Spreading Love Notes Downtown for a Good Cause

If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you’re probably familiar with our Downtown Love Notes. These little love notes started as a project that was simply meant to spread good vibes and positivity to our community, in the form of painted chalk messages on the ground. I have loved sharing them each time we’ve gone out and decorated the sidewalks, and it brings me so much joy to see our community loving them as well. This time around, we decided to let our kiddos get in on the action. They’re finally old enough to understand the concept and to get their little fingers around the spray chalk, so we made a family outing of it.

We took the opportunity on our love note adventure to talk to the kids about spreading kindness, just for kindness’ sake. I really wanted them to understand the reason we started the love notes project, which was to engage in our community and give back in a way that felt special to us. The love notes are a simple gesture, but our hope is that they brighten the day of somebody walking by, just because. We also started a conversation with the kids about this particular round of love notes, and a special partner who is helping us spread the word. Stage Stores recently reached out and encouraged us to #BringHeartHome through an act of kindness that opened our heart to our community. And BOY did that assignment really hit home. It felt like it was made just for us, because it’s what we love to do.

Another really amazing part of the #BringHeartHome campaign is its connection to the American Heart Association. Throughout April, Stage is collaborating the AHA to raise awareness around heart health (another topic near and dear to me, since we definitely have a focus on fitness in our family). And this is my favorite part: For every photo shared on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #BringHeartHome, Stage Stores will donate $1 to the AHA. I just love brands that truly step up and take a big step like this one to help an amazing cause.

So. Cut back to us, running around downtown with our sweet babes. We had such a sweet morning, letting them chalk up the ground with their little hearts and the “love” stencil. If you want to do the same in your neighborhood, just cut a design out of some thick posterboard, lay it on the ground, and give it a light spray with some spray chalk. It’s such a simple project but creates something that can really be impactful. Have you ever been out walking around and noticed something lovely painted on the ground? It really does stop you in your tracks. I love that.

Everything we’re wearing, by the way, is from Stage! They have some of my favorite kids’ brands and I actually found some killer deals on these spring outfits for the kids. Henry’s shorts and shirt were a set, and isn’t Maggie’s dress adorable?! The dress I snagged is super comfy and perfect for running errands or dressing up a bit (and I found some new sunnies for summer, too).

And I have a little something special for you, too. If you want to participate this April to help give some money to the American Heart Association, feel free to just grab one of these photos and share it on your Facebook or Instagram page! Just be sure to use #BringHeartHome to make sure that your contribution is counted, and Stage will give $1 to the AHA. You can find the images on our Instagram feed, too, if you’d like to regram and use the hashtag. If you have a Stage Store local to you, pop in to see what kind of in-person events they have where you can also help give back. Find out all the details right here. (I’m thinking these little feet gathered around a heart is the perfect photo to share!)

Sending good vibes for a happy, healthy April, full of chances to give back in the best ways we can. xoxo

This post was sponsored by Specialty Retailers, Inc.