Valentine's Day Decor

Although February 14th's holiday is one of my favourites, I was determined to only decorate this year with items that I had on hand. I didn't go overboard - one little decorated mantel and a new message on the chalkboard in our kitchen. The chalkboard still had a Christmas message written on it - shows how often I change it.

For our mantel (aka the top of our organ), I took a set of three white wood trees leftover from Christmas  that I bought in December as a little "hooray, school's over!" present to myself with money from the Christmas craft fair I was involved in. An adorable set of birds and heart that we received from Kelsie for our wedding anniversary added some loveliness and a few other items finished it off. Bam - little love corner in our living room.

Happy Friday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you have the best, most love-filled February 14th of your life. Seriously - you guys rock. Valentine's Day is a special day for anyone that has love and it's one of my favourite holidays. Lovin' the love. xo

(I'll be back tomorrow with a look at my little Valentine's Day decorations. Get excited.)

Happy Thursday!

Multitude Monday : February 11, 2013

It's been over a month since my last Multitude Monday post. Wowee! Hopefully I can get back into writing every week - I've missed it. Each week Multitude Monday post, I like to list ten things that I have been blessed with. It helps to keep me focussed on the positive aspects of my life - the little things that make each day sparkle. I can get so wrapped up in the mundane day-to-day tasks that I forget about the bigger picture. Here's what I'm thankful for today:

631 - spending the entire weekend with my mom during the stormy weather we had.
632 - discovering a new-to-us show (Parks and Recreation) and spending an afternoon giggling.
633 - a handy-dandy slow cooker that makes suppertime a breeze: I'm looking forward to using it a lot this month.
634 - talking on the phone to my Dad on Saturday. It was so nice to hear his voice - he comes home this Friday.
635 - tackling fun new design projects over the next few weeks - fresh ideas are so exciting!
636 - having a Bible on the kitchen table so I don't have an excuse in the morning - it's so hard to get into a good reading routine.
637 - a beautiful sunshine-filled day after a storm-filled weekend.
638 - Valentine's Day and Dan's birthday are both this week!
639 - making a handful of valentines - nothing like an inky pen, scissors and glue to put a smile on your face.
640 - a delicious fruit smoothie for breakfast this morning - orange juice, blueberry yoghurt, applesauce, kiwi, strawberries and raspberries. Tangy!

What are you thankful for today? Do share!

Happy Monday!

February: Getting Inspired

Ever feel as though all of your creative juices have been sucked out of your bones and you've plunged head-first into a rut? You're not alone. I'm considering this post to be my official push in the right direction, with all of you right there beside me. February has the tendency to be a long (even though it's short) dreary month and I'm determined to stay inspired.

Looking for some tips or prompts to get inspired? These tips aren't brand-new or groundbreaking, but we can always use a little reminder now and again. Here are a few to get started:

• Turn off the computer. Now. Getting outside, cracking open a book, baking or painting are some great ways to let your mind go. Being sucked into the internet does nothing but make us feel droopy. I know all about it.
• Start looking at the details. The colourful pencils, the grid of floor tiles, the fibers of your favourite sweater. There's much to be said about enjoying the little things in life.
• Try something new. Are you a runner? Try a spinning class. Do you like to scrapbook? Try drawing instead. Sometimes exercising your brain (or body) in a new way is the best way to love what you do and who you've become.
• Organize. Feeling as though you can't face your supplies and mediums? Try reorganizing! Rearrange your rooms, tidy your desk, put pencils in mason jars, move your treadmill. A fresh look might be all it takes to get the juices flowing.
• Let it go. Maybe those creative sparks aren't happening for a reason. Perhaps it's time to move on. Don't feel enthused about an avoidable project? Drop it. Your time might be better used elsewhere. If the task is unavoidable, try bringing in a friend. They might have a take on it that you've never considered before.

I have a few school assignments that I'm dreading, along with several house-related tasks that aren't appealing, either. February is my chance to look at everything in a new light - re-evaluating my goals and biting off each task in tiny chunks. Let me know if you're working on anything new this month. I'd love to hear how you stay inspired!

Happy Tuesday!

Design Submissions

As part of my life as a graphic design student, I'm encouraged to seek out design opportunities. What better method than through my abandoned as of late blog? If you have any projects that you need designed, drop me a line. Whether it's an invitation to your kiddo's birthday bash, a poster for your band's upcoming gig, or a new blog header, I'm the gal for the job. I'll be accepting a limited number of submissions, so if you have something in mind, don't delay.

Here's how to connected with me:
E-mail: littleohme@hotmail.com
Facebook: if we're already friends, duh.
Instagram: polkadotsouper

Happy Monday!

(Did anyone else's January fly by? What, it's only me?! Oh, well. It's the beginning of February, kids!)