Parcel Of Love

Parcels_of_Love_header-770x400Today’s post is a departure from the usual lighthearted fashion posts, to shed some light on an important campaign aimed at helping provide formula and other basic necessities for babies in Syrian refugee camps. There are many charities out there asking for donations, but what sets this campaign apart from others is that 100% of donations received will go directly to the babies in need.

As a new mom myself, I often think about the less fortunate children around the world. I joke with friends about how it seems like the smaller the baby is, the more stuff it is they require. All joking aside, babies born in refugee camps especially have less resources which ultimately affect their chances of living or dying of malnutrition.

Some facts: Syria’s civil war has created the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Half the country’s pre-war population, which is more than 11 million people — have been killed or forced to flee their homes. Many of these people have had to seek refuge in neighboring countries, and often live in dire circumstances. This campaign is aimed at helping the smallest and most helpless of these war victims, the precious babies.

Whats more, the campaign is an interfaith effort started by four women all of different faiths, based here in Chicago. Priti Bansal, Mom of 2, Autism advocate,Humanitarian and Co-founder at LeadWithGOOD (Hindu), Wendy Widom, Mom of 1, Humanitarian and Emmy Award Winning Social Editor at CBS Chicago, started the #standwithaleppo hashtag (Jewish), Michelle Taylor, Mom of 2, Humanitarian, and PR Professional at Exigent PR Firm (Christian), and Nabila Ali, Mom of 2, Humanitarian passionate about Children’s causes (Muslim).

Amidst the heartbreak of hearing the horror stories of mothers watching their children fall ill from malnutrition, these four women decided to take matters into their own hands and launch a campaign to raise funds for these mothers. Thus an idea was born – to create a baby box, full of formula and newborn baby essentials, to help alleviate some of this suffering. They teamed up with a local 501c3 to collect funds which will go towards the assembly of baby boxes in Chicago as an interfaith event to send off to Syrian camps (June first week), so the moms can experience some relief. Its a sign of solidarity to show the Syrian refugee mothers that they and their beautiful babies have made their way into our minds, souls and hearts forever.

The other day I saw a commercial that really grabbed my attention. In it, there was a man going about his day when he sees a variety of worthy causes that could use his help. A shelter puppy who needs a home, a homeless man asking for change, an under privileged child needing a role model – and all these things begin to weigh on him and he looks stressed out and unhappy. Then one day he decides to do something about it and heads in to a volunteer center to work with kids, and he is happier because of it. The point being, don’t get bogged down by all the suffering in the world, do something about it. For me, there isn’t any cause more worthy than helping innocent children. I hope you will take a moment to learn more about this effort and possibly donate to the cause. Whether that means donating money or your time, or simply spreading the word, something is better than nothing.

For additional details on the campaign and how to donate, see below:

Website (TO DONATE): http://hchearts.org/campaigns/parcel-of-love/

Facebook page (GET CAMPAIGN UPDATES): https://www.facebook.com/events/1756953411285282/


Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

Instagram

Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!