Polkadot Prints

KIDS' QUIET BAG ESSENTIALS

2013-05-15T22:17:00.000-06:00

With no family close by for those short 'can you mind my kids?' appointments, Levi & Ellie have been hiking along with me more than usual in the past year. One thing that helps me with the waiting and entertaining on the go, is having a quiet bag hanging in the hall cupboard, ready to grab on the way out the door.

I was planning on making and designing my own freezer stencil bag (because I now live in a country that actually sells freezer paper and I've been itching to try it). But then I found these bags at Forever 21 for $1.50...and...well, you just can't beat that. (thanks Christine for the heads up!).

If you think one of these would work at your place, you can of course put whatever in it you like in it. But to get things going, here's ours. Let's take a look inside:

Something to colour - think crayons or pencils (textas don't look too good on a Dr's couch!), stencils, stickers, colouring book, activity book, blank notebook etc.

Something to play with - These wooden cars, game & beading tube I got at Superstore for like $2 or $3 each. But think, silly putty, little dolls, paper dolls, dinosaurs...whatever you kid is into. For me, these toys are just for the quiet bag. They don't get played with at home. It keeps them special and engages for a bit longer! Every second of quiet counts...

Something to read - These are what is currently in ours, but change them up regularly to keep them guessing!

Then, hey presto! Hang it in your hall cupboard or with your handbag so it's easy to just grab and go as you're walking out the door.

MOTHERS DAY MUSINGS

2013-05-12T19:37:00.001-06:00

These guys make me a mum. I love them so much.

I always try and mother with the vision of seeing my two gorgeous kids grow in character more than anything else. I love them, but sometimes I just don't do as well as I'd like. Just this week we had a showdown over making a bed before school in the morning, a toddler tantrum over a water bottle, and a day that just needed to end at 3.30pm. But, that all turns out inignificant when this morning Dave told me while gift shopping yesterday, Levi wanted to buy me "a beautiful dress". How sweet is that? Seriously that kid takes me from the pulling my hair out, to getting all lovey dovey.

I'm so aware that this motherhood thing is like a roller coaster ride with it's ups and downs. But I'm also aware that I am not riding this puppy on my own, but there is a train full of women...screaming right along with me! You encourage in all areas of my life, you advise, you tell me that 'that is normal'. Thank you my friends. I couldn't do this thing alone.

Happy mothers day friends xo

GLUTEN & ALLERGY FOOD PICKS :: SHOP NEWS

2013-05-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

I mentioned last week that I have recently found out I have some food allergies. It's a little depressing, I'll admit, but I am determined it not to let the joy of food be lost and hosting parties can still happen! So please enter my latest shop addition - the Allergy Food Pick

These are new to my shop, can be shipped world wide.
There are two pack options:

Gluten Free 12 pk
Allergy Free Mixed 12 pk (inclues two of each; sugar, dairy, gluten, wheat, nut & egg free)

If you are a fellow party host-er, or a creator of beautiful dessert tables, you will most likely be aware of the unfortunate increase in food allergies. With these food picks you need not fear! These allergy alerts will add to your food display and make it really clear to your guests which foods are a-ok to enjoy!

Please let me know if you have any questions about them or if there is a specific allergy you were after and I will be happy to help you out!

Note: the Cupcakes in this shoot are completely allergy free and the recipe can be found here. The icing recipe is from this book.

Images // Copyright to Polkadot Prints

DREAMS THAT TURN OUT, & DREAMS THAT DON'T...(& OTHER WAFFLINGS!)

2013-05-07T12:32:00.005-06:00

This post turned out to be a lot more text and photos than I'd first planned...just a warning, but read on to hear where we are & what happend to the lodge :)

Today is my 500th blog post. Kinda crazy. Kinda cool. I don't even want to go back and look at my first post, I cringe! I am so thankful I've grown and changed over the years. I wish I could share more of life with you, but I am learning to just be in this season of raising young children. I have more ideas than time allows which can be frustrating. And it's hard at times when I'm tempted to look around & see what accolades and accomplishments I could achieve, but I am reminded to keep my blinders on, look straight ahead, be me, live in the 'now' with a vision of the future. So much more like me.

I was going to write about our first year of living in Canada today, so when I saw the old 500 post mark, it couldn't be better timed I don't think. While my sister was visiting, we marked our one year anniversary here. On the actual date, we went out for a bit of a ten pin bowling session followed by dinner. It was such a fun family activity. We need to do that more!

When I reflect back on our move here; we left Australia with a 3mth, newborn baby, who is now walking around & chatting; We had all our stuff in packed up in boxes for months, and now I feel like we have created a home. We knew nothing of the banking, phone, and health systems here, let alone the different grocery brands and products, and now I'm feeling a little more pro in all those things. It's interesting that you can live in an English speaking, developed country, but still feel a sense of culture shock! Oh those early days...I'm so glad they are behind me! (Have any of you moved overseas and felt like that?)

Originally you may remember we moved to Canada for this lodge. Making it a little more mod, and running it with my hubby's family. Well, lets just say things didn't work out the way we planned (let's hear it for family business - haha!!) and so last August we moved to Edmonton for work for Dave. I never really mentioned it here because we thought it was just temporary. But we've been here for 8mths now. When we arrived in Edmonton we knew two couples, and now I feel like we have connected in with a church, school and a social group of friends. It's becoming so much more familiar and is better for our family than the remoteness of the lodge.

We have been living in a two bedroom apartment for the first time in our married lives...I'll have to show you around sometime. But that will be for another day!

We don't know what the future holds for certain (but who really does anyway?). We have some dreams and plans, so we are just wisely waiting to see when & how that all works out, and we really can't say where we will be in a years time from now, coz honestly I never thought a year ago I'd be living in Edmonton of all places. (I hear Bamuda is lovely though...that's tempting after experiencing the longest winter of my life!) But I'm not complaining. Living 10 mins from one of the biggest malls in the world is kind of a perk, and does something in balancing out the 'too cold to even go outside' moments.
I don't know if you even care about where I'm living, but there is a part of me that feels like I've been keeping a secret from you for the past few months. Of course that is never my intention. Like I said earlier, I don't have time to post all I want to about my design world, let alone my personal world! But, I have had a few of you lovely regular readers asking me about the lodge, so I hope that fills you all in. And the rest who didn't ask....thanks for reading anyway! Here's to adventures ahead, I've kind of just invited you all in on the journey! :)

Thanks for being here!
Jordan xo

Images :: Top to bottom, L-R // Family Bowling night to celebrate our one year in Canada // The lake just steps from our lodge // The bear bell I put on my pram when going for a walk at the lodge...no joke! // Logging country // Canada Post // Even the toilets are different // Yellow school buses are for real, not just the movies // Moose & snow plows on the loose, just everyday signs here // Quadbiking at the lodge // Setting off to Edmonton // Dave & Ellie reflecting on life // Our first 'Fall' was beautiful, I now know why people love it so much!

SPRING PARTY DRINK CHARMS + FREE PRINTABLE

2013-04-29T22:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday folks. I was so chuffed to see my Down in Garden party shared on Babble last week (a lovely surprise thanks Gabrielle!). Seriously. Happy, happy.
With spring arriving, it's definitely heading into party time on this side of the world. Things are even getting warmer here in Edmonton too...it's been a long winter! : )
Enter my latest freebie for you all. These party drink charms are a great addition to your party arsenal as we head into barbie, outdoor living kind of weather. Throw away the paper cups and niko (aka sharpie) and pull out these re-useable tags made from Shrinky Dinks. And next time you're at a party and ask for a refill, you can tell them "mine's the mint/peach/aubergine one..."

Here's how:

1. Print this freebie design onto Shrinky Dink paper
2. Cut out and punch holes ready for hanging
3. Be mesmerised by the way the tags shrink down in size (enlist a small child to add to the wonderment)
4. Use ribbon or a silver charm ring to attach tags to your drinks. I used silver elastic for these mini glasses which worked really well.
5. Party On without mixin' germs!

NEW PARTY STATIONERY FOR MINTED

2013-04-23T14:12:00.002-06:00

I've just submitted these designs to Minted's latest competition for kids' party invitations & party decor.

I'm sure I'm beginning to sounds like a broken record asking you to vote all the time, but it's all run by competition and the only way to get things up for sale! Minted really are the leaders in personalised stationery and I'd love to have more of my product in the mix.
I'd really be so grateful if you would log in and vote for them:

Fossil Dig Invitation
Fossil Dig Party Decor
Little Red Invitation
Little Red Party Decor
Pit Lane Invitation
Pit Lane Party Decor
Sunshine & Rainbows Invitation
Sunshine & Rainbows Party Decor

And did you know you can be a party ambassador of Minted and get your party stationery for free?Now that's worth a vote right?? : )

ON MY BOOKSHELF

2013-04-19T14:30:00.001-06:00

My mum can attest to the fact that I'm not the fastest reader at the library. And I'm normally not very adventurous choosing my own books. I have to have a solid recommendation to read a novel for instance. Given my reading habits, it often means I don't often finish books or just 'read' ones with pictures - yay design books! Ironically I love books themselves, pretty covers, different paper textures, type and idealic quaint bookshops...ahhh. Weirdo I know.

Since Christmas I've read a few winners though that I feel are worthy of sharing. Maybe you can add them to your bedside table collection and you can tell me some I should add to mine!

BLOG INC. by Joy Cho - Wow, this one is worth every penny and I am sure I will head back and reference it again in the near future. What an honest and practical look at this weird world of blogging. I really like the specifics and stories of those who have 'gone before'. Joy is truly the expert and the fact that she is so approachable and transparent earns this book a big fat tick from me. On a personal note, I emailed Joy a few weeks back about something blog related and she replied straight away. I know this often isn't possible for so many 'blogging heavies', but the fact she gave her advice so quickly and willingly, makes me like her even more. Even if you don't want to read about how to blog, you should follow hers! Her little girl Ruby reminds me of my two adopted Korean sisters when they were young. Ca-ute!

FACING UP by Bear Grylls - Is Bear Grylls' story of climbing everest. This might seem a real random amongst the other titles, but I love a good biography and this was definitely gripping (excuse the pun : ). I think I finished it in like three or four days...unheard of for this snail-paced reader. I liked all the everyday details about living at such high altitude (ever wondered what your pee looks like when you're dehydrated??), and appreciated that like he says in the book; technology can put a man on the moon, but it's only through human effort you can reach the highest summit of earth. Maybe one for the man in your life too!

KARA'S PARTY IDEAS by Kara Allen - Born from her blog & now shop of party inspiration and supplies, Kara is a whizz when it comes to planning parties around a theme. I liked that most of the parties in this book are exclusive and haven't appeared on her blog before. I have to be honest, when this arrived I was a little disapointed it wasn't a hardcover with full-bleed images (like my fave party book), but it does have a CD of printables you can use for your own events, so that's a big plus in my books.

I WILL CARRY YOU by Angie Smith - Another personal one and biography - love me a good true story! This story is really close to my heart after losing three babies to miscarriage and having one of my closest friends going through a similar situation to Angie & her husband. It was real and raw and had me reaching for the tissues a number of times. I wish I'd read this months ago. So healing. It's also a helpful tool if you know someone who is grieving in some way. Powerful.

IT'S ALL GOOD by Gwyneth Paltrow - I found out recently that I have some allergies to diary, wheat and eggs. The trifecta hey? Needless to say, this little baking and cooking lover is on a steep learning curve changing from traditional baking to working with alternate ingredients (that actually taste good!). I just bought this book last week, and already I've found a 'go-to' muffin recipe and other meal ideas that actually taste like the 'real deal' and work with the rest of my family too. And if I look like gorgeous Gwynnie on the front cover afterwards, then that's a bonus!

______________________________________________________

As I write this, it's snowing outside. A perfect weekend for staying indoors and snuggling up with a good book. Unfortunately we have a full weekend with a fun marriage conference, birthday parties and Sunday lunch plans, so no lazy days for us. But please send me your fave reads at the moment. I need some more ideas!

Have a good weekend! xo

Images // Illustration by Polkadot Prints. Cover shots via Amazon & Book Depository

HELLO HANDSOME FOR SALE

2013-04-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hooray!! I won!!! Thank you to all who voted for my Minted Minibook designs. I can now proudly say I have one for sale!
I have to be honest it's pretty stiff competition and has taken a couple of different competitions to finally get one on the board, but I'm so thrilled.
You can find it here. And don't forget to check out all the other Minibooks. I think they're a great idea for share a bit more info and few more photos than a regular birth announcement!

P.S I have a couple of invitation designs & party decor ready for your vote if you're able. (Click on each design and give me a five (hint, hint!) I will give you a huge virtual hug and an enthusiastic "Thanks so much!"

FAMILY TRIP TO BANFF

2013-04-17T10:09:00.001-06:00

My sister, her husband and twin one year olds, just left us after spending two weeks holiday over here in Canada. It was sad to see them leave, we had such a great time of playing tourist, mixed with a whole lot of nothing/everyday chit chat and laughs. It's funny how when you show someone around your city, you suddenly you realise how much you know. I found myself answering the questions that just a year ago I was asking someone else. It felt good and made me feel like this place is a bit more familiar and like home.

A highlight of their time here was heading to the Banff area. We had only driven through the rockies before on our way to BC, so it was nice to stay, relax and take a look around. Seriously this is a beautiful part of the country! If those majestic mountains don't turn your eyes heaven-ward, I don't know what will. A creative & majestic God exists for sure! You can never get the full grandeur of the view until you see it first hand, it seriously takes your breathe away.

We stayed in Canmore at this fine place. Who were very accommodating given we had four children under four (three in cots) with us. First time hot tubbing outdoors too...woo!
We visited the town, drove up to Lake Louise, visited the famous Banff Springs hotel, rode the Sulphur mountain gondola, had a delicious meal here, and wandered down main street of both Canmore & Banff. So quaint and pretty.

We were told we had to visit the Sweet shoppe in Banff, which we obligingly did. (Say hello to my sister above - miss you already Salem!)
I follow Dajana from All things lovely blog on instagram, and she had written a post about what to do in the area, it's worth a read. She recommended this place called Beavertails. I didn't really know what it was about, but boy oh boy, they were good. Below is a maple & skor topped pastry but Dave had the apple and cinnamon version and it was da bomb! I had beavertail envy! Just another reason we need to return so I can have one to myself!

I can't wait to head back to this area. I have officially added it to my 'happy places' list, and can't wait to check it out in a different season. C'mon summer! Have to you been to the rockies before? What are some of your "must do's"?

P.S. I had to include the last photo at Lake Louise; it makes me laugh everytime I look at it. And before you pay out my parenting, the photo makes it look a lot more dangerous than it was....Ellie was very safe!

Images // Copyright Polkadot Prints

12 DAYS & COUNTING (& HAPPY EASTER!)

2013-04-02T16:29:00.002-06:00

It's been twelve days since I last shared some life with you. How was your Easter??

I've been bunkered down parenting and squeezing in my freelance work while Dave has been working hard prior to taking some holiday's. My sister, her husband, and twin one year olds had planned to travel from Australia and visit us at Easter. After a two day delay, they finally arrived! So we've had a bit of a delayed Easter celebrations over here with them.

We did up some Easter bags and left them on our neighbours doors in our apartment building on Easter Sunday morning, which was fun. And an Easter egg hunt just yesterday with all our kids in our apartment. I've been meaning to post about where we're living now after 'life at the lodge'. So I'll do that in the next couple of weeks I'm sure. It's nearly a year anniversary since we arrived here with a three month old baby and not really knowing what this country would hold...time certainly does fly.

Things might be a little light on here while I make the most of the time with my sister. I want to savour every moment! But I do have a craft to share that I just didn't have time to put up before Easter. Looking forward to hearing about your long weekend!

EASTER PRINTABLE DESIGN :: IN THE SHOP!

2013-03-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I haven't received more supplies for the popular Easter bags, so since there are a few of you who missed out and have asked...I have decided to sell the design as a printable for you!

They could be used for the bags or print onto label paper and place on boxes, tins or Easter gifts.
I hope it will help you make this special holiday, extra pretty this year!

You can purchase these floral Easter Designs here.

MAKING MY OWN BUSINESS CARDS

2013-03-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

For the past few months I've been pondering this here blog. (A delayed new years resolution kind a thing I think). I keep wondering how I want it to look this time next year. How I want to grow it, what my focus should be. Lots going on upstairs, but not necessarily all productive, lets say that!
I needed new business cards, but while I continue to deliberate I didn't want an expensive temporary option, so I decided I would make my own. As you do. It's always nice to delve into my box of supplies and make something tangible instead of sending a digital file off to a printer.

I used:
Letterpress weight business cards
Label paper wrap-around design
Cotton string

It was pretty easy to create a handful of them while having some down time with Levi. And if you ordered the Easter bags, you'll have one of them in your pack of goodness!

Speaking of Easter bags, I've had some requests for printable versions of the design. Is this something you would be interested in?

OUR EASTER TREE

2013-03-19T21:18:00.003-06:00

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had snow, snow and more snow! It felt like Christmas all over again.
It was a lot of indoor time for us. We put up our Easter tree. Very minimalist this year! If I'd had some white spray paint on hand, I think it would have looked good with white branches (and gone with my decor more) but hey, we aren't perfect over this side of the screen, so a la natural it is!

I normally use my pastel eggs from Bed Bath & Table (see years past), but I found these ones from our move that I'd forgotten about, so something bright and different for us this year.

I want to still make a garland for our mantel and make some treats, maybe like this. What traditions do you have at Easter?

DESIGN LOVE :: TRAFIQ

2013-03-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

I've been looking at some packaging sites lately. I really need to allocate some design time to doing some more myself. (The old 'too many ideas and not enough time') I do love me some snazzy packaging though. And I know I'm not alone in knowing first hand, that clever packaging can sell anything!

This food packaging for Trafiq is so much fun. A cigarette packet for hot chips, and burger packaging that opens up to be your own plate. Clever, clever!

I hope you've got some fun weekend plans. I'm in need of some recharge. So hopefully I will get some downtime in there somewhere. Hope you have a good one : )

GOLD TREAT STICKS

2013-03-14T21:12:00.001-06:00

Wowsers! So you're keen for the Easter bags! They're now all sold out, but I'm hoping to have some more supplies in the new few days. So if they come prior to Easter I'll have some more for sale. Keep your eyes peeled on my Facebook page, here or on Instagram.

I have also added a new treat stick colour in the shop - Gold! Perfect for pairing with coral, mint and all the trendy colours at the mo. These are great for macarons, cookies, cake pops etc. Anything small on a stick (check out this for inspiration).

You can find the Gold Treat Sticks here!

Thanks for all your support in my shop, it really does mean the world to me : )

EASTER EGG HUNT TREAT BAGS

2013-03-12T22:39:00.001-06:00

Easter would have to be my favourite holiday of the year. Christmas is fun with the build up, and the festivities, but there is just something special about Easter.
The significance of Jesus' sacrifice and relationship with me comes into full focus at this time. As well as the memory and carrying on of strong traditions we had growing up; of hot cross buns with friends on Good Friday, and waking up to baskets of eggs by our bed on Easter Sunday...and not to mention the added bonus of a super-long weekend! :)

I'm going to put up my Easter tree this week, and I have a couple of crafts I've bought things for, I just need to make the time to get messy with my kids (crafting is so much tidier on your own, wouldn't you agree?).

Anyway, I've added some pretty little bags to the shop just in time for Easter. They would be perfect for an Easter egg hunt. I'm going to use these for my neighbours. Just fill them with Eggs and hang them on the front door. Cute!

You can find them here in my shop!

Do you have traditions for Easter? What are your Easter preparation plans?

LOGO & BRANDING SALE

2013-03-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Good News! I have a few spots open for logo & branding in March & April.

If you're a sole trader, or small to medium sized business, and are looking for a fresh look or starting a new endeavour or project that needs an identity, this is the bundle for you! It includes a logo design (with 2-3 concepts to work from), an Etsy or Blog banner, Facebook cover image, & Business card design. A great package to get your business and brand off the ground!

Email me - jordan{at}polkadotprints.com.au for a questionaire to get things started!

ELLIE TURNS ONE

2013-03-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your lovely notes from last week. We could have had a pool party with those of you in the same boat as me. Sick kids are a real downer, eh! We are thankfully all back to good health now though. So grateful.

Finally, I'm sharing some photos from Ellie's first birthday party, last month. We invited a bunch of new friends from nearby and hired out the social room in our building. And celebrated our first year with this little lady!

You might remember the invites and stationery I designed. I designed the little boxes which were used for holding the different lollies for decorating graham cracker 'gingerbread' houses. I love packaging design, so these little boxes were my favourite detail. I had all the kids do this as they arrived to get everyone in the party mood (and hopped up on sugar at the get-go!)

The 'gingerbread' house decorating was followed by pizza, cake & dessert. It wasn't over the top like parties of past, but it was special. One of the best (and cheapest things) was a coffee table covered with kraft paper that kids could draw on with stencils & pencils/textas throughout the morning. Winner!

Other than that it was just some colour co-ordinated streamers, flowers & baking cups and it was a theme. Simple.

I had lots of fun baking and designing a few special things for the day.

Ellie was more overwhelmed than anything, but she enjoyed her first piece of cake and balloons! I'd say a success! I also made some favour boxes that I'll share with you tomorrow : )

Happy birthday our little Ellie, your giggle, your dimples, your waddle-y walk, your placidness all make us smile. We're glad you're ours - we love you so much!

WHERE I'D RATHER BE...

2013-02-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Before you get excited, no that is not me in the water swimming so elegantly. I am simply at home dealing with a child with severe food poisoning and a teething toddler. Way less glamourous I can assure you! We are day three into things and I hope tomorrow is the magic day when everyone just gets better!
But, I'm letting myself think about places I would rather be than dealing with the yuck that comes with sickies - these bungalows and water-side lounges are doing it for me right now!
I hope your week is chugging along better than mine : )

Image // source via Pinterest

I HEART MARSHMALLOW HEARTS

2013-02-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

We've had a long weekend here in Canada, so with some extra family time and the added 'bonus' of having the flu for two of the three days, meant I haven't had a moment to share these photos from our Valentines day dinner. It was kind of last minute.
Levi asked the other night to eat on the floor around our coffee table, so I thought Valie day was a great excuse! It was a pretty standard meal, but I did make this fluffy marshmallow slice for a little love themed dessert. And I used these dip-dyed treat bags for some simple place settings. Other than that, I had everything else in my linen cupboard or shelves. I made the acrostic name places out of a cereal box (hello recycling) and decorated with my fave white pen. My mum does this kind of acrostic thing a lot and I think it's a really easy & fun way of showing love in how you appreciate someone. Reading out 'what each person was' was a highlight. I think I might just keep this tradition going!

I hope you had a lovely weekend too. I'm really looking forward to the week ahead!

P.S. If you're interested in reading a little more about me, I updated my about page over the weekend. Silver lining of being sick in bed! : )

PLEASE SHOW SOME MINTED VOTING LOVE!

2013-02-13T15:12:00.002-07:00

So, you remember when I asked you vote for some of my designs on Minted last month? Thank you all so much for voting! But, sad news, I didn't win anything. I was kind of disappointed, but after a day or so of feeling discouraged, I've jumped back on the horse and have entered another competition!

This round it's for their Minibooks. These cute Minibooks are multi-paged cards perfect for wedding invites, birth announcements, memorial booklets etc. Great for popping in more information & photos than a regular flat card.

There are some great entries, so I would love your vote again if you have the time. My first design is a wedding themed Minibook Love Triangle, you can vote for here. And then there is Hello Handsome, a birth announcement which you can vote for here. There's lots of prizes in the pool, so I'd love to be in amongst the 'big guns' this time round!

I think you do have to sign in to vote, but it will only take a sec. Would you show me some love? Or maybe even share it with your friendly facebook & twitter friends? I'd be so, so grateful! Thank YOU!xo

BOY VALENTINES :: ONE IN A MILLION

2013-02-12T21:26:00.002-07:00

Levi's class has just finished learning about creation in his preschool class and they are combining finishing that with a valentines pyjama party. He is 'so esited' that he gets to wear pyjama's to school and the nightly 'how many sleeps' countdown has been on since Saturday. I'm relieved it's tomorrow! : )

We finished up his classroom valentines just this afternoon. Have you ever tried getting a four year old to write their name on 20 cards? Let's just say I'm glad it's only four letters long. It was T.E.D.I.O.U.S!

I'm not a big fan of the 'be mine' message when you're 4yrs old. I know it's all light hearted fun, but I thought just a 'thanks for being my friend' things was a good angle. That and tying in what they have been learning about in class, this is what we came up with.

A chocolate goldfish would work too, but Levi likes these coins, which still ties in with the 'million' theme!

Not having done a classroom valentines before I have no idea if if I am way off track, too stingy, too hand-made, not enough sugar?? I'm sure I"m way over-thinking this, but hey, this one of those cultural things that I have no experience in!

If you're into this design, you can download it for free here.

I think this will be the last of the love related posts for this year...phew! : )

You can find my other valentines day ideas, past & present here:
She loves me, she loves me not
Valentines Placecards
Chocolate Fairy Bread Hearts
Dip-Dyed Cotton Bags
Lunchbox Love Notes

VALENTINES LUNCHBOX LOVE NOTES

2013-02-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a lovely weekend! It's just a few days till Valentines Day when Levi's preschool is having a pyjama party. He keeps telling me he's 'so esited' about it!
We'll finish his classroom Valentines notes tonight, but I thought these cute lunchbox love notes might be a winner for those of you with school kids. You could also leave them around the house for your husband and family where they will find them - stuck to a mirror, inside their car, tucked into a shoe...have some fun!

So to the DIY...enter the puff paint....Kraft envelopes & black card.

Puff paint to your hearts content. I then cut my cardboard into random geometric shapes, just freehanding it. I used my favourite white pen from Kikki-K (see the white on kraft paper from these bags - I'm kind of into it at the moment :). Then pop your notes into their lunchbox for a fun surprise!

Now he just needs to read! : )

Images // Copyright Polkadot Prints

CHOCOLATE FAIRY BREAD HEARTS

2013-02-09T10:17:00.001-07:00

It's not till you move away from your home country, that you fully realise the foods that are iconic to your heritage. At least that's what I've found. There are the stand out obvious ones, like Vegemite & Milo, but now that we've lived here for a while I'm finding a few different things that aren't on the regular line up of food. Like Lamingtons, passionfruit pulp in a can, or for that matter pavlova for the passionfruit-in-a-can to decorate, Coke spiders (remember these mini's ones?), tasty cheese..., and the grocery list goes on!

Which brings me to today's post - Fairy bread. Oh, yes the humble birthday party staple from my childhood. Cheap & fun, and a little bit retro! I haven't seen this here yet (please correct me if I am wrong fellow Nth American dwellers! :)
But I'm a bit of a weirdo and want my kids to experience stuff that I have happy memories of when I was a kid. So the other day I randomly made some regular fairy bread or afternoon tea; which went down a treat! Sprinkles & butter on bread? Oh yes!

It got me thinking to add some Nutella to the equation...just becuase. I'm probably not the first to think of this, because really, who doesn't like Nutella??

Now this isn't rocket science, but it was fun to kind of shoot these photos as I made them (and made them all heart shaped for Valie day coming up!).
Maybe I'll just have to introduce it at the next kids party I host!.... : )

Simple supplies you'll probably have on hand -
// Bread (traditionally on white, but we are brown bread eaters, so brown it is!)
// 100's & 1000's aka sprinkles
// Nutella
// Cookie cutters if you want.

Choose your 100's & 1000's appying technique - the sprinkle vs the face plant. I'm a face plant kind a girl as it give a good thick coating! :)

Enjoy with some milk and be prepared the wipe away some little chocolatey smiles : )

Happy weekend! I'm off to help Levi create his first ever class valentines...with me luck!
xo

DIY VALENTINES DIP-DYED TREAT BAGS

2013-02-06T21:16:00.001-07:00

Can you feel the love in the air? So many cute ideas are floating around Pinterest and blogworld lately.

I have a few love-ideas up my sleeve to share with you. You'll find the first one over on Design Mom today. You can check out the full post here and see how living in Nth America has shifted how I celebrate this lovey dovey day!

And remember to come on back for more of my valentines ideas this week!

Images // by Polkadot Prints for Design Mom