friday favorites: isaac strong

Normally my Friday Favorites are sort of a fun time. A time to share a cool place, some unique or on-trend items, or something funny. Today I have none of those to share with you, however, there is something that is more important and touching my heart in a special way. It all started out with THIS post from Erin at Living in Yellow. A child named Isaac, a six year old, that is dying of cancer.

He was cured. Running around on the playground with his friends to finding himself in the hospital a few weeks later. With a forceful cancer that is fighting for his body while Isaac is fighting for his life, he is not doing so well.

Erin, being the amazing person that she is, has called for help. Help to give this boy and their family at least a little bit of hope and happiness this holiday season as their son is giving it all he has.

It has been an amazing journey so far. Through the help of so many already, Erin has managed to raise well over the goal, $2,000. That does not mean we should stop there. Please reach out and give what you can. Whether it is money, a prayer, a letter, an Isaac Strong picture, or telling some one about him.

Six year olds should be writing their Christmas lists this time of year. Not wondering what heaven will be like.
Take some time and read Erin's A Call For Help post, and the progress so far and how you can help. Need more reason to help this beautiful child, just read some of his parent's online journal about his progress and grab a few tissues before hand.

I cannot imagine what his family is going through. His life has a purpose and God has his life in his hands. Let's join together as a blogging family and community and do everything we can.

YOU, Isaac, are an inspiration. My inspiration. Prayers are with you strong little man.

friday favorites: this girl is getting a dslr and has no idea what she's doing

 My parents and grandparents surprised me with such an exciting gift for Christmas this year! Instead of getting me a whole bunch of little things that I don't really need they are all pulling together to get me a "I think I am a professional photographer" camera. Of course, I am not. However, I would like to be able to take pretty pictures like this lady takes or some sweet family shots like this family does. The only problem (okay a major one) is I am not very educated in the camera world. And I KNOW some of you out there must have more knowledge than me. Because judging by your camera skills, you know what you're talking about. So, Canon or Nikon? Do the numbers after the name matter? What lens is the best? What size camera card do you recommend?

Any and all information or advice would really help me out over here, because truthfully, when looking at the cameras and the reviews, it's really like reading another language. And my only language is english, people. Help me out you camera language literate friends!

Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway!
Get those entries in HERE
Winner will be announced November 14th

prayer warriors

I hardly ever post on a Sunday, actually I never post on a Sunday. It's my relax and get everything done day and I'm alwaysss running around doing something, and I'm sure you are too. But today, if you could take some time out of your day and pray for "Pa," you would be awesome. He is in the hospital for possible kidney stones. He's had them before, but that doesn't mean anything. I need some prayer warriors for healing, peace, and comfort for my family. 

They are two of the most important people to me.

God, wrap your arms around them and give Pa healing. Give Ma comfort and peace knowing that everything works and is planned from you. 

I really appreciate your prayers.

a little help for a first time apple user

hat: vintage top: F21 palazzo pants: Target heels: F21 wishbone necklace: c/o Style Lately chain bracelet: c/o Style Lately   arrow bracelet: c/o Style Lately

This weekend was one of those weekends where you get everything done that you need to do. When one of those included getting a new iphone4s, well, lets just say everything that I needed to do didn't quite get done. With this being my first apple product, it's like learning a whole new language. With that said, most of yesterday was spent transferring pictures, downloading apps, and receiving updates. But I must tell you, I am in love with this little phone. It was very hard to say goodbye to my little droid, but with the iphone being so much faster, it is getting easier and easier.

I proceeded to spend the money and get the life proof case. Knowing me, this probably was a good investment. The only problem is that when I type on the touchscreen, it is a little harder because of the air gap between the case and the screen. Does it ever get any better or is there always an air gap?

So all you BP readers and loyal iphone users, I am oh so welcome to any tips and tricks. Remember, I am a newb here. I literally took a chunk out of my finger while trying to get the life proof case off. It's bad I tell you and I could use all the help I can get.

To make your Monday better, go check out the little shop Style Lately. Their pieces are so trendy and affordable, you can't go wrong with any piece. I am just loving their new half and half bracelets. Check them out!

Happy Monday!

THIS FRUSTRATED BLOGGER NEEDS YOUR HELP!

So I had this really cool post planned for today, a little bit of Anthropologie and a little bit of World Market, it was awesome, but when I went to upload the photos, blogger told me that I had run out of photo space in my Picasa Web Albums. What?
I went to delete the photos to make more space and it told me that it would delete it permanently from my blog. Again, What? Good thing I didn't see this yesterday or it seriously would have been a birthday ruiner.
So all you crafty, thrifty, and smart blogger divas out there, do you have any advice for this conundrum? Are there any ways around paying the monthly fee for more space? I hope answers comes fast because this girl is a little peeved.
I NEED YOUR HELP!

fourteen kids, a teacher, and i need your help

via

You all know how much I love school right? Well sometimes I do. But I really did love high school, along with the teachers there. One of them in particular, was my high school Biology teacher, Dr. Kipchumba. I loved being challenged academically ever since I was little. And boy, did she challenge me. I like to think it was because she knew I could do it.   Anyways, here's where you come in. She needs your help, whether by donating (whatever you can afford, $2 even) or spreading the word to raise money for her fourteen nieces and nephews to go to school. I can't imagine what it's like not having the funds to attend something that is so crucial.   From Dr. Kipchumba herself:   My name is Alina Kipchumba. I am writing this support letter to plead for help for my fourteen nieces and nephews who live and attend schools in Eldoret, Kenya. Eight of them attend the same elementary (primary) boarding school and the others go to other local day schools. I have supported many needy kids from my village including my own family by paying their tuition for over fifteen years. I am a firm believer that education is a basic human right. Education is the gateway to the mind. It floods the mind with many excellent ideas which eventually can change the world and make it a better place. I know this first hand because I was one needy child from a remote village in Kenya who was helped by others to achieve my dream education. My desire was to achieve a doctoral degree in conservation biology. It was with the help of many generous people and organizations that I realized this dream in 2002. Since then, my desire is to help many kids realize their own educational dreams.

Kenya, like many third world countries has many poor people, most of whom live in remote villages without running water and electricity. These people are very impoverished and often suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses. Last year, Kenya and most of East Africa was hit by famine and many kids went for days without food. Others did not make it. This has been made worse by poor economy and unemployment. My family along with others in Kenya have gone through these hard times. Unemployment is prevalent and because of this, many kids cannot go to school. That is why I chose to sent my nieces and nephews to schools, where they can receive proper nutrition, a good education and a stable environment. I was able to pay school fees for them because I was working full time as a teacher. I will not be able to work full time this coming school year due to circumstances beyond my control. This means I am unable to help these kids with their school fees. That is why I am pleading for your help. I need to raise $10000 for the remainder of this school year (September to December) and the next school year January to December 2013. The school year in Kenya begins in January and ends in December.

Please donate generously and help me bless these children. I would hate to see them lose this awesome opportunity to get an excellent education. I know that you will help and with your help, we will change our world, one child at a time!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your donation. You can email me if you need more information at lovevalleyssoc@gmail.com. Please feel free to share this need with your friends.
Alina Kipchumba   Visit, link, post, tweet, this website   http://www.indiegogo.com/lovevalleys   and help the children receive something that is so important to them! Thanks to all you amazing people who help with this cause.