A New Stamp in the Passport

** This is the most exciting, yet difficult, post I have written in a while. Exciting because I have wonderful news to share, but difficult because of the great care I want to take in giving credit where credit is due.**

About 1/3 of the amazing Noonday Collection team.

So, last weekend I traveled to Austin (Texas, that is!) for Shine 2015. For those who do not speak Noonday Collection Ambassadorese, this is our annual conference and celebration. It has taken me several days to process all the things, and I'm just finding time and energy to make a feeble attempt at putting it all into words. 

To use the words "amazing" or "unimaginable" do not even begin to describe these days in Austin! I am so incredibly humbled to be one very small part of this group of world-changing women who not only empower one another in their businesses, but who are also working their boo-tays off around the United States to make life a little mo' better for thousands of talented artisans living in vulnerable communities around the world. 

As many of you may have read or heard me share at Noonday Collection trunk shows, I joined the Noonday tribe almost two years ago as a way to steady my heart and keep me from selling the farm and moving my family to Haiti. It has truly become an answered prayer in so many ways as I am seeing and hearing the difference my sales are making in lives around the world...Haiti included. 

Love these ladies who braved hours
on a bumpy bus, tarantulas, crazy
heat and so much more with me traveling
in Haiti and the DR in October.

Traveling to Haiti in October with a rock star cast of Ambassadors, hostesses and customers to meet Renal and the other artisans in the Haiti Design Co-op was amazing! Hearing from Moon, a seriously amazing Indian woman who is currently serving as President of TARA Projects, and more from Daniel and Jalia, the couple who runs the Ugandan company, African Style, that makes our paper bead pieces, has me ready to roll in 2015. Their stories about the hundreds for women who are being empowered through their employment by Noonday Collection's partner artisan groups makes me even more passionate and want to be even bolder (you've been warned, friends!).

Melissa Russell, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at International Justice Mission, spoke courage over our group and challenged us to be BOLD in our "ask." She advised us to play over the conversation with Jalia or Moon or Renal or any of our thousands of partner artisans as to why we couldn't ask someone else to partner with us through purchasing or hosting...

These two women who inspire me BIG TIME!
Laura Choy, our #2 in sales for 2014 and
the best roomie ever, and Jessica Honegger,
who leads this movement with
fierceness and grace!

"I'm sorry, Jalia. I didn't ask my friend Susie to host this season because it was just so awkward for me, and I just was too afraid she'd say 'No.'"

Wow. That's a hard pill to swallow, my friends. So again, you've been warned, and you better have some great reason when I ask! ;-)

(Or, don't wait for me to ask. Contact me TODAY and let's get your show on the book or head to my site now and purchase a piece that speaks to you!)

So, I was super excited to learn this weekend that I have qualified for an all-expense-paid trip to meet more of our partner artisans this summer! What the what?!!

New passport stamp coming in 2015 from one of the following:

Rwanda. 

Ecuador.

Guatemala.

EEEK!!! Yes, please! That's just nuts, y'all! 

But here's the part I need you to not to miss.

This accomplishment is not about me.

It's about the dozens of women who have opened their homes to their friends, family, colleagues and neighbors - and maybe even complete strangers - to allow others to join this movement. It's about a small YES here in the US that has huge impact for children around the world whose parents now have sustainable employment and hope for a future. Congratulations to my rock star hostesses for being a part of a Noonday record - 59 trunks shows in 2014! Y'ALL ROCKED IT AND THANK YOU!

It's about friends far and near who wear and gift Noonday likes it's their job! They wear the stories of these women who've been empowered to leave abusive relationships. They wear the stories of children who have HOPE through access to education. They wear ethically made jewelry because lives matter. Congratulations to all my amazing customers for being a part of record-breaking sales in 2014! YOU ROCKED IT!

My Noonday Collection "Board of Directors"

It's about my own personal tribe - some nearby, some far away but most of whom are also in the above two categories - who have loved me well during this past year. They have talked to me on long drives to help keep me awake. They have encouraged me when I was feeling overwhelmed and strung out. They have spoken truth and HOPE into my (thousands of) doubts and insecurities. They have traveled to Haiti with me and loved with reckless abandon there. They have connected me to other friends who have become hostesses and customers. They are my people, my tribe, my constant support - and they deserve much applause and many "thank yous!" as well. 

And lest I forget, the three most important boys in my life are the most deserving! My husband is the rock star! He has juggled ball seasons and homework and bedtime routines many a'night with our two rowdies alone. He has made displays and even tweaked them last-minute to make my life easier at shows. My precious boys who make my heart swell with pride when I hear them tell people about "the jewelry mama sells because it helps people" and my oldest who can probably tell you which country our pieces are from faster than I can! They get the credit...because they sacrificed most. Thank you for being patient, and "getting it" with me!

There were lots of people that asked me this weekend "How do you do it?" and many were probably met by awkward and uncomfortable facial expressions and attempts at humorous diversions because here's the thing...

I don't.

All these people described above are the ones who "do it." They get my heart and most importantly, they get Jesus' heart for the poor and the oppressed. They want justice in dark places, too. They want a world where children are cherished, women are empowered, people have jobs and we are connected! So, they wear and host and advocate. And many wear and host and advocate again and again and again. They are my tribe...my rock star, kick boo-tay tribe, and I couldn't do it without them. 

Amen and amen.

PS: If you were one of the ones that asked that question or some form of it, I'm really sorry. I'm so awkwardsauce sometimes.

Happy Nooniversary! {Spring 2014 Blog Train}

In just a few weeks, I will celebrate my "Nooniversary" ….and WOW! What a year it's been! 

As a Noonday Collection Ambassador, I have had the privilege of meeting so many amazing women at trunk shows all over the Southeast who love The Lord and who are incredibly passionate about making a difference in an often overwhelmingly dark and disappointing world. I have grown to love many of my Ambassador sisters as dear friends--from Montana to Texas to North Carolina and back to Mississippi. I am grateful for a network of poverty-fighting, injustice-hating prayer warriors…who are also great conversationalists during long car drives to trunk shows! 

I have learned so much about our great big world…including a much-needed brush up on my world geography (Why didn't I pay more attention during that class? Don't answer that, college friends!). As I have educated myself on where the countries are, and more importantly the conditions in them, my heart has been broken…and my worldly American spirit has been humbled. While I have only traveled to the Dominican Republic and Haiti to experience these conditions first hand, I am certain the bleak conditions and hopelessness I have seen and felt in those two countries are very similar to that of the countries where our artisans work to make our beautifully crafted pieces to support their families and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.

Guatemala artisans use looming &
dyeing traditions passed 
down through many generations.

It's no secret that I love Noonday and its mission. I love seeing the impact that YOUR purchases have made in the lives of our artisans...but if I'm being honest (which I really try to be!) there are nights and days when I just don't "feel" like Noondaying (Yes, it's now a verb, too…we're going google status, people). There are nights I'd rather be curled up on my couch with my sweet babies or on a date with my handsome husband…or sometimes, just anything else. 

Then I think about my Haitian and Dominican mama friends who often have no idea if they will be able to feed their families or when that meal might come. They pray to God to relieve their suffering, heal their illnesses, protect their children and provide for their needs…and they BELIEVE He will! 

But what if - just IF - my sweet mama friends (and millions of others like them) had jobs they could count on? Not a "go-to-the-market-and-hope-my-goods-sell" kind of gig...but a guaranteed income because the demand for their products was so great! What if they could lay their heads down at night under a roof with no leaks and know there would be food on the table tomorrow for their families? What if they knew their kids would be at school learning to read and write and make a better way for themselves? What if they knew they could afford medical care when their children got sick?

Oh, the joy and peace it could bring!

Peruvian artisans work on our new
jewelry line.

So, on those days and nights when I'm really not feeling the Noonday vibe - I go. I go and I advocate. I pray for that day when my mama friends around the world will have the same peace I have about my children's care and their futures. I drive my Facebook and Instagram and Twitter friends crazy with my posts (sorry - not sorry!). I get outside my comfort zone and and ask more people to host parties. I drive 8 hours in one day for a 2-hour show. I check labels before I purchase to make sure I'm spending my money on things that empower and protect.

Sham is a talented Indian artisan who is 
changing the way women are treated in
 his country - at home and at work.

I have come to understand that each piece sold makes a difference. A difference for one mom. One dad. Many children. A larger community. Each piece of Noonday sold gives HOPE to one mom. One dad. Many children. And their larger community.  

So if you see me on March 24, be sure to wish me a "Happy Noonivesary!" And if you've purchased Noonday in the last year or hosted a show or shared a post or connected me with a friend or family member that hosted a show….THANK YOU! 

Thank you for joining a movement to punch poverty right in the face and bring HOPE to so many! 

To help celebrate and say "THANK YOU!" to so many who've been a part of this journey, I'm giving away a party…an ARM PARTY!

 

Comment below with your favorite Noonday piece from the Spring 2014 catalogue and/or share this post to be entered to win all this loveliness!

Giveaway ends Friday, March 7 at midnight!

  

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And don't forget to check out yesterday's post and giveaway from Cara and stop by and see what Lydia has to say (and giveaway!) tomorrow!

It's been a minute...

It's been a minute since I've had the time (or energy) to crank out any coherent thought pattern that might resemble a blog post. Holy busyness, Batman!

A couple of updates...

Haiti is still on the map...and in my heart! I just returned from 11 days in Haiti and the DR! I can't believe the progress that HMM is making with the Promised Land compound and within the community of Anse-a-Pitre. When I see the change in the children and I hear many of them speaking English, the tears well up before I can stop them. I am blessed beyond imagination to be just a small part of it! Next trip: May! Excited about this one because I get to share it with my sweet husband and many members of my own church family! We will be gone May 25-June 2 and covet your prayers as we minister to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through providing medical and dental care, adult bible studies and VBS-type activities with the children. 

The Noonday Collection spring line has launched! My March calendar is full with shows hosted by fashionable, world-changing women who are becoming advocates for thousands of artisans simply by opening their homes, whipping up a few of their favorite snacks and sharing lots of laughs and fun with their friends. Seriously. There is nothing easier than hosting a Noonday show - and you get FREE jewelry and accessories. If you haven't hosted - or attended - a show, you really need to get in touch with me soon! I have a few spots left in April and I'm booking shows in May, too, if you want in on the fun!


I am still CHOOSING JOY daily in 2014! One of my oldest (as in longest friendship!) friends sent me the perfect daily reminder (which just happens to look amazing with all my Noonday goodness!) and there have been moments when seeing this message on this beautiful bracelet have steadied my thoughts. Moments when CHOOSING joy wasn't the easy choice...it would have been easier to whine, pout, scream and/or cry at the circumstances. I (really!) wish I could say it was getting easier, but there are days when I feel like Satan tries even harder to make choices other than JOY more appealing...and there are definitely days he wins. 

I am thankful I am drowning in a sea of forgiveness and grace when I take my eyes off the Giver of Joy. 

So, there you have it - in three short paragraphs - and update on the last month.

Well, that's not exactly true...

There's these two guys.

Happy Holidays Giveaway!

It's the holidays! Trees are being decorated. Cookies being made. Parties being planned. It's a HAPPY time - and I want to make someone even HAPPIER by giving them a beautiful piece of Noonday Collection jewelry to gift (or to keep!) for the holidays!

Wear as one long piece...

Each season, there is one piece that speaks to me. Its beauty, its story, its uniqueness - something about it just "gets to me."

This season it is the Braided Bullet necklace. From the minute we started getting sneak peeks, I had to have it. When I pulled it out of its cute little bag the day my samples arrived, I cried. I cried because it was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined and also because seeing each tiny little bead that was hand-crafted and then hand-beaded into those beautiful braided strands just got me. Thousands of those tiny beads to make each strand…it overwhelmed me. When it's discontinued from our line, it will not make it into the sample sale… sorry, friends.

...or double for shorter layers

For those not a familiar with the Ethiopian line from Noonday Collection, each piece is made from upcycled artillery that is collected by farmers in the war-torn country. The shells are melted and made in the various shaped beads of all different sizes that are needed to create the amazing necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The Ethiopian pieces are always my favorite because they are such beautiful reminders of God's presence in our lives; in the midst of the terrible circumstances He is there...there waiting to make beauty from our ashes. You can read more about our Ethiopian artisans here!

Each time I wear the Braided Bullet necklace, I love it a little more, and I find myself praying for the hands that made it throughout the day. Praying for her safety. Praying for her health. Praying for the health of her family. Praying for her to have HOPE in a future because she has dignified employment. And most of all, praying for her to come to know and feel the love of Jesus Christ in a real and meaningful way through her connection to Noonday Collection.

So, here's the deal. I'm giving one away December 15 and will ship it out to the winner December 16 - just in time for Christmas gifting…or wearing yourself for all the holiday fun!

How can you win it, you ask?

1. Share this blog post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Each time you share, you'll get another entry into the drawing. Be sure to tag me in the post(s): @LauraRWalton on Twitter & Instagram and Laura Richardson Walton on Facebook (just "friend" me if you need to). 

Not sure how to "share"? Just copy and past the URL from your browser into your status box. The link will become active automatically and you can add your comments about the giveaway.

2. Attend a trunk show - or shows! - between November 25 and December 15. If it's not one that I'm hosting, no worries! Just snap a pic with your sweet Ambassador and tag me in it on any social media.

3. {Shop with a Purpose}. For every $25 spent between November 25 and December 14 at one of my trunk shows or online at www.laurawalton.noondaycollection.com, you'll get one entry into the giveaway. **Be sure to select me as your Ambassador at check out so I will receive a notification of your order!**

You can do all your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your couch in your fuzzy slippers this week AND be entered to win the Braided Bullet necklace AND give amazing gifts that are truly changing lives to all the special ladies in your life this Christmas. That's WIN-WIN-WIN in my book! :-D

4. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@LauraRWalton) and follow this blog if you're not already (just hit that button to the right)!

It's that simple! I'll do all the work with tracking entries - and YOU could win this beautiful necklace!

Be sure to share - and share often - to increase your chances of winning…

Happy Holidays, dear friends!

5 Fall Favorites...and 1 For Free!

It's finally here! After months of teasers, weeks of waiting and days of anguishing over ordering my samples - the Fall 2013 Noonday Collection launch has arrived! I'll be honest - it's felt a little like giving birth at some points in the process.

To kick the season off right, I'm GIVING AWAY a pair of my new favorite earrings! Not only am I giving away free loot, 34 other Ambassadors are also GIVING AWAY GOODIES on their blogs starting with the launch and throughout the month of September! These ladies know how to get a party started, right? 

Check out these lovely ladies (and their giveaway goodies) who kicked us off Aug. 28 (and just go ahead and follow their blogs while you're there - you won't be disappointed!):

• Aug 28- Krista Box at www.thegirlwhosaidyes.blogspot.com
• Aug 29- Alicia Hale at www.raisingalittlehale.blogspot.com
• Aug 30- Stephanie Nunes at www.nunespartyofthree.blogspot.com
• Aug 31- Natalie Perry at www.perrysplate.com (She has a $50 voucher up for grabs!)
• Sept 1- ME - YOU'RE HERE!

Here's the rest of this week's line up:

• Sept 2- Amy Armstrong at www.lovingandlivinghisway.blogspot.com (A $50 voucher could be yours!)
• Sept 3- Cara Coleman at www.thefrontporchramblings.net
• Sept 4- Lilly Neubauer at www.pancakesandbeetjuice.com
• Sept 5- Cynthia Coppinger at www.cynthiacoppinger.blogspot.com
• Sept 6- Kristine Shafer at www.kristineshafer.com

So, after a week of playing dress up with my new samples, I've settle on these as my Top 5 (This was like picking favorites among my children after the painstaking process of deciding what to order, btw). The item names are links to the website if you want to just go ahead and add them to your shopping cart, too! wink, wink!

My Top 5 Favorites

5. The Tushabe Necklace. Handcrafted from paper beads in Uganda and accented with beautiful polished horn pieces, these lovely layers of mint and blue are simply swoon-worthy. I can't wait to dress this up or throw it on with a fun Piko shirt. Simply perfect. Price: $62

The Tushabe Necklace

4. The la noche Bracelet. Oh, the bling it brings! (Confession: I catch myself singing "I feel pretty...Oh, so pretty" when I'm putting this one on.). This beauty is hand-beaded in Guatemala and is the perfect accessory for a night out...kind of makes me want to schedule a date night soon (also looks great with our Water Drop Prism Earrings). Price: $38.00

la noche Bracelet

3. The Paisley Filagree Earrings. The dainty dazzlers are quickly making it up the ranks as my go-to gold earrings. I love the detail and that they are 14 kt gold plated. Hand crafted in India, these lovelies are helping our artisans rise above the slums through dignified jobs at a fair and ethical wage. Price: $46.00

Paisley Filagree Earrings

2. The Braided Bullet Necklace. This amazing piece is made in Ethiopia and brought me to tears when I opened the box. Thinking about the labor involved in making this beautiful piece of jewelry from what began as weapons of war...well, it takes my breath away. Price: $98

The Braided Bullet Necklace

1. The Metallic Pearls Earrings. These are the perfect everyday earrings! A complement to just about every necklace I own and also a great statement all by themselves, these are hand-crafted in Ethiopia from upcycled artillery. These beauties will be your "it" earrings (and there's a bracelet and necklace to match!)! Price: $34.00

Metallic Pearls Earrings

CONFESSION: What I love about being a Noonday Ambassador isn't really the amazing jewelry and accessories...it's really the stories of the artisans who make the beautiful pieces. The stories of hope, of redemption, of survival - and knowing that my purchases and the purchases of my customers are helping write those stories.

When I became an Ambassador last March, my goal was to book one show a week and if I made money, great! It would help me save for my next trip to Haiti. But now that I have seen the impact the sustainable income crafting our products provides for our artisans and how they are able to afford the basic necessities of life...I want EVERYONE to buy Noonday!

This image pretty much says it all...and the fact that it came from our Haitian artisan group  makes it even more special for me. Your purchases give HOPE...HOPE for a better tomorrow for the artisans and their families and ultimately, their communities. 

So, check out the new line. Find your favorite(s) and then enter the giveaway for one of mine! You can enter once a day and add extra entries by sharing this blog post and commenting on it. A winner will be selected September 9 (check back to see if they're yours!) 

And let me know if you're interested in hosting at trunk show - YOU can become a part of these stories of HOPE by creating opportunities for others to hear their stories. 

And be sure to stop by and see Amy at www.lovingandlivinghisway.blogspot.com tomorrow! She has a $50 voucher up for grabs!

Shop with a Purpose!
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Don't miss the train!

It's a blog train...with giveaways!

See? As Eli would say, "I todeja." (AKA: "I told you.")

You do NOT want to miss out on the goodness that will given away over the next 34 days! The fall Noonday Collection launch is tomorrow and 34 rock star Ambassadors are sharing their blogs, their hearts and their favorite Noonday pieces with YOU!

Bookmark this page and check back daily for the link to the day's featured blog. Not only will you love the freebies - you will love the hearts of the women who will be sharing! Follow their blogs (and enjoy the freebies) and be ready to be inspired by women who've said "YES!" to God and whose lives reflect obedience to Jesus' command to "love the least of these." From adoption stories to fair trade fashion insights to mission experiences, these women are the real deal (Not sure how I managed to squeeze my way in, honestly!)!

Here's your line-up for the month-long inspirational freebie-fest! ENJOY!

Aug 28 Krista Box : www.thegirlwhosaidyes.blogspot.com Aug 29 Alicia Hale : www.raisingalittlehale.blogspot.com Aug 30 Stephanie Nunes : www.nunespartyofthree.blogspot.com Aug 31 Natalie Perry : www.perrysplate.com Sept 1 Laura Walton : www.runningwithapurpose.blogspot.com Sept 2 Amy Armstrong : www.lovingandlivinghisway.blogspot.com Sept 3 Cara Coleman : www.thefrontporchramblings.net Sept 4 Lilly Neubauer : www.pancakesandbeetjuice.com Sept 5 Cynthia Coppinger : www.cynthiacoppinger.blogspot.com Sept 6 Kristine Shafer : www.kristineshafer.com Sept 7 Desiree Thompson : www.hannahjamesblog.com Sept 8 Carmen Jonas : www.primroseandolive.tumblr.com Sept 9 Amanda Cobb : www.thecobbfamilyflys.blogspot.com Sept 10 Liz Sanchez : www.lizsanchez-insidemyhead.blogspot.com Sept 11 Kristan Roland : www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com Sept 12 Tesney Davis : www.oureyesopened.org Sept 13 Aimee Bell : www.raindropsonrosesblog.wordpress.com Sept 14 Annette Miller : http://mrsmiller2012.blogspot.com
Sept 15 Brandi Mendenhall : www.thefairtradefashionistas.wordpress.com Sept 16 Wynne Elder : theelderadventurers.com Sept 17 Jenna Beaugh : www.eatliverun.com Sept 18 McCall Aldridge : www.leemeandthegirls.blogspot.com Sept 19 Emily Hays : www.emilyhays.blogspot.com Sept 20 Lindsay Chambers : www.myvisionsofsugarplums.blogspot.com Sept 21 Elizabeth Bricknell : www.elizabethbricknell.blogspot.com Sept 22 Heather Keehn : www.teamkeehn.blogspot.com Sept 23 Katie Eller : www.cardiganway.com Sept 24 Candace McArthur : www.agirlwithredshoes.wordpress.com Sept 25 Jennifer Arnett : www.thestatewerein.com Sept 26 Emily Tilsen : www.lifeunfabled.blogspot.com Sept 27 Sara Mixon : www.mixonmania.blogspot.com Sept 28 Melonie Grover : www.veryeasilyinspired.com Sept 29 Carrie Glanzer : www.themotherspearls.com Sept 30 Debra Rice : www.turquoiseandlove.blogspot.com

Shop with a Purpose!

Why Noonday? Why now?

To say that I have gotten some funny looks over the last few weeks as I've shared my excitement about becoming a Noonday Collection ambassador might be an understatement. There's not a lot of room on my plate, so to speak, and I know people are thinking, "Why in the world would you take on one more thing?"

In short - it's because of the world. 

We're only here for a little while (thank goodness!) and I was blessed to have been born in one of the wealthiest and most influential nations in the world. Why shouldn't I use my resources (time, energy, money and social capital) to help those without access to resources to help themselves? Noonday Collection is empowering entire communities by creating jobs for skilled artisans and providing training unskilled artisans. I can help from Smalltown, USA not only by selling the Noonday Collection products, but by sharing these artisans' stories in hopes of motivating others to be more mindful and deliberate in their purchases.

So, no. I don't have time but I am choosing to make time because I believe in the good Noonday is doing. And, quite simply, we are commanded to help others (Matthew 25:40).

Yes, it does take time away from my own family. However, many of the artisans Noonday supports have been on the brink of putting children in orphanages because they simply could not provide for them. So if I can spend a few hours a week at a trunk show to help keep families together, then I think the sacrifice will be worth it.

If you've been one of the 'funny looks' people or had those thoughts, it's ok. I understand and admit there have been moments of "What am I doing!?" But I hope as you learn more about Noonday, you'll want to become part of the story. Purchase a product (or two!) Maybe host a trunk show? Who knows, maybe you'll even decide to join the amazing ladies (and one brave man!) who make up the Noonday Collection team!

You can purchase directly from the Noonday Collection site or you can attend a trunk show in your area - or host one yourself and receive FREE products!

"...when you satisfy the needs of the oppressed, your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

I'm an Ambassador!

Don't get too excited - I'm not moving to another country (yet). But I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the Noonday Collection team as an Ambassador.

I love that Noonday calls its representatives "ambassadors," because I automatically think "advocacy" when I hear it. And that is exactly why I've committed to this endeavor!

During my first trip to Haiti, I was overwhelmed by the poverty and the seemingly hopeless situation the Haitians are facing, but Tim Dortch, who founded Hispaniola Mountain Ministries, once said, "You can't let the poverty paralyze you." And that has been my heart's plea since. God has truly opened doors for me to be an advocate for the poor since my first trip and Noonday not only offers more opportunities, but also gives us all a chance to re-write the story of these artisans' lives into one of hope! 

Noonday Collection offers amazing handcrafted items made by artisans around the world who are working to end their poverty and provide for their families. I fell in love with the stories and hope you will, too!

When you have time, check it out and let me know what you think! I'd love to host a trunk show or help you select the perfect piece for yourself or someone you love (and guys, there's a "Wish List" feature on the site!)! 

Visit www.laurawalton.noondaycollection.com to learn more about Noonday Collection and order your very own special piece!

Can't wait to hear what you think!