Who doesn't love a sweet little Valentine? Something is endearing about the day full of hearts. "I Love Valentines" and look forward to seeing all the creative ways people say I love you. What if we don't have a single card ready for tomorrow? Well, the good news! Here is a super easy way to make a big bunch of last minute Valentines. You will need:

• double stick tape
• sweet erasers (I found mine in the Valentine section at Target)
• FREE printable (download here)
• a red marker or pen
• scissors

Print out the FREE printable card. Trim out each Valentine. There are four to a sheet. Sign your name. Place a small piece of double stick tape on the card then stick one eraser to the card.

Voliá! The most adorable last minute Valentines. Kids go crazy for these little sweeties!

Until tomorrow, Sweetie Pies.

Women consist of 50% of the world's population, and yet we still fight for the same rights as men. We fight for equal pay, equal rights and equal laws regarding our bodies. Thank you to all the empowered women who challenge the status quo. To all the women who stand up, push back and say NO!, we demand more, thank you. By seeing the inequality, empowered women are making this world a better environment for the present and future.

Let's persist together. Only then will we be able to love in a world that is respectful of all.

Nevertheless They Persisted

"I Love Empowered Women."

Until tomorrow Women Of The World.

Yes, this is a donut recipe. Yes, it's delicious. For those of you who say you don't like donuts, we need to talk because donuts are one of the great loves of life. Their soft fluffy inside paired with the ever so slightly crunchy outside, topped with a sweet glaze hits every bliss point imaginable. Place a fluffy, sweet cloud of pastry next to a cup of coffee and frankly, the day can't start off much better. Let's celebrate the other loves in our lives and make a batch of these little sweeties.

I Love You As Much As Donuts, Donuts.

• 2 cups canola oil, for frying
• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup freeze dried strawberries

Step 1: Preheat oil over medium heat in a 10-inch non-stick fry-pan (keeping an eye on it as it is heating). Place paper towels on a large plate and set aside.

Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, buttermilk, sugar and melted butter. Using a fork stir in dry ingredients and mix just until combine (think of making biscuit dough, you just want to incorporate the ingredients). 

Step 3: Once the oil has reached 350 degrees, start to roll out 1/2 inch balls of dough. Gently push two balls together and pinch at the bottom to make a heart shape. 

Step 4: Gently place dough hearts into oil and fry until golden brown on bottom (about 2 min) then flip and cook reverse side until golden brown. Carefully remove the dough from the oil with metal tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on the paper towel-lined plate. Repeat this process until the hearts are completely fried.

Step 4: Wisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla. The icing should be very runny. Once the donuts have cooled to warm, drop each donut into the icing and then top with a slice or two of freeze dried strawberry.

Note: these are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Now repeat after me, "I Love Donuts And You Will Too Valentine!"

Until tomorrow Dreamy Fluffs.

Perhaps we can't utter the words. Something deep inside us complicates the moment. Our throats tighten, our bellies flutter, and our hearts race. At the moment, we are unable to say the words that need to be said. Maybe we messed up and said the wrong thing, or we can't vocalize the emotion. This is the time when we put words aside and take action. It shows our compassion. We pull out a flurry of flowers or a bouquet of bounty. We don't need to let a single word pass from out lips. Flowers say everything we are thinking and the things we can't say.

Go today and create a moment with flowers. Surprise someone with tulips, sprinkle on the sorry with sunflowers or say "I Love You" with roses. If we are incapable of uttering our words, buy flowers. Life is too short to hold back how we feel.

Until tomorrow Petal Power.

Kids are amazing. If you have children of your own or know a few kids, there is nothing more fascinating than a small human. Go ahead watch them and learn. As adults, we have forgotten to stare at the world through a filter of unbiased. Their brains are like sponges, and their bodies prefer to run on piles of sugar hearts. They howl at the moon and take off their pants in the middle of the grocery store. Kids whack street signs with sticks and run through mud puddles in brand new athletic shoes. They decorate our favorite sweatshirt with marker and tell the man next door that he must be pregnant with a belly that big. As adults, we never thought we would hear ourselves utter the phrase "Put your shoes on." more than a handful of times in our lives. Kids make us say it over, and over AND over. If we didn't know any better, it seems as if kids are trying to drive us mad. Children live without rules and are just being little. As adults, that can make us crazy.

However, as a parent, "I Love My Kids So Deeply It Hurts." No one will ever know what it's like to love my kids as much as I do. It's heartbreakingly joyful and worth every crazy moment.

For example, I'm off to clean up a cardboard box filled with ice cubes, wrapped in a roll of masking tape melting on my kitchen floor. I'll then go love the crazy. How about you?

Until tomorrow Kiddos.

In the spirit of the week's theme, I have filled out today's blank with "I love Giant Pandas!" There is something about a Giant Panda that we all can love. It took a while to understand how adorable these robust little creatures can be. Their portly bellies and their zen aura are inspiring. There is something celestial and otherworldly when it comes to a Giant Panda. For sixteen hours a day, they chew on bamboo and contemplate the universe. There is nothing more adorable than a Giant Panda cub (sorry kittens and puppies.) It's hard to think about the fact there are very few left the world. In fact, by estimates, there are less than two thousand giant pandas on the planet. They can teach us much about ourselves and how important it is to be zen in our existence. They should be one of the great loves of humankind.

Someone else in my life loves the Giant Pandas too and her drawing says it all.

We are going to love the power of zen today and watch a Giant Panda on a Panda cam at the San Diego Zoo. How about you? 

Until tomorrow Panda Lovers.

It seems natural at first, but it's hard to love. It doesn't bend to any other emotion. It can come cascading in like a big wave over the horizon. Sometimes it travels quietly into our lives like a tiny leak between our roof tiles. It's a matter of record that we all have loved. It's a question of record if we all have lost love. Either way for the next seven days, I am going to fill in the blank "I Love____." It's time to remember what I love. It can get lost in the everyday. We tend to forget about the things and people we love. It's not going to happen this week. How about you? 

Until Tomorrow Lovers.

It's funny how people think different things are super. Take the Super Bowl. Lots of people watch the Super Bowl. Some come for the big game and competition. Others show up for loads of indulgent food. Some crews only want to watch the half-time show and the commercials. Shoppers unite on this day and forget the Super Bowl. What I love about today is a chance to make the day excellent, superb, outstanding, marvelous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid and glorious. It is what I will do today. I'm going to do something super by just doing whatever sounds good to me like diving into a whole plate of nachos. How about you?

Until tomorrow Supermen & Superwomen!

It happens every year. Maybe we are coming out of the grocery store or on the way to our yoga class. Our minds are elsewhere when out of the corner of our eye we see them. We know a difficult decision is about to bubble up inside us. They are impossibly cute with their little sweet smiles and bouncy pigtails. They ask the question that no one on a carb free, liquid diet or any health kick wants to hear. In their sweet, irresistible voices, our hearts melt when the say "Would you like to buy a box of Girl Scout cookies?" 

Do we?

Yes! Yes, we do. Not only are we supporting a terrific organization that "builds girls courage, confidence, and character" but these cookies are damn good. They are absolute perfection in a box. Personally, I look forward to the Samoas with their coconut, sticky caramel, and crunchy bite.

Once we have paid our $5 for each box, we have to ask ourselves how to stop from eating the entire treasure trove. Personally, I put a box in the freezer to keep them at bay and then end up sneaking the whole box into my pie hole while I binge-watched something on Netflix. That's not going to happen this year.

This year I devised a plan. I'm incorporating my entire box of Samoas into a Super Brownie recipe for the Super Bowl. Let me just say these are the strictly the richest, most decadent, over-the-top brownies ever. They are hands down SUPER, and the only way to make these million dollar bars is with a box of Girl Scout cookies. Need to find a box? Here is the: Girl Scout Cookie Locator.

After you find your box, here is the Super Brownie recipe to make your Super Bowl, well, super.

Super Brownies

• 1 stick butter
• 2oz of bittersweet chocolate
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 8oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 confectioner's sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 box of Girl Scout Cookies ( I used Samoas but maybe try this recipe with Thin Mints?)
• 1 jar of caramel (optional)

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 8" x 8" baking pan by lining it with parchment and spraying with cooking spray. In a heat large safe bowl, add the butter and 2oz bittersweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals into the butter and chocolate is melted. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the cocoa powder, flour, and salt in a medium sized bowl. In a stand-up mixer, add the butter and chocolate mixture. Turn the mixer to low and add the sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time then add the vanilla and mix at medium speed for another 2 minutes. Add the flour, cocoa, and salt to the mixer bowl mix until thoroughly combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese and whip with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the confectioner's sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Step 4: Spread half the brownie batter in the bottom of a pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture on the top of the brownie mixture. If using, drizzle half a jar of the caramel on top of the cream cheese. Then layer the remaining brownie batter on the top of cream cheese. Press the Girl Scout cookies in the top of the brownie batter. Bake for 45-50 min or until the center is no longer glossy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Drizzle with more caramel if desired.

Step 5: Allow brownies to cool for at least 2 hours. Then cover with foil and place into the refrigerator for another 2 hours. Don't rush the cooling process. Once the brownies are cool, lift them from the pan onto a cutting board and cut into 9-12 large squares. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Now go eat a super brownie.

Until tomorrow, Super Girl Scouts.

Food can't make us happy, at least that is what the professionals say. We need to make healthy food choices say all the health gurus. Vegetables should be at the top of the must eat list scold our doctors. There is the dreaded broccoli; the much talked about brussel sprouts and let's put the limits on the lima beans. Consuming three to five vegetables can seem complicated, distasteful and downright uninspiring. 

Well, what about the queen of vegetables, the potato? Who doesn't like a good old fashioned french fry? No, we are not talking about sweet potato fries or crazy crispy green bean fries. We are talking spuds. We are also talking about chili, cheese and a whole lot of tasty homemade goodness. I could describe this pile of delicious goodness.  We could talk about the crispy oven baked crunch that each slice of potato offers. We could contemplate the perfection of the sharp cheddar cheese that makes the chili layer on the comfort. We could discuss how a can of green chilis never had a home so perfect. However, the photos are going to do it all the work, and yes, these Super Fries could make your Friday super happy.

Without further blabbering, welcome to potato heaven folks and a touchdown recipe for today or Sunday's big game.

Super Fries*

Makes 4 super servings

*start the night before or 3 hours before baking the fries

• 2-3 medium sized russet potatoes sliced 1/4" thin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-1/2 cup extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• 1-15oz can chili
• 1 -4oz can of nacho sliced jalapeños
• 1/2 a medium yellow onion diced
• 1 large avocado sliced 
• salt to taste

Step 1: Wash and scrub the potatoes. Slice each potato thin into 1/4 inch slices or use a french fry cutter.

Step 2: Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator. Let sit for at least 3 hours or overnight. 

Step 3: After the fries soaked, drain and rinse the fries. Place the fries on a paper towel and pat dry.

Step 4: Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Open the can of chili and place the contents in a saucepan on low on the stove. Place the fries on two parchment lined cookie sheets. Drizzle with the olive oil, salt and combine. Rearrange the fries on each sheet to ensure no fries overlap. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the fries twice with a spatula. Increase the temperature on the oven to 450 degrees and bake until crispy and brown. Remove from oven and immediately place the fries on a serving tray.

Step 5: Top with chili, cheese, jalapeños, onion and avocado.

Now we have Super Fries and we are super, happy right?

Until tomorrow Super Fans!

Some of us might say that more money makes life super. Money never hurts. Some of us might say travel makes our lives super. Experiencing different cultures expands something inside us. Some of us might say food makes life super. Well, yes, a big donut can make life better. Some of us might say that being in good health makes life super. We can't argue with that one. However, what makes my life super is people. They are beautiful, unique and complicated. Each person in my life makes things a little more super every day. How about you? What makes your life super?

Until tomorrow Super Duper.

Day 60 - Wow. Hello there. Now that Oscar fever has broken, I just realized it is day 60 of Create & Change. Where did the time go friends? Let's review the month. We have traced shadows, made flower arrangements, mixed up Shirley Temples and had our first guest interview. Who else is having a ton of fun?

Which brings me to today's project, drop me a note and let me know what you are working on. Is Create & Change inspiring you? Do you want to see more? Is it helping you be creative everyday? Let's hear from you. 

xoxo,

Previous Posts

Day 58 - Alright folks. One more day till Oscar makes a debut on the red carpet. How should we celebrate? Maybe a beverage to toast the awards? Oooo, How about a Shirley Temple?

Do you remember when you were a kid and your parents would take you out to dinner. They would order you a Shirley Temple as a special treat? Remember the super fun flame red liquid that sparkled with bubbles? The sweet neon colored cherry was like a hidden treasure at the bottom of the glass? What a treat right?

Yeah, I don't remember enjoying a Shirley Temple either because my parents would NEVER ordered me something so frivolous. That's why for today's project, we are going to mix one up.

Let's create the best darn Shirley Temple this world has ever tasted and clink our glasses to Oscar while making childhood dreams true!

Ingredients:

• Reed's Extra Ginger Brew (non-alchoholic)
• Maraschino Syrup
• Maraschino Cherries
• Orange Slices
• Twizzler® Strawberry Twists

Start with an 8oz glass full of ice. Pour the Reed's Extra Ginger Brew over the ice and top it off with a few splashes of maraschino syrup. Add a maraschino cherry (or five) and an orange slice. Cut 1/4 off the bottom and top of the Twizzler® Twist to make a straw. 

Bottoms Up! Cheers to Oscar and childhood dreams coming true! Glup.

Day 57 - Hello friends. More Oscar talk today and the first guest interview here on Create & Change. Let me introduce two movie lovers, the funniest married couple and downright amazingly creative folks, Val & Kerry! Val & Kerry are the go-to team for anything movies and anything funny. They are a not just any regular old Rom Com, they are Rom Com 2!

Ok, after my failed attempt at joke and a great title for this post, let's jump into today's project. Today, read through the interview and pick one question from the interview. Then ask a friend, co-worker or family member the question. Create a conversation with someone and see if you can create funny today. That's it! 

Without further adieu, let me present Val & Kerry....

Day 56 - Hey there! It's an easy project today. You could say it's a "free square" in the middle of the BINGO card day. Turn up the heat on Oscar fever by printing out a FREE Oscar night BINGO game here. It's made for 6 people and pairs well with a glass of bubbly. Let's get ready to Oscar!

BINGO!

Day 53 -  Hi ho! How's the temperature on your Oscar fever? Let's talk red carpet moments to get that fever higher. Who else loves watching the dresses, million dollars worth of jewels and the hair?! It's all so glamorous. Most of us will never get to experience the kind of dramatic style moment the Oscar affords or be in position to call up a glam squad to doll us up. 

1 - Bauble Bar Firestone Collar , 2 - A.J. Morgan Sunglasses, 3 - Zara Jacket, 4 - Zara Top, 5 - Zara Skirt, 6 - Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish In Glamorous Life  {affiliate link}, 7 - Oscar Like Trophy {affiliate link}, 8 - Zara Clutch, 9 - Top Shop Reese Heels, 10 - Baublebar Ellis Drops, 11 - DL 1961 Power Legging Jeans

Does that mean we can't glam it up? Nope. In fact today's project is to create a glamorous look for your Oscar night. Take a few minutes and pick an item online that makes you say, "Wow. I would never wear that but I would feel so glamorous." Throw your hair in hot rollers, buy yourself that necklace or just get out of your sweats. Do something today that creates glamour in your life. Report back. How did it feel to be a little red carpet ready?

Day 54 - Day 2 of Oscar fever. Who's throwing a party? More importantly, will there be food at the party? Count me in but only if there is food, especially popcorn! Movie food is special. Is it just me or do big memories get made when sitting in a dark room snarfing down boxes of candy and salty, buttery popcorn while guzzling barrels of cherry coke. Think of E.T. What comes to mind? Yep, Reese's Pieces. 

The Martian is the only Oscar nominated file I was able to watch this year, yet. Spoiler Alert: In the movie, the main character who is played by Matt Damon, is forced to grow his own potatoes. He then is forced to eat an ungodly amount of potatoes to stay alive. In honor of this Oscar nominated flick, today's project will be to fry up a batch of homemade potato chips, or as I like to call them "Martian Chips." These "Martian Chips" would make Oscar party worthy food. They are easy, salty and delicious. They would go great with the Oscars or any movie!

Martian Chips Recipe - Serves 4

• 3 russet potatoes 
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• corse sea salt 

Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick widthwise. Place the potato rounds in a large bowl with cold water and let soak for 30 min to remove excess starch. Drain the potato rounds and pat dry and place on paper towel to remove excess water.

Heat canola oil in a dutch oven on the stove over medium high heat.

Once the oil is hot, place 8-9 potato rounds in the canola oil until evenly golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove potato rounds from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with sea salt to desired taste.

For The Record, These Are Way Too Crispy.

Now, all we need is some ketchup. Oscar night here we come! What do you think? Will you be serving Martian Chips at your Oscar bash?

Day 53 - Well hello there! Monday is here and who else is getting Oscar Fever? (crickets. crickets. crickets.) Oh come on! This Sunday, February 28th at 4:00 PST, ABC will be showing the 88th Oscar celebration and Chris Rock is the host! It should be fun and who doesn't like a good party where extremely beautiful people, dressed in millions of dollars worth of jewels parade around on a velvet red carpet and possibly win a big gold statue? Sign me up! 

However, today's project isn't about the Oscars, it's about the hard work and dedication that goes into making movies that are nominated for an Oscar. How many of us have watched an Oscar nominated film for the nomination? For example, Mad Max Furry Road has been nominated for "Make-Up & Hairstyling." Did I notice the make-up & hairstyling when I was eating buttery popcorn huddled on my couch? Nope. Not really. However, a creative genius poured their life blood into making the make-up & hair amazing. It seems only reasonable we should take some time to pay attention and honor their work.

Today's project is to pick an Oscar nominated film and intently watch it based on it's nomination. Ask why this film deserves the nomination? How many hours went into planning? Why is it good? Will it win the nomination? 

I just listened to each of the nominated music original songs. You can listen to them here: 

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

“Earned It,” Fifty Shades of Grey

“Manta Ray,” Racing Extinction

“Simple Song #3,” Youth

“Til It Happens To You,” The Hunting Ground

“Writing’s On The Wall,” Spectre

What do you think? It's interesting listening to the song without the movie and realizing how many creative parts are in a movie. Movie magic!

Day 51 - Hey! Who wants to get out of town today? There is nothing like getting out of the old comfort zone and planning a quick day trip. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves the world is a big, gigantic and amazing place. 

Get Muddy.

Today's project is get out of your comfort zone and create a new adventure. Go to a new coffee shop, hike the never hiked trail or drive to the other side of town. Get lost. Drive in circles. Go eat something new.

A Great Hiking Book For the Bay Area. This Contains An Affiliate Link. Afoot & Afield San Francisco Bay Area 

Remember adventure always includes the 3 P's: Patience, Perseverance & Phone (As In No Phone). I learned the 3 P's the hard way today on short adventure to the redwoods. 

Patience: Today's adventure included hiking around redwoods which was delayed because a exit was missed. Yes, I got lost. Really lost.

Perseverance: The beautiful redwood hike was cut short by some rumbling bellies. However, the bellies were filled by amazing food fueled only because of the adventure.

Phone (As In No Phone): I turned my phone off unless it was for directions. It was absolutely amazing how much I enjoyed the adventure WITHOUT the phone. 

By repeating the 3 P's, the day turned into a truly memorable time. Where are you going to go today? Did you use the 3 P's on your adventure? Let's hear about your day trippin'.

Kaleidoscope Coffee - 109 Park Place Point Richmond CA - Samuel P. Taylor State Park 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Lagunitas, CA 94938 - Amy's Drive Thru - 58 Golf Course Drive Rohnert CA 98928

Day 50 - Hi Ya! It's Friday Fun day. Let the weekend begin. What's a better way to kick off the weekend than with a little funny today. Anybody know a good joke? Let's start with the only joke I know. Why did the dyslexic eat the word stressed? Because it spells desserts backwards. 

Which brings me to today's project.  Funny Cake! Why funny cake you ask? That's a weird name for cake. Does it bore you with improv? Tell inappropriate jokes at family gatherings? Get drunk and hit on your grandma? Nope. What makes it funny? It's eggless. That's right. It's a delicious moist chocolate cake made without eggs. Hilarious right?

Funny Cake Ingredients/Supplies: 

Serves 8

• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 8 x 8 inch baking pan
• Sprinkles (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8x8 inch cake pan. In a large bowl add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt & vinegar in a bowl. Stir. Add vanilla, oil, water & chocolate 3/4 cup chocolate chips to the flour mixture and stir. Place batter in 8x8 pan and bake for 25-30 min or until the center comes out clean when pricked with a toothpick.

Baking Soda. So Funny.

Vinegar. Who's Laughing?

This Looks Funny.

When still warm, place the 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top of the cake and allow to melt. Then spread the chocolate over the top of the cake. Add sprinkles if desired.

Funny Cake.

Now, insert knock knock joke and let's call Friday complete.