Jumbo Smarties!

Have you ever seen these JUMBO Smarties?

My husband loves Smarties, so I saved these up for a special occasion... (hello, hubby doesn't get jumbo smarties for any old reason... he's gotta work for it!)

I thought his White Coat Ceremony, a Dental School milestone, would be an acceptable occasion to surprise with these jumbo sweets. I just wanted to show him in a simple way that I was proud of him.

So, here's what I did:

You can buy one roll of jumbo smarties HERE for $1.29 or check around your local stores.

You could use this simple idea for any occasion where your hunny has achieved something to be recognized:

*an undergrad test
*an "A" on a tough paper
*graduation
*an certification exam for work
*after writing a dissertation
*after receiving a pay raise or promotion
*when he/she helped you with something you didn't know
*etc. etc.

Although I can't buy you the Jumbo Smarties, I can provide these FREE printable notecards. (You know, you could always tie a bunch of regular-sized smarties together and get almost-the-same-effect).

You can pick up my freebie HERE. (Note: This is a zipped file. You must extract before accessing the files.)

In case you're interested, here's me and hubby at his White Coat Ceremony (I'm beaming with pride!)...

Love Decks

I've always thought that this was a clever idea, and so much easier than making 52 cutsie cards that tell him why you love him...

This would be great for a simple birthday gift, anniversary, or Valentine's Day. But don't underestimate the power of just giving this to him (or her) on any random, non-occasion day.

Found via Craftster.Org

This set was made by Bobbi from Casa Camacho.

~~~~~

If I've featured your idea, don't forget to grab a "Featured" button on my side column!

.

Lovin' Your Student Spouse 101: Report Card Rewards

Be sure to take good notes on today's lesson... I think your studious spouse will love it!

This is something you want to plan at the start of a semester so they'll have something to work toward. OR, you could just present it right before one big test as motivation (or at least something to look forward to once the test is over).

Assign a reward to each letter grade. Whichever letter grade the student receives on the test or in a certain class, the corresponding reward is given. Here are some examples:

And if you'd like, click the image below, then save and print!

(note: this idea is usually only effective if your student has a history of making good grades. If they don't, this idea might just hurt their feelings...) :)

Lovin' Your Student Spouse 101: Graphing Your Love

Those of you in school know how challenging it can be to balance the books and love your spouse simultaneously. So, I've gone ahead and enrolled all of you in:

Lovin' your Student Spouse 101:
....a week long course right here on Love Actually that will feature some great ideas (plus free downloads) to help you ace this busy time in your life!

Classroom Rules:

1. Attendance each and every day is mandatory. Tardiness, however, is acceptable.
2. Participation Encouraged (i.e. if you have a great idea to share, please leave a comment so all the students can benefit from your knowledge.)
3. Application of study material (ideas) recommended.

-----------------------

Today's lesson is about graphing.

I found this from the Cottage Industrialist and thought that it was the most clever love note ever! Perfect to slip in your favorite student's book to be found during class.

You can download this graph card and matching envelope for FREE on their blog. I know, very cool. and very nice. Be sure to say thanks when you download!

Feature on UCreate!

I'm taking a break today as I'm guest posting over at UCreate!!
...yup, I'm pretty much famous! :)

Come check out my feature and get a load of the UCreate greatness!

Before you click on over...

Don't forget to enter the giveaway.... which ends Sunday!!

Looking for a unique gift for Valentine's? Check out the Love Actually Boutique

ScribbleIt Giveaway Winner!!

Congrats, Janaca!
Please email Cammie at scribbleit@msn.com and let her know what you'd like to order (vinyl only) using your $25 gift certificate!

Didn't Win? Don't Worry---ScribbleIt has terrific prices and special deals on her blog for anyone wanting to decorate on a budget!

I've got more giveaways coming up soon...stay tuned!

Oh, and check out Love Actually's feature and interview on THIS blog today!

"The Celebration Board" - Somewhat Simple Feature

Happy Monday everyone! I am excited to be here on Cher's site- this place is so fun!

My name is Stephanie and I am usually found on my site Somewhat Simple

Several months ago, I made a fun project for my home. We call it "The Celebration Chalkboard" - its our family's place to write any reason at all to celebrate for the day- it just makes me smile looking at some of the reasons my kids come up with!

(This was MY reason to celebrate- our whole family seen by the dentist and not a single cavity in anybody's teeth! Its a miracle!)

In sticking with Cher's theme of this site, I thought this board could definitely be used to show your significant other some love and encouragement, or simply put a smile on their face with a cute message. This idea is a great way to keep marriage positive....instead of coming home to complain about the negative things that happened that day, each spouse writes a reason to celebrate!

Here's how to make your own:

(just click on the pictures if you need to enlarge them)

So make your own "Celebration Board" and you'll always find some reason to be happy, no matter how silly the reason is!

I'd love for you to come see what else I've got going on at somewhatsimple- each day is something new and its always simple and its always fun! Please consider yourself personally invited to add your link to our Link Parties that I host every Thursday. I'll see you then!

Cher, thanks for having me here today! Have a great week everyone!!!

Giveaway: "And They Were Not Ashamed"

So, you know how I've not posted in...well, a while? I have a few good excuses, but instead of listing them, I'll just offer my apologies with a giveaway!

Laura Brotherson is a well-known author and educator about intimacy in marriage. I am very impressed with her book and how she really is able to relate to all sorts of issues concerning intimacy in marriage. I found myself saying, "Wow...that is SO true." about every 5 minutes while reading. The book is very insightful and is not just for couples with problems...it can help every marriage!

"And They Were Not Ashamed" is a book about physical intimacy and marital ONEness that is comprehensive, in-depth and frank, yet still respectfully reverent. It's the ultimate how-to handbook....power-packed with hope and help for creating a mutually fulfilling intimate relationship.

It's a book you definitely need to read for yourself and Laura has generously sponsored today's giveaway of one of her books, plus a talk on CD.

The giveaway is the set including the book and talk on CD as shown above. (a value of $30)

To qualify for the giveaway:
1. Be a follower of Love Actually

2. Browse Laura's Website: StrengtheningMarriage.Com
3. Comment saying you qualify based on #1 and #2

Giveaway Ends: July 6th, 6 pm EST.

If you'd like the book or any of Laura's other products, you can find them HERE on her website!

Thanks, Laura! We all owe you....and not just for the giveaway. :)

You've Got Mail!

I love these cute little mailboxes because they tie romance and crafting together...two of my favorites!

Wouldn't it be fun to write your spouse a love note and put it inside a mini mailbox? Don't want to do a full love note....how about a series of mini love notes leading up to Valentine's Day? Each evening, put the flag up so they'll know that "they've got mail"!

Here are some embellished mailboxes that I think are ridiculously cute!

Alayna's Creations

Taylored Expressions

For Love of Paper


Beautiful Mess

Simply Rae

Stamp Talk with Shannon Lawrence

Body Shop Date Night & Roleplay

Ladies, start your engines!!

This is an idea that your guy just might love. The hubs and I created this idea from scratch and both agree that there are just a few small things that take it from mediocre to great (or "freakin' awesome" as my husband so delicately put it).

Obviously this is a roleplay idea and is intended to be sexy. But, for obvious reasons, I've tried to keep the suggestiveness to a minimum for this post. However, when it comes time for you to use this idea, you're gonna need to rev it up a little bit. Luckily, there are about a MILLION connotations/twists you can put on vehicle maintenance terminology. (google 'vehicle maintenance services' if you need ideas based off actual services). You'll find out why you need to do this in a bit..

Here's how it all goes down:

Stick a little "maintenance notice" in his car as early as you'd like prior to this date night. (could be the same day or a few days prior).


In preparation for the date,

- Wear some jean or khaki overalls...or anything that looks "auto shop technician-y"
- smudge some grease (mascara works great) on your cheek
- wear your hair up in a loose raggy ponytail (if applicable)
- brush up on your "car talk" and just spout stuff off like you know what you're talking about (this is useful during the "inspection" portion of the night)
- Gather some Gadgets: clipboard, tire pressure gauge, flashlight, a shop rag, (anything that could be useful during your "inspection")
- Put up some door plaques on your bathroom/bedroom doors. You may have to
change the inspection garage and maintenance shop mid-date if you're using your bedroom as both of these).


When it comes time for the date, welcome your customer to your Body Shop and invite him to "drive his vehicle into the inspection garage". You'll then explain that you, an experienced technician, will do a comprehensive inspection to identify any problems with his vehicle.

This is where you get creative. Use your gadgets (examples above) to measure, inspect, and do whatever the heck you want to do. You can make him stand a certain way, make him flex his muscles for you to measure, etc etc. (sounds corny, but seriously...this can be hilariously fun). Take notes on your clipboard during the inspection, without letting him see.

Then, when the inspection phase is through, prepare your invoice. This is where you want to write the "good stuff" using sexy connotations of auto shop lingo. (My example is boring, so don't copy it!!) Get creative!

Then give him the invoice and have him sign and date the bottom. (Put this in a secret scrapbook...you'll laugh about it years from now!)

The rest doesn't require much help from me.

Maintenance Shop comes next... (have him leave and re-enter if you need just for the effect) and then do your thing. After, the Car Wash (showering or bathing together...) is the perfect conclusion!

Oh, and, lastly...these might come in handy:

Download HERE (zipped file must be extracted before use)
*download fixed*

Remember, if you download, I think it's safe to say that you owe me a comment! :)

“The Dating Game" Date Night

When you find your relationship getting stuck in a rut, surprise your spouse with a new you...well, three new yous! You're both sure to get a laugh out of this dinner date based on TV's "The Dating Game" where a bachelorette would question three bachelors who were hidden from her view. At the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to go out on a date with.

To create a little anticipation, you can either give a card like the one below to your spouse or email it to them at work or school as a hint that Date Night is going to be fun tonight!

You can download my free invite by clicking the links below.
FOR HER - (if hubby is planning date)
FOR HIM - (if wife is planning date)

· Choose who your three bachelor or bachelorettes are going to be (based on generic personalities...however stereotypical they may be). Once decided, dinner will correspond to the selected person. Be sure that you have three dinner options ready based on your spouse's pick! The possibilities are endless. Here are some examples:

Bachelor/Bachelorette Personality	Dinner
Barbie (stereotypical "valley girl")	Burger and Fries
Foreign National	Cultural Food: Italian, Chinese, Indian, etc.
Redneck	Hotdogs
Cowboy/Cowgirl	BBQ & Baked Beans
Animal Lover	Vegetarian food
School Teacher	Bagged Lunch

· At the start of your date, have your spouse sit down while you act as the announcer for the game show. Explain the rules to them. Give him or her the list of questions and a notepad (just in case notes are helpful). Then, announce the name of the bachelors or bachelorettes and where they are from. Then, hide yourself and have your spouse start the questioning while you act the part of three different personalities. (Change your voice to help with the allusion. Remember, as much as you'd like to ham up these characters, make sure they all have appealing characteristics. If your spouse decides against all three, then you've got a problem!)

· Your job is easy. You'll basically have a script written for each question asked to each of the bachelor or bachelorettes. For example, when your spouse asks, "What is your idea of a perfect date?" you'll respond with a different answer for each:

Bachelorette #1 (Cowgirl): "I'd take me and my cowboy to the rodeo. Yee-haw!"
Bachelorette #2 (Teacher): "Prom! I'm chaperoning, but that doesn't mean I can't dance!"
Bachelorette #3 (Barbie): "Umm...I'd, like, go shopping or like, get pedicures together."

· Example Questions:
If we were marooned on a desert island, what would be the first thing you'd do and why?
If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Your house is on fire, what do you grab as you run out?
What color best describes your personality and why?
What do you wish you could change about yourself ?
You are driving and get lost, what do you do and how do you handle it?
If you were going to be famous for one thing, what would it be?
What is your idea of a perfect date?

You can Google "dating game questions" for ideas on more creative questions.

Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get this show on the road!

BIG Love...It's not what you think!

...I thought this might raise a few eyebrows considering the TV show, "Big Love" which I'm not a fan of, by the way. Regardless, it was a fitting title for today's post! :)



Looking for a way to make a BIG impression this Valentine's Day?

Jordan Ferney and Things to Play With have just the trick.

Note: I'm guessing the saying on her love note is an inside joke?

Jordan provided the instructions for how she made hers:

1. Write or print out the saying you want on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper.

2. Take it to a Kinkos with one of those large scale printers and have it enlarged {costs around $4.} She made hers a few feet wide.

3. Fold it up into a little square and wrap it up with an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. You can print their name or a message on the outside wrapper.

I think this would be a great way to show just how big your love is!

If you try this, please send me your photos: loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Postmarked with Love

If you're thinking of writing a little love note or card to your spouse this year, why not let it be postmarked with love?

You can mail it to Loveland, Colorado (the "Sweetheart City")where it will be hand-stamped with a unique four line poem & pictorial postmark. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce heads up this yearly romance project with cards going to all 50 states and to over 100 foreign countries annually.


Cool, right? Just enclose your pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentine's card in a larger envelope and mail to:
Postmaster - Attention Valentines
446 E. 29th St.
Loveland, CO 80538-9998

To ensure delivery by Valentine's Day, mail must be received in Loveland by February 8 (for cards being returned to US addresses). Further details here.

You can also send it to postmasters of these other cities too:
Loveland, Ohio 45140
Valentine, Texas 79854
Valentine, Nebraska 69201
Kissimmee, Florida 32741
Loving, New Mexico 88256
Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010
Romance, Arkansas 72136

You know...this could be a fun tradition to start. Every year, send your love letter to Loveland's Postmaster and save each year's letter. You'd have quite the collection of love letters after so many years... (imagine the legacy you'd leave behind!)

Who's gonna have a hot date soon!?

....Andrew and Rachel Ashmore are!!

Rachel is the winner of this "90 Words Per Minute" Dress from Shabby Apple!

Congratulations...I hope you're planning a super special date night where you both can go have some fun dressed up! Rachel, please email your mailing address and dress size to me at loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Don't forget that you can get 10% any Shabby Apple purchase until March 3rd by using this coupon code at checkout: Loveactually10off (make sure the L is capital).

Thanks again to ShabbyApple for sponsoring this amazing giveaway! I think you know how much ALL of us are in LOVE with your dresses.

Love Everyday E-Book

You know, I have people email me often asking for advice about their marriage. The hard part about that is..... I'm not a marriage counselor nor am I an expert. I'm going on 5 years of marriage and I have lots to learn. So, it's not that I'm ignoring all of you.. I just don't feel comfortable offering advice when every marriage is so different!

But, I like to read books about marriage and occasionally, I stumble upon a little gem like this that I can pass on to you:

It's a mini e-book that contains great tips and reminders for all relationships!

You can download the book for free HERE courtesy of itmightbelove.com

Consider this my advice. :)

His & Hers Bedding

I’m always a little puzzled when watching TV and the couples on the show have beds with perfectly pressed bedding, sheets that are neatly tucked in and perfectly fluffed pillows. The couple gets into their bed. The husband reads the paper, while the wife rubs lotion on her arms. Then, the light goes as they are cozily tucked in. aww..

Then the TV goes off and it’s time for me and hubby to go to bed. We’re lucky to even FIND the top sheet on my bed. And shared blankets? What is that? We don’t share blankets. We each have our own side. And, like 5 year olds, there IS a line which divides each side of our bed. If it gets crossed in the middle of the night, you better believe there will be elbow throwing, kicking, and all manner of nastiness to get HIS leg back over to HIS side!

Annnnyway…. As I was thinking about that, I thought that these bedding sets seemed very appropriate.

{haha} from Freshome.com

Maybe our night time routine might be sweeter if we had bedding like any of these:

From: Creature Comforts w/ FREE Iron-on Download

From: Room To Inspire
From: Personal Creations

From: Personalization Mall

From: Cute Valentine's

From: The Nest

From: Brassy Apple

From: Cute Valentine's

From: Personalization Mall

(twister sheets? hehe...) From: Glamour.com

From: BoldLoft

I thought these could be useful as well...

The reverse says: "In Your Dreams"
From: Little Birdie Secrets

You can find versions of this all over the web.

And, right along with this theme is this lovely quilted love letter. What a treasure this would be!

From: The Small Object

So, I've been collecting these for some time now and just wanted to share them with you...for a laugh or a gift idea or a bit of inspiration... enjoy.