Photography by Angie Garcia

So this is what I wore on day two of CAMP!  The founders of TxSC15 were so clever, and CAMP actually stands for “Create A Meaningful Presence”.  All of the people that I met at this blogger conference DID just that.  This was the best conference I’ve ever been to which helped me grow personally.  On the last day, we did an exercise where a camper walked down a line with her eyes shielded as we peers whispered a word of encouragement or hope into her ears.  By the end of the line, there wasn’t a dry eye.   “Beautiful, creative, good mother, elegant…”  These words that we hear about ourselves on a regular basis, but tend to dismiss because “I don’t believe”.  It was such a powerful and moving experience.

Earlier that morning, Indiana revealed that she did this conference with God in mind.  That’s not her exact wording, but it touched my heart.  I was at a really low point in my life spiritually {and with everything else} that it was like a message meant for me.  I don’t mean to get to crazy about God/religion, but I’ve felt that things happen for a reason {because of his plan}.  I DID NOT want to originally go, and somehow I ended up at CAMP with all of these wonderful inspiring women.  It was meant to be.

{another pic of me and the roomies at the jamboree  Toni, Candy, and Bobbie || PC: Tagspire}

Instead of continuing all my rambling thoughts, I wanted to share all of the pearls and advice that sparked something in me.  Hopefully, it will do the same for you!

Your smile is your logo.  Your personality is your business card.  How you make others feel is your trademark. – Shaylynn Nelson

Bitterness is not becoming. – Caroline Joy

Rest in equal proportions that you work. – Jess Lively

We are blessed to be a blessing. – Jessie Artigue

Take little notice in those who treat you poorly.  They are defining THEIR life. – Caroline Joy

Your strongest basket is limited by your weakest basket.  You have 3 baskets (vitality, connections, and contributions).  If one is empty, then you cannot fill the others.  – Jess Lively requoting Jonathan Field

“Keep a clean well“.  Don’t poison your own well. – Caroline Joy

Friendship allows you to find your own identity. – Sophie Rossin

BTW, I’ll be adding some additional TxSC pics to my facebook page later today!  :)

♥︎ FASHION FOR PHILANTHROPY ♥︎ 

Have you heard of Raven + Lily?  They are a socially-conscious lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women through design.  Basically, they have artisans from all over the world who create these beautiful items at fair trade wages so they can break the cycle of poverty for their families.  Each collection is special to that country and artisan i.e. In the Ethiopia Collection, handmade jewelry is made from bullet casings from war conflicts (what a way to turn something negative to a positive).  Those fabulous gold leather earrings and nama leaf ring I’m wearing were from their pop-up shop at TxSC15.  I am really excited to learn about this brand and hope you are too!

GET THE LOOK

XHILARATION off the shoulder dress worn as tunic, denim leggings, and fringe backpack available at Target || RAVEN + LILY zia earrings and leaf wrap ring || KENDRA SCOTT ivy fringe bracelet  {currently on sale!} || ASH Nina boots {also on sale!} || PTERYS sunglasses || FLASH tatoos