ASOS Africa

In continuation of this post, here' s a line from ASOS that I wait for every season- the ASOS Africa line. The line is produced in collaboration with Soko Kenya, a clothing, export workshop that aims to create sustainable and fair employment for marginalized communities in Kenya. The designs are always a little offbeat and a welcoming interpretation of Kenyan style.

Lem Lem

(source)

I love, love reading blogs. I love writing my blog. What I don't love is seeing all these things- clothing, housewares, makeup, hair styles- that I supposedly need to have, and I'm certainly a guilty party. At some point, it just becomes materialistic and too much gimme, gimme.

But, they are some purchases out there that do more than simply provide a temporary high. Today, I'm kicking off a series to highlight products that give back and provide economic enrichment for the workers and local community in marginalized regions.

Girl Rising

The documentary, Girl Rising, looks amazing. It tells the story of 9 young women around the world who have faced extreme adversity and hardship because of their gender. The girls' stories are narrated by renowned actresses such as Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Priyanka Chopra, Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, and Alicia Keys. 

We did it!

I volunteer with the group, Many Hopes, and we concluded our monthlong, annual fundraiser a few weeks ago. All the donations were just tallied, and we came in well over our goal (!!!). So, what does this mean exactly?

Many Hopes Video

(photo of me with some of the girls at the home) 

Just a little plug for an organization that is near and dear to me. Last week, we launched the Breaking Ground Campaign for Many Hopes. It's a four week campaign, raising funds for operational costs for a girls' home and school in Kenya.

Ethiopia (1)

Auntie's Traditions

(Eli at about 18 months and Auntie still reveling her low to mid twenties) 

In my market perusing the other day I came across the cutest pop-up stand with cuddly, sweet baby clothes, toys, and blankets. Don't worry, I don't have the baby bug! I do, however, have two adorable nephews that melt my heart and pull at my purse strings. I'm heading to see them soon, and at four months old, I'll probably just shower Oakes in Auntie kisses, but Eli is another story. I cannot greet the three year old,  empty handed. So, I grabbed this oh-so-cute elephant tote by Mirasa designs.

New Specs

(these are not my glasses; I wouldn't subject you to that)

I am in DESPERATE need of new glasses. My current specs date back to 2008, and as much as I thought the teal blue tint was cool then, it's just not cutting it in 2012. I'm considering some frames from Warby Parker; have you heard of them? For every one pair they sell, they give one pair to someone in need. I can't imagine a life of not clearly seeing the world. I have vivid memories of squinting at the blackboard in 5th grade, and as unhappy as I was to become a 'four eyes', I did not have to worry about access to eyeware and vision care.

 Here are some of the lenses I'm thinking of . . .

*Monroe

*Begley  

*Sinclair

*Percey

P.S. You can choose five pairs, try them for a few days at home, and then keep the pair you like. Genius!