Birthday Wish List

August is my birthday month (yes, I am about as much a Leo as they come!) and now my loved ones have begun asking what I would like. Last year I posted a wish list, mostly because that's just what bloggers do, right? They post pictures of beautiful, inspiring things they wish they could have. I didn't actually think I would get everything on the list!

It was too much! Too much love!

So this year my list is a little bit different.

I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I love animals. I have changed my life to help better their lives and champion their cause. I just know in my soul that animals are special creatures, with little personalities and experiences. They deserve our compassion, kindness, and respect.

Plus they're just so cute!

So if you are interested in getting a gift (for me, for anyone!), these are my favorite causes:

1. The Gentle Barn--Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and give sanctuary to abused animals. They have baby horses, cows, goats, birds, dogs, and more! You can sponsor an animal, buy bales of hay for food, or just make a donation. If you're in Southern California, you can also visit on Sundays!

2. Beagle Freedom Project--This organization is run by amazing, brave, strong people who work to save beagles who have been used for animal experimentation in labs around the world. They heal them, take care for them, show them love for the first time, and find them forever homes. We adopted our own Walden from them. You can donate to help save other puppies, or even adopt a little love of your own!

3. Buy Cruelty Free--It makes me so sad that companies will still do cosmetic testing on animals. It is cruel and unnecessary, and the only way there will ever be a change is if we show companies that we will not support their products until they are kind. Look for the leaping bunny, choose a cruelty-free product, and you will save lives! I can't think of a better gift.

Alright, I'm getting off my soap box. Go cuddle a creature and have a wonderful day!

♥ Shannon

Poses for Paws Retreat

So here are some Instagram shots from my first week in Mexico (28 Before 28, woo woo!).

I'm here for Kathryn Budig's Poses for Paws Yoga Retreat, an amazing opportunity for me to center myself, work on my practice, and help save animals at the same time. If you're not familiar with the program, Poses for Paws donates money to organizations that help animals.

This year, the funds go to the Beagle Freedom Project, which helps rescue beagles after they've been used for animal experimentation (another reminder to choose cruelty free products, my friends).

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's a great time of year to reflect on what you're thankful for, and maybe find some time to give back to the community, whether it's for animals, the environment, or people in need.

♥ Shannon

Creatures of the Night: PT I

Let's talk about bats. They are arriving in Halloween cards, flying around on streamers, and maybe even bringing you candy. The real creatures often get a bad rap, but they are possibly my favorite environmental contributor: they eat bugs!!!

These little flying friends can eat up to 1200 mosquitos in an hour! They also help control other pests like moths, beetles, and leafhoppers, but environmental pressures are threatening their populations. You can help out by putting up a bat house!

Those are cute little nest boxes that you can put up on your house (shown above under my dad's rafter); they are nice and discreet, and super helpful for your eco-system. You can find them for purchase on Amazon--bonus: kids will love putting this up!

To help foster your love of bats, here are a few fun bat crafts:

Bat Tissue-Paper Garland

Hanging Bats

Flying Place Cards

Go forth and give a little bat love, friends!

♥ Shannon

Speaking of Daffodils...

How cute is this little orphaned joey??? I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU, LITTLE JOEY!!!!

Photo credits: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Friends, if you're not following ZooBorns, you are surely missing out. This blog has me shrieking with glee every day. So precious!!!

I have to go wallaby shopping now. Workspace post up tonight!!

♥ Shannon