Spring Fever

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther

The sun shines, the rain falls, the flowers bloom, and we soak in the deep breath of spring.

In honor of this lovely season, I’ve put together a playlist of songs that I haven’t been able to get enough of lately. Some of these songs are new, some are classics, and some I’ve stumbled across without even looking. 

Regardless, whether you’re rolling up your sleeves for a bit of spring cleaning or hopping in your car for an afternoon at the park, I hope this playlist makes a great companion for the sunny days ahead.

Hayley Catt is a servant of Jesus Christ, graphic designer, advocator, PK, adventurer and photographer with a major case of wanderlust. She recently spent a year in South Africa loving on kids and going on safaris. As a lover of music and all things Solohope, she is delighted to share some of her favorite jams with you. Hayley currently works as a graphic designer for a non-profit in the Atlanta area. Follow her shenanigans on Instagram @hayleyacatt and Twitter @hayleycatt. 

Hello 2015!

Excited for 2015 would be an understatement. I’m not exactly sure how to explain it but I have such a confidence and anticipation for the great things God is going to do this year through SoloHope and I want to share those things with you. So here goes…

non-profit pending

Over the past year and half, the number one question I have received from people is “Are you a non-profit?” Up until now the answer has been no but we have officially started the process to become a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It will take 6-12 months to be approved.  The micro-business and work with the SoloHope ladies will continue as it has in the past but through this move to non-profit status, I believe it will allow SoloHope to expand to use other tools to renew hope. Becoming non-profit also means when people ask if their donations will be tax-deductible, the answer will be yes.

Partner with more women in Honduras

We have some big goals for this year as far as how many women we want to partner with in Honduras through our “intentional trade” tool. By the end of the year, our goal is to be partnering with 12-18 women living in extreme poverty in Honduras through creating products that will be marketed in the US. So how will we accomplish this? As far as US operations go, there will be a focus on obtaining wholesale partners such a boutiques and fair trade stores. This will effectively help sell more product thus employing more women in Honduras but also reach more people with SoloHope’s story to renew hope.

New Program Training To Commence

Last year when I was in Honduras in February/March, several young women I’ve known for years opened up to me and shared, some through tears, their stories of sexual abuse and assault. I had long known sexual abuse to be a major problem in Honduras but to hear these stories from the victims themselves—from my friends, broke my heart. I began to pray “God, what is my response?” After some time, an idea of a program to focus on abuse prevention and recovery began form in my mind. This year will focus on training 1-2 Hondurans who have a pull to see this darkness brought to the light. This is not something to be taken lightly and experienced Christian counselors are being consulted in the process of creating this program. I ask for your prayers and clear direction in this area.

Operation: SoloHope Headquarters

Up until just a few days ago, SoloHope has operated out of my car and bedroom. I was surrounded by bracelets and necklaces and my room smelled of pine—not a bad thing (all SoloHope products are created from pine straw and thread) but it was beginning to feel a little claustrophobic. I felt like the Lord was pushing me to look for an office space but truthfully I was a little scared because I didn’t have a big budget for it and it was just a huge step of faith for me. But y’all the Lord provided the perfect space in the exact amount budgeted. It’s in Cairo and the layout is perfect. Not only will it act as an office but it will also be open to the public for people to shop and learn more about SoloHope and missions worldwide. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!

jumpstart the year

Let’s jumpstart this year! All of the above takes money. I hate asking for money but I love seeing hope renewed and lives beginning to discover the beauty of Christ. So am I willing to do something I strongly dislike so I can see something I love take place? Yes! This is the only newsletter that I have or will point blank ask for your financial support. To jumpstart this year, we need $15,000 by the end of March. It seems like a big number but I know we serve an even BIGGER God. To do this ministry, finances are needed but I don’t want you see this as strictly a request for money. No, I want you to see this as an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Something that has eternal value. Something that brings hope and restores lives through Christ. Something that can dramatically transform families and communities. Something that can destroy the darkness and bring Light. We all have an opportunity do something and that’s what I’m asking you to do. However big or small, God will use it beyond all we can ask or imagine. So, friends, I invite you to give to SoloHope—to be a part of this story of hope.

In March, we will begin fundraising online via a crowd-funding website and I sincerely hope you will consider partnering with SoloHope financially to help us empower and renew hope for women and families in Honduras and beyond. For our campaign to succeed, we need your help and support. If you have questions or would like further discuss what the $15000 will be used for or our overall 2015 budget, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call me at 229.516.2178. If you would like for me to come share with your church, small group, or maybe just you and a few friends over coffee about the mission and goals of SoloHope, please let me know. I would be honored.

Let’s make 2015 legendary!

Emilee

If you would like to make a financial donation, please make checks payable to SoloHope and mail to:

SoloHope

295 Bond Rd.

Cairo, GA 39827

or donate to our Indiegogo Campaign with the link below:

igg.me/at/solohope

Currently donations are not tax-deductible however upon approval of SoloHope’s 501(c)3, donations made to SoloHope up to 27 months before approval will be retroactively tax-deductible. At such point, you will receive a receipt from SoloHope for your tax-deductible financial donations.

The Song the Season Brings

“Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be glory given”

It’s holiday traditions and snowflakes, homemade cookies and jingle bells. It’s candlelight services and gingerbread, Christmas lights and caroling. Most importantly, it’s a joyful celebration of the most beautiful redemption story this world has ever seen.

If I could, I would celebrate this season all year. Listening to festive melodies beside a warm fire surrounded by family and friends and twinkling lights is my happy place.

And because I don’t want to save it all for Christmas Day, I have been working on creating the perfect Christmas playlist for years. This soundtrack to the season is one of my proudest achievements that I am happy to share with the Solohope community, but be sure to follow along because I’ll add more as the season progresses.

May your days be merry and bright,

Hayley

Hayley Catt is a servant of Jesus Christ, graphic designer, advocator, PK, adventurer and photographer with a major case of wanderlust. She recently spent a year in South Africa loving on kids and going on safaris. As a lover of music and all things Solohope, she is delighted to share some of her favorite jams with you. Hayley currently works as a graphic designer for a non-profit in the Atlanta area. Follow her shenanigans on Instagram @hayleyacatt and Twitter @hayleycatt. 

'Tis the Season

‘Tis the season to be jolly AND fashionable!  

It is my favorite time of year and Christmas has come early!  The LUXE Collection // Christmas '14 from SoloHope is now here and it is something to be excited about!  Earrings have been added to the accessory collection and each accessory showcases a beautiful black with gold metallic thread (Black Gold) or white with silver metallic thread (Silver Snow) that is perfect for this holiday season!  Here are a few tips on how to wear the new LUXE accessories with what you already own from day to night:

Sweater dress + Eyelet necklace

Take this fall/winter staple and vamp it up by putting one or two (see previous blog on layering) SoloHope eyelet necklaces with it.  You can even wear the LUXE eyelet necklace in Black Gold with the eyelet necklace in Silver Snow.  It is no longer a fashion crime to mix metallics.  Go from day to night by exchanging flats for heels and add a simple updo for an effortless look.   The eyelet necklace in Black Gold is modeled below.

 Favorite tee + Skinny jeans + Teardrop earrings + Gresa bangles

Who doesn’t love wearing jeans and a tee?!  Pair your favorite tee with your favorite skinnies, throw on a scarf and don’t forget to add SoloHope’s LUXE teardrop earrings and Gresa bangles to complete the look.  For night, exchange your flats for your high heel ankle booties to show off those legs and add a smoky eye!  The LUXE Teardrop earring and Gresa bangles in Black Gold are shown below.

Sweater + midi skirt + teardrop earrings

The midi skirt is the must-have skirt this season. If you don’t own one already, it’s time to shop for one!   Its length is anywhere from below the knee to a couple of inches above the ankle.  You can find a variety of these ranging from pencil to full skirts.  When pairing sweaters and skirts together, it is important to think about proportion.  You can wear an oversized sweater with a midi pencil skirt or a fitted, shorter sweater with a fuller skirt.  Pair the sweater and midi skirt with your favorite pair of knee high boots or pumps and add the LUXE Teardrop earrings with your choice of arm candy.  Go for curls and a bold lip for night! The LUXE Teardrop earring in Silver Snow is modeled below.

These SoloHope accessories are very versatile as you can see – you can take them from day to night with ease!  Black and white goes with anything so the options are endless.  They also make great gifts so hurry and check it out!  Stay fashionable this holiday season and share your #ootd with us via social media. Be sure to tag @solohopeorg! 

Paige Banks

Shop the LUXE Collection Now at www.solohope.org.

Paige Banks was born and raised in heart of South Georgia and currently resides in Cairo, GA. She loves Christ and is involved with her church, Faith Christian Center, where she is a part of the worship team. Outside of work and church activities, Paige loves to spend time with family, sleep, shop and keep up with the fashion industry. Paige has been very supportive of SoloHope and has offered her expertise in fashion trends to assist SoloHope's product line.

Take A Walk with Solohope

“Autumn... the year's last, loveliest smile.” ― William Cullen Bryant, Indian Summer

Fall. My favorite season. 

As loved ones snuggle beneath blankets and around bonfires, the whole world seems to join the chorus of the changing leaves. 

Life slows as embers float into the star-soaked sky and hands wrap around warm mugs.

Leaves quietly drift through the aroma of apple pies and carved pumpkins.

How can one improve on such a delightful season? With the perfect fall playlist. And of course, s’mores.

So press play, step outside into the crisp fall air, roll down your sleeves and crunch through the leaves of Autumn.

Hayley Catt is a servant of Jesus Christ, graphic designer, advocator, PK, adventurer and photographer with a major case of wanderlust. She recently spent a year in South Africa loving on kids and going on safaris. As a lover of music and all things Solohope, she is delighted to share some of her favorite jams with you. Hayley currently works as a graphic designer for a non-profit in the Atlanta area. Follow her shenanigans on Instagram @hayleyacatt and Twitter @hayleycatt. 

LAYER, LAYER, LAYER

Most of us probably channel our inner minimalist day-to-day, foregoing an abundance of accessories just to make it out the door on time for work.  As chic as minimalism can be, layering on the accessories can be fun and stylish as well.  Through the years, I have been told countless times, “That looks so cute, but I could never pull that off.”  My response always was and still is, “Yes, you can!”  Accessorizing is like a Crossfit workout.  I have some friends that are into Crossfit workouts and they always tell me that anyone can do it.  The workouts are scaled down to where you are in your fitness routine.  As you get better, the more you can do.  The same thing applies to accessorizing.  Find out where you are in your accessorizing routine and take baby steps to reach the look you thought you could never pull off.  For example, you may not know how to pull off an entire arm of bracelets, but you can start out by wearing a few at a time and then building on that once you feel comfortable.  See below for a few layering ideas.

Find out where you are in your 

accessorizing routine and take baby

 steps to reach the look you thought

you could never pull off.  

Layer Bracelets

Try wearing bracelets on each arm as shown below, or an arm full of bangles as mentioned above.  It’s fun to mix and match bracelets, too, so if you only have one SoloHope bracelet, throw it on with other bracelets you already own!

Layer Accessories

Think outside the box when it comes to accessorizing.  Now, when wearing your favorite scarf, throw on your favorite SoloHope necklace, too!  In this picture, the scarf and necklace have reds, whites, and blacks. Remember, you can wear matching scarf and necklace combos, but you can also experiment with non-traditional color palettes (see previous blog on color blocking).  

Layer necklaces

It’s fun to layer necklaces and it isn’t as hard as you may think.  An easy way to layer necklaces is to wear a dainty, short necklace with a longer necklace.  I love to wear my real jewelry, but sometimes I don’t want to sacrifice the fun, bold jewelry.  My solution – throw on both!!  To put an edge on classic pearls, layer some metallic jewelry with it. And, of course, if you have two Solohope necklaces, double up on them as shown in the picture. If you don’t have two, another is a must-have to add to your accessory collection!

These are just a few of the ways to layer accessories.  The options are nearly endless!  Channel your editorial side by layering on the accessories to create a fun and fashionable look!  This month, challenge yourself to combine accessories you wouldn’t normally combine & then share your #ootd with us via social media. Be sure to tag @solohopeorg!  Have fun accessorizing!

Paige Banks

Paige Banks was born and raised in heart of South Georgia and currently resides in Cairo, GA. She loves Christ and is involved with her church, Faith Christian Center, where she is a part of the worship team. Outside of work and church activities, Paige loves to spend time with family, sleep, shop and keep up with the fashion industry. Paige has been very supportive of SoloHope and has offered her expertise in fashion trends to assist SoloHope's product line.

Garnet & Gold, Brave & Bold

Color block this football season!

It’s that time of year again that everyone (or almost everyone) has been waiting for…football season!

Lots of cheering, yelling, food, predictions, and from a style standpoint, color!  When I think about football, or sports in general, I think of color blocking.  We’ve seen the color blocking trend on the runways the past few years, but even before color blocking was popular, we’ve seen it during football season.

"In case you don’t already know, 

color blocking is a method of wearing

 multiple solid colors in an outfit."

In case you don’t already know, color blocking is a method of wearing multiple solid colors in an outfit.  Color blocking may come easier to some and harder for others.  That’s ok!  Football season makes it easy to color block – the colors are already chosen for you!   The next time you’re headed out to someone’s house to watch the game on TV or if you are heading to the football field, try putting together multiple solid color articles of clothing and accessories to create the color block effect.  When it’s not game time, see the chart below for a little color theory 101. (Credit:  http://radicaltrendsetters.wordpress.com/fashion-guides/singing-the-colour-blocking-blues/)

One thing I love about color blocking is that it makes my clothing combinations, almost endless!  This is one way to easily get more outfits out of what you already own.  Don’t limit color blocking to just pants and a top – you can easily wear colored pants, with a neutral top and then try a complementary color of shoe, scarf, or bag!  

"One thing I love about 

color blocking is that it makes my clothing 

combinations, almost endless!" 

Solohope has just launched the Game Day Collection and these accessories are a great way to tie your color blocking together on game day!

From left to right, the first and third girl, have color blocked their outfits.  The Solohope Eyelet necklace and bracelets complete the look by tying the color blocking together.  You can do the same with other team colors as well.  See some of the game day pieces below. 

It’s your turn to try the color blocking trend!

For beginners:  Aim to try two colors together that are not neutrals.  Any other color you pair, make it a neutral color.  These two colors can be a top and pants with neutral shoes, a top and shoes in color and bottoms in a neutral, a dress and scarf in color and any other accessories a neutral, etc. 

For the seasoned color blocker:  Try three or more colors together.  Remember, although you can, you don’t have to repeat a color to try to ‘pull it together.’  The key is to make sure the pieces don’t fight with each other.  Wear two bold colors and then add small spurts of color elsewhere, such as a small colored earring, or a neutral bag with a colored stripe on it, etc. 

This football season, score a fashion touchdown and color block!  Don’t forget to shop Solohope’s Game Day collection at solohope.org!

Paige Banks

Paige Banks was born and raised in heart of South Georgia and currently resides in Cairo, GA. She loves Christ and is involved with her church, Faith Christian Center, where she is a part of the worship team. Outside of work and church activities, Paige loves to spend time with family, sleep, shop and keep up with the fashion industry. Paige has been very supportive of SoloHope and has offered her expertise in fashion trends to assist SoloHope's product line.