La Plates featured on Uptown Liz

La Plates has always worked to give back to organizations with each sale. Whether customers purchase online or at our trunk shows, a percentage of all retail sales at La Plates goes to charity. Uptown Liz is a fabulous website that highlights only companies that give back. You can shop by the organization that you want to support or by product. Recently the owner of Uptown Liz, Ramona Russell, asked La Plates to share their reasons for giving back. Here's what they featured in their December newsletter:

"Lara Hazelett Shelton grew up with a mother who was a "professional volunteer" and dedicated her career to nonprofit organizations. "She never said 'no' to a fundraiser or organization that needed her help," says Shelton. In 2004, Shelton lost her mother suddenly to ovarian cancer; she knew that she would continue her mother's legacy one day.

With 1 and 3 year old boys, the Shelton tabletop was lacking in kid-friendly style. It was cartoon plastic plates or the good china - there had to be a happy medium. In May of 2008, Shelton decided to take the plunge into the "mompreneurial" world and La Plates was born.

"La Plates produces personalized melamine plates and accessories with style. We bring creative design, fun color and class to your table without any hassle. All of our products have a personalized touch; we make them custom, just for you," explains Shelton. The company donates a percentage of all sales to various causes, most focusing on women's (ovarian cancer) and children's health issues.

Since launching La Plates in 2008, products have been featured in Coastal Living, Self, Lucky, Country Living, Southern Living, Paula Deen and most recently, in the Harper's Bazaar Holiday Gift Guide. La Plates are available online and at boutiques throughout the country."

Breast Cancer Awareness month

My neighbor is training for a breast cancer walk in November. While I wish I had the motivation to do the entire walk with her, I know myself too well. The intentions would be good, but my training would fall short. As the next best thing, I have promised to keep her company on her long training days - 60 pounds in stroller weight/kids included.

In the spirit of giving, I've decided "pink shopping" is dedication as well. With all the sites dedicated to raising money for breast cancer awareness and research, why shop anywhere else this month? There are many items available in colors other than pink, but in the spirit of the cause, I picked my favorite pink products!

Design-her-Gals stationery, dedicated to our favorite woman!

Galoshes (because I've always wanted a pair) from DLL Rainwear

A great jacket for all my neighborly training, from The Breast Cancer Site

And because I seem to be the handy one around here, how about a pink set of tools from Tomboy Tools?

Whenever doing online shopping, try to find a site that gives back. There are a lot of companies that care, not just during breast cancer awareness month, but year round. Uptown Liz is a fabulous site - you can shop by product OR cause. In my mind, you don't have to make excuses for shopping when it's for a cause!