NEW PRINT!

Ask and you shall receive! It's true!

I've had LOADS of requests over the last few weeks for other cities in my art print collection. The first to be added is this New York one! Stay tuned for more...

Pin It

And PLEASE get it touch if there is a particular city you'd like to see. I aim to please!

V xx

Makeup Free Mondays

What a fab idea!

I came across Makeup Free Mondays just yesterday on the beautiful blog, *bellaMUMMA by lovely Nikki. It's a great project by The Beauty Bean, an online beauty mag. 

It's all about celebrating our true natural beauty and empowering women to feel they don't have to cover up and to celebrate that fact that beauty is about much more than the products we religiously apply.

This is me today on Makeup Free Monday!

Check out *bellaMUMMA next Monday for a gallery of lots of fresh faced lovelies!

V xx

The Karma Project - Week 1

Let's kick off  The Karma Project! So excited!

PROJECT FOR WEEK 1
Give something 'good' from your wardrobe to the a local op shop

We've all got that dress/top/pair of jeans lurking at the back of the wardrobe that, if we're honest with ourselves, we'll never wear again but we just can't seem to get rid of it. This week is the opportunity to say your goodbyes and give it a new home!

Just think how AWESOME someone will feel when they find a little GEM at the op shop in amongst all the not so great donations that op shops sadly get!

"Like gravity, karma is so basic that we often don't even notice it"

Happy weekend!

V xx

The Karma Project

I've been reading so many inspiring blogs and books recently all about positivity, karma and the law of attraction. Basically, it all about putting good out there into the Universe and you'll get good back.

Some of my favourites are...

In Spaces Between - my new daily must-read! Rach writes so beautifully and her posts always leave me feeling energised and pumped!

Tiny Buddha - I just got Lori's book a few weeks back and it's full to the brim with great advice and wisdom.

Positively Positive - thought-provoking articles on topics like work, relationships and parenting.

A Life of Perfect Days - Connie writes about how to make each and every day you best day possible. So empowering.

In a bid to de-clutter my online life, this week I've unsubscribed to lots of blogs and Facebook pages to allow me to focus on the ones that I feel are important to me right now. It's so cleansing and refreshing! I strongly recommend it!

With all this positivity and good-feeling, I've decided to start a little project...


The Karma Project will be posted every Friday afternoon, setting a project for the week. All the projects will be based around creating good feelings and being NICE! I'll then post on a Friday morning to tell you how the week went!

It would be AMAZING if you jumped on the 'Karma train' with me! Let's start spreading the love!

Week 1 project to be posted shortly...

V xx

Naming ceremony script

I mentioned last week that I wanted to share the script from Noah's naming day to help anyone else who is planning a similar celebration. We worked closely with our lovely celebrant, Sally and were really happy with the final version.

So here is it... Please feel free to use any sections you would like if you are planning a naming ceremony!

V xx

Welcome and introduction

Hello, my name is Sally Cant and I would like to welcome you all here today to witness with me the naming day celebration for Noah. I am honoured to be asked to conduct this ceremony.

Steff and Vari feel pride and joy in the arrival of their son, Noah Thomas and take this opportunity to formally introduce him to you, their family and friends and to confirm and bestow upon their son, his chosen names.

Announcing of name

Noah was born at 3:20pm on 18th December, a few weeks earlier than expected, at the Royal Women's Hospital. Steff supported Vari through the natural birth and had the honour of telling Vari that they had another boy.

An important role model for Noah will be his brother, Gabriel. Though no doubt there will be a typical sibling rivalry, Gabe will develop a special relationship of love and trust with his brother and this will be valued by them always. Steff and Vari are also aware of the value of this bond and are pleased that their boys will be there for each other. That strong sibling bond is already clear to see. Gabe is so gentle and nurturing of Noah, including him in everything he does - setting a place for him at the dinner table and offering his dinosaurs for him to play with! There has been no sign of the jealously that so many people speak of when a newborn is introduced to a family with a toddler. Rather, showing a protectiveness of both Noah and his parents by Gabe.

Steff and Vari have undertaken to nurture this child, to love him, provide him with a safe and secure environment, with stimulation and guidance as he plots his own course through life. Noah is an individual and as such, his future path will be uniquely his. Steff and Vari will be there with him throughout, to offer him love and support. Steff and Vari want to ensure that their family lives as happy a life as possible. Happiness is a continuous and conscience effort in parenthood. Pausing daily to take stock of even the smallest blessing can change how we approach the demanding life of caretaking.

Children are a social responsibility. Not just for as parents of our own children, but as aunts, uncles, neighbours and friends. In a myriad of little ways and by example, we are all teachers and mentors.

Reading by Sam Ryan

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations! 

Today is your day. 

You're off to Great Places! 

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head. 

You have feet in your shoes 

You can steer yourself 

any direction you choose. 

You're on your own. And you know what you know. 

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. 

About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there." 

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, 

you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any 

you'll want to go down. 

In that case, of course, 

you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there 

in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen 

and frequently do 

to people as brainy 

and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, 

don't worry. Don't stew. 

Just go right along. 

You'll start happening too.

OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

Mentors

Today, we appoint two mentors for Noah, chosen by his parents - Nicola and Steven Moran.

Mentors take a special interest in the ethical, material and moral development of the child. It is a serious responsibility, but one that can be very rewarding and we come now to this important part of the proceedings where I will address this question to the mentors.

I would now like to ask the mentors:

Steven and Nicola, you have been asked to accept the privilege of becoming mentors to Noah. Steff and Vari ask that you always welcome Noah if he comes to you for company, advice or help and that you will listed to him and respect his confidences no matter how great or small. They ask that you show him understanding and love and let him know that he will always have a special place in your hearts.

Are you willing to accept this responsibility? 

We do.

Parents Vows

Families are so very important – the role of parenthood held in high regard. To be responsible for their boys strengthens the bond that Steff and Vari share and brings a strong purpose to their lives.

Before, they were a couple in love committed to each other in marriage. They then became a true family with the arrival of Gabe in 2009 and now welcome Noah into this close and loving family unit.

Listen, for a moment to a poem called the “Reflection of a Family”;

“A family is a place to cry and laugh, to vent frustrations, to cry for help, to tease and yell, to be touched and hugged and smiled at.

A family is people who care when you are sad, who love you no matter what, who share your triumphs, who don't expect you to be perfect, just growing with honesty in your decisions.

A family is a circle where we learn to make good decisions, where we learn integrity and table manners, and respect for other people.

Where we are special, where we listen and are listened to.

Where we learn the rules of life, to prepare ourselves for the world.

The world is a place where anything can happen.

If we grow up in a loving family, we are ready for the world.”

Vari and Steff, in front of your family and friends do you both promise that you will continue to treasure the time you spend together, and support each other through the changes in your lives?

We do

I ask that you make your own personal declaration of commitment and unconditional love to Noah.

Steff, do you promise to protect and provide for Noah so he may grow up to be happy and safe?

I do

Vari, do you promise to encourage his curiosity, courage and enthusiasm so that he can face life’s challenges with resilience and optimism?

I do

Name Giving

Steff and Vari chose the name Noah Thomas for their son.

A name is very important. It distinguishes us from others and gives us a sense of belonging in our family and community. The name Noah is of Hebrew origin and means 'rest' and 'peace' - qualities that Steff and Vari hope will be close to their son throughout his life. His middle name of Thomas is in honour of Vari's grandfather on her mums side.

Noah – your name has been chosen with love. We therefore name you Noah Thomas Longmuir. We wish you long life and happiness in a loving and peaceful world. May you bring joy to your parents, your family and friends.

Steff and Vari love their son and proudly name him Noah Thomas Longmuir. They wish him a long life filled with happiness, love and adventure.

Reading by Cara Devaney

If… by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you 

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
 

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
 And treat those two impostors just the same;
 

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
 Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
 

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Box of Letters to Noah

Steff and Vari would love for you all to participate in Noah's box of letters. There is a piece of note paper and envelope for each birthday until Noah turns 18. You are asked to write him a short letter that he will open on that birthday. It can contain anything you like - some advice, a wish for him, a blessing. When you are finished, please seal the envelope and place it in the box.

Signing & Presentation of the Certificates

Ladies and Gentlemen – at this point we are going to sign the certificates, following which we will drink a toast to Noah and his future.  You might like to take this opportunity to charge your glasses.

Conclusion and toast

On behalf of everyone here, I welcome Noah and congratulate Steff and Vari, and also his mentors, Nicola and Steven.

I now ask that you raise your glasses in both a toast and  please repeat after me:

To Noah Thomas Longmuir – long life, peace and happiness.

Noah's Naming Ceremony - the pics

I just got the photos from Noah's naming ceremony yesterday and I love them! Thanks again, Ash! 

I'm terrible at taking photos myself - I always chat too much and forget to lift the camera! It's lovely to have some pics of our baby boys special day.

V xx

Noah and Steven

Noah Thomas Longmuir

Gabriel

Our home

Our backyard

The kids eski

Flowers from Du Fleur, Yarraville

Mentors and parents

Food from gas Eatery and Supplies, South Melborne. My FAV cafe EVER!

Minced Chicken Terrine

Fruit skewers for the toddlers

Noah's box of letters. More to come on this later!

Our family

Rest

Certificates for mentors and grandparents

Cake from Yarraville Cake Art

Kids in the cubby and sandpit

The cake - white chocolate and raspberry

The 3 women in Noah's life

Up for a challenge???

I saw this great image on the wonderful Pinterest last week which got me to thinking... when was the last time I did something for the first time???

For many of us, it's been way too long - a little stuck in the daily routine. Well today is the day for a shake-up!

My challenge to you ALL to do something today for the fist time. It doesn't have to be anything HUGE - just something.

I'd love to hear what you decide to do...

V xx

BRANDING : Pink Ribbon Cup

You may remember a few months back I created a new brand for Pink Lady Cup - a charity race day here in Melbourne to raise money for breast cancer research. Well, with a change in sponsor and charity, there had to be a little bit of redesign. Check out the new brand.

I LOVE the slightly retro feel and the bold, fresh colour scheme!

V xx

MELBOURNE made - design magazine

Late last year, I had the pleasure on working on and AMAZING new project! Through the awesome Clever Mumma directory, I pitched for (and won!) a project to create the branding and design template for a new magazine called MELBOURNEmade - a quarterly publication celebrating the creativity of this amazing city.

It so exciting to get to create something like this completely from scratch. When I read the brief it said that the demographic was 25 - 40 year old women, living in Melbourne who are mothers, sisters, wives, who like to shop local, handmade, out-of-the-ordinary... Emm, hello me!

Issue 1 hits the shelves on 25th Feb - can't wait to see it!

Want to win a copy before it hits the shelves? Head on over to their Facebook page and find out how!

To subscribe to the mag, click HERE...

Noah's Naming Ceremony : the invitation

On Sunday, we officially celebrated the arrival and naming of our beautiful new baby boy. Neither Steven nor I are religious but we wanted to celebrate Noah's arrival with our friends. With my parents visiting at the moment, it was the perfect opportunity for them to be a part of the celebration and also meet some of our dearest friends. Being on the other side of the world from their only grandchildren can be tough, so it was lovely that they were able to be a part of Noah's big day.

There wasn't a 'theme' for the day as such, but I wanted to convey a tone of adventure, invention and excitement - all things that we wish for Noah - with the invitation. The end result was a vintage-style invitation, inspired by wonderful Jules Verne novel from 1873, Around the World in 80 days.

It also contained a quote from one of my favourite books, Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss. We had a friend read an extract from the book as part of the ceremony. It's such and inspiring piece of writing for both children and adults alike. Recommended reading for anyone feeling a little lost! 

It took us a while to write the script for the day, but with the help of our fantastic celebrant, Sally, we were delighted with the end result. I will share it in another post for anyone thinking of having a similar celebration. There wasn't much out there on the internet so hopefully that will offer some inspiration!

One of the most important elements of the day was the appointment of mentors for Noah. These are effectively non-religious Godparents that will be there for Noah to offer him guidance and support throughout his life. We were so honoured when our dear friends, Nicola and Steven accepted the responsibility. They are people who we love and respect and who's values and morals are very similar to ours. So we've not only increased our family by one, but by three. Soon to be four actually, as Nicola and Steven are about to welcome their own little person into the world in May! Thank you for being part of our family, guys!

My beautiful friend, Ash, took photos for us on the day which I will share shortly. Thanks, Ash - you are awesome!

V xx

It's been a while.. but I'm back!

You may have noticed that I've been absent for the last few months from the blog. All with good reason. On 18th December, we welcomed another beautiful boy into our family. Noah arrived a few weeks earlier than expected which allowed us to be at home and settled for a wonderful Christmas. I've spent that last 7 weeks just enjoying being at home and have spent minimal time online which has been so refreshing. It's been such wonderful break from work and really allowed me to enjoy these early days getting to know my new little favourite person!

On the work front, there are a few big projects that got finished at the end of the year that I will be sharing over the coming weeks as well as the details of Noah's naming ceremony that we are having next weekend.

V xx