i almost said no

When I saw the text pop up on my phone, I flicked it away. It wasn’t asking anything bad, of course. Actually, it was a sweet offer from an even sweeter friend. “Can I host a Noonday adoption fundraiser for you?” I almost said no. I almost said no because I feel self-conscious about fundraising. […]

shop our closets for adoption

As we walk into the unknown and trust God that he will form our family in the ways only He can, we go through all of the paperwork and processes to ensure this adoption is done correctly and ethically. We’ve just completed our home study, the giant 500-billion-page document written by a social worker who has poured […]

be the 3 percent: a leadership lesson we all need

Pre-kids Kayla took on-a-whim trips all the time. Two littles later, my spontaneity has waned. But when I got an email about a ticket to the Go Blog Social writing/blogging conference in Kansas City — with just a week’s notice — I knew it was something I wanted to make happen. Because I have an awesome […]

spring 2015 hair: subtle color, textured waves, shorter length

Friends, it is time. It is time to have an ever-important, life-altering conversation. Yes, you guessed it. We need to talk about my hair. Meaningful, right? But you have never steered me wrong before, whether it was bangs part one or bangs part two, or ombre, or more ombre, or a darker hue for winter. […]

honest co. giveaway (perfect for new mamas + expecting moms!)

I’m in that stage in life where I’m attending a lot of baby showers. Many of my sweet friends are expecting through pregnancy and adoption and I’m just so thrilled for them! New life is certainly something to celebrate. One baby care brand I love giving new mamas (whether she’s celebrating her first or fifth) is Honest Co. […]

valentine's day gift guide for ladies

TOMS just launched their Surprise Sale, and I’m swooning over the (majorly discounted) items from TOMS and their ethical marketplace partners (including my favorite brands like Krochet Kids Intl., Noonday, and Giving Keys). The sale, which features much more than shoes, provides deep discounts starting at 40% off. And…there’s free shipping on $25+! I’m not going to […]

2014 gift guide

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be stressful! I’ve handpicked 9 beautiful items to highlight in this year’s give-back gift guide, and it’s a joy to share them with you! From hand-poured candles to hammered art from Haiti to handmade ballet flats, these are gifts I’d love to see under the tree. They’d make thoughtful Christmas presents for […]

new hair color! a before & after

I colored my hair! I colored my hair! It might not seem like a big deal, but I haven’t colored my own since the “plum” incident of 2006. Since then, I’ve left hair coloring to the professionals. For the past few years, I’ve been going for that ombre thing. (Remember this ombre inspiration? And then how […]

black & white party dresses

I’m heading to the Influence Conference later this month, and it kicks off with a black and white party for Mocha Club. (Eee, love that! I geek out over theme parties.) I have some LBDs in my closet, but I’d love to find a new black & white dress (well, new to me, you know I feel […]

nothing's better than a sweater (cardigan style)

Hands grasped over a warm mug (how awesome is that mug, by the way?). Hair piled high on the top of my head. Thick glasses framing my face. That’s me in the fall, and it’s kind of the best. Cozy, unpretentious, warm. When it comes to my wardrobe, I’ve moved from buying cheap, on-trend pieces […]