Archive for the ‘A Good Cause’ Category
October 26, 2007
Marlese Sears of Canada-based Bobe Bath Essentials shot me an email a couple weeks back asking if I’d be open to trying a product or two. I knew via perusing the website that this company really cared about the products they created. I selected to try the Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter and a Lip Balm…and I am really glad that I did.
Since I received my sample pack, I’ve been faithfully puckering up with my Carnival Candy Apple Lip Balm (I’m a lip balm/gloss person so this made me happy). The balm is smooth and you get just the right amount of scent without being overpowering. As for my yummy Grapefruit Supreme Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter…citrus heaven! I am always a bit hesitant when it comes to using anything with too much fragrance. However, after applying some of the body butter I was hooked. The formula is light enough for me to use in Hawaii yet gave me a nice smooth skin surface that I would bet would work in colder, drier weather.
Marlese launched Bobe in 2006 cooking up fresh batches of custom bath and body products, made to order. A master mixologist, she combines exotic ingredients to create her unique line that includes body butters, lip balms, perfumes, lotions, scrubs and cleansers.  With over 50 scents and 70 lip balm flavors to chose from, you are sure to get something that’s perfect.
Here are a couple of goodies from the shop:
Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter; Lip Balm:
 
Eau de Parfum; Luxurious Body Wash:
 
Bobe also believes strongly in giving back and supporting the community. You can feel good about all of your purchases with Marlese because each month, 5% of Bobe retail sales are given to a different charity.
{Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter: $8.71 (USD); Lip Balm: $3.84 (USD)}
{Eau de Parfum: $14.08 (USD); Luxurious Body Wash: $8.19 (USD)}
October 25, 2007
What are your plans for Friday? Feel like hanging out and making new friends? Maybe you’d like to get a good workout in while helping a good cause? I know, you’d like me to count you in, right? Come on over to Puck’s Alley in Honolulu to Martial Arts Family Fitness for the first KICK for a CURE!
Reiko Ho (owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness) will be hosting this event to help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Passionately Pink for the Cure. It’ll be a special 90-minute kickbox class of Bands, Bootcamp and Bags. Everyone is invited and we look forward to seeing you there. Simply bring your $5 donation that will be collected at the door and get ready to KICK it!

Martial Arts Family Fitness
Puck’s Alley, 2nd Floor
2600 S. King Street, Suite 202
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
Come on down to join in, send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) or visit the site and contact Reiko. It’s guaranteed to be a good time!
October 12, 2007
The last time I featured Momi Chee‘s clothing line, Lily Lotus, was in June. Now just a few months later we have the Fall 2007 Collection to enjoy. I have been spying a number of her current designs and have seen them in person. The clothing has truly stunning images with brushed metal and rhinestones. Here are just a couple of my favorites…
Buddha Burnout Tee; Mantra Tunic Tank:

Hamsa Burnout Longsleeve; Om Karma Cargo Pants:

Big Om Burnout Tank; Buddha Tunic Longsleeve:

Hamsa Burnout Tee; Big Om Zen Pant:

{Buddha Burnout Tee: $68.00; Mantra Tunic Tank: $56.00}
{Hamsa Burnout Longsleeve: $78.00; Om Karma Cargo Pants: $92.00}
{Big Om Burnout Tank: $62.00; Buddha Tunic Longsleeve: $68.00}
{Hamsa Burnout Tee: $62.00; Big Om Zen Pant: $82.00}
Remember that buying Lily Lotus products helps others out. Lily Lotus works with local community programs such as Lanakila Rehabilitation Center and also donates to the Hawaiian Humane Society.
October 3, 2007
If you haven’t done so yet, head over to the Hipp Benefit shop. You can get some great handmade goodies (start your holiday shopping) and can help out Jennifer and Annabelle Hipp (Taryn of MYMY‘s sister and niece). Jennifer has some hospital bills to pay and all of the proceeds from the shop will go towards this good cause. They’ve extended the sales for one more week and all of the items are now 20% off. Shop closes on Sunday, October 7. Visit the blog to learn more.
Monster Pack Number 3 by Voz at Fishcakes; OddKids Card Set by Paper Lotus:

Crafty Scientist Crafty Tool Belt; Mix Tape Fabric Brooch from Bitter Mittens:

{Monster Pack Number 3 by Voz at Fishcakes: $12.00; OddKids Card Set by Paper Lotus: $2.40}
{Crafty Scientist Crafty Tool Belt: $16.00; Mix Tape Fabric Brooch from Bitter Mittens: $4.00}
August 24, 2007
Sure you do. You like to help folks out in any way you can, right? So then why not head over to the Wonderland Retreat shop and see if you could use a couple of goodies. There are great handmade items that would make perfect gifts (maybe even a gift to yourself) and it’s all for a good cause. If you recall the post I did about Elijah Wyman‘s Rotten Kidneys, you’ll know how wonderful a reason this is for you to shop. The benefit for the Wymans will close on September 15, so hurry on over. Here are a couple of items at Wonderland Retreat:
Ruler Pouch by Wonderland Q; Two Birds Necklace by Handmade Julz; Small Lavender Thank You Gift by Botanical Earth:

{Ruler Pouch: $15.00; Two Birds Necklace: $35.00; Lavender Thank You Gift: $18.00}
Another crafty gal and Mixed Plate friend that could use your help is Taryn Hipp. She’s the sweetie that owns MYMY (and yes, she was the brains behind the Guest Star Blogger Spots here). Her sister, Jennifer, was in the hospital and now has a bunch of crazy bills. She’s a hardworking single mother with 2 jobs and also makes time to pitch in at MYMY. Find out more about her story at Taryn’s blog. Here’s how you might help out:

If you’d like to take part in the raffle, learn more here.
If you’d like to make a donation through PayPal, you can do so here.
August 11, 2007
The talented Amy created her shop after receiving many requests for her clothing. Friends, family and strangers would ask her when she would have a line that could be purchased. Enter Spiderlily Clothing.
Amy has been sewing and patternmaking for six years but has always had a love of fabric, textiles and beautiful clothing. Her education in Seattle, Washington at the New York Fashion Academy was just the beginning. Her love for creating clothes along with her skills and abilities grew and lead her to earn a degree from a Fashion Careers College in San Diego, California. She is currently attending the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design.
Check out a couple of Amy’s pieces:
Black Vintage Inspired Top; Gray Vintage Inspired Top; Blue and Stripe One-of-a-Kind Top:

By the way…3% of all profits are donated to the Save the Redwoods League and the Sierra Club.
{Black Vintage Inspired Top: $45.00; Gray Vintage Inspired Top: $45.00; Blue and Stripe One-of-a-Kind Top: $45.00}
June 22, 2007

You may recall the post I did about Elijah Wyman and his rotten kidneys back at the end of May. The costs of his operation and treatments are high and the wonderful folks in the crafting community at Wonderland Retreat have become heroes once again. Not only have they helped indie crafter Alison Gordon of Wonderland Q with her medical bills, but they are now showing love for the Wyman family.
They have new goodies at the Wonderland Retreat Shop, making it easy to show your support and help out Elijah and his family. All of the proceeds from the sales at the shop will be donated to the Elijah Wyman Kidney Fund. You can also make a donation directly to the fund if you prefer.
Bite Me Cross Stitch Kit by Subversive Cross Stitch; Little Chunk of Plushy Cake by Heather L. Campbell; Anchor Ring by Handmade Julz:

{Bite Me Cross Stitch Kit: $12.00; Little Chunk of Plushy Cake: $10.00; Anchor Ring: $20.00}
June 15, 2007
The wait is over. The Mixed Plate Summer Shopping Gift Guide is now up and ready for your viewing and spending pleasure. I’m really excited about the guide and am happy about the wonderful participants that are featured. Check it out because there are some truly lovely items and even a number of discounts available. Go ahead…click the banner in the left column…or the one below…You know you wanna!
Remember to shop indie!
June 4, 2007
Laurie Momi Chee is quite inspiring. She’s a local girl (like me) who designs beautiful garments for yoga practice as well as everyday life. From the mat to beyond, these pieces are a must-have! She created her clothing line, Lily Lotus, upon returning to Honolulu after getting her English and Fine Art degress at Santa Clara University. At Lily Lotus you’ll find clothing that is lovely and versatile with images that sparkle with Swarovski crystal rhinestones.
In addition to making my favorite line of yoga-inspired clothing, Lily Lotus donates to charities both as a company and as individuals. It is their mission to give back. Their first company charity project began this year with their line of pet clothing. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hawaiian Humane Society (which makes me love Momi and her company even more!). Check out the pets section for stylish wear for your four-legged friends!
So if you’re heading to the studio with your yoga mat in hand or just want something hip to wear, please visit Lily Lotus. Their original designs and comfortable styles will have you saying “Om”…
Jeweled Lotus Short Sleeve T; Zen Pants With Koi; Om Blossom Long Sleeve T;

Angel Pet Tank; Buddha Full Tank; Starlet Girl’s Dress:

{Jeweled Lotus Short Sleeve T: $52.00; Zen Pants With Koi: $76.00; Om Blossom Long Sleeve T: $56.00}
{Angel Pet Tank: $28.00; Buddha Full Tank: $46.00; Starlet Girl’s Dress: $44.00}
May 28, 2007
Elijah and Rhonda Wyman are the creative and talented folks behind Figs and Ginger. Together, this husband and wife team craft gorgeous jewelry. Last year Elijah (who is now just 22-years-old) learned that he required a kidney transplant. The amazing news is that a match has been found and he will receive a transplant on June 6, 2007 (from a wonderful friend, Jason Rozen). Unfortunately, Elijah’s insurance coverage was quickly maxed out and he had to take a break from work, school and music due to his illness. This couple is financially in a bind. The Elijah Wyman Kidney Fund was set up to help with their expenses. To learn more, please visit their site and pass on their story. Donate if you can and send your well-wishes their way.
April 21, 2007

Jack Johnson is already great and wonderful and everything good. I can listen to his music all day. Then you learn a little more about him and realize that he is such an amazing guy. This weekend at the Waikiki Shell is the Kokua Festival. The festival promotes and celebrates everything that is eco-friendly and offers up awesome music as well. Performances will be made by Eddie Vedder, Ernie Cruz, Jr., Matt Costa, The Girlas and of course Jack Johnson.
As such a believer in caring for the environment and recycling, Jack Johnson not only organizes the Kokua Festival but also runs the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. All of the proceeds from the Festival will go to the Foundation, a non-profit organization that Jack and wife Kim started to support environmental education programs in Hawaii.
At the festival there will be booths that offer information on recycling, alternative energy demonstrations, local foods and more. What’s really cool is that they are pushing for people attending the concert to find alternate modes of transportation to the venue, thus reducing the environmental impact. There will be free electric shuttle rides to the Waikiki Shell from Kapiolani Community College. You can ride your bicycle (and be entered for a chance to win great prizes), walk there, car pool or even catch the bus.
There is so much to gain by attending the Kokua Festival and by following Jack Johnson’s lead. To learn more please visit the Kokua Festival site along with Kokua Hawaii Foundation.
PS – You can catch the webcast of the Kokua Festival on MySpace on Sunday, April 22!
Here are a couple of goodies you purchase at the shop (remember – it’s for a good cause!):
Kokua Festival Brown Trucker Hat; Kokua Hawaii Foundation Tote Bag:
 
April 20, 2007

Meet Lily. She belongs to Tess Lee, her husband John and their two kitties Marilyn and Maxine. Lily was abandoned by her previous owner and was then adopted recently by this loving family but is now in need of our help. Her medical bills are adding up and treatments are necessary in order for Lily to get well (read more about their story here).
Reuse Bag:

If you are interested in helping Lily and her family out, please visit Made by Tess and pick up a little something. Monetary donations can also be sent to madebytess@yahoo.com via PayPal. By the way, during this whole ordeal Tess was kind enough to donate goods to help out Alison as well.
Black and White Pin Cushion; Sunshine Apron:
 