Baking for Good

If you've been to my apartment at all, you've probably notice that my cooking abilities are limited to any of the following: spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and take-out. Cooking is quite honestly, not my forte. I'm terrible at deciding when the chicken is fully cooked and it's exhausting trying to make an entire meal, just for yourself. But baking, on the other hand, is something I'll fully get behind. For Christmas, my step-dad bought me Southern Living's Best Loved Cookies cookbook and amid this blizzard, it's getting some use!

I also recently stumbled upon the awesome online bake sale site Baking for Good. Not only do the founders (and bakers) at this site serve up some delicious looking baked goods, they're devoted to donating 15 percent of every purchase on the site to the cause of your choice. Currently, the site's featured nonprofit is the Lincoln Center Theater's Open Stages Education Program, encouraging economically disadvantaged students in the NYC area to develop deeper interests in the arts.

So in case you're still looking for some Valentine's Day ideas, these mouth-watering treats will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also allow you to do some good.

Week's end recap: Craftism for Haiti

This week, with our hearts and minds still focused on the recent earthquakes in Haiti, I thought I'd dedicate week's end recap 01.15.10 to items benefiting the Haitian Relief Fund.

A portion, or all, of the proceeds from these purchases go directly to Haitian relief. Let's do some good this week.

Valentine prints from Claudia Pearson, available here.

Valentines from Ashley Brooke Designs

Metallic zip pouch - Etsy

Carpe Diem earrings - Elizabeth Space

To Haiti, with love - Ink Dork

Also, supporting the cause:

• Paper Menagerie on Esty
• Indie Fixx
• Mac and iPhone app - Seasonality.
• Even Blink 182 has a shirt, with proceeds going straight to Haiti relief.
• Or, visit Etsy's ever-growing list of handmade items for Haiti.

Haiti's Devastation

The devastation occurring in Haiti right now is truly heart wrenching. And while my heart breaks for those in the area, it's also warmed by the overflow of donations and kind thoughts. The Red Cross text message campaign has raised more than $1 million as of last night, with more donations flowing in.

If you haven't donated yet, consider texting "Haiti" to 90999, which will allows you to make a $10 donation to be charged to your cell phone bill.

It's sad how it sometimes takes a catastrophe to put things into place in our own lives. My worries seem (thankfully) very insignificant right now. Don't forget to keep Haiti and all the volunteers in your thoughts and prayers.