YOU&HER

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I had the honour of attending the you&her Vancouver launch. I also got to attend the Victoria launch (and James' band, LIIRA performed at it!) I've talked to you about you&her before but just incase you need a refresher..you&her is a lingerie company started by my friend Christina Norman. Years ago, Christina learned that girls in Africa were dropping out of school at the age of puberty. Basically girls start getting their periods and because of lack of pads and undies, they are forced to miss school. They soon get so far behind in their studies that they have to drop out of school altogether. These uneducated girls immediately are vulnerable and most find themselves in hard situations like getting taken advantage of, getting hiv, getting pregnant, etc. (You can read more on this issue here!)

So Christina learned all this and she did what sadly most of us wouldn't do; she decided do something about it. She (a wife and mother of 3!!!) drew up a business plan and figured out how to raise awareness and raise money to give these lovely African girls a future.

you&her sells top quality underwear made in Vancouver. The profits are used to provide undies for girls in Zambia. You buying a pair = pairs for African girls. It's a win-win situation people.

So now that you know what you&her is, check out the launch! 

I went over early to apply makeup on the models. Ok, to be honest, I was a little skeptical of a fashion show. BUT let me tell you, Christina and the ladies (Mahkeela & team) worked hard to make it tasteful. This was NOT Victoria Secret. They had real women covered in robes and pieces who were walking with a smile on their face. It wasn't sexualized, it was joyful. It was so refreshing to see.

Christina shared a beautiful speech to get our hearts on track with the vision followed by the auction. My friend generously gifted me (and James lols) the robe at the Victoria launch. If you can get your hands on it, dooo it. Every time I wear it, I feel like the most beautiful girl in the whole world.

It was so nice to catch up with Vancouver friends. The night had such a charm to it.

all photos by Katie Mills Photography

Now go and buy undies and help build a future for these girls in Africa!

xo,

s.s.♥

ONE WORD 2014 // NADIA

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Nadia has been one of my dear friends for almost nine years now. She is a constant encouragement to me and I am so thankful for our friendship! Here she be...

 I was inspired by Laura’s decision to choose ONE WORD to set the tone for her year. I have simply chosen a word in past years, one that I truly believe God has whispered in my ear. He has promised to unfold new and beautiful perspectives with this word over the coming year.

This year as the new year was unfolding, and truth be told i was a wee bit late on choosing my word. My dear friend Jessyca who lives in San Diego and I were skyping when we decided to ask God to reveal words to us to choose for each other. I chose RUN for her and she chose DRIVE for me.

It is beautiful How God confirmed these choices in the next week. As jess and I speak often we were skyping only a few days later and without thinking I told her that my greatest struggle in that moment was that I was trying to find my drive... She quickly reminded me of my word for the year. In that week she decided to begin training for a marathon! We laughed about it but she believes that a literal “run” is not what God was speaking. I love how listening to God’s promises can often draw us together. As my life can take many twists and turns It will leave me wondering what exactly God is doing in the current season. Since I have been home from California I have been striving for many things and God’s heart has shown me that all I need to do is be with him. He has shown me great favor and I am piecing together my drive in life. When I was in school I learned a great deal about dream interpretation. In this you learn that cars and vehicles often symbolize ministry. It is hard to know exactly where God is taking me in this season. What I know for sure is that I have some incredible and beautiful friends to go there with. At the moment I am still finding my drive and whether it is about “ministry” or simple everyday life. I am going to choose my vehicle and find my drive!!

all photos by Amy Gary Photography

Thank you Nadia for sharing! Love you girl :)

HAAPPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

xo,

s.s.♥.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

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image via honestlywtf

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Those three words usually spark 2 reactions: 1. lovey dovey fireworks in your heart or 2. ugggh. Regardless of your reaction, I want you to take in this verse today:

Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way! -Jude 1 MSG

There is a love that is larger than romantic love. A love that stretches wider, longer, deeper and higher than any Nicholas Spark's novel could. You are loved by God with this love and it is an everlasting love. He loves you, He loves you, He loves you. 

So relax today. Rest today. And open your heart because His love is on the way.

xoxo,

s.s.♥.

VALENTINE'S WARDROBE

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Got plans for Valentine's day yet? Or better yet, do you have your Valentine's outfit planned yet? If not, I have some inspiration for you!

all clothing above from zara

I'm in love with everything from Zara. Seriously, how cute are those pink heels in the hot date outfit? And I'm hoping to snag that oversized cardigan today.

James and I are heading to Vancouver today for the you & her launch (check out their website and buy their undies to support girls in Africa!) so we decided to make a Valentine's date of it. We'll be there for less than 24 hours but I'm hoping to squeeze in as much as possible including breakfast at Medina Cafe and hopefully some qt at Zara.  We have no official plans on the big day itself but here's to hoping my man has something special up his sleeve (no pressure darling..)

Happy Wednesday!

xo,

s.s.♥.

RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

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Are you a Valentine's lover or hater? Even though I have been single for most of my life (James was my second official boyfriend, and the first one was in grade 9 for two weeks, ha) I've always loved Valentine's Day, probably because I'm a hopeless romantic at heart. 

So I made you a dessert for Valentine's Day. You can make it for your boyfriend or your friends or heck, make it for yourself, and rent The Notebook. You can pretend you're eating it with Ryan Gosling. That sounds like a pretty fantastic Valentine's Day if you ask me.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

s.s.♥.