Christmas Shopping: Gifts that Give Back

I'm fairly sure that this is going to be my favourite of the Christmas shopping ideas I'm going to share with you. This list is special because when you buy one of these gifts, you'll not only be giving a gift to a loved-one, but you'll also be giving a gift to the environment, or an animal, or a human. These gifts are fantastic for those people in your life who seem to have everything, or who don't want anything for Christmas but you still want to get them something. I think I've found a pretty great selection for you to choose from. Enjoy!

1. Toms

I'm pretty sure everybody knows about Toms, and for very good reason. For every pair of Toms sold, a child in need will receive a new pair of shoes. Having worked in Cambodia, I've seen firsthand how children long for a decent pair of shoes but have to make do with flimsy, ill-fitting plastic sandals, or no shoes at all. There are so many styles and colours of Toms shoes to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect pair to give as a gift.

SHOP TOMS

2. Wicker Wings

This is a fairly new company, but it has a similar model to Toms, but instead of shoes, this company sells bags. When you buy one of their bags, they will give a child in need a bag of inspiration. A child will receive a drawstring bag that contains a book and a little note that you can write yourself! The book and the note will be in the child's language, and are designed to inspire children to read and pursue education. Wicker Wings' bags are absolutely adorable, and you're bound to have a friend who will absolutely love to receive one as a gift.

SHOP WICKER WINGS

3. Jonas Umbrellas

When you buy one of Jonas Umbrella's limited edition umbrellas, you help to fund a clean water well at a school in South Sudan or Uganda. The current limited edition umbrella features a cute bicycle print on the inside. You're bound to have a friend or relative who both loves bicycles and needs a fantastic new umbrella!

SHOP JONAS UMBRELLAS

4. Oxfam Unwrapped

Oxfam Unwrapped is a great gift for someone who has everything. On their behalf, you can buy anything from a goat to an emergency toilet, mosquito nets to manure, a duck to a bicycle, and all sorts of wonderful things in between! Your friend will receive a card that you can personalize, and will be thrilled to know that someone in need has benefitted. 

SHOP OXFAM UNWRAPPED

5. WWF Species Adoption

The World Wildlife Fund runs a fantastic scheme whereby you can adopt an endangered species on behalf of a friend (or for yourself of course!). The cost of the adoption pack goes towards protecting your chosen species from extinction. There are loads of species to choose from, so you can choose your friend's favourite animal, and your friend will receive an adoption pack that includes a cuddly toy (I have the polar bear and I love him!), an adoption card, a photo, all in a cute gift bag that can be used as a tote. This is the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life.

SHOP WWF SPECIES ADOPTION

6. Stone + Cloth

By buying one of Stone + Cloth's seriously cool bags, you will help to fund a scholarship for a child to get an education. So many kids aren't able to attend school, so this a great way to help to change that, while giving a friend a really useful, durable gift.

SHOP STONE + CLOTH

7. 100 Good Deeds

Buy your friend a 100 Good Deeds bracelet, and you'll not only be buying a bracelet made by vulnerable women in countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, allowing these women to earn a living, but the proceeds will help to support more women and girls with more training. The bracelets are gorgeous and perfect for stacking, and there are loads of colours to choose from.

SHOP 100 GOOD DEEDS

So, there's my list of favourites, but of course there are loads more to choose from. Feel free to message me here if you need help for a particular friend. Will you be buying a gift that gives back this year?

Bemsy x

seeitwant.it

The Ultimate Black Friday Deals Shopping Guide!

The Ultimate Black Friday Shopping Guide - Happy Shopping!

Last updated: Thursday 27th November 2014 11:10 GMT

*Disclaimer: Information correct at time of posting. Codes may not apply in every country. See it, Want it! may earn commission from some links*

Message me if you notice anything has changed/is incorrect and I’ll update!

Aerie
40% off and get free PJ pants with buy one, get one free
Code: GOBBLEUP
Ends Nov. 30

All Saints
20% off
Code: CYBER
Starts Friday ends Monday

Andrew Marc
Up to 70% off
No code

American Eagle
40% off and free shipping
Code: GOBBLEUP
Ends Nov. 30

ASOS
20% off
Code: CYBERWKND20
Starts Friday ends Tuesday

Bloomingdale’s
Get up to $25 off almost every $200 you spend

Up to 30% off designer handbags
Ends Dec. 7

Up to 40% off infant merchandise
Ends Nov. 30

Blue & Cream
Up to 15% off
Ends Nov. 27

BooHoo
30% off and free delivery
No code
Starts Friday ends Monday

Boutique to You
25% off
Code: TDAY25
Ends Dec. 1

Up to 20% off on purchases of $500+
Code: AF50020
Ends Dec. 31

C. Wonder
40% off and free shipping on orders over $100
No code
Ends Dec. 1

Calvin Klein
30% off
Code: CKHOLIDAY30
Ends Nov. 26 at 11:59PM PT

Charlotte Russe
Buy one, get one free + $5 dresses + $5 shoes
No code
Ends Nov. 26

Converse
25% off
Code: 25MORE
Ends Nov. 30

Free ground shipping
No code
Ends Dec. 19

Cynthia Vincent
20% off full-price items & free shipping
Code: NOW20

Express
50% off
Ends Nov. 28

French Connection
30% off
Code: 30FCBF
Starts Thursday ends Monday

40% off
Code: FC40B
Starts Friday ends Monday

Gap
50% off
Code: BLKFRIDAY
Starts Thursday ends Friday

J. Crew Factory
50% off & free shipping on orders over $50
Code: THANKS

Kate Spade New York
Up to 75% off & $5 US ground shipping/$10 Canada ground shipping
No code, but US only and customers must sign up
Ends Nov. 29

Lands’ End
Up to 50% off selected categories + 30% off remainder of order
Access code via site as deals change daily
Ends Nov. 30

Les Nouvelles
Extra 25% off all sale items
Code: TURKEYTROT
Ends Dec. 2

Little Circus
20% off clothing & shoes + $10 gift card on every $50 spent
Code: THANKS
Ends Dec. 1

Lord & Taylor
Extra 20% off almost everything & 25% off fine jewelry
Code: THANKS
Ends Nov. 30

Lucky Brand Jeans
45% off + free shipping

Madewell
25% off
Code: GIFTON
Ends Nov. 30

Metropark
25% off
Code: CYBERDAY
Ends Dec. 2

MissGuided
20% off
Code: CYBER20
Starts Thursday ends Monday

Nasty Gal
Get up to 80% off everything black

Nike
Free returns
Ends Dec. 22

Extra 25% off clearance
Ends Dec. 2

Pendleton
20% off outerwear
Code: WARM20
Ends Nov. 26

Free shipping on $200+ orders
Code: GIFT14
Ends Dec. 10

Pink Mascara
25% off
Code: CYBERDAY
Ends Dec. 2

Ralph Lauren UK
40% off orders £300+, 25% off orders under £300
Code: VCLR

Ralph Lauren US
Up to 60% off selected items
No code

Rebecca Taylor
Extra 30% off sale items
Code: BF30
Ends Nov. 30

River Island
20% off everything from 11am - 3pm on Friday
Code: TREAT28

Saks Off 5th
Extra 40% off
Code: GOBBLE
Ends Nov. 26

Shoes.com
Extra 30% off sale
Code: YAMS
Ends Nov. 29 11:59pm CST

Space.NK
Spend $100 and get a $25 gift card for use on next $100+ purchase + free ground shipping + three complimentary samples of your choice
No code
Ends Nov. 30

Stella and Dot
Extra 25% off sale items
Ends Nov. 30

Theory
Shop the Holiday Kickstart Sale and get 40% off select merchandise
No code

Tibi
Extra 20% off sale items
Code: BLACKFRIDAY14
Ends Nov. 28

Topshop
Up to 50% off selected lines
Starts Thursday ends Monday

Urban Outfitters
Up to 50% off
Code: BFDELIVERY
Friday only

Whistles
30% off everything
No code
Starts Friday

Bemsy's Weekly Wishlist #1

Bemsy's Weekly Wishlist 1 by emmatje

one - two - three - four - five - six - seven

Which is your favourite?

Much love, Bemsy x
seeitwant.it

10 Ways to Pick Yourself Up

Photo credit unknown

It's that time of year where the days are getting shorter, colder and greyer (in the Northern Hemisphere, at least), so I thought it might be nice to share some ideas on how to pick yourself up when you're feeling a bit down. It's so important that we look after ourselves no matter what time of year it is, so these tips can be used whenever you need them. 

1. Tea fixes everything.

 A good brew can do a world of good. It's something that I often forget, but when I do remember, I always feel loads better after a nice hot cup of tea in my cutest mug. Add a cookie to the mix and things couldn't get much better! If you aren't a fan of normal tea, there are loads of herbal teas to choose from which also do the trick. I love jasmine green tea, and camomile and honey.

Photo credit @charlielanks

2. Listen to music.

There's something about music that can really soothe the mind and soul. Make a playlist of your favourite uplifting or happy songs so that you don't find yourself listening to music that only makes you feel more down. Snuggle up with a blanket, close your eyes, and your toes will be tapping along in no time.

3. Talk to friends.

Venting to a friend can help you process a problem and work out how to solve it, and make you feel better in the process. Chances are, you'll end up having a good laugh too. Smiling releases magical chemicals in your body that make you feel happy, so all in all, you're likely to feel loads better after a good chat with a friend.

4. Snuggle.

A cat. A dog. A teddy. A parent. A boyfriend/girlfriend. A friend. Sometimes all I need is a hug. I don't know what it is, but it just makes me relax and let go.

5. Meditate.

I've read lots about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, but it wasn't until recently that I actually gave it a go. And boy does it live up to everything I've read! Just ten minutes helps to clear the mind so that you can tackle whatever it is that is getting you down. I use a great app called Headspace which I thoroughly recommend, especially for beginners like me.

6. Get outside.

Even if it's pouring with rain, getting outside and exploring is a great mood lifter. Wrap yourself up in your favourite woolies and throw yourself out the door. It's the getting out that's the most difficult part - once you're out there you'll be so pleased you left the house.

7. Make something.

Whether it's scrapbooking or painting, baking or jewellery-making, getting creative can do a world of good. I have a scrapbook where I draw, paste in gorgeous photos and magazine clippings, and write my favourite quotes, phrases and lyrics. 

Here are some sites to get you going: P.S. I made this - Cupcakes & Cashmere - A Beautiful Mess - A Pair & A Spare - Honestly WTF

8. Read a good book.

Removing yourself from the online world can be really therapeutic. Build a fort with sheets, fill it with cushions and blankets, and grab that book you've been meaning to read.

9. Appreciate nature.

Whether you decide to plant some seeds, buy a cactus or a bunch of flowers, or hug a tree, appreciating nature can really perk you up.

10. Write a to-do list. 

When you're feeling down, it can be difficult to get stuff done. Write a to-do list in a pretty notebook, set yourself a goal for how many you want to tick off that day, and then get started. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel when you can start ticking things off the list!

What do you do to pick yourself up?

Much love, Bemsy x

seeitwant.it

P.S. If you've been feeling down for longer than a few days at a time, it's worth going to visit your doctor.

Bemsy's Fall/Winter Fashion Favourites

Gabriel Santiago

I think it's safe to say that we are well and truly in to Fall now, and that means wrapping up is a must! Personally, I love this time of year. While the rain and grey skies can be a bit miserable, if I'm warm and dry(ish) then I actually really enjoy it, especially if I have a pumpkin spiced latte in my hand! Below are my Fall Fashion Favourites - the key fashion items you'll need to stay cosy, with a few not so essential but oh so lovely things thrown in for good measure!

Fall Fashion Favourites - Outerwear by emmatje
one - two - three - four - five - six - seven

Fall Fashion Favourites - Accessories by emmatje
one - two - three - four -five - six - seven - eight - nine - ten - eleven

There is so much to choose from, but I hope you've enjoyed my selection. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Fall/Winter themed post!

Bemsy x

Alexander Wang x H&M

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection will hit stores on 6th November, and I think it's fair to say that it's one of the most hotly anticipated H&M collaborations so far. I'd put money on it selling out completely in the first day, maybe even within the first few hours! Buying items from these collaborations is notoriously difficult. The website crashes before the collection even launches, and you need to arrive at your local store hours before it even opens to join the queue, with strict purchasing rules. Personally, I prefer trying to get my hands on these sought-after items online. Considering that I find the sales bad enough, H&M on collaboration launch day is far too scary for me, especially since my experience in H&M when the Jimmy Choo collaboration launched (I actually hid in a rack of coats because I couldn't handle the level of crazy that was going on). 

So, what tips do I have for shopping this collection online?

1. Plan what you want to buy beforehand. Work out how much you can spend and then decide exactly which items you want to buy. Check the sizing, and measure yourself to be extra sure. You can return items that don't fit, but it's unlikely there will be any stock left to exchange for a different size. You could also create an account and add your credit card details (see point 3)

2. Refresh! Refresh! Access the website at least 30 minutes before the collection launches and leave it sitting there while you have your breakfast. Start refreshing the page about 5 minutes before. Keep refreshing! The site will almost certainly go down due to the high traffic, but keep refreshing and you might just get in.

3. Act fast. If you're lucky enough to gain access to the site, you'll need to act quickly. The items will sell out fast, and I'm not sure how long items are reserved for when they're in your basket. So select the items and check out as quickly as you can.

Will you be shopping this collection? Good luck if so! And let me know what you bought! You can find my favourites below.

Much love, Bemsy x

Alexander Wang x H&M by emmatje