Sameena Bemat

I love the turn of the seasons- Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer. There really is something in the air that makes everyone smile a little brighter as we finally pull off our layers and get some sunshine. 

Maybe it’s everything new around me when a new season rolls around, but the familiar craving to get new stuff also seems to join the new season feels. And where this might be a great time to indulge in a few new ethical pieces for many, my overstuffed closet and NY apartment tells me it is not one for me. 

​That’s where my new JORD watch comes in. It’s something new- a perfect compromise for my shopping craving- but something versatile and a true investment in my wardrobe. 

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​When it comes to shopping for a formal occasion like a friend’s wedding, a gala (if you’re about that life), or even just a birthday dinner, it’s a little hard to find ethical options. This is why I’m so excited to share Lace & Scone with you- a truly unique brand that makes being ethical and giving back fun and luxurious. 

I’m not usually one to make New Year’s resolutions, but this year I’ve got a list rattling around my brain with a common green theme. Before I tell you what my specific resolutions are, I want to share why I’m going in a direction of sustainability so intentionally this year…

I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t always been interested in sustainability or the environment. In fact, as a high school student I went out of my way to not be identified with anything too “green.” I had this misconception that environmental advocates must always care more for the planet than for people. I thought there was some sort of gap between social justice and environmental care and that I could only care about one of those two issues.

Oh was I wrong. 

​We’ve got some big days coming up. Tomorrow, we don the stretchiest waistbands we own, spend some quality time with family and friends (and food), and reflect on our blessings.

But starting Friday, we enter the biggest shopping weekend of the year. In 2015, 74.2 million shoppers shopped on Friday (35 million shopped on Thanksgiving itself), spending over $100 million- and that’s just in store. Not to mention that there have been 7 DEATHS and 98 injuries from the craziness that ensues around the same holiday that is all about gratitude.

Let’s be honest- who doesn’t love the feeling of scoring a great deal this season?! Especially when you’ve got a huge gift list to fill. And while the stats I just mentioned are truly alarming and saddening, there is another way to participate in this weekend while doing some good- conscious consumerism.
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We all know about the incredible deals big brands will have this weekend – but they don’t always have the best ethical record. What if we use the power or our dollars to support local, ethical, small businesses that are doing their part to make a positive impact on their community and the world? I’ve connected with some really great people in Minnesota to bring you this shopping guide, full of local, small businesses, and deals that you won’t want to miss- all in one place!