Category: Things I love

BECAUSE EVERYONE MATTERS

REWIND:
Last November, I attended the amazing Identity conference — which is like a mini Christian TED event — filled with inspiring, go-getters and do-getters, genuinely making positive changes in our communities and worldwide, with speakers that included Rick Warren, Promise Tangeman and Dale Partridge, among many others.

This conference was one of the catalysts that made me more determined, moving forward to be selective about the type of clients I work with and how I run my studio. That I want to collaborate and create brand campaigns that empowers and connects others with purpose, and not just design for the sake of designing. Anyways, more to share later — the deets on my biz.

I also met a super sweet and talented creative, named Josh Avis from Nicehaus. I’ve emailed him a few times and he’s always followed up and shared great design insight. I also follow his instagram.

AND NOW:
I just found out about this inspiring campaign that Sevenly launched this week, called Blessed not Burden to help support adopting children with down syndrome. Josh and his beautiful wife, Heather are proud and inspiring parents. You must watch and share the video below, and support their cause by snapping up an awesome shirt!! Go and do it!

They have adopted two wonderfully active, and fun children—Macy and Truly. And Macy has down syndrome. Josh and Heather have such a deep love— its so inspiring, contagious and empowering. They see the value in everyone. I hope to be as unconditionally loving as a mom as they are as parents.

LET’S DO SOMETHING:
We all need to remember this. To love ourself. To love others. To make the most of our life. We are so quick to judge ourselves and others. But instead we should see all our differences as blessings not burdens. So, take a minute and:

Watch this cause video

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Share it with others

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Buy Sevenly’s one-of-a-kind shirt
to help many others like Macy find a loving, sustaining home.

To learn more about Josh and Heather’s story, follow Heather’s blog here.

And as another awesome ironic-ness to this week and how my life is happening lately, I’m hoping to meetup with Josh and (finally meet) Heather, if time allows today or Friday at the Catalyst conference. Can’t wait to catchup with them and meet other awesome do-gooders. That’s what life is about. Connection and love.

Anyhoots, enjoy the rest of your week. xoxo

April 18, 2013
NATURE + BEAUTY + GRATITUDE

With Spring arriving, thought this was perfect for today. Happy Friday peeps!

This inspirational short by filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg reminds us why each day in our lives is a precious gift, and that experiencing the world through gratitude can open our hearts.

I love that the filmmaker chose to document nature, and it’s because he “slowed down” with his own life that enabled him to really share how amazing nature and life is. And I’ve been acknowledging this slowing down, feeling comfort and peace with the future. My mind is more relaxed, which in turn, allows me to deepen my creative thinking.

TEDx video. Cinematography by Louie Schwartzberg, Music by Gary Malkin, written and narrated by Brother David Steindl-Rast.

March 22, 2013
SHARE + INSPIRE + EMPOWER

This is a shot from my Paris trip this last September. Amazing trip and I’m still transported to that blissful adventure when I look through my photos. I still need to share these with you too!!!

So, looking at this photo, I wanted to share this and a realization.

We are all going bananas. Or should I say… Bahh-naaaan-uuuuuzz.

Trying to keep up. Conquer our deadlines, tasks, errands. Taking care of our loved ones (maybe kiddos, pets, spouses), trying to be successful, juggle everything, keep up with who’s and who’s and what’s and what, catchup on all those DVR’d shows, and you name it. But we’ve lost the bit of time for ourselves. To honor our awesomeness. To look inward and realize, that you can’t do it all. You’re human, but not superhuman.

Soooo, this is my lil short and sweet moment, to thank you for being you. This is a moment for you to take 3 deep breaths. (hint: follow the above poster). And to be grateful for what you have. And to say… ahhh yeah to this day.

To move forward with a bit of intention. A bit of gratitude. A bit of spring in your step. A bit of “make it work, honey.” Here’s to loving yourself. Trying to get through your life sitchy and realizing that in time things will get better.

Sources: Breathe poster

March 5, 2013
ELECTRIC SOLSTICE

I’m completely in love with this jewelry from Biko. I was first struck by the styling of simple makeup, the subtle graphic blouse, torn jeans, and overlay photography, but its her jewelry that really got me. It’s classy yet edgy. I found out about her stuff from Scout & Catalogue. I love the mystery and astrological feel of Biko’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. See more here.

February 26, 2013
SHARE + INSPIRE + EMPOWER

Watching the Oscar Awards this past Sunday night with my girlfriends was such a treat, but the one thing that struck my curiosity was the documentary short movie called Inocente, and the beautiful girl in the white dress above.

I didn’t know about this movie prior to the award show and I haven’t seen it fully yet, but its a movie that will truly inspire and empower you.

Her circumstances do not define her.
Her dreams do.
The movie was shot mostly in San Diego and focuses on 12 year old, homeless teen, Inocente Izucar, when she started attending the San Diego Organization ARTS: A Reason to Survive. She is now 19 and shares her story of her unstoppable creativity in the midst of her dark and troubled homeless family-life.

The film, along with all the other nominated shorts (live action, animated and documentary) can be seen at Landmark Theaters at least through this Thursday. Take advantage of the opportunity!

Besides winning an Oscar, it’s the first Kickstarter-backed film to win an Academy Award, raising $52,527 from 294 backers last summer.

“Not only are you raising funds for your film, but you’re building a community and an audience and people that care about the film,” Andrea Nix Fine said backstage after winning the Academy Award. “They’re watching tonight, and you know they flipped out when the film won. So that feels great.”

Check out the film // View more of Inocente’s art // or Get involved and check out these links:

MALDEF | the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization

ARTS | A Reason to Survive

Student Voices Campaign | The California Arts Alliance

Shine Global | Non-profit dedicated to ending child abuse and exploitation through the production of documentary films and media products that raise awareness and inspire change.

Image sources: Oscar photo // Film photos by Sean Fine // Artwork photos

February 26, 2013