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“On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven swans swimming.”

Okay can I admit something?  I really wanted someone with blonde hair to model seven swans swimming but thought that I probably wouldn’t get that since I wasn’t even sure if I’d have a swan at all!  Yet God totally provided a beautiful “swan” and she even has blonde hair.  Annie, you’re a really lovely woman and I’m grateful that you choose to be a part of this.  You’re putting what you believe into action and that is a truly admirable and beautiful thing.  Thanks for being pretty from the inside out.  I feel very privileged that you would do this project and support these orphans who need our help.  And you look so amazing in these pictures that no one would ever know that it was so freezing cold outside that you were going numb…thanks for being a pro and handling it all so well and being so fun to work with!

Autumn, thank you for taking these wonderful pictures.  Your willingness to be a part of this (3 times over!) has blessed me more than I can say.  I know you have spent countless hours doing all these shoots and editing photos and you’ve done a wonderful job.  Thanks for loving my kiddos the way you have.  Forgive me for getting sappy but it really does make my heart swell with thankfulness.  Thank you for using your talent of making art and putting it into this project.  I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to get to know you this past week.  It’s been an honor.

Karen, you’ve made THE black dress for this blog but thanks for letting us borrow this pretty little white number for the shoot.  Pretty sure we all wanted to steal it!

Dorene, thank you for letting me borrow this amazing feathered piece.  As soon as I put it on Annie it pulled the whole look together and took it over the top!  Your pieces always look perfect.

I’m sure by now you can guess the inspiration: white and feathers and some glamor and grace because that’s just what swans evoke right?!

UPDATE! $63,776.64!  Please, please donate even just $5 dollars today.  It’s Christmas, it’s children, it’s only $5 bucks…need I go on?  We want this to be fashion for a cause but if no one donates then that’s not really happening…

Name: Annie
Age: 21
What state do you live in: Oregon
Activity you enjoy/hobbies: Music – listening to it, playing it, studying it, singing it, writing it; exploring new places, hiking, reading, going on random adventures with friends, people-watching, lap swimming, and drinking coffee.
Favorite Christmas movie: It’s a Wonderful Life, hands down.
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: I guess I would answer, why not? I am so grateful for this opportunity to be a small part of these children’s lives. It’s an excellent example/reminder to me during this Christmas season about what’s really important, and I hope and pray that God will use your gifts to bring these children into loving homes, and ultimately into His kingdom.

(Photos by: Autumn Johnson Photography)

(Dress by: Moulagerie’)

(Fascinator by: Dorene Vandermeer)

“On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six geese a laying.”

Sadly I’ve never had the privilege of meeting Emily but when I asked my cousin if she had any friends that would want to be a part of this project she said her roommate might be interested.  I was so thankful when Emily agreed to be six geese a laying!  Not only is she delightful to work with but she made a perfectly beautiful model.  I think she’s a natural!  I love how easy going she is and willing to try something difficult in order to help these children.  Emily, thank you so much for partnering with me to do this project!  I’m incredibly honored to have you on the blog.  I look forward to meeting you someday hopefully soon!

Kiersta, you completely made my day when I heard that you were willing to take these pictures and that you wanted to shoot all 12 days!  I’m very impressed with your work and think you are a wonderful photographer. Thank you for offering your time and talent to make the lives of these darling orphans better.  It’s been a gift working with you!

The inspiration for today was from the feathers and colors of a Canada goose.  I think she did a wonderful job pulling off this look!

Will you please donate $5 dollars today?  This is why we are joining together to do this project.  Because each and every one of us want to see these orphans taken care of and provided for.  We get to be a part of these children’s lives!  Let’s show them that we value them.  Let’s make a choice to be world changers one act at a time.

Name: Emily Boerner
Age: 23
State: Colorado
Activities/Hobbies: Camping, hiking, reading, cooking, snow and water skiing, watching movies, playing cards.
Favorite Christmas movie:  It’s a Wonderful Life
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: I am constantly reminded how blessed my life has been.  My parents taught me the importance of giving back simply through their own actions.  When I heard about the 12 Days of Christmas Project and the Warm Blankets organization, I knew that I wanted to support the cause this year.  It is difficult to imagine the tragedies orphans and widows cared for by Warm Blankets have experienced, and the organizations mission is remarkable in changing those lives.  I am so impressed by Elaini’s efforts and hope that my slight involvement will help continue spreading awareness and drawing support.  

(Photos by: Kiersta Rhodes Photography)

“On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five golden rings.”

There are some people that, although you don’t know them as well as you would like to, you deeply respect and admire.  Lauren is one of those people.  This stunning woman exudes grace and joy that comes only from a heart that has cultivated inward beauty.  She loves Jesus and it shows.  When I got her “yes” that she would be a part of this project I was incredibly honored as I knew she was extremely busy.  It was such a gift being able to watch her step out of her comfort zone for this because her attitude completely inspired me.  Lauren I can’t get over how physically beautiful you are but more than that you are a gem of a woman in character and personality.  Thank you for being a part of this!  I’m so grateful to know you.

Melanie thank you so much for jumping in and taking the pictures the day after you were contacted about this.  You did a wonderful job capturing these exquisite pictures.  You know it took me forever to choose which ones to add since they were all so great…!

The inspiration for today’s five gold rings came from the color.  We decided to recreate a look that represented old Hollywood glamor from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  Not to mention that her shoes, gown, and amazing French netting fascinator veil are shimmering gold.  Dorene thanks for letting us use your beautiful fascinator for this shoot.  You make art and I’m thankful that you let me borrow this piece!  It really pulled this look together.

Will you please help Lauren reach her goal of a $1,000 dollar pledge to help the orphans by donating today in her name?  🙂

Name: Lauren Reavely
Age: 18
State: Oregon
Activities/Hobbies: playing music and singing, graphic design and photography (strange being on the other side of the camera!), laughing hysterically, playing games with my sisters, thrifting and antiquing
Favorite Christmas movie: Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life–polar opposites? pretty much encapsulates who I am. Laughter and stupidity one minute and life contemplation the next.
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: This year I was determined to not let busy seasons distract. I wanted to remember that Christ came for the whole world, instead of getting caught up in my own little kingdom. This was God handing me an opportunity to help me learn that very thing.

(Photography by: MelRae Photography & Designs and her Facebook page is here)

(Hat by: Dorene Vandermeer)

“On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four calling birds.”

This is a really special post for me because I get to introduce you to Brooke.  I have known Brooke since before she was born!  She’s been like a little sister to me and it has been such a joy to watch her turn into such a beautiful young lady.  I love her exuberant personality and they way she laughs.  I love that she is quick to serve.  There is rarely a moment that she isn’t blessing someone with her help.  Oh and she’s got a darling sense of fashion to boot.  Brooke, thank you so much for taking this on like you did with a smile on your face and a joyful heart.  You didn’t even blink when I mentioned that the pledge is to try and raise $1,000 for these sweet orphans.  I’m very grateful to know you.  I love you sis.

The inspiration for today’s post was definitely the bird part!  Just look at all those feathers and I think she makes a perfect little red bird don’t you?  Please help us help these sweet orphans by donating even $5 dollars today!  Thank you for helping us spread Christmas cheer!

Christa, you outdid yourself again.  This shoot is breathtaking and only you are genius enough to shoot these pictures in a bathroom and make them look like they are from America’s Next Top Model…  Thanks for doing a shoot for me (and your sister) yet again.  Love you!

Name: Brooke Taylor
Age: 14  (She’s the youngest day of Christmas! 🙂 )
What state do you live in: Oregon
Activity you enjoy/hobbies: playing piano, reading and baking
Favorite Christmas movie: I have two. 🙂  My Favorite Wife and Christmas in Connecticut.
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: To raise money for orphans and to see how God can use fashion to extend his kingdom.

(Photos by: Christa Taylor)

“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three french hens.”

I “met” Jeni sometime last year through my blog when she sent me a lovely email.  We sent a few notes back and forth but it wasn’t until a few months ago that we got to be very good friends.  I’m so grateful to know Jeni.  She is an amazing woman and one of my dearest and closest friends despite the fact that she lives on the other side of the country.  We’re kinda two peas in a pod and we text each other all the time.  Not to mention that whenever we skype it ends up being hours…oh and we like to watch movies together.  Yes, together but in different states.  Jeni, thank you so much for being a part of this and for loving orphans the way you do.  You’re so beautiful and I’m incredibly thankful and honored to be your friend.  I love you.

Jeni was inspired by the French part of this theme and incorporated the red and blue from the French flag into her look.  Plus the lace tights seem very French as well.  She also had three bird necklaces on and took these pretty photos in a barn and used eggs as her props for the hen part.  I think she is so very beautiful and I adore her hair and those dazzling eyes!

Name: Jeni Kubicek
Age: 25
What state do you live in: North Carolina
Activity you enjoy/hobbies: love art/drawing reading and sports
Favorite Christmas movie: I think The Holiday may be my most favorite Christmas movie
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: Umm because you asked!! I wanted to help with your project specifically but also because India and its people are so close and dear to my heart.  (Jeni has been to India 3 times!)

UPDATE!! $63,311.64  Will you please donate $5 dollars today so we can reach our goal and help these precious darling orphans in India?

“On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two turtle doves.”

At the beginning of this year a sweet friend introduced me, through email, to a beautiful woman named Alyssa and suggested that we should be friends.  I was delighted to get to know Alyssa a little bit by means of her delightful blog and emails.  During the process of finding women to do this project Alyssa came to mind and I held my breath hoping that she would say yes.  When she did I was thrilled.  Alyssa is a wonderful person and has a killer sense of style and fashion to top off her charming personality.  Not to mention that she is stunning.  Obviously you can tell that by these perfect photos that look right out of a magazine.  For her look she was inspired by the dove grey color of turtle doves.  I love that she incorporated the bird cages and feathers too (check out that pretty clutch)!  While she and the lovely, talented photographer Mckenzie, from Red Poppy Pictures, were bringing this shoot to life a deer walked by!  How neat is that?!  Had to include it with these photos as it makes this day seem right out of a fairy tale.

Alyssa, thank you so much for collaborating with me on this project and for creating a gorgeous photo shoot.  It has been a true pleasure working with you on this!

Mckenzie, thank you so much for lending your gift of photography to this project.  You did a wonderful job capturing the moment and telling us a story.

Name: Alyssa DiCicco
Age: 26
What state do you live in: Tennessee
Activity you enjoy/hobbies: blogging, crafting, hosting games nights with friends!
Favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone!
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: Everything is usually very materialistic in the fashion world. This project is a great way to show that there are ways you can give back with fashion. These kids are adorable and need help. So even though this is a mighty big challenge, the higher purpose is just one way I can help spread God’s love and faithfulness during Christmas. I hope others will join me on this journey!

Will you please consider donating $5 dollars today to help a child in need this Christmas season? Maybe just give up a coffee for the day?  Thanks!

Photography by Red Poppy Pictures

Alyssa’s blogs: Guitarpicks & Bobbypins // The Modernette

Dress & Maxi Skirt: Urban Outfitters

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.”

The first day of the Christmas project is here!

For the next 12 days 12 amazing women will be modeling a look inspired by the days from the song The 12 Days of Christmas AND pledging to try and raise $1,000 dollars for the orphans by the end of the year.  I know they would all love your help.  Enjoy!

There is no better way to start than with this lovely lady Heather.  She has been a complete joy to work with.  I didn’t know her until a few weeks ago when a friend put her in touch with me but she jumped right in.  Heather thank you so much for your enthusiasm to help me bless these orphans.  I’m very grateful that you are a part of this and I’m excited to get to know you better!  Since Heather’s day has a partridge we went for muted browns and of course we needed a juicy pear and a tree!  I think she makes a very pretty model!

Name: Heather Shields
Age: 21
State: California
Activity/hobbies: Acting, reading, writing, drawing, dancing, fencing, doing volunteer work, having tea parties, and going on random adventures.
Favorite Christmas move: White Christmas (I love the dancing!)
Why you wanted to be a part of the project: I often get so wrapped up in the holiday season that I tend to forget the many people around the world who not only do not have the means to spend the season in comfort but don’t have any family to share it with. This organization helps provide this comfort and sense of love and family to young orphans, who may never have had a home of the own or who may never experienced what it is to have a family and be loved. It is such an honor to be a part of what Warm Blankets and Elaini are doing for these children, and I pray that their support and the small contribution I made provide a bit of comfort this season and throughout the year to these children who are so deserving and dear.

(Photos by: Haley Eirich Photography)  Thanks for taking these lovely pictures and for adding your talent to this project Haley!

I couldn’t let this day pass for two reasons.  The first reason is that I’m a bit obsessed with numbers and today is 12.12.12.  Much more importantly than that though is the fact that is my daddy’s birthday!  There is no way that a post can do my feelings justice on this one.  Daddy I admire you so very much.  You have not only taught me about the most important thing in life but you have lived it out as well.  Your example speaks in a beautiful and challenging way to me.  You have taught me about Jesus and you have faithfully sought to live your life as he did.  You are one of the most humble people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.  You constantly serve others, from our family to friends and to complete strangers.  You are incredibly wise and give wonderful advice but you also listen too.  You take time to really hear people’s stories.  You’re ridiculously creative and everything you touch turns into a piece of art.  It’s quite amazing.  Daddy thank you for not just being an incredible father but for being one of my best friends.  I thank the Lord for you and that he made you the person you are.  I love you more than I could ever fully be able to express.  Daddy, you’re the best.  Happy Birthday!

P.S.  The 12 Days of Christmas Project is coming to the blog starting tomorrow!  You won’t want to miss it. 🙂

Guess what’s coming to the blog next week?!  I’m pretty excited about it!  Any guesses what it might be?

Update! 61,391.64 😀 😀 😀  During this Christmas season will you please consider even just giving $5 for an orphan in need?  It makes a difference!

(I don’t like posts without pictures.  So even though this picture really has nothing to do with this post, except it is the aftermath of my part of the surprise, I’m posting it anyways.)

I’m not really into gardening.  For my 13th birthday my mom wanted to inspire me and had a garden party and asked everyone to bring things to garden with.  It was a lovely party but I never used any of the gifts.  Maybe I should give it another try at some point.  Anyways in the meantime my father does an excellent job with the plants in our house.  Yet you know those beautiful orchids or violets that people give you that you can never seem to revive even though you’re supposed to be able to?  Well anyways this November both the orchid AND the violet bloomed.  It was miraculous and beautiful.  Today’s Thankful30:

Day 30:  Grateful for pretty surprises and gorgeous flowers even in the middle of winter and for my daddy who takes such good care of them.