If candles aren't enough

Fact: baking bread, muffins, or cookies further enhances the cozy factor during a rained-in morning, afternoon, or evening.  The aroma wafting from the oven is almost as delicious as the end product.  Almost.

I baked these Almond Roca Cookies for Ben's dad yesterday because a) it was his birthday, b) Almond Roca is his favorite candy, and c) see above.    

Be GOOD: Art Every Day

I'm a bit tardy alerting you guys to GOOD's 30-Day Challenge for March.  But you know what they say about late and never.  Plus, I'm giving you the opportunity to double up on some artistic activities for a few days in order to catch up, thus enhancing your enjoyment on said days twofold.  You're welcome.  ;) 

I digress.  The good people of GOOD are challenging us to incorporate art on the daily.  They've brainstormed 31 tasks that will ensure we are maximizing our artistic interactions with the world.  A few of my favorites:

• doodle for 10 minutes straight
• take a street art walking tour 
• make origami

Ok, you know what?  All 31 are my favorites, and I don't want to retype their whole list.  So, follow the link above to see which daily art activities you'll perform in March.  Feel free to alter some of the tasks, delete any you're not into, and/or add your own!  I even see some major crossover opportunities should you still desire to participate in the Magic Mission.  :D

p.s. That stunning Tupac/Adventure Time mural up there?  Is in Castro Valley!  I know!  (I mentioned it once before.)  Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would not believe it either, friends.  But extraordinary surprises are all around us.  Are you looking?

Starting with #4

My partner in whatever the opposite of crime is (aka Ben) and I finally completed one of the projects for the Magic Mission.  We gathered provisions:

(yes, bubble tea played an essential role in this particular project)

and got busy.  Ben was, of course, all about the pun.

(TAG! You're it!, Don't leave me hangin', bro!, etc.)

Rhyming anthropomorphism also served as a muse—Cats shooting craps!

I, too, tried my hand at the visual pun.  See the corner of Have a [soccer] ball peeking out down there?  I was kinda proud of that one. :)

But sometimes just-plain-cute trumped clever.

Bonus points for sparkle.  Always.

We tied our tiny-messages-to-the-world on chain link fences, tennis court nets, tree branches, door handles, and bridge railings.  Today was such a windy day, though, that it was difficult to get photos of our tiny messages "in the wild".  Let's just say this guy reads, "you're a shooting star," ok? 

We saved quite a few of the lot, so the adventure will continue!  Do you have plans to complete a Magic Mission this weekend, friends?  If you're looking for an easy/fun one to start with, I highly recommend #4.

Cheers + magic to you!

You are cordially invited

You may have heard (from me): my birthday is nigh!  Which means, my annual opportunity to bring a little beauty into the neighborhood and joy to strangers is also upon us.  I'd really like this tradition to grow.  I hope for more beauty and cheer; I hope to include more communities; I hope to involve more people. 

Consider yourself invited to join in the tradition.  This year, I have not organized one set day and time for one particular activity.  No no no no no!  2012's celebration (which I don't have a clever name for!) is flexible, like Jane Fonda.  You can participate whenever you want, wherever you can!  Just pick one of the following projects to plan and actualize, and do so knowing that you're giving me the best possible gift ever.  Without further ado:

1. Flour some hearts on neighborhood lawns.  Or attack some windows with hearts.  Also, more public he(art) inspiration. 

2. Make words from pipe cleaners and yarn, and tie them around your 'hood. 

     

3. Gather a large bouquet of balloons and bring them to mortals in line at the DMV.  Or recreate 2011's classic 100 Balloon Walk.    

4. Paint rocks; distribute.  Have fun finding the perfectly camouflaged hiding spots!  Or perform another brilliant Color Me Katie project, and send tiny messages out into the world for folks to discover.   

5. Pinwheel a fence that looks like it's in need of some whimsy.

6. Create "Have a nice day!" cards for elderly residents of an assisted living home, or a fun care package for someone you haven't spoken with in a while, and head to the post office.  You may as well bake some cookies or muffins for the postal employees since you're headed to the P.O. anyway.  ;)

7. Deliver the following to the waiting room at a hospital: fresh flowers (use jars or cans for vases—easily thrifted if you don't have extras); coloring books (Find cute printables here and here. Bummed we've already passed Chinese New Year! But, behold: Mardi Gras pages.) and crayons; sudoku and crossword puzzles and pencils; magazines headed to the recycling bin; and don't forget little envelopes of coins to tape to vending machines.

8.  Craft up some crowns and costumes (see gorgeous image below, for which I wish I knew the source), collect musical instruments (or noisemakers—pots, pans, and wooden spoons in a pinch), and march down the street in a merry parade.  Bounce around a lot, and if people ask what you're celebrating, say, "2012 is a Leap Year!"

9. Launch some guerilla gardening in your neighborhood, with this simple and comprehensive How To.  Or for less of a commitment, drop some seed bombs where you'd like to see some color.  (Stilettos and red bag optional.)  Here's an alternative recipe that uses newspapers rather than fertilizer and clay.  (Heart-shaped bombs also optional.)

p.s. Be sure to do your research, i.e. select plants or seeds that are hearty and native to your area, be aware of soil and weather conditions, etc.!

10. Set up a lemonade stand, but don't charge for your refreshments.  Or create your own ice cream cart (insulated backpack + an umbrella?), and wander around the local lake or park distributing free, frozen yumminess.

11. Do you have a Polaroid (or any type of instant) camera?  Set up a "booth" complete with backdrop (as simple as striped, floral, or solid bedsheets, or as fancy as this glamorous deal) and bag o' props, at a park or other public area.  Props can include, but are certainly not limited to: pointy party hats, viking hats (I see a trend here), masquerade masks, superhero capes, Mr. Potato Head lips, face paint, mini-chalkboard + chalk, or anything you have on hand!  Enjoy being photographer for a day, free of charge, to park visitors, tourists, and random passersby.   

12. Do you have bunches of books on the shelves that you'll probably never read again?  Or approximately $3 to spend on a bag of books at your local thrift store?  Plant them all over your neighborhood—at laundromats, in cafes, on public transportation—a la Bookcrossing.  Include little notes inside the covers (or using Post-its) of each book to let finders know you intended for them to find and read it.  Encourage them to pass the books on as well! 

13. Invent a similar project of your own!  The only stipulation is that your scheme must bring joy (big, small, or both!) to at least one other person apart from yourself.        

Whew!  That's a lot of joy-creating to ponder.  I do hope you decide to join me in embarking upon one of these missions, if not for bringing a unique experience to your community, then in honor of my birthday. ;)  Also, remember when I said (oh so long ago, way up there at the top of this post) that I want this tradition to grow?  To include more communities and involve more people?  Please invite your friends and family to participate, and feel free to send this post all around your social media haunts.  I'd love to hear about pinwheeled fences in Seattle, pop-up Polaroid booths in Austin, book fairies in Providence, or your very own idea wherever you may be!

Please RSVP in the comments, and let me know which project you plan to undertake!  If possible, please take photos (or video!), and send me a little note when you've completed your mission.  Ideally, I'd like to share all of the magic you create here on We hope for more.  But, if you'd prefer to keep your magic between us, I'd still appreciate a recap.  :)

Happy (my) birthday to you!

2010 was the year of the yarn; 2011 was the year of latex!

Right.  So in 2010, my posse beautified the neighborhood with yarn hearts.  In 2011, we kept the tradition alive, but the project leaned a bit more toward art of the performance variety.  We walked around Lake Merritt with bouquets of rainbow-colored, heart-shaped balloons, handing them over to kids we encountered along the path.  The 100 Balloon Walk, as I dubbed the project, was one of my favorite events of 2011—see #3. 

Again, I highly recommend creating similar sorts of cheer and merry memories in your neighborhood.  Tomorrow, I shall provide suggestions regarding how to do so*. 

*Hint: you're all invited to participate in my 2012 birthday celebration!

February is my favorite

It's true.  I hear countless (non-Californian) folks lamenting the oft-maligned second month of the year.  Mostly due to weather issues, I suppose.  But they shall never convince me that February is anything but perfect.

Reasons February is the best:

• it only has 28 days in a common year, making it unique
• every four years, we get a quirky 29th "leap" day!
• there were always two 3-day weekends from school thanks to Lincoln's birthday and Presidents' Day
• Valentine's Day!
• my birthday!

See?  So much to celebrate.  To quote myself, I like to use my birthday as an opportunity to spread cheer, both to friends and strangers—it has become an annual ritual of sorts.  In 2010, I invited friends to help me beautify my neighborhood by yarning up some hearts on a chain link fence.  (You can read more about the beautifying mission/see more photos over on This Confetti Life.)  It was one of my most favorite days ever.  I highly recommend it, should you notice a fence in your neighborhood that is seriously lacking in hearts.  ;)

  

 Happy February to you!

We have a winner!

Turns out, Cleo was not as interested in my first giveaway as I'd hoped (even after I dipped the papers in catnip).  Luckily, Smokey, ever the needy pleaser, volunteered.  And Smokey has spoken.  Or pawed, rather.

The lucky recipient of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On: Things About Me is ...

Janet!  (Who I hope is leading a very confetti-filled day, since today happens to be her birthday!)  Head on over to her internet home, This Confetti Life, to wish her a wonderful one.

Thanks for participating ladies and gent.  And thanks for visiting my internet home.  :)  I wish you all a very splendid weekend!

p.s. Who knew selecting a name in a drawing was such exhausting work?

I have something I want to give to you.

(Well, one of you, at least.)



You've seen this, no?  Marcel the Shell With Shoes On?  And the sequel?

My favorite quotes from the most witty and charming invertebrate ever:

• "Guess why I smile a lot.  Uh, cuz it's worth it."  Marcel, my little shelled friend, I wish everyone had your attitude.
• "... I also have shoes and, um, a face.  So, I like that about myself, and I like myself, and I have a lot of other great qualities as well."  Indeed!  
• "Sometimes people say that my head is too big for my body.  And then I say, 'Compared to what?'!"  When I was your age, I wish I had enough aplomb to improvise such a brilliant comeback.  

Beyond introducing you to Marcel the Shell (or reminding you of his magnificence), I actually do have a tangible gift for one of you.  Yep, this is We hope for more's very first giveaway!  A little thank you, from me to you.  I will send one lucky reader a copy of Marcel the Shell With Shoes On: Things About Me—Marcel's very first book!

Drawing Details:

1. To enter, watch either (or both) of Marcel's videos, and leave a comment below that states your favorite quote and why it's your fave or why it made you laugh or what it reminds you of, etc. etc.
2. Leave your comment by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2012. 
3. I will most likely allow my cat, Cleo, to select the winner.  (Or just pull names out of a hat.  WWMD?  [What Would Marcel Do?])
4. I will announce the winner this Friday, February 3! 

Good night and good luck!

My Favorite Things: Gifts I Gave

At the risk of sounding a tad saccharine, I believe that gift giving can bring just as much, if not more, joy to the giver than the receiver.  The gifts we give send a message to the recipient, and I love showing friends, family, and sometimes strangers that I care about them, their interests, and what's going on in their lives.  And sometimes, it's just fun to make something shiny to make them go, "Ooooh, how did you do that?!"  ;]

Hence, for Day 2 of my "Week of Favorites" Countdowns, I present to you (get it? present. Ha!):

'Tis So Much Better to Give Than Receive -

Sarah's Top Five Gifts Given in 2011

5. Sparkly cookies.  Because who doesn't love glittery anything, really?  Especially glittery cookies that look like little butts.  I brought dozens to each holiday celebration I attended, and folks told me they were delicious.  Which is probably true.  That, or they were hypnotized by all the sparkle.

4. A cover for Ben's mom's NOOK.  She acquired the ereader Thanksgiving weekend, and did not have a case yet.  Sarah + her sewing machine to the rescue!  I followed a process very similar to the instructions in this tutorial, with a few minor adjustments (e.g. I figured the dimensions for a NOOK Simple Touch, used a strip of elastic rather than velcro, and I chose to have the device slide in from the top rather than the side).  There were a few minor snafus—my machine's timing is off now, so I had to finish by hand, and that elastic was a wily rascal!  All things considered, I think it's pretty cute, and I'm sure that NOOK is safe + snug!     

 

3. Saffy the Giraffe for my niece, Maude.  The moment I laid my eyes on The Simply Small Series of books, I knew what I was giving Maude for Christmas: a copy of the first Saffy book, and a handmade, stuffed Saffy the Giraffe.  I don't have a photo of the finished Saffy to share, but I'm pretty sure my niece approved.  The moment Maude laid her eyes on the giraffe,

Saffy went directly into her mouth. :D

 2. I sent a t-shirt to my adorable cousin.  The back story: a few years ago, when I was going through a tough time, a dear friend sent me a little care package that included an Angry Little Girls t-shirt.  That t-shirt did me a world of good.  Full of cheek and cartoonish anger, it literally made me laugh and smile each time I saw it in my dresser.  The shirt also helped me feel loved and supported; it became a symbol of my recovery.  A visual reminder that everything will be ok.  Fast forward to a more recent time when my cousin was going through a tough time of her own, and I knew what I had to do.  The t-shirt had served its purpose with me, and now it was time to spread a little cheer to someone else in need.  I love gifts that keep giving.  :D

1. 2011 marked my mom's 60th birthday.  Since that's kind of a big deal, I wanted to do something extra nice for her.  My mom freaking loves all things Disney, and hadn't visited The Land since 1994 (California Adventure didn't even exist!).  Again, I knew what I had to do.  In retrospect, what I didn't have to do was ride Splash Mountain in 58° weather.  But, the smile on my mom's face was definitely worth it.  :] 

Mary Blair concept art for Alice in Wonderland; Mom + me after Splash Mountain*

What was your favorite gift you gave this year?

Also!  Reminder that Janet is still giving away $ in the name of your simple Acts of Goodwill!  Jump on over there + tell her about all the elfin' you've been up to during this season of giving!  ♥

*photo credit for Splash Mountain aftermath: my wonderful friend, Valerie Rangel,
who also helped make the Disneyland trip for my mom possible. 

Secular Christmas Goodness - a playlist

Since I gifted music to a complete stranger last week, I thought it only fair I should do the same for you.  I originally made this playlist in 2005 for my mom.*  But I listen to it every year because I think it's swell.  I hope it brings you warm fuzzies as you sip on hot chocolate and watch the yule log.  Or sip on wassail and wrap gifts.  Or sip on egg nog and dance! 

*Hence the Mariah Carey. Don't judge.  I stand behind my DJing skillz.
**Also of note: the original playlist included Rosemary Clooney's version of Rudolph, but playlist.com didn't have it.  Still!  Burl Ives is pretty classic, no?  I always loved how Sam the Snowman glided through the snow + left that little trail.  :]

Go forth + spread goodwill, my friends!

wait a second...this is NOT the Trader Joe's photo I meant to publish here...

Yet another person who continues to inspire me is Janet of This Confetti Life.  Her whole mission over there at TCL is to encourage celebration on the daily.  Brilliant, I say!  The world definitely needs more of that. 

And like a good champion of cheer, Janet has accepted GOOD's Creative Microphilanthropy Challenge.  She has pledged to donate $1 for each act of goodwill that we tell her we accomplished.  See what she did there?  Rather than just give $30 to a charity (which is totally noble in istelf—don't get me wrong!), she's giving $30 and 30 acts of kindness to the world!  It's like fancy math.  She's making the goodwill multiply!  Plus, we get to be her goodwill elves!  Where are my pointy, curly-toed shoes . . . 

When I read Janet's post a couple days ago, I knew I wanted to do something simple, quick, and inspired by the "spirit of the season".  I considered Color Me Katie's Tiny Messages, which are definitely simple + quick, so now I just needed something Christmassy.  (Adding "y" to a noun magically makes it an adjective. Try it!)  And what's more Christmassy than Christmas music?  If you answered, "Nothing. Nothing is more Christmassy than Christmas music, Sarah," you are correct.  So I burned a CD, wrote a little note to a stranger, and left both in a shopping cart at Trader Joe's*.     

photographic evidence of my Act of Goodwill

Don't you want to join me in spreading cheer as a member of Janet's Elfin' Crew?  Grab your pointy, curly-toed shoes and don't forget to tell her about your Act of Goodwill!  And tell me if you tell her, too (please + thank you!).

*Thank you, Janet, for turning my completely selfish Candy Cane Joe-Joe's run into a more meaningful endeavor.  ;]

Love you today + everyday

Today marks a heavy-hearted anniversary for a good friend.  I wanted to let her know I was thinking of her, but I wasn't sure exactly how.  When I remembered yesterday's post (specifically the nod to the chalk walk), and that I happened to have colored chalk in my car . . . presto!  A little sidewalk chalk art/love message to send.  ♥

If you really must give STUFF

Smokey gives 5 claws!

With the weekend upon us, you may be fixin' to go on a holiday shopping spree.  I've already given you my 2¢ on the matter.  Lest you think I am one of those Grinch or Scrooge types though—I do understand the desire to have physical presents under that tree, lookin' all purty + just begging to be opened.  And, so, I bring you a round-up of (drum roll, please) . . . my favorite Stuffs You Can Make for Loved Ones!

• For cat lovers, or your own felines of course - a repurposed cardboard kitty scratch pad.  My cats tore theirs to shreds over the course of a year or so.
• For little ones - a few playful ideas + a billion more ideas for toys + games to make (both for and by the kiddos).
• For photography lovers, or for anyone you think could get really into snapping dreamy, old-timey photos - how to make a pinhole camera Part 1 + Part 2.
• Last minute + stocking stuffer ideas.
• Not one, but two (TWO!) gifts in one - reusable produce bags, which can double as gift wrap for what I'm about to link you to . . .
• Everyone loves tasty treats, right?  How about whipping up fun + delectable ready-to-assemble recipes like this caramel apple kit, homemade pancake mix jars, homemade nutella! (perhaps a nice spread for the aforementioned pancakes?), or hot chocolate kits?
• For the bibliophiles in your life - sew a simple e-reader case.

If you simply do not have time to do-it-yourself, take advantage of all the craft fairs in December (Bazaar Bizarre!, Renegade Craft Fair!, and other Bay Area options listed @ KQED Arts) and purchase local + handmade gifts.  If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your footy pajamas, cozy sheets + laptop, go to town searchin' for fabulousness via the Local feature on Etsy. 

Whew.  And with that, I think I will shut up on the subject of holiday gift giving.  Probably.  ;]

Cleo gives 10 claws + a pink nose to the cardboard kitty scratch pad!

But back to that whole gift giving thing

2010

My car's thermometer registered 61˚ today.  Which can only mean one thing: it's the most wonderful time of the year.  Much mistletoeing, hearts will be glowing, and all that jazz.  Not trying to rain on the Christmas parade, but, as previously noted, I think the holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to give gifts that encourage loved ones to hang out with one another, help build community, and increase participation in cultural events. 

The very creative + sage Jordan of Oh Happy Day! agrees with me.  Check out these 10 brilliant gift ideas she suggests.  My favorites are tickets to a lecture series, reserve a campground, and the offbeat city tour.  If I may, I'd like to add to the list of awesomeness.  Behold:   

•  If you live in the Bay Area, you may know about The Parkway Theater.  'Twas a wonderful spot to view a flick.  Think couches, pizza, and beer.  Cozy, no?  Unfortunately, it closed its doors in 2009, and a group of dedicated, community-minded, film-loving souls embarked upon efforts to re-open The Parkway.  I remain hopeful that good will triumph over evil, and Bay Area cinephiles will soon enjoy beer with their movies once again.  Gift a membership to one such lucky duck.
• And speaking of the joy of film.  How about a subscription to Netflix (or if they pissed you off with their shenanigans this Fall, choose an alternative service)?  One of my favorite gifts I ever forced my father to give me was a Lord of the Rings marathon.  When I learned he had never seen any of the trilogy, I said, "Faja! You. Me. Peter Jackson's masterpiece. All. In. One. Sitting. I want nothing else for Christmas!"  He obliged.  We chose a particularly grey Saturday morning, gathered a bunch of comfort food (couldn't sell him on lembas, though), and watched the heck outta those movies! 
• I already mentioned museum membership, but it's such a rad idea, it bears repeating.  There are so many cool museums! 
• Is your friend or loved one keen on art, books, games, music, and various other creative ventures?  Donate to a Kickstarter campaign in his or her name.  You can easily discover projects to fund based on category or location.  With your pledge, you are helping artists', musicians', and creators' dreams come true, while simultaneously snagging goodies for your gift recipient.
• Want to make your parents smile?  Take a photo with Santa.  Yes, as an adult.  Bonus points if you + your siblings (or significant other) wear matchy matchy outfits.*  Print it, frame it, possibly festoon the frame with glitter.  Or candy canes.  Your call.  Don't pretend like you don't want to.

What are your ideas for "experience" gifts?

*We didn't dress as twinsies last year (see photo above) because we were pleasantly surprised to see Santa at the airport + this was an impromptu photo shoot.  On our part, at least.  :]

On gift giving

Speaking of helping Mother Earth look her Sunday best, see that image down there on the previous post?  That's a temporary tattoo designed by Marc Johns.  Available here @ Tattly.  Dontcha think a monthly subscription to these truly stunning tattoos would make for a fun + memorable gift?  I wish more folks would remember that experiences trump stuff* when shifting into gift-giving mode during the holidays.  And all that crap we buy that comes in all that packaging and fancy, non-recyclable gift wrap?  Destined for landfill.  And all the pollution we create in the manufacturing of all that crap?  Sweet Valley High!  We can stop this.  In lieu of ye olde tradition of bestowing white elephants upon loved ones, consider giving theater tickets, museum memberships, donations in their name to organizations they support.  Or temporary tattoos. ;]  

rainbow

*stuff won't make you happy, experiences will