The Pit Stop

It is back to school week here in Texas, and for us, that means the opportunity to start anew! Missy started exercising for the first time in 3 years, Amy took a much well deserved couple of days off in honor of her birthday:-), and I have managed to find a bit of time to tap into some vintage inspiration.

But more importantly, as we prepare for our one year anniversary (and the launch of our new winter/spring line which we think you wil luv!!), we are reminded of the core values and our vision in creating BlueAvocado.  One of the key components of that vision is to create an impact  - “where the act of one effect the lives of many.”

And so, as a reminder to ourselves, we wanted to mark a day to consciously start “paying it forward.” Clearly pay it forward is nothing new.   Movies have been made. Studies have been conducted proving that kindness strengthens our immune system. Our favorite talk show hosts (ie. Ellen Degeneres) and self help gurus have conducted social experiments. And now, even iPhone apps are available.

So we are taking it down to basics with our first “Pay It Forward Friday.”  This is simply a step we can take together to collectively set the intention to do good!

We also want to support you in your effort to “Pay It Forward.”  For every 5th person who shares how they get the good on via Facebook and every 20th person who RT our  ”Pay It Forward Friday” message on Twitter, we will provide a free bag for yourself or to pass on to a friend in need of some plastic bag detox.

There are no rules as to how you pay it forward - it could be a donation to your favorite charity, reaching out to a long lost friend or loved one, giving a bigger tip at your favorite eatery, helping a homeless person, letting someone in fron of you in traffic, or flashing a spectacular smile at a stranger. The possibilities are endless and we can’t wait for the sharing to begin!

Look for our reminder Friday on Facebook and Twitter. Here is to ripples that make waves.  As always, thanks for joining the journey!

We will be the first to admit that we can get a bit overboard with the women empowerment thing here at BA HQ.  So if there is ever a time to quiet our inner goddesses and embrace all the men in our lives, Father’s Day is the time.

If we don’t say it enough, we are beyond grateful for the support, love, and feedback (whether solicited or not:-) that we receive from the special men in our lives.  And what is better than beginning to see BlueAvocado sightings of men sporting their gro-paks around town. While many are wearing the solid line pride, we have to give a big shout out to those men who can where our bright signature avocados (especially the raspberry) with as much pride.  And lets be clear - there are alot:-)

But it is with a heavy heart, that this day also reminds us of the men that are no longer with us. Whether a father, an uncle, a brother, a grandfather, boyfriend, or friend, we hold your memories deep in our hearts.  We remember you in the smallest ways be it a childhood trip to the coffee shop for donuts, or teaching us to dive for the first time, or inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success that we may not have realized at the time you were here.  You are in our hearts and we believe you would be so proud.

So on this Father’s Day 2009, lets celebrate ALL the men in our lives. To all of you - We Heart You!!

ps. thanks to Alan, father of 4 for sharing his BlueAvocado luv in the above picture:-) Lookin’ good Alan!

The best part about being an entrepreneur is being able to DREAM BIG!

We have learned in our brief period of existence that dreams exists on many different levels.  There are the dreams that can be well supported and executed through tactics and strategy. There are dreams that you never knew you had until they reveal themselves through some unforseen circumstance. And then there are the dreams that can only be explained by a combination of preparation as it marries a little belief, karma and perhaps even some magic.

Regardless of how a dream is defined, for us our dream of being featured in REAL SIMPLE (pg. 116) manifested this week as the March issue hit newsstands.  We were featured as the “smartest system” in a road test amongst other reusable bags.  We are thrilled that our beloved little gro-pak (the full kit) almost quadrupled the other bags with amount of balls it heId with a whopping 432!  And we just have to say, that it was beyond an honor to be in the company of the other bags featured.

REAL SIMPLE  was something we wished for when BlueAvocado was a mere pit. And here we are 432 balls later!!  We will post the article as soon as it is online, in the meantime pick up a copy of one of our most FAV mags available on newsstands now. Thank you REAL SIMPLE and thanks to everyone for all the support and well wishes.  We are giddy with excitement and gratitude!