How to love them. How to raise them to be good humans, healthy and happy. How to survive school holidays without driving yourself insane. How looking after yourself first is sometimes the best thing for them.

We will be sharing school holiday ideas, tips and activities. Along with some healthy ‘kid friendly’ recipes and ideas of how you can empower your children to take control of their own health at any age.

So before you start sobbing into your pillow and sculling copious amounts of red wine, as we launch into the first round of school holidays for 2019, be sure to subscribe to our Juicy News and keep yourself one step ahead of the game. Remember back in the ‘old days’ they had villages raising children… I say let’s bring that back. Together we can do this! LOL #gameon

Here’s to a month of laughs, love and amazing cuddles with our favourite little humans.

I am so excited to share that Brisbane’s Bayside Runners and Walkers are hosting their amazing ‘Clothing and Accessory Exchange’ event again this year, in support of Redlands local community groups.

So why am I excited… because they have also offered to be an OFFICIAL DONATION COLLECTION POINT for our ‘World’s Longest Bra Chain’ world record attempt, collecting bras on the day!

This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, 16th March 2019, from 2pm – 4.30pm, at the Victoria Point Community Hall.

Tickets are just $25 at the door and you can take as little or as much as you like to donate and keep, on the day! Now that’s a bargain!

Creating a circular economy…

Not only do we love this event as we will collect soooo many bras, we will be grabbing loads of new(ish) items for our wardrobe for the bargain price of just $25, but we are also keeping perfectly good fashion, clothing and fabrics out of our landfill.

According to our friends at ragtrader.com.au, 6 tonne of clothing goes into Australian landfill EVERY 10 MINUTES! OMG People! This is outrageous!

Having collected bras for 9 years now, I can tell you that not one bra has even begun to break down during this time. Ok, except for the bras that #ladyhalo has gotten her teeth into. But still! Just because it isn’t plastic doesn’t mean it won’t live a long and destructive life when it comes to #motherearth. Just because it is pretty and lacey, doesn’t mean it won’t cause harm to our environment. We need to be more mindful friends of what we are throwing away, simply because we can’t fit into it, it is out of fashion or we ‘haven’t worn it in over 6 months’. Yes I have done that wardrobe cull myself. Many moons ago, before I became so aware of the damage textiles are doing to our earth.

So… if the idea of a bargain and supporting a worthy cause isn’t enough to clean out the closet. Then maybe the idea of those Lorna Jane pants you no longer fit into, going into the ground and remaining there for ever and a day, will be enough motivation to rally the gal pals and grab those bags of ‘donation items’, and head on down to join us on Saturday 16th March.

For more information click this link and RSVP to the Facebook event, so Megan and the team know to expect you. You can ask all your questions in this event. And of course don’t forget your bras. I will be there with my big bra basket, ready to hang your unwanted items ready for you to rummage.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

It’s the 1st of February and I am excited.

After 9 years of collecting bras and 3 years of study, today we launch the next phase of our Social Responsibility campaign, taking us one step closer to breaking the world record of the ‘world’s longest bra chain’ and achieving all our aligned, strategic objectives.

To those that have been donating bras and following our journey over the past 9 years… THANK YOU! Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our project, raising much-needed funding for the McGrath Foundation’s ‘Curve Lurve’, Breast Care Nurses program.

These amazing individuals spend their days supporting our community by caring for those undergoing treatment and visiting schools, educating our children in how to live a healthy, cancer free life.

In addition to relaunching our website, we also launch our new Social Responsibility ‘Give to Grow’ campaign, bringing together my 20+ years entrepreneurial experience, including 9 years business coaching and consulting, and my passion for supporting a worthy cause.

So what is ‘Give to Grow’ all about?

Well, today life is tough.  The increase in numbers of vulnerable groups for so many different reasons is on the up. 

Thankfully, the number of people wanting to do something about it is also on the rise.  

It is one thing to want to help though.  And, yes there may be a solution.  Obviously plenty of passion, but not everyone knows how to go about it the right way. And that’s okay!

Through my experience, I have come to realise that to achieve great things you need to get the basics right. 

You need a balance between love and money to achieve all you desire, and I believe to achieve this balance you need to treat your organisation like a business.  You need to understand the numbers, be able to identify risks, and know how to plan for the long term, so you can sustain the support you receive from sponsors and donations. 

While I am passionate about working with small businesses, I am even more so when it comes to working with those that are trying to make a difference.  

This is why I have created the ‘Give to Grow’ Campaign.

Through your advertising investment we will be able to run FREE workshops, provide support, offer guidance and advice to those in our community that are working to support those in need. 

If you are a small business owner, located in SEQ or servicing the SEQ region, and you are passionate about supporting a worthy cause then maybe we have an opportunity for you.

‘Give to Grow’ is a social responsibility campaign

providing small businesses an opportunity to grow, while supporting our community, not-for-profits to THRIVE.

To find out more… simply CLICK HERE

I do hope you enjoy your time on our new website and find something of interest to share with your friends. The more exposure and awareness we have of our Social Responsibility projects, the more good we can all achieve together.

Much love and gratitude,

More and more businesses are coming on board to collect bras, becoming OFFICIAL DROP OFF POINTS.  Lots of love sharing via social media, which is spreading the word like wild fire! And even businesses offering to support through the donation of services, to help us get across the line.

And while this is all so amazing and all necessary to pull this off, we can’t forget WHY this is taking place.

For me (and clearly so many of you) the education of our kids, on how to live a healthy, happy, cancer free life is so very important.  Whether it is breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, brain cancer or any other of the vicious nasties that are out there, ensuring our kids have the right information, tools, support and even confidence to start a conversation with family members, is so very important.

Yes ‘cancer may be in the blood line’ but that doesn’t mean it is inevitable that we will all get cancer.  We have the power to change this, by choosing to live a healthy, conscious lifestyle.  

• Don’t smoke
• Don’t take drugs
• Don’t drink excessively
• Eat 8-10 servings of fruit & veg a day
• Take daily supplements
• Exercise daily
• Get a good nights sleep
• Have regular check ups
• Drink a minimum 2 litres of water a day
• Lots of positive self talk 
• Reduce chemicals in and around the home and throughout your day

Now while these are just a few of the obvious steps that we can all take to keep ourselves healthy and happy, there are so many more and this is why the work of the McGrath Foundation is so vital to our community!

The other point I’d like to make is that while we know that all of the above is HOW we can live a healthy life, how many of us actually DO the above on a regular basis?  Hhhmm let’s think about that!

So if the above seems like it would be a massive change in your daily life / routine, why don’t you just start with one… make a change TODAY and keep going until it becomes part of your normal routine.  Then add another… and so on.  

In the meantime, help me help our kids… it’s amazing how just a bra and a buck can make a difference*.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

* All donations over $2 receive a tax deductible receipt. 

Much love and gratitude,

Back for more clothing swapping fun are the super supportive (pun intended) Elle Chapman, Renita Paul and Michelle Vea Vea.

Donating bras?  Be sure to take advantage of these talented ladies joining us tomorrow and book yourself in for a professional fitting. 

The ladies are huge supporters of the world’s longest bra chain, world record attempt, collecting old bras as they go about their day-to-day lives, ensuring we are wearing the perfect fit bra for maximum comfort, support and shape.

RSVP here and book your bra fitting appointment ASAP!

I am super excited to have Heather Mackay, of Envy Jewellery, join us for the inaugural Autumn Clothing Exchange event, on this Sunday 22nd April 2018.

Envy Jewellery is an Australian owned company, designing their own pieces, ensuring a high quality product at affordable prices.  Heather is a long time lover of the brand and has an extensive collection herself courtesy of her many years as an Independent Envy Jewellery Consultant. 

What a fabulous gift idea for your gorgeous Mumma, this Mother’s Day.

To check out Heather’s gorgeous collection click here to visit her Facebook page – Envy with Heather

RSVP and let us know you are joining us for an afternoon of food, frills, fundraising and fun.

It’s on again!  The MY LIFE. MY STYLE. Circular Economy Initiative that offers so many wins for all those that play, including our beautiful #motherearth.

• Catch up with the girls
• Meet lots of new, like-minded girls
• Drop off your old bras and become a member of the #braarmy
• Pass on those pieces you no longer lust over but can’t bare to shove into a donation bin
• Pick up a few pieces for yourself without breaking the bank
• A reason to get out of the house and put on some lippy
• Donate to the McGrath Foundation when you contribute your $5 (tax deductible) entry fee at the door
• Get your Mother’s Day shopping done (for your Mum or yourself) when you shop with our amazing sponsors
• Touch, feel, taste, try on and smell some amazing new products all in one place
• Win some fabulous prizes
• Feel the joy of being apart of something that will benefit so many others, less fortunate than yourself
• And that’s just the start… 

For more details or to RSVP to the event, CLICK HERE

Strategic Initiative no. 4 – To create a Circular Economy is not a new strategy for the project, I have always had the intention of ‘repurposing’ the bras after we break the world record, however, my recent undertaking to achieve my MBA and the research and conversations that have taken place have brought to my attention this new phrase, ‘Circular Economy’, and just how big a contributor the clothing/fashion industry, in particular, is to our landfill and waste issues within Australia and abroad.

According to the UK organisation WRAP, ‘a circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.’ – www.wrap.org.uk

[Image source – www.wrap.org.uk]

It isn’t just the Poms embracing this innovative way of thinking either, there are circular economy initiatives taking place all across the globe and some pretty fantastic projects making a positive impact here in Australia too.

So while this is an add on to what I am trying to achieve with my world record attempt, of the ‘world’s longest bra chain’, and raising much needed funding for the education of our youth in ways to live a healthier, cancer free life, it has most definitely become a passion bordering on an obsession. LOL

The Spring Clothing Exchange will be the first of several events that will bring us all together, to donate bras and enjoy a laugh, for a worthy cause.  And while we are at it we will also give our unwanted, wearable garments a second chance to live out their purpose in someone else’s wardrobe, and recycle coat hangers another huge landfill culprit. 

For more information please drop me a line via the GET IN TOUCH page. 

Should you have any suggestions of other ways we can beef this campaign up, or simply want to get involved, don’t be shy, say hello and join the #BraArmy today!

What a fun afternoon the inaugural 2017 Spring Clothing Exchange turned out to be.

What started out as a quirky event for people to come along and drop off their old bras, for the world record attempt, has now morphed into its own strategic initiative within the world record project.

Before I began planning this event I had never heard of ‘circular economies’ before.  I have obviously heard of recycling, repurposing and re-using items, clothing etc but the more I planned, the more I researched and the more I spoke to people the more I have learned about the world of ‘circular economies’ and the more I am hooked!

Thank you to everyone that supported, volunteered and participated in our first Clothing Exchange event.  The new friendships that have been forged and the ideas that have developed are truly incredible and I can’t wait to share them all with you.

To check out all the fun, thanks to the talented Steph Beausaert, CLICK HERE >> 

Not sure what to bring to the Spring Clothing Exchange???

It doesn’t have to be JUST the labels I’ve listed… think more price range. So maybe not your Chanel, as you may not get a fair exchange. 

Here are a few suggestions, of items you could bring along…as long as they are in good condition still, they will be welcome.

1. Race day dresses (can’t be seen wearing them more than once or twice)

For more information, you can visit the official 2017 Spring Clothing Exchange event page too (there is a link to grab a ticket on there also).

www.mylifemystyle.com.au

This has been a personal quest of mine for over 7 years now and one that is very close to my heart. Originally I began this journey supporting the Cancer Council, as my family had 6 members diagnosed with cancer in one year, breast, prostate, and melanoma.  

Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in my first attempt to break the record, however, in my fundraising efforts, I did manage to raise huge amounts of awareness and over $30,000 for the Cancer Council. 

As you can imagine I was devastated to find out, just one week prior, that not all the pledged bras would reach me in time for our official chaining day.   I was so upset, but at myself, as ultimately this fell on me. 

When I started this journey, I now know I  was really flying blind and just following the opportunities that presented themselves.  Now 4 years on from my first official attempt, I have taken a step back from the bra stack and have reassessed my motivation to undertake this massive mission one last time.  I have evaluated what worked and what didn’t and I have identified what I need to make sure I break the world record and achieve the goals set when doing so. 

During this time I have also commenced my MBA (due to finish in March 2018) and have very clear strategic and business plans, incorporating all required resources and the costs involved to achieve this dream of mine. 

So… here I am, with a very detailed, transparent plan I am asking for help.  Your help!  

Can you help me break the world record of the ‘World’s Longest Bra Chain’? 

***

My personal motivation to continue with this quest is now for my children and your children.  My children have 6 family members that have been impacted by cancer.  

During my time bra collecting, I came across a nurse visiting a school, speaking with the children about the importance of knowing your family history, showing them how to do a self breast check, understanding what is a normal bodily change as they go through puberty and sharing with them how they can live a healthier life, reducing their chances of being diagnosed with cancer and other diseases.

To say she was brilliant would be an understatement.  She was a McGrath Foundation Nurse and it had taken 4 years for her to be able to visit this school, as she is just so busy caring for the ill and doing her educational work as well. 

It is this program that I have chosen to make my financial beneficiary, with my second attempt at the world record. 

Finally, I have come to realise that my first unsuccessful attempt was not a failure.  I truly believe it is now the greatest thing that could have happened, as now I know what I can achieve with just sheer passion and a small, but dedicated team of Bra Army volunteers. 

This second and final attempt will also hopefully show my children and so many others that you only fail if you quit… and I am not quitting!  

Persistence, Resilience, and Perseverance are great drivers and myself and my Bra Army have them all. 

***

The core mission is the same as the first attempt, with the same four key initiatives plus one more;

1. Raise much-needed funding for cancer prevention and early detection, this time specifically within our youth, by supporting the McGrath Foundation ‘Curve Lurve’ program.

2. Break the world record, and leverage the event to gain as much exposure as possible for the other initiatives. 

3. Support Australian businesses that offer their support by either registering as official, bra donation, collection point or sponsoring my attempt and the other events and activities organised by MY LIFE. MY STYLE and The ‘ME’ Movement.  Heaven knows that times are tough and the economy is struggling, so let’s get behind those that think like we do. 

4. Donate the wearable bras, after we break the record, to those less fortunate than us both here at home or abroad.

5. Create a social movement for those in the community that feel a pull towards what it is I am trying to achieve, and those that are looking for a group of like-minded individuals they can connect with and feel like they are apart of something bigger than themselves.  An environment to support and inspire and feel supported and inspired by, through discovering their own ‘purpose’ in life. 

****

As you can see there are so many that will benefit from my world record attempt to date so many have and I hope that there will be so many more as I bring this home.   

But I can’t do this alone… 

If you would like to help me break this world record, and donate, I will not only be eternally grateful for your support but I will offer you many gifts of appreciation in return. 

The money that I am hoping to raise through my ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign will be used for the back end administration and management of my world record attempt.  

Please note this is a non-exhaustive list… as opportunities arise from PR campaigns etc, it is amazing what I find I end up spending money on. 

* Graphic design artwork
* Promotional materials i.e. ‘Don’t dump it’ fridge magnets, flyers, bra donation collection point posters etc
* Facebook advertising for bra collecting event promotion
* Software programs like Canva, Meetup, Pic Monkey, LiveChat, Website plugins etc. 
* Administration support (there are only so many hours in a day, so occasionally I need to grow extra hands haha)
* Public Liability Insurance for my events
* Hire equipment i.e. chairs, tables, clothing racks etc
* Signage
* Trailer hire for large bra collections
* Postage and freight costs
* Website SEO
* the list goes on… 

As these are all ongoing expenses there is no real end date of when I need support, it started 7 years ago, I just didn’t know it back then.   So your support today or tomorrow will be of a huge benefit to myself and the outcome of the fundraising initiative. 

***

Appreciation Gifts

Firstly there is no set amount and second, please know that any and all donations are received with lots of love and gratitude.

All donors become an official member of the Bra Army

Individual donators

$25 donations – a ticket to the upcoming Spring Clothing Exchange event, 8th October 2017*  
(FYI – I host 4 major events each year)

$97 donations – an annual membership to The ‘ME’ Movement

and of course lots of good karma

Business donators

$97 RUBY donations – 12 month ‘Little Black Business Book’ advertising listing, guest blogging opportunities in our Life + Style Blog, promotion via our social media platforms and your logo and website (or social media link) included on our Bra Army supporter page

$197 SAPPHIRE donations – Above + Feature Article in an edition of the Juicy News monthly eNews and 1-month website banner advertising

$397 EMERALD donations – Above + 3 months website banner advertising

Our business friends also receive lots of good karma too

We do also have a Bra Army Corporate Partner for those organisations wishing to make a larger contribution to the world record attempt. To find out more please contact me (Caryn Thomas) for details. 

Please be sure to include your contact details with your donation so I can get in touch and show my gratitude.

WOW!  Well if you have made it this far, then I thank you already.  Thank you for the opportunity to share with you my passion, my purpose and my mission.  

I’ll be honest, there is also a selfish personal motivator here also, as nothing in my life (other than creating a human) has ever brought me so much joy.  The amazing cancer survivors I have met, the experiences I have enjoyed (like rolling out over 70,000 bras along the Brisbane river) and the examples of pure kindness and generosity that I see day in day out, makes me feel so lucky to be in the position I am, working on this project. 

So thank you… not only for what your support will do for our children as they live a healthier, cancer-free life, the businesses we will promote as they support and collect for us, those that will receive bras, after this is all over, that they couldn’t afford due to unfortunate circumstances.   And those that get to be apart of a community and feel they belong, but also for what it is doing for me.  And that is making my dreams come true. 

Wishing you an abundant ‘on purpose’ life, 

* T&C’s please note event specific gifts of appreciation are for the ticket to the event only, transportation and all other associated costs are at your own expense. 

To find out how to get on board and to become an official collector visit our 1000 Bra Challenge page.

If you would like to make a donation to our efforts simply click the BLUE BUTTON in our right menu bar or use this hyperlink.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Caryn x

As most of our bras to date have come from other charity organisations, which we are incredibly grateful for, we haven’t received the bucks with them to donate to our worthy cause.

In an attempt to even the balance between our bras and bucks tallies we have a few new initiatives, from our sponsors…

PURCHASE AN OLLIE & EVE ‘NARCISSUS – BLUSH BEIGE‘ & DOLL FACE HANDBAG EBOUTIQUE

WILL DONATE 50% OF THE RRP ($299.00) – $149.50

to the MY LIFE. MY STYLE. World’s Longest Bra Chain, World Record Attempt,

via the Everyday Hero Link.

 The Ollie “Narcissus” is a super cute fold over clutch, with removable shoulder strap. 

Snuggle her under your arm or sling her across your body, this bag is divine!

Loads of great pouches, you will be amazed at how much she will fit inside.

Details :

Dimensions – W 28cm x H 17cm x D 4cm

Interior – Pouches

External Pockets – One (1) zip pocket on back.

Straps – One (1) adjustable, detachable sling strap.

Closure – Zip and fold over.

Outer made from – Thick, grainy cow leather

Inner made from – Durable cotton

To order your Ollie “Narcissus” in Blush Beige and support the MY LIFE. MY STYLE. World’s Longest Bra Chain click the shop link below.

SHOP HERE

Channel 10’s fabulous weather friend drops into the ABC to donate her bras and bucks to the MY LIFE. MY STYLE. World’s Longest Bra Chain, world record attempt.

To check out the full story visit the below link.

LISTEN or READ here.