Take a moment this Christmas

With just 3 days before Christmas, I'm sure many of you are feeling overwhelmed with last minute items on your to-do list.  Instead of stressing over ever last detail, take a moment to give thanks for the meaning of the season.  For me, I kick it old school-Jesus is the reason for the season.  Regardless of your beliefs, I know we ALL have at least one blessing in our life.  It could be your family, your friends, your pet, your job, your health, or anything that's special and important to you.  


If you still have gifts you buy and don't want to fights the crowds in stores, order something online.  Or, take it one step further and make a donation to the recipient's favorite charitable cause.  The best way we can collectively celebrate the holiday season is to give back.  If you're out of funds, give with your time, your smile, your energy, and your positive attitude.  Let someone go in front of you in line, pay for the person's coffee behind you, or help an elderly person cross the street.  Taking a moment to offer up a prayer of thanks will help alleviate the pressure many people feel during this time of year.  Your loved ones will be glad that you're focusing on your blessings instead of finding the perfect gift, cooking the most amazing meal of the year, or deep cleaning the house.  When's it's all said and done, you'll look back on the happy memories spent with loved ones not how great the turkey tasted (or how bad it turned out ;).  Merry Christmas!

My Haitian Adventure: Bonus photos

Here are some more photos that I took with my phone in Haiti.  Enjoy!


We passed this church on our drive from Bohoc to Port-au-Prince.  SO lovely.

 The sunsets were always AH-mazing.

 This is a "gas station" in Bohoc.  When you need gas, you just call out to the person in the house.  He/she comes out, and you give them money for the gas you need.  Not sure that would go over so well in the States.

 It's a jungle out there...

 This was one of our more interesting meals.  

 One of the boys at Matthew 28 is a very talented artist.  I bought this piece at the HAFF gift shop.  I wish we could buy more of his art.  

Check out this footage I shot while we were driving along the coast.  This part of Haiti is absolutely beautiful!

My Haitian Adventure: Part 2

I hope you enjoyed reading Part 1 of my trip to Haiti.  Here are some more photos and stories about my time there.


Since the Holy Roller was on its' last leg, we had to use this truck for one day. It made our previous vehicle seem like a stretch limo.

One of my most memorable days of the trip was having the opportunity to speak at a youth seminar on temptation at HAFF (Haitian American Friendship Foundation).  I got to share my testimony and some words of encouragement, and it was quite humbling.  I never thought that I would be speaking to youth about resisting temptation...something with which I have always struggled, especially in my younger days.  God is incredibly amazing, isn't He?  I truly believe that He harnesses our mistakes, failures, and lessons learned for His glory, so that we can help and teach others.  

After I shared my story, this young man (Dameus) had the courage to share his testimony.  I will always think of him especially when I struggle to do the right thing.  I'm pretty sure that I got MUCH more out of the seminar than the attendees did.  

Despite having been on an island for a week, I was starting to feel very landlocked since we had not seen the ocean yet (except from the plane).  Words cannot express how excited we were to finally see the water on our drive back to Port-au-Prince.  It is gorgeous!  After a week of sweating, we were ready to jump right in but had to keep driving.  

Some of the ladies from my team standing with Tompy, our Haitian staff member.  Tompy is THE man.  Seriously, he seemed to know every single person in Haiti.  He is one of the fastest, craziest drivers I have ever known-he would do just fine in Atlanta traffic.

After a VERY long trip, we were finally back in Port-au-Prince.  It is different than Bohoc in every way imaginable.  

Even though it's been over 18 months since the earthquake, there is still a lot of devastation.  There simply aren't enough funds to even begin to repair everything.

I loved seeing flowers growing in random places throughout the city.  They seemed so hopeful and full of promise.  

The presidential palace took some very heavy hits in the earthquake.  I can't believe that it is still standing.  

Overall, going to Haiti was an incredible experience.  To borrow the wise words of my father, I am confident that I received more than I gave and learned more than I taught.  Thank you for being a part of my journey.  

A better place

Hello friends! I apologize for the delay in posting anything. I have been a bit under the weather since returning from Haiti and am finally starting to feel better today. It was an amazing trip, and I look forward to sharing all the details with you over the next few days.

In lieu of a more specific go green tip, I want to remind and encourage all of us (Yes, I need this reminder as well!) to only take what we need and give away what we don't need. Having traveled all over the world and seen people who don't have much food to eat, this is incredibly important. Share with those in need. Love unconditionally. Serve your fellow brothers and sisters. Let's make this world a better place together.

(Pla)...with a Purpose

I had the privilege of meeting (Pla) Beauty Founder Stephanie Green Bass at Woo Cosmetics and Skincare last week.  Not only is her line absolutely amazing, but Stephanie is a truly lovely woman.  Having lost her first daughter Bella when she was just 18 days old, Stephanie decided to give back to a cause near and dear to her heart.  A portion of all proceeds goes to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), the place where Stephanie, her husband, and Bella stayed during Bella's short life.  Stephanie and her husband are now the proud parents of their daughter Ava, but Bella's memory will live on through their lives and Stephanie's work.    


Stephanie describes the purpose and mission for (Pla-pronounced "Play"-my computer won't type the accent mark in the name) Beauty: "(Plā) beauty is a high fashion, customizable cosmetic line, designed for the woman on the go. It contains paraben free products, infused with antioxidants and hydrating properties. I also wanted to incorporate an eco-conscious aspect to the line so that, by using refillable products, magnetic compacts and cutting down on wasteful packaging, we can be kind to the planet while still looking and feeling great!"


Sounds like a winning combination to me.  You can find (Pla) Beauty products at Woo Skincare and Cosmetics in Atlanta and Nashville.  I went to the Atlanta location for the first time last week and fell in love.  Woo is every product junkie's heaven.  It's filled to the brim with fun products that Woo's friendly, talented staff show you how to use.  


Stephanie did my makeup (see above for the results), and I was incredibly pleased with the results.  I've spent the past week testing out the line, and I am sold.  The products don't feel heavy but provide full coverage.  My favorite is (Pla) Beauty's lipgloss "Hottie," a shiny ginger red shade.  I love wearing it because it looks good and makes me feel good knowing that a portion of my sale went to CHOA.  


Go see Stephanie today...and (Pla) with a Purpose.  


To learn more about Stephanie and (Pla) Beauty, go to http://www.plabeauty.com/index.htm.  You can also get more information at www.facebook.com/plabeauty and @plabeauty.