When I initially decided to start a blog, I was so into writing every night and finding cool things to keep my readers interested but during my last year of university, and entering the “real world” after graduation, free time became scarce and writing on my own time was non-existent.

But after a (very) long hiatus, I am bringing my personal blog back to life.

I hope post-graduate, full-time entrepreneur Annette is just as exciting as university problem ridden, intern Annette.

I guess we’ll find out. Thanks for sticking with me and happy reading.

Come check out @JelleBand, @AgentsOfID, Electric Sleep and @KavalierMusic at @CasbahHamilton on Thursday, November 15th, 2012. This is the first event @AnetkaStarrPR is throwing featuring many of our musical clients!

Presale tickets are $8. Simply message us on Facebook or shoot an email to info@anetkastarrpr.com. Tickets at the door at $10.

Feel free to RSVP yourself to the Facebook event.

We are expecting a great turnout and an even greater time! Hope to see you there! xx

Between Toronto’s Fashion’s Night Out, Toronto International Film Festival and @AnetkaStarrPR, I’ve had no time to myself since the beginning of September.

However, since it is Thanksgiving, I have managed to find time to share something special with you. I have much to give thanks for, unlike many others.

In such times, I like to be able to give back. Holidays such as Thanksgiving make me realize how much I have and how much I can give.

With student loans, car loans and other expenses, I can’t donate like @Oprah donates and I’m sure most of you can’t either. This is why I am so blessed and thankful to have been introduced to a jewelry company that allows women in Cambodia to create jewellery from materials they find no other use for. Sounds strange? Well, listen up – it’s awesome!

The company is called Shopanthropic and offers jewellery that allows for social change while being ethically-made, eco-friendly and fair trade! The best part? It’s affordable!

I am a proud owner of the Black Cord and Recycled Bomb Shell bracelet.

The bracelet is made by a woman in Cambodia who was blinded by an acid attack over a decade ago.This woman braids the bracelets and home-based producers create the middle piece out of a recycled bombshell. Yes, a real bombshell from a war-strikken Cambodia.

Blinded and not knowing what to do, Shopanthropic provides this woman, and other artisans, with an opportunity to live a normal life being able to work and support a family. The company also takes useless materials, such as bombshells, and reuses them to make fashionable accessories.

To add to the greatness of this company, Shopanthropic follows fair trade practices. Through this, it is ensured that the artisans have regular employment, their children have access to education, wages are fair and they have sustain themselves in the future.

I gave my sister a Bomb Shell Bracelet too and she absolutely loves it. We wear our bracelets almost every day. They are good for both casual and business attire.

To shop the bombshell collection, click here.

Also, don’t forget to like Shopanthropic on Facebook and follow @EnableChange on Twitter.

If you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, pay it forward. It’s fashionable, affordable and, most importantly, it helps!