Brilliant Earth: Diamond Shape Style Challenge

Okay, I usually wait until the end of a post to let you know that it's partnered or sponsored but I feel the need to say right away that this is a partnered post. Since it has to do with engagement rings, and MJ and I hear the, "So when are you getting married," question more than anyone should, I need to let you know right away that I was contacted by Brilliant Earth to do this Style Challenge! After four years of dating, people expect to see a ring on your finger, keep your shirts on, folks.

Granted, I'm currently a bridesmaid for my friend, Hannah, so I've been thinking about weddings more than usual, I'm still not ready myself. And I know that MJ has had my engagement ring picked out since our first anniversary, so I figured he wouldn't mind me warming up to the wedding idea. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm going to marry MJ, we're just not ready in my eyes to do so. (Unless one of you would like to pay for the big wedding we plan to have! That would be nice!)

Anyway, since I know my taste has changed a bit since MJ picked out a ring and then showed it to everyone but me, I agreed to do this post in hopes that what he's picked is similar to the one I've picked from Brilliant Earth, if not the one I picked. I love Brilliant Earth, and am happy to do this partnered post, because finding diamonds and making them into some of the most sought-after jewelry is not always done with the environment or people's well-being in mind. Brilliant Earth has strict labor and environmental standards, and gives back to the communities that have been harmed the most by the poor ethics of others in the jewelry industry, through the sales of their conflict-free diamonds. How good would it feel to wear a beautiful ring for the rest of your life, and know that no one was harmed in creating it?

Anyway, I narrowed down my favorites to these two out of all that Brilliant Earth has to offer. It was pretty easy to do since I know I only like square-ish looking cuts, specifically the cushion cut. I also prefer silver over gold, but both of these selections are actually white gold, which I have just decided is the prettiest.

Left: 18K White Gold Petite Shared Prong | Right: 18K White Gold Chamise Diamond

After looking over these two, I decided on the one on the right, the 18K White Gold Chamise Diamond Ring, because of the wedding band that goes with it. I know that MJ wants to get a paired wedding band for my ring and I thought that this one looked nicer paired together. Mostly because the twisted shaped looks lovely next to the scooped band, while the straight rings look like they'd be fighting for finger space.

So, as the final part of this style challenge, we're supposed to create a style board for the ring of our choice, but you guys know how obsessed with Polyvore I am, so I made two. One for a casual setting, maybe part of the engagement photo session? And one for the big day, because what else does the ring remind you of, if not the wedding?

Which Brilliant Earth ring do you like best? Browse their collection and read more about their mission!

This is a partnered post. I was asked to be a part of this challenge, but all opinions are my own.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Fashion for Smiles

Hoping you all had a fantastic holiday and are enjoying some down-time now. While you're relaxing, please enjoy reading about this fabulous, up-and-coming non-profit, currently located in Pittsburgh called Fashion for Smiles, and how you can get involved with helping their mission! Here's an interview with the co-founders of Fashion for Smiles, Kyle van der Kemp and Kristen Tomkosky.

Tell us what Fashion for Smiles is all about.
Fashion for Smiles is a nonprofit (application pending) company that is changing children's lives through fashion. We've strategically aligned with two incredible charities, Operation Smile and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. We are set to host various fashion related events throughout the year, which all leads up to the Pittsburgh Smile Gala in September 2014. We are also in the process of developing the Smile Fund at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, which is designed to help any family with a child suffering from a facial deformity, by completely covering the cost of surgery and other medical expenses.

Why did you create this non-profit & what motivated you to do so?
Kristen and I started Fashion for Smiles because of our love of children and passion for helping those in need. We both have a huge interest in fashion, which is what drove us to create an organization that combined fashion and philanthropy. ‎‎

Cutie Pitutie Bath & Body: Review & Giveaway!

Hey, everyone! Sorry for the unannounced blogging break, I honestly didn't plan it but once I went a week without blogging, I felt the need to hold off on it for another week. But I'm back! I'll admit that it was nice to not feel the need to come up with topics or write everyday, but to be really honest, each day that passed without me blogging, I felt like I was missing something. This is certainly a little space that I am passionate about and I hope that comes across the screen to each of you too!

Body Frosting and Shea Lip Butter by Cutie Pitutie

Moving on...to make up for my break, today I'm introducing you to a great local business that is my current obsession. Cutie Pitutie Bath & Body is a fabulous small business. They are located in Charleroi, Pa (about an hour south of Pittsburgh) which is such a quaint little town, near where MJ grew up, so it holds a special little place in my heart. But why this company is being raved about today is because of the woman behind it all.

Tina, a mother of seven, started this business with a friend back in 2006, and although the friend is no longer her business partner, because of her determination and desire to create more natural skin care products, Cutie Pitutie lives on. Since some of her kids have sensitive skin, she knew how important it was to make natural products that could work for everyone. But that's not even the best part about her and Cutie Pitutie, Tina is selfless in giving to others and a portion of every product sold goes to a different charity each month.

I suggest that you look into her products, I know first hand that the Hand & Body cream will leave your skin feeling the softest it has been in a long time. It's so rich and creamy and smells amazing! So here's your chance to (literally) get your hands on some Cutie Pitutie goodies. Good Luck!

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions, as always, are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pittsburgh in the fall. Photo credit.

I'm glad you're taking a moment to stop by Chels & the City while you could be eating.

I am thankful for you, sweet reader. I have so much to be thankful for and you've also made the list!

Nothing is more beautiful than an autumn day in Western Pennsylvania and though I am not currently blogging from the 'burgh, I am not far away - enjoying the holiday with the family in Ellwood City.

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. (Easter being the first.)
So this year, I counted every commercial I saw about Christmas and buying, buying, buying,
because I hate how we skip over Thanksgiving for shopping,
even though shopping is one of my favorites too. 

Anyway, for every commercial I saw,
I am donating a can of food to the Pittsburgh Food Bank. 

So, soon I will be buying 65 cans.

Holy. Poop. But, it's worth it. And I'll need some help carrying those.

I hope that you all enjoy today and what it really means,
not just about how much stuffing you can eat

and where you'll be heading out to super early for Black Friday.

However, if eating is a worry for you today, there are two places I know of that are offering free meals, 

feel more than welcome to go to the Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side
and/or Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community on the South Side.

Enjoy today.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Love, Chels

Give Back to the 'Burgh

Summer is a great time to relax and take a breather. But it is also the best time to help out someone in need, so that they can relax a bit more too. Since about the sixth grade I have been addicted to volunteering. Whether it was small projects at my church to traveling the U.S. to rebuild houses, I have done it all. But there are still so many people who need a little extra help and especially for you college-aged readers, there is no better time then now for you guys to get involved!

Here are a few places in the city that are worth your time, I've tried to provide a variety to appeal to different interests. Now, of course there are many more organizations that you might feel more passionate about out there, but this is just to get the idea in your minds and get you guys looking into your summer plans. And all of these are worthy of your support and they are right here in Pittsburgh! So you could be easily helping your neighbors, which in turn makes this city even better.


Family House Pittsburgh

http://www.familyhouse.org

This is an organization that helps families who have loved-ones in the hospital for extended amounts of time. Currently they are set up as four different houses which were converted from old mansions, locker rooms and office buildings to create welcoming and beautiful rooms for families to stay in together. Family House supports families going through stress of medical issues. Since Pittsburgh is becoming a booming center for medicine, this organization has taken notice to the fact that not only Pittsburghers are coming here for treatment and these homes offer a place for families to live at a low cost while their loved ones are being treated in nearby hospitals. This gives families the ability to stay together, not spend outrageous amounts of money on transportation or hotels and gives a comforting and comfortable place to stay for the night instead of hospital chairs. There are a variety of ways to volunteer at any of their facilities and I'm sure your help and caring attitude would not go unnoticed!

Dress for Success Pittsburgh

http://www.dressforsuccess.org

I love the mission of this organization! Their main location is right in the heart of downtown, but they also have offices in Uniontown and Washington, Pa. This organization helps women in two ways; 1) the take donations of professional clothing for their clients who would otherwise not be able to afford them and 2) they help them to find jobs and then figure out how to balance those jobs with their already busy lives. I love that this organization is helping women in Southwestern Pa. Especially since if you read my post about Equal Pay Day, you know that women in this region are being paid horribly compared to their male counterparts. Dress for Success can use volunteers from simply donating clothes, to answering phones to being a client consultant and being able to help a client one-on-one. What better way to help this city grow than by helping to get more people out in the work-force?

Big Brothers Big Sisters

http://www.bbbspittsburgh.org

This organization is pretty much the most well known volunteer organization that I could think of and I am also currently going through the process of becoming a Big so I felt compelled to put this one on the list. Through this organization you can become a mentor to a child in the area. Basically, you hang out with a great kid for a few hours a month and be on call to support them if they need you. As a former full-summer camp counselor, I can promise you that there is no greater thing to become involved with than a child. Every single day I remember something a camper said to me or did in the past and realize that by being with them I learned more than I ever could teach. I cannot wait to become a Big.

Tree Pittsburgh

http://treepittsburgh.org

For those of you who are openly tree-huggers, this one's for you. Tree Pittsburgh is an organization that is committed to planting and maintaining trees around the city. They have a special Tree Tenders course that you must complete before becoming a member but this is a great organization to be involved with during the summer. (Work on your tan and help a great cause - those are my favorite kind of summer volunteer opportunities!) This organization is so intriguing to me because it's helping to grow Pittsburgh in a different way then the typical urban volunteer program - it is literally helping growth through trees. And while I love being a "city-liver," it is always great seeing some green around. Real trees are always welcomed in a concrete jungle in my opinion!


Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh

http://www.pittsburghhabitat.org

This one pretty much goes without saying but I love Habitat for Humanity. I have been involved with various chapters of this organization throughout college thanks to the Griffins at Work Club we had at Seton Hill, which gave me most of my travel volunteer experience but also through the Greensburg chapter because it was so convenient to help them while attending Seton Hill for my undergrad. Habitat builds homes for families in need, but what I love most about them is that they require the families to help on their homes as well as others to pay off their "sweat equity." Being able to get your hands dirty while building a home for someone, while working right next to them is an indescribable experience that I would suggest anyone to take advantage of.



Like I said, there are plenty more organizations that are willing to take you on as a volunteer, especially throughout Pittsburgh and you can find many more through Pittsburgh Cares. Where there is a need, there is certainly some organization trying to help, and that organization needs people like you to continue to operate! So get out there this summer to jump start your new volunteer project and try to maintain it all year round - you will be thanked in one way or another and every experience is more than worth it!