New Year’s Eve

Spending the new year in New Orleans celebrating with friends that feel like family and showing the kids the magic of this city. Happy New Year’s Eve, friends xoxo.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Wanted to pop in and say, from our family to yours, that we hope you have a lovely holiday. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

5 Things You Should Know About the Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine is continuing on day after day, leaving millions forcibly displaced and with little to no options. Today I wanted to share some basic information about the crisis from USA for UNHCR, because I believe, at the very least, we should all be as informed as we can in order to properly help those who need it.

1. When did the Ukraine crisis begin?

   While there has been conflict in Ukraine for almost eight years (with UNHCR identifying 2.9 million people who already needed humanitarian assistance before this year), the most recent act of violence began on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, and from there, the crisis escalated at an alarmingly rapid rate.

2. Who is impacted by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine?

   Over 12 million people have been affected by this war, with a projected 18 million people expected to be affected. There are 41.4 million people in the country, so almost half the population will feel the effects of this war. USA for UNHCR points out that, “Elderly and disabled people are particularly at risk as they may be unable to flee or may choose to stay in the impacted areas. Women and girls are at greatest risk for gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and abuse.”

3. Who is fleeing Ukraine and where are they going?

   More than 10 million people have been forced to flee from their homes in the last several weeks — 4.7M refugees and 7.1 internally displaced people (IDPs). Millions have found refuge in Poland, followed by Romania and Moldova, with the rest finding safety in other European countries.

   USA for UNHCR shares that, “The majority of the people fleeing Ukraine are women and children who account for 90 percent of refugees. Women face significant challenges and are at the greatest risk for sexual exploitation and abuse, human trafficking and forced prostitution. Given the high protection risks, UNHCR staff are in neighboring countries carrying out regular protection monitoring at border crossing points and transit centers to assess protection risks.”

4. What is UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, doing to help?

   In short, an enormous amount:

   “UNHCR and its partners are on the ground providing crucial humanitarian assistance and protection and deploying more staff and relief items in the region. In Ukraine, UNHCR is distributing emergency supply kits with items like thermal blankets and water cans and strengthening nationwide hotlines. UNHCR is helping to set up transit centers in neighboring countries to assess the needs of newly displaced people and provide temporary shelter. 

   UNHCR is working with national authorities and child welfare and protection specialists to support vulnerable groups fleeing from Ukraine. As women and children constitute the majority of people fleeing Ukraine, UNHCR has initiated a ‘Stay Safe campaign’ across neighboring countries to raise awareness among refugees fleeing Ukraine about the increased risks of trafficking and exploitation. UNHCR and UNICEF are also jointly rolling out Blue Dots, safe spaces for children, families and others with specific needs, across the region.”

5. What can you do to help?

   The people of Ukraine, along with all forcibly displaced persons around the world, need our help. No matter the amount, no matter if it’s even just talking about the crisis and spreading awareness, every little bit counts.

   If you are able to, please consider making a compassionate donation today.

(All information provided by USA for UNHCR)

6 Swimming Trunks for Summer

Now that it’s starting to heat up and summer is just around the corner, I’ve been looking at new swim trunks to wear at the beach (since we’ll hopefully be spending more time there this summer!).

Here are six options that caught my eye:

There’s something that just makes sense about blue and white stripes at the beach, and these liner-less trunks from Abercrombie fit the bill. $50

I’m loving the colors of these from PacSun (and the price). $39

How great are these retro inspired swim trunks from Bonobos? $79

If you’re looking for something simple and minimal, a pair of classic black trunks is always a good idea. $24.99

Or in contrast, a fun burst of color and pattern can be fun and breezy, like these from Old Navy. $25

Speaking of color, these two-tone blue pair from Nautica look so comfy, don’t they? $59

Explaining the U.S. Asylum and Border Policies

Each year, and increasingly, more and more refugees from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala are seeking asylum in the United States.

The number has soared in recent years because of climate change, increased violence due to gangs and drug cartels, and severe inequalities. Every day, thousands of families are forced to flee their homes and the lives they once knew because of persecution and fear of violence. They do what they have to do to survive and take refuge in a safe place in order to rebuild their lives.

Today, with information provided by USA for UNHCR, let’s take a look at what the policies at the border are and how U.S. asylum actually works.

Why are people seeking asylum at the U.S. border?

“People from Central America, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti and beyond – including Asia and Africa – are escaping situations where they fear for their lives. In Central America, hundreds of thousands of families have been victims of violence, extortion and persecution at the hands of local gangs, with no recourse from government institutions. The high levels of violence in the region are only comparable to those experienced in war zones. In Venezuela, 5.9 million people have left the country, many escaping generalized violence and lack of food and medicine.”

Is it legal to seek asylum at the U.S. border?

“The right to seek asylum is grounded in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Art. 14) and the 1951 Refugee Convention (including its 1967 Protocol). Anyone who fears violence and persecution has the right to seek asylum and should not be returned to a territory where they fear threats to their lives or freedom (principle of non-refoulement, Art. 33, 1951 Refugee Convention). The U.S. Congress incorporated this definition into U.S. immigration law in the Refugee Act of 1980.

According to the 1967 Protocol, adopting countries including the United States should consider the individual claims of people requesting asylum in their territory or at a port of entry and have the obligation to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to those who need it. The U.S. Refugee Act establishes two paths to obtain refugee status -- either from abroad as a resettled refugee or in the United States as an asylum-seeker.”

What is Title 42?

“The United States has long had a legal framework to guarantee the right to seek asylum to individuals who arrive at our borders and ask for protection. But since March 20, 2020, that fundamental right has been largely suspended at U.S. land borders. Since that date, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of people seeking to apply for asylum have been turned away and “expelled” back to Mexico or their home countries under a provision of U.S. health law, section 265 of Title 42, without any consideration of the dangers they might be returned to.

UNHCR has maintained since the start of the pandemic that protecting public health and protecting access to asylum, a fundamental human right, are fully compatible. At the height of the public health emergency, many countries put in place protocols such as health screening, testing and quarantine measures for asylum-seeking populations, to simultaneously protect both public health and the right to seek asylum.

In September 2021, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi stated, ‘I reiterate UNHCR’s call for the U.S. government immediately and fully to lift its Title 42 restrictions in effect since March of 2020 which continue to deny most people arriving at the southwest U.S. land border any opportunity to request asylum.’”

What is UNHCR doing at the U.S.-Mexico border?

“Along both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, UNHCR partners with civil society, governments, faith-based organizations, legal service providers and others to strengthen the humanitarian response to better protect asylum-seekers, especially the most vulnerable among them. 

UNHCR’s response has focused on supporting non-governmental shelters providing immediate housing and humanitarian assistance to asylum-seekers, expanding access to legal assistance for asylum-seekers, preventing the separation of families, and providing technical advice to government authorities on how to develop fair and efficient asylum systems that respect international refugee law.”

How can I help?

You can donate (any little bit helps!) to support USA for UNHCR’s work in assisting asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as millions of other people in the world fleeing from violence and persecution.

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This information was taken from USA for UNHCR’s blog titled U.S. Asylum and Border Policies Explained. Thank you for reading and doing what you can to help those who need it most.

(photo by Jeoffrey Guillemard via USA for UNHCR)

Our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

After missing last year’s gift guide (blaming it on being new parents!), we’re back with our 2020 holiday gift guide!

We had a lot of fun compiling this small gift guide, and combined all of the gift categories this year, instead of separating them into guides for him, her, etc. Hope you’re able to find something for your loved one this year, and happy holidays!!

This classic crewneck sweater from Gap that will look good with pretty much anything. Also loving this rollneck sweater from J.Crew, and this flannel shirt.

Because can you ever go wrong with leather Chelsea boots from Clark’s?

A fun Harry Potter themed (among other choices) jewelry holder, or just a neat dish to set keys, wallet, etc. in.

Because we all know at least one sports fan, how cute is this mug with a hoop? Our kiddos would go crazy over this.

We’ve been spending so much time outdoors this year (neighborhood walks and hikes around our land have been a saving grace), and would love to jot down our thoughts, dreams, and ideas in this hiking journal.

Speaking of journals, how fun would this coffee journal be for the coffee obsessed person in your life? We’re a Starbucks Espresso Blend family, but would love to keep track of all the different kind of blends with this journal.

Last journal, I swear!! This pregnancy journal seems so thoughtful and intentional, though, I had to include it.

We could all use a little more self care in 2020, and these rejuvenating face masks from LAPCOS would do just the trick.

As an adult, there’s almost nothing I love more than a new, fresh set of sheets, and how cozy would these bamboo sheets from LuxClub be?

For the pet lover in your life (or your own pet!), Pawstruck jerky treats would make a pawfect (I couldn’t resist) gift.

Loving these teak wooden spoons from NAYAHOSE.

This book’s title caught my attention immediately and I can’t wait to read it. Couldn’t we all learn a thing or two about how to change our lives? Or better yet, the world?

Speaking of making our lives better. My brother has a weighted blanket and I tried it last year and holy cow. It was life changing. This one from WayFair looks like it would be so perfect for getting warm and cozy this winter.

I think we drank more coffee this year than ever before (averaging 3 cups a day!), and this coffee from Red Bay Coffee in Oakland sounds absolutely delicious.

We include this ever year. Our favorite wine glass, from Crate & Barrel, inspired by Olivia Pope, of course. There’s one for white wine, too.

The Joy of Gay Sex is a classic and just as relevant as ever. Groundbreaking at the time of its release, it’s informative and educational, and a must have in any book collection.

A fun new phone case from Casetify. We have a few of these and love them (especially the monogrammed ones!)

President Obama’s new memoir, A Promised Land, that is getting amazing reviews (been looking forward to this one!).

A gift card to Brooklyn-based Brooklyn Circus, a black-owned menswear store that cites “Spike Lee Brooklyn” as style reference points for the clothes it carries.

I’m sorry WHAT? Chocolate cupcakes in a jar sound like the actual best invention of all time. I’ll take two please. Or five.

A Little Life, a gorgeous and heartbreaking book about sexuality, friendship, and trying to carve out a life for yourself.

A handsome, cozy sweatshirt from J.Crew for him to stay warm in all winter.

Our super talented friend Lauren Liess’ gorgeous design book Habitat is a must-have for any design loving person in your life. Her second book, Down to Earth is just as wonderful.

A face mask from Nam & Ko to keep them extra protected this year (and next). The masks are made by New York fashion workers, so the more that are sold, the more we can all help support local employment.

More sheets! This time from Brooklinen. We just got a pair and are obsessed.

The best underwear of all time, from Tommy John.

Also from Tommy John, quite possibly my favorite pants ever to lounge around the house in. I’ve been living in these for the last 8 months (I’m actually wearing them right now).

A big comfy jacket from Abercrombie for keeping him warm while taking walks this winter.

Candles have been getting us through the colder and darker days lately, and this holiday one from Homesick looks absolutely delicious.

Happy holidays!!! xoxoxoxo

Our Favorites From Etsy's Cyber Sale

The holidays are officially here, and we’re partnering with our friends at Etsy and ShopStyle to help celebrate and spread a little cheer.

We’ve used Etsy for years (remember when we used to sell our apparel on their site before moving it to PJandThomas.com?) and have always loved the idea of supporting local, hardworking artisans and creatives. Etsy has so many wonderful, one of a kind items that it’s easy to get lost for hours browsing the site and finding the perfect gift for your loved one (or let’s be honest, for you, too ;).

So, in order to save you a little time this year, we’ve chosen 30 of our favorites from their Cyber Sale that is happening right now (!) and are sharing them below! We had so much fun compiling this list and we chose a little bit for everyone: women, men, kids, couples, and items for the home. We also chose from a variety of artisans, including Black-owned and women-owned Etsy shops. If you’re looking for a unique, personalized gift (because most of these items, as with so many gifts on Etsy, you can personalize to fit you!) to make someone smile this year, hopefully the items below will inspire you!

Without further ado, here are our favorites from Etsy’s Cyber Sale:

1. Beanie| 2. Scarf | 3. Sweater | 4. Jewelry Holder | 5. Men’s Care Kit | 6. Wallet | 7. Bracelet | 8. Beard Kit | 9. Pressed Flowers | 10. Plant Holders | 11. Wooden Spoon | 12. Cutting Board | 13. Paint Brush Holder | 14. Wrapping Paper | 15. Succulent | 16. One Line Drawing | 17. Jumpsuit | 18. Masks | 19. Bookworm Painting | 20. Wooden Name Blocks | 21. Leather Desk Mat | 22. Pet Picture Mug | 23. Gourmet Spices | 24. Candle | 25. Leather Shave Kit | 26. Blanket | 27. Family Watercolor | 28. House Watercolor | 29. Necklace | 30. Glass Straws

Be sure to check out the rest of the items in Etsy’s Cyber Sale for even more wonderful gift ideas this year. Happy shopping, and happy holidays, friends!!! xoxo