Pink Carpet Project III A Planned Parenthood Benefit (via @BadwillMarket)

My earliest memories related to sexual health and education came from Planned Parenthood in Chicago. I remember continuing on as an adult and visiting Planned Parenthood locations in South Carolina, Arizona, and Seattle. I actually still visit Planned Parenthood for all of my women's health needs -- Birth Control, Annual Exams, STD Testing... the center does everything. They're so much more than abortions (which is a valid and valuable service people need access too), but to think that's all they do is ridiculous and ignorant. The last time I was at the First Hill center in Seattle, I remember looking around the waiting room -- 4 men and 3 women, diverse backgrounds... all coming to the center to receive the services they need.

The fact that politicians are working so vehemently to defund the organization is sickening and mind-boggling. At the same time it's disappointing and not surprising that people would take a great thing that has REAL value and does amazing work for men and women each day, and try to shit on it with their out of touch views on women's reproductive rights and overall sexual health and access for men and women. This is some fucked up shit going on and we must band together and do the work to block the normalization of Trump, Pence and all these ignorant ass people.

One way to help is by supporting the #PinkCarpetProject event being hosted by Badwill Market at Rhino Room on Friday, January 20th from 7p to 10p. Sponsored by Seattle Magazine and The Stranger, the 21+ event will feature music, food, cocktails, art, and more!

"Burlesque performance by  the inimitable J Von Stratton, inspirational words from our keynote, Amelia Bonow from #ShoutYourAbortion, music by DJ Lady Coco, delicious appetizers from Madres Kitchen, cocktails by The Rhino Room, and booth installations of art, fashion, conversation curated by BadWill Market, featuring various woman owned businesses and artists. There will also be a silent auction where participating vendors will create and donate a one of a kind piece towards the cause."

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the proceeds (tickets sales + silent auction, plus a percentage of the bar sales) will be donated to Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest.

For more information and tickets visit the event page.

#GetWellMeechy

I had the pleasure of meeting Meechy Monroe, Chicago-based hair blogger and one half of the "Monroe Sisters" back in 2011 when we both worked a Beautiful Textures event in Chicago. I remember being struck not only by her beauty, but her warm, friendly spirit. She was gracious, humble, and personable. Reading about her fight with cancer last night struck a nerve with me and made me want to help spread the word and offer support to her family.

Life is SO incredibly short and with each passing day it becomes clear that it's also extremely random. Bad things happen to good people and there's sometimes no explanation as to why. It's heartbreaking any time someone has to experience struggles, but when you see a healthy, young person thrown a curve ball like cancer it leaves you scratching your head.

MsVaughn, Meechy's Sister, is heading up the #GetWellMeechy fundraising campaign to help raise money to help with medical bills and other expenses related to the health and recovery of her sister, Meechy Monroe. If you'd like to donate please click here.

Shop & Share

If you shop at any Jewel-Osco store in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin on May 25th, May 26th or May 27th, 5% of your total purchase (excluding tax) will be donated to ARFhouse Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter. Just hand the signed slip to your cashier and help ARFhouse Chicago raise money to help homeless pets.



Founded in 2006, ARFhouse Chicago is a no-kill animal shelter. The organization is 100% volunteer run and affiliated with ARFhouse in Sherman, Texas - the 3rd largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. While monetary donations are always appreciated (ARFhouse is a 501(c)(3) status organization and all donations are tax deductible) you can always help in other ways - - adoption, donating supplies, volunteering your time as a dog walker, or even sponsoring a pet.

If you're planning on doing some grocery shopping please go on the days listed and help out this cause that's very near and dear to my heart! It's a great way to support a charity and not have to go out of your way - - simply print out a form and take it with you... and please feel free to pass this along to everyone you know!

If you'd like more information on ARFhouse Chicago click here.

For a copy of the flyer click here.

Here are a few of the wonderful dogs your donations will be helping out:

Peanut

Nadia

Dollie

Caspar

Brittany

UNICEF's 3rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes

I had the pleasure of volunteering at UNICEF's 3rd annual Wine, Women & Shoes event last night and had a great time. If anyone is unfamiliar with the work that UNICEF is doing I'd suggest taking a look at their site.

While at the event I not only got to assist with their efforts to raise money for children in need, but let my eyes devour shoes and bags from designers such as Jimmy Choo and Louboutin...while my thirst was quenched by a vast selection of wines. The night was topped off by the superb location, the River East Arts Center.

Guests were free to walk around the gallery and take in the many interesting painting, sculptures, and designs. Among my favorites, was this breathtaking sculpture I found. I wasn't able to identify the artist, but the work speaks for itself. It's the first time, in a long time, that a piece of art has managed to capture my attention and spark my curiosity for not only the artist behind the work, but the story of the piece. I was blown away by the kinetic nature of the sculpture. My new mission is to find out the name of this work and the artist. I know that it's out of my price range...for now...the piece next to it was going for $24,000...but its beauty is undeniable and I'd love to own this.