Have you ever purchased something because it looked really great in an advertisement?

I'm guilty.

Thanks, Instagram fam.

While some purchases were a waste of money, some others were incredible. I'm here to talk about the incredible ones. Here are five products that I bought because I saw them on Instagram. I'm sharing them because I love them enough that I think you should buy them too. The holiday shopping season is upon us so you might even find a few gift ideas or stocking stuffers.

According to Best Friends Animal Society, nearly 56,000 dogs and cats were killed in North Carolina's shelters in 2018. Dex (pictured above) could have been part of this year's statistic, but his life was saved by the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina. As he patiently waited to find his forever family, he was lucky to be in a safe, no-kill environment. This organization is one of only 39 no-kill communities across the state.

Unfortunately, the State of North Carolina doesn't rank very well when it comes to responsible animal ownership. Thanks to overpopulation, overbreeding, and abuse/neglect... it's the third highest kill-state in the entire nation. Texas was ranked first, euthanizing 114,000 cats and dogs. California ranked second, euthanizing 111,000 cats and dogs.

If those numbers make your cringe... I hope you're doing something about it. I hope you choose to adopt/rescue furry family members. I also hope you're supporting your local animal rescue organization. There are endless ways to do this and I want you to know that you (yes... you) can make a difference in life saving efforts.

I made the below graphic on how you can specifically donate to help the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina ahead of Giving Tuesday. I serve on the Board of Directors and am highly involved in fundraising efforts for this organization.

If you're not in Eastern North Carolina, check with your local animal rescue to learn the best ways to help their cause and initiatives. I promise just a $5 donation can help any rescue organization.

​If animal overpopulation, abuse, and neglect weren't issues in North Carolina, there wouldn't be a need for animal shelters or rescue organizations.

We can dream, right?
​Well, as we dream, we have to work together to make a difference.

I love my rescue dog and am thankful every day that he was saved by a rescue organization. Without support and funding from the community, I know that his life would have been in jeopardy. In honor of Badger, I strive to save the lives of other homeless animals. We can decrease North Carolina's euthanasia number. Will you join me in this mission? All you have to do is choose to adopt, volunteer, foster, and/or donate.

If you're looking to add a furry family member this holiday season, please adopt from your local animal shelter or animal rescue organization. No specific breed is more important than a life. Your rescue pet will love you so much.

After all, to them... you're a hero.

cheers,

Have you ever lived in an area that's on the smaller-scale but full of the most amazing, unique, and talented people? That's how I feel about Greenville, North Carolina.

As a Pittsburgh-native, I grew up with a 'big city' mentality. To be honest, I still love that type of environment... and I miss it, especially because it's my home. That said, I don't think I ever want to move back to a big city. I've come to love and appreciate the feel, culture, and opportunity of a small town. For that, I can thank Greenville.

Earlier this year, I was interviewed by People of Greenville to talk about my experience in Greenville, career in news, and community involvement. It was fun being on the other side of an interview and answering questions rather than asking them. 

This interview happened before I started blogging, but I wanted to highlight the amazing work done by Kate Kosolapova. She created the People of Greenville YouTube page in 2016 which is dedicated to highlighting creative, inspirational, and successful people of Pitt County. ​It was a pleasure getting to know her and her project mission.

 I'm honored to be featured as part of this project, especially as a 'transplant' to the Greenville area. Check out the People of Greenville YouTube for other interviews with community leaders, business owners, and elected officials.