I’d like to take a moment to thank all the men and women who have fought tirelessly for this country. I never had enough courage to join the military, so I have an endless amount of respect and gratitude for everything you’ve done to keep this country afloat. (Be sure to check out my post last year on ways you can thank a vet!)

I’m grateful for the freedoms we all are able to enjoy - and by “we all,” I mean every muslim, Christian, black, hispanic, disabled, women and man - that make up this country. Didn’t our forefathers intend for this country to be a great place to live for everyone?

There has been a great divide that we can’t ignore any longer. And today it feels more divided than ever before. This election did a number on me - unlike any other before it. And I’d like to take a few stands and make a few promises to you today.

While we have the freedom of speech, I will stand against anyone who berades, abuses verbally or ignorantly tells another human being to ‘go back to where they came from.’ It will not be allowed in my presence. I am not ok with hate speech in any way, shape or form. I don’t care if it is your right. That does not make it all right. My grandfather, an immigrant from Greece, fought for our country and I will fight too. Not with arms, but with words. Loved this piece by Mashable on what to do if you hear hate speech happening.

I also want you to know that over the years, I’ve become quite the hippie. Not in what I wear, although I do love a good bell sleeve, but within my heart. If you need a hug, I’m here. If you feel like mourning, I will do so with you. I will not only pray for you, but treat you as Jesus treated others - and fight for the forgotten, as He did. I won’t tell you how to feel or not to feel. Don’t we each deserve that at the very least? Whether you agree or not, we all have the right to feel the way we want. Can’t we all just have a bit of compassion to both sides of the aisle?

Anyway - that’s where I am…let’s all love each other a bit deeper this weekend...take time to listen, and take time be kind to others.

Wearing Target skirt (similar), Take 5 Boutique sweater, Ukies flats c/o, Odeme scarf and nail polish in Odeon c/o, Fossil Q smartwatch c/o, Miu Miu sunnies, Sophie Blake bracelet, Cuyana tote.

This upcoming Wednesday is Veteran’s day! While this blog mostly focuses on fashion and beauty, this day means a lot to me as my grandfather is a veteran of WWII. And I truly believe that the more you can give back to your community or another person, the more beautiful you become.

It’s easy to post a patriotic photo to social media in gratitude for those who served our country, but I’m challenging you to go one step further. While sacrifices made by those who serve in our military (and their families) can never be repaid in the way they deserve, but I want to share some small things we can do to thank them!

1. Offer your talents to a vet
Most people know a veteran - from work, from church, or maybe even a family member. Offer to help them repair something in their home, or help their computer run a little faster. My husband gives my grandfather iPhone tutorials - whatever you’re good at, offer to use it to help a vet!

2. Get + give a haircut at Hair Cuttery
I love the Share-A-Haircut program! For every haircut done at Hair Cuttery on Wednesday, November 11, they’ll donate a hair cut certificate to a local veteran in need! To date, they’ve helped more than 230,000 homeless, veterans, and victims of domestic abuse. I've gotten my hair styled at Hair Cuttery before and really loved the results. Find a location closest to you here!

3. Send a care package
Did you know you could send a care package to a veteran? After reading this page on Operation Gratitude, I’m amazed that there are vets who were spat on upon returning from overseas! People who served our country! It only costs $15 to send a little care package of appreciation, and as they mention, it’s never to late to say, ‘thank you!’

4. Eat for a cause
Invite your favorite veteran out for dinner! On 11/11, Cracker Barrell (which my veteran grandfather adores) is donating 10% of sales on various products to the USO, and all vets will receive a complimentary Coca-Cola cake dessert! Or grab the girls or your best boy and head to Baskin Robins on Veteran’s Day. For every scoop they sell on 11/11, they’ll donate 10 cents to the USO.

5. Help a vet tell their story
When I was in high school, I interviewed my grandfather for a class project. Hearing his stories from being in the army were something I’ll never forget. Help another vet tell their story through the Veteran’s History Project and download a field kit to help you get started here!

Thanks so much to Hair Cuttery for sponsoring this post and for helping veterans in need.