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Category Archives: Personal One for one. I am lover of. I want my life to have purpose, to give when I can and to live in a way reflecting that the world isn’t about me. Casey and I went to the Congo in October to rescue her two newest ones, Evie & Ezra. Some of you followed us…  Urban. I like the word urban and all that it suggests. It takes me to a city full of racial diversity, public transit, crowded bus stations and subways. To over price living, art everywhere, beat boxing & break dancing on the streets. To amazing pizza and eclectic dining experience everywhere. To graffiti and grunge, to… 10 comments Yes, please. I have never bought or owned from this place… or been into the store itself. Maybe it’s time? These posts have been so fun! I’m loving these posts – what a great idea! I find my pulse in the city too, K-Cook! Here’s variety being the spice of life! I’m wit Kristin as well- I have never bought or owned from this place… or been into the store itself. sounds like a good place to go! After reading this and seeing your earlier picture, I hope you decided to wear the red lipstick! “You and I are free to be us.” a little secret…. I bet you didn’t know about me. I’ve never been in this store that I’m aware of. So…. yep, I would love this gift card too! Does it count if I’ve WANTED to go in the store, but haven’t? I am loving these giveaways! Love Urban outfitters, one or mine and Jeff’s favorite places! I’m definately a country girl who has been planted in the city. I think I’m blooming in Ft Worth. It grows on you! Urban. City. Love! i have never been in this store either! would love to win the giftcard so that i could try it out though… Hmmmmm, something else I would like to be introduced to! You can often find “bedspreads” which are really just huge pieces of fabric with amazing patterns on clearance at urban outfitters! I love it! went to this store for the first time recently! ya, loved it yep. you’re fabulous. and i love urban too – and you. and i’m really calling soon. I needed some curtains to keep out the bright 5am sun the summer I was a missionary in NYC. UO had some on sale and I wish I could remember the deal I got because it was a STEAL! I also didn’t realize that there were 2 panels per pack so I ended up bringing back with me the extras and Heidi Fisher got them for her room in our apartment. Fun, red curtains! Christmas shopping with you. and trying to find Kaila a gift! not into much but the apt stuff but I’ll concede the waferish girls in tank tops and muffler hats and fur boots for something from the apt dept! I don’t even know if I’ve ever been there before! Ive never been but this would give me an opportunity to check it out!! I LOVE Urban Outfitters! City Girl. i’m definitely a city girl at heart, struggling with the possibility that God may lead us rurally. but God puts us where he wants us if we’re willing to go… & there’s always online shopping I haven’t been in an Urban Outfitters in years. I should definitely head back into one soon! I have walked passed this store so many times. I need to take a peek inside one day soon. My favorite bowls came from the Urban Outfitters clearance table. Why oh why did I only buy 4? This sounds like a great place to shop!! I bought a Charlie Brown Christmas tree here right before Christmas. It is my favorite non-religious Christmas decoration urban outfitters? Sounds fun to me. Never been there, go figure. Love there stuff! Always go and look but hardly buy because I’m too stingy One of my most fav places ever! Their clothes and quirky gifts are so fun! Gotta love Urban Outfitters. There’s always something fun there! never bought anything here but of course i’ve browsed… love it Come on Kristin, make me cool I have never heard of Urban Outfitters. Apparently, I am one of the few  While growing up I watched my mom stuff her makeup bag into her purse that was all ready overflowing with receipts and the day’s affairs. Her bag was bottomless in the sense that you could fit everything in it and at the same time find nothing. I swore I would never be like that but… 25 comments Beautiful! How lovely! I love what you’re doing with these giveaways! I need to get more creative with makeup! Really, I need Casey Chappell to be closer to me so she can teach me! loving your giveaways! and i love Sephora! the gift card would be amazing! I love how you paint a picture for us and the perspective you give. I need makeup advice, I use the same three colors ha I heart Sephora… and it has been at least 2 kids since I have walked in the door. (Yes, I am measuring time in children at this point!) Lovin’ the loves… sephora makes my sister’s heart race…maybe I could catch that! I love me some makeup! I love it just don’t wear it enough. My friend kasey got me hooked on it as well Sephora makes me swoon! I just started using Sephora in February and I LOVE it. Sure do hope to win this! You and Casey have influenced me too! Im still a work in process though… Ooooo I wish I could pull off some blue eye shadow! Ooooo I wish I could pull off some blue eye shadow! Haven’t had a sephora experience yet…..maybe one’s coming soon! You do create well on that God-given canvas ooooh! Sephora! I have a laundry list of items when I get the chance to go! love the black/white branding too! Never tried Sephora, but I would love to! Makeup is so addicting once you start experimenting! My favorite Mac lipgloss is “Cultured” its like a soft shimmery pink, perfect for Spring! So THIS is your blog! You are right, you should definitely get that matching dress at target. Ooohh Sephora, this Alaskan girls loves it too! I need a new blush brush or some summer eye shadow If I win this, please help me pick out some stuff! I need a tutorial on eye makeup! i wish you were near so i can have someone to chat about makeup!!! ahhh vegas volt definitely a summer staple with bronzed skin and cat liner!! Liquid liner. pop Your mom also got me to wear make-up …I used to be Ms.natural…now I don’t want to be seen without it..would love for you to introduce me to Sephora! love your posts and love you….you never fail to make me smile! Never been to Sephora, but after reading this, I’m gonna have to go. I need makeup inspiration, that’s for sure! Would love to have some new makeup love love love! Oooh….please please? These are wonderfully fun giveaways, Kristin! I could spend all day long in Sephora! i sooo want this one! this brings me back to the memory i have of you trying to cover my blank asian face with some of your makeup…you are an artist through and through, my friend. sephora – how wonderful! Casey influenced my makeup bag too! Love a smokey eye this is amazing – i actually just went there and realized how little i know about all things makeup – apparently there’s something called primer?! who knew… Y’all need to school me on make-up. I don’t have skills there. @[176300503:2048:Angela Murray] it’s all @[730830651:2048:Casey Nichols Chappell] [...] 8 days a week. Sephora [...] I love Sephora & could use some “real” makeup rather than the stuff I’ve used since I was 13! How awesome that you are doing all of these giveaways!! Sephora is like a candy shop! And if I win this giveaway (or any of your giveaways) I am going to be like a kid in a candy shop Waking up for my job at 6:15 every morning didn’t make me want to get all gussied up. But now I’ve changed jobs and would love a good reason to treat myself! i heart sephora! makeup mecca… Beautiful makeup!! I’ve never been to Sephora!! I neeeed to go see the beauty!! I’ve never been to Sephora, but I’d love to check it out! I love, love make-up. my mom was a Mary Kay consultant and I dabbled with it for awhile. I love playing with colors too. and go figure, my eyeshadow and lip gloss or stick MUST match what I am wearing for the day. I just had to have purple shadow on my wedding day cause my dress had a purple blingy shash. proof is in the pictures you took. This might make you laugh – I’m about to finish a little bottle of loose eye shadow that I bought 5 years ago. And it’s pretty much the only one I wear. I think I need a make-up update! I’ve never been to Sephora, but you better believe I would if I win this! Kristin never tried this, but I need to try something new my old age, love you can’t wait til your back here. I could use some Sephora Love you’re idea of these giveaways- so generous! Gotta admit I’ve never tried it. I’ve heard good things though! I’ve honestly never used Sephora makeup. Let’s be real, I’ve never used makeup found anywhere other than target and sometimes a rare Mary Kay foundation. This would be so fun to try! mmm Sephora- such a weakness of mine. Love the giveaways- what a generous spirit! A smokey eye, on me? I can’t even imagine I am addicted to make-up and I don’t even wear it that much, but I’m trying to get better. |
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31 comments
Nikki Richitelli Bruce - I love Toms & what they stand for. I live reading your blogs & following what’s going on in your life. I’m excited that you are moving back. I hope I get to hang out with you more. You are such a beautiful person. Your passion for the Lord is awesome. I love seeing you work by helping others. You are a blessing to many love.
Nicole Wilson - Incredible!
These photographs and the memories that they gave me of my fellowship with God while you two were preparing and gone made me smiles so much!
Kristin Kelley Mooneyham Nix - I don’t have a pair of TOMS yet… been saving. Wouldn’t this be a nice little nudge toward a set for me, and more importantly, a pair for another.
(Oh, and can you include that most precious little one in blue above who grabbed my heart a few seconds ago when I was scrolling…. I will take him and at least seventeen others please… Jason says he’ll build the bunkbeds to house them! 
Krissy Shaffer - I love your heart. I love how your soul weeps for those in pain and suffering. You feel it deeply – without even having a direct connection. You are incredible
And I also LOVE TOMS.
Sandy Herrera - loved looking through the streamline of pictures. would love another pair of TOMS.
Julie Johnson - I loved looking at your photos! you are super gifted:) I own no tom’s and half of chicago does. maybe I could be one step closer to blending in more:)
Rebecca Schlieman - Toms are my favorite! Such fun shoes – and a great cause. These pictures remind me so much of my trip to India – and makes me want to go back.
Jessica Boyter - beautiful faces! loved the moments you captured. I also think the new TOMS ballet flats are precious
HudsonMolly Babler - Thank you for sharing these pictures! Such a great reminder to pray for these sweet children.
Laura Jones - LOVED seeing those pictures. I felt like was there with you. What a memorable moment in time for you.
Gotta love 1 for 1 deals!
Ellen Morris - These are absolutely breathtaking (the pictures, not the Toms).
Angey Price - This post is beautiful! I love the images! They open my eyes and my heart to another place, they remind me of how much I have and how much I should give, they make me so grateful that Ezra and Evie are Chappell’s (Casey Nichols Chappell)! I love you, Cookie! And Toms…ya, I love them too
Jennifer - Amazing photos! & I <3 Toms!
Jen Sharits - “How beautiful are the feet of those that bring good news.” What beautiful pictures!
Stori - These are wonderful pictures. I believe we stayed in the same room you did! Brings back so many happy and sad memories. The pictures of the orphanage where my sons were are so good. I see lots of familiar faces. Thanks for sharing! And I love you idea of giving : )
Sarah - Absolutely beautiful photos! Amazing!
Brittany Hunter - These pictures are breath taking! You captured their emotions and surroundings perfectly. Adoption is a beautiful thing! We are blessed to be a blessing. Everyday.
holly huntley - Beautiful images that make my heart ache for somewhere I’ve never even been! Amazing.
Carole - What a great experience! I love Africa!!
Joy Price - such a great post! Yay for Toms!
Hannah Huff - I have seen many photographs of children in impoverished countries, but for some reason, the precious little one in a blue shirt, sitting on the floor all by himself moved me to tears. I love finding ways to help these dear ones!
Blair Bassinger Capps - These photos are beautiful! Love Toms, could wear them every day! Love that I can get such cute comfortable shoes, and at the same time help to provide shoes for others!
Kelly-Jason Cissell - These pictures are amazing – These kids are so beautiful! I can’t wait to meet Evie and Ezra.
lindsey b. - these photos are so amazing- i hear so many people say they “don’t have room” in their quarter of a million dollar houses for more than one or two kids. surely they have more room & more love compared to dirt floors & starving bellies. those little cheeks are just as kissable as their biological childrens’. God is bending my selfish heart toward adoption more & more. i hope He will be merciful towards our thinking that changing one tiny life isn’t enough to “make a difference.”
Lori Calloway - Your photos are breathtaking. Adoption and Africa: 2 worlds I know and LOVE. I am SO glad you went to Congo; I prayed for you and Casey while you were there; and leading up to the time you left. Thanks for posting the pictures.
amanda eick - well let’s see…, i love you… love this post(pictures are amazing but that is not surprise)… love that it shows not only your heart but the hearts of Dan and Casey……….. and i love Toms….. oh and i love a contest that makes you a winner just by being a participant…for your posts are a blessing to all you share them with so that is a win/win situation of its own(kind of like those toms)…… come see us soon.. we can share a sucker with our boy…….
Sam Jones - LOVVVVEEEEEED!!!!!
Elissa Rogers - Those pictures are gorgeous and I’ve been eye a pair of Tom’s!
Christi Ridgeway Brumley - I love that you say “rescue” Evie and Ezra. So true. What a blessing that you were able to go with Casey on that journey.
Annette Hickman Miller - I heart these pictures! Remind me of places and faces I’ve been and seen. and where I have left pieces of my heart. it was such a joy to pray for you and Casey while you were there. thank you for sharing the journey through these pictures. oh yea, and I heart TOMS. bought a pair a few months back and want another pair.
Bonnie Carrigan Horton - These images are so powerful! Wow. Great job!
Betsy Eriksen Treece - I wish that I had your creative eyes with me when I was in Uganda! My pictures capture a fraction of what I saw. I love looking at your pictures from the Congo. So glad you were able to go with Casey and help her!
Leah wall - Stunning breathtaking photos. Thanks for sharing these images.
Angie Gay Mckinney - Beautiful pictures and beautiful blog.
Rachel Green Miller - These are incredible. I want to go bring some of those sweet babies home right now! Praying the Lord allows that one day!
Anonymous - Kristin love how your eyes see things, it tells the story, as you do with all your art and makes it beautiful. And like everyone said a great reminder of these precious children, your telling their story.
Amazing!
Kim Trammell Rutland - I cannot put on my Toms without thinking of Congo and all of the pictures above. I was wearing them everytime you took those pictures I think! These are incredible pictures Kristin. I’ve already been back 2x and could actually go again. My next trip may be Uganda though – want to come?
Allan - Very glad you were able to upload these, they are amazing!
Jennifer Royal Norman - Beautiful, touching photos!
Clara - Kristin, these pictures are just so beautiful!! I have seen a lot of poverty in my country and I know the difficulties that are endured. I have always found a certain beauty, and I think it lies in the emotions and humanity involved. Your pictures captured not only these moments but they also transmit the emotions and evoke awareness. Congrats, they are great!
Lauren Ham - Loved the pics. Made me start to cry – remembering it all. Hoping some of these will be on Casey’s CD.
Dana Graves Cordell - friend. I get you. I love you.
These pictures speak a million words.
Rachel Rondon - Love the pictures…brings back wonderful, loving memories of my time in Uganda. Would go back in a second…I especially loved the little boy in a white t-shirt, so small and sweet. Could have picked him up and kissed him
Ezra has grown a lot since these pictures. 
Becca R - i love one for one and TOMS!
Anita drum - God made these people so beautiful.
Sarah Miller Allen - You made me cry. beautiful pics. One day I know in my heart I will visit
Veronique Petersen - these pictures are overwhelmingly beautiful, friend. so thankful for the gift God has given you to capture the world through the camera lens like no else i know can. love you and your heart for the fatherless!
Rachel Owens - Wow. What amazing shots. Makes me think of our little one in Africa waiting…Thanks for sharing your heart and TOMS.
Jennifer Bearden - Amazing photos! I especially loved the school photos (and Evie and Ezra’s sweets pics, too)!
April russell - This is so amazing! Love your heart!
Katie Wilson - Those turned out amazing! Worth every minute of waiting to see them. I am so fortunate to have crossed paths with you, Kristin. Love your heart.
Corrinna - oh I loved the pics…makes me miss the places i have been and the kiddo’s I’ve had the chance to love…I’m so thankful you were able to go and experience and capture your time there!
Kristin Shyla Cook - yes!!!
Kristin Shyla Cook -
I would go back in a minute to help get their kid!
Kristin Shyla Cook - I am so thankful and re-lived it. I am so drawn to these images, these kids and to the return that we are all waiting for..when this will be no more!!
Kristin Shyla Cook - Thank you! I always secretly wanted to be you in college. Your voice.. amazing & you were always with the cool kids. i am honored that you prayed for us!
Kristin Shyla Cook - aww Betsy.. did you post yours?? I would love, love to see them! Soon!
Kristin Shyla Cook - totally! Wouldn’t you like them all?!
Kristin Shyla Cook - they are amazing kids!!!
Kristin Shyla Cook - thank you for your kind words. I am a beautiful mess..sometimes just a mess and the beauty is Christ.
. Love to spend some time with you!
Kristin Shyla Cook - You are incredible!!.. remember that time at Old South Pancake house…:)
Kristin Shyla Cook - ..drink the TOMS koolaid babe!! <3
Kristin Shyla Cook - I know right! I want to go and rescue kids!
Kristin Shyla Cook - thank you Julie! I love you girl!
Kristin Shyla Cook - thank you love.
Kristin Shyla Cook - yes! me too!!!
Cait - wow- what a gift you have. love what you’re doing!
Kindra - love the photos! would love to see more! would love even more to bring one of those little ones home! maybe after birthing four of my own, the hubs will be on board with adopting the rest of our quiver
Ginny Green Deason - Me three! Kristin, the pics are amazing, and so is your blog. Also..I loved getting to follow you and @[730830651:2048:Casey] on your journey to Africa to get sweet Ezra & Evie. They are precious. Thank-you for beautifully documenting such a special time through pictures for all of us who prayed y’all through it to see God’s goodness.
Jenny - Such amazing photos.
Beth Hallock - Such amazing images!!
Joy - I would LOVE the chance to win these. They are absolutely stunning pictures
Anna Danals - So glad to have found you! Enjoyed the pics, they have such a different life…