Brother Orange

 I found this unbelievable article the other day on Buzzfeed. Once I read it, and fell in love with it, I wanted to share it some how. I was just going to simply tweet about it, but it deserves so much more than that. The story of these two beautiful human beings deserves to be shared a million times and then some.

Go grab a cup of coffee, take 10 minutes, and read this touching story about fate and friendship. It's a long article, but it's worth every second. It's a true testimony to how phenomenal technology is and how it connects us to people all over the globe. You have to read the whole story, it's CRAZY! 

Go read the article here!Let me know what you think.

If You Have Hope, The Odds Don't Matter

I have an inspirational story to share with everyone today. Meet the beautiful Von St. James family! They have unfortunately been affected by cancer just like my family was.

Eight years ago, Heather (the gorgeous woman with the awesome hair!) was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a rare cancer that kills most people within 2 years of diagnosis. Not only was she given just 15 months to live, but she had also just given birth to their daughter Lily. Most people would take that diagnosis, think it's a death sentence, and give up all hope. Whenever people hear the scary word, "cancer" come out of a doctors mouth, most people automatically correlate the scary c-word with death. This is not what Heather did. She wouldn't take the death sentence as a diagnosis. After traveling to different doctors and appointments for weeks Heather had the surgery that would save her life. The surgery included the removal of her left lung, which was how LungLeavin’ Day was born. Two weeks ago, on February 2nd (LungLeavin' Day), the Von St. James family celebrated 8 years of Heather being cancer free.

I remember vividly when my mom told me she had breast cancer on November 1st 2012. Right when she told me I ran to the bathroom and just sat on the floor and sobbed. I immediately translated her diagnosis into the thought that she would die in a matter of months. This was not the case, my mom is thankfully living cancer free just like Heather. 

You can't always take the doctors diagnosis and think that it's the final answer. If you have hope the odds don't matter. You should never give up fighting.

Heather and my Mom beat the odds and so can you.

  

Heather and her beautiful daughter Lily!

The purpose of LungLeavin’ Day is to encourage others to face their fears!  Each year, the Von St. Jame's gather around a fire in their backyard with friends and family. Everyone writes their biggest fears on a plate and smash them into the fire. They celebrate for those who are no longer with them, for those who continue to fight, for those who are currently going through a tough time in their life, and most importantly, they celebrate life! 

Since we missed the actual LungLeavin' day this year we can all head over to the LungLeavin' Day website so that we don't miss out on the celebration!

I would absolutely love to participate in LungLeavin' day next year, it's already on my calendar!

It must feel so empowering to smash your fears into the fire! You rock Heather! :)

Visit Heather's website HERE

Visit the LungLeavin' day interactive website HERE

Read about Mesothelioma HERE

Thank you so much to Cameron for contacting me, I am honored I got to share your families story and that I was able to pass on the hope. I am so inspired by Heather's positive attitude and I hope she inspires many more people to come. I wish you and your family the very best.

That Holiday Mood

There's something incredible about the holidays that makes everyone happier, friendlier, and a bit brighter. It's the magic of the season, and in my opinion one of the best parts of the holidays. Maybe people are happy about the crisp & cool weather, the gifts to come, or all the twinkling lights. But whatever it is I swear, something that's in the holiday air shifts everyone's moods completely.

The other day I was in line to buy OJ and the store I was at had one of those reward programs where you earn stamps on a card for every purchase you make, and if you buy 12 items {and therefore get 12 stamps} you get a free item! So I was standing in line to get {the best ever} OJ and the lady behind me said "Here, take my 12 stamps and get that OJ for free. Merry Christmas!" I was so taken aback by the act of kindness, I didn't really know what to say, except for thank you. You really don't come across pure kindness like that everyday. 

I don't know, maybe I'm just crazy! But I just feel like people in general act differently {in a good way} around the holidays. Strangers hold doors open a little bit longer, smile a little sweeter, and say "hi" or "have a great day" a little more often.

  

Have you noticed that holiday mood I'm talking about?

My challenge for you: even if its something big or small, share the love this season and do a random act of kindness for a complete stranger!

The Downside of Having Curly Hair

You may envy people with curly hair and think their life is a magical fairy tale due to having tons and tons of bouncy ringlets in their hair. Ok I admit, I love my hair. It makes me unique! Its how people pick me out in a crowd. But it does come with some negatives. You may think I'm kidding or over exaggerating about the annoyances I'm about to list, but I'm not. 

Soooo I kind sorta may have a problem with touching, twisting, and playing with my hair. Its just so fun finding that perfectly formed ringlet among the forest on my head and then twisting it around my finger as tight as it'll go without messing up the curl. It's a bored habit I've picked up at school that's turned into a game to find the perfect curl of the day.

Well other people can't keep their hands off of it either, someone in particular has uninvitingly joined this game of mine of finding the best curl of the day. This person who sits behind me in class has decided its soooo fun to play with my hair constantly. What I thought was just an odd one day thing, has turned into an everyday thing. -__-

After asking for them to stop multiple times, the annoyance still continues. To try to get the message across even further, I'll sit at the edge of my seat or lean forward to get my hair out of their hands, and instead of them releasing my hair like a normal person they actually grab my hair and pull my head back. Not only does this unnamed person twist and touch my hair (ewww) but they give me a headache in the process.

Having curly hair doesn't sound sound all that great now, does it? (It's not that terrible, I promise!)

Do you love it or hate it when people play with your hair?

The Snail Mail Collective!

I've always wanted a pen pal, I have tried for years to get my cousins in England to be my pen pal and write me letters but they never got the hang of it. I'm one of those people who still LOVES to receive and send hand written letters and packages, I guess I'm kind of old fashioned that way?

 

This is me when I get something in the mail:

 

 

Well as you can imagine my cousins didn't share my enthusiasm...

 

So when I came across The Snail Mail Collective I was over the moon about the whole thing and could not wait to see who I got paired with. I was paired with the fabulous Areeba over at the I have a messy bun blog!

 

I thought the Snail Mail Collective would just be a fun way to connect with other bloggers and I would get to do that hand written letter and package I've been dying to send someone!! :)

But boy was I wrong, I found a best friend out of it! You may be thinking how can you be best friends with someone you've never met? By emailing 24/7 and stalking each other's blogs!

 

Areeba is going through the same crappppp at school that I've been faced with as well. It's funny how a girl, the same age as you, whose on the opposite side of the world from you, can relate to you in ways you can't even imagine.

 

This has also been such an interesting learning experience as well. Areeba lives in Pakistan and we have both learned so much about our very different cultures. We both hope we get to meet one day and visit each others countries. She also has a twin, Noor! I'm so jealous, I've always wanted a twin. But it's ok because I've become their honorary triplet :-) I'm beyond excited about this!!

 

To wrap things up:  Areeba, I am so so thankful to Melissa  for creating the Snail Mail Collective so that I could meet you! Thank you for being amazing and helping me with the drama of my daily life and for guiding me into the bloggie world, I would be a lost soul without you!

 

Sending you a big one of these:

 

 

xoxoxoxxo, Natalie

 

 

Now onto the goodies she sent me!!!!

Take a sec and look at the package all the goodies came in. It had like 12 stamps by the time it reached me all the way over here on the other side of the world!

Love the card!! and the Nemo on it! {not really sure why there's a nemo on my card but I'm loving the creativity Areeba!:}



These are all the fun goodies she got me!! The theme of the Snail Mail Collective was under the sea which explain the seashell, but we didn't really follow the theme too closely {sorry Melissa!}

,

 

A beautiful necklace {that I have already worn}, a spoon?, some of her favorite candies {they were so good}, a sea shell,some rupees, and nail accessories!

Nom nom nom :)

 

Lovin' this necklace!

 

Not sure if this was meant to be a bracelet, but I'm wearing it as one!

 

Thank you again for everything Areeba xoxox!

You can check out what I got her HERE!



Someone to watch: Skylar Grey



If you don't have the pleasure of knowing about this wonderfully, talented, and unique singer songwriter, your ears are missing out. Skylar Grey first emerged in songs with Rihanna, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Diddy, such as "I Need a Doctor", "Coming Home", and "Love the Way You Lie".

Continuing on her way to stardom, she released a couple singles two summers ago including "Dance Without You" and "Invisible". Ever since those jaw-dropping songs hit iTunes, I've been itching for more from Skylar and my wish came true yesterday when I came across an article talking about her new album Don't Look Down. I bought the album without previewing one song and couldn't be happier, she has exceeded my expectations once again!

Check out her new album here: Don't Look Down

My favorites from her new CD {In no particular order}:
1. Wear Me Out
2. Back From The Dead [feat. Big Sean & Travis]
3. C'mon Let Me Ride [feat. Eminem]
4. Clear Blue Sky

Keep in mind, it was extremely difficult to choose these 4 because every song on the album is a masterpiece. She's magical.