Category Archives: Giving Back

01.24.17

Women’s March on Washington.

Disclaimer:  Some of you may comment that you don’t come here to hear about my political views.  For the record, this post is not about not my views on Politics, it is about my views on Basic Human Rights.

For those of you that follow me on Instagram, you are aware that I participated in the Woman’s March on Washington.  I can’t remember a day when I felt more energized and empowered by the people around me.  I didn’t march because I am upset that “my candidate” didn’t win.  I marched for the basic human rights of my fellow Americans, including the ones who don’t think they need it.  I marched for a society free of hatred and sexism, where women are paid the same as their male counterparts and their ability to perform is not judged by their physical appearance.  I marched for a world where scientific evidence and facts are used to support the right to clean air and water for my children and grandchildren.  I marched for a country filled with strong men and boys who know it’s NOT okay to inappropriately touch women and girls at their disposal.  I marched for an America free of racism and cruelty, where the many children of immigrants can sleep at night knowing that their families will not be separated.  And I marched for our children’s education, so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential despite their economic climate.  This is why I March.  I and I will continue to March.  

05.24.16

Puppy Party.

Puppy Party | Kiki's ListThis year, Lou wanted to have a puppy party.  Not just any puppy party, but a party with actual puppies.  Luckily, our friends at A Forever Home were willing and able to help us out with this lovable little bunch. Puppy Party | Kiki's List

Adorable, right?  These four were hard to resist, but at the risk of becoming a crazy dog lady, I had to stick to my guns.  The girls worked me-  but I stayed strong.  Of course, I would take them all if I could, but I think two dogs is the limit for our family.Puppy Party | Kiki's List

This party was all about puppy love.  I ordered custom printables from Itsy Belle.  Christy was great to work with-  she even custom designed everything to include our girls, Bailey and Lola!Puppy Party | Kiki's ListSee Lola on the left and Bail on the right-  she even has a grey beard just like our old girl!   I was so proud of Anna who wanted to ask for donations for the puppies in lieu of gifts.Puppy Party | Kiki's List  Luckily, it was a nice day, so we were able to use the backyard.  The LOVE sign was a last-minute addition, I thought it was perfect!
Puppy Party | Kiki's ListThe giant flowers are from Paper Source, and I found the puppies here.  We used the 8 x 10 polka dot printable from Itsy Belle to make the party hats and topped them off with these flowers to match the invitations.
Puppy Party | Kiki's ListI bought these jars from Target and filled them with tiny treats for the puppies.  Puppy Party | Kiki's ListThey were the perfect size for these little nuggets.
Puppy Party | Kiki's ListNow onto the sweet treats.  Puppy Party | Kiki's ListI worked with Cute Fondant who created these cupcake toppers.  Little B & Lola’s everywhere! Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's List Puppy Party | Kiki's ListThese tags were included with the printables, I used vanilla icing to coat the milk bottles then coated the rim in sprinkles. Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListNeedless to say, they went quickly.Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListThe flower garland is from Target.Puppy Party | Kiki's ListI followed this recipe to make some Puppy Chow-  it was a hit!Puppy Party | Kiki's ListAt the end of the party, each of the girls got to “adopt” their own puppy.   Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListHow cute are these adoption certificates?
Puppy Party | Kiki's List

Lou picked a King Charles Spaniel, named her “Luna.”Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListOf course, everyone would have rather left the party with one of these puppies. 😉
Puppy Party | Kiki's List

We scattered pictures of the girls and their furry sisters around- perfect solution for an inexpensive centerpiece!  The frames are Ikea Ribba.Puppy Party | Kiki's ListLou wanted hot dogs, so we had a hot dog bar.  I bought these hot dog bags and fed them through the printer using the template from Itsy Belle.Puppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListPuppy Party | Kiki's ListWhat’s a party without a piñata?Puppy Party | Kiki's ListThe birthday girl had a great day.
Puppy Party | Kiki's ListIn fact so did all of the girls. I am happy to report that all four of these pups have found their forever home, but new animals are brought in daily,  Please consider adopting, and make sure to have your pets spayed and neutered. A Forever Home a non-profit organization that helps animals in need.  Of course, there are always opportunities to volunteer or donate.  Thank you to A Forever Home and all of the rescue organizations out there for saving so many animals that otherwise would have no chance. 🐶❤️

Photos via Afton Photography.

09.23.11

St. Baldrick’s.

Many of you who have been reading this blog for sometime know about our friends the Carmicals.  Well, on Wednesday at Union Station, Sherri and 46 other moms who have been affected by Pediatric Cancer shaved their heads for St. Baldrick’s.  
Sherri before…

… and after.
St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven foundation committed to raising funds to find cures for childhood cancers.  In March, I watched as my big brother, Darren shaved his head in the fight against Pediatric Cancer at another event here in DC.  His company raised over $100,000 that night alone.  
You can see Darren’s before and afters as well as Stan Carmical’s moving speech in this very touching video.
Find out how you can get involved here.