{I love you because}

I have many things on my pinterest boards that are projects on my to - do list. This is one I can tick off my list. It is a sign I have put in between our vanity mirrors in the bathroom. I have seen a few style variations on this sign before. You can always create your own on and print it out. 
However, i loved the chevron pattern i found on this one {here} and it was a FREE printable. There are also different colour schemes available to choose from. Just mount the frame somewhere you both see it with a whiteboard marker (normal sharpies don't work without windex or elbow grease - hint hint)! 

I had all the things for this at home except for the whiteboard marker which set me back a whopping $3! Great value!

I love that this provides a cute opportunity to share things you love about your other half and It may even help you to look more intentionally for things if this doesn't come natural to you. I find that it's important to appreciate the small things in life - one day you will realise they were in fact the big things!

Lauren x
 

{Happy Love Day XO}

Happy LOVE Day! In our house we have been talking a lot about love this month, it all starts with our February verse :

We have talked lots about different types of love and how we express that, not just romantic love!
So my big kindy boy wanted to send a card to do some special girls in his world.
So, together we made these cards which he hand wrote messages inside for his valentines. I think it's very important that he does most of it - as it was his idea and it isn't about me giving a gift. Rather, helping him do this and then using it as an opportunity to talk about love and use it as a teachable moment....whilst he is not embarrassed about talking with mum about it lol!



1. Take a photo of your child against a backdrop that is quite plain. Show them how to make a fist and hold it up.

2. Then at home or at your local photo developer, print it off on paper or photographic paper.
Cut it out and attach it to some card to make it sturdy enough to hold the lollypop.

3. Using a craft knife, cut a slit in the card above and below their fist.

4. Slide lollypop in and write on the card. Viola, it turns a 2D card into a delicious 3D treat for someone special!!!



I have to say that the recipients were very happy to receive these and they were a BIG hit!!!


Have a great LOVE day wherever you are!

Lauren x

Cute Footprint Memories

I saw this craft project on 'brown paper packages' and just thought it was SOOO cute!!!! What a way to keep the memory of your family alive. ADORABLE!!!!! You could even make it a "green" project by re-purposing a wooden stool you have at home.....for details, click on the blog link above and see their instructions - this is DEFINITLEY going on my to do list!!!!

EYE CANDY ;)

A part of me (okay okay - a fairly BIG part) just loves it when things are colour codes, symetrical, and ordered just 'so'. I also love entertaining, A LOT! So, when I stumbled across Amy Atlas who designs dessert tables, Ifell in LOVE!!!!
OH my - the detail, the colour combinations, the labels, the desserts, the glass jars and the fact that you could very easily tell if something is out of place by the very order of the arrangements! It definitley was complete eye candy for me (and even though I don't have her budget or staff) she inspires me when I put on an even at my place to pay attention to the details and go that extra mile!

Sorry for all the photos, but i really want you to capture the essence of her variety. WOW!

A 180' Moment

I know that through a lot of conversations of late that many people I talk to are very focused on making intentional decisions to build stronger marriages. In my opinion the best gift you can give your kids is happy parents. So, i found this picture (via fleur ave) and it very simply caught my eye due to its simplicity and its meaning. If you can't read the fine print it says:

How to build a lasting relationship:
1. Cut on the dotted line
2. Rotate 180'.

Be inspired for your own "180' moment" this week ;)
XXOO

Good Mums......

I found this post on a blog and it struck me. I had a chuckle at the things that we quite often as Mums tell ourselves we need to do, in order to be a "good mum". An interesting thought from the blog My Many Coloured Days. If you are a mum....enjoy this knowing that you are amazing. Your kids love you and we aren't perfect, but we do our best and that is all our kids ever ask for! Bless you all for doing the best and hardest job on the planet!

The "Good Mum Rule Book"

What? You haven't read it? Well, where the heck have you been hiding? In case you were wondering:

Good moms make their kids a school lunch every day.

Good moms go to story hour every week.
Good moms play with their kids all day.

Good moms put themselves last.
Good moms serve a balanced meal at every meal.
Good moms are the first to rise and last to go to bed.
Good moms have taught their children to read and write BEFORE they get to Kindergarten.
Good moms have the playdates at THEIR homes.
Good moms don't need breaks.
Good moms don't get sick.
Good moms' kids never act up.
Good moms never run late.
Good moms never freak out.
Good moms' kids are always well matched, their clothes are never holey, and they never have messy faces.
Good moms' homes are always clean and tidy.
Good moms don't let their kids watch television.

Just a few of the myths I let infiltrate my confidence as a mother. I know that there are some moms out there who are able to follow some of these rules, easily perhaps. Kudos to them. But they are the areas I find challenging.
What unrealistic rules are in your "Good Mom Rule Book"?

Sheer Beauty!

Last year when our second Son was born, we had some photos taken by a lovely company who I could not recommend highly enough! With such a good eye for 'that' shot you will be glad you contacted Sheer Image Photography. I wish I had more photos from my parents and grandparents generation - what a gift for yourself and future generations to capture a moment in time with your loved ones!
Above are some of my favourites that Naomi shot and I know I will book her again for new ones - we were SO impressed! So, if your in the Sydney area....give the team a call - you WON'T be disapointed!!!

5 Sleeps....

I want to put this table together one day - SO LOVELY!!!

There are a few times of year that I love. I love kids Birthday Parties I love an Aussie Summer Christmas, I love celebrating our wedding anniversary and of course Valentines Day! I am such a girly girl and anything pink, cute, classy and glamorous has my immediate attention. Which is why I have found some amazing ideas to help inspire you celebrate your Valentines Day in a special way this year.Thank you Amy Atlas Photography (via Design Dazzle)
for this beautiful display that just made my heart smile!
I hope you have been inspired to put a personal and HOMEMADE touch on your Vallentines Day XOXOX

* Kiss * Kiss * Hug * Hug *

1. Soap Surprises 2. Valentines Day Flower Cards 3. Seed Starter Kits 4. Write a note in lippy on the mirror for him to find 5. Make Candles and Pour a Bath

Well, it's 2 weeks now until Valentines Day. I am such a romantic and love doing things for my man all year round that let hime know how much I love him. I believe in the small things making a difference. Like a note in his lunch or a favourite meal made with the table set for two (put kids to bed early) using the "good plates", or surprising him with breakky in bed for no apparent reason! So i want to feature a few inexpensive yet meaningful ways to help us say I LOVE YOU to that special someone in your life.