Paper cuts are one of the most frustrating things to happen to mankind. But, I would run my fingers through 100 sheets of loose-leaf paper just to rock a Cynthia Rowley-designed Band-Aid. The designer has brought her bold and lively designs to the staid worl of first-aid products and I think it’s one of the coolest collaborations.

Twenty assorted bandages are housed in metal tins ($10) and one dollar from the sale of each tin benefits Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects that address social issues in their own communities.  You can purchase these items on the Cynthia Rowley website or in stores nationwide.

So cute.

Images: CynthiaRowley.com

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Kenneth Cole has never been shy about wearing his heart (via various causes) across his chest…And, he wants you to do the same! When you stop by the brand’s Facebook page, check out the custom t-shirt store where you can mix and match colors and slogan to create the perfect shirt for you.

The shirts retail for $34.95 and 100% of proceeds benefit KC’s Awearness Foundation, which funds various charitable causes across the country including gulf relief.

Gulf relief!

The custom app is so easy to use, and you can literally spend hours playing with different combinations. I’ve narrowed my design process to the three shirts below. Which one do you think I should buy? I’m leaning towards the second shirt, but the “Today Is Not a Dress Rehearsal” shirt speaks to the urgency of now. Aye…I may have to buy more than one. What do you all think?

Decisions, decisions...

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Photo: Mango

Shakira has shimmied her way onto my “Most Beautiful Celebs” list and now she’s designed her way into my heart with a line of charitable tees to benefit South Africa.

The tees come in four designs and include graphics such an illustration of a lion’s face and the phrases “Waka Waka” and “This Time For Africa.” Those phrases are a nod to her single and World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Proceeds from the shirts will benefit the singer’s Barefoot Foundation, which supports elementary education in South Africa. The shirts will be available in Mango stores and online at mangoshop.com.

In case you missed her great performance, you can catch the video below. P.S. How great was her outfit?

Last month, I entered a drawing on The Bright Side Project, and won two gift certificates for LavishGiving.com. I learned about Lavish Giving awhile ago, so I was superexcited about my prize! Lavish Giving sells some amazing items, such as decorative pillows, stylish leather planners, candles, and more. It’s a perfect site to visit if you’re looking to step up your gift-giving game. Additionally, they donate 10% of your purchase to the charity of your choice! How about that?

Today, I checked out the site to look for a gift for myself, particularly for my poor, non-decorated apartment. I was completely amazed with the selection, but I was struck by some beautifully designed glass plates. The “Plates with Purpose” are handcrafted and each design benefits one of six charities. The “Forget-Me-Not” design to the right benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Other charities include Habitat for Humanity, Special Advocates, and hospice, food bank, and AIDS organizations. The cool thing is that those donations are in addition to the donation that you give just for shopping the site!

To check out the full collection, head on over to LavishGiving.com.

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Zoé Klutch’s line of cute and custom clutches provide a unique and thoughtful gift to favorite ladies. The clutches are created with a t-shirt on the outside and are lined with working denim pockets, combining function plus style.

As a holiday special, all the clutches in her Etsy shop are 25-40% off. Rather be unique? You can also create a custom clutch and from now until December 31st, buy one and get one half off! To create a custom clutch, shoot an email over to kristi@isabelladean.com. Note: If you want the clutch by the holidays, she must receive the shirts by December 4th!

Not only are the clutches eco-friendly but there’s a charitable concept. Until the end of the year, five percent of each sale will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of the Kristi’s grandmother who has been living with the illness for eight years.

These clutches are such a cute way to repurpose all those tees that you (and I) have laying around the house. College was four years of partying, studying and t-shirts. These super cute clutches would make great gifts for my college friends and would help me clear out some drawer space. Agree?

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When I was in high school, I did a research paper on the horrors of Female Genital Mutilation. Young African girls (as young as 9) are sometimes subjected to the act as a right of passage. The gruesome act not only inflicts pain on the girls at that momemt, but as they grow up, there are often many complications and infections from the procedure. Jessica Censotti, a Chicago artist, is using her artwork to raise awareness and support young girls who stand up against FGM. In addition to great sculptures and vessels, Censotti also features dazzling earrings from the KAI Collections at her shows and on her website.

Red Feather Earrings, $65

The jewelry is handcrafted by the Maasai women in Kenya and 100% of the proceeds will go to build a home for girls who’ve refused Female Genital Mutilation. To learn more about the school and the Mwavido organization by visiting www.mwavido.com. I’ve picked out my three favorite designs but all of them are beautiful!

Lavender and Green Earrings, $65

Tear Drop Earrings with Turquoise, $55

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Thanks to Three Peas Art for the info!

At BowlHer, there was a great reward awaiting anyone who bowled a strike…A bottle of ONEHOPE chardonnay! While this was music to my ears because I enjoy an occasional (*cough*) glass of wine, I was also thrilled because our particular wine promoted breast cancer awareness. Launched in April 2006, the wine has been building buzz across the country for its flavorful tastes and fundraising efforts. For each bottle purchased, the company donates 50% to a specific nonprofit cause!

Here’s the breakdown of how the wines pair up with the organizations:

AIDS (AIDS/LifeCycle) – Merlot

Autism (Autism Speaks) – Cabernet Sauvignon

Breast Cancer (Susan G. Komen for the Cure) – Chardonnay

The Planet (American Forests) – Sauvignon Blanc

Our Troops (Snowball Express) – Zinfandel

ONEHOPE is currently available in restaurants and stores in nine states, and can be bought online and shipped to 33 states. For locations and to access the online store, visit www.onehopewine.com!

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This charming bracelet to the right is a special edition creation designed by Chic Gems to benefit The Red Pump Project.

As some of you may remember, I started the The Red Pump Project with Luvvie, of AwesomelyLuvvie.com, as an initiative to spread awareness about the effect of HIV/AIDS on women and girls in the US.

The bracelet will be available for purchase on the Chic Gems website later in the week. In the meantime, you can order the bracelets by calling 888-801-8265. Be sure to use the code “red pump” to receive 10% off the purchase price of $40. An additional 20% will then be donated to The Red Pump Project.

Order yours today and show your support in the fight against AIDS!!!

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Here’s a roundup of stories from around the web…

Kenneth Cole launches his “Awearness” book in NYC Marie Claire

OPI launches a new nail color to benefit the Lung Cancer Foundation of America Teen Vogue

Celebrities help ‘The Children’s Place’ give back Tonic

Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard takes children on a shopping spree Athlebrities

Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden team up with Esprit for charity CelebTV

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Okay, all things considered, I lead a fabulous, fun lifestyle…But, if you really know me then you that I take huge pride in curling up on the couch and watching DVDs. Oh, it’s the truth! Between Netflx, Redbox, and taking from my friends’ collections, I watch tons of movies/TV shows. 

I’m saying all that to ask if someone out there would buy me a Slanket. You know…the blankets that look like backward robes! I’ve decided that I can’t take it anymore and I have to have one! Before you laugh, you should know that the purchase of Slankets actually benefit various charities…I’m serious!

All of the blue Slankets raise money for H20 Africa. The green, brown, and grey Slankets raise funds for the Natural Resources Defense Council. The lavender, ruby wine, and apricot colors support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

See? Now, when you support my Slanket obsession, you’ll be supporting one of these fine charities I can hear some of you laughing, but don’t sleep on the Slanket. I hear they are super comfortable! Or was that the Snuggie? Anyways, you get my drift! For more information, please visit www.TheSlanket.com!

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