It's All About the Partnership Baby!

Losing weight is hard. So when it was time to get serious about shedding the extra pounds we put on over the years, of course it was only natural that Two Ton Tilly (aka PBD) my BFF and I decided to do it together.

Because we do most things together.

And trying to losing weight together just seemed like it would be easier. We could keep each other motivated, encourage each other to exercise, and most of all have someone else to suffer make healthy food choices with. And pass on the cupcakes with. And take a walks with.

But also someone who can be totally honest with you and tell you that you’re never ever going to be the size you were when you 16 again. And you know what? It’s OK because it made your head look big.

We believe partnership can create great things in all aspects of our lives and that’s why we were inspired to get involved with the Path to Peace Project.

Launched in 2005, the Path to Peace Project was built on the idea of creating change by providing income-generating opportunities to women in Rwanda. The project provides income to rural woman who were never able to earn money while keeping alive their history and culture. And also creating an American market for Rwandan women’s crafts. It created trade partnerships with artisans in recovering regions to bring the power of change to Rwanda and Indonesia.

One of the crafts, The O Bracelet, was recently featured in O Magazine. Each bracelet in this series is hand-made by two women—a weaver in Rwanda and a jewelry artist in New Orleans. Besides being a beautiful accessory, the message is all about partnership and that partnership can create great things.

The Path to Peace Project now employs thousands of weavers and impacts tens of thousands of lives. As measured by health, education, decreased violence and increased hope and reconciliation, the project has produced remarkable results and been widened to included textiles and jewelry.

For more information on how you can get involved visit macys.com/Rwanda