Hope For The Homeless: Day 1 - Trial, Error, & Preparation

Today didn't exactly go as I'd planned it in my head. However, I did get the preparation completed, as well as the process planned out for when I interview participants for this project. Tomorrow I will try again, this time in the morning. Tonight I tried after the sun had gone down.... and I admit, it was extra creepy.

I did ask one woman if she was interested in being interviewed. I briefly explained the project, and she responded through the few teeth she had, "No, you see, I work for a corporation."

This threw me for a loop as I stared to her right at the pile of garbage bags that held her belongings, and the plastic cup she'd been shaking with change inside it. Her clothes were clearly dirty, as well as her body, and I don't think she works for a corporation at all.

I called my mom, because that's what I do when I don't know what else to do, and she said to try again in the morning when at least it is light out and less scary. She also pointed out that while the woman most likely does not work for a corporation, she very well could believe she does in her head. This reminds me that many of the homeless people we see are far off into their own imaginations, living based on daydreams that they convince themselves to be their realities. Many are sick, mentally and psychologically, and I will have to seek those who are capable of communicating for this to be a success.

Tomorrow is a new day. Tonight I will work on the signs, and I already have my first collaged money jar ready for the first featured participant. I understand it might not be as easy as I had imagined. It will take a lot of guts for people to admit to being homeless... as I'm sure it's not something they are proud of by any means.

Here's to hoping that tomorrow is a much better attempt. But for what it is worth, today has been great in the way that preparation is now complete, and I am equipped with all of the supplies I will need.

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney

Hope For The Homeless

Tonight I was walking home from having dinner at 800 Degrees with my new friend Morgan, a fellow writer, when I passed a homeless woman and asked if she would like my leftover pizza.

There was half of the truffle cheese goodness—three good-sized pieces— remaining, and while I was totally looking forward to cold pizza for lunch tomorrow [that’s the best!], I could not walk by this woman without offering it to her.

She needed it more than I would. Actually, in all honesty, I am fortunate to not NEED it at all. We live in a society where we're taught to think we need so much more than we actually do.

With the holidays around the corner, it feels right to open our hearts to those who are truly in need. It is an epidemic right in front of our eyes, and yet we continue to ignore it because society simply tells us that it's not our problem.

Being surrounded by self-absorbed, soulless conformity can be ultimately draining. The best way to combat a disheartened mentality is to provide an example of how humanity could be— or better yet, how it should be.

We are taught in grade school that we must have three things in order to survive:

Food. Water. Shelter.

The homeless are constantly scrambling for the smallest hint of all of the above.

What we are not taught, however, is the other list of three that we need in order to truly live:

Faith. Hope. Love.

I will be the first to admit that I am terrified of homeless people. I have even gone as far as realizing a correlation between them and that show everyone loves called The Walking Dead.

To be blunt, it is heartbreaking, but we do not see the homeless as human beings. We probably view them as closer to zombies than anything— lifeless beings roaming the streets, begging for next to nothing just to…. Just to breathe.

But you know what? With any ounce of faith, hope, and love, no one would let their family or friends get to that level. We are lacking compassion, and for that, we are all responsible.

We are lacking the ability to care for one another as human beings, with beating hearts. Let’s bring it back; let’s let love take over, heal the world.

We have an overflow of potential. We just need to let go of our selfish tendencies that society has led us to believe we must own, and put the possibility to use already. More than hope.

Starting next week: Each Monday, I will introduce someone new on Caboom-Sass.com and write his/her story as a blog post. It will include an option to donate at the end— to give directly to the person that the post is about.

Each person will be given a sign to display that reads: “Have a Smart Phone? Read my story at Caboom-Sass.com.” with a word-collaged money jar and a few of my business cards, should anyone ask them who or how or why.

Before each post is published, the person will receive coffee/food while chatting with me, as a thank you for their willingness to participate.

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney 

10/11/11... back when it began

On 10/11/11, I took a giant step forward into the world of... vulnerability, I suppose you could say, and created Caboom-Sass.com after years of wanting to, but hesitating. I was filled with fear of what people would think of this idea... and moreover, what people would think of me. I cared so much about that, that it produced this fear of putting my idea out there, but after my summer of living in New York City, I decided that it didn't matter. The people who chose to dislike this idea-- they aren't the ones I'm creating this for anyway. It's for the believers, the go-getters, the "I-want-to-succeed-but-I-need-that-nudge"-ers. It's for the people who have a lack of support and encouragement; to provide them with a pocketful of it. With this project, I feel confident in saying that's exactly what's been manifested here. That's exactly what I've been doing, and I couldn't be more ecstatic to realize how much the power of words has helped others through these small, heartfelt collages.

It all started with this breakthrough blog post, the very first one. Now looking back, we've provided personalized, motivational "Pocketful of Positivity" collages to recipients in cities all over the world, including:
New York, Chicago, Queens, Sarnia, San Francisco, Gibraltar, Rockwood, East Lansing, Detroit, Trenton, Miami, Carleton, Mount Pleasant, Lansing, Nashville, Newport, Ann Arbor, Las Vegas, Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Rowlett, Glen Burnie, Poyen, Los Angeles, Monroe, Minneapolis, Twentynine Palms, St. Clair Shores, Falmouth, and Malibu.

This doesn't include the random "Scatter Sesh" collages, which are left anonymously in areas like stores and rest-stop bathrooms during various trips I've taken in the past year.

It's all for the love of words and compassion, communication, & connection; that's what it truly comes down to. With that, I'd like to extend a wholehearted, Happy FIRST BIRTHDAY to my project/service, Caboom-Sass.com. Here's to many more and to expanding so much further from here on out! This is only the beginning, with so many ideas to craft in the coming years.

For The Love Of Words*

X0.Brittney

Our first birthday is approaching!!

Nine days remain until Caboom-Sass.com turns ONE! Today we've activated our own official email account: CaboomSassDotCom@gmail.com. Just thought you may like to know :)

For The Love Of Words*

X0X0.

Random Thoughts n' Lotsa Coffee :)

We made a few collages for our friends over at RandomThoughtsandLotsaCoffee.com. Check them out below. This particular order got me thinking-- would anyone be interested in Caboom-Sass.com coasters for your coffee/tea mugs? I think it might have to happen in the near future. :)

For the Love of Words,

X0.Brittney & Caboom-Sass.com

So much has occurred!!! Here's a *SASSy update to bring you up to speed!

Oh my goodness! I need to do a quick Caboom-Sass.com recap, because so much has happened in the last few weeks; it has been pure bliss mixed with chaos! Chaotic bliss, if you will.

Let's take it back about three weeks. I turned 23 on July 6, and I spent the whole day representing Inked Magazine at Warped Tour with my best friend, Staci, and then writing a feature story about it for the incredible 'zine. It was AMAZING. Hands down, best birthday. Prior to that, I made myself a double-sided birthday collage, knowing that a lot was about to unfold in my newly 23 years of life...

The next morning, July 7, my friend (and fellow GVSU alumni) Katie packed up her Ford Focus, and hit the road. Destination? California. Six days later, we arrived at our new residence in Los Angeles. Needless to say, this birthday month has been an absolute WHIRLWIND of adventures. I'm now nannying in Beverly Hills [just like that new show on ABC Family, except I'm not on it] while hustling like hell in search of a writing career here. For years, I have dreamt of residing on the west coast, specifically here in Los Angeles, California. It is an absolute dream come true, and sincerely THEE BEST birthday present I could ever give myself, that I am finally here! The final step to establishing myself will be when I score the job of my dreams, but I know that will take a bit longer. We actually arrived and moved in on the 12th [my lucky number hey!!!], so we've only been here for... not even two weeks. I know it's all about patience, networking, and timing, so I am working on all three!

Meanwhile, I have to get a move on with my Caboom-Sass orders. Random Thoughts 'N Lotsa Coffee put in an order while I was mid-road trip, and I had to wait for my mom to ship my C-Sass supplies in order to start working on it. It's started, but not quite finished, so I will do that tomorrow. I also started a new blog to document my new life on the best coast, which you can find here, as well as updated my writing portfolio site, stating that I am "Based in Los Angeles." It feels absolutely glorious. :)

I feel bad that it's been a few weeks since I've had time to sit and update Caboom-Sass.com, but please know that this [big] move will do wonders for it, too. I actually invested in a book the other day at Barnes & Noble, to help move the process along. No matter what, Caboom-Sass is always on my mind, with ideas of how to substantially bring it life. Thank you, so much, for believing in this and supporting it! I will not let you down; it has only just begun!

I'm still accepting collage orders in any way/shape/form you'd like them to be, and I will stay true to my word that the first 100 are free. Just over half remain, so make your order while you can! :)

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney

THE FOURTH OF JULY IS NEXT WEEK!

My absolute favorite holiday is less than a week away. Had to SASS it out! Enjoy :)


*ALL COLLAGES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. SEE ONE YOU LIKE; SAY THE WORD, & IT'S YOURS!

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney & Caboom-Sass.com

Poster-sized SASS hangin' from the ceiling!

Just to give you an idea of how the inside of the Caboom-Sass.com "office" is decorated:

What do you mean you don't hang poster-sized SASS from your ceiling?! I highly recommend it! ;)

For The Love Of Words,

Brittney, Caboom-Sass.com

Newness Added to the Sass Wall

25 Freebies Await Homes! See one you like; say the word, and it's yours!

For The Love Of Words,

Brittney, Caboom-Sass.com

Path To War by Ted Hu: A Track-By-Track Album Review

One of the main motivations pushing Caboom-Sass.com forward is wholehearted, influential music. So, what better way to show that than by reviewing a phenomenal musician's brand new album?

Last year, I wrote about my stumble upon Ted Hu for a music website. It was truly delightful to hear from him last week with news of his most recent debut, Path To War. I am humbled and pleased to work with him again, as he is not only an absolutely incredible, talented artist, but also a wholehearted, down-to-earth person.

Upon receiving the anticipated package (above) in the mail this afternoon, I removed Elliott Smith's From A Basement on the Hill, and inserted Ted Hu's brand new, Path To War. With a mug of coffee at my side, notebook in my lap, and ink pen in hand, I pressed play. Without further ado...

I restarted the "Horseman Prelude" for the third time, taken aback by the exquisite beauty of the instrumental introduction to this album. It begins with a combination that includes the piano, which is where Ted's passion for music started, courtesy of lessons from his parents during his childhood. His heritage and personal history are evident as the album begins. Stunned by the raw magnificence of his talent, I read the message on the inner sleeve (below) where Ted gives thanks to all who made Path To War possible. 

"As always, my team at Zippah really made the record. Without Brian and Annie, I would only have bare bones," Ted said. So grateful, he is! However, take a few moments to listen to any of Ted's music, and you'll be amazed at the power and boldness of his rare, self-titled, 'bare bones' of music. They are flawless. Instrumentally, vocally, melodically, and lyrically fluid with grace and a magnetic force that urges you to truly listen as he sings. It's refreshing.

"La Danse" follows the "Horseman Prelude," as I press play for a second round. The words in this track bring it to life with a message so universally empathetic. With lines like, "I need you in this life," and, "I will blame you, fight or flight," I think every listener will relate. It personally sent chills straight down my spine. "I can't give you all that; still I need you one last night." 

The songs of this album contain a mix of bilingual lyrics. They fuse so effortlessly as the universal language that is music, as stated by 19th century American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

"Anchored." The third track of the album is quite possibly my favorite song of them all. It's hauntingly honest and heartbreakingly gorgeous, with lyrics like, "I'm the one that's left here, bound and tied." 

No song on Path To War sounds too similar to the previous or following. Each uniquely stands strong in its own story. All the while, they're clearly equipped with Hu's signature artistry, melodic voice, and succinct style, keeping the cohesion of the album intact. One word comes to mind: Brilliant. 

Track four is titled, "The Engineer." This one begins with a fresh, seemingly lighthearted melody, which quickly turns a bit more... complex. With lines like, "I'm looking like I should have said sorry," and then, "I will just watch your body burn just like my brothers..." and "You're lookin' like you should've loved me; you're lookin' like you should've known me." Instrumental fireworks grace this number with such a beautiful combination of sounds; quite the compelling ear candy for any and all who listen; I am certain of that. 

"Follow me over the edge until you hear your bones split against the rock," he sings in the fifth track called, "Man." This song is strategically dark, incredibly profound, and undeniably moving. The sincerity in his storytelling through music is among the best I've encountered. Eloquence meets honesty with a mix of pain and sensitivity in the best way. "We have done this all before, years ago..." he sings.

Track six is titled, "Orange Revolver," as it begins sweetly with the line, "Little clementine, little love of mine, was I all you hoped I'd be?" The lullaby-esque beginning twists harmonically into a heartfelt tale; impeccable. "Some fruit is rotten from within," and "I will never be an honest man; I am far too old to begin again," are lyrics sure to stir up the emotions of listeners. 

"Fantasie in Gm" is the seventh song. It starts with, "Dress me up in lace..." and later goes on to reveal, "To sing is just to heal; like a dream, a fantasy, and when I wake..." This track is full of powerful imagery and the support of strong instrumentality, an eloquent combination.

Track eight, "American Perfume," reminded me of Emilie Autumn with the lines, "I am the prettiest one," and "Angels envy me..." at the beginning. It then goes on, deeper, into a message that explains, "...the only two things that sustain the nation; that's the youth and its beauty, so don't forget the only way to get rid of temptation..." Again with the haunting honesty.

As the album nears its end, the ninth song, "Like Smoke" beautifully describes how powerful simply believing (whatever we choose to) can be. The lyrics share, "If you believe in those stars, then they'll believe in you. If you believe in those demons..." He later says, "Do or don't; it doesn't matter to me; but don't come here crying..." 

The clever wit, almost wicked, is alarming in the most awesome way in the 10th and 11th songs titled, "Appetite" and "Dinner." The first one includes a snarl, "I'll show them my teeth, Dear," with tempting lines like, "Shock me, Baby, shock me," and "Stun me, Baby, stun me." The next song starts with a sweet, "I made a lovely dinner for ya, boo; eat it fast before it gets cold." A few lines into the song, the fading sweetness changes to, "I've got plans... to kill you." 

The final track, "American Lullaby," is the whole world's anthem in the most painfully beautiful, truthful fashion. It is absolutely phenomenal, and while I named "Anchored" my favorite song of the album, this one definitely gives it a run for its money.  "I can hear this lullaby from here to Paris," it starts off. "They feed us cures for diseases we don't have, but we gobble up their pills like we take Communion," he sings, so honestly that it steals my breath for a second as I let the song sink in. "There are some things that we all think we know. We can be so sure; we can be so wrong..." 

This album, undoubtedly, is one that I will be playing on repeat over and over again. It's been awhile since I've felt so connected to music, to the authentic production of the instrumentality ever so interconnected and interwoven with powerful lyrics. I am astounded by the beauty, grace, and truth revealed in each song. Now, I must say, coming from an artist as talented as I know Ted Hu to be, I expected to be stunned. However, nothing could have prepared me for just how much I was, in the best way. 

To join me in owning a copy of this album, which I highly recommend doing, please visit Itunes, CD Baby, or connect with Hu via Facebook. Prepare yourself to be floored by incredible music. Enjoy!

X0.Brittney

An Appreciation Post

Tonight I felt an immense urge to write a blog entry to give thanks to the fabulous individuals who have made Caboom-Sass.com possible, encouraged its birth and growth, and donated to the budding service that it's slowly, but surely, becoming.

I'll start with the most recent person to thank, and then work my way back to the start of it all. With that being said...

Ashley R. is an angel who switched over her personal, prepaid magazine subscriptions to the address of Caboom-Sass.com-- and quite the amazing bundle of subscriptions, I might add! By that, I mean the incredible Harper's Bazaar, Elle Magazine, and *drum roll, please* NYLON!!! I cannot begin to express my gratitude to her! Not only is she a brand new mom to an amazing little bundle of joy, but she also works so hard, full-time, and clearly is equipped with an extraordinary heart! Her baby boy and his father (both named Gary) are blessed to have her as their main lady; that's for darn sure. Thank you so much, Ashley, for your support! Best of blessings, love, and joy to you and your sweet family!

Carrie R. is also an incredibly giving friend who donated a gigantic bag full of magazines to Caboom-Sass.com, as well. How thoughtful and generous to do such a thing! Carrie, I know, is one like me who enjoys saving magazines upon magazines, so I know this wasn't the easiest of moves to make [from one borderline magazine-hoarder to the next], but I am ever-so-thankful that she did! This means the world, as I have already cut into several of the 'zines that she donated to complete several of the orders sent out recently. Thank you so much, Carrie! Your donation is appreciated boundlessly!

Jana G. has been, without a doubt, my second-mom through supporting Caboom-Sass.com! She shares updates with her Facebook friends religiously. Not only that, but she has also ordered several collages after receiving her free P.O.P. including four as Christmas gifts for her girls and their friends. Along with that, Jana also provides me with surprise-messages of motivation every so often, kick-starting my every effort to make this service an absolute success. Your support has been a driving force in the movement and growth of Caboom-Sass.com, Jana, a priceless gift for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you, sincerely!

My parents have been exceptionally supportive throughout the endeavor to make this vision come to life, as well. Every single trip that I take to the craft store is accompanied by them, as we all search the aisles for new shapes and ways to expand the collages created to please each unique recipient. They also provide the stamps for every packaged order mailed out, which is very generous, as I have learned that postage adds up to be quite expensive! Without their support and love, it would be much more difficult, if not nearly impossible, to run Caboom-Sass.com. I love you both so much. Thank you for all of your continual assistance and endless love!

Meena R. and Angie A. are two of my absolute best, most treasured friends, who encouraged the creation of Caboom-Sass.com. I hesitated, as stated in the original, introductory blog post, but proceeded with the help of their support. Together, they convinced me that this idea was one with which I should go forth. They provided the necessary nudge; the confidence boost, to bring this dream to fruition. For that, I am forever grateful. I love you both as if you're my sisters, and I could not be more thankful for your help and encouragement. Thank you so much for all that you do! I can only hope that others are blessed with such phenomenal friends as I am with the both of you. X0!

To each one of you, I thank you, as I am endlessly grateful for your help and involvement with Caboom-Sass.com. Thank you for your support; it means the world.

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney :)

NEW: The SASS Wall

After a day of brainstorming followed by organization and restructuring of the Caboom-Sass.com office, I am proud to present to you the SASS Wall! What you see below is the wall of every currently available, FREE collage that is ready-to-mail-out. See one you like? Simply say the word, and it will be in the mail, on the way to you today! *Subject to change with availability. 

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney

Mother's Day Forever Flowers!

Instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers that will end up in the garbage in about a week or so, try a new route of affection this Mother’s Day, a more permanent approach. We've created a way to express your appreciation in a floral sense, just sans the finiteness: Forever Flower collages!

These flowers can be any type and color combination you choose, with petals full of words of compassion in return for your mother's endless love, sacrifice, and hard work dedicated to her beloved kin. Let's show Mom that her selflessness does not go unnoticed! 

A mother’s love is infinite; our gratitude should be, too! Flowers are beautiful; make yours last forever this Mother’s Day with the help of Caboom-Sass.com. Order today! J

[Forever Flower collages are available in the form of: refrigerator magnets, bookmarks, air fresheners, car rearview mirror decorations, carry-along purse pieces, desk or door décor, trinket boxes, greeting cards, and more!]

Less than two weeks until Mother's Day! Order ASAP! [These are 100% free]

For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney

NEWEST Addition to Caboom-Sass:

GREETING CARDS!

Now you can order your STILL FREE, personalized GREETING CARD collages. Spread the SASS-love galore for birthdays, milestones, & more!

What are you waiting for? Order yours today! :)

   For The Love Of Words,

X0.Brittney 

APRIL AMBITION!

With today kicking off the very first full month of SPRING 2012, Caboom-Sass.com is sharing a bit of ambitious energy in the form of brand new collages DAILY all month! Eight new freebies have been added to the "Free SASS Galore." album on Facebook today-- check it everyday for more. :)

Each new collage is also pre-themed! So today's first eight are the following: Life, Love, & Learning; Creative Fearlessness; Love Transforms; Gypsy Soul; Namaste; On Working To Succeed; Be The Change; and Seeking Love.

Enjoy! Any and all new theme preferences or suggestions are more than welcome!

And remember-- see one you like; say the word, and it's yours. Simple as that. :)

For the love of words,

Brittney

Houston we have a Slogan.... two, actually!

Six months into the creation of Caboom-Sass.com, and we officially have TWO brand new slogans! EXCITEMENT!!

"Passion for Compassion, Communication, and Connection"


"For The Love Of Words"

These are now the official mottos for everything Caboom-Sass.com! Breathe it in; soon you'll be seeing a lot of them; that's a promise! :)

X0.Brittney

INTERNATIONAL LOVE

The second international Caboom-Sass.com order was sent out at the end of last week. GOOD NEWS: It has been successfully received! First Canada [baby steps], now the United Kingdom! Who's next? Let's keep this international trend growing, please! Spreading the word(s) across the world. :)

X0.Brittney

THAT GIRL ROCKS!

As you may know if you know me [well], I am the Junior Editor for a community that I love with all my heart and soul, I Am That Girl. The newest venture of IATG is a brand spankin' new campaign titled, "That Girl Rocks." Along with doing my part to spread the word about it, I've created a That Girl Rocks P.O.P. Check it out below, and if you'd like it, let me know!

Also, be sure to check out I Am That Girl if you haven't done so already. You're in for quite the treat of inspiration and self-worth in the form of women empowerment; enjoy! :)

XO.Brittney & Caboom-Sass.com :)

Second post of the day;

just a few quick things to say!

1. Of the first 100 freebies, 67 remain.
2. P.O.P. = Pocketful Of Positivity. GET YOURS! It's free and personalized! Email me.
3. New picture to share w/ friends is below. PLEASE SHARE IT, and help me spread the word(s)!

My vision for Caboom-Sass right now is to make it bigger-- huge, even; and absolutely create more usable products. I need it to be a bit more known before I move forward in that way, though! I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP. So right now, these free P.O.P.s are available in the form of:

1. Magnets [fridge; locker; reminder board; white board; anything magnets can stick to!]
2. Doorknob decorations [bedroom door; bathroom door; office door; great as a gift for teachers!]
3. Carry-Along motivation [purse; pocket; wallet; car; makeup bag]
4. Stickers [glittery, wonderful stickers of various sizes for stick-anywhere motivation!]
5. Rearview mirror decorations; air-freshener [*& refill pocket] optional
6. Bookmarks [for people like me who still enjoy reading actual books despite technology]
7. Mouse Pad motivation 


So, those are the seven current, FREE P.O.P. options!

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED YOUR FREE P.O.P and you know someone who could benefit from one, therefore, you'd like to surprise-order one for him/her, YOU CAN FOR FREE, and this will count towards the First 100 freebies! They make for a great, heartfelt gift, and I recommend doing this! :)

That is all I've got for today. PLEASE help spread the word so we can get the ball rolling on new, better ventures [and by ventures I mean products] asap! THANK YOU SO MUCH.

X0.Brittney

Happy International Women's Day!

It's a rainy, dreary day here in Michigan, but I'm finding & spreading the sunshine because it is INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY after all. :) Here's the first collage creation of the day:

More to come!!

If you want this one, you know the drill: Say the word & it's yours-- free!

X0.Brittney

Happy Leap Year Day 2012!!!

So, here we are. Leap Year Day 2012!! An entire, extra day to do whatever you wish to. How will you spend it? Next one is in 2016; where do you think you'll be then? Weird to think about, isn't it?

I remember Leap Year Day 2008.... well actually, no, I don't. BUT I do know I was in my first year of college at Grand Valley State University, probably trucking across campus from class to class amidst the lake-effect snow that I so dearly dreaded everyday. But you know what? I made it through!! I graduated, and now four years later, I'm proud to say I have a Bachelor's degree in Professional Writing! Crazy how life happens so fast, isn't it?! So to think that so much can change in four short years... who knows where I'll be come Leap Year Day 2016!! 

Happy Leap Year Day, everyone! 

X0.Brittney & Caboom-Sass :)

Free SASS Galore!

Check the Facebook page for daily updates of new, free SASS! Only 67 of these freebies remain, so don't wait-- snag yours asap! For example:

X0.Brittney

Scattering SASS [Snag-A-Star Stamina] in Tampa & NYC, Feb. 16-20!

I'm going to NYC for a few days, and my parents are going to Florida at the same time, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for more SASS scattering.

If you've found one of the collages left in NYC or Tampa, please allow it to be your little glimmer of hope, a Pocketful of Positivity, if you will. The missing half [or multiple parts depending on which one you found] has been found in NY if you're in FL, or FL if you're in NY (opposite of where you found your half is where the other half was left).

Curious as to who found the missing piece(s) or what it looked like as a whole? Find out by "liking" or commenting on the picture of yours on the Caboom-Sass Facebook page (click to view).

This movement is brand new, so scattering helps spread the word(s), and you can help, too. We would be more than appreciative if you do, and if you'd like a 100% free, personalized collage (for you or for someone else), please feel free to email "I'm interested!" to brittneyschering@gmail.com.

Still wondering how this whole Caboom-Sass thing even began? Check out the very first blog post. It explains everything! Thank you for visiting; please check out the FB page, and share the SASS with your friends and family!

X0.Brittney

A Little Something For Everyone

Happy Valentine's Day! Seven new heart-shaped P.O.P.'s have been added to the Facebook page. Check them out, and reserve your favorite before tomorrow, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. please! After 5, they will be halved in preparation for the next scatter sesh [Feb 16-20].

Thank you, and try to enjoy this day. For the record, LOVE YOURSELF. You are worthy!

X0.Brittney

New York Fashion Week

So, New York Fashion Week is upon us. As a summer fashion writer for DesiHits.com and fashion blogger for CHAOS Magazine, I've become especially involved with the empire that is the fashion world, and exceptionally fond of all its wonder and everchanging excitement. With that being said, I've created this peel-and-stick collage just for the NYFW.

Do you like it? Just say the word, and it's yours to peel-and-stick anywhere you'd like (folder, locker, mirror, etc). It'll be in the mail on the way to you first thing tomorrow! Happy Fashion Week :)

X0.Brittney

So, Valentine's Day is approaching...

It is in < 3 weeks DAYS…
open your heart, for you this time.

Quite possibly the most historically dreaded holiday is approaching: Valentine’s Day. It may be favored by those who are in lovey-dovey relationships, but those who find themselves single on the day, and worse, consequently lonely, aren’t fans of what is said to be the Hallmark-driven holiday.

Here at Caboom-Sass, we want you to try to see it differently this year. Instead of wallowing in the sadness of your current relationship status, try this: Love yourself.

To be completely honest, I wish I had discovered the following quote in the spring of 2007: “Love yourself first and everything falls into line,” by the beautiful Lucille Ball. If I had read this and taken it seriously, it may have prevented a whole lot of heartache to come. That was when I fell hard into love for the first (ahem, only) time, or so I thought.

Here I am, five years later and happily single, and I am certain that the “love” I had experienced was an illusion or something.  I do not think it is possible to be in love until you truly love yourself whole-heartedly, and I know at that time in my life, in the state of mind that I was in, and amidst the battles that I was in with myself, this whole “self-love” idea was not present at all. I think that what I considered to be head-over-heels love, was really head-over-heels infatuation with the escape that came with what I thought was “love,” because looking back, in a much clearer state of mind, I can see that that is all it really was. It is sad to realize, but it is helpful, too. Such realizations serve as great aids in closure, which I think most people seek at the end of a relationship in one way or another.

So, back to Valentine’s Day, this year let’s focus on something totally bizarre: instead of drowning sorrows in buckets of ice cream or mountains of chocolate in the place of love, do something different: LOVE YOURSELF. I’m serious! Listen to that brilliant Lucille Ball, and take the advice that she so certainly gives: do something for you, that will make you feel especially good. It doesn’t matter if it’s something extravagant or simple, just do something that you know will make you smile. Try to make a pact with yourself that you will focus on your own happiness more and more with every new day, and see what wonderful things will come your way.

You’re probably thinking, “Okay Brittney, this sounds great and all, but how am I supposed to get myself out of the funk that comes with being alone on a day that’s surrounded by loving someone else?”

That’s where Caboom-Sass comes in. We have these new Valentine’s Day-inspired collages, and a few of which are already made. If you see one that you like, say the word and it will be in the mail with your name on it tomorrow. If you don’t see an already-made one that speaks to you, but you still like the idea of Carry-Along Bliss Of Optimistic Motivation; Snag-A-Star Stamina, simply send “I’m interested!” to brittneyschering@gmail.com, and we’ll get started on your personal collage [free of cost].

Fill your own heart with love. Take the time, just this once. Make Valentine’s Day 2012 a happy one, for yourself. ☺

X0.Brittney

Scattering SASS: Find your missing half!

My hope is that you are here because you've received one of the heart-halves below, or someone you know has, and you're interested in learning more about how to find out who found the missing half.

If that is true, then great! Welcome to Caboom-Sass.com! 

To find out who/where the other half ended up, first please be patient, as your other half may not have been found yet. This first batch of scattered "Sass" will be carried out Friday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 6. I'd say, give it until at least the 8th or 9th, and if you're still not seeing anything as far as where the other half could be, then let me know, and I'll try my best to help!

Ways to go about this quest:

1. Post a picture of your half on the Caboom-Sass Facebook page along with a little message that includes your whereabouts or something fun, inspiring the finder of the other half to respond.

2. Tag yourself or comment on the photo that you think your half belongs to [also on the FB page]. All full-collages included in this first scatter-sesh are in an album of their own on there, so if you're dying to see what the whole collage looks like, you can find out there! All that I ask is that you pretty-please give the page a nice little "like" while you're there, if you'd be so kind. This whole endeavor is still new, and I'm trying to spread the word, so any help in doing so is incredibly wonderful and greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit Caboom-Sass.com! If you're wondering why or how or when this began, check out the first blog post from Tuesday, October 11. It explains everything. :)

X0.Brittney

This is what it's all about. This right here.

New Year, NEW PRODUCTS! Let's get SASSy; it's 2012!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! As promised via the Caboom-Sass Facebook page, Lots of new ideas have been brewing, and I have a few samples to show! Please know that these samples also serve as freebies, so if you see one that you particularly like, say the word and it will be in the mail for you tomorrow! If you see a style that you like, and would like your own personalized version, simply send the "I'm interested!" email to BrittneySchering@gmail.com and we'll get you started with the brief order form!

1. Doorknob decor (great as a gift for teachers, anyone with an office, or even your own bedroom door!)

2. These are sweet because they can serve as either a mouse pad OR a peel-and-stick-anywhere source of positivity. That's right-- a large sticker to place in your locker door, on your mirror, on a folder, or wherever else you can think of, and they're glittery! :)

3. This can also serve as one of three things: a classic P.O.P., a magnet, or an air-freshener holder, in which instance, a small pocket will be provided on the back, in which the air freshener can sit/be changed. With one of these, you'll receive a complimentary air freshener. :)

4. Magnet! Great for anyone with a fridge, which is everyone, I think! ;)

Happy New Year!!

X0.Brittney