cupcakes

:: sweet nothings ::

 

every year, as my birthday creeps up on me, i find myself reflecting on the memories of the past year.  this time around, i find myself thinking about how i can do a better job of making a difference in this crazy world! as many of you already know, the hubby and i raised funds for cancer research-specifically the leukemia and lymphoma society- a few years ago.  that experience was really my introduction into charitable giving, and i walked away from it with a passion to give!  going into my new year, i want to focus on inspiring others.  i want to motivate folks to help.  i want to celebrate the big and small ways that we can make the world a better place!

{ b.day banner made by moi  }        

:: brilliant ::

    

"when you choose to serve -- whether it's your nation, your community or simply your neighborhood -- you are connected to that fundamental american ideal that we want life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness not just for ourselves, but for all americans. that's why it's called the american dream." 

-barack obama

the hubby and i have a date today to "skip lunch, feed central texas".  as part of renewing america together, we are going to the capital area food bank at lunch to make a donation.  i'm optimistic and hopeful that many sweet citizens will help to make our community brilliant today and make a commitment to serve each other.

happy martin luther king day! 

{ packaging bought at uncommon objects  } 

:: lovely ::

 

i  L.O.V.E. the world of creators, doers, and givers!!  i frequently read this wonderful blog and admire the sweet things in her shop!  tonight, while perusing her site i found a link to an organization named the girl effect.   ah, so lovely...yet another way to  save the world... check it out!  

:: dearest ::

     

yes, it is true... i am quite fond of vintage books and paper.  yesterday, i treated my self to a trip to  uncommon objects.  one of the treasures i brought home was a bank tellers cash journal from 1925.  it's fabby, and i bought it so that i could use the paper to make re-purposed notebooks.   my first completed project with the new paper is above- along with a set of pencils from the 50's that i got from my secret santa at work.  thank you ;-)

so... speaking of paper.  when is the last time you brought out a pencil and a sheet of paper and wrote a dear note to someone to brighten their day?  i will write one today and send it to the wonderful shopkeeper who helped me with my treasure hunt yesterday.  what about you?  i'm hoping that some of you out there will write a letter of gratitude and share  your story with me, so that i can post your sweetness here.

:: delicious ::

  

this week, i'm giving up my lunch money!  i've decided to "brown bag" it and donate the money i would have spent to the  capital area food bank .  i know this small gift will make a difference in someone's life (and belly!).  every five dollars donated to the CAFB provides $25 in food.  i wish to make mealtime charming and delicious.

{ notecard from  hello! lucky }  

:: darling, delightful, engaging ::

      

today, we celebrate at our little mid century ranch with a painting party!  as with any social affair, good hostmanship will be the key to success.  yes, it will just be the hubby and i at this shin dig... but i will do everything i can to ensure it is a celebration to remember. 

i will work hard to follow the rules of good hostmanship from my  1965 party book ::

give each newcomer the big hand :: set him into the group :: be hairspiring-sensitive to your guests' sensitivities :: it's central standard procedure to stay sober :: no clock-watching allowed :: wind up the evening with an individual good night :: never run down a departed guest

today, i will be darling, delightful, engaging.  i will cherish and enjoy every hour of painting.  i will host the best day of togetherness this life has to offer.  

{ pic from  james merrell } 

:: treasured ::

 

happy 2009!  one thing i have resolved to do this year is be sweet everyday... do something friendly, kind, charming, pleasing to the mind -for myself or someone else- each day.  i want to make a concious effort to give a little sugar.   

{ poster from thoughts on democracy  }  

:: beautiful things can happen to you ::

     

this time of year always brings new beginnings... small promises to make changes in my life.  the reality is that i live a very full life.  a career i love, a husband i cherish, a family i adore.  but, there's always room to grow and learn!  this year, i will embark on a few more promises to myself- a commitment to live a little simpler, put myself first a little more, and laugh a little louder.  this year, i will try to share some kindness by doing something sweet everyday.  stay tuned!

{ katz ad from vintage 1960's  good housekeeping  }  

:: sweetness ::

 

this weekend, as we all get our menu set for thanksgiving, why not account for a little extra sweetness?  once you decide upon your dessert of choice for thursday's dinner, double the recipe to spread the love.  you know, make extra sweetness for someone who needs it.  you can bake an extra pumpkin pie to drop off at a local church that feeds the hungry.  perhaps you would prefer to bake an additional batch of cookies to give to a co-worker who doesn't have any plans for turkey day.  or double the recipe of granny's famous red velvet cake to offer to a family who will be celebrating thanks at the children's hospital while their little one recovers.  a little extra sweetness will put your name on someone's list of things to be thankful for... 

{ caramel pumpkin pie from gourmet :: pumpkin & gingerbread ice cream sandwiches from cannelle-vanille ::  pumpkin party from real simple :: recipe cards from dingbat press via bakerella :: pumpkin mascarpone pie from bon appetit :: sweet treat stickers from paper source :: ginger honey pumpkin pie from epicurious :: easy pumpkin pie from betty crocker  }        

:: kind words do good ::

       

doing good can be as easy as sending kind words to a stranger.  the american red cross is spreading cheer through the holiday mail for heroes campaign.  the red cross is collecting holiday cards to distribute to the u.s. service men and women, vets, and their families.  so, pull out those leftover cards from last year and make a difference by telling a stranger that they've made a difference too!

{ cupcakes from baked :: photo from kate headley :: sweets from martha :: elephant from somethingshidinginhere :: buttons from paper + cup }