Avenue of the Stars

I made it to Hollywood on Saturday and finally saw Avenue of the Stars.

It was completely different than what I expected.

People were everywhere.

Tons and tons of people.

Hovering over the stars on the sidewalk.

After the overwhelming madness of Hollywood we hit up Johnny Rockets for some shakes.

Following our visit to Hollywood we drove around downtown LA.

Then we headed to South Pasadena for dinner.

We ate at a cute little 'ma & pa' restaurant.  The 'Pa' spoiled us and basically cut our bill in half.

Great day spent with great people.

We went out last night

Actually we went out Friday night with our fellow intern, Rob.

Rob is done with his internship at TOMS on Tuesday. 

He is leaving early because he is studying abroad in Brazil for the fall semester.
A going away celebration was necessary.

He showed us around and we had an unbelievably great time with him and his friends.

Venice

 

 

Me: "Katie, do you want to go to Venice today after work and take pictures?"

Katie: "Yeah, sure I'd love to!"

Give

“Giving is what Fuels Us / Giving is our Future / It’s the core of our Business / And its time we celebrate it” … says Blake Mycoskie , the innovative and dynamic social entrepreneur, and Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS.

Today I worked on storyboards for the overall Fall 2011 advertising campaign.

So much work goes into selling shoes (and sunglasses).

Another task was to shop online to see what our competitors offer.

I had lunch with Melanie, a summer 2010 intern, who now works full time at HQ.

She is adorable, so sweet, and passionate about TOMS.

She picked up her whole life to move out to CA from MI and loves her decision.

This evening I sat on the beach and called my mama. I miss her so much.

TOMS

Behind these doors you will find the barn, a meeting room modeled after the barn in Argentina where TOMS journey began.

On the walls you see photos from shoe drops.  Pictures that grab your heart and show pure happiness.
This our lobby at TOMS.

I am realizing how much I love this company and how happy I am at work.
I have two incredible managers, a wonderful mentor, and co-workers who are willing to take time out of their busy schedule to talk with me.
My intern class - they are phenomenal.
Tonight we all had a wonderful dinner together.  Molly graciously cooked a delicious meal for us.

I learn something new everyday.
I am challenged everyday.
I work to put shoes on the feet of children in need and give sight to those in need.
My life is so incredibly awesome.

Margaritas

Margaritas on a Monday night.
Still getting used to working from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Glad we still have more college days ahead of us.

My weekend was spent...

... in Redlands, California with these two beautiful girls.

Elyse (right side) and her family were gracious and invited us to stay at their house with them over the weekend.

We woke up to the sun shining with an incredible view of the mountains.

We had a delicious breakfast at a cafe followed by a visit to the Spanish market.

We relaxed by her pool and indulged in authentic Mexican salsa and guacamole.

Her dad made homemade lemonade slushies that were to die for.

We enjoyed being away from LA traffic.

 

We heard stories about Elyse's childhood. One was so funny we were crying.

It was such a wonderful weekend.  Her parents spoiled us rotten. We had so much delicious food and some great conversation.

 I was trying to get a picture with their beloved dog, Jack.  Although they might not all be looking, I think it is pretty adorable.

Thank you sooooo much for hosting us.  It was an incredible weekend that will not be forgotten.