notablySmitten

Women for Women International

succulent and sustaining recipes - Share: The Cookbook that Celebrates Our Common Humanity

cause conscious, cookbook, ethical, giftseden tirlComment
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This dazzlingly illustrated cookbook has been a stellar gift for all my foodie, gourmet chef girlfriends since May 2013. I don't cook...but I may now that I too have been given one of these beautiful books for my very own kitchen.

Share: The Cookbook that Celebrates Our Common Humanity is chock full of over 100 enticing, delectable recipes to try, with contributions from top chefs and movie celebs.

Break bread and be jubilant with Congolese Corn Fritters and Pineapple Salsa, Nigerian Beef and Okra Soup or Quorn and Pepper Tacos...then for dessert, Annie Lennox's porridge or Judi Dench's bread and butter pudding.

This is a book exploding with hope, goodwill and is a perfect way to help support and raise money for women affected by war in countries such as Rwanda, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and South Sudan.

The charity has enabled these women to learn skills, find employment, earn money, enjoy independence and gain self-respect. Some of their stories are told here, a stark reminder of just how fragile civilization can be.

All proceeds from the sales of the cookbook go to Women for Women International's micro-financing programs as well as their farming and food training initiatives.

Other contributions from Jaime Oliver, Alice Waters, Maggie Beer, Rene Redzepi, Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep, Sir Paul McCartney and Mia Farrow are besprinkled with inspiring stories from the women whose lives have been changed through Women for Women International.

great, good, amazing - GIVESCENT

conscious, ethical, fragrance, gifts, perfumeeden tirlComment
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I am a madwoman for fragrances. I change my “go to” every 3-4 months...and usually have an alternate for my "go to" on standby! One of my new favorite finds is GIVESCENT, created by acclaimed yoga teacher Elena Brower, founder of Virayoga in NYC. 

After spending time teaching in Italy, getting exhilarated by all that surrounded her, she discovered an almond oil blend that inspired her to create her own fragrance. She partnered with Alexandra Lyon Perelman and paired the almond scent with a summery citrus blend, thus creating the original signature scent. It is a deliciously provocative, inspiring essence. Love it!

They now have 3 singular fragrances (free of alcohol, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates and sulfates...and cruelty free) to choose from:

Signature - a captivating blend of sun-ripened citrus and spicy vanilla 

Green - an invigorating blend of bergamot, lemon and mint 

Orange - a sensuous blend of bergamot, grapefruit and musk 

Here’s what I love most: 

From the purchase of each bottle of GIVESCENT orange, $2 will be given to benefit Every Mother Counts. And 5% of all proceeds from GIVESCENT signature and GIVESCENT green will go toward benefitting Women for Women International. Don't you just love that!  

Smell great. Do good. Feel amazing! 

Am Smitten.