Invisible Children + Apolis

Last Thursday night, I had the privilege of attending an Invisible Children event hosted by Apolis in the Arts District of Downtown LA.  They showed the film Kony 2012, which went viral last month and has had millions of views and has stirred up some criticism as well.  I had seen the film before and found it moving, but what made it more real and personal was they had an escaped LRA survivor, Gabriel, who was there to tell his story.  He was a few days away from turning 20 and this was his first time in America (He said he loved it so far and especially loved eating Cheeseburgers).  Hearing his story and then talking to him after, was an incredible and touching experience.  It was just another reminder of how blessed I am and that I should not take it for granted.  

These bags were made by women who had been raped or forced into prostitution
by the LRA.  Each bag has the woman's name who made it and her thumb print.

Everyone sat to watch the Kony 2012 video.

After the video, Gabriel shared his experience.

If you still have not seen the video (I don't know if that's even possible), then click here.  Also, sign the pledge if you are moved to help bring justice to Joseph Kony.

The Weekender. Check.

shorts. Check. 

t-shirt. Check.

cardigan. Check.

casual braid. Check.

market bag. Check.

{shorts and t-shirt: J.Crew,  

cardigan: 7 for All Mankind, market bag: Apolis}

Marc Koska at Apolis

On Monday night, I attended an event at the Apolis Common Gallery featuring a photo exhibit, talk, and Q&A with Marc Koska, the inventor of the K1 Auto-Disable syringe.  Apolis hosted the talk while Handsome Coffee Roasters and The Pie Hole provided the espresso drinks the delicious dessert (respectively)!  There was a good turnout of about 40 people who were interested in learning more about Marc, what inspired him, how his invention works and why we should care.  The reuse of syringes is a huge problem and is the main contributor to the spread of HIV, Hepatitis and other blood born diseases, particularly in third world countries where there are fewer resources and little education.  To watch his Ted talk and find out more about his invention, click here.  He also started Safepoint Trust, a charity which aims at spreading awareness of this issue and how it can be resolved-click on the link to find out more.

Start with a Scarf

On Christmas Day, my husband and I got to play around with my new camera.  I love it and I told him that it is a gift for both of us (since he will be using it a lot) ;)  So I get to do outfits now-we move into our new place this Thursday and I finally get my clothes back!!! But for now, this new scarf if a great start.

Top: Forever 21, Leggings: U/O, Scarf: Apolis

Handsome + Apolis

For all of you Angelenos, particularly if you live downtown:
A few weeks ago I did a post on Handsome Coffee Roasters (seen here) and a post on shopping locally featuring Apolis (seen here).  Well, the two have merged while Handsome goes through its final stages of construction.  Stop into Apolis this week for some Christmas shopping and the best cappuccino in town!

Delicious!

Common table-ecourages community

Holiday Gift Guide--For Men

December 15, 2011

1. Insults and Comebacks  ||  2. Dents Plaid Scarf  ||  3. Sprocket Rocket Camera  ||  4. Predict-a-pen  ||  5. Hook & Albert Colored Laces  ||  6. Eyewear Sleeve  ||  7. Moose Head iPhone Stand  ||  8. Grant’s Golden Pomade  ||  9. Forgetful Gentleman Correspondence Kit  ||  10. This Way Up Flask  ||  11. Royal Navy Cufflinks  ||  12. Dog Lead  ||  13. Steve McQueen  ||  14. Apolis Pocket Square

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Buy Local{+Global}

This week is National Buy Local Week (Nov. 25-Dec. 4).  It falls right after Thanksgiving and while most people are doing their Christmas shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to support independent locally owned businesses within your community.  Here in Los Angeles, there are so many small communities and so many local buisnesses that this is not difficult for us Angelenos.  It can be as simple as shopping at a neighborhood boutique, dining at a small restaurant within your community, or even going to your local farmers market.

During this week, take time to reflect on your purchases and keep in mind that you can shop local while supporting the larger global economy as well.   Use this market bag by LA based company Apolis while shopping at your farmers market.  The bag was made in Bangladesh and supports giving opportunities to people to work.  Check out Apolis and their Local+Global campaign.