The goal is to wake up every morning with a clear, fresh, and happy face, ready for another long day ahead.

So far, so good.

I have been using the Safeguard Derma Sense line for Acne-Prone Skin for more than two weeks now, and this is a more comprehensive review of the Facial Cleanser.

The new Safeguard Derma Sense line for Acne-Prone Skin is specially formulated to help fight the four major causes of acne breakouts: excess sebum, blocked pores, bacteria overgrowth, and inflammation—for clearer skin in eight weeks. It is dermatologically tested and helps provide noticeable acne reduction in 89% of people, helps remove acne-causing germs and excess oil, and refreshes with a Eucalyptus-infused formula. The most important thing to remember is that Derma Sense doesn’t just fix the problem; it goes to the root of the problem by getting rid of the germs.

Aside from the occasional zit or two that makes their presence felt whenever Aunt Flo comes to visit (which is, like, now – thus those two little bumps near my left eyebrow), I generally have clear skin and rarely break out. I have combination skin and find the need to blot my T-Zone every couple of hours but other than that, I’m good with the skin type I was given. Nevertheless, I still found good use for the Safeguard Derma Sense for Acne-Prone Skin in removing excess oil and reducing my blackheads.

It doesn’t lather as much as other regular facial washes do, but it does leave my skin feeling and looking clean and fresh. I like the cool after-feel, too!

Try the Safeguard Derma Sense for Acne-Prone Skin line if you have already tried a lot of other products but found none that helped significantly. Who knows, this household classic (because who doesn’t remember growing up with Safeguard bars of soap as regular fixture in the household?) might just be the answer you’re looking for. If you don’t have acne, might as well try it tonight, yes? Summer is supposed to have officially ended already but the heat is still as intense as ever and excessive heat almost always comes with excessive sebum. Prevention is better than cure, y’all.

I get up about five to ten minutes late almost every day so I never have the time to do even just my quick 5-minute makeup look. What I do is I just slap on some sunblock and off I go. Yes, I walk around Makati with a bare face every morning. It’s not exactly a “brave” act, when you really think about it, but in a superficial level of thinking that *is* already a big deal. Oh well, I don’t mind. My clear, fresh, and happy face is always ready for another long day ahead. ;)

Connect with Safeguard Derma Sense on Facebook and on their official website for more information. You may also check out Aryanna Epperson's Safeguard Derma Sense video here.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Check my blog’s complete Disclosure Policy here.

Currently Vol. 26

via

This was the first post that greeted me as I checked my Facebook feed on my way home tonight, and with the caption Take a little hug holiday today. #hugitout, it couldn't have been more apt. I am breaking out and got an awful haircut and now I look like a prepubescent boy, I got rained on even though I had my yellow umbrella with me, and I got into a mini fight (our first!) with my guy. If there's any day when a hug holiday would be ideal, that would be today kthanx.

CURRENTLY Vol. 26

READING
Alternative Alamat. I am the newest addition to the #StrangeLit: Paranormal/ Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy workshop sponsored by Buqo and I am equal parts excited and scared and thrilled and anxious!

WRITING
An outline of my #StrangeLit story in my head. I've always loved stories that has a bit of strange magic in it, most notable of which are Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's Good Omens, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, and Robin Sloan's Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. My fingers are tingling. Expect a story about malevolent wish-granters and wishes gone wrong from me, folks!

LISTENING TO
The angry howl of the rain coupled with a generous serving of thunder and lightning. I am so glad to be home.

WEARING
My favorite pair of PJs that I wear when I want to feel better.

THINKING
Of the things I'm trying not to think about. I am losing this battle.

FEELING
Tired because of work, sad because of all the things that happened today, happy because I finally got a case for my new work phone, and excited for the new plot brewing in my head.

LOVING
Aside from my new yellow case for my new work phone? My new work pen and new stash of Post-Its. I have learned to take pleasure in the littlest things.

WANTING
A weekend away from the city. Star-watching by the beach would be perfect.

NEEDING
To budget my money to make said weekend away from the city a reality.

WISHING
Someone would be kind enough to get me a Grand Romantic CD! Read this for context. (Still the same from last week's Currently!)

Oh, I just made up with my guy. All is well in the world again.

Can you believe it's almost *gasp* July?? Gosh! Have a great week/ month ahead, my friends! ♥

My Spark NA journey

Robert De Niro dropping some harsh truth bombs while presenting the Best Screenplay nominees at the 86th Academy Awards

I consider finishing my short story Once Upon a Sticky Note and putting it out there one of my biggest, bravest, and scariest accomplishments so far. The idea of baring myself and opening my work to critique and/ or ridicule is enough to make me want to walk inside the closet and not stop until I reach Narnia, but in the name of all that is good and holy I WENT AHEAD AND DID IT.

And it paid off well.

Naturally, I thought the next step would be to dare more. Armed with the knowledge that I finished 6,402 words by clocking in three to five hours a night for four nights and pretty confident that I have a solid continuation for Nate and Tanya's story, I signed up for Spark NA. Even though I was forever the buzzer-beater, I was pretty okay with the Activities, but as per usual, I hemmed and hawed and procrastinated during the entire process.

I couldn't even understand what was wrong. With the deadline looming closer and closer, I expected my creative juices to come and save me from this can't-put-feelings-into-words predicament, but NO. The magic just wasn't happening. I seriously doubted myself and my abilities. What if I'm just okay with short stories? What if I really can't do novellas? What if I just got lucky with the first one and now I won't be able to replicate that luck? What if I'm really not good enough? With only a couple of weeks left, I breathed deeply, brushed my shoulders, and decided to scrap what I have and start from the top.

It didn't work out.

Even before we all started, Mina said the most important thing to remember is to be brave. I guess admitting defeat in front of my laptop and accepting that I wouldn't be able to do it this time is a way of displaying bravery? That even though it will be just a tad delayed, promising Nate and Tanya that I would finish their story is still a way of  shrugging it off and showing courage?

The supposed Chapter 1 of my Spark NA story

I suppose I could suppose all I want, but unless I come up with a 20,000-word story then all of it would have been for naught. Still, I learned A LOT and I promise to still work on this story. Just not now.

Maybe because, for the first time in a long time, this happened:

Yes. For the first time in a long time, I don't need to turn to fiction as a means of escapism. Finally, reality feels better than any sweet scenario my fingers and keyboard or pen and paper can conjure. This turn of events is not to be blamed, of course, but I'm just saying that at the moment I guess I prefer spending time with a real, living, breathing person over fictional characters. Sorry, Nat and Tan. Let me adjust to these new developments, and I'm sure I'll see you again. Patience, my friends. ♡ 

Currently Vol. 25

I skipped work today because I've been feeling sick since Sunday morning. I feel weak, but not too weak to stay in bed the whole day so I was able to catch up on work emails also. I know I always say work is crazy-busy but it has gotten a lot crazier lately in light of my recent promotion and transitions in the office. Still, I am doing my best to keep up. Please wish me luck. (◡‿◡✿)

via

CURRENTLY Vol. 25

READING
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton and enjoying it so far.

WRITING 
Things I am grateful for in my Gratitude Journal. ❤

LISTENING TO
The Grand Romantic album by Nate Ruess. I think I'm going to listen to this for the rest of my life. Today's favorite is Harsh Light, but I don't know, it might be another song again tomorrow.


SMELLING
My The Body Shop Body Butter in Vineyard Peach. The weather has been extra forgiving lately so out came my body butters again.

WEARING
My favorite pair of PJs that I wear when I want to feel better.

THINKING
Of all the things I want to eat but can't because I just had my braces adjusted and it hurts so much. I feel like I'm just paying my orthodontist to torture me, eep.

FEELING
Tired, still. I think I need a long break from work and all forms of social media.

LOVING
This feeling. (Not the one where I complain about being tired, LOL.)

WANTING
At least a weekend away from the city, maybe.

NEEDING
To finish my endless list of to-dos.

WISHING
Someone would be kind enough to get me a Grand Romantic CD! Read this for context.

We have two work events this week! Yay? Yay! Have a great week ahead, you!

Grand Romantic: The quest for Nate Ruess

I'd like to think that when it comes to my finances, I've grown a little bit more mature in that I don't succumb to impulse buys as much as I did before. I've gotten better at discerning WANTS from NEEDS and although I still slip every once in a while (Hello, new NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in La Paz that I got last month, you're so pretty), this has happened a lot rarer than usual. Suddenly, it seems I no longer have the EQ of a pillow.

It's all a different ballgame when it comes to Nate Ruess, though.

You may remember him as the guy whose voice and looks and all-over human being-ness I have waxed lyrical about on this blog for a frequency almost equaling that of How I Met Your Mother's. On my 27th birthday, I dreamt that he and Pink went to my house to sing for me. After Pink left, Nate stayed so we can make-out. BEST. DREAM. EVER. My I Love board on Pinterest is meant to house photos of artists, singers, and actors I am a fan of, but now his mug is all over it. When we became almost millionaires, I thought of buying him and his affection but figured I should just hire Fun. to hold a private concert for me and my friends. Since I would be acting as his host here in Manila, he couldn't help but fall in love with me and my winning personality so then he would have no other choice but to marry me. Hah. BEST. DAYDREAM. EVER.

I haven't bought legit music in a while but I made sure to purchase Nothing Without Love when it came out. When he announced he was going to release an album, I couldn't contain my excitement and prayed to the music and fangirl gods that he visits Manila for a tour soon.

I was conflicted when pre-orders for the album opened. The first 900 people to pre-order would get an autographed copy and of course I was sure I NEED it in my life, but I was eager to have one the soonest time possible and ordering from the US is sure to take a lot longer than just popping to the nearest record store to get myself a copy.

I hemmed and hawed for almost two hours (that felt like an eternity because every second I let pass, I also let my chance to be one of the first 900 peeps to order become slimmer). In the end, my desire to hold an autographed Nate Ruess CD in my hands won.

YES! Order number 607, baby!

I send and receive an average of 50 emails per day. The email I received about two weeks later made me the saddest.

I don't really know what happened since I was even able to use my card for another big-ticket transaction after, and at the time I didn't have the sense to call my bank to ask why this authorization got declined. One possibility glared at me: there is no way I can still be part of the first 900 to pre-order if I repeat my transaction. My chance has passed. Woe is me.

THERE'S STILL HOPE! I thought. The release date was approaching and although my copy wouldn't have Nate's signature, having a physical copy is still better than having none, right? Well, I guess I'm the most unfortunate Ruess fan in the world because hello, hello, I COULDN'T FIND THE GRAND ROMANTIC CD HERE! I've searched the three biggest record stores in the country and I haven't had luck so far. Sad Krissy is sad.

Which leads me to the next thing I can do as a Nate fan.

I bought the album off iTunes, but I still WANT/ NEED the physical copy so I can hold the album sleeve in my hand so please please please PLEASE if you are are reading this and you are located anywhere in the world with access to a Grand Romantic CD please please please PLEASE let me know so I can send you money to buy me one, huhu. Thank you!

Meanwhile, listening to this album for the rest of my life.

♬♫♪◖(˘ε ˘)◗♪♫♬

Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet

What could be better than receiving fragrant and pretty roses? Receiving fragrant and pretty roses that come with almost a dozen lipsticks! ❤️

Receiving this was such a treat!
Who needs romance when you've got lipsticks and roses?
JK I still need/ want romance!

He loves me, he loves me not

Rebel Bouquet, the newest collection from the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick line, is the perfect juxtaposition of downright fierce and irresistibly flirtatious. A burst of rebellious colors with more than enough blooming shades to choose from, these bright and dainty shades take the spotlight with a perfectly wearable trend for lips that scream floral rebellion. Now that is my kind of rebellion. 

“From catwalk to sidewalk, Maybelline New York in the Philippines has always been about bringing the New York fearless trend forecasts closer to every Filipina, especially when it comes to makeup looks that make a statement,” shared Maia Ang, Product Manager of Maybelline New York. “Lips blossom with attitude as pastels from our Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet go bold and rebellious with the new Color Bloom Technology for super-saturated pigments that give these fresh-picked pastels a bright kick.”

Colors so pretty they make me go heart eyes emoji times three!

This new collection offers blooming pastels, flirtatious pinks, fierce reds, and irresistible mauves that ensure lips that are never dull, washed out, or shy because of the new Color Bloom Technology infused in every lipstick.

Are you excited to see swatches of all eleven Rebel Bouquet shades? Of course you are! I kept the rest of my face makeup-free here.

REB01 is a true red on the tube but applies red-orange on my lips. It has gold micro-shimmers that give it a subtle sparkle. I don't have anything quite like it on my [somewhat expansive] lipstick arsenal yet.

REB02 is a fun pink but I don't think it's a very unique color. It also didn't glide as easily on my lips as the other lipsticks in this line did.

REB03 is a soft bubblegum pink that worked even on my warm skin tone. I liked this.

REB04 is a pretty watermelon pink. I liked this but I think it's too loud for me, and that's a pretty strong statement coming from someone who considers MAC Girl About Town as her ultimate favorite lipstick shade, heh.

REB05 is a luscious orange that I also liked. Get this if you don't have an orange lipstick in your boudoir yet.

REB06 is such a gorgeous nude!! And it doesn't wash me out!! This works as a great MLBB shade - my favorite so far.

WHOOPS I spoke too soon! THIS, THE REB07 IS MY FAVORITE!
It's a rosy mauve that looks pretty on any skin tone. Perfect for first dates; also great for when you go meet the parents. It's such a beautiful color.

REB08 rounds up my list of three favorites in this collection. It's a pretty soft petal pink that looks dainty but not boring.

REB09 is a hot pink that is great to have in any makeup kit, if you don't have it yet. This one is pretty loud so it's best to keep the rest of your face free from color except for a thin line of eyeliner maybe.

REB10 is a pretty pink-purple shade that Kira guessed would be my favorite. Be it some other day she may be right since I do love my bold lippies, but I guess the pull on me of the rosy mauves and nudes from this collection is much stronger.

REB12 is an orange red that applies more matte than the L'Oreal Color Riche Orange Power. 

You must be asking yourself why they skipped a number and didn't have REB11. I'm also wondering the same. What did 11 ever do to be snubbed like this? LOL. I also wish they have prettier lipstick names than just bullet numbers, but so far that's my only complaint (if you can even call it that, heh.) Not one of the shades washed me out and staying power is great at about three hours. They're also moisturizing and non-drying! The colors fade evenly and I did not experience bleeding even without a lip liner. Even though a couple of shades either did not glide on as easily as the others or didn't look too unique, this is still a pretty strong collection and I am glad of their addition to my train case.

There are no duds in this collection and at P299 a pop, it's fairly affordable to collect them all. But if you must get only one or two shades because you need to control your shopping sprees (like I do), make it any one among REB06, REB07, and REB08. Or, I don't know, you decide which ones you like. You're grownups, I'm not going to tell you how to live your life. (^_~)

The new Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet collection is exclusively imported and distributed by Maybelline New York and these lipsticks are already available nationwide in all Maybelline counters nationwide. For more information about Maybelline, please visit Maybelline's Facebook page.

Disclosure: The products have been sent to me for review but I was not required nor compensated to write this post. Read my blog's complete Disclosure Policy here.

FutureYou.PH for future you

Do you remember what your earliest childhood dream was? Mine was to become a ballerina, and then it changed on an almost monthly basis, with my career aspirations ranging from becoming a store cashier to becoming a painter or a scientist or a businesswoman or a radio DJ or an accountant. I was a very fickle child who believed in the beauty of possibilities.

I arrived at my most fervent dream of being a writer when I was in sophomore year in high school. Having been a book-lover since I was young, I was further inspired to develop this love affair with words because of Miss Mia Fausto-Cruz, the then-EIC of Candy magazine. Meeting her in person was a huge fangirl moment for me.

When I got to senior year in high school, I was in denial that we were growing up and would have to go to college soon. Because I was (and still am) stubborn, I refused to look for a university to apply to. I was so adamant in refusing to grow up that before I knew it, January has rolled around and I still didn’t have a college and course to go to, so I gritted my teeth and went with my friends to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and took the entrance exam. I got lucky because I got in and even though I feel like it just landed on my lap because I didn’t really proactively search for it (at the time it was one of the only few universities who are still accepting college applicants), PLM is actually one of the best universities in the Philippines. I am a proud Iska.

I remember that filling out the form was one of the most momentous (read: stressful) days of my life because it felt like my whole future depended on that moment. Upon scanning the list of courses available, I zeroed in on Mass Communication but hesitated because what I knew about the industry then was limited to Broadcasting and Publication and I didn’t really want to work in TV nor radio. I haven’t been acquainted to Public Relations yet and Social Media hasn’t been born then, so I was worried about possible career choices when I graduate. I ticked Accountancy as my first choice but prayed to high heavens that I get accepted by the College of Mass Communication instead.

Again, I got lucky. My four years in Mass Communication were some of the most defining, liberating, enriching, and tumultuous years in my life and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Kids today are even luckier because the influx of technology and emergence of new industries gave them even more possible career choices to take their pick from. Add to that helpful tools like FutureYou.ph and the future looks a wee bit clearer.

As I said, I recognize I got lucky and I am thankful because every step that I’ve taken led me to this moment in my career. However, I would advise you to take more time in thinking this through. Your future depends on the choices you make today so it’s not advisable to arrive at a decision so hastily. If you’re in high school and you’re already thinking of what path to take in the future, or maybe you already know but are seeking validation, I recommend that you check out FutureYou.ph.

FutureYou.ph is an online tool for exploring career opportunities and their education and training pathways. A project of the Philippine Business for Education and in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/ Philippines, it provides the youth easy access to the latest job market and education information they need to make better decisions about their future. Even though I am very happy with the choices I made and would do it all over again given the chance, I can’t help but think I would’ve found FutureYou.ph really helpful. I’m the type who finds arriving at major decisions easier if the Pros and Cons are listed one-by-one so I could compare and contrast, so FutureYou.ph’s interface appealed to me.

Probably the most important thing to note is that FutureYou.ph is not a job application site. What it does is that it provides you with basic information on available jobs now and in the next few years so that you can start the career planning process even before you go to college. You are not limited to just the jobs that are in demand at any given time, though. If, like me, you pay no heed as to which jobs are on-trend, FutureYou.ph also gives you a peek at the industry you’re interested in so you can ultimately decide whether you want to be part of that world or not. After you have specified the degree you would want to have, FutureYou.ph also lists down the qualifications needed as well as the schools that offer that degree. The Explore Schools Page is where you can find schools based on your personal preferences while the Top Performing Schools link lets you find out if your preferred school is a consistent top performer in the licensure exams.

In less than three years of being in the PR industry, I got promoted again and will officially be ARC PR’s PR Assistant Manager effective July 1. As I mentioned earlier, I would gladly make the same choices if I could do it all over again, but I would’ve probably become part of this industry sooner and not have spent five years dilly-dallying in a completely different field. I hope FutureYou.ph helps a lot of you go after your dreams and pave the way for you to reach them.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Read my complete Disclosure Policy here.

Currently Vol. 24

This post is coming a day late because I was too tired to write anything last night. (╯︵╰,) The past few days in the office have been extra-crazy and busy than usual and I'm still trying to adjust to my new role. It's very challenging and I hope to get the hang of it really soon.

I need to practice yoga again.

Friends and old readers of this blog may remember my first attempt to be a yogi, the most practical and valuable lesson I have learned in yoga so far, my brush with Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga, and my failed attempt at Anti-Gravity Yoga and my firm resolve to never practice it again without having at least two of my limbs on the mat. Out of all the different types of yoga I have tried so far, my favorite is Jivamukti Yoga because I just feel so relaxed after. I would love to practice again and go to classes at least thrice a week, if only there's a studio that could accommodate my hours, provided that I live far from work. (╯︵╰,)

I'm sharing this because International Day of Yoga is coming up, and SIFCare has organized the Gift of Yoga which is open for everyone, no admission fee required, and I would like to extend the invitation to you.

The origins of yoga, a lifestyle which embodies a holistic approach to health and well-being, may be traced back to ancient India. It is considered such an invaluable gift of the country’s ancient tradition that the United Nations General Assembly had decided to declare June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in December of 2014.

To celebrate this day with the rest of the world, SIFCare (Science of Identity Foundation Community Assistance for Resposible Existence), the humanitarian arm of the Science of Identity Foundation, is organizing Gift of Yoga, an event that aims to promote and cultivate the real meaning of yoga. We believe that yoga is not simply a form of exercise; it means union with the Supreme. It is a holistic lifestyle that focuses on the health of the mind, body, and soul, and is applicable to everyone regardless of their gender, age, nationality, and religion.

SIFCare has invited yoga practitioners and healthy diet advocates to offer simple relaxation exercises, healthy diet tips and alternatives, and yoga meditation for the attendees. Happening this Sunday, June 21st, at the 3rd floor patio of Makati Shangri-La Manila’s Health Club, there will be two sessions (9:30 am and 12:30 pm) with a maximum of 100 attendees only per session. Admission is free and by reservation only. Interested participants may register here. More information about SIFCare is also available at their official website. Are you coming? I really want to go but I need to check my schedule first. Tweet me if you are!

Now on to this week's Currently.

CURRENTLY VOL. 24

READING
Just for the Record by Six delos Reyes and thoroughly enjoying it. ♡

WRITING
Drafts of new posts to try to lessen my eleventy thousand backlogs.

THINKING
- Of how happy I am at the moment that I can't help but wonder if this will just be short-lived. I hope not.
- Whether I will join #StrangeLit or not. I'm not really sure I have it in me to write an effective paranormal/ urban fantasy story.

FEELING
Happy. My heart is happy.

LOVING
This. I wish I can tell you more, but it's for another post for another time. (◡‿◡✿)

WANTING
Money, because it's Ladies' Night at SM Makati tomorrow and I would like some new "mature" duds to update my work wardrobe.

NEEDING
Rest and sleep, so I better hurry and publish this post quickly.

WISHING
... I honestly don't know what to put here right now. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

ALSO. Father's Day is coming up! Treat the most special man in your life with chicken wings by the best wings place in the country! Just check this post to see what I mean. (^_~)

Quality time with Dad isn’t complete without his favorite flavor of Wings.
To celebrate Father’s Day, order 20pcs wings on June 21 and get 15pcs FREE boneless chicken bites!

I hope you're all having a lovely middle of the week of the middle of the year!

The pull

"Do you think the universe fights for souls to be together?

Some things are too strange and strong to be coincidences."

- Emery Allen

Dear long weekend, you have been lovely. ❤ 

The day we went without shoes

Three years ago, I participated in TOMS One Day Without Shoes, an annual global event that aims to spread awareness for children's health and education. We walked around Greenbelt without shoes to know what it's like for other kids to go through life without any protection on their feet to show our stance towards TOMS' commitment to have a world with people moving together, moving for one another and moving to inspire each other.

This year, it was held in Track 30th Park in Bonifacio Global City, and I was only too happy to be part of the advocacy again.

Miah and me

Heritage conservationist social advocate Carlos Celdran hosted the event with host/ author Victoria Herrera and gave an interesting commentary while we were walking around Bonifacio High Street in true Walk This Way fashion. Seeing a lot of people join the walk expecting nothing in return but was there for the sheer experience made my heart swell.

It was fun seeing familiar faces and witnessing them enjoy the festivities prepared by TOMS, with the participation of Macho Nacho, Phatboys Handcrafted Ice Cream Sandwiches, Hattendo Japanese Cream Buns, Wingstop, and Pink Berry. Not taking into account the intense summer heat, it felt like a relaxing day-out in the park with entertainment provided by the drum circle of the Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community and the poi and hula hoop dancers and flow arts performers of Planet Zips. There were also ukulele musicians and buskers.

With Paul, Ana, Ashley, Miah, and Ava

With AXN Asia’s Got Talent host and Amazing Race Asia Runner-up Marc Nelson 

My bosses Jenny and Celine

With Kai, Rodel, Earth, Ruth, Miah, Alvin, and Peter

With Chessika, Phylicia, Rochelle, Kim, and Celline

It was indeed one of the best events I've ever worked on with ARC PR not only because of the handsome guy beside me but also because it was a celebration of things I stand up for.

If you are one of those 296,243 people who posted a photo of your bare feet with the #withoutshoes hashtag, please accept my heartfelt thanks! It really is an amazing feeling when you know you are able to help even in your own little way.

The giving does not stop with One Day Without Shoes. Did you know that TOMS’ four product lines—shoes, eyewear, bags, and coffee—all support marginalized communities? The products were developed after the company identified a need that had to be fulfilled—as opposed to finding a cause to support a product. Sales from TOMS Roasting Co. support water systems in seven countries. Each shoe purchase from TOMS gives a new pair to a barefoot child. For every eyewear purchase, TOMS helps to restore sight to individuals through sight-saving surgery, prescription glasses, or medical treatment. TOMS Bags, in stylish shapes, colors and sizes, provide training for skilled birth attendants and the vital materials needed to help women give birth safely. All of these initiatives are evidence of TOMS’ sustainable One For One Movement, and I am happy and proud to have been a part of it.

Now if only someone can also think of a cool way to improve literacy and education.