Disclosure: I was gifted three beautiful bangles from ALEX AND ANI and am an affiliate partner. This post includes affiliate links, so I may receive commission if you purchase something via these links. All thoughts and opinions expressed, as per usual, are my own.
The second blood moon of 2014 occurred on October 8th, also the date of what would have been a 20-year dating anniversary with my now ex-husband. I wrote about the significance of the first blood moon of 2014 here.
On that same date, a nonprofit I work with held a Charmed by Charity event at the ALEX AND ANI store in Portland, Maine. Proceeds from the evening would benefit the organization. Because I believe in the mission of Crossroads, and I felt like I should celebrate my strength and freedom, I purchased a few charm bangles.
I chose these bangle bracelets carefully because they were to be symbolic of where I was at that moment in my life. Freshly divorced, I looked for symbols of strength, power and love. I chose the New Beginnings, Seven Swords, and Skeleton Key bangles.

These charm bangles could not be more perfect for me. The New Beginnings bangle bracelet, which also supports ONE, reminds me that I have limitless opportunity to positively lead and affect others and create my own new beginning. The seven swords represent the seven archangels whose world is that of love. The key, possibly the most liberating symbol of them all, signifies authority and the freedom to come and go without hindrance.
Each ALEX AND ANI bangle is said to be infused with positive energy, natural energy that supports life. I feel that energy when I wear my bangle bracelets.
After my meaningful experience at the Charmed by Charity event and learning more about ALEX AND ANI as a company, I decided to partner with them to help spread the word of their products and good work. I’ve written about giving back through conscious shopping. We can feel good our purchases when we buy from those that give back and are committed to sustainable and ethical business practices.
From the Alex and Ani website:

ALEX AND ANI is pioneering its own definition of corporate consciousness with sustainable initiatives and the creation of high quality, thoughtfully manufactured pieces. We are committed to building a culture that focuses entirely on mindful actions. Our products are hand crafted in America. Our stores are purposefully located on main streets to encourage growth in local economies. Our items are designed for longevity, as artisanal pieces that can be passed from one generation to the next. To us, sustainability is an essential idea that means contributing to a new way of thinking and acting that considers the wellbeing of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. We empower individuals to actively create the world they want to live in. The ALEX AND ANI ethos is living consciously, turning a lifestyle brand into a way of life.

In addition to the Charmed by Charity local events, ALEX AND ANI also offers Charity by Design products that support nonprofit organizations with a purchase (like my New Beginnings charm bangle bracelet). 
I recently added these three charm bangle bracelets to my collection (below), thanks to ALEX AND ANI. The Endless Knot bangle reminds me of life’s journey and the entanglements of fate. My little Buddha teaches me that the real secret to joy and happiness is to keep things simple. The Path of Life emblem illustrates life’s twists and turns and unexpected winds and celebrates the willingness to travel toward’s life’s fruitful moments. They are beautiful and meaningful.

Stayed tuned for more about ALEX AND ANI and their positive energy. There may even be a giveaway in the future!

Do you have any Alex and Ani bangle bracelets? What meaning do they have for you?

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. Read past stories here.