Why not celebrate love every day?

Today is Valentine’s Day and of course, it has got me thinking about love.

My husband and I don’t really do anything special for this day, but we used to when our relationship was young, which is really the group of people (those in new relationships) who I think really make the most of Valentine’s Day.

Ben says that we often do nice things for each other and with each other and that we don’t need just one day to express our love for each other, and I couldn’t agree with him more. Hey, we are married and a beautiful baby girl… there is a lot of love in our life and it’s evident every day - I don’t need a box of chocolates and red roses to know I am loved. Also, I tend to think of Valentine’s Day as more of a clever marketing campaign on steroids than a day to express genuine, unwavering love for someone.

It got me thinking that I am so lucky to have so much real love in my life and that I get to experience it on a daily basis. I think falling in love, whether it be with a special someone, your newborn baby, a puppy, or even a fantastic pair of heels (hey I know girls who go weak at the knees for a fabulous pair of shoes), is one of the best feelings in the world. Having something or someone to love and cherish is a wonderful thing.

In 2010 when my husband and I got married, we used a quote on the front of our wedding invitations that read “the greatest thing in life is to love, and be loved”. This is one of my favourite quotes and I really do believe it to be true.

So on days like this, when love is at the forefront of many people’s minds, I think how lucky I am to have true, meaningful love in my life every single day. I am a bit of a romantic, but nothing says love like a person who will stick by you at your worst and your best and still be there for you at the end of the day.

To my husband Ben, having you to love is the best thing ever and I am a very blessed to have your love in return. 

Life changing...

Four weeks ago today our lives changed completely - our daughter, Grace Olivia, was born and since then life as we know it is forever different in the best way possible. She has already brought us so much happiness and laughter and we can’t wait to get to know our little princess better as she continues to grow and bring light to our lives. I didn’t think I could love something so much, but your heart immediately gets bigger the moment you are handed your first born child - it’s the best feeling in the world.

Love you long time

Photograph by Lauren Joy Photography

Today is our second wedding anniversary! Just wanting to let my wonderful husband know that I love him more than anything and that I love our life together. We are celebrating two years today, but have been together for 12 and I am so lucky to have spent that time with him by my side xxx

A few things I have to smile about right now...

It is so easy to get caught up on negative things so I have decided to dedicate this post to a few things that are bringing a smile to my face at the moment - it really is the simple things in life (in my case) that are the best things.

Our pregnancy announcement

It is so great to finally be able to talk about our pregnancy with everyone – the pressure of having such a big secret like that was torture! We had to make our families take an oath that they wouldn’t say anything until we were given the ‘all clear’ from our doctors and now that we have, it’s going to be pretty hard for me to shut up about it! Being pregnant is a blessing and it is great to be able to share it with our loved ones.

The benefits of being pregnant

As well as being able to tell the world about how happy we are to be adding to our family, I have been incredibly lucky to have had no nasty side-effects from being pregnant (touch wood!). My hair and nails have never looked better and are growing at an astronomical rate, I’m eating the healthiest I’ve ever eaten and I love the fact that after cutting out caffeine and alcohol all together that I don’t miss it at all.

My friend Kate

Even though she is moving away from her family, friends and the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast to live it up in the cool, cosmopolitan capital of Victoria, my friend Kate always makes me happy. She was one of my bridesmaids when I got married (and flew all the way here from Dubai for it I might add!) and has always been a great buddy. Unfortunately she hasn’t had the best few months lately and is making a city change to Melbourne in a couple of weeks, but I am so impressed with her courage and poise, especially during the hard times. I will miss her but I know she’s destined for great things!

Sale time

I have become somewhat of an expert in bargain shopping (online or in-store) so much so that I am sure A Current Affair or a similar program is going to get wind of this and ask me for shopping tips to share with their audiences. I have been trawling eBay of late for specific items that I really just can’t justify paying full price for and I’ve found some gems. I’ve kept an ear out for any great deals in the EOFY (end of financial year) sales around the place and picked up some bargain items for the house and some beautiful items for the baby. I’ve been reporting my money-saving tips to my husband, who I think is pretty impressed with my sudden urge to save every dollar!

My dog Charlie

This dog has personality plus! He might drive us nuts at times, but Charlie is the best thing about coming home after a crappy day. His unconditional love for Ben and I is so endearing and his genuine affection for all his stuffed toys (of which we have adopted names for) is the cutest thing – this dog really has given us some valid parents-to-be training and always brings a smile to my dial.

 Cooking up a storm

I love it when I come across a fantastic recipe to add to my repertoire. Today for instance, I found one for almond and berry smoothies, which sounds like it is full of flavour, antioxidants and lots of healthy things! I am keen to try it out (and will share recipe in due course).

TV = chilled out

Something simple, but I love it when there are good things to look forward to on TV. For instance, this week is the State of Origin decider game, which my husband and I can’t wait to watch. It may seem lame, but coming home after a long day and realising there is something great on TV that night is sometimes just the thing I need to relax and zone out.

The hot sun on a winter’s day

Nothing beats this when you’re sniffling and cold indoors – the winter sun feels as though it has real healing properties. Winter isn’t the best of seasons (apart from the seasonal fashion, there isn’t much I love about it) so I’ve been making the most of the warming glow I get when I sit outside to eat breakfast in the morning or take the dog for a walk in the afternoon. Yesterday we had lunch by the beach with a couple of friends enjoying the fresh air and afternoon sun. Feeling cosy and warm when you would otherwise be cold is the best!



Industry chic

With Easter days away, I've been thinking about plans and what we're going to do with our bit of extra time off work. I've come to the conclusion that I am going to spend the whole four days dedicated to our home and garden.

Now that we've pretty much nutted out a scheme for the house (industrial with hints of natural material) I have been googling colour schemes for feature walls, as well as decorator accents, lighting and furniture.

There will be a few trips to Bunnings, I dare say, but I am looking forward to devoting my Easter break to beautifying our abode.

Below is some inspiration I've taken from my online searches. Let's hope 'industry-chic' can be pulled off!  



Dulux's Re-Set colour template

Can-do, will pash

You’ve got to love the article on the Courier Mail website this morning.

Can-do Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman has spoken out regarding his public displays of affection if he becomes Queensland’s next premier.

If you’re like me, you’re already sick to death of hearing the political crap on TV and radio with each respective party slagging each other. One thing I have noticed is that Newman’s wife Lisa features prominently in these campaigns (both good and bad).

The article said that Mr Newman hit commercial radio stations in Townsville on Wednesday, where he was asked about the affection he shows his wife Lisa when they are out in public.

He told voters to expect to see more of the same if he wins this month’s election.

 "Well, I love her," he told Mix FM.

"I only have eyes for her. I think there will be plenty of pashing.

"The fact that she likes to kiss me and I kiss her back, I don't think that is the problem.

"I think the problem has been that I've got a hand that tends to go below the waist and that has sort of attracted some interest, far too much interest."

BLAHHHHHH! TMI!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, let’s be a bit professional here Can-do. You are asking people to vote for you as premier of our fine state – no one wants to SEE you or HEAR you talking about groping your wife’s nether regions.  

I tend to think also, that when I see images of Lisa (although I am sure she’s a lovely lady) she comes across as a bit cray-cray, so god knows what they get up to behind closed doors…

All I can say to Can-do is this: as the daughter of a man who has worked on many a political campaign, I believe that this kind of PR is not necessarily a good thing for your political aspirations. Keep your hands by your side and keep the kisses to pecks, not pashes. 

What do you think?

You can read the article in full here: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/quizzed-about-public-shows-of-affection-with-his-wife-campbell-newman-admits-to-being-all-hands/story-fnbt5t29-1226291735428

Don't let anyone tell you what you should be - follow your inspiration and be a dreamer, don't conform to society's expectations. Take some time out everyday and count your blessings and be in awe of what you could achieve in life. Surround youself with people who are happy for you and fill your soul with warmth. Nothing is impossible - you can do anything if you really want to. You deserve unrelenting and fulfilling love - no one should make you feel bad for the choices you've made or for the person you are today. Life is a journey after all and today, right now, you are in exactly the position you are meant to be.

A Veivers 2012

Perspective is everything

Last week my family and I were unfortunately guests at two funerals.

The first was for my 93-year-old Grana, who lived on the land and had a long and happy life.

The second was for my long-time neighbour and dear family friend Mike Stout, who sadly, passed away at only 56 after a long battle with cancer.

It’s a strange thing, I think, dealing with grief amidst all the joy and excitement that comes with Christmas. I feel like my emotions are giving me a massive battering – one minute I think about spending the holidays with my family and friends and I get a feeling of immense happiness, the next I am crying in the arms of my (incredibly) supportive husband about how life isn’t fair.

My friend Hayls wisely told me that amongst all the good that comes with this time of year, it’s the universe’s way of balancing the good with the bad and that unfortunately, bad things happen when there is good around.

It’s odd because last year at exactly the same time, just a week before Christmas, I had a negative turn of events whereby I found myself in hospital having surgery. Needless to say my Christmas last year was pretty lack-lustre and it looks like this year it will be a pretty sombre one too.

My husband told me though; it all comes down to perspective. While discussing life and our two loved ones that have now left us, we were talking about how their families would be coping and how they would move forward after such immense loss.

What I have learned out of this situation is, it’s not just about the quantity of life, it’s about the quality of life and the special moments that make life all the more special. On one hand my Grana lived a long life, but it was filled with such struggle and tragedy that only families who have lived on a farm or station know.

In her latter years, she got to enjoy the love and company of her family – grandchildren and great-grandchildren – so that once she passed her life was rich and full of happy memories.

Our friend Mike achieved so much in his short life – more in fact than many would ever achieve if they lived 30 or 40 years more. When I look at his amazing family and the legacy he left behind, it is hard to comprehend how someone achieved so much. He really did want to bring out the best in people and people wanted to better themselves because of him.

I guess that perspective really does teach you to look for the good in every situation – to find a positive in every day, no matter what (something my Dad tells me often).

The perspective that I have gained in the past two weeks is that time really doesn’t stop for anything or anyone and that we are constantly moving forward.

Things do happen at inopportune times, but you can’t plan these things. I can only hope that my family and friends who are going through these tough times after suffering loss, can gain a renewed perspective of life in the hope that it will help them on this emotional journey.

Tips for your big day

With several friends getting engaged and planning their special day, I have been thinking about things I would have liked to have known while I was booking and organising things for our wedding. 

Here are a few tips and some things I learned along the way:   

  

* Book your cars/transport in advance – we had issues booking our limo to go to the church because we had left it too late (a month and a half out) to book. If you are getting married in Spring, chances are that a majority of couples getting married are also planning a Spring wedding and will also need cars… so plan ahead and book them three months ahead (that way you can also get the exact car that you want).

* Do a trial photo shoot – we were lucky to have chosen a wonderful Gold Coast-based photographer who offered us everything we were looking for as far as the feel of her photos and her ideas. We had an ‘engagement’ shoot with our photographer, Lauren Ladgrove, who took us up to Burleigh Heads for an afternoon shoot. I thought this was a great idea because once we got these photos back we knew for sure that we wanted to secure her to do our wedding photos as well. It pays to look around because photographers can be expensive and charge you an arm and a leg.  Go to www.laurenjoyphotography.com.au for more info on Lauren.

* Don’t skimp when it comes to bridal shoes – you are going to be standing and posing all day – and it is a loooong day! So make sure you wear comfortable shoes and even have a flat pair as back up that you can slip on at the reception (I didn’t do this and regretted it!). There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable when dancing!

* Have a ‘reception dress’ as a back up – my wedding dress was raw silk and incredibly heavy, but I wanted to wear it all day as you only get married once! Well, after our photos were done and we were preparing to head into the reception, how I wished I had a back up dress that was light as a feather to put on! Of course it depends on what material your wedding dress is made of, but if you know it’s heavy, it pays to have something much lighter and easier to dance in that you can change in to.

* Book in for hair and makeup trials – I had three hair trials and one makeup trial. If you have an event to go to, use this as an excuse to get these done – that way you can trial which looks you like and know which ones don’t go so well with your overall wedding vision. I used Mia Connor from the makeup bar for my makeup and she was amazing www.miaconnor.com/

* Don’t drink too much on the day/night – you want to remember every detail of your wedding, so don’t get drunk and sloppy! I had one or two glasses before our church ceremony and then probably only four glasses at the reception (enough to relax and take the edge off while still being able to enjoy yourself). My husband did the same thing too – we were both very well behaved!

* Don’t stress over the guest list – I agonised over this and I wish that I hadn’t. People understand if they aren’t invited, after all, it is your special day and it’s not like it’s just a casual barbecue that every man and his dog turns up to. We invited 116 people and we had 108 turn up and 20 of those people were friends (we have big families). Remember, don’t feel the pressure to invite your mother-in-law’s BFF or your 13 cousins that you see once every ten years – think about who you really want there and invite them.

* Boys need help with their suits – don’t just assume that your groom and the groomsmen are on track with their organising (however small their list is compared to yours). I went out with my husband and looked at styles of suits and shirts that were in keeping with our colour scheme and theme of the day. Your opinion is valid and it helps keep the boys on their toes. Even if you call ahead and make a few appointments for them to try on suits at a few department stores, all they have to do is turn up and you can rest assured that you’ve got the ball rolling for them.

* Make sure your mother’s outfit is secured – my poor mum… she had her amazing George Gross gown, which fit her tiny size 8 frame like a glove, sold by an incompetent sales assistant at David Jones. Mum had it on hold as it had to have some repairs done and the silly cow just went and sold it to someone else. After what felt like a thousand phone calls to track another down (there wasn’t one) the head office said they would tailor make the same dress for my mum, and after she was measured up, her one-of-a-kind dress was delivered only two weeks before the wedding. It all worked out in the end (thank god!).


* Have your mum or a bridesmaid with you when you go to your final dress fitting. You need to have them there so that they can see exactly how to do your dress up for you on the big day. Get them to ask any questions and be patient if they have to be shown how to do this more than once. I can’t stress this point enough! 

* A white rose is never as white as you want it. It’s just a fact – don’t get upset over it because if you are having a white dress (like I did) your white roses will look slightly cream against it. There is nothing you can do to avoid this, unless you are wearing an ivory or cream gown. Coloured roses are a good option, but it’s custom for a bride to usually go with white roses.

* Ask lots of questions and put everything in writing!

* Go and have a cake tasting – we went with Yenmart on the Gold Coast and they were incredible and gave us so many options. You need to check the dietary requirements of your guests if you plan on serving your cake as dessert (we did this and had gluten free and allergy free options for a couple of guests). Go to http://www.yenmart.com.au/index1.html for more info. 

Our incredible cake - it was amazing!

* Consider people travelling from interstate and overseas, as well as elderly guests. You may need to make specific plans for these people so keep them in mind.     

* Keep a small clutch bag with a bridesmaid or family member with tissues, lip gloss, blotting paper, pain killers, bobby pins, tampons, bandaids and lollies (to keep your blood sugar up) on hand. Also keep water close by and make sure you eat something (no matter how nervous you feel) before you get ready. You need energy to survive – it’s a long day!

* Don’t feel pressured to do the garter routine – I didn’t do it because frankly I think it is tacky and unnecessary. Just because other brides do it doesn’t mean you have to. I don’t regret not doing it one bit!

* Remember to thank your guests on the night – take the time to go around to each table and say hi to everyone and thank them personally for being there for you and your new husband.


* Prepare a few words to say during speeches, even if you didn’t plan on saying something. I was roped into a last minute speech and didn’t prepare anything (which was okay because I spoke from the heart) but it pays to think of a few things just in case.

* Confirm bookings and have final meetings the week of the wedding. It will help you rest peacefully at night!

* It goes fast so enjoy every part of your big day. Try not to let nerves get the better of you – remember it is you and your man and it’s a celebration – there is no need to feel stressed!

Us having our first dance as wife and husband

The Art of being HAPPY

Over the weekend, the Courier Mail featured a section in their Q Magazine titled ‘Laughter Lines’ – asking Queenslanders what makes them happy.

The questionnaire received responses from a range of people from all walks of life – ex-sporting greats, homeless people, chief legal professionals, musicians, students, charity directors, and every day residents.

Their answers were sometimes obvious – spending time with family and friends being the major one, but I liked the little specific things that people got much happiness from, like sipping a cup of tea in bed, sinking a putt, a cold beer at the end of the week and (this one is my favourite) watching the Queensland Maroons win at State of Origin time.

I thought about what made me happy, and this is what I’ve come up with:

-Being completely at ease with the world and having nothing to worry about (when I am not stressing about life!)

-Knowing that I have the unconditional love of my family, and that I can give the same in return.
-The crazy, 24-hour devoted love that is given to me by my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Charlie – I believe animals are the cure for even the worst of bad moods.
-Being able to cook for the people I love warms my heart and offers me a therapeutic outlet to express myself through food.
-Waking up and seeing a cloudless, spectacular sky and be thankful for the life and family I was born in to.
-Sharing a beautiful bottle of wine and dining with my wonderful husband in an amazing restaurant.
-Being superfluous with my language and making the most out of adjectives (see above point! Haha!)
-Singing aloud when there is no one at home and thinking to myself that I sound better than most contestants on Australia Idol…
-Being on the water and boating – a lifestyle that I grew up with and would love to give to my children one day.
-Going for a run in the fresh air.
-The excitement of overseas travel and the thought of the unknown, which I want to explore further.
-Having a good book to snuggle down on the couch with and just read for hours.
-Looking through photos from past events and reminiscing about the time that has already flown by.
-My future – one thing I realised is that I have so much to look forward to in life and my future and spending it with my wonderful family and friends makes me the happiest person right now, despite what adversities have featured in my past.

 I think whatever thing makes you happy, hold on to it because life can change in an instant and we all deserve a little happiness, no matter how big or small, or who we are.

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…” Dalai Lama

Congrats to Wills & Kate

I am not ashamed to admit that I come from a family that is totally Royal Family gaga (on my mum’s side). So with the recent nuptials between Kate Middleton and Prince William it is safe to say that we were in a bit of a royal haze of excitement.

There is just something about a wedding – the emotion, the beautiful outfits, the music… I just can’t get enough. So needless to say I was glued to about three channels simultaneously last Friday night to watch my teenage crush say ‘I do’ to his commoner bride, now the Duchess of Cambridge.

When I was a teenager, around the ages of about 13 to 16, I thought Prince William was the bees knees. His floppy hair and boyish charm, not to mention his devilish grin that was obviously given to him from his genetically blessed mother, Princess Diana.

I was a bit emotional watching him and Harry walking into the Abbey and thinking about what these brothers have been through for men of such a young age.

I couldn’t help remembering the last time I watched a ceremony happen at the Abbey, which was Diana’s funeral. I clearly remember little Harry and William sombrely following their mother’s casket into the church. I think mum and I watched the telly all day that day and just cried. It was so emotional and devastating to think that these young men had lost their mother so young and in such horrific circumstances.

I think that Diana would have been extremely proud of William on his wedding day – from what I have heard/read he and Kate really did things their way and I think the ceremony was more a reflection of their mutual love for one another and less about the pomp and formalities reflected in previous royal weddings. He has taken so many cues from his mother – it’s more about being a good person than about being someone you think others want you to be.

I especially loved the part when he drove Kate away from the palace in his father’s blue Aston Martin convertible with balloons and streamers flowing behind them! They looked just like any other giddy couple on their wedding day.

I am so happy for them and I think they will certainly break the mould when it comes to royal couples and indeed future leaders of our Commonwealth.

Love is in the air

I just wanted to dedicate this quick post to my parents-in-law Doug and Toni Veivers as it is their wedding anniversary this Saturday!

May you continue to have a loving and happy marriage!

What is everyone doing for Valentine’s Day? We have no plans as yet, but hopefully will do something nice as it is our first time celebrating the 'loveliest' day of the year as a married couple : )

xx