One of the things that we are most proud of at BlueAvocado is our 1% partnership with Kiva.org.  Even before BlueAvocado was a mere pit, our inspiration and love for Kiva was as profound as it was impactful.

When we first started dreaming up the concept of BlueAvocado and talking to experts, advisers and future customers, we used Kiva as our personal thank you note and making loans on their behalf.  It was a way to help keep us focused on a bigger vision that lies at the core of one of our key values - empowering women entrepreneurs around the globe.  To date - we have personally and collectively provided over 30 loans to women all around the world - Nicaragua, Honduras, Samoa, Senegal.

Whether good times or challenging times, it is through our re-investment of these women around the globe that help keep us grounded on a common purpose and faithful of a larger collective impact.  And at the end of the day, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. Understanding that one small ripple can inspire many more, ultimately, we hope to turn these ripples into waves.

So sure, we may get caught up in the glitz and glamor as our gro-pak blossoms into the world of retail and into the hands of our beloved customers, but let’s be clear, this bag holds ALOT of dreams! Join the journey and jump on the Kiva bandwagon with us! And if it’s not obvious - We Heart Kiva!!

We have a new SERIOUS crush over here at BA HQ.  We discovered the genius of white hot truth and Danielle LaPorte through one of our most devoted BA customers and friends (thanks Melissa!).   The “white hot truth” came into our lives at the perfect time. With a tag line of “because self realization rocks” we knew we had discovered an oasis for fresh new insight and inspiration.  While there are numerous posts that caught our attention, the following created an explosion of nostalgia, gratitude and relief. So as you bask in the following post of “notes to my 20 year old self” take a moment of reflection of your own journey. While we are all clearly time starved and overwhelmed, there is no denying the infinite moments of growth and transformation that have taken place over the years. One of our greatest challenges at BlueAvocado that we try and do everyday, is CELEBRATE those moments and Danielle helped to remind us of that. So join us in the celebration! Oh and be sure to follow Danielle on twitter and white hot truth. Trust us - you will be glad you did!

Notes to my 20 year old self

Class of 88. Honours in eye shadow.

I’m turning 40 in a few weeks. Bizarre. Surreal. Cannot believe it. Just yesterday I was at ecstatically getting the hell out of high school, wearing shoulder pads and stilettos underneath my graduation gown; knowing full well that the world was my oyster and that extra-hold hair mousse would get me through almost any encounter. I can hardly believe that I can say, “twenty years ago…” about anything.

Dear Danielle at 20:

1. Algebra really is useless.
2. Credit cards are mostly evil.
3. Talk is cheap.
4. If he doesn’t stay until morning, he’s probably married or deeply insecure.
5. There is no soul mate. I know, this is particularly hard news to take because you are longing for The One 24-7. But, guess what, The One is The One because you say he/she is. And that’s way more liberating and empowering than anything preordained or supposedly destined.
6. And while we’re ‘dising cosmic romanticism - there’s no such thing as destiny. Life really is what you make it.
7. Tragedy happens. Yes, everything happens for a reason, but life can be cruel and wrenching and while it all comes out in the cosmic wash, some souls collide and mistakes do happen.
8. Louise Hay is a magnificent woman, but there is more to the machinations of life, illness, and cosmology than the simple explanations offered by You Can Heal Your Life. Cancer is not necessarily a result of repressed guilt, and you may not necessarily choose to heal your life this time around - that’s okay. Illness doesn’t make you a New Age Loser.
9. Diplomacy is overrated.
10. If your boss tries to french kiss you, it’s out of bounds.
11. Only lend books if you don’t want them back.
12. Go to more concerts.
13. If you don’t kiss girls in your twenties, you’ll probably never get around to trying it out. You should try it out.
14. You’re right - kindness is one of the most powerful natural resources there is…infinitely renewable.
15. Your feelings are exceedingly more useful than your ability to rationalize your fears or other people’s poor behaviour.
16. Your heart…your heart…your heart is where it’s at.
17. When you turn 40, you shall be rocking like never before, grateful for absolutely everything, and you will finally, finally feel like earth is home…for the most part.