they choose me! It is a pretty special feeling when someone values something you hold so close to your heart. 

This season, Noonday had the brilliant idea to feature an ambassador next to an artisan to show that even though we are different we are also the same. Each artisan story pairs with an ambassador who has a similar story. I must admit, when I realized they paired me with Fanny from Rwanda, another newlywed, tears flooded my eyes. I just kept repeating "no way, NO WAY" in my head. No way, I get to live this life? Man, what an honor. I am so excited to carry Fanny's story with me to trunk shows this season and for all my St. Louis customer's to see our city, nice and big, at the top of my page.

I found this hidden gem in St. Louis called "The Jewel Box". It is a green house that doubles as a wedding venue. Would you believe me when I told you it is two minutes from my apartment? I am one lucky gal. When I walked in I knew it would be the perfect location for this blog post. The theme of the Spring 2015 look book is Jungle and I found my very own jungle here in St. Louis. Let's escape the snow storm and dream of the tropics together! 

This seaon I'm so excited to also announce we are partnering with THREE new countries! One of my newest favorite artisan group is in Mexico! Artisan entrepreneur Mario and his talented seamstress team are located in Jalisco, Mexico. They use traditional Otomi embroidery, featuring animal and nature motifs in vibrant colors. Each bag is hand embroidered and sent to Guadalajara to be finished with luscious leather and I might not just let this bag out of my sight this summer... ;). 

I am just so excited the day is finally here for you to see the new line for yourself and I hope you love all the new pieces that have been HANDMADE just for us. Together, we are creating a flourishing world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs, and we are connected. 

The new Tushabe necklace, handmade in Uganda, is a for sure favorite. Purple has and will always have my heart and it's the perfect color for spring. Bonus tip, the Ivory drop earrings from India pair nicely adding a little "shine" to your outfit. 

Thank you all for your support and I'm so excited to announce this gorgeous new line with you. If you'd like to see it all in person, contact me today at brookevg.noonday@gmail.com to book your trunk show today! Join hands with us and continue the impact Noonday is having on men & women all over the world by creating a pathway out of poverty through shopping online. I mean, it was just Valentine's right? Treat yo' self! ;) Happy Launch, everyone! 

Tushabe Necklace (Uganda) 

Ivory Drop Earrings (India)

Bazaar Bangles (India)

Birds of Paradise Purse (Mexico) 

Noonday Collection // Why I wear red lipstick...

Since coming back from the Noonday ambassador conference about 4 weeks ago, I realized that I am a completely different person since starting Noonday. I am bold. I am confident. I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. I came back with a fire inside me to make sure every women in my life feels empowered to live to their full potential and to fully believe in themselves.

Noonday has grown the sense of confidence that I always knew was inside of me. In high school & college, I found my passion for others through missions by going on mission trips to Philadephia, Africa and France. And, I majored in Graphic Design where I grew my passion for photography and design. When I found Noonday, I realized how perfect it combined all my passions including fashion.   

Jessica spoke on how when we give ourselves permission to shine we give others to Shine with us. Noonday has given me that confidence to wear that bold statement necklace, that red lipstick or that bright skirt. I am learning that when we start fully believing that God has made us perfect in his image & we are surrounded by those who love us, we SHINE. I love seeing how Noonday also creates that confidence in my friends and family. It's a beautiful thing watching others shine. 

The one quote from the Ambassador Conference that keeps getting repeated in my head is from our founder, Jessica Honegger's, speech she gave on women. 

"Let's hustle, but not for our worth. 

Let's run, but at our own pace. 

Let's create spaces of love and belonging 

for ourselves and others and 

elevate the worth of a woman. 

In 2015, let's shine!"

The Roar necklace was named by Jessica because she believes in us and wants us all to ROAR. And yes, it was inspired after Katie Perry's song. Let's all SHINE this year, ladies. 

The Roar Necklace

Octagon Hoop Earrings

Etched Bars Bracelet - Gold (on sale)

Etched Bars Bracelet - Silver (on sale) 

Floral Tattoo

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

----------

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

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

xoxo