Channeling Ina.

I love cooking. I love that there are directions. I love that there are an infinite number of options. I love that there are things that look really difficult and impossible but when you take it step by step, magic happens in the kitchen.

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And that's how I feel when I channel Ina Garten. She can sound a bit pretentious but damn, that girl knows her food. She makes these incredibly delicious dishes that look terribly hard but when you sit down to eat, you feel like a champion.

Over break, I caught an episode of Ina Garten's cooking show where she recreated a meal from her trip to Florence. Enthralled, I decided to try to recreate two of her dishes - Celery & Parmesan Salad and Herb Roasted Fish. So I channeled Ina, bought most of the right ingredients, and kicked ass in the kitchen. And you can too.

I also made Parmesan Risotto - OMG. I'll share the recipe with you as soon as I can write it up. If you are familiar with Ina, you know she goes on and on about how fresh parmesan is the best. Well, she's right. Do yourself a favor and take Ina's advice on this one. It made this entire meal insanely amazing.

Ok, check out Ina's recipes and add this to your list. You'll be transported to Italy in no time. 

xoxo,

Alex

The Philanthropist Diaries // Today's Philanthropist

//In early 2013, I started a blog called The Philanthropist Diaries. In trying to simplify my life, I'm consolidating blogs and will now feature posts of The Philanthropist Diaries on Life Law Luck. It's my life, it's how I'm using my law degree, it makes sense to me. If this topic doesn't interest you, I'll be back with recipes, DIYs and random other things that make me smile. This post was previously published on 2.3.13. //

When I was younger, I dreamed of one day being a philanthropist. I voiced my ambitions to my father who laughed and told me you have to have money to be a philanthropist. Determined not to be discouraged, I set out to not let money dictate my desire to give back.

The word philanthropist calls to mind visions of old white men millionaires divesting their fortunes at the end of their lives.  Well, I'm hear to tell you that today's philanthropist has changed.

By definition, a philanthropist is one who makes an active effort to promote human welfare. I didn't see "wealthy" or "rich" as a requirement to be philanthropic. Today's philanthropists are young and committed to social change. They volunteer in their spare time, if not choosing to make promoting human welfare part of their career. Social entrepreneurship is no longer just a buzzword.

But from one philanthropist to another, I want to let you in on a little secret: It's okay to be selfish when committing your time as a volunteer to a nonprofit. That's the key to becoming one of today's philanthropist.

You need to ask yourself, what's in it for me? Think about how can you utilize this experience to learn a new skill or improve your current ones.  What will be your takeaway from this experience? Take on a leadership role, head a committee, volunteer to be a greeter at the event if you are shy, or brush up on your design skills.  Maximize your time with the organization or cause to make it worthwhile for you.

Don't let money decide whether you will join the ranks of today's philanthropists.  But do let your capacity for leadership shine through in each opportunity.

Tidbits: 1.11.14

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I still have 3 original American Girl dolls - Felicity, Kirsten & Addy. I wouldn't dream of selling them but fun to see what they might be worth.

Made these this week. Yum.

Hopping back on the infused water wagon.

The Magic of Makeup.

Sort of craving a camel coat now. 

Don't these dining banquettes look divine?

This would make my mornings so much easier. 

Cue wanderlust. 

Aren't these drink toppers fun?!

18 Things Women Shouldn't Have to Justify.

Best. Tweet. Ever. 

Things that make us happy.

And in case you missed it: Winter hibernation began in full force, my epic 2014 reading list, and I'm giving back through Mary Kay.

Also, the blog got a bit of a make-over! New year, new look. What are you up to this weekend?

xoxo,

Alex

Mary Kay // Giving Back, Doing Good

I love Mary Kay. I have been using it since high school and I can honestly say I love my skin. At the end of last year, I decided share my Mary Kay experience with others. While I have always been a personal-use consultant, I am ready to grow my business and to use it for good.

Each month, I will be giving a portion of the proceeds to an amazing charity. As a passionate philanthropist, I'm so excited to use Mary Kay to give back. And now, you can too.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit www.marykay.com/amcampion and place an order. If you have any questions about product, feel free to contact me!

2. Each month, at least 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the selected nonprofit of the month. If you have a favorite charity, let me know and we can feature them during a month. 

3. I place an order once a month, on the second to last day of the month. I don't keep any inventory on hand, which is a little different than typical Mary Kay consultants. 

4. Once the order arrives, I will send out your product. The turn around is obviously slower than if I kept inventory or if you went to the drugstore, but I can vouch that the quality of Mary Kay product is fabulous and your order gives back to a great cause.

Check out my Mary Kay Facebook page for updates and to invite your friends to participate!

January Featured Nonprofit

Order by 1/30/14 to support the CGL. Visit www.marykay.com/amcampion!

xoxo,

Alex