This week A's brother contacted us to ask if I would like to donate a few of my prints for a silent auction being held at his law school. The event is to raise funds to support law students who need a little extra financial help. 

As a former graduate student myself, I know how tough it can be to make ends meet while going to school full time. I'm a big supporter of higher education, so I am excited to help in my own small way! 

I was so flattered he thought of me and my artwork. The event will be a great way to reach a new audience, while at the same time supporting a great cause.

These are the five prints I decided to contribute for the event. Let's hope the attendees enjoy handmade! 

Feeling Appreciated

A wonderful little thing happened today. This morning, I received an email from a co-worker expressing her sincere thanks for my help on a project she was working on. She asked if it would be OK to send a letter to my supervisor, describing the positive experience she had working with me. WOW, what a thoughtful gesture! It's amazing the impact a little appreciation can have on your mood and feeling of self-worth. I had a little reminder today that the work I am doing is important and meaningful. I'm feeling really good on this Tuesday morning :)

The next time you feel gratitude or appreciation for something another has done, let them know. You could have a bigger impact than you think. I know I will be paying it forward the first chance I get!

This beautiful painting is from Jenny Meilihove. Check out her Etsy shop for more of her wonderful work.

Feed Your Soul: The Free Art Project

I was so excited when I discovered this amazing project on Leah Duncan's lovely blog. Feed Your Soul is a wonderful project developed by Jen Wallace in order to bring beautiful art into our homes - free of charge!

It's no secret that a tough economy has put both a financial and emotional strain on many of us. The idea of Feed Your Soul is to make art available to those who may have had to cut back on those "extras" we purchase for joy and not necessity. The project also give artists an opportunity to promote their work.

What a great idea, right?! Check out this site and choose a few pieces from the fabulous artists who are donating their work to the cause. Print them out, hang them up and feed your soul with art!

{Images above from Nan Lawson, Leah Duncan, Belinda Kemp and Angela Vandenbogaard}

Save Jake, Buy An Apron

As a pet owner, this cause really touched me. The Apron Campaign is an effort by a talented seamstress named Anna to raise enough money to finance the necessary medical treatments for her companion Jake (pictured), who was recently diagnosed with mast cell cancer.  

Jake was rescued from the San Diego Humane Society as a puppy, and has remained Anna's loyal companion for the past four years. 

It only costs $20, and you will receive a lovely apron (also pictured), sewn by Anna in the pattern of your choice. Donating to save this pup's life, and receiving a handcrafted gift in return? What more can you ask for? I just placed my order!

Anna has almost reached her goal for Jake's surgery. Show your support, and let's make it happen!

{found via sfgirlbybay}

TOMS Shoes

I came across TOMS shoes this morning, and I am loving both the product and the mission of this innovative company:

"TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support."

I think it's so great that creative entrepreneurs have found ways to make a living while at the same time giving back to others in a really positive way. As an economics nerd, I was sold when I read "purchasing power" in their mission statement.

Aren't these shoes just adorable? I would love a few pairs for the coming summer months.

Princeton, Stella & Magoo

The one thing that I love more than anything in this world is cats...

I don't mind if, for many, this brings to mind visions of a crazy cat lady. I will happily wear that hat! Quite frankly, I'm surprised this post didn't come sooner (not that I have been blogging for very long..).

My boyfriend, A., feels the same way. We adopted these two lovelies from a local shelter a few months after we moved in. They were the two kitties left in what is referred to as the "Long Term Residents Ward", which was the shelter's nice way of saying they had been there the longest without being adopted.

When I look at these faces, I just don't understand how that could be possible!

(Stella Dottie B.)

(Princeton Francis B.)

The employees were so happy we adopted these wonderful kitties that they made an announcement over the speaker that they were "finally going home". It was a really great day for us!

A. and I hold a very special place in our hearts for cats, and we often talk about how we can give back to those who are making a difference. Our Christmas gift to each other this year was a donation to a wonderful non-profit that takes in blind cats and gives them a forever home. The Magoo Room is a sanctuary for kitties who in many cases would not otherwise find loving families.

This husband-and-wife team are amazing, and we were so happy that we could help their cause in some small way.

So, these are our babies! They will be making many more appearances in the future, because I just can't help but share!