Women are women are women {a Noonday Collection giveaway}

Friends, meet Esperanza. 

She couldn't be more beautiful if she tried. 

She's twenty-four and lives at home with her parents and her younger siblings. 

And she works for Noonday. 

She's gracious and filled with joy and was so happy to welcome us into her home. 

Her mother was so filled with life. 

The first thing she did was ask us all if we know Jesus. 

She wasn't letting us leave until she was sure we all did. 

And her little sisters-- so much hope for things to come.

Esperanza is a girl just like you and me. 

She hopes to find a cute boy to marry one day. 

She dreams of being a mother. 

She wants her own home and a family.

She sounds like every single twenty-four year old I know. 

It's so easy to believe that we are different. 

What could we possibly have in common? 

So many things in our lives show such a stark contrast. 

But really, we're all just women who want to use our gifts, make our parents happy,

 and live the best lives possible. 

Esperanza and our time together was such a beautiful reminder to me that women are women are women. 

And I couldn't possibly love that more.  

I want you to know our artisans. 

I want you to think of them as friends you simply haven't met yet. 

I want you to invite them into your homes via their stories and their products that they've made and are sharing with all of us. 

What a wonderful celebration of women. 

Have YOU checked out the new Noonday line? 

There are so many stories represented there that I can't wait to share with you this season. 

Here are a few of the pieces I can't seem to get enough of: 

 What are YOU loving? 

Do tell. 

And to help spread the Noonday love, I'm partnering up with some of my fellow ambassadors on this season's blog train. 

You can check the post from this morning by Brooke and tomorrow's post by my sweet friend Elizabeth.

So, to help spread the Noonday love and connect us even more with our artisans around the world, how about a little giveaway? 

Happy shopping and story-sharing to you and you and you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

These Girls.

These girls. 

Oh, how I love them. 

I'll admit that when I first heard there would be twenty-four of us headed to Rwanda together,

 I was a little skeptical. 

That's a lot of girls, a lot of personalities, a lot of luggage, a lot of bathroom stops, a lot of everything. 

And yet, it was wonderful. 

THEY were wonderful. 

I saw so much goodness in each of them. 

They were such an awesome display of what it looks like to truly give of ourselves for others. 

These are mamas and wives and friends and rockstars 

who all want others to know about the needs in this world. 

They all long for justice and equality and opportunities for men and women everywhere. 

They are women on a mission, 

and I feel so very blessed to have been included in this group of women with purpose. 

Time with them was truly a gift. 

It was good for my heart and refreshed my soul. 

And now, I'm left missing them terribly and longing for more time with each of them. 

These girls. 

The world needs more of them. 

Buying kleenex by the bundle.

Two days-- that's all that stands between me and Africa. 

To say I'm excited is such an understatement. 

In case you didn't know, I love almost everything about this land far, far away. 

The thought of standing on African ground and breathing African air--- it's almost more than I can handle. 

And while I won't be seeing my girl, I will be closer to her than ever before. 

Please pray for my heart on this trip, as I'm sure being close to her will be hard on me. 

Please pray for my girls and husband at home. 

And please pray for our group. 

Oh, those Noonday girls. 

I CANNOT WAIT to spend time with them. 

And did I mention my best friend is coming along this time? 

It feels like Christmas. 

It's going to be epic, and I can't wait to share it all with you just as soon as I get home. 

You can follow along with our trip on Instagram at #noondayrwanda. 

And if you'd like to read more about how this trip is a dream come true for me,

 you can find that here. 

Life lately.

May has been a whirlwind. 

Here are some of the things that have been keeping me all kinds of busy lately:

1. Reading-- trying to catch up, trying to take in all the goodness, trying to learn as much as I can. A Summer reading list is coming soon. What are YOU reading this summer? 

2. Third grade-- it's over. We said goodbye and walked away. If you need me, I'll be crying in the corner. 

3. Jessica Honegger from Noonday Collection made her way to Mississippi earlier this month. We stuffed her face with pimento cheese, and she shared her world changing stories with my friends. It was so great spending time with someone who followed her dreams, beat the odds, and is working to change the lives of thousands of artisans around the world. She inspires me so so much, and visiting with her was nothing short of wonderful. 

4. Let's talk teachers' gifts. We kept it simple and sweet this year with succulents and Sonic cards.

5. Dance recital-- it's coming soon, as in next weekend. And it's consuming the lives of two little girls who live in my house.

6. In exactly fifty days, I'll be boarding a plane to Rwanda with my best friend. Oh my stars, I can't wait.

7. Sno Cones-- Summer is officially here. And we've welcomed it with open arms.

8. At the age of thirty-four, I think I have FINALLY mastered the curling wand. Ohmylanta, I feel like I deserve a prize or at least some burn cream for my poor fingers.

9. We are still collecting donations for our upcoming Instagram Auction to help bring Emily home. The deadline is May 29. If you'd like to donate a handmade item, simply send a picture and price to me at mccallald@yahoo.com. And mark your calendars for June 2-4.

What's been keeping YOU all kinds of busy these days? Do tell. 

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

It's no secret that I love Africa. 

It's also not a secret that there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

I can honestly say I feel more at home there than I ever have here. 

It's been a year and a half since I was last on African soil.

And my heart has longed to go back ever since I left. 

In fact, I clearly remember a moment in the Malawi airport where I honestly considered not coming back at all. Thoughts like, "Lee and the girls can just come here." and "I can stay." flashed through my mind. 

However,God has made it clear that that is not His plan for us. 

But that doesn't make staying away any easier. 

When we committed to adopt Emily, I knew what that would mean-- no more Africa for a while. 

All of our pennies these days head into our adoption fund. 

And no pennies means no Africa. 

I knew this would be hard for me. 

It's like giving up my passion and putting a part of heart in the corner on hold. 

No Africa until Emily comes home or until I get to go visit her (no, visiting orphans in Congo doesn't usually happen. But my God is bigger than 'usually doesn't happen', and you just never know what He has in store). The point is, I knew when we began the adoption process that I wouldn't be able to afford to go back to Africa for anything not directly associated with our daughter. 

And that's hard. 

Part of me is selfish. 

I want to be in my happy place. 

I want to be where my heart is longing to be. 

But I want my daughter more. 

(No, this is not Emily. Remember-- no pictures of her until she is home. These little girls are part of the reason I wanted to stay in Malawi.)

However, Africa is apparently where God wants me to be because this past January I won a trip to go to visit our Noonday Collection artisans. 

So, this July, I will officially be headed to Rwanda. 

God is sending me back to Africa. 

I'm still in shock. 

My heart is overwhelmed with joy. 

I can't wait to meet our artisans. 

In fact, I've wanted to head to Rwanda ever since I saw this artisan holding the card I made. 

I will get to hug her neck. 

I will get to talk to her about her life. 

I will get to go back to Africa. 

And I simply can't wait. 

I'll be traveling with twelve of my beloved Noonday sisters. 

It is sure to be quite the adventure. 

I don't know what all God has in store for us while we are in Rwanda. 

But I DO KNOW that He is using Noonday over and over and over again to remind me just how GREAT He is and just how much He loves little ole' me. 

A few other things I know today? 

Tomorrow I'm hitting the road on a solo trip to do two adoption fundraisers with Noonday for beloved families working to bring their littles home and to spend some time with 400 other adoptive mamas at the Created for Care retreat. I CANNOT WAIT. If you need me tonight, just know that I won't be sleeping-- I'll be up counting the hours until Santa comes because that's how excited I am to head back to Created for Care and be surrounded by mamas with hearts like mine. 

I ALSO know that there is still time for YOU to become a part of our journey to Emily and make your mark in her story. Find out the details on how you can do that here. 

Happy Wednesday to you and you and you!

They are Mamas Just Like Me {NOONDAY BLOG TRAIN}

This is my friend Jalia. 

Some of you may know her as one of our lead Noonday Collection artisans in Uganda. 

She and her husband, Daniel, manage our office there where all of our paper bead pieces are made. 

But to me, she is a friend. 

She is a sister in Christ. 

And she is a mama. 

Jalia wants to provide the best she can for her children. 

She wants them to grow to know and love Jesus. 

She wants to help those in need have a better life. 

She wants to teach her babies to care for others. 

She lives in Africa, and I clearly do not. 

But at the end of the day, we are just two mamas who want to do the best we can for our children.

This summer I will get the chance to meet some more of our artisans (more to come on this soon), but for now, Jalia's is the face of our artisans that I see when I talk about them each day. 

Hers is the voice I hear when I think about why I do what I do-- why I stretch my comfort zone and ask people to host shows, why I put over 10,000 miles on my car in 2013 all in the name of sharing our artisans' stories, and why I am on my knees praying for our artisans each and everyday. 

We aren't all called to move to another country. 

We aren't all called to adopt. 

But we ARE all called to do SOMETHING. 

And Noonday is one of the most beautiful 'somethings' I have ever seen. 

And you know what? 

Mamas in over fourteen countries around the world are able to do the best they can for THEIR children because of their employment with Noonday. 

Noonday is one of my SOMETHINGS, and I couldn't be more honored to serve these mamas. 

And to celebrate the launch of the new line, I'm partnering up with some of my favorite ambassadors and participating in the third annual blog train. Over a month of giveaways are headed your way-- one each day hosted by a different Noonday ambassador. 

Yesterday's giveaway was hosted by my dear friend, Wynne, who also happens to be the girl who first introduced me to Noonday. This girl is so amazing, so fun, so full of a desire to serve and connect others. When I'm around her, I just want to soak in as much of her awesomeness as I can. 

And tomorrow's giveaway is hosted by one of the coolest people I've ever met. This girl is so genuine and real-- I am so honored to call her my friend. Head on over to Krista's blog tomorrow. 

And now for the good stuff-- 

one of you is going to win one of these-- 

the new EQUESTRIAN INFINITY SCARF. 

Can I just say that I so love this piece? 

It's soft and breezy, perfect for spring and summer. 

And did I mention that it has horses on it? 

Because it does. 

I love it, and I'm pretty certain you will too. 

Happy Noonday-ing to you and you and you. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Has Sprung

The new Noonday Collection spring line has officially launched. 

I literally have no words to describe the talent, love, and personal touches that go into each piece. 

All handmade, all life-changing, all beautiful.

If you want to see me tear up, all you have to do is get me to start talking about our artisans. 

These are real people with real stories. 

And this is how they are using their gifts to provide a better life for themselves and their families: 

If you need me today, I'll be playing dress-up in my samples. 

You can go HERE to see the new line in all its glory. 

And if you'd like to learn more about Noonday, partner with me to combat poverty and host a party, or get the inside scoop on becoming an ambassador, just email me at mccallald@yahoo.com. 

I could literally talk Noonday all day, every day. 

And today I think I just might. 

And be sure to come back tomorrow-- I'll be giving away one of these items to one of YOU!

Noonday Conference 2014: Where Magic Things Happen

This past weekend was nothing short of magical. 

I spent four days last week surrounded by over 120 world-changing women, and it did my heart all kinds of good. 

These women inspire me. They encourage me. They make me laugh and cry the happiest of happy tears, 

You see, we are in this together. 

We see the need that exist in the world for someone to be a voice for the voiceless, and we are taking ACTION. 

And looking our artisan (Jalia, like the JALIA necklace I'm wearing in this picture) and thanking her for letting me play a teeny tiny role in this great big thing God is doing.....it was almost more than I could handle. 

I can't tell you how full my heart is. 

I'm still beaming from the time spent with so many sisters who get it. 

They understand my heart's desire to serve those in need. 

And this time together could not have been more perfect for me in every possible way. 

And a special thank you to WYNNE ELDER, as it was her blog that first led me to Noonday a year and a half ago. And I will forever be grateful that it did. 

And in case you're wondering what my response would be if I were to ever win a trip to Africa, well this pretty much sums it up. More to come on this soon, but let's just say I CANNOT STOP SMILING. God is so so so good, and it's so blatantly obvious that His hand is in all of this. 

Oh, and did I mention that I got to meet Jen Hatmaker and talk to her about it was after I finished her book that I decided to leave the classroom indefinitely and quit my job? Because I totally did. 

Oh, and Jennie Allen. Let me just tell you about Jennie Allen. This woman stirred my heart, made me cry big ole' tears, and spoke to my soul. I cannot WAIT to devour her latest book.  These women have paved the way for those of us hoping to be used where we are with what we have to make a difference in this world. 

Oh, and having a real life best friend who walks this journey with me? 

That's what I like to call the icing on the cake. 

Needless to say I am more inspired than EVER before to work hard for our artisans. 

If you'd like to see more about our amazing weekend, check out this awesome video. 

And if you'd like to know more about Noonday, I'm your girl. 

Email me. 

Let's chat. 

Let's partner together and change some lives, shall we? 

                        

 Noonday Ambassador Conference 2014 from Noonday Collection on Vimeo.

These are a few of my favorite things (A GIVEAWAY)

So it's no secret that I'm all kinds of crazy about Noonday Collection. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would love it as much as I do. 

I just can't enough of knowing that my purchases are literally working to change the lives of those in need around the world. 

And you know what?
YOURS ARE TOO!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? 

Have YOU hosted a Noonday show? 

Well, let's chat for a minute.....

You have until TOMORROW to place an order on my site (be sure to select me, McCall Aldridge) as your ambassador OR message me about hosting a show in January or February. If you don't live in MS, no problem! I can connect you with an ambassador near you!

 If you do either of these things by tomorrow at 3 pm CST, 

you will be entered to win the scarf of your choice. 

Which would you pick?

 Tough decision, folks. 

AND did I mention that your order WILL be in in time for Christmas???? 

(The last day to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery is December 17th.)

You can't beat that!

And in case you need a little help deciding that to order, here are a few of my favorite Noonday things: 

Metallic Pearl Bracelet (made from artillery in Ethiopia) 

Modern Angles Earrings

(search my Instagram to see me wearing these every.single.day since they arrived on my doorstep)

Jalia Ombre Necklace (made from paper in Uganda)

our home and gift items-- LOVE them all, and they are on sale right now!

The delicious Cozy Zip Wrap 

The Angelica Infinity Scarf (it's backordered but WILL be in for Christmas)

 So, finish your Christmas shopping 

and watch to see who will win TOMORROW (Tuesday, 12/10) 

at 3pm CST! 

Happy shopping and good luck! 

www.mccallaldridge.noondaycollection.com

Instagram-ing It Up {a how to just for you}

It's no secret I love Instagram. 

In fact, it's my favorite means of social media (shhh....don't tell facebook). 

However, I don't love the fact that some of my favorite pics can only be viewed on my phone. 

That is, until today. 

Thanks to a friend, I found an awesome, easy tutorial that takes your pics from Instagram to a 4x6 JPEG image that you can then print wherever you so choose. 

So, for $.28 each, I had some printed today at Wal-Mart. 

I also collected some cardstock, scissors, and magnet strips (also from Wal-Mart for a whopping $.97). 

I glued the pics to the cardstock. 

Once the glue dried, I cut them out and stuck the magnets to the back. 

And there you have it-- in about thirty minutes and for about $3.00, I made some of the cutest magnets I've ever seen. I also made sets for both grandparents as a 'just because we love you' happy. 

You can check me out on Instagram (username leemeandthegirls). 

I'd love to see your new Instaagram print projects posted there!

Also, this weekend I'll be representing Noonday Collection at a fundraising event for Charity Water. 

I'll be donating my commission to help provide life-saving clean water to those in need.

Usually my commission goes into our adoption fund, but not this time! 

So, if you've been eyeing some Noonday, this is a great time to order! 

Just select me as your ambassador during checkout and put CHARITY WATER as the trunk show. 

And remember-- Noonday makes great Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and give yourself a gift gifts! 

www.mccallaldridge.noondaycollection.com

The fundraiser will remain open through Tuesday, September 17. 

And oh, there are so many things to love about Noonday. 

Playing Favorites

Oh, how I love Noonday. 

I cannot imagine a more fulfilling, rewarding job. 

Noonday is truly changing the lives of our artisans by providing lasting employment in places of extreme poverty. 

And today we are launching the new fall line!

It's dreamy and delicious and downright amazing. 

Have YOU checked out all the new Noonday goodness? 

You can find it all here: www.mccallaldridge.noondaycollection.com. 

And for today, here are just a FEW of my favorites from this new season: 

Necklace: 

SCATTERED STEPS

 A statement necklace in every sense of the word. Layers of hand cut, dyed, and polished tagua seed are nestled together to form a striking go-to piece.

Earrings: 

METALLIC PEARLS

Strong and resilient with an understated grace--you and these earrings were made for each other! Pair with our new Metallic Pearls Necklace and Metallic Pearls Bracelet for a complete upcycled look. 

Bracelet: 

CARVED JADE CUFF

Glossy jade colored horn carved in intricate patterns gives off an air of sophistication and glamour. 

Bag: 

LA GLORIA

Prepare to get noticed, because this bag refuses to blend in! With festive tassels dangling from high quality woven cotton and leather, this roomy tote is truly one of a kind. 

Scarves: 
It's an all-out tie between the COZY ZIP WRAP and the BLANCO Y NEGRO.
{Trying to pick a favorite was like trying to pick my favorite child.}

Versatile and romantic, this piece can be worn as an infinity with a jacket or tee or worn lower on your arms for a snug wrap around. 

Stunning black and white patterns are woven together to create this show-stopping, 100% Alpaca knit. Wear it with anything for an accent piece that will lend some sophistication to any outfit. 

Oh, how I love it. 

I can not WAIT to partner with people throughout Mississippi to help create pathways out of poverty for our artisans around the world. 

If YOU would like to host a show this season or want more information on becoming an ambassador, 

just e-mail me mccallald@yahoo.com. I'll be so happy to help you!

And this month, thirty-three of my fellow ambassadors and I are teaming up to bring you thirty-four days of Noonday stories and giveaways! The first day of the Noonday blog train is up and running. Check out my precious friend Krista's post here. 

And don't forget! Only four more days to request a little house for Emily! Just send us an e-mail at littlehousesforemily@outlook.com, and we'll send you a little house to fill with change during the month of September! Every penny raised is one penny closer to our Emily being HOME!