The expat life: Kate in Spain

I met Kate through the Internet, much like how I met most of my blogger friends. She, like me, is teaching English here in Spain through Auxiliaries de Conversacion. She, however, lives in the North of Spain in La Rioja. What is funny is that I actually know La Rioja. My former Spanish tutor Daniel over at Coffeeshop Spanish taught English in La Rioja as well. So when I first came to Spain on the immersion trip he organized, Logroño, La Rioja was a stop on the journey.

Kate has a lovely blog and so I thought I would ask her to give her perspective on the expat life.

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The expat life: Kristin in Germany

This week and next, I’m off traveling through Europe. So I thought I would ask some of my blogger friends who are also Americans living abroad to guest post for me. Kristin is the first of three. Enjoy!

My name is Kristin Kohler and I am the blogger behind Countdown to Friday. I am so excited that Nina invited me to participate in the blogger series about expat life! It has been one of my dreams to live abroad, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s been an amazing experience so far.

I moved to Germany last summer because my husband got stationed here with the military. Lucky me! I was able to get a full time job, so I spend week days working in an office. In my free time I love fashion, spending time with my pup, Rascal, and Netflix marathons.

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Guest blogger Alex, Medicated Follower of Fashion

Today we have a guest blogger while I explore Madrid. Meet Alex, a lovely blogger I met through one of the style blog linkups I participate in each week. She’s fabulous and I hope you enjoy!

Hi! My name is Alex and I write over at Medicated Follower of  Fashion.  I’m 34, married with two lovely boys and live in the UK.  I suppose I really ought to explain my blog name.  I started blogging in 2009 after the birth of my eldest son. Very shortly after having my son I was diagnosed with Post Natal Depression and I found blogging a great outlet for me.  Something that gave me a great deal of joy and helped me feel more, well, “me” after having a child was clothing, fashion, style and kids clothing too.  I’ve always loved dressing myself  (sometimes in weird and wacky ways!) and one of the best things, for me, at that very low point, was having someone new to dress.  Someone who for quite a long time couldn’t express an opinion!

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Guest Blogger: Nancy’s Fashion Style

Nancy style

Hi, my name is Nancy and my blog is Nancy’s Fashion Style and today I am guest blogging for Nina. Nina’s blog is called a World of Dresses. And as the title suggests, she always wears dresses! How awesome is that! She has even raised money for a charity with her dresses. Doing well Nina! I think Nina is a powerful woman, she recently moved to Spain to work there and learn the language better. I think she has her social life on the roll in no time. It’s fun to follow her adventures there. She’s also planning on visiting Amsterdam so we could perhaps meet with each other. How crazy is that! I would love to meet you Nina!

Guest bloggers wanted!

I stated it a few times in my blog that I’m looking for guest bloggers. I want to include a series of woman, don’t have to be only bloggers, who want to talk about their style. It’s not going to be an interview. Just a nice story of how you came to your style, how long do you have this style, were did you get this style, why do you love your style etc. And it would be nice if you add pictures of your style that reflects your personality. If you are interested you can send me an email via the contact page. I’ll set an example and hope you find this so much fun that you want to join!

My style

My passion for fashion appparently started very early because my grandparents told me long time ago a story: I was four years old and I could pick out some new shoes. And I just wanted black patent leather shoes! Nothing else. There you have it! When I was in my puberty(14) I began to develope my style. Not that I wore pencilskirts at that age, lol, but I began to love music that nobody else in my environment loved. It started with The Cure, then Siouxie & the Banshees and more New Wave, hardrock and Punk. And if you loved this kind of music you wore black. So while friends walked in colorful dresses, I wore black. Black clothes, big earrings, big hair! No scarves, necklaces, or brooches, just gold colored big earrings.

Nancy style

Nancy style

Nancy style

Nancy style Nancy style

Hasn’t my style changed over the years?

Over the years my style changed in lots of pencilskirts and dresses. Always a bit fussy with a cool item( don’t know if that is correct), what I mean is a pencilskirt with a studded belt for example. That’s what I liked and still do. I sometimes wore gray or brown but my wardrobe concisted almost exclusively of black garments and golden accesories. Since blogging more color came into my wardrobe. And I like color now, but when I wear a black outfit I feel most myself. I still wear almost no accesories, often or larger earrings, or bracelets but almost never at the same time. In terms of shoes my tast stayed almost the same. I was and am fond of ankle boots and preferably with a nice heel, but because my lung capacity is not very big, I keep my heels not to high. And what does my style say about my personality? I don’t like a mess, I want everything clean and organised, I know exactly what I do and do not want, I have a strong will, I never walk away from a challenge, I’m not easily approachable( well, I am but people think I’m not!) and I’m not the easiest person to be with! Duh.

Nancy style

Thank you Nina and I wish you all a fabulous Monday!

Linking up here today.

 

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Guest Blogger: Chanda from Birth of a Fashion Blogger

Hi guys!  My name is Chanda and I am the creative behind Birth of a Fashion Blogger!  So glad to be guest hosting while Nina is away living it up in Ibiza!  I am a 30-something year old wife and mama to 2 kiddos living in the Mid-West and I enjoy fashion as any other woman would!  At Birth of a Fashion Blogger, you’ll find fashion from my perspective, hair-torials, some fitness and food related posts and just all around life!  I also host a weekly link party on Mondays (that I’ve been slacking on lately, shhh, don’t tell anyone), so I would love to have you over!  Did I mention that have this thing (obsession) for shoes? ♥ I like to think of myself as a fun, outgoing spirit and I love to interact with others alike on the web!
Everything that could have went wrong when taking blog shots DID #lesigh!  But thankfully, I managed to get a few good ones at the last minute.  It’s starting to cool down in our neck of the woods, so I don’t have a dress in tow.  I decided to bring out my heavy cape and belt it.  Hubby and I got a few laughs in because (in all honesty) I resemble someone who could be in a Star Wars movie!  HA!  I know you were thinking it too, you’re not alone!  It’s okay, just give me my bedazzled light saber and it’s on! 🙂
 FIT DETAILS
cape (old): target || belt (old): ebay || jeans (old): f21 || shoes + bag: justfab
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect metallic flat shoe, whether oxford or moccasin type and I think I may have found them!  These are Noella from JustFab!  I believe that they are sold out in most sizes, but in case you were wondering, they do fit small.  I went up a full size and I have just a tad bit of room in them but my actual size would have been WAY too tight!  Thank God for reviews!  Topped off this fit with my Martin bag (absolute go-to) and we are serving lunch date realness!
Happy Saturday Loves! Thank you Nina for letting me host on your awesome blog this week!  I pray for your safe travels while on the beautiful island of Ibiza.  I hope you all enjoyed my ramblings and welcome you to come and check out my blog, Birth of a Fashion Blogger!  I also hope to see you on Monday (for sure) for my Let’s Make Today Fabulous link party!  What are your plans for this Sweeties Day?
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How to dress up your chucks, part 1

chucks + dress

My dress with chucks? No. You probably think it cannot or should not be done. Even if you want to try it, I’m sure you’ve wondered if it would look tacky. I say this because I myself wondered the same thing. Too often in our society, we place things in boxes. Dress are in the fancy box and chucks are in the kick it box. You cannot mix the two. Or can you?

So I love pairing my red Converse All Star (Chuck Taylors) with dresses. It’s especially perfect in the summer if you’re going to an outdoor event. The sneakers allow you lots of comfort while the dress gives you that nice, cool breeze. Furthermore if you’re going to pair sneakers with a dress, chucks are the best in my opinion.

In this two part series, we will look at two different dress outfits paired with chucks. Today we begin with Amber, in a more bold print of a dress. Wednesday we will conclude with my more classic dress paired with chucks.

Amber and her dress chucks

dress chucks
Photo cred: Nick Mahan

dress chucks

The teal shoes provide a nice contrast to the orange dress. I love how well the two pair together. When putting dresses with a pair of chucks, keeping the color in mind is key. You have to make sure that they mesh. Chucks are the perfect sneaker because they’re not too bulky. They fit right in.

dress chucks

dress chucks

dress chucks

Are you a sneakers gal? Do you pair your dresses with chucks?

Linking up here:

Sunday

Beauty 101 by Lisa, The Wardrobe Stylist

Monday

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly, Beauty by Miss L, Michelle’s Paige, Not Dressed as Lamb, Mahogany Closet, Color and Grace, and Not Dead Yet Style

Tuesday

Live Randomly Simple, Sandy a la mode, Two Peas in a Blog, I Do deClaire, The Fashion Canvass, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, Living on Cloud Nine

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom, Jaymie Ashcraft

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely PaulaBirdie Shoots, Shelbee on the Edge

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Female confidence from 15 women

female confidence

Female confidence is one of my favorite things. In a society that profits from our self-doubt, boldly loving who we are is such an important thing. More than anything (even my extreme love of dresses), I believe loving yourself is such a beautiful thing. When we love ourselves, that love overflows onto those around us. It’s so easy to love others when you start by loving yourself.

Last Sunday was my birthday. To celebrate I got together with a couple of my favorite female entrepreneurs and had a little black dress party. Women were encouraged to wear their favorite little black dress and join us for a drink. I wanted to have an interactive booth that embodied what A World of Dresses is all about. So I decided to set up a photo booth with chalkboard signs asking the question “what makes you feel confident?” The thing I love about this is that there are no wrong answers.

1. Whitney

female confidence

2. Beth

female confidence

3. Kendra

female confidence

4. Haley and Barbara

female confidence

5. Jenni

female confidence

6. Rebecca

female confidence

7. Tiffany

female confidence

8. Sara

female confidence

9. Liv

female confidence

10. Kaci

female confidence

11. Pamela

female confidence

12. Amanda

female confidence

13. Christine

female confidence

14. Jena

female confidence

We had such a great group of women! I’ll admit that at first, I was slightly disappointed. We did not exactly get the turnout we envisioned for our little black dress party. It can be tough when you work so very hard on something and then that happens. However we had a great group of women. Furthermore three of those women pictured above drove several hours just to see me on my birthday. Old friends are simply the best.

Today I’m linking up here:

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Happiness at Mid-LifeShopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion and Posh Classy Mom

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely Paula, Birdie Shoots

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The LBD’s of 6 different bloggers

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

Today in the spirit of the upcoming Little Black Dress party, we’re looking at the LBD’s of 6 different bloggers. One of my favorite things about blogging is the community of women I have found across the world. This list includes bloggers from the Netherlands, Angola, El Salvador and Canada, as well as bloggers in other parts of my own county, the United States. We’ve met each other through link ups and Facebook groups. We read each others’ posts and leave words of encouragement (comments). Blogging can often feel like a one-woman journey with no one set path. The support we find in each other is so wonderful. It for sure keeps me going.

I’m excited to share these women with you. I hope you’ll click on all their blogs and take a look around. Each woman has her own unique voice that she puts out there.

1. Shelbee on the Edge

Shelbee is such an active member of the blogging community. I’m constantly seeing her commenting on others posts. Also, she hosts a weekly link up Fridays. The thing I love about her is how down to earth and real she seems. She doesn’t claim to be some sort of expert. She’s just your every day woman, wife and mother showing off her personal style. Bonus, you can also shop her closet right on her blog! Check that out here.

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

Dress: Old Navy; Scarf: Cato; Necklace: Cato; Shoes: DSW

Check out her post about the LBD here. Also make sure to follow her on these social networks: Instagram, Twitter Pinterest, Facebook

2. Nancy’s Fashion Style

Nancy is my blogger pal from the Netherlands. She also hosts a Friday linkup called Fancy Friday. She blogs about all things personal style in her corner of the Internet. One thing that you would not know from just browsing her posts is that she has inherited lung disease and is awaiting a transplant. So right now blogging is her vocation and passion.

She sent me three photos of three different LBDs. I figured why not post all three? So here they are:

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

I especially love her first one! However they all are amazing. Also make sure to check her out on these platforms: Instagram, Twitter

3. Looking Glass

Meet Maria. Maria is a blogger based in Vancouver, Canada. We are both a part of an Instagram message thread of other kickass fashion bloggers. When one of us posts, we notify the group and then go like each other’s posts. Maria’s focus is on edgy fashion and thus the photo she gave me is just that. The black and white is just perfect. I’m also in love with this neckline!

Maria’s words: “I love this lbd because of the cool strappy cutout neckline, and the shift silhouette is so comfortable! It’s also really versatile because I can wear it with heels for going out, with sandals as a summer dress or with ankle boots for a day look.”

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

Make sure you follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Youtube.

4. Elegance and Mommyhood

Ada is also writing about her little black dress today. Super fun! Ada is a style blogger who blogs about fashion and motherhood. Her daughter sometimes makes appearances when she writes about mommy and me fashion. It’s always super adorable. Also she hosts a weekly linkup on Thursdays called Thursday Moda. I love linking up with her each week.

Here are two LBDs she has worn in past posts. You can read the full posts here: Eyelet LBD and Kimono-Sleeve LBD.

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

Make sure to follow Ada on Instagram, Bloglovin and Pinterest.

5. Miss Cunha

Rossely is a vintage-enthusiast blogger living in Luanda, Angola. She, like Maria, is a part of our Instagram support group. She has so many adorable dresses. Her blog is very much inspired by the power women of the past … Audrey Hepburn to Nina Simone to Tina Turner, and the like.

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

I just love how much of a classic LBD this is. It just looks fabulous on her.

Make sure to follow Rossely on Instagram and Pinterest.

6. Blog de la Meli

Melissa is my Salvadoran buddy who I met through a Facebook group called Newbies Who Blog. My blog is less than a year old, so I’m still very much of a newbie at this. Since Spanish is her first language, her blog is entirely written in Spanish. You can always hit the translate button, though. She blogs about DIY stuff, makeup reviews, recipes and other lifestyle-related things.

She sent me a photo of herself in a LBD at her friend’s wedding.

LBD's of 6 different bloggers

Make sure you follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

7. BONUS Ms. Chanda, Birth of a Fashion Blogger

IMG_4125

Ms. Chanda hosts a weekly link up on Monday all about being fabulous. I had the pleasure of co-hosting with her several weeks or so back. She lives in Detroit, Michigan with her husband and two children.

This dress is just adorable! The pink shoes make it pop. I love taking another color of shoes and adding them to a LBD outfit!

 

The thing I just love about this list is the group I’ve gathered from all around the world. Everyone looks amazing in their LBD! Also Cincinnati friends, remember that the LBD party is right around the corner. This Sunday, June 26h (also my birthday), is the party! We are partnering with several local businesses and two non-profits to bring you all a classy and fun evening. The fun will start at 4 p.m. Details here.

Linking up here today:

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Happiness at Mid-LifeShopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion and Posh Classy Mom

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely Paula, Birdie Shoots

 

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A LBD paired with Star Wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

Yes, you saw that right. Those indeed are some Star Wars stockings that Jena paired with her classic little black dress. Jewelry designer Jena Russo describes herself as a big Star Wars fan.

Jena has also been my partner in crime as we plan this Little Black Dress party that will happen in just a week. It’s scary for sure. When you plan an event, you want for everything to be perfect and to have a good turnout. Now I know that first one won’t actually happen … it never does. But Jena has been great in all the planning stages of this event. She runs a small business herself called Imbue. She designs ethically-conscious jewelry aimed at both brides and just everyday women. Her stuff is amazing. We actually collaborated a few weeks ago to feature her new line in one of my posts. You can view that here.

The little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

What are you most excited about for the little black dress party?

I’m just excited to see everyone’s favorite little black dress. Personal style is so fascinating. I’m excited to see everyone’s personal style in one room. A little black dress is so iconic yet so simple.

What do you hope people take away from the little black dress party?

There’s so much I want people to take away from it. I want people to value caring for themselves feel pretty. Life can be so chaotic that sometimes it can feel good to take some time to make yourself feel pretty.

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

little black dress star wars stockings

She had to have one with this sign. Well thanks for reading along. And don’t forget about Sunday, June 26th!

Linking up with:

Sunday

Beauty 101 by Lisa

Monday

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly, Beauty by Miss L, Michelle’s Paige, Not Dressed as Lamb, Mahogany Closet, Color and Grace, and Not Dead Yet Style

Tuesday

Live Randomly Simple, Sandy a la mode, Two Peas in a Blog, I Do deClaire, The Fashion Canvass, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, The Red Closet Diary and Twenties Girl Style

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely PaulaBirdie Shoots

 

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Stella and her love of Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Meet Stella, the woman in a dress this week! Stella spends her days in the urban Appalachian community of Lower Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio. She works for an organization called Education Matters, which serves provides adult education classes such as English for Speakers of Other Languages, GED and college readiness programs. Her time is split: she works with the college bridge program and she is the event coordinator for the Sanctuary, their event space.

I met Stella through AmeriCorps as some of my fellow members are working with her organization. She herself started working at Education Matters as and AmeriCorps member almost three years ago. When we were initially looking for an event space for The Little Black Dress Party, I reached out to Stella. The Sanctuary is a beautiful space and just what we were looking for. It’s so exciting to be able to partner together and support two really great nonprofits: Education Matters and their sister organization Community Matters.

Last week, I met with Stella in the Sanctuary for a little photo shoot and Q&A. Since she made this all possible, I figured why not feature her on the blog? She wore her favorite little black dress and we took photos in all the wonderful spaces the Sanctuary has. It was an old Catholic church formerly named St. Michael the Archangel. Think stained glass windows, a balcony and the like.

It all started in 1807 when William Price settled in the Mill Creek area. He established a brick yard and a sawing mill. Settlers started moving in and he called his town Prospect. By the turn of the century, it had about 10,000 people living in it. St. Michael’s was founded in 1847. A school was also built. The church was a functioning church all the way into the 1990’s. It’s the second oldest standing Catholic church building in Cincinnati. The building sat vacant for about 10 years before Stella and her co-workers gave it a makeover. It now functions as an event space.

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

The Q&A

Name: Stella

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Occupation: Event Coordinator for the Sanctuary and College Bridge Program at Education Matters

How did Education Matters and Community Matters initially get started?

In the 1980’s, Oyler Elementary down here in the neighborhood had the highest dropout rate in the city. Lower Price Hill is historically urban appalachian. The kids once they reached eighth grade, there wasn’t a high school down here. They had to travel up to Western Hills High School a couple of miles away to continue high school. What happened was kids didn’t want to leave the neighborhood, they didn’t feel comfortable. So they would just drop out and go on about life. So they started an after school program out of the basement of the church first in homes and eventually in the basement of the church to tutor kids, mentor kids and make sure they’re staying in school.

So that happened for like 15-20 years until Oyler became a k-12. So kids were staying in high school, so the needs transitioned from kids education to adult education. So that’s when the GED program started. We had previously had classes for non-native English speakers. It went away for some time and now it’s back. We also have a college program that helps people gain access to college and be successful in college. On top of all these programs, we have other services like a thrift store, a food pantry, etc. So all these services in one hub. It was the focal point of the neighborhood. It was previously called Lower Price Hill Community School and then two years ago we split into being two non-profits: Education Matters and Community Matters.

You started here as an AmeriCorps member and served for two years, right?

Yeah I started here as an Notre Dame Mission Volunteer AmeriCorps member with the college bridge program 2013-2014. I did that for two years. As an AmeriCorps member, you just kind of like go all in. There’s really no way of saying “I did my job. It’s over and I’m going home.” There’s always extra to do, and that’s how I really got involved and got to know people in the community and our staff. I really grew to love this place and started helping out with more than just my job. I’d help with volunteer days, coordinating different people, helping with tours … there’s never just your job in a non-profit. So they wanted to keep me and didn’t know how. They had created this additional event coordinator job for me. I wanted to stay but there was no full-time position available for me. So they created this position to keep me. I would do college bridge part-time and event coordinating part-time.

Did you work with events at all prior to working here?

Not really. I knew I was always very organized and detail-focused, but I never saw myself in a position like this. When they pitched it to me, I was like “that’s perfect!” I love working with people and I love looking at something as a whole and then each piece as well. How to make an event happen and how to make it the best ever.

So what do you see as the future of the Sanctuary as an event space?

So I love thinking about the future of the space because it’s so open. It could meet so many different needs and wants for people. Definitely a wedding space. We want to meet that niche of people that want a beautiful space to get married in but don’t want to break the bank for their wedding. They don’t want to spend $10,000 to get married just because that’s what everyone else does. What’s beautiful is that they are supporting two great non-profits by having their wedding in this space.

We also really want to foster arts in the community. So bringing arts to the people. We partnered with CCM students and our Education Matters students to create a play that they performed to the neighborhood. So any kids of arts whether that be the Bend in the River fest where we bring in local bands to jam out and enjoy some beer, or with Muse Cincinnati Women’s choir who rents space from us. They use our space for practice and have at least one concert a year in the space for the community. Arts is so important for the community. We don’t want to just meet people’s basic needs and think that they’re okay. We want to provide them things that they want and help them lead a holistic life.

What initially drew you to Education Matters and AmeriCorps?

My aunt is a resource coordinator at Oyler. So she talked about how much she loved working in Lower Price Hill. It was tough but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. So hearing her talk about Lower Price Hill for years. Then when I was ready to graduate from college and thought of AmeriCorps. I was on Idealist.org one night at 3 a.m. and this Lower Price Hill one comes up. I’m like “hm, I never thought about helping people with college. I mean I went to college and I survived. I guess I could apply!” It’s been great ever since!

How would you describe Lower Price Hill to someone who didn’t have any experience with it?

(Laughs) I would describe Lower Price Hill as a very tight-knit community. It’s roots are in urban Appalachia. You have these physical barriers that made it feel like home and made it feel like a holler. You have the hill on one side, the river on the other side and the train tracks on the other side. It felt like a holler to some people and that’s where a lot of Appalachians settled over the years. It’s very tight-knit. A lot of people are related and their families grew up together. They’re good people that I think often get a bad rap. A lot of people think Lower Price Hill is dangerous and not a good place to be. I think they have it wrong. A few people in the neighborhood paint a picture for the rest of the neighborhood that isn’t accurate. There’s good people, kind people, funny people and people doing good things. I feel safe walking around Lower Price Hill. People say hi.

And for my classic question I ask all women I feature, what does being a woman mean to you?

When I always think of being a woman, feminism comes to mind. I’m a very stubborn and strong-willed woman. I will never let anyone tell me I can’t do something because I’m a woman. I always prove them wrong, whether I’m in a dress or not, that I’m just as capable as anyone else is. I like to make a point to point out that that is not true and you can’t talk to me or any other woman like that. Being a strong woman sets people back a little, but I will always be like that.

We work with a lot of college students who are single mothers. I really try to instill in them that they can do anything they set their mind to. Sometimes I have that special connection with a student who is a woman because I’m also a woman.

The shoot and the dress

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Then we went outside to look at the chickens. They have actual chickens on site!

Lower Price Hill Cincinnati Lower Price Hill Cincinnati

Thank you Stella for sharing your passions with us! I’m super excited to work together on the 26th!

Also Cincinnatians, have you RSVP’d yet? This event is NOT to be missed! Details here.

Today I’m linking up with:

Sunday

Beauty 101 by Lisa

Monday

Birth of a Fashion Blogger, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Fizz and Frosting, Still Being Molly, Beauty by Miss L, Michelle’s Paige, Not Dressed as Lamb, Mahogany Closet and Not Dead Yet Style

Tuesday

Live Randomly Simple, Sandy a la mode, Two Peas in a Blog, I Do deClaire, The Fashion Canvass, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Elegantly Dressed & Stylish

Wednesday

Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Shopping My Closet, Pumps and Pushups, The Pleated PoppySydney Fashion HunterThe Mummy Chronicles, Cappuccino and Fashion, Posh Classy Mom, The Red Closet Diary and Twenties Girl Style

Thursday

Elegance and MommyhoodDoused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom

Friday

Two Thirty-Five DesignsNancy’s Fashion Style, Jeans & a Teacup, Claire Justine, Rachel the Hat, A Poketful of Polka Dots, Forage Fashion, Fashion Should be Fun, Sincerely PaulaBirdie Shoots

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