“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

In hopes of talking less and doing more when it comes to helping others, I’ve decided to start a series I’m calling Good Samaritan Saturday. On Saturday mornings, I’ll post a little something you can do to start your weekend out with positive vibes by helping to lift someone else up…

31 Bits Whimsy Pine necklace

This week I want to talk about 31 Bits, a company that sells accessories. It sounds simple enough, right? There are plenty of companies out there that sell accessories. The difference? These bracelets and necklaces are made out of recycled paper and are crafted by impoverished women in Uganda who are being given an opportunity to rise above poverty.

You know what I love almost as much as a handmade gift? A gift that does double duty. Combine handmade with something that can be used in multiple ways and this girl’s universe is totally blown—which is kind of why I thought I’d show you how to make a wrap bracelet that doubles as a necklace.

If you’re anything like me, an accessory that can be used in multiple ways will make you feel a little slick and like a total bad ass. Sprinkle that feeling around a little bit and use this tutorial to make a gift for your momma.

For a little bow added on top, Olivia Lin of Atiliay was sweet enough to design a few jewelry tags you can use to package your pretty up all professional like.

Let’s get real. It’s impossible for me to sit here and tell you that I know exactly what you should get your mom (or any mom in your life) for Mother’s Day. I don’t know if she hates the smell of grapefruit or if she would rather gouge out her eyes than entertain at home. I don’t know what she loves and what reminds you of her.

But I am a mom. And I know what I like. I also know what my mom likes and what my mother-in-law likes and what my mom friends like. So I put together a little Mother’s Day Gift Guide for you—not to tell you to rush off and make these purchases, but to inspire you to think of something special for the in your life.

peppermint chocolate truffles // circle scarf // custom initial bracelet (via Brit + Co, no longer available)// chamomile and grapefruit bath set (via Brit + Co, no longer available) // cheese and crackers serving board // The Inappropriate Baby Book: Gross and Embarrassing Memories from Baby’s First Year // geometric bamboo coasters

Since Friday is Galentine’s Day and I believe that any excuse to celebrate female friendship is a fabulous one, I decided it was time to climb back into my mountainous mess of DIY supplies and make something amazing (and 90s inspired!) for my BFFs (girls, please feign surprise when I hand these to you later 😉 ). Since I have a seemingly endless hoard of jewelry supplies, it only made sense to go straight for the friendship bracelet.

I’m personally of the “any bracelet given in the spirit of friendship is a friendship bracelet” school of thought, so I was not about to tie myself down to braided summer camp wrist candy. Instead, I decided to step it up a notch and make really simple beaded bracelets.

Totally inspired by Sophia Amoruso’s book of the same name, Girl Boss is a series focused on fierce, determined women who go with their gut and create their dream businesses in the process.

For me, part of the draw of writing and working freelance is that I can do it any time from anywhere. Leanne Garrity, the talented maker and designer behind Chi Chi Dee Handmade, is sort of the embodiment of that dream. Born in England, raised in Australia and recently relocated to a tiny little village in the Alps after a decade in London, Leanne seems to have the whole go-with-the-flow vibe down pat.

I love her work and the incredibly laid back vibe she seems to radiate, so I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say about business.