shopping done RIGHT {accessories}

Alright, if you know me at all, you know I have a thing for accessories. Take a simple outfit and add a stellar necklace and you are SET! Instant Adorable. So, it is probably time to post about some of my very favorite places to buy (or gift) accessories that give back. It’s become kind of a favorite and I am not sure I can really buy jewels that don’t hold some sort of meaning or significance anymore - it’s as if a necklace without a heartbeat or story behind it just isn’t worth as much anymore. SO today’s post is dedicated to things I’m loving - great jewels with incredible heart that change lives…

1. NOONDAY

My friend Lauren Sanders is a noonday ambassador and I probably buy more noonday love than anything else! Lauren’s husband Kevin was one of my World Changer’s Teammates back in my missionary days and now they’re church planting in Boston. I love that purchasing noonday jewels not only supports their ministry - but also adoption - and has a global impact on women who are using their skills to provide for their families. Noonday has a WIDE VARIETY of jewelry options from the classic paper beads we’ve all seen and fallen in love with to stones and even beautiful leather bags. There is definitely something you’ll love in their collection! 

2. 31 bits

The classic but ever beautiful paper beads. I have a few 31 bits necklaces that I find myself wearing entirely too often - they’re simple enough but totally make a statement. I love giant statement bits and baby bits. They’re forever a favorite. They’re a local story about young women realizing we have purchasing power and using that power to encourage RISING ABOVE POVERTY. 

3. iSanctuary

I only have a few pieces of iSanctuary jewelry - but it is possible that the necklace I wear MOST often is theirs. It’s is a gold chevron almost tribal piece and it goes with absolutely everything. I absolutely love it and knowing that it somehow empowered and aided in the ENDING of modern day slavery even if only to the tiniest degree, I can wear it with pride and dignity. 

4. The Root Collective

I have ONE pair of shoes made by Otto and they’re bright and colorful and they go with everything. They’re a cheeky little peep toe and they’re the most comfortable shoe IN THE WORLD. I want the bright pink pair so very much - but they’ve been sold out for ages - that’s your sign folks - these are solid gold. “Handmade shoes create a culture of kindness” - SOLD.

5. Giving Keys

I do not personally OWN a giving key, but I have given them away and I’m a sucker for wearing keys in general. These necklaces are handmade by the homeless population in downtown LA and they encourage us to recognize character in ourselves and then pass it on to others. What a beautiful depiction of walking alongside one another and building each other up. 

6. The Shine Project

I purchased necklaces from The Shine Project to include in my Valentines this year and gave them away to my closies. Months later I still see those little gold heart necklaces all the time and it makes my heart so very happy! We all love them! The Shine Projects supports youth with financial difficulties in their quest for education. They make the jewelry and we buy it - how amazing to be able to give back in such a direct way as they invest in their future.

7. Better Life Bags

I have yet to buy a bag but someday! I do have a set of scrap bracelets and every time I wear them I get compliments GALORE. They’re bright and bold and happy! I also listen to TONS of wisdom that pours out of Rebecca Smith the owner and founder and her heart is vast and huge and so very lovely! She is working with inner city women who have various barriers to employment. 

OK there are some GREAT places to shop and search and play and fall in love with something pretty! SHOP AWAY FRIENDS and feel so SO good about your spending! 

my love language...kate spade...

I am anything but educated in the world of fashion and high-end products. I’m totally a target / gap / sometimes old navy / nordstrom rack / TJMaxx kinda shopper. However, I do have a slight obsession with and deep love for almost all things Kate Spade. She is my love language. Everything is bold and bright and striped and polka dotted and she believes in glitter, which makes my heart beat just a little bit faster.

My friends know that Kate is a sure-fire way to my heart. Over the years, I have developed a fun little collection thanks to generous and lovely people like Megan McAlpine, Jenny Redmond, Emily Diaz, Rachel Williams and Rebecca Madsen. I love putting on jewels and thinking about the person who gifted them to me…the bracelet Emily gave me for being her maid of honor or the bracelet R left on my bed for our one-month friendiversary, the bracelet Gan gave me for my 29th birthday and the perfect pink earrings Kenz gave me the morning I left for my first trip to Hawaii. Every memory is special and I love that jewelry encapsulates all that.

In addition to gifts, I’ve also invested in the collection myself in celebration of birthdays, graduations, tax returns, and sometimes just a job well done or a week survived! Thankfully Kate has sales from time to time and I often find her stuff at heavily discounted prices in places like Nordstrom Rack and TJMaxx and just cannot help myself. Her stuff is just my favorite.

Do you love Kate Spade? Do you have a different “favorite” designer?
 
(The picture above includes most of my collection, but there are a few pieces I couldn’t find online and lots LOTS more that I’m sure I would LOVE to have!)

it's raining men...hallelujah

Just kidding, I am as single as ever - but it is raining which is a wonderful and glorious occurrence. There is something so perfectly alluring about heavy droplets of water splattering on the brick facade of our antiquated building in historic downtown Santa Ana. It is going to make walking to lunch with Shannon and Sienna a bit grotesque, but overall I just love watching the cascade through the window.

In typical Friday fashion, here are some of my very favorite moments from the week...

We had an unanticipated plumbing issue that drastically changed my plans for the weekend. However, it did allow me some down-time that was greatly appreciated in the long-run. I used the hours cuddled up on the couch immersed in an absolutely fantastic book. I finished The Fault in our Stars in a single day and absolutely loved it. I don't think I could tell you the last time I spent hours in a work of fiction, but I plan to do it far more often in the future.

Sunday I headed to San Diego to see my parents and spend some time with Anna. Anna and I went to Charming Charlie where we tried on approximately 20 pairs of hideous sunglasses that claim to be "on trend". We both came home with the same ($9) pair and according to the quantity of likes on instagram, they were a good choice. I think they're hilarious and I'm still not sure I have enough sas to pull them off!

Monday AND Tuesday were Bachelor nights this week. I honestly can't even believe I'm still watching the show since it is one episode of pathetic after another. However, there was a forecast for lots of tears and that typically makes for entertaining television. Unfortunately, it was all a ruse. At the end of the FOUR hours of total numbness, I don't like Juan Pablo any more than I did before, and I lost all respect for Andi who is slated to be the next Bachelorette. Do you think that will stop me from watching it, NEVER!

Wednesday I had breakfast with the gorgeous Mindy Taylor and we discussed her upcoming nuptials. Mins and I have breakfast at Kimmie's Coffee Cup about twice a month. We used to order oatmeal with blueberries. Delicious. However, we have since wised up and we are ordering full-on-breakfast. Let's be honest, if I'm gonna get up and be at a restaurant around 7:00am I want real food (especially since the cost is virtually the same)! We are GENIUSES Mins!

Finally, as pathetic as this is, a favorite reality of the week is that THIS is the week network television returned in all it's glory. 2 Broke Girls, Chicago Fire, Modern Family, Nashville, Chicago PD, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood and SO MANY MORE I have missed you and am so happy you're back in my home! According to one of my best friends, I am a television athlete - I wear my title proud!

This weekend is THE OSCARS so you're sure to see me with a chocolate covered strawberry in one hand a some bubbly in the other! I cannot wait for the most anticipated Red Carpet of the season and the Award Show of ALL Award Shows! Plus Ellen Degeneres is the host. THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC!

birthday wishes

My birthday is quickly approaching and out of the generosity of my heart, I've been putting together a little wish list so family and friends alike know what to graciously gift me! HA! Truth be told, I really do love birthdays - and look forward to celebrating with those I love the most. I know that most of these items will not be coming my direction this year, but it's always fun to dream! From Kate Spade to Michael Kors to makeup and jewelry galore, any and all of these items would make me squeal!