As I sat down to write this post, I found myself struggling to find the right words to describe the last two weeks. There isn’t anything I can say that hasn’t already been said, and much more efficiently then anything I can articulate at this point.

53% of white women cast their vote for Donald Trump on November 8th. 61 million Americans voted for his campaign of blatant sexism, racism, and xenophobia. This is a candidate who openly described how he sexually assaults women on national television. “When you’re a star, they just let you do it…grab them by the pussy – you can do anything”. His philosophy was built around the very definition of discrimination, claiming that the United States should have a registry for all Muslim-Americans, voiding them of their constitutional rights. His Vice President-elect, Mike Pence has advocated for diverting tax-payer dollars to “conversion-therapy” for LGBT youth, and openly supports the religious freedom bill that allows businesses to discriminate against customers based on their sexual orientation. This is the campaign that so many Americans either identified with, or were able to completely overlook because they have the privilege of it not effecting them personally.

I have found myself looking inward after the victory of our new President-elect. I’m asking myself, what could I have done to help make a difference? What could I have done to help spread awareness of what this means for myself, as a bisexual woman, and the people I love? Maybe if I would have spoke up and raised my voice just a few more times, I would have been able to convince at least one other voter to reconsider their choices.

Now is not the time to be silent; it is not the time to become complacent. I refuse to let this be the new normal. It’s more important than ever that we get out into our communities and take action. Look for the causes you support locally, and reach out to see how you can make a difference. I guarantee there are hoards of people right in your neighborhood who are seeking to do the same right now.

With this in mind, starting immediately, 40% of each sale of both Dear Ollie’s Feminist Heart, and Fuck Yeah, I’m a Feminist pins will go directly to the National Organization for Women, whose purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life.

40% of each sale of Uterus pins will go directly to Planned Parenthood, to support their ability to provide vital and comprehensive reproductive health care, sexual education, and advocate the public policies which guarantee these rights.

If you are local to the Lansing, Michigan area I urge you to visit LansingTakesAction.com for a list of safe places and resources where you can find more information on becoming involved.

I had such a blast this weekend in Wyandotte! I participated in the Downriver Council for the Arts Indie Craft Fair for the first time. DCA is housed in a beautiful historic building that used to be a masonic temple.

The Downriver Indie Craft Fair was both Friday evening and Saturday, and housed over 60 vendors! I saw some familiar faces, and had a chance to connect with some new ones. As per usual, I got so wrapped up in the day I completely forgot to take any photos! Seriously – I need to get better at that.

The top seller of the weekend was the “Light That Shit Up” birthday card! These lovelies are still available in the shop if you missed yours.

I came away from the weekend with a whole bunch of new ideas. I’m ready to get working on some new designs and displays for the Spring!

I’m very excited to announce that the River City MRKT kiosk will be hosting a few of my goodies this upcoming weekend at Art Feast!

Amalia and Debbie have been so supportive of my work, and I am delighted to be showcased with such an amazing group of talented artists. 

Art Feast is this Saturday, August 15 from 10:00AM – 6:00PM. The art fair will be open the entirety of the time, and from 1:00 – 4:00PM there will be a Food Truck Ralley! You can check out all the details on the Art Feast facebook event. 

Last week the extremely talented Amanda of Cupcakes and Corsets approached me to see if I would be interested in putting together a layered look for ModCloth! Like she even had to ask. After we both put together our Polyvore boards I was not surprised to find we liked some of the same things! 

I loved Amanda’s picks (above)! Here is what she has to say about her outfit:

I am normally a sucker for a printed dress but i love the simplicity of this green dress and adding lots of flair with the embellished cardigan fun boots and of course how can you resist this cute fox bag! My whole wardrobe consists of black,purple,green and floral print so instead of pairing this with navy or brown like others would i chose black. Its always classic. ModCloth has so many sweaters right now that I am dying over perfect for your layering look!  

As for my choices, I will be the first to admit, this entire outfit was based on the Bea & Dot Ikebana skirt. I am in love with the colors and pattern! I chose a chunky cardigan and booties to balance out the ultra-feminine qualities in both the skit and ivory top. And of course, I couldn’t say no to these incredible Cicada earrings, y’all know my bug obsessions. 

This was such a fun board to put together! Being in Michigan, layering is an essential component to Winter styles. 

If you get a chance, be sure to check out Amanda’s amazing Etsy shop, The Fancy Lady Gourmet. Her cookies are works of art, and taste INCREDIBLE. Her designs are so unique, and the level of detail she uses just blows my mind. As you can probably guess, I’m head over heels for her adorable ice cream cookies!