Welcome to 2011...

I'm in Austin all week so I thought I'd have a week full of Austin for you too!

Shady Springs is a hidden treasure and also my Aunt and Uncle's business. Problem is, it may be too hidden. This place has been hosting company picnics for over 30 years now and relies on word of mouth for business. You won't find any ad's in Austin Monthly but if you know just what to google, you can find their website! 

Now, if I lived in Austin.. I would make it my personal mission to introduce everyone I meet to this amazing place. The possibilities are ENDLESS. Their BBQ is the best in Austin [I promise I'm not bias, Nick swears by it too!] and their grass is some of the greenest around. I would personally meet with each company and present them with a party plan that they couldn't resist. Sadly though, I'm unable to do this from New York. So, I do what I can and today I created a Facebook Fan Page for them. 

It needs to be known that this place will be the perfect backdrop to any event!

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. ~Author Unknown

I've always been fond of L'Occitane. Their beauty products seemed timeless; always refreshing with the perfect subtle hint of some beautiful scent (who needs fragrant facial creams, that can't be good for your skin, can it?). After meeting with the L'Occitane crew a couple of weeks ago for their fall preview (which I cannot WAIT for yall to see for yourself) I learned that their company is so much more than just beauty products.
Not only are their products made with some of the most natural flowers and minerals out there, but the organizations they have partnered with to create awareness and raise money for seem endless. They have 3 main pillars which create their main foundation; Support to visually impaired people, Economic emancipation of women, and Preservation of "the knowledge of nature." After learning about ORBIS, which is their main organization that helps with their first pillar to support the visually impaired, I was beyond inspired. This organization has literally transformed the inside a plane to create their Flying Eye Hospital, which travels to developing countries to help cure blindness through surgeries.

So while you're waiting for their amazing fall products to be revealed (I'll let you know when my favorites hit shelves), go take a look at some of their staple products such as their Pure Organic Shea Butter (unlike any other I have ever tried), or their Immortelle Divine Cream, which they literally can barely keep on the shelves. Remember when you look at the price tag, that you not only are splurging on some of the most natural ingredients out there for your skin but that with your purchase you can help their supported charities.

I'm not pushing any products on you, if anything I hope this inspires you to look deeper into charities and see what part you can take in helping those around us who need any extra help we can offer them.