I am back from my work trip to NY. I took the train down early Monday morning and ran around the city for two days going to several meetings and appointments.
I did manage to fit in some shopping and a manicure. My nails needed some serious love so I stopped by my favorite NY spot and got my nails done. I never used to be one do pamper myself but since the wedding I have to say I am a sucker for a good manicure. There is something about having your hands and nails ‘polished’.
I always like to stop into Macy’s Herald Square because it is just so giant and vast. The store was decorated with tons of Christmas décor and there were tons of people shopping! I actually find this store very overwhelming and I don’t like to spend too much time in it but it is always fun people watch. Macy’s is doing a really cool campaign this Holiday season. They trying to break the Guinness World Record for the longest wish list to Santa and for every letter Macy’s receives, they will donate a $1 to Make-A-Wish. I think this is such an amazing idea and encourages people to help give back and have fun while doing it. How long do you think the Wish List has to be to break the Guinness World Record?!
They say people are the happiest when they give back and/or do something for others and I really believe that is true. I got so excited by this campaign and overjoyed that I could contribute to Make-A-Wish by simply writing a Wish List to Santa. It got me thinking about other gifts that give back. I did a little research and found some really cool ideas if you are looking to make a difference this holiday season.
Gifts that Give Back*:
- Foster an Elephant [how freaken cool!] – $50 to Shledrick WildLife Trust and you can help raise a calf who lost his mother to the ivy trade and bring her back into the wild.
- Help Get Kids Active: Give to Afterschoolallstars.org and help provide programs that teach sports, goal setting to children all over the country.
- Send a sick kid to Summer Camp: The Serious Fun Network runs programs for ill kids. Donating $29 purchases the supplies she needs to swim, fish, craft and more.
- Prevent Sexual Assault: 1 in 5 college women is assaulted; $25 to Rainn.org teaches over 1,000 students about awareness and prevention.
- Birthday Gifts for Everyone: Purchase the GiveNow charity gift card for someone and you choose the value of the cards; your recipient chooses the charity; their charity receives a donation—everyone wins.
One last thing… if you follow me on Twitter you may already know this but I want to say it again anyway! We stay pretty close to Time Square and after dinner on Monday I went out to grab a giant bottle of water because I am crazy about staying hydrated and I heard what live music down a few blocks so I walked towards it. As I got closer I was like, that sounds like a cover to U2 song, and then I quickly realized it was a live concert in Times Square. The RED #onestope4RED concert put on by U2, no less! Apparently they announced it 45 minutes before they went on stage. I literally stumbled upon the tailend and watched Bruce Springsteen play with U2. It was so cool! NYC is so exciting, you never know what you are going to get!
What charities do you like to support?
*I got a lot of these ideas from the December issue of Glamour Magazine.
