LA Works

So in all my spare time lately I've rediscovered volunteer work. I registered on www.laworks.com, an organization which makes it easy for people to volunteer in places that suit their interests. They offer everything from activities with kids to environmental work to feeding the homeless. As a volunteer, you tell them where you have skills, and what you are looking for in the work you do. Personally, I'm interested in anything having to do with animals or the environment, and it was easy to narrow my search to concentrate on these areas. So far I've done work in an educational garden - The Daniel Webster Garden, established to teach children growing up in an urban area about the environment. Also, Angel joined me on a project to help out in the Ballona Wetlands right here in Playa del Rey. We cleared land (backbreaking work) for an area to regrow native plants. Really, a great workout!

Tomorrow Mariko, my mom and I will be doing a couple hours of cleanup with Heal the Bay. They do work anywhere from Redondo Beach to the Pacific Palasades.. just happens to include all of the beaches that I ride my bike through in the summer! My question is this: Why NOT do work like this?? It does nothing but good for everyone, and I feel good inside when I'm done =). What I really can't wait for is coming up in a few weeks.. I'm volunteering at a no-kill animal shelter in West LA. I CAN'T WAIT. I get to feed and walk doggies all day long, heaven for me.

Anyways... I really think this is a powerful website and organization. It gives us absolutely no excuse NOT to volunteer. Do yourself some good and help others along the way. Check it out! LA Works

A LONG time coming

I finally did it. Chopped off almost 14 inches of unnecessary hair! I was inspired of course by 2 of my best friends in the world, who both do this on a regular basis. Christine and Mariko donate their hair to Locks of Love, an awesome non-profit organization which makes wigs for children who suffer from long-term medical hair loss. I figured, since I donate my platelets every two weeks, why not join my girls in donating my hair as well!?


Most wigs by retailers are made to fit adult heads, way too big to stay put on children. The hair prosthetics Locks of Love provides are custom-made from donated ponytails for each child’s head. The hairpiece forms a vacuum seal, like a suction cup, and does not require the use of tape or glue. Children can dismiss insecurities about classmates pulling off their hairpiece, or losing it at recess. They can swim, shower and do gymnastics – in short, they can be kids again.

If you have 10+ inches of hair to spare, you can donate too! Here's the info =)

This is why I donate

Give Blood, Give Life

Army of Women

Christine sent this over to me... Her mother is an amazing woman who has thus far beaten breast cancer. Thank you Tine for always keeping us aware. I signed up to take part in these studies and I want to encourage the same from all of my girls. I just learned today of a friend of mine who has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She is younger than any of my friends' parents which breaks my heart.

It’s Easy to Join the Army of Women:

Step 1: Register as a volunteer with the Love/Avon Army of Women. By registering, you are indicating your interest in learning about active research studies in need of volunteers.

Step 2: You will receive email updates from the Love/Avon Army of Women announcing new research studies looking for volunteers just like you. The email will detail the research project and who and what the researchers need. If you fit the criteria and you’d like to participate, all you need to do is reply to the email and let us know you’ve accepted our “Call to Action.”

Step 3: If you accept the Call to Action, you will be contacted by an Army of Women staff member, who will make sure you meet the study criteria and answer any questions you might have about study participation. You will never be pressured to take part in any study. The decision to take part is yours — and yours alone.

Step 4: If you meet the study criteria and are interested in taking part, the Army of Women staff member will let you know what you need to do next.

Register Now

Thanks in advance!