It’s that time of year again to reflect and give thanks for what you have in your life.

For me, I couldn’t be more thankful for the luck and fortune I’ve had recently when making the move from Chicago to L.A. I picked up my life, moved across the country and was dropped (literally) into this unexplainably amazing group of friends. It was seamless and I feel as if I’ve known this new crew all of my life. It’s funny how the world works like that sometimes, and when it does, it’s even more important to take a step back, take a look around you and give back to those less fortunate than you.

One special cause that is near and dear to my heart: Epic Change, a non-profit organization helping to amplify the voices and impact of grassroots changemakers and social entrepreneurs.

In 2011, I was blessed to meet founder Stacey Monk in D.C. at NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference. Then last spring, I was honored when Stacey invited me to help get the word out about Mama Lucy and another special cause, To Mama With Love.

Last Thanksgiving, I participated in Epic Thanks 2011, a global celebration that aims to change the world through the power of gratitude. Originally founded in 2008 with the name TweetsGiving, in its first year, the event built a classroom in Arusha, Tanzania, and became the #1 trending topic on Twitter as grateful tweets from across the globe filled the stream. Over the past five years, Epic Thanks has raised over $100,000 that has been invested in changemakers from Tanzania, Nepal and the US, building classrooms, a library, a temporary home for disabled veterans and more.

And here I am again this year, excited as ever, to be able to donate and help spread the word about this wonderful cause all over again.

This year, the goal is to raise at least $10,000 USD to invest in Leah’s school in Tanzania by the time the clock strikes midnight (12:01 AM EST) on Thanksgiving Day in the US – Thursday, November 22. If we reach this goal, an anonymous donor has pledged to make an additional $5,000 contribution to create Epic Change!

After you donate, be sure to help us spread the word by utilizing the power of social media. Use hashtag #EpicThanks in your tweets, pins, Facebook posts, etc. Spread the love and the gratitude! xo.

electric daisy carnival : june 2012

electric daisy carnival [las vegas, nv] :: spring awakening [chicago, il] :: electric forest [rothbury, mi]

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With the official first day of summer right around the corner, now is a great time to start collecting recipes for your favorite warm-weather treats.

You'll find endless inspiration by browsing through topics like recipe, grilling, and summer in the WordPress.com Reader, and discover tons of great ideas by exploring our collection of recommended food blogs.

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I had the opportunity to relish in the soulful sounds of The Shirley Johnson Blues Band at Blue Chicago last night. Shirley, a Virginia native who moved here just over 20 years ago, took over the stage with her smooth, silky voice.

Small in size, she surprised me with her power, at times setting the mic by her side and opting to sing with just her big-voice alone, her words echoing through the small bar. We spoke briefly after her performance; she was calm and soft-spoken, still in her element. When asked if she feels at home in Chicago, her dark curls bounced as she nodded gently, smiling as she softly replied, “Yes. Yes, I do.”

They perform every Thursday.

another beautiful night in the city.