Spouses. Fathers. Mothers. Grandpas. Grandmas. Aunts/Uncles. Siblings. All likely and common sources for people that inspire us. Generally, I’m a firm believer that our heroes are in our lives on a daily basis. And in many ways, Kobe was. Whether it was watching him play the game of basketball, trading his basketball cards at recess, choosing to be him in a video game, or even naming our family labrador retriever Kobe, he was a constant in my youth.
I’m 31 now. Like the rest of the world, I didn’t want to accept the news. Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter accident. I truly didn’t believe it. Not Kobe. He was invincible. I went on a walk with my sister and our dogs expecting to come back to my phone only to see additional headlines of the entire story being wrong. Possibly a mistake, another false internet rumor, or an event that was simply reported too early and he actually survived. But even just the rumor made it difficult to even hold a conversation as we walked. My mind was swirling. When I got back to my car and phone, many text messages from friends along with news headlines confirmed what I had hoped to not be true… one of my heroes is no longer with us. It has weighed heavy on me ever since. I spent the next 36 hours feeling like a tear could come at any time. It felt illogical that a man I’ve never met could make me feel such grief.
Kobe was many things. He was a complex man with an intensity not many people possess. He could be a ruthless competitor, and a compassionate father. He was curious about everything and would consume lessons and information endlessly. He was a musician and incredibly brilliant. He spoke at least three languages and was working to learn Mandarin. He oozed creativity, which led him to win an Academy award immediately following basketball. Most of all he was laser focused on achieving his goals, which he tenaciously sought and achieved. THAT is what took my childhood fascination and grew into adult admiration.
There are countless stories from other Greats he interacted with over the years that tell the tale of his relentless work ethic. A work ethic that left people in awe. But it wasn’t hard work poured into just a job, or a hobby. It was hard work that was poured onto the things he loved. For 20 years in the NBA he poured his heart and soul into the game that he loved. When that was over, he poured his heart into inspiring youth to try to achieve their full potential like him. All the while pouring his whole heart into his family of 5. I can only imagine the love they felt from their dad and husband if he loved them with the same intensity as basketball, but from all accounts it wasn’t even close… he loved them so much more.
That’s why I had so much admiration for the man, and why his death continues to affect mine and the lives of millions. We understand that while he was not a perfect man, he was a perfect example of what we all want to do in this life: find something we love and pursue it with everything we have. The sadness is from our us wanting to know what was next for him because we know it would have been a success. Not everyone can shoot a basketball or dunk like him, but we all have something worthy of pouring our entire hearts into. And Kobe was the perfect example of what can be accomplished if we do.
So even though he was a distant hero, its ok for him to be that for you and me. When talking with my mom earlier today, her words to me were; “Every passing of a hero or loved one SHOULD move us deeply. And then after a while it should actually change us – our perspective, or appreciation, or actions, or capacity to love.” His passing is doing all of those things to people all over the world. He was, and will continue to be, a hero of mine.
Ben Thomas | 1-28-2020
]]>5 Pound Apparel has a new collection, and it arrived just in time for Back to School! BackPact is one of our many projects that directly gives back to the Springfield community, and we’re so excited to share it with our awesome customers! The purchase of one of our backpacks donates a backpack to a child in need in the Springfield Public School district. Also, our backpacks don’t just help our local schools; they have lots of cool features that will help you stand out this school year (and the years to come).
A few of the perks:
Our backpacks come in 5 different colors so you can express your personality in the hallways, at work, on the trails, or on campus. You can choose from Olive, Lavender, Mustard, Grey, or Blue. (Blue only has limited quantities left, so be sure to hurry before they run out for good!)
Once you’ve picked out a color, you can be assured that these backpacks are tech-friendly! They are all large enough to hold a standard laptop, (17" x 12" x 6" to be exact) and they have a sleeve so that you can separate your tech from your supplies. There’s also built in USB link port so you can charge your phone in one of the pockets. The other pocket can hold a water bottle or whatever else you could think of.
While our backpacks are stylish and savvy, they are also very durable! They have a roll-top, multiple buckles and zippers to keep things secure, and two handles so that weight can be equally distributed. We made these backpacks with all of YOU in mind!
You can order or reserve one of these awesome backpacks online at https://www.5poundapparel.com/collections/backpact or you can come see us at either location to see their awesomeness for yourself. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @givebackpact for updates and to see how buying products that give back positively impacts our community!
Laura Payne | August 14,2019
]]>219 W Olive St, Springfield, MO 65806
What: Drag shows, indoor/outdoor dance party, drink specials throughout the night. Ages 18+
Cost: Free before 6PM, $10 after 6PM
If you haven’t grabbed one of our Pride Edition Love Will Change the World or Love More tees, come by either location or order online at 5poundapparel.com. Purchasing one of these shirts will donate a percentage of the proceeds to the GLO Center here in Springfield. We started this campaign in 2016 after the Orlando tragedy, and we will always stand by the message. Have a safe and happy Pride from all of us at 5 Pound Apparel!
Socks, $12
For our Springfield aficionados, we just got a bunch of new designs of our socks! We have our classic ‘Dreams Come True’ logo, the world’s largest fork, a sleek ‘SGF’ design, polka-dots, and 2 styles that feature the Springfield Flag. Where Your Purchase Goes: 5 Pounds of food to Ozarks Food Harvest.
Out-of-Print Book Totes, $18
We recently got a full restock of customer-favorite Out-of-Print totes! This is a perfect gift for the avid reader in your life. We have designs of your favorite classics like The Great Gatsby, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, Where the Wild Things Are, and many more. Where Your Purchase Goes: Out-of Print Products - Donates books to children around the world.
417 Magazine Coloring Book $12
If you haven’t checked out this adult coloring book filled with SGF classics, you’re missing out! For their 20th anniversary, 417 Magazine released a coloring book filled with Springfield staples such as Bass Pro Shops, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Ozark Empire Fair, and dozens of others. This has most definitely been a customer favorite at our stores.
Journals $10-$16
We have gifts for the reader and artist, but what about the writer? We have tons of journals in our stores, ranging from the pocket-size convenience of Field Notes to the super-cute designs of Natural Life. If you know someone who jots down their every thought, a journal is always a good idea. Where Your Purchase Goes: Natural Life Products - Donates to charities that empower women globally.
We’ve covered a lot of bases on specific hobbies, but one thing that almost everyone can agree on is coffee! We have some mugs with classic 5 Pound designs, Out-of-Print heat reactive mugs, and a new line of Natural Life mugs that are sure to put a smile on their face when they have their morning caffeine fix. Where Your Purchase Goes: Natural Life Products - Donates to charities that empower women globally. 5# Brand Mugs - 5 Pounds of food to Ozarks Food Harvest.
Laura Payne | May 8, 2019
]]>Spring has officially sprung in The Ozarks, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to bring your dog out and about with you to enjoy the sunny weather! Unfortunately, this can also mean that your doggie day out can be cut short if a store or restaurant doesn’t allow furry friends. If you’re looking for pet-friendly places in town, here’s our list of favorites! (P.S. Make sure your dog is on a leash in order to follow the Greene County Health Department standard.)
Stores/Activities
Did you know that BOTH of our 5 Pound Locations are pet friendly? We’ll make sure your pup has a bowl of water, yummy treats, and lots of love from our staff. You might even get to meet our sweet shop dog, Lemon! While you’re in, check out our 5 Pound Pup collection! In the true spirit of 5 Pound, we donate 5 pounds of dog food to the Humane Society with every 5 Pound Pup purchase. - 2144 E Republic Rd ste E104 & 412 South Ave, Springfield, MO
Next time you hit up this Springfield staple, bring your dog to enjoy the fish, taxidermy, and outdoor gear with you! Pups are not allowed in Wonders of Wildlife just yet, but you can still walk around the store and give your pup some exercise on a rainy day. - 1935 S Campbell Ave, Springfield
Man’s best friend wants to tour a cave, too! You can learn about some natural history while exploring Springfield’s underground attraction. Fun Fact: the cave itself was actually discovered by a farmer’s dog in 1862. - 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield
This Greenway Trail spans over 35 miles, so you and your pet can explore what the Ozarks has to offer in different locations while getting some much-needed fresh air and exercise after this long winter. The trail welcomes runners, walkers, bikers, and of course, dog owners! - W Kearney St, Springfield
Other:
Culture Flock - 3938 S Lone Pine Ave Ste 102, Springfield, MO 65804
Cruse Dog Park - 2100 W Catalpa St, Springfield, MO 65807
Fetch Pet Supplies & Gifts - 1332 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65804
Tie and Timber Beer Co. - 1451 E Cherry St, Springfield, MO 65802
Restaurants
Since the weather is so nice, why not bring your dog out for a bite with you? Just make sure to bring treats if they’re the jealous type. There are several dog-friendly patios in the 417; here are some of our favorites:
Springfield Brewing Company - 305 S Market Ave, Springfield
Cafe Cusco - 234 E Commercial St, Springfield
Civil Kitchen - 107 Park Central Square, Springfield
Aviary Cafe and Creperie - 2144 E Republic Rd, Suite E120, Springfield
Progress - 2144 E Republic Rd, Springfield
Bambino's - 1141 E Delmar St, Springfield, MO 65807
Whether you’re trying to fulfill that 2019 resolution of getting fit, attempting to get your pet socialized, or you just want to explore the Ozarks with your best buddy, these places will welcome both of you with open arms. We can’t guarantee that there will be milk bones at every stop, but we can confidently say that you and your pup will have an awesome time together out and about in the 417.
Laura Payne | April 1, 2019
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What do you like most about working at 5 Pound Apparel?
What is your favorite brand or product that we carry and why?
Where are 5 things that make you happy?
What is the secret to your positive attitude and joyful spirit?
I'm not sure that I have a secret, but I think that it is the way that I go through life. I am okay with letting myself be sad when I need to be. Letting myself be sad keeps me from bottling up feelings and holding on to the negative. When you let go of the negative you have more room to be truly happy. The longer I have lived by this method the shorter the sad times become. Also, I don't diet. Food makes me happy so I'm gonna eat.
Laura Payne | Feb. 19, 2019
]]>What do you like most about working at 5 Pound Apparel?
There are so many things I like about working at 5 Pound, but one thing I enjoy the most is our customers! I love getting to be a part of what is hopefully a fun part of their day, and getting to know them as they return to shop!
What is your favorite brand or product that we carry and why?
One of my very favorite brands we carry is The Giving Keys! I especially love their dainty necklaces, but you can’t go wrong with any style to be honest. In addition to their great designs, they also employ people transitioning out of homelessness and are making a real difference in their community!
What are 5 things that make you happy?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Probably doing things with people.
Laura Payne | February 11, 2019
]]>Springfield, Missouri: the city of love. Perhaps you met your significant other here, you became infatuated with all great things the Queen City has to offer, or maybe you’re just learning to love it here in the Ozarks. No matter your situation, with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you might feel stressed about how to share the love with your friends, family, or partner. Never fear! Here’s your one-stop-shop for Valentine’s fun in the Springfield area.
For the Food Connoisseur:
The Order at Hotel Vandivort is offering a delicious four-course meal that they guarantee will wow your S.O. Choice of main course items include an 8 oz Filet, Strip Loin, Vishnu Bowl, and more. Upon request, you can add chocolate covered strawberries or a bottle of champagne. For reservations and pricing, call (417) 832-1515.
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/231188647807514/
Progress is a fairly new restaurant addition in Farmer’s Park, so if you haven’t been, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to experience all it has to offer. At the door you’ll be greeted with a glass of sparkling rosé and a specially crafted three course meal. There is a $25 deposit for reservations, so make sure to book ahead of time.
More Information and Reservations: https://www.exploretock.com/progress-springfield/experience/44322/valentines-?date=2019-02-14&size=2&time=19%3A00
For the Theatre Geek:
Awesome 80’s Prom at The Old Glass Place is an immersive theatre experience where an ensemble cast of actors are competing for Prom King and Queen, and the winner is voted on by the audience. Get ready for some 80’s nostalgia, big laughs, and no curfew! The performance is recommended for those 21 and up, so the theatre offers childcare during the show for parents at $20 per child.
More Information and Tickets: https://www.springfieldlittletheatre.org/st_show/the-awesome-80s-prom/
Childcare:
https://www.springfieldlittletheatre.org/education/parents-night-out/
For Dinner and a Show:
The Valentine’s Day Cabaret at Pythian Castle is a celebration of love for the thrill-seeker. The evening includes dinner and a live Cabaret performance that features a torch singer, vaudeville acts, a fan dancer and aerial art performances. A cash bar with beer and wine is available throughout the night. Reservations are required.
Also at Pythian Castle, a more traditional Valentine’s dinner awaits. After a romantic dinner, you and your partner will take dance lessons taught by a professional. After the lesson, dessert and champagne will be served. A cash bar is also available. Reservations are required.
More Information and Reservations: https://pythiancastle.com/holiday-events.html
For the Anti-Valentiners:
If you’re looking for a night out with friends rather than a romantic evening, be sure to check out Fake It at the Outland Ballroom. The event is hosted by local Drag Queens, so there is sure to be dancing, amazing performances, and hilarious antics from the hosts. Tickets are sold at the door for $10, or $7 with a student ID.
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/519744658547513/
No matter what you’re looking for in a Valentine’s Day celebration, as usual, Springfield has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a spectacular dinner, a riveting performance, or a little bit of both, Springfield has something for you and your loved ones. And on Valentines Day, what more could you want?
Laura Payne | Jan. 21, 2019
Are you a New Year’s Resolution person? Through the years, it seems like fewer and fewer people are. Many of us make them, but according to Forbes, only 8 percent of people actually follow through. This is most likely because their resolution is broad, unrealistic, or overwhelming. It is completely understandable that some of us would give up the resolution thing altogether, but maybe we just need a change of perspective instead. Making achievable resolutions for 2019 will undoubtedly start your New Year off right.
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season over, a lot of people decide to swear off shopping, or maybe even going out of the house altogether. If you are one of these people, maybe a good New Year’s resolution would be to engage with your community more regularly. Many local businesses watch the amount of shoppers, diners, or event-goers dwindle immediately after the holidays, but we would love for that to change in 2019. Make a stop at your favorite spots to check out the sales and spend the gift card you just received for the holidays, invite your out-of-town family to a restaurant with local flair, or research things to do in your community besides just going to the mall or seeing a movie at a big theatre. This way, you can check off your resolution in no time, and you can become more involved in your community when all the holiday excitement has died down.
Another idea for a positive start to 2019 is to give back. Research local or global organizations that inspire you, and make a resolution to engage with them during the New Year. For a start, Five Pound Apparel is involved with some amazing groups here in the Ozarks and around the world. Any time you shop with us, you are giving to someone, somewhere who is in need. If you are interested in giving back in a more personal way, you can also volunteer with us at the Ozarks Food Harvest. A quick internet search will also allow you to sign up to volunteer at a number of places, no matter where you are.
The phrase “New Year’s Resolution” has occasionally had a bad reputation, but you don’t have to be a resolution person to make changes in your life. Little things like engaging with your community and giving back can make all the difference. This way, you can ensure your resolutions will be achieved, and the fact that you are doing something extremely awesome doesn’t hurt.
Laura Payne | Dec. 28, 2018
The holidays are the time of giving, but a few of you might be haunted by the ghosts of gifts past. Maybe this is due to a gift you gave that you just knew wasn’t a hit, or maybe you received a gift that didn’t quite jingle your bells. No matter where you find yourself, we all know that person who always knocks gift-giving out of the park. Assuming they either have too much time on their hands or they possess some sort magical Christmas powers, we merely admire them from afar and head to the drugstore (again) to pick up gift cards that will stuff the stockings. If you’ve ever wanted to break this habit and become the gifter you always envy, look no further! Here’s five tips that will make you a better gift-giver.
Gift an Experience
This is a gift-giving strategy that is literally backed by science. Studies show that no matter what relationship a gift giver and receiver have, gift receivers feel closer to the giver after receiving an experiential gift. Lots of people think that an experience gift has to be extravagant, but it can be as simple as signing the both of you up to volunteer during the holidays.
It’s The Thought That Counts
Noticing what your loved one is drawn to or what they are passionate about should add some ease the gifting process. Plus, it’s a lovely bonus gift for the recipient to know that their loved ones are paying attention. Sure, material gifts are fine, but remember what about the holidays that stands out through the years: the love that you feel. Expressing this love through a thoughtful note or a small present with a personal touch will mean something to even the Grinchiest people in your life.
Do A Little Stalking
While we don’t encourage overstaying your welcome on your friend or family member’s social media profile year-round, an exception can be made for this time of year. A quick search and a scroll will most likely show you their interests, hobbies, and what means the most to them. If you're still stumped, ask a mutual friend, significant other, or family member of theirs. They’ll most likely know what the person has their eye on. This way, you can be a little more charming than demanding a comprehensive wish-list, but you can still get them something they really want.
Presentation Matters
You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “time is money”. This also applies to the art of gifting. No matter the monetary value of the gift, a little wrapping paper and/or a bow go a long way. This in itself shows the recipient of your gift that you care and put thought into making their gift an experience rather than an afterthought.
Give A Gift That Gives Back
You knew this was coming, right? The best kind of gift is one that spreads love and joy to those you care about as well as people who need it the most around the world. Every purchase you make at Five Pound Apparel will give back to someone, somewhere. When you give someone a gift from Five Pound Apparel, you can also tell them the story of generosity that comes with it which will make your gift that much more special.
Hopefully this list has inspired you to look at gifting from a new perspective. Giving a gift the ones you love the most should not be a stressful affair, but rather an experience that reminds you of the joy of the holiday season. Lastly, no matter what presents you buy this year, make sure you are giving love and positivity as well.
Laura Payne | Dec. 6, 2018
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We are quickly approaching the most wonderful time of the year. There will soon be a chill in the air, hot cocoa in our mugs, and love in our hearts. Even though our world is becoming increasingly technological and commercialized, everyone can agree there is nothing quite like spending quality time with the ones you love during the holidays. Why does shopping for them have to be any different? We at 5 Pound Apparel want to challenge you. We want you to get out into your local community and shop small this holiday season.
It seems like people always talk about how the holidays have lost their magic, but maybe that’s because we see them as a competition. Who can spend the least amount of money? Who can make the least amount of trips to the mall? Who can buy the most gifts without even leaving the house? For these reasons alone, holiday shopping is a stressful affair and has become completely separate from the comfort and joy we’re always hearing about. We want you to know it doesn’t have to be like that.
Here’s a quick economics lesson: for every $100 spent at a local or independent business, $68 stays in the local economy. This means when you shop offline, your hard-earned money is going back into your own community, where owners, employees, and artisans are working hard to make you and your loved one’s holidays meaningful. Most local businesses have gifts and an experience that you can’t find online. You will be greeted by unique products, a welcoming environment, holiday music, decorations, friendly smiles, and, most importantly, a working heater.
We hope you take the challenge we’ve posed to you this year. Take the time to explore everything your community has to offer this holiday season and put storefront shopping back onto your holiday checklist. Plus, everything you purchase at 5 Pound Apparel will provide to those in need. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. When you shop local, your loved ones (and your community) will thank you.
Laura Payne | Nov. 23, 2018
]]>Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the citizens living under the poverty line. When someone mentions Haiti we think of a broken country, but through Béljoy artisan jewelry, Haiti is on the mend.
Béljoy founder Abby Clevenger quit her design job and travelled to Haiti, where she was inspired to make a difference. She felt a calling to help Haitian women maintain consistent jobs with livable wages through the art of jewelry making. She created Béljoy to restore dignity and make change through job creation.
The material of each bead is sourced in Haiti, making every piece of jewelry unique to the artist and to the person who wears it. Each purchase not only benefits the craftsperson, but Haitian communities, schools, and medical centers. Despite all the hardship the Haitian people have faced through the years, they see the world through thankful eyes. The name Béljoy combines Bél, the Creole word for beautiful, and the joy that the Haitian people have in their hearts.
We hope you are inspired by the message of Béljoy and the beautiful, unique jewelry they make. Béljoy is based in Joplin, MO, which means your purchase is not only helping artisans of Haiti, but the Joplin community as well. You can find these products in both 5 Pound Apparel locations. You can follow their journey of helping other on their instagram @Béljoy
Laura Payne | Oct. 29th, 2018
Camping is definitely one of our favorite things about summer. Whether you are sleeping, cooking, or hiking; we love the idea of living outdoors for a few days. Many people have different ideas of camping. Some people camp in a tent while others camp in a camper. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the great outdoors is awesome!
If you are anything like us, sometimes planning a camping trip can be a lot of work and usually last minute. The packing of food, bedding, and all other life essentials can be a lot. For us, the weekend arrives, we are sitting out on the back deck with perfect weather and it hits us. We should be camping! Let’s go camping tomorrow night. Then we think, “where would we go to camp?” We don’t want to drive 2 hours for one night of camping. Where is a good place to camp that is close to Springfield? Well look no further, we have done all the work for you! Except pack – you still have to pack. Here are a few of our favorite places to camp that are close to Springfield.
Plus you need an awesome camping tank to take camping with you. You can shop it online now!
**If you are in the Springfield area and would like to order it and pick up in store. Use the code 'PICKUP' and we will call you to have it ready at either of our locations. (PS. you can do with any item we have online!)
]]>- Sunset Drive-In in Aurora
The double feature old fashion drive-in has been around since 1951. It is 1 of only 18 such theaters in the entire state. Show-time starts at dusk. The cost is $8 per person and kids 5 & under are free. Check out their website for a list of what is playing.
- Millsap Farms Thursday Night Pizza
Millsap Farms is a working family farm that hosts a pizza night every Thursday. Enjoy LIVE Music and an outdoor social atmosphere. Grab some friends, your favorite beverages, and chairs. But be sure to call ahead to make reservations. It fills up fast!
- Parties in the Park at Farmers Park
Parties in the Park happens June, July, and August EVERY Thursday at Farmers Park. You can enjoy LIVE music, food trucks, and shopping at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks. The party starts at 4PM – 7PM. Be sure to stop by our Farmers Park location of 5 Pound Apparel while you are there. We are open till 8PM.
- Movies at Founders Park
Every summer in June & July you can catch a movie at Founders Park in Downtown Springfield. The best part – IT’S FREE! Movies start at dusk (typically 9PM). Check out the movie line up HERE.
- Find a watering hole
Some of you may know our 5 Pound Pup, Lemon. She is a black lab that LOVES water (love may be an understatement). We are always looking for an opportunity to find somewhere to go to enjoy a swim with our pup. Thankfully, 417 Magazine just featured 13 awesome places to swim in Missouri. Check it out here.
Like being in the know of all things Springfield? We send out “Things to do this weekend” EVERY week. Sign up here to be in the know!
]]>A few months ago, we released our Love More. shirt. We believe in love and everything that follows it. At 5 Pound Apparel, we want to encourage love, positivity, and kindness for everyone.
In honor of pride month, we made a limited edition Love More. pride shirt! Show your support and help us spread the love - take a photo in your shirt and tag us on Instagram, @5poundapparel, using hashtags #FivePoundApparel #LoveMore #LoveWillChangeTheWorld.In 1997, Missouri designated the paddlefish as the state’s official aquatic animal. The paddlefish can be found in the Mississippi and Missouri river.
The red fox can be found statewide, but is most common in the northern and western regions of Missouri.
The oaks and hickories are very important members of Missouri's forests. About three-fourths of the trees you will find in our forests will be either an oak or a hickory tree.
Whether you find a field of sunflowers or wild flowers along a dirt road, Missouri is home to many types of flowers. These two shirts represent the beautiful flowers indigenous to Missouri. These designs are hand drawn by the lovely Katie King.
The Flower 5 is representative of what 5 Pound Apparel is all about. Our Missouri pride + our belief in the power of giving. For every purchase, 5 Pound Apparel donates 5lbs of food to Ozarks Food Harvest.
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Mata Traders is just one of the several Fair Trader certified clothing brands we carry at 5 Pound Apparel. Many may not know exactly what fair trade certified means so I am going to bring you up to speed here. Fair Trade Certification is a third-party certification process that sets standards for the way items are produced and set fair wage standards for the work being done. How can you tell if something is Fair Trade certified? The Fair-Trade label is a way for consumers to know these criteria were met before the product ever makes it to the shelf. Look for the label on your products – if it’s not there, it’s not Fair Trade certified. There is so much information about Fair Trade and how it is changing the world every day. Read more about how you can get involved, here.
Mata Traders is design driven, fair trade brand helping to end global poverty and inspire ethical companies and consumers to change the fashion industry. Releasing a new collection of dresses and jewelry every season. The Mata Traders mission is to 'fashion a better world’ by creating designs that celebrate a woman’s originality and empower her to use her dollar for change. Every item purchased from Mata Traders empowers women in India and Nepal, impacts global poverty, and combats child labor. All of their products are handmade which makes every piece made, one of a kind. I would describe the style of Mata Trader as modern bohemian. Most of their dresses are made from 100% organic cotton or a cotton/jersey blend. You can shop Mata Traders at both 5 Pound Apparel locations and online!
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When someone mentions the phase “Pay it Forward”, I immediately think of Starbucks or some type of drive thru. When you pull up to pay for your order and the cashier tells you the person in front of you paid for yours. Thus, causing a ripple effect of kindness. Isn’t it just the best feeling that someone just made your day causing you make someone else’s day? Which bring to an awesome company that has built a foundation on the Pay it Forward model.
By now many of you have seen or heard of The Giving Key. Yes, the necklaces with the keys on them. The mindfulness behind the company is to buy the necklace and give it to someone that may need some encouragement. Buy it for yourself when you need some inspiration then pass it along to a friend or stranger when you are ready to encourage someone else. Create your own ripple of encouragement and inspiration.
The Giving Key started to take form in 2008, when the founder and CEO Cailtin Crosby stayed at a hotel where they used real keys for the doors. She thought it was so unique, she started wearing it around her neck on a chain. She had “Love your Flawz” engraved on the key as a daily reminder. One day realizing that in a way we’re all like a key – unique, flawed, and scarred. She had a bunch of keys made with inspiring messaged on them and gave them out to anyone she felt needed encouragement. By 2009, the keys gained popularity but Caitlin knew that there would be more to this. When Caitlin met a homeless couple in Hollywood she invited them to dinner, where she learned that Cera made jewelry. The couple started working for her the next day. In 2010, Caitlin created a website for people to share their stories about their keys and named the website “The Giving Keys”. That is when the company really began! The Giving Key works with Partnership with Chrysalis, a workforce development agency for homeless individuals.
Companies like The Giving Keys are the reason stores like 5 Pound Apparel exist. We strive to carry brand that matter. Brands that give purpose. Most importantly, brands that GIVE BACK!
]]>5 Pound Apparel has carried Half United in the stores since April 2015. We are pound to carry a brand similar to ours with the goal of helping to feed those less fortunate. Hunger is something that no one should face. According to Rise Against Hunger, 815 million people across the world don’t receive enough nutrition to lead an active, healthy life. We want to educate our customers about the impact your purchases make locally and globally.
Half United was founded by a brother and sister duo in Wilmington, NC in 2009. The name Half United comes from the fact that “Our supporters are doing their HALF by UNITING together to make a lasting change in the lives of children around the globe.” They also give half their profits to help provide meals and education for families all over the globe. We get asked all the time, why this company sells bullet necklaces. While struggling to find a symbol for fighting hunger, a friend donated a bag full of discarded bullet casing. Just like that it clicked to the founder, those bullets will represent their fight against hunger.
Half United’s jewelry manufacturing process is unique as well. All the metal is made is Los Angeles, and the chains are made in Attleboro, MA. They then help to provide jobs and empower artisans from Haiti to make all the beaded hunger fighting styles. Once all of that is made, their team of hand makers assembles and puts the finishing touches on all the products at their headquarters.
This company is yet another company with a focus on making a difference in the world. Here at 5 Pound we hope to be accomplishing the same thing locally through our brand, but also globally by carrying other conscious-minded brands like Half United. Come in to either location and see a full selection of their powerful jewelry.
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JOYN is a socially-conscious fashion brand that creates 100% handmade handbags. These bags are made by real people in the Himalayas that need steady jobs, medical assistance, education, vocational training, or even just a daily meal. The founder of JOYN is Melody Murray. She moved her husband and two small sons to Rajpur, India to provide this opportunity of giving people a chance at dignity, and to pull themselves up/out of poverty. JOYN’s mantra is, “The more hands that it takes to make the products, the more jobs we are able to create.” They have invented a system of purposeful inefficiency that drives every decision within JOYN. Everything is done by hand. Each bag is uniquely constructed with hand-pressed, spun, and woven cotton. The patterns are created by a technique called wood blocking. Wooden blocks are carved by hand and then the design is pressed on to the fabric. These artisans are reviving an ancient traditional art form that is native to India and date to before 220 AD.
“Using fashion to create better lives” – JOYN handbags
Watch this video to see how JOYN is changing the lives of people in India. ]]>
Like most of the brands 5 Pound Apparel carries, Out of Print has a giveback. For each purchase, Out of Print helps to fund literacy programs and book donations for communities in need. These literacy programs give children around the world access to books they would otherwise not have the opportunity to enjoy.
Locally, Ozarks Literacy Council is an organization that promotes literacy in southwest Missouri by offering free services to adults and children. Springfield, MO is very fortunate to have an organization like this to bring awareness about literacy in our area.
Add this to the many other brands 5 Pound Apparel carries that have a giveback. It’s clear that they are more than just a brand, they have a purpose. That purpose is to encourage their customers to shop locally, think globally, and to be conscientious of the impact their shopping dollars can have. Out of Print is a perfect example of this ideology. So next time you need to get that teacher or expecting mother a gift, consider a gift that also helps give a gift of its own: the ability to read.
]]>In case you didn’t hear about the 60+ private planes or the fact that two former presidents were in Springfield last week for a grand opening. Well, we did. And it was all to celebrate the opening of the brand-new Wonders of Wildlife museum and aquarium.
Johnny Morris really outdid himself with this one! As you walk in the museum portion, I would highly suggest you take a left to explore the smaller, FREE, portion of the museum that shows the history of Bass Pro Shops. It came from such humble beginnings to fulfill an honest need in the fishing community. What started as two shelves of bait in his father’s liquor store, Brown Derby, turned into what we all know as Bass Pro Shops today. The stores are practically museums themselves. But even they don’t hold a candle to the amazing exhibits of Wonders of Wildlife. You may have some initial sticker shock from the price of the tickets, but once you walk through all the amazing exhibits you will walk out feeling it was completely worth it!
The museum portion of WoW is an intriguing combination of history and conservation. You’ll walk through a replica model of Teddy Roosevelts hunting cabin, a native American exhibit, and a partial collection of paintings that recreate the trek made my Lewis and Clarke. Everything about the wildlife museum is impeccable. The exhibits recreate the animal’s natural habitat. The walls are painted with incredible hand painted murals of that animal’s landscapes. You’ll see animals from all over the world including elephants and lions of Africa, elk and bears from North America, and jaguars and monkeys from South America to name a few. There is also a Hall of Fame for the largest whitetail deer. We didn’t get to see them, but Penguins are coming soon! Circling back to the hand painted murals. The Springfield News-leader did an article about the artists and how long they had been working on them. But once you see them in person, you will be in complete and utter awe of how magnificent and detailed they are. These murals completely stole the show in every exhibit.
Next stop, the aquarium! You’ll notice huge tanks and full-size boats before even entering the actual aquarium. Once inside, prepare to be amazed. Tanks of schools of fish that swim in tightly wound circles while sharks swim around the perimeter. The Jellyfish Room was one of our favorites.
Seahorses, Clownfish and Lionfish stand out and reside in tanks that have holes built to allow people to go up inside the tank itself.
There is also a large touch-tank with various types of stingrays swimming around in depths where they can be petted. So smooth!
As if you didn’t already know how much we love Springfield, MO; this makes us love living here even more. The fact that someone local had the desire and ambition to build such a world class facility here just shows how great Springfield is and how much Springfield is growing. Wonders of Wildlife, A+ for you. If you haven’t been yet, add it to your to-do list… It won’t disappoint! To dodge the lines and madness, go on a Thursday at 3 pm.
T-shirts got this name due to the T-shape formed by the body after wearing by the person. History of T-shirts is as long as a century old, in the 20th century, Navy of The United States starting providing T-shirts to its sailors. These T-shirts were used as undershirts at that time, but the soldiers, sailors, and fighting army personnel often removed the uniform top to work just in their T-shirts. There came a time when T-shirts were also used as sportswear by the athletes, however, with the progression of time, trends changed, and tees became a part of the dress for all and sundry. Although, T-shirts can be worn in any season under a jacket or dress shirt may be, but top 5 reasons for wearing them in summer are as follows:
Calm & Comfortable:
T-shirts are usually considered as more relaxing and comfortable than other summer wears. For the persons, who feel more heated in summer and want to wear something very open and soothing, T-shirt is the best option for them. Can you imagine anything more soft, supple and fleecy than your T-shirt?
You look young:
There is a general perception that T-shirt suits best to the people who are at a young age
as compared to the ones who are in middle or late age numbers. This does not mean you cannot wear if you are not a youngster, but in fact, you can take the benefit of this self- proclaimed perception of the people and make yourself to look young by wearing a T- shirt. So if you feel like aging a bit, better do some online fashion shopping and buy yourself nice and trendy T-shirts to tell the world that age is just a number.
T-shirts never go out of fashion:
Many of the people around us are fashion freaks and like eLablez Fashion Store; they tend to regularly follow the newly launched trends and styles in their dressing. And fashion for different sort of clothes keeps on changing in a matter of days. One day there will be the fashion of long overcoats and another day, bomber jackets may have the high market. However, it is the T-shirt which hardly ever goes out of fashion. Obviously, design, shape and color compositions do change from time to time, but the value of T-shirt never fades away. People may wear T-shirts with jeans in summer or inside a raincoat in winter as well, which depicts that you still won't look outdated if you choose to wear a T-shirt in home or outside.
Cost effective:
If you want to buy a dress shirt or even a suit, it is highly likely that you will have to pay some good amount of money. But that's not the case with T-shirts, as they are way much cheaper than the other garments. While buying other conventional shirts, you might have
to pay hundreds or dollars whereas, just by consuming a few bucks you can have a
quality T-shirt to wear throughout the summer. Cost effectiveness is the core reason
which makes T-shirts priority choice of many people around the world regardless of their
age, gender or income.
No sweating or suffocation:
In severe summer conditions, other conventional outfits might bother you and cause some
sweating, however, this is where the T-shirts are perfect. No matter how much harsh the weather is, your T-shirt won't deceive you, it remains open & airy and also lets you do your work comfortably.
About The Author
Rachel Stinson has always had a knack for writing, food, fashion, and places. Blogging has
combined all four for her with an added bonus of enthusiastic audiences. She expertly analyzes real estates, restaurants and online fashion stores with respect to pricing and people involved and can express her opinions in an unhesitant, engaging manner for all matters.
Memorial Day means so much, to so many, in a variety of ways. It’s a time for us all to pause and reflect on those who came before us. We think of the good times we had with the ones we love. This memorial day I want to take a second to remember my Grandpa. He was a man of principle , a military man, who cherished family and his relationship with God. Whether it was serving breakfast following the Sunrise Service at their church, or picking weeds out of community flower gardens all over town, he always found a way to serve. He had such an impact. When he passed away several years ago, I wrote this song in honor of him – Jim Sharon. Hope you enjoy.
Grandpa’s Song
His name was James, born in Iowa
One of 8 kids, He was the youngest one
Took state with his high school baseball team
Went off to college in ‘43
Met the love of his life, and they got married
Raised 3 kids in middle America
**Chorus**
He was a veteran of two wars,
Loved his wife he loved the lord
And now he’s up there sittin with Jesus
I know there will come a day
When I walk through those pearly gates
And grandpa will meet me there with open arms
He’ll say, “I sure have missed you son
Welcome to heaven, forever has just begun.”
As they got older, their kids had kids
Yeah, I guess that’s where I come in
He loved us all unconditionally
I remember, on holidays
We’d all hold hands, grandpa’d say grace
He’d get choked up thankin God for the love in that room
And even though he’s gone, I know I’ll see him soon.
**Chorus**
Welcome to heaven, forever has just begun
Welcome to heaven, forever has just begun
We want to pay a special thanks to those members of the Armed Forces that died protecting us and our great country. Hope you take some time to reflect on how fortunate we all are to have had them give the ultimate sacrifice, and remember the happy times you had with someone who is no longer with us. Happy Memorial Day.
-Ben
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Downtown Springfield is full of countless food, drinks, entertainment, and shopping options. Having all of this is in one place is probably why we like being downtown, you can easily spend the whole day exploring around the square. First, you should grab some yummy food. If you need some help picking a place to eat, we will give you some places to check out. There are so many different options to fill you up; burger to Italian food to sushi. A few of our favorites are Grad School, Black Sheep, Maria’s Mexican Resturant, Nonna’s Italian Café, and The Order. Here is a link to find a full list of all the restaurants downtown.
After filling up on some of the best food in town, why not do a little shopping? We would love for you to stop by 5 Pound Apparel. We also want to encourage you to check out the other local shops downtown. Find a great book at BookMarx or a handmade piece of art from one of the unique art galleries. A Cricket in the House has great items for your home. You can shop and have a drink at Lush BARtique. Remember that shopping local supports the local economy, so shop local! Here is a link to find a full list of all the restaurants and places to shop downtown.
After some shopping, you should get a sweet treat or a coffee. The Urban Cup is always serving up home-style gourmet cupcakes or maybe you would rather have a specialty donut from Hurts Donut. Mud House and The Coffee Ethic can serve you up a mean cup of joe, or tea if that is what you are into. If you are of the age to partake in some adult drinks well then downtown is the place to be. The Golden Girl Rum Club and Tropical Liqueurs make some fun fruity drinks that make it hard to say no. When you go to Ernie Biggs, you can’t help but sing along to the dueling pianos. We love touring the local breweries, Mother’s Brewing Company and Springfield Brewing Company. In the summer, you can hitch a ride on The Trolley Bike. If you do partake in these adult actives remember to drink responsible. Now that we have Uber in town, catching a ride to or from downtown is just a click away!
We love downtown because there is always new entertainment going on, whether it is a band playing at The Outland, a new play at Springfield Little Theater, or a new indie film at The Moxie. The first Friday of each month is always set aside for the First Friday Art Walk where local artist take over downtown displaying and selling their art. Downtown hosts some of our favorite festivals like Cider Days and Artsfest on Walnut Street. On the right days, you can catch a live taping of The Mystery Hour at the Gilloz.
There is always something going on downtown and It’s all Downtown helps you keep on with all the latest events. We love downtown Springfield. It is an honor to work around so many awesome local businesses. Downtown inspires us, feeds us, and gives us great entertainment. We love being a part of it.
Come visit Downtown,
Nikki
]]>We just published a Spring Gift Guide a few weeks ago, but Mom's are so special they deserve their very own gift guide. This guide is for the crafty mom, the dog mom, the fashionista mom, the foodie mom, and every mom in between. We have 1 rule when it comes to shopping for your mom this year: keep it simple and don't overthink it. This will ensure you give your mom a gift she can use and will be sure to love.
Let's start with a card - everyone has to give your mom at least a card. Plus you can always hide a gift card inside to your favorite creperie, the Aviary.
Jewelry - Moms love jewelry. Give her a BelJoy bracelet! Every bracelet is handcrafted in Haiti by women earning a living wage. They are bulky enough to wear on their own, yet lightweight enough to stack with her other favorite bracelets.AVAILABLE AT 5 POUND APPAREL - $14
Coffee Drinker - Give mom a cup of HAPPY, PEACE, COURAGE, GRATITUDE, or LOVE... whatever message mom might embody or need.AVAILABLE AT 5 POUND APPAREL - $14
Need some R&R? - Let's face it, moms are always thinking about someone other than themselves. This next gift will give them a chance to do something just for them. Let our friends over at Grove Spa pamper your mom! Hook her up with a gift card for a much-needed relaxing massage or facial.
Candles - No one buys candles for themselves ... so buy one for mom. You know she loves the volcano candles, she says it very time she comes into the store! Let the citrusy-tropical scent take your mom to an island in her own house.AVAILABLE AT 5 POUND APPAREL - $32
Foodie - Because brunch is the best! Take mom to an awesome brunch, and we know just the place. The Order, in the beautiful Hotel Vandivort, is hosting Mimosas for Mom -- she will love it!Bath Lover? - our organic loofahs from Honey Belle are fantastic. Clean with compassion. Every body soap purchases, one is donated to an individual in need. #soapsforsouls
AVAILABLE AT 5 POUND APPAREL - $8
Book worm - For the moms that that love to read to their kids. Our Out of Print t-shirts can take your mom back to the days when you were just a nugget sitting on her lap while she read you all those childhood classics.
And last but certainly not least .... the dog mom - Dog moms are a thing. Luckily for you, we have our brand new 5 Pound Pup dog line. Pick something up for the cool and hip dog in your life, and and even a t-shirt to match! For every purchase, we donate 5lb. of dog food to the Human Society of Southwest Missouri.
No matter the gift given on mother's day, spend the day with your mom because moms are the best. Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there. Be sure to head over to our Instagram that day for an extra special treat!
"Everything I am, you helped me to be" -- Thanks Mom--- Brina Thomas, dog mom
April always has us seeing green - the grass is springing back to life, trees are leafing, and the natural world is waking up. It’s the perfect time to consider one of our greatest shared responsibilities: protecting and nurturing the planet! Saturday, April 22nd marks the anniversary of the beginning of the modern environmental movement, and we invite you to join us in doing just one thing this month—changing one habit, volunteering one afternoon, supporting one organization—to care for Mother Earth.
If you happen to be in the market for quality apparel and accessories, consider an eco-conscious brand. Lucky for you, there are many to choose from! We carry several here at 5 Pound Apparel: rugged bags and on-trend apparel from United by Blue, classic wooden timepieces from WeWood, cute and comfy men’s and women’s apparel from TenTree, hand-printed spring dresses from Mata Traders, Proof wooden sunglasses, and men’s outdoor apparel from Fayettechill. The process of creating new products can be rough on the environment, so why not offset your footprint by seeking out brands that plant trees, fund waterway cleanup, or practice sustainable manufacturing?
If you’re looking for more ways to recycle, not to worry- there’s a place that does that! You can find local drop-offs for everything from batteries to bicycles on one handy list here. If you’d like to volunteer your time, anyone can register though the James River Basin partnership to participate in a river cleanup on the 22nd (by canoe or by foot!) If planting trees is your thing, you can do that, too- register for both at JamesRiverBasin.com. Find more ways to volunteer, learn, and celebrate all month long by clicking over to the city’s Earth Month Page. Now grab your friends, and go outside!
Stay Green,
Amber McGuire
As many of you already know, 5 Pound Apparel donates five pounds of food to regional food pantry Ozarks Food Harvest for each t-shirt purchased in our stores and online. Some may think we continue to do this because of our company name- but for us it’s so much more than loyalty to the brand’s original mission. We truly believe in the life-changing power of giving back. It’s important to us as a company to help those less fortunate, not just locally but also globally.
Have you ever had the opportunity to help someone out of the pure kindness of your heart? If so, you know how amazing that can feel. Sometimes we help out a person or organization because it’s “the right thing to do,” a gut feeling we act upon in the moment. Giving back doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It could be letting that busy mom in front of you at the grocery store, paying for someone’s coffee behind you in line at the coffee shop, volunteering your time somewhere, or donating old clothes to a clothing drive. The reality is, it doesn’t matter how you give. If you can’t give monetarily, your time is more than sufficient. And when it comes to giving your time, it can often have the greatest impact on an individual or community.
At 5 Pound Apparel, we carry a variety of brands that give back to many different causes, both locally and internationally. Every purchase truly does benefit someone somewhere. When every purchase you make in life impacts the world- for better or worse- we want to give you better options. As our company changes and grows, we want our customers to know that we will ALWAYS give back. Some people may think that when companies grow, they lose their heart for caring about others. But we want to be different. We believe that when a company grows, their giving power grows with them- and that’s truly awesome!
A big decision we’ve made as a business this year is to focus on volunteering our time at the Ozarks Food Harvest. Beginning this April, our staff will be volunteering our time helping to fill backpacks for their amazing Backpack Program. Follow us on Instagram and Snapchat to see us volunteering our time locally- we hope you’ll be inspired to get involved!
A quote that inspires us:
“IT’S NOT HOW MUCH WE GIVE, BUT HOW MUCH LOVE WE PUT INTO GIVING.” – MOTHER TERESA
Stay Awesome,
Brina Thomas
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