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!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Okay all you love birds, I have a winner for you!

Congrats to Jacquie and Ryan Bedke!

Please email me your address and the print title of your choice (from the $20 collection).

loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Thanks again to Vol. 25 for sponsoring such a great giveaway. Don't forget to keep up with her---this girl is amazing and her blog is soo entertaining!

I'm off to the Western Caribbean this week to relax with my hubby! (soooo excited!) So, don't expect any posts from me next week, but here's the inside scoop for posts for the week of Aug. 30 - Sept. 3:

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 couples still in school ace this busy time in your life!

This is one week of class you won't want to skip!

Family Mission Statements

There is something that I think every family needs, a Mission Statement. There's just something very cool about it. We don't have one yet, so I'm planning to do this for one of our upcoming Date Nights.

This can really be anything but broadly it should include a set of guidelines based on your family values... Here is a great resource which highlights the purpose of and how to write a Family Mission Statement

Here are a few different style Family Mission Statements/Mottos that I like...

from We are THAT Family

from Intentionally Katie

from The Creative Homemaker

Okay...not really a personalized Mission Statement, but probably the best

"family mission statement" ever created. Your own mission statement would be cute framed by couple and family photos like this.
from The Crafting Chicks

from my friend, Meagan


from How Does She?


Even a tile with your family mission statement or a motto like the quote above is a great thing to have in your home!
from CreativeSignsbyJenna Etsy Shop

Hope that inspired you to get creating your own....It sure inspired me!

Volume 25 Print Giveaway

Hey all....we've got a fantastic giveaway today....I'm just a little bit excited about it!

Allow me to introduce the sponsor....

Meet Jessica.

She is the voice behind Vol.25. She is the mommy to 2 beautiful little girls, 5 and 2 and married to to her hubby who she describes as the sweetest, most understanding guys you will ever find. She has always enjoyed drawing, and hopes that at least one person will connect with

each piece of art she create.

Well, Jessica...mission accomplished. I LOVE your art and you will, too.

Take these for example. What's NOT to love?

love. them.

One of Jessica's $20 prints could be yours free. You can browse all her prints HERE.

Here's how to qualify for the giveaway.

1. Be a Follower of Love Actually.
2. Visit Vol 25 and comment with your favorite print.

PS: Facebook followers usually get sort of "bonus entry" if you want to follow Love Actually there ------->

You can also sign up for her Newsletter to access exclusive discounts and special offers!

Anniversary Shadow Box

Here's a great project by Erika from Miss Crafty Pants that might add a romantic touch to your home decor...

Erika writes,

My husband and I just celebrated our 12 year anniversary. Although my husband had already spoiled me with gifts and flowers, we agreed to do things a little differently this year. We wanted to work on something together that would last for years to come. I envisioned a "Anniversary Shadow Box" that we could hang above our bed that I could look at daily. We gathered the pictures and trinkets we'd wanted to add to our box. Then we measured the wood accordingly."

Her entire tutorial can be found at Crystal's Craft Spot.

Here was the finished product, created to match their bedroom decor.

I think what I love most about this was that they made it together! I think this, along with the memories made during it's creation, will be a treasure for a very long time.

Wallet Gift for Him

I'm a big fan of getting my husband a new wallet each year... I just get so sick of seeing his worn out wallet that he sits on everyday! Even so, I'm sure the wallet gift gets old year and year...hubby can't even fake excitement anymore. poor guy.

But, I've found some great ideas to spruce up wallet-giving... OF, if his wallet is still in good shape, you can make a "wallet card" out of paper. This would make a fun birthday gift.

Here are some great examples:

Instructions at Crafting with Princess Lisa

Found on Mega Stampin Studio

**There is also a tutorial for making a simple paper wallet at Little Leaf Lane.

Here's what makes the wallet gift extra fun!

In each slot, stuff the wallet with:

- A Love Debit Card
- Fake money used as love coupons
- A business card with your name and info on it. You can turn this into a business card with some sort of "service" that you provide...Maybe even a clue to a date night. (a business card for your "body shop" would be an excellent choice...date night details HERE)
- A picture of the two of you... (or maybe a picture of you that he'll like)
- Love Checks
- An array or just one gift card to his favorite stores or restaurants
- A handwritten love note
- Lotto Card (real or... a love lotto card)

If you attempt this project, please send me your photos!
Email to loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

My Grill's Hotter Than Yours: BBQ Aprons for Him

BBQ season is in full swing and if you're man is in charge of the grill, I think it'd be a good idea to get him one of these (even if you have to make it yourself!)



Ha! Love them.

Okay, maybe this one is not appropriate for your husband...but still funny.

I found these aprons HERE.

Anyone have any AWESOME grilling recipes they'd like to share?