Today we’ve got an extra special treat for you all, hailing from one of my favorite countries, Australia. We don’t usually have “guest bloggers” here, but knowing that we were going to be on vacation for a few weeks, we called on one of our blogger friends, Serena from Pretty Fluffy, to share a DIY project for you.

Serena Faber Nelson is the gal behind Pretty Fluffy, a guide for the modern dog owner. A television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner, Serena’s work has been featured on award-winning shows such as RPA, Selling Houses Australia, Harry’s Practice and What’s Good for You. She’s a passionate spokesperson for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, and has been featured on MamaMia.com.au, Hope 103.2 Radio and in Dog’s Life Magazine. In other words, if you’re a dog lover, as we are, you need to be checking in on her corner of the Internet… right after you read this awesome DIY project she has in store for today’s post. Now I’ll hand it over to Serena!

As a big fan of 7th House, I’m so happy to be here today sharing my most favourite project of late with you all.

For years, I’ve been an inspiration board junkie. Planning a party? Lets make a mood board. Thinking of a career change? Up goes the motivational board. I won’t even start on how many inspiration boards I made in the lead up to my wedding!

And I’m not alone. You only have to click around Pinterest for a few minutes – ok hours, no one spends a few minutes on Pinterest – to see all of us collectively pinning our wants, hopes and dreams to our virtual pin boards.

Now while these inspiration boards are brilliant for motivation, cohesion, goal setting and aspiration; but I couldn’t help but start thinking if I was always looking to the future I was losing the good things I had in my life in the present.

Enter the Gratitude Board.

Instead of filling a pin board with images of the things you want to be, start pinning up mementos to remind you of the great things in your life you already have.

Some ides for your board could include:

• Photos of treasured memories and people
• Ticket stubs
• Old Invitations
• Thank you notes
• Gift cards
• Party decorations
• Ribbons from gifts
• Love notes
• Magazine and News Clippings

…You’re pretty much limited only by your imagination.

For those moments where you don’t have something to remember them by I’ve created these free printable ‘Gratitude Postcards’ (Download your free Gratitude Postcards HERE).

A co-worker might congratulate you on a job well done, a stranger might come to your aid, a child may brighten your day with a simple observation…For all of these times, simply print out postcard, jot down your experience and pin it to your board.

As your board grows it becomes your ultimate pick-me-up. Whenever you’re feeling blue, uninspired, beaten or frustrated, your Gratitude Board is there with a physical collection of everything good in your life.

At the end of each year, you can take a photo of your board, package up the contents and start again. Before long, you have a treasure trove of good memories to look back on that may have otherwise been forgotten.

Here are some more ways to bring the Gratitude Board into your life:

• If you have children, start a family Gratitude Board. It’s a great way to record the special moments.
• If you struggle at work, create a Gratitude Board at the office. Use pictures of holidays you’ve been on, experiences you’ve had and memories you keep all because you work to afford them.
• If you’re working on a particular project, such as a home renovation, include your favourite ‘Wins’ so far. That way when you’re in the thick of it, you can look at where you came from and be happy with what you’ve achieved.
• Too Busy for a real board? Try a virtual Gratitude Board on Pinterest.

So there you have it. A new spin on inspiration boards, where happiness comes guaranteed. Thanks so much to Ashley + Greg for having me today. This moment will definitely be going on this year’s Gratitude Board! Do you use inspiration boards? What would you put on your Gratitude Board?

****THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES****
Scroll down to the giveaway widget to see who won!

Today marks the beginning of the second (and last) week of our vacation in California. While we’re having a TON of fun and enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation, we’re itching to get back to Virginia and get started on some of the projects we have up our sleeves around the house. One minute I’m enjoying the live music of Downtown Disney and the next I’m making a note in my iPhone about wall art for the guest room. So, that being said, rest assured, projects are coming – and we think they’re going to be pretty awesome. We’re ready to add some personality and get another room “done” besides the kitchen and the hall bathroom. In other words, when we get back to town and recover from vacation, it’s on… like Donkey Kong.

Today’s giveaway hails from our home sweet home of Virginia – Alexandria to be exact. Red Barn Mercantile has a great selection of rustic modern home goods including some great one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Today, they’re giving one lucky reader a $200 gift card! Woo to the hoo! Here are some of our favorite goodies…

1. Key Rack // 2. Periwinkle Quilt // 3. Vintage General Baking Co. Box
4. Plum Jar Table Lamp // 5. Electric Station Clock // 6. Ruled Pitcher 

Here’s how to enter… Scroll down to the giveaway widget below and log in with your Facebook account. If you rather not use your Facebook account, or don’t have one, just enter your email address. As always, your information is kept private! Once you’ve done that, you’ll be shown the entry requirements set by yours truly. Click the “Do it!” button, type the required phrase in the blank in the widget, then click “Enter!”. Now that you’ve entered, you’ll see some optional entry options. To gain additional entries and increase your chances of winning the prize, you can do one or all of them. If you already follow Red Barn Mercantile (or us!), go ahead and enter your Facebook or Twitter info, and you’ll be automatically given the extra entries. As usual, the winner will be chosen using Random.org. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We’re back with another installment of His + Her Favorite Things! We’re still in California, so naturally, some of our favorites this month are of the Californian nature. Here’s Greg to get things started…

ONE // Los Angeles LAX T-Shirt – Ash and I flew into LAX a few days ago, and this shirt really commemorates it nicely. It’s touristy without being too in your face about it. TWO // Striped Ukulele – I’ve been known to strum a few chords on a ukulele every now and then, and I love the statement the paint job on this uke makes: “I play an obscure instrument, and I’ve got plenty of quirky character left over!” THREE // The NAMM Show – My brother-in-law and I are attending the NAMM show in LA this year. Today is the first day and I’m super excited to check out all the newest stuff from all of my favorite manufacturers and see some great artists while we’re at it. FOUR // Audio Technia AD700 Headphones – After my old headset broke, I obsessively researched reasonably-priced headphones and headsets, and these are the cream of the crop. They aren’t for bass heads, but for movie watching, gaming, and most genres of music, they are absolutely awesome.

ONE // House Portraits by Rebekka Seale – I love the idea of these house portraits! Such a cute, meaningful concept. One of these would make for a really special house warming gift for someone moving into their first house. TWO // Tasha Drop Earrings – I’ve been on a big jewelry kick lately – which isn’t good news for my New Year’s resolution to simplify. These earrings are currently on my “want” list. Luckily, they’re at a good price. THREE // Sprinkles Cupcakes – We’ve only been here for a week and have already made a trip to Sprinkles… twice. My favorite is the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (omg!) and the Smore’s is a close runner up. Greg’s favorite is the Red Velvet. I was going to say I wish Richmond would get a Sprinkles, but that might be horrible for our health, haha. FOUR // Gray Living Rooms from BHG – It’s no secret that we love gray around here. This great collection of photos from BHG lets me know we’re not alone. FIVE // Gold Wishbone – There’s a tradition in our family that my grandpa and I always break the wishbone every Thanksgiving (he’s won the past three years!). Therefore, one of these gold wishbones must make it’s way to my office. Maybe it will bring me some luck for next Thanksgiving. ; )

This weekend, we’re going to be taking a trip to Malibu and scouting out some California-worthy fish tacos. Any of you guys have any fun plans for this weekend? Share with the class!

Btw, We had a post scheduled via Word Press to automatically post for us on Wednesday morning but obviously that didn’t happen and it looks like WP “ate it”. We’re in the process of looking for it, so hopefully it will pop up soon : )