If you've been following me on instagram you may have noticed an influx of snowboarding pictures. Dominic and I have been spending our weekends near Tahoe... I seriously don't think I can complain about anything for at least a week!
Read moreLinks, Lust, N'at
It’s been awhile since my last Links, Lust, N’at! I hope everyone is settling into their new 2016 routines. Over the holiday, I moved to Auburn, California which is still close to my home town but very new to me. It's crazy how I grew-up just under a half an hour away yet know nothing about the area. I'm excited to adventure.
Expect to see loads of snowy mountain pics on instagram! California has been in a terrible drought and everyone is super stoked to get snow and rain. We live only 45 mins away from the Tahoe area and plan on spending many a weekend there.
Now that Serial Season 2 is here, I know exactly what I’ll be listening to during walks, kitchen duty, and drives to school! Have you been tuning in?
Thanks to GoodReads, I have my reading list lined up too! They compiled a list of the best books of 2015, and there are so many I can’t wait to read.
In fashion news, I’ve been incredibly taken with the new collection from Paloma Wool. I’ve followed her work for awhile, and each season impresses me more.
Another thing I’m still obsessed with? Rings. These quirky numbers by Mejuri are at the top of my wishlist.
I’ve been trying to stay more up-to-date on the news, and signing up for the daily debrief from The New York Times has helped a lot!
I’m always looking for ways to simplify my life, and this article from Jessi of Modern Wonderland is a must read! I can’t wait to work on my capsule wardrobe now.
Cheers! I’ll leave you with this little bit of inspiration: Be The Leslie Knope Of Whatever You Do.
In wisdom, love and hope.
Photo by Thira Gilbert
In the book Good to Great, author Jim Collins writes about how the greatest companies in America have what he dubs a 'hedgehog strategy.' It's a business strategy that continuously sets them apart from other companies, a strategy that leads them in times of indecision and conflict. The name comes from a fable of a fox who is always trying to catch a hedgehog. Despite his best efforts the Fox never gets the hedgehog. The hedgehog consistently shields himself, doing what he knows best.
Read moreTogether We Rise
The other day a Christmas present came in the mail from my sister Veronica. I have three biological siblings Damon, Veronica and Dominic. At 20 years old, Veronica never ceases to amaze me with her kind heart, snarky realism and ever growing wisdom. She's a radiant person inside and out. She eagerly awaited the arrival of this mug from Together We Rise, knowing how much it would mean to me.
The harsh reality is the holidays can be difficult for kids in the foster care system. It's a jarring reminder of parents who have failed to be parents, of fallen families and needs that never quite feel met. Often, foster care children live out of trash bags going from one foster home to another. Together We Rise is non-profit organization that was created and is run by former foster youth to help address the myriad of problems that affect these young people.
Luckily my time in foster care was limited, until I was eventually fostered by my best friend's family. Not all children are so lucky.
People spend $100s of dollars during this season, I've always thought it is a good practice to donate a portion of our Christmas money to help those less fortunate than ourselves. A toothbrush can go a long way.
There is a strong power that resonates with a young adult who has overcome great adversity. I don't believe that people are fated to live in poverty because of the shortcomings of those who brought them into the world. I do believe, the power is within us all to rise above, to help one another and to provide direction to those yearning to move forward.
Many of us have known people who have been fostered. Do you have a story where good-will changed your life? I'd love to hear them in the comments below.
Follow Together We Stand, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Being in Foster Care isn't an easy experience for children. Check out our new video on how we are trying to do our part in making their experience a little easier. Giving Childhood Back #fostercare
Posted by Together We Rise on Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Finally!
The shops have been updated for winter! Jump on over for some last minute Christmas ideas.
Click here to shop for your home.
For a constant stream of style inspiration don't forget to check out #ShopLu on Twitter Monday- Thursday 9-11pm for some late night perusing.
