The hummingbird carries our hopes of love, celebration and happiness. It is a symbol for accomplishing what seems impossible and teaches us how to find the miracle of timeless joy. The delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere and every personal connection holds true meaning.

In the journal that I write in for my girls, rule #2 states to “Always make your bed in the morning. This way, you’ll know at least one thing during your day is in order.” I’m not sure if I read this somewhere or thought of it on my own once I realized the great pleasure in making my bed every blessed morning. Either way, this mundane task is vital in making your day that much better.

I would love if this bedroom were a part of my home, however, it isn’t and for the lack of a desirable photo of my own special oasis, this photo, which My Life as a Mrs. came across, will do perfectly.

There are often times that we receive something really special, whether it’s a letter in the mail, a gift, an online order, a local find, an antique something-or-other…well, you get the idea. Regardless of where it came from, it’s definitely worth sharing with you, so that’s exactly what I’ll do. Until I can stumble on the right words for this “segment”, it’ll continue to be titled, “What came in the mailbox”.

I always love being able to get together with my very dear friend, Nicole. The other day, when we sat down for 2, or maybe 3, cups of tea, she surprised me with an early Christmas gift. She couldn’t wait. It was complete with green wrapping and red ribbon. Inside was this beautiful book by Mary Jane Butters from MaryJane’s Farm. Because of Nicole, I had recently heard of MaryJane’s Farm, so I was elated to be holding this book in my hands. The title sums it all up the best, MaryJane’s Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook

Not only did Nicole give the book, she also sent home two of these super adorable sandwich wraps that she had sewn to give to my daughter  to celebrate her first days of school. Don’t you think every school go’er should have one of these to pack in their lunch sack? Hopefully we’ll see them in Nicole’s etsy shop when she starts selling.

Thank you, Nicole, for these really great gifts. We are loving them.

Among other days, today I quietly celebrate my children in great depths. I know that I’m not alone when marking the anniversary of a miscarriage, however, that’s what today is. As bleak and lifeless as it could be, it just isn’t that way for me. It is truly a reminder and celebration of the ever-wonderful children that I do have. They can make my heart pitter-patter and they can make it beat wildly out-of-control. How extremely blessed I am that they are here.

In honor of these sweet pieces of sugar and everything else lovable, I have kicked off the (a LaNE design) facebook page where I’ll be posting one photo everyday for the next 365 days, via Pinterest, to celebrate all things to love. I hope you’ll Like the page and join in on the celebration.

Cheers to everything that you love!

I looked back in my last sketchbook and read the words, “If I could letterpress print, I would…”. However, since I can’t print by letterpress (at this point) but I can thoroughly appreciate those who are able to. These are a few of my new favorites.

Occasionally, in a journal that I write in for my children, I jot down thoughts, advice, quotes and even rules. Perhaps one day it’ll give them a little inspiration or guidance at just the right time. More than anything, it’s puts me at ease to write these words down for them in case I have to leave on short notice someday.

Rule #1
Hang artwork at eye level. It’s really just that simple and so easy on the eyes. Of  course, it may be necessary to break the rule from time-to-time.

Feel free to peak at some tips from the DIY Network about hanging artwork.

Hello friend. I’m missing you! I have some fun ideas that are coming to life that I’ll soon be writing about. I’m also planning to write one post a week about what has peaked my interest, other than design. Like what? Stop by again to find out.

In the meantime, I wanted to share something simple with those of you who have young ones that are learning to write. I made up practice writing sheets that is extra wide ruled for you to print out as needed. My daughter is continually writing notes and letters of some sort. It’ll be perfect to print a few sheets off on scratch paper—which I have gobs of—and let her write away! Usually, her notes are too sweet to throw away, so I’m getting quite a collection. I think it’s a nice idea to also have a sketch book of some sort for kids to put their best work into. Kamryn has her best drawings, numbers 1–10, capital letters and now adding lower case letters. On the back of the page, I add the date, as well.

Click here to download Practice Writing Sheets.

Today, via UPS, arrived my new Akiles Diamond 1 corner rounder! What a fantastic piece of equipment. I actually haven’t been able to experiment with it yet, but it just has to be more efficient than my itsy bitsy pink corner rounder! Wouldn’t you think? I do have to say, however, that the little guy has punched thousands of corners and it cost me roughly $6. So, itsy bitsy or not, it really was loyal to me. I’m glad, though, to set him aside and feast my eyes on something a little more industrial.

I love opening a book from my childhood or even a book that belongs to one of my girls and read who the book was given to, who the book was given by and on what date. It’s a little stamp in history. So, how appropriate that (a LaNE design) releases the Childrens’ Bookplate!

With this bookplate, you could use it in the books that you gift, OR use them in the books that your children receive. How cute is that?!?

I think a set of Childrens’ Bookplates along with the First Letter Writing stationery, could make a great Christmas gift for some special kiddos. Did I just give away what all the special kids in my life will be receiving for Christmas? I don’t know…we shall see.

P.S. Today happens to be my sweet girl, Kamryn’s FIFTH birthday and she received the above book from Grandma & Grandpa. I thought if I didn’t explain, it would look a little staged! Happy Birthday Essa Fessa!

I wanted to share a wedding invitation that I was working on for a friend of mine. They didn’t choose this invitation, which is why I’m able to share it with you! Fun…right? It’s a silhouette of the actual couple, which I love love love! Perhaps a sophisticated way of showing a picture of the couple without actually showing a picture.