Walking for a Cause

 Hey guys, ok so I felt the need to spread the word a little about something I hold close to me, charity work. Ever since I could remember I have always been a pretty avid volunteer, and I cannot begin to express to you all how great it feels when I reminisce about some of the things I have done to give back to others. We all have those God given talents, whether it be working well with children, elders, animals etc, why not use them to make our world a better place? The things you do to give back don't have to be grand, but they will affect someones life, and that's what counts. Nursing homes, nurseries, cerebral palsy center for children, soup kitchens, charity walks, all things of those sorts are things that are easy enough to start and just some of the things I have on my "giving back resume haha". I am going to be keeping this blog updated throughout the year with a little information about all the charity work that I do, so that it can maybe inspire you guys to step out of your comfort shell and be the change you want to see in the world :)

Today I am going to be speaking briefly about the Multiple Sclerosis Walk that my boyfriend and myself will be walking in come April 2011. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which is ultimately the brain and the spinal cord. Throughout high school, I participated in this walk for a cause annually with peers and my grandmother. It's so fun to get out there and meet with thousands of other people who have just as kind of a heart as yourself. These people either have a family member who is suffering or has succumbed to the disease, or they are simply doing what I am doing, spreading the word. Making your community and those you care about aware of the disease and how it can affect yourself as well as possible preventative measures in some cases is crucial for putting a halt to the hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. There is no minimum to walk, and hey walking is good for you anyway :)

I encourage you all to take a day out of your year, and for just a few hours do something positive to change the ever so growing diagnosis of this terrible disease. This disease can affect everyone, kids and adults alike, do something!

To find out more about participating in an MS walk in your area click here . If you are a personal friend of mine think about joining me on my journey by finding out more info here ! xox

Art In Motion, Inc.--- A Non-Profit Organization!

 A college friend of mine, Dacil Tilos, as well as two other passionate women co-founded this non-profit organization that ultimately deals with task of empowering children through dance to better themselves and their communities as well. Did you know that children involved in hobbies and things that they enjoy outside of the regular mandated schooling are often more likely to feel better about themselves and ultimately contribute something great to the world? When children are put with their peers and are given the opportunity to shine, they will! Unfortunately in Paterson, NJ, children didn't have this type of opportunity readily accessible to them. Art In Motion, Inc., is the first registered dance school in all of Paterson! Staffed by women who are well trained in their specialty, and armed with the determination to execute something wonderful in this community, this Organization is bound for success. Offering very affordable dance classes that include ballet, hip-hop & jazz, children aged 4-17 are given the chance to explore and express themselves, gain confidence and build strong bonds with others in their community. For more information on this organization please visit their website at http://www.artinmotioninc.org/ !

Here Ye, Here Ye-- I Present to You, Her Royal Madgesty, Princess Ruby!

Ruby and I do photo-shoots often, as you can tell shes LOVING this one hahaha

Royalty has arrived! lol Ruby is definitely Mommy's Princess, and I always keep her well aware of how amazing she is via supreme spoiling. Everyone knows I talk to her more than some people in my own family, yes I'm one of those. 8 years ago I was so blessed with her presence when my nagging brother finally got his way and was able to get a dog. He loves her, but lets face it shes a mommas girl so I took over primary care of her haha Ruby has many nicknames, most of which just I call her including, Rubina, Princess, Mama, Ruby Scooby and many more. Ok...ok lets get back to normality, ehh hem..Dogs are seriously mans best friend. I had always heard this before, but never truly became attached like this to a dog until Ruby. Shes such a bundle of joy. She greets you at the door, wags and jumps around, shes AMAZINGLY house trained, its astounding how short a time it took us in the beginning to teach her rules and commands etc. All in all shes just a pretty amazing dog, and I feel so lucky that we got to share our lives with her! <3


On a less brightening note, there are many canines out there (and other animals as well), who aren't as lucky as Ruby to have come across a loving home and shelter and food everyday. If you've ever visited an animal shelter, you know that as soon as you come into the sight of a needy animal, their eyes light up (I always ball out crying of course). No animal deserves to live their lives in a shelter on a cold cement floor, crowded with other animals. Every animal deserves a chance to become part of a family, and to share their lives with someone. Although Ruby didn't come from an animal shelter (mainly because my brother was younger and we didn't want to risk possible unstable behavior from an adopted animal), without a doubt in my mind, I will for sure have pets from animal shelters in the future for my own children, its an amazing gift to give to not only the pet but to yourself.

*If you are not able to shelter a pet for whatever reason, no worries there are other ways that you can help! It's as simple as calling your local animal shelter and asking them if they need anything i.e. food, toys etc. Sometimes they just need people to come visit the animals and play with them, my brother and I have done that before and it's so much fun! Either way act now or regret it tomorrow. xox!

To find out more about what you can do, and info on your local ASPCA click here & here, or just call your town municipal offices.