Margret, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

I love being able to tell the story of every woman, but especially mothers. The kind of beauty they posses deepens far beyond what the eye can see and is made of an intricate depth that was fashioned out of both the joy, pain, and perseverance that make up the life of a woman who shares her heart with others as a mother.

They are fabulous in their own way and Margret is no exception. She has experienced the highs and lows of past experience that have helped shape the woman and mother she is today to two beautiful daughters. Though having experienced the grief of a past miscarriage, she still believes everything happens for a reason and felt no desire to take it against God or anyone else.

Margret is a firm believer in having not only faith and confidence, but also being a go-getter, and unafraid to learn new things whether it's in cooking/baking or in business. But more so than that, she also believes in sharing a message with other women that beauty on the outside as well as within are what build a true and genuine confidence.

Margret, thank you for being a joy to work with. You are generous with your smiles and laughter and it was a honor to photograph you and share your beauty, both inside and out, with the world.

Here's to celebrating a mother's timeless beauty - Happy Mother's Day!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko  for Margret's beautiful hair and make up! 

To see more of the behind the scenes of Margret's photo session, feel free to watch the video below!

Scooping Skills and Day We Took Her Home

As a child, I'd never really had the fun experience of having a family dog to love and raise.

I do re-call a brief trial period with a couple of puppies my parents surprised us with, but unfortunately that didn't last but a few weeks. One of the dogs bit my sister playing too rough, my other sister tried to stuff the other dog into her doll's stroller for a little ride, and I don't ever really recall being motivated to make good on the promises we profusely made about cleaning up after the puppies in order to keep them.

We were living proof that little girls under the age of 10 are not capable of scooping poop, no matter how cute and fluffy the maker is.

Four years ago today, my husband and I took home this little monster baby. 

She cried and yelped and protested her crate throughout the first night we had her, left us little surprises around our little apartment, regularly threw up her meals on the upholstery of both our cars during short road trips, and bit a hole into my favorite living room pillows as well as one of my favorite scarves. 

And yet despite all of this, she has managed to take up residency in a very special part of our hearts. 

And yes, it is because of her that I now know how to pooper-scoop.....like a boss. =)

Happy Monday!

Toilet Paper and Lessons In Respect and Listening

The late afternoon sun beamed down mercilessly on the shield of our sunglasses as my husband and I strolled through the track of a local high school in our neighborhood. We were scheduled to meet some friends there for an evening run.

Ok. Let's be real. My friends and husband actually ran. I huffed and puffed my way around the track, trying not to cry, while daydreaming about a burger. With fries.

I was recounting to my husband the details of a meeting I was recently a part of in which I walked away feeling as if I was not truly listened to.Though I knew in the back of my mind that this person had a stellar resume of accomplishments that truly deserved some sort of trophy, I couldn't help but feel slightly disrespected. It reminded me how important it is to be a good listener, regardless of what status you reach or what position you hold, higher or lower that the person sitting across the meeting table. That it makes a real difference in both business and personal interactions, can make or break a deal, can form an important connection or not.

My husband has worked in the corporate world for awhile, so needless to say, he's experienced his fair share of situations in which the concept of respect and listening to folks from all levels/positions was no where on the meeting agenda. In response to my after-work lament, he nods in understanding and sums up the importance of respecting people in one simple sentence:

"You know, the most important person at a hotel is the one who replaces the toilet paper."

Wisdom at it's finest, folks. We all know we never want to be caught without toilet paper.

Happy Wednesday!

Always Practice Seeing

One of the things I am learning as a portrait photographer is that you can never spend too much time seeing. 

Awhile back I took a workshop taught by a seasoned photographer with the intention of simply picking up a few tips and tricks I thought would be useful in my work. Interestingly enough, the biggest tip I received in this class didn't involve the use of a camera, but my eyes. 

As someone who never wants to miss a moment with my camera, the thought of not having an active camera in new surroundings didn't make sense and frankly, made me a little fidgety and uneasy. However, when I finally took the assignment seriously and actually sat quietly observing my surroundings without taking a single photograph on a random sunny day, it was then I finally saw the value in this lesson. That anyone can take a picture with a camera, but the ability to really see are what separates the picture-takers from the photographers who make and create a photograph.

It as a beautiful weekend in the city of San Francisco - perfect for taking the time to practice the art of seeing and creating a few memorable photographs of the city I am thankful to live near. 

Happy Monday!

PREVIEW: Elizabeth, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

"Exist in photographs not only for yourself, but for your children."

I once heard a photographer say this and it made my heart skip a beat because even I sometimes forget how powerful a photograph can be not only for the person being photographed but for whoever treasures the image for years to come.

I had the honor of meeting Elizabeth a few months ago and the privilege of photographing her this past weekend. It was wonderful to catch up and needless to say, I was very excited to work with her on this shoot.

Elizabeth and her husband have a young son and as I write this post, I can't help but remember the powerful words of that photographer. Because one day, when her son looks back on this photo years down the road, I hope he sees an image of his mother that captures everything that speaks of strength, love, and beauty that shines from the inside out.

Here's a little sneak peak into Elizabeth's shoot - stay tuned for more!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Elizabeth's beautiful hair and make up! 

Motivation vs. Inspiration

Motivational speakers, motivational messages, motivational mugs, motivational cheers.

Ehhh.

Now, I'm not trying to knock motivational messages or anything like that. It helps some people, and to each their own - far be it for me to criticize.

However, for me personally at least, I think there's something much more captivating, something much deeper, and more awesome and impactful overall, when you're inspired.

As a business owner, I have had my share of ruts/the days in the "middle" of the journey that make me wish I was at the destination point, the season where suddenly it's all easy sailing, the point where I wouldn't have to push so much or be prone to eating so much chocolate in the middle of the afternoon.

It's in those moments that what I need most isn't necessarily motivation or a rah-rah-rawrrrr cheer but rather some heart-shifting inspiration. The reminders of why I began this journey to re-define beauty for women through my photography. The reminders of why I willingly take on the challenges because it's making an impact for something bigger than me. The reminders of how a God-given dream and talent can change the world around me. That kind of inspiration.

One of my favorite photographers is New Zealand-born photographer Sue Bryce. And on an evening that was headed towards "rut-ville", I watched this video she created and was once again reminded why I am inspired to center my work around photographing every woman, celebrate without inhibition, the message that she is beautiful.

Hope you are inspired by this as much as I was.

Happy Friday!

Vacation, Business Networking, and Puppy Outfits - The Random

I'm attending a networking meeting tonight and the butterflies have started fluttering its wings since earlier this morning.

My husband wants to go Hawaii for vacation. And while it sounds like fun, my heart gets sad and weepy just thinking about leaving our puppy, Kona Bean, behind.

I'm considering getting my dog one of those pilot helmets and aviator goggles/scarf costumes. I really, really think she might like it.

Dark-chocolate covered pretzels shouldn't be so easily accessible to people like me who eat them for breakfast.

High-heels are fun and I love 'em like most girls who love shoes, but ohhhhh nothing beats a pair of Isotoner house slippers. Especially if you're losing the battle of the bunion. (You're welcome.)

For this type-A, must organize everything in sight kind of gal, places like Office Depot are like a slice of heaven. Post-Its, file folders, oh, be still my heart. Did I ever tell you about the time in college when my 5 pages of class notes looked horribly sloppy....so I re-wrote the entire thing for fun?

I love cards. Like loooooove/Hallmark gets a high-five from me. I love them more than the presents they come attached to. Many a time has my husband given me a gift and I spend more time re-reading and hugging the card more than I do opening the actual gift. He married a nerd and heck yeah, I'm proud of it.

I hate when it's prayer time during my small group meetings from church and the peaceful silence is rudely interrupted by my stomach deciding to imitate burping walrus.

The effects of wind-blown hair in a photo session creates divinely beautiful photos and makes my little creative heart swoon. I am determined to make Heartbox Photography known for dramatic wind-blown hair in every photo. =)

I wish it were still cool to carry my lunch in Jem and the Holograms lunchbox.


Happy Thursday!

Mondays and Bird Nest Hair

A case of the Mondays are never fun.

Especially when it starts off with a before-the-sun-rises-kind-of-alarm blaring in your ear and a puppy who hasn't been walked in a few days and decides to take revenge on your shoe insert as you are busy making your hair presentable and less bird-nest like.

Like I said, Mondays.

But...it's all part of it, right? You roll with it and hope to eventually get a laugh out of the rough start to a day. I found this posted by a friend and am thankful for the little chuckles from Facebook-newsfeed humor that make this Monday not so bad after all.

 

Happy Monday, folks.

Molasses and Speeding Tickets

Sometimes, things in life move as slow as molasses. And sometimes they move as fast as the rush of water from a fire hose.

When it comes to goals and achieving them, since childhood, I tend to lean towards the side of wishing that things moved at a pace slightly faster than molasses.

Or, at the very least, a snail with a pair of hockey skates on.

As many times as I repeat the cycle of wishing things moved along at my own ideal timing, I still am end up with the same conclusion: God's timing always ends up being better, whether I think it's too fast or too slow. And I've yet to prove Him wrong, which, come to think of it, is probably not a bad thing.

I got to chatting the other day with some friends about an old friend of mine who had passed away a few years back. It was obviously a sad and very unfortunate event, but at the same time the jolt of sudden passings reminded me that while life is truly brief, it doesn't mean that speeding my through it was the best approach to living it fully either. Basically, I am learning there will some molasses-covered a.k.a. can-somebody- puh-lease speed-this train-up-so-I-can-get-to-where-I-need-to-be type of moments and there will be some moments that seriously need a speeding ticket for whizzing by so fast.

And both types of seasons are necessary.

The slower moments remind me to take the time to learn and grow while the faster seasons remind me to cherish even what seems to be the smallest blessings because the time to enjoy them is fleeting.


Happy Thursday!

Stella and Dot: My New BFF

I love being able to endorse a great products - and it's even better when there's a great story behind the company that makes them.

A few months back, I attended a girlfriend's Stella and Dot trunk show half expecting that I probably wouldn't stay for too long because I'm as picky with my accessories as a toddler is picky with their dinner plate.

Well, not only did I stay much longer than I anticipated, but after oohing and ahhing over the beautiful selections of necklaces, earrings, and rings displayed on the tables, it wasn't long before I placed a little call to my husband asking if I can make a small, um, investment in a few things I found. Investments that came in more colors than the rainbow.

Helping the economy - it's a good thing. =)

Stella and Dot is a fabulous, woman-owned business that specializes in accessories just for her and what I loved most about them was not only the unique styles, but the fact that their fashion jewelry is made of quality materials that range from semi-precious stones, sterling silver, etc. The abundance of unique styles and designs as well as the fact that the metals used don't cause any allergic reaction to this gal, is a major plus in my book.  It's also worth nothing that the company was started with the philosophy in mind to help other women start a side business whether it is part or full time.

I also found out that this month, in honor of the Autism Awareness, Stella and Dot is donating all net proceeds from the purchases of their Autism Awareness Collection. Be sure to check their fan page and not only support a great company, but also an awesome cause.

Your accessory collection will thank you.

Happy shopping!

Puppy Love

I contemplated posting up an embarrassing old photo of my sisters and me as kids in honor of Throwback Thursdays. But instead as I sit here typing this and staring at the fur ball that's brought so much love, joy, and play into my life, I've decided instead to post this photo. 

I still remember the day we brought her home and how our living room pillows were no match for her insatiable need to chew everything, our toilet paper always seemed to unravel itself into the living room whenever she was left anywhere near the bathroom, and yes, even that one time she decided that her toilet was right next to a lamp - in our living room. 

But believe me for all those times I've ever cried and she was the first one there to offer a sloppy puppy kiss for comfort, all those times she's playfully welcomed us home even if all we were doing was stepping out to throw away the trash, and even those times she's loyally waited beside the bed all night until we woke up - it's been more than worth it.

Gotta love that puppy love.

Happy Thursday!

"Oh, Look! A Penny!"

I get distracted easily.

For example, this post. Immediately after typing that first line, I got curious about where the Full House cast was today and spent a few minutes Googling this information. Why? Eh...because it's critical to the growth of my work as a photographer? Not really, but nice try, right?

                     

Like I said, waaay to easily distracted.

Distractions come in all forms in my world. The funny ways like the sale window at my favorite shoe stores, the Toblerone bar at the side of the checkout line at Target, the dishes that caught my attention when I was on my way to fold the laundry instead.

Many a Toblerone bar and pair of shoes have made their way into my heart and home this way.

But....I also can get easily sidetracked by things that I know shouldn't hold my time or attention for too long.The more serious/I-need-therapy-kind-of-stuff. My list of distractions can include: worry about the future, dwelling on what I think that person meant, analyzing a critical comment I can't seem to forget, procrastination on time-wasting activities because to face a challenge and push through is just, well, too scary.

One of the things that I'm learning is that these kinds of distractions can severely impede my ability to lead. And for most of my life, I never thought of myself as much of a leader and hence these kinds of distractions hardly bothered me - they're only little things and who cares since it only affects me, right?

Wrong.

"Leadership isn't about personality or attention or charm. Leadership is about accountability, responsibility and service. God is calling us to lead in our marriages, to lead in our friendships, to lead in our communities, to lead in our workplace. He's calling us to lead in our churches, to lead ourselves into new ways of thinking, to better decisions. He's calling us to lead in our neighborhoods and on airplanes and in elevators." - Allison Vesterfelt

Whew. Ain't that the truth. The little things matter because they affect the big things. The important things like the ability to lead. What seems to be a harmless distraction of worrying over the what-ifs of the future can impede the ability to be effectively used today for service to others. Over-analyzing a critical comment said to me years ago distracts me from the freedom that forgiveness can give my heart and mind. Avoiding a challenge for the easier and seemingly fun distractions may mean a missed opportunity to grow in something even better not only for myself but for others around me.

It's a tall order, but I reckon that viewing leadership from this standpoint today can produce so much more good in a day than what distraction has produced in years.

Happy Tuesday!

Thoughts on Introverted & Extroverted Entrepreneurship

I'll be the first to admit that it's not easy being an entrepreneur who is more introverted and shy. I recently had a conversation with another businesswoman and found it interesting how we shared a lot of the same challenges, the same "please, please, PLEASE, don't make me talk to anyone at this event other than the chips and guacamole" kind of moments.

In a few of my previous posts, I've often joked about various networking meetings in which my favorite spots to mingle were near the food-preferably dessert- table in the back of the room. Waaaay back. Hugging the exit sign.

We chatted about how we often think of entrepreneurship and introversion mixing as well as oil and water but also discovered that there are indeed hidden strengths in what may appear to some as an obstacle to any business endeavors.

Whenever I thought of a successful entrepreneur, it always entailed this picture of someone with larger-than-life confidence, the ability to chat with and charm anyone from 5 to 85 years old, the talent to make a crowd people laugh at their witty jokes. And while those characteristics are fabulous, wonderful, and valuable it isn't the way everyone should be.

As a portrait photographer for women, I am privileged to serve in a capacity that involves more than making a pretty photo. I've come to realize that my work allows me to serve as someone who will listen, encourage, and take the time to address the concerns behind every question. It's nerve-rattling to be in front of the camera when you're not a trained model or if you've had some insecurities about your appearance. The way your nose looks, your arms, your height, and oh my gosh I'm not 20 years old anymore, how can I possibly capture a truly beautiful photo of myself now? Because I am not a huge fan of crowds, I feel more comfortable in these types of one to one situations and I definitely have to say that being more of an observing introvert has helped a ton in being sensitive to each client's wants and needs.

In other words, whether you're more of the introvert getting a head start on the snack table at the back of the room, or the extrovert leading the presentation on stage at the front, there is no"right" way to be when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Serving a client well with whatever product or service you offer rises as above all of that, whether in a one to one setting or crowded conference room.

The world needs both.

Happy Thursday!

Facing Your Fears...Most Days

Some days I'm brave. Other days, I'm simply not.

A huge challenge could be looming a half inch from my face and I still struggle at times to face it head on even when it's clear that to face it is the much better option.

But hey, that's ok. I'm learning to accept that I am and always will be, a work in progress. And as long as "progress" is part of the picture, I know I'm headed in the right direction.

Happy Tuesday!

PREVIEW: Margret, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

It was hard to forget her friendly face and bubbly personality when I had first met Margret a year ago to photograph her lovely family for an afternoon session. And while I don't do family photography anymore, I was privileged to not only catch up with Margret again this past weekend, but also to capture that unforgettably friendly and lovely face again, this time for a glamour photo session and makeover.  

To get together and catch up on life is so much fun. And then you add that to a sunny afternoon with hair styling, makeup, and a photo session? You get an extra dose of fabulous, for sure.

Here's a sneak peak into Margret's photo session - stay tuned for more!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Margret's beautiful hair and make up! 

Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

A camera captures more than just a photo. And a photo is about more than just the right light, the right angle, the right moment, the right expression. It can be a means to transform and change a perspective, to influence, to shape, to bring something fabulous to share with everyone.

Meet Ann.

As many of you know from her preview blog post here, Ann is not only a wife and mother of two, but she is also a fashion consultant with CAbi. And just as I love to use my camera as a means to share a message to the world of real beauty for the everyday woman, Ann uses her talents in fashion to help women look and feel their absolute best.

I recently had the privilege to photograph Ann and learn more about her life as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. One of the things I appreciated most about Ann was her belief that every woman should feel fabulous about herself no matter what age she is. Can I get an amen, ladies?

Here are just a few of my favorites from Ann's session with Heartbox Photography as well as a little story about the lovely person she is.

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up! 



"Dance was a huge part of my life growing up. I started at the age of 8 and it helped me have self confidence, make friends, and learn about how important a healthy body is. In my teenage years, it was a way for me to express my emotions when I couldn't find the words and is still a a huge part of my identity today."

"I am most passionate about raising happy and confident children. I want my son and daughter to be kind, loving, and strong. I want them to know that they are loved for who they are and teach them how to enjoy the little things in life as well as how to overcome obstacles."

"If I could give my 18-year-old-self advice, it would be this - relax and enjoy life's ups and downs. Everything is going to be just fine. I would also tell her that she is beautiful the way she is, not what others think of her."

"I admire people who lead through example and inspiration. Leaders who teach you to find your own path and lead rather than just follow."

"My personal motto is: find your own happiness. Too often I see people drifting through life losing their identity. This is especially true with moms. They stop caring about themselves and forge to do things in life that they enjoy. They think they are being the best moms but they lose sight of the example they are setting.

"I have a friend named Tricia that I have known since I was 3. Having a lifelong friend you can share life's good and bad moments with is such a gift. She has taught me how much girlfriends can be supportive of one another and offer that stability along the journey of life."

"My daughter, Kira, has also definitely changed me. She has such an amazing spirit and her happiness is contagious. When I hear her laugh, my whole body fills with joy. She teaches me to be silly and girly and free from self-doubt."

"As a fashion consultant, I want women to dress in clothes that highlight their best features and make them feel good about themselves. I love seeing woman's face light up when I put her in an outfit that makes her feel pretty, sassy - or whatever feeling she hasn't felt in a while."

"Be your most beautiful self from the inside out."

It was a wonderful shoot and I am honored to have been a part of it. Be sure to check out the slideshow below!

"You Did Real Good, Honey!"

"Use your words to inspire, joy will fall like rain, when you speak life with the things you say." 

-Toby Mac

This past weekend, I met a lovely woman who had a reputation for often expressing her encouragement through the phrases along the lines of "Ya did good honey/ya look adorable/ya doing great!" It was amusing at first, especially when I heard a story of how she even said this to encourage a waiter who was downright rude/probably-needed-to-get-slapped-to-her-and-her-family and obviously didn't deserve these graceful words.

How cool is that to have someone who constantly talked life and encouragement whenever they were around you, even if you were a complete stranger? If there is one thing I wouldn't mind having a reputation for, it would be the reputation of a woman whose words were always full of life to everyone she met. Even a rude waiter named Mr. Butthead.

You know that old saying "stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?" Well, whoever thought of that must have mumbled it in the depth of their sleep because the reality I wake up to and see around me is that words are powerful and can either build life or bring death. 

I was staring at the blank screen of this blog post thinking of what to write, when it dawned on me that the power of the pen, er, keyboard, could serve as a modern example of a way to bring either grace-filled words to the world. Or not.

I hope that for whatever it is I write about, be it my dog's latest adventure with the toilet paper roll or the latest photo session and makeover with Heartbox Photography, it would always be written with words filled with life, grace, and inspiration and even the occasional "Ya did real good, honey!"

Happy Thursday!

The Baby Tied the Knot

These past few days have been a flurry of activity because of an important family event - my baby sister, the last one of our brood, tied the knot this past weekend in Arizona to a great guy who loves her. Weddings, or any huge celebrations that involve our family are a surefire guarantee of a little fun and a lot of crazy. Needless to say, it as a weekend filled with all of that.

In the midst of the laughing and and hubbub of activity, the celebration and dancing, it dawned on me that my little sister isn't so little anymore. And during my toast at the reception, it was this heart-tugging thought alone that nearly caused a bit of a hiccup-sniffle-I'm-about-to-cry-all-weird-into-this-microphone-and-sound-like-a-dying-walrus-or-something.

My sister, as you can see, made a beautiful bride. Everything went by too fast and it served as a reminder to me to cherish time with your loved ones, even the crazy ones. =)

Here's to love, new beginnings, and crying/hiccuping during a toast simply because you are happy for celebrations like these.

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

Though the weekend clouds and rain normally put a stop to a lot of outdoor activities, it didn't put a stop to the fun of an indoor photo session and makeover with the lovely Ann.

I had met Ann a few months back and learned that she is not only a mother and wife, but also a talented fashion consultant with CAbi. (I absolutely LOVE their style. It's crazy hard trying to convince myself that it's not my birthday or Christmas or any other give-yourself-a-gift-kinda season right now. You'll see what I mean when you check out her site!) It's wonderful meeting other women who are advocates of empowering other women in all ways possible, including through the world of fashion and I am very excited to share with you all a preview of Ann's photo session.

There is definitely more from this shoot so stay tuned!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up! 

A Valentine's Day...For EVERYONE

I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes, I have to admit, sometimes in life there are more important things than chocolate.

Yikes. I really said that.

Valentine's Day is coming up and yes, I get it. Some folks love it and some folks would rather have a cavity filled with no anesthesia. 

Me? I think it's a fun excuse to eat more chocolate but because of the lack of self-control I sometimes have, we all know I'll find a reason, Val Day or not, to snack on a Hershey Kiss or two. 

Or three.

I came across an interesting article on Internet published by The Case Foundation that outlined 14 charitable ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, sans the chocolate and cutesy heart-shaped balloons. What I particularly liked about this list was that it didn't focus so much on the question of "are you single or not", but rather broadened the focus on creatively using Valentine's Day as a day to do some good in this world for everyone. 

And we all know, you can never do too much good for others. 

Refrain from the cavity-filling this year, folks - check out the list!

Happy Wednesday!

14 Charitable Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Forget the wining and dining. Do something that matters.

Like many people, I've had good Valentine's Days, and...not so good. The not-so-good ones date back to middle school, when I, like many of my classmates, anxiously awaited one of those sweetheart-pink carnations from what I hoped would be a secret admirer. Much to my dismay, the carnation never came. And for years, it left me feeling downright uneasy about the 14th of February.

I later came to realize that Valentine's Day is about much more than flowers and candy, or even being part of a couple. I love that there's a day in our busy lives when we officially celebrate love. I'm not just talking romantic love, like Hallmark would have us believe, but the real-deal, universal "stuff of life" that makes up who we really are. Behind our roles and personalities and professionalism, each of us, at essence, is a living, loving being. Sure, on the other 364 days of the year we might try to fake it, but on this one day attributed to a Saint, the world agrees: Love is where it's at.

Call it spirit, call it sweetness -- whatever you want to call it, we've all got it. It's just a matter of what we do with it. So this Valentine's Day, put the cupids and carnations and conversation-hearts aside. Give of yourself, your time, your heart -- to people you know, and people you don't. Share your love in small ways and big. And best of all, be generous.

There are plenty of ways to do good and feel good this Valentine's Day. Here are a few.

1. Will You Be My...Volunteer? There's no shortage of ways you can help. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or favorite nonprofit, or offer to tutor a child in reading or math. You can find loads of opportunities on VolunteerMatch, or check your local college campus for organized events.
2. Put the "Fun" in Fundraising. If you're taking that special someone out for a pricey dinner, why not have your bill go to a good cause? Check your newspaper or online city pages for Valentine-themed fundraisers that support local nonprofits. Or better yet, throw your own happy hour or party, and donate the proceeds to charity.
3. Send Love Letters. Not just to your sweetheart, but to people and organizations that are doing good things for the world. Tell them why you respect and appreciate their work, and that they really do make a difference. If you're feeling extra romantic, include a donation in the envelope.
4. Reach Out to Those in Need. Deliver homemade Valentine's cards or heart-shaped cookies to the sick, the elderly, the homeless -- and their caregivers. Call a local children's hospital, domestic violence shelter, or nursing home and ask how you can help.
5. Give Gifts That Give. There are dozens of charitable shopping sites and online nonprofit stores selling gifts for a good cause. Look for red Motorola phones, Gap T-shirts and iPods from Apple to support the Red Campaign, or try Henry's Hearts, Greater Good, or Shop4Charity online. Sweet deal: When you make a gift donation through Save the Children, they'll send you a free Valentine's Day scarf and card.
6. Remember Those Who Serve You. In the spirit of service, think of all those people who make your life easier and more convenient -- every single day. Give a thank-you card to the bus driver or the barista who serves you your latte. Personally thank the janitor who keeps your office or campus clean, or the people who pick up your trash. Leave your waiter an extra tip, and smile -- big -- at the gas station attendant.
7. Clean Your Closets. Get a head start on spring cleaning and donate clothes, toys, furniture, household items, and old computers to nonprofits accepting them. Check your local Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, or Goodwill Industries.
8. Get Your Heart Pumping. Charity walks and runs raise money for a good cause and get you moving in the great outdoors. Bring the family or your co-workers along to make it a team event. To find an event, check your local American Heart Association or your local runners' clubs, like Road Runners.
9. Adopt a Pet for a Day. Offer to take care of a pet for an ill or homebound neighbor. Volunteer at your local animal shelter to take the dogs for a walk. Or adopt an endangered species through theWorld Wildlife Fund, and you'll get a lovable stuffed pet and adoption certificate.
10. Be a Fair-Trade Valentine. Buy certified fair-trade chocolate from companies that ensure that small-scale farmers receive higher and more stable prices for their cocoa. Try Divine, Theo, or the many gourmet organic bars at Equal Exchange cooperative. Or get a fair-trade Valentine's Day Action Kit -- complete with chocolates, cards, and more -- at Global Exchange.
11. Love the Environment. Don't say it with flowers -- unless they're organic. Buy fresh organic blooms from your local farmer's market, or send a bunch from Organic Bouquet, which donates 10 percent to charities like CARE, the Global Fund for Women, and the American Red Cross.
12. Support Disaster Relief. Hurricane Katrina may be history by now, but the devastating effects in the Gulf region are far from forgotten. When you buy Love Letters to the South, a photography book of celebrities paying tribute to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, your purchase will help with rebuilding efforts. Proceeds support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery.
13. Say "I Do" to Charitable Weddings. If you've decided to tie the knot with that special someone, consider creating a charitable gift registry through the I Do Foundation and its many retail and nonprofit partners.
14. Celebrate with Small Acts of Kindness. Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday this week: February 12-18 is the 13th annual Random Acts of Kindness Week. What can you do? Buy coffee, lunch, or a toll payment for the person behind you in line. Tape the exact change for a soda to a vending machine. Send cards with joyful messages to strangers. Collect canned goods for a food bank. Shovel a neighbor's driveway, or babysit -- for free. Visit actsofkindness.org for hundreds of other ideas.

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Based in Kula, Hawaii, Elaine Gast is a writer and communications consultant for nonprofits, foundations, membership associations, businesses, and individuals. She has authored six books, contributed to Fodor's Travel Publications, and published articles in numerous magazines and newspapers. Elaine is president of Four Winds Writing, Inc.