Friday Favorites: Wear Love

Today, I am excited to feature the very special company, wearLove®, which is right out of my home base of Easton MA. wearLove® is much more than another clothing company. Rather, it is a lifestyle brand that has devoted itself to spreading the beautiful message to "wear love" everyday. And with today being Valentine's Day, I can't think of a better company to feature .

Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

The company was created as a movement to spread the two special words; "wear love". Founder, Lynne Payne, had been working on a photo shoot with her friend when they decided to print the words "wear love" on t-shirts for the shoot. Soon, people began inquiring about the shirts in the photos and so Lynne began selling the t-shirts out of her home in Easton. Within weeks, she began receiving orders from  people across the world who were eager to adorn the loving message.




As word of mouth spread, incredible stories began to unfold across the web of how people were "wearing the love". One, in particular, involved a father returning from the war who wore his wearLove® t-shirt to greet his wife and children for homecoming.

Homecoming
Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

Love at home
Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

A few weeks later, Lynne received another message from someone who wanted to "wear the love". It was the Today Show alerting Lynne that  Kathie Lee would be featuinrg Wear Love® as her "favorite thing" that morning. (Check out the Today Show clip here. Within minutes of shirts airing on the Today Show, Lynne's website sold out of inventory.

Since then, the company has re-stocked and has created many different designs and styles to choose from. While meeting with Lynne, I had the pleasure to tour her workroom and it was incredible to get a first eye experience of Lynne's creative process. One of my best friend Kelsey always says to me "when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life" and this is immediately what I thought of when watching Lynne discuss her passion for wearLove®. She is so authentic in spreading her message to "wear love" that  it is no surprise to me how quickly the company has become a success.

Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

Another huge reason as to why I am a big fan of wearLove® is due to all of the philanthropic work they do. A few years back, Lynne and her husband traveled to one of the poorest communities in Africa and were humbled by what they saw. An estimated 30,000 boys in Sengal are abandoned by their families at age 5, where they are placed into schools until the age of 15. Somewhere around age 15, after a lost decade of use and abuse by their street masters, the boys are once again abandoned to a future without hope and promise.

wearLove® has helped to build a vocational school for these boys in which they can build life skills that can combat poverty. In my opinion, there is no better way to give back then to encourage others to find their strengths. I firmly believe in the saying; "Give a man a fish and you feed him for the day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". By building a school for the children of Senegal, wearLove® was able to inspire the children to create a sense of self-love and empowerment from within themselves. To this day, wear Love® continues to support the children of Senegal, and other impoverished nations, by donating  $3 of every shirt to Restore International, a worldwide organization committed to restoring justice to children around the world by

In addition to partnering with Restore International, wearLove® has  partnered with numerous other philanthropic organizations including School on Wheels, a nonprofit for children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, and the Adam Brown Legacy Fund, a nonprofit that was formed in honor of fallen Navy Seal Chief (SOC) Adam Brown.

Lastly, wearLove® makes t-shirts for everyone and I'm really not just saying that. They seriously have a style that fits anyone I can think of in my life. From making tshirts for Jenna's (Tone it Tuesday contributor) little man Henry to being my mom's "go-to" t-shirt company and the designers of my favorite, lightweight hoodie, wear Love® is certainly worn and loved by all.

Henry sporting his Wear Love T-Shirt
Photo Courtesy of: Jenna Klane Nelson

Lynne's daughter Jordan and her bridal party sporting the Wear Love t-shirts
Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

Fourth of July Cookout, Easton MA
Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

You can't help but feel that you are a part of a much larger, loving community when wearing their apparel. Even just by going to yoga class in my favorite wearLove® pullover, I feel as though I am setting a loving intention for the class and inspiring others to do the same.

And so I encourage you to head over to their website so that you too can "Wear Love. Put it on. Wear it out".

Create a loving Valentine's Day everyone!

And now for your daily dose of inspiration inspired by wearLove®...

"Use your words for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity,
 your mind for truth, and your heart for love"
Photo Courtesy of: wearLove®

*For more information about wearLove®, check out their website, Facebook page, Twitter page, & Pinterest.

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Friday Favorites- Fashion edition: Threads & Mane

Photo Courtesy of: Threads and Mane

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've been on Pinterest, "pinning" amazing fashion outfits and have thought to myself: I would of never thought to have paired "that" with "that".  I always wonder who  those cool, fashion chicks are who can pull off mixing styles, such as leopard & flannel, and really make an outfit WORK. Well recently, I stumbled across the fashion blog- Threads and Mane, and the two ladies behind this blog are "those chicks" that make it "work."

 The Girls Behind Threads and Mane

The "threads" of Threads and Mane, is fashion/accessories lover and expert Ashley Thomas, while the girl behind the "mane" is hair/beauty/jewelry lover and expert Danielle Lareau. Ashley and Danielle started Threads and Mane as a creative fashion outlet to explore after work hours. Living just a block away from one another in South Boston, Ashley and Danielle had been spending the majority of their free time together, discussing all things beauty and fashion. As they constantly turned to one another when planning their outfits...down to their nail polish, to discus new beauty finds, and discover new places around the Boston area; they realized they should launch a blog to inspire others. 

Why I love Threads and Mane

I absolutely adore fashion, but when I walk into my closet, I often find myself overwhelmed by the idea of having to put an outfit together. Therefore, I tend to stick with a few "go to" items such as a pair of leggings and a chunky sweater. So to me, Danielle and Ashley are awe-inspiring fashionistas that I would love to be able to "call up" everyday, asking them how to "amp up" my basics. Luckily, however, their blog feels a lot like having them on speed-dial.

When I see their beautiful fashion shoots taken on the streets of Boston, I feel inspired to go back into my closet and choose something a little more daring like a sparkly necklace and leopard booties to pair with that sweater and leggings. 

Aside from the style section of Threads and Mane, I also really enjoy their "Beauty" section of the blog which features easy hair tutorials (like the DIY bun tutorial below) and time and money saving, makeup product reviews. Their "Life" section features local area reviews, in which I discovered there is a blowout bar down the street from me!

Since reading the Threads and Mane blog and pinning their pins (they have the best fashion pins), I have definitely created a keener eye for fashion and learned a heck of a lot more about beauty. 

So on this edition of Friday Favorites, I am saying "cheers" to these two fashion-rocking, "make-it-work" ladies! Thank you both for launching a blog that covers all the bases of beauty and fashion. I look forward to reading for many years to come and encourage all of you to do the same.  

Below are a couple of Ashley and Danielle's favorite things, along with Friday's dose of inspiration, inspired by Threads and Mane, of course.

 Create a great Friday, and I hope that Ashley and Danielle have inspired you all to go  into your closets and choose a bolder outfit that you can "work" this weekend. 

Photo Courtesy of: Threads and Mane

*Check out Threads and Mane on their website, & follow them on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and  Instagram.

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 Follow @Creatively Lu on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Friday Favorites: Tyler "Reis"

It's not hard to play You Don't Know Me on repeat. In fact, if you've been in my car in the past few months, there's a good chance you've heard it and also maybe a few others on the road have too....

The track begins with a soft entrancing sound, when suddenly the first verse drops. The words start to flow with ease and it continues to stay on point from there.  Everyone who I've played the track for has recognized a similar, deeply rich quality to that of Drake. 

Tyler Reismiller, who goes by Reis, grew up in the Indianapolis area, and has a voice that's smooth and deep, yet very crisp. Reis writes his own verses and his lyrics punch at you over heart-thumping beats, while still managing to tell a story that is so clear and precise. 

Reis's "Power  Moves" mixtape will be released on Thursday, December 19th. However,  lucky for you all, the tracklist is already up on his YouTube channel: ReesieMusic. I have to say, the songs are definitely on point. From the big-sounding, "bump this in your car" Ball So Hard to the very real/ softer ballad Break Down or Come Up; there is definitely a little something for everyone. 

At only 18, Tyler has already undergone quite the journey to finding himself as an artist. During his senior year of highschool, Tyler woke up one day, determined to make a healthy lifestyle change. He simply decided to begin working out and eating healthier. A year and a half later at 130lbs lighter, Tyler has never looked back. 

Tyler is my cousin on my mom's side and I cannot believe the transformation he has undergone. In my mind, he is still so young and adorable like in this photo with his brother Andrew below. 

But Tyler is definitely all grown up now. When listening to his music, I can't help but beam with pride, while refraining myself from chasing strangers down the street to listen to his music. And so it should come as no surprise that I am very excited to utilize the "Friday Favorites" section of the Creatively Lu blog as an easier/safer outlet to introduce Tyler's music to others.  

When I asked Tyler what it is about music that has changed his life so much, he provided me with such a profound answer that I couldn't believe just how wise beyond his years he  is:

"Music has really changed my life. I was never the type who was outgoing or outspoken about anything really. Then my senior year (of highschool) came along and I got pretty serious about music. And it's been a 360 turnaround ever since. I'm not afraid at all to show my flaws. I make music that reflects on my life and what has happened. Every song I have written has a past to it. I've lived every lyric, every word, every chorus, every hook. And that's why people can connect with my music, because it is so relatable."

So please check out the incredibly talented Tyler "Reis", if for no other reason but to find a song to bump on your ride home tonight. Below is your daily dose of inspiration, inspired by Tyler. 

Create a great Friday everyone! 

*You can follow Tyler "Reis"  on his YouTube channel,  Instagram & Twitter. 

Friday Favorites: Redefining Rich

Today’s Friday Favorites is dedicated to the Redefining Rich blog created by Ashley Klane last January as a New Year’s resolution to “redefine” her interpretation of what it meant to live a “rich” life. Below is a passage from her very first post in which she explained her prerogative for creating the blog:

 The idea for this year’s resolution came to me one night when I finally got sick of hearing myself complain about how broke I am. While it’s true that I’m pretty broke (along with almost everybody else my age), I realized that I was whining about it while eating wild salmon, inside my home, surrounded by some of the people I love most. I wanted to slap myself. I have always known that I am fortunate in infinite ways, but my first stab at being an adult and supporting myself got my views a little twisted. I needed to redefine “rich”. Sure, I may live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches most nights, and I may or may not have let my brunette roots grow down to my ears, but I can eat, I have a job I love, and my 5 month old nephew gives me the biggest smile every single day when I get home from work. So I’m pretty sure I’m f*cking loaded.

And so came the idea for 2013. I want to stop complaining and start helping. As long as I have enough money to survive, I have enough money to help other people. So, this year I want to choose one charity per month to share with my family and friends, raise awareness for, and donate to. While I’ll personally only be able to donate a small amount, I like to believe that even small acts of kindness can create positive outcomes – people helping people, pay it forward, all that good stuff. I would like to admit that I don’t always believe money to be the best way to help. Whenever possible, I support volunteering, as actions speak louder than $$$. However, keeping in mind my goals to include my friends and family in this resolution and to choose a new charity every month, I felt a monetary donation would be an easy way to keep this resolution going. (I’ll also be sharing stories of volunteering and random acts of kindness to supplement throughout the year.)

I have a new nephew as I mentioned earlier, and any little thing I can do to make his world just a little bit better, I’ll find a way to do. My hope is that everyone following this has someone to inspire them, someone to be better for.

Ashley with her nephew Henry, Summer 2013

The Redefining Rich blog has delivered all that it has promised  and a heck of a whole lot more. Over this past year, Ashley has covered a diverse number of charities  including the DJ Henry Dream Fund, the Autism Research Foundation,  and School on Wheels of Massachusetts. Each month, Ashley shares quotes, pictures, heartfelt notes, and information on that particular month’s charity. Her posts are intimate and heartfelt, while leaving you feeling like you have just a little more love left to give that you may have not even  known you had, which is exactly how I feel when spending time with Ashley.

Ashley is one of my very best friends since moving to Easton at the tender age of 15. (Yup, I started high school in a new town!)   Even while growing up, Ashley never ceased to amaze me with her huge heart and endless dedication towards helping others. As much as it might have been tempting to partake in “gossiping with your bestie", I never engaged in such antics with Ashley since she never made you feel like there was any need to. 

While Ashley is always a very positive person, it is not in a "Richard Simmons, over-the-top" sorta way. Rather, Ashley is just so naturally blissful that the conversation never heads towards a negative place. My friend Jimmy always says “You are affected by the 5 people you surround yourself with the most” and I am so lucky that Ashley has been one of those 5.

Last year, during my full-time MBA program, Ashley moved back home and we literally became attached at the hip. With similar "school schedules" (Ash is a teacher), we shared after-school snacks, watched a ton of weekly TV shows such as the Voice, in which we rose from the couch to give standing ovations for our favorite singers, took weekly “field trips” to Hilliard's (our favorite, local ice cream parlor), and went on leisurely drives in Ashley's jeep, while listening to our favorite compilation of “chill” music (which included another one of my favorite Ashleys, Ashley Sofia).

During this stressful time, Ashley was my endless support system; providing rides to the doctors, advice on online shopping purchases, and never hesitated to get excited  over my weird "healthy hippie" food that no one else would dear try or ever refused to try my made-up beauty concoctions and recipes, despite how "strange" they may have been. So needless to say when Ashley told me one day over ice cream at Hilliard's, that she was planning to move to Los Angeles to live with Caitie (another high school best friend), I was in major denial.

 Fast-forward a few months later to her going away dinner and having to say goodbye. I felt like a complete and utter "hot mess." This was my best bud, who lived an easy 5 minutes away, and suddenly my normal routine was screeching to a sudden halt. But I took a deep breath and gave her a big hug goodbye, and told her; “go show LA how you kill it,” and begrudgingly walked away while miraculously remaining composed. However, the second I got to the car, I cried like the big, mushy baby I was.

 

  Ashley and I at her going away party, Jimmy Plunkett cruise, August 2013

It has now been 3 months since the big move and seriously not a thing has changed with my friendship with Ashley. I still get to catch up with her frequently, have received a “tour” of the new place via iPhone pictures, and continue to receive the same amount of endless support from her as always, its just now over the phone. In fact, Ashley is in part to thank for launching the Creatively Lu blog. 

 As I write my blog posts, I often think “This is something Ashley would love.” Remember that coconut DIY masque or the walnut streusel bread recipe or the gratitude journal entry?... Yup, all those posts I knew Ashley would, in her words; “ be all over.”

Ashley is an incredible role model, aunt (remember that “little bald guy” from my first Wordless Wednesday picture?), blogger, and teacher.  I am so thankful and lucky to call her my lifelong friend.

So please go check out the Redefining Rich blog, you will be glad you did! Below is your daily dose of inspiration, inspired by Ashley. Have a great weekend everyone!

Ashley, alongside her sister, Amanda, and nephew, Henry, at Borderland State Park, Summer 2013.

*Follow Redefining Rich on Tumblr and Twitter. 

Friday Favorites: J Lye

One of my favorites as of late is the incredibly gifted Julien Paul. Julien goes by the artist name J. Lye and comes from the Boston area and is a graduate of Boston University.

 I discovered J. Lye thanks to the beautiful & talented Ashley Sofia, who was last week's Friday Favorite. Julien sang on the track "If We Really Try"with Ashley and they filmed the music video here in Boston.

"If We Really Try" is one of my all time favorite songs. There is just something so easy-going and pure about the song that you find yourself naturally moving along to it, only after coming to realize that you have been continuously hitting replay. 

My ears definitely perked up the first time I heard Julien rap. As his first verse begins, you can feel his words unfold into a story so crisp and controlled, while he still manages to spit some serious game. Since then, I have been listening to J. Lye’s other songs from his YouTube Channel and loving everything I've found.

One of my favorites, "City on my Back" might as well be Boston's anthem. I dare you to listen to it, without finding the need to turn it up and cruise with your windows down. I definitely find myself going harder on the elliptical when I hear "I got a city on my back, I'll never let it fall. We riding to the top and Ima never let it stall. Put the city on my cap. Boston on the map. I bring it to the light every single time I rap…” The lyrics can’t help but make you want to put on a Boston jersey and maybe even rap a little, as evidenced in my Tweet that I sent out while listening to this song the other night...

While I've decided to remain "Creatively" Lu for now, Julien is quickly making waves on the Boston music scene and beyond. This past summer, J. Lye was featured in Tosser Magazine as "One of the Top 50 People to Keep on Your Radar." His most recent accomplishment is winning a video contest in which KarmaLoopTV shot a music video for his song "Where'd You Go" f. Lisa Bello. And let me tell you, the track is out of control.

 "Where'd You Go" takes you on a trip down memory lane of lost love, which I think is  something everyone can relate to in one way or another. I guarantee you will be singing along to the chorus, and at the very least melting over Julien's smile in the video. 

Julien is an incredible rapper with an incredible soul and in just the few minutes I spent getting to know him, you can tell he is the real deal. So take a listen for yourself because believe me no one will be asking J. Lye where he went. His music is definitely here to stay.

*Reach out to J. Lye via his  website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram