Happy International Women's Day!

Project Bloom started here in Delta in 2009, set in motion by two local ladies, Kathie Madden and Chrissie Bowker. In celebration of International Women's Day, they wanted to host an event that would help other business-women in the area to network and find support within their community. Their first Project Bloom was a success! In addition to building connections, a sense of camaraderie and, ultimately, friendships between like-minded women, the swell of positive energy helped evolve Project Bloom into a Fundraising Event! The proceeds go towards local issues and necessities, this year's recipient being The Delta Hospital Foundation.

Yesterday's Project Bloom took place at Harris Barn in Ladner. I have driven passed the beautifully restored barn on a weekly basis since its completion last May, always imagining the warmth and openness of its interior. 3 Days ago, one of my dearest friends, Emily, texted me, asking if I could get a sitter to join her at Project Bloom on the Friday. I had just finished reading the article in the paper earlier that day and I was in! My mom took the kids overnight on Thursday, leaving me free to enjoy this amazing event for the entire day! This was our very first CHILD-FREE date together and what better way to spend it than being surrounded by other amazing business women, listening to the inspiring stories of successful ladies, and enjoying uninterrupted coffee, tea, wine, and lunch!

This year's guest speakers were corporate entertainer and impersonator Tracey Bell and 23 year old singer Ali Milner. Both ladies were interviewed by Keri Adams, journalist and co-anchor from CTV News Vancouver.

Now that you have a little background on this fantastic event, please enjoy some of the highlights of the 6th Annual Project Bloom!

*The one and only Rob Lowe and his two assistants from Stir Coffee House in Ladner, hosting the tea and coffee bar.*

Harris Barn.  Interior from Second Floor. — *Harris Barn. Interior from Second Floor.*

*Vintage Barrels and Door Tabletops from Greystone Rentals*

Keri Adams and first guest speaker Tracey Bell.  Decor by Greenscape Design & Decor.  Furniture custom upholstered for Project Bloom by Turtlenina. — *Keri Adams and first guest speaker Tracey Bell. Decor by Greenscape Design & Decor. Furniture custom upholstered for Project Bloom by Turtlenina.*

*Table Linens and Napkins by Turtlenina*

*Eran Sudds from eran jayne photography*

*Tanya from Buggy Babies Fitness & Yoga*

*Emily of Greystone Rentals and Sarah Kelloway from the South Delta Leader*

*Gathering for interview and singing with Ali Milner.*

Ali Milner.  Singer/Songwriter. — *Ali Milner. Singer/Songwriter.*

Natasha Frankowski of Greenscape  Design & Decor — *Natasha Frankowski of Greenscape Design & Decor*

Bloom. Thank you to all the amazing people that helped to make this day happen. One of the things I will be taking away is the importance of women supporting one another and working together rather than being each other's worst enemies as we often have the potential to be. This truly inspirational event could not have been a continued success otherwise! I am looking forward to the relationships that will have come from this event and can hardly wait to attend next year's Project Bloom!

Cheers and good luck to all in 2014.

To my dearest gal, Emily, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this amazing day. I can safely say I made a good choice when I picked up your husband, Mike, at the park and gave him my number for playdates. Who would have known that we would become the friends we are today! You have been a source of kindness, support, and delicious food and I look forward to being part of your growth and and future success! Thank you for everything.

We are almost caught up with the last lovelies of 2013! We were so blessed to have had our first set of newborn twins become part of The Pauhaus family before year's end. On November 26th, Rob and Yvonne Lowe welcomed their firstborn girls into the world: Adelyn + Jessalyn.

If you are a fellow local, you have probably had the pleasure of meeting Rob at the newest cafe in Ladner, Stir Coffee. It's the place to be, proudly serving 49th Parallel coffee, freshly brewed loose-leaf teas and probably the best baked goods of all the coffee shops around here. (Not to mention, fellow winner of this year's Reader's Choice Awards in The Delta Optimist! Asians in the house!) I was over the moon when I received Rob's message to photograph his girls. If you've met Rob, you know he's the nicest most genuine guy out there. Not only was he one of the many generous businesses that donated prizes to the Change Your Hair, Change Your Life Fundraiser this passed Summer, but he and Yvonne are continuously involved in fundraising and giving back.

The girls had an agenda all of their own, taking turns sleeping, crying, feeding, and filling diapers. Rob and I took the girls while exhausted Mama Yvonne took the opportunity to rest and nap in between feeds. And while I'm on the subject, may I please take this moment to give major props to parents of multiples? YOU ARE SUPERHUMANS. Yes, I'm sure getting double the cuteness and double the hugs and kisses is like being a pampered celebrity, but man I can't even imagine the rough days when both of them are going through growth spurts or getting teeth and you truly do not get the chance to sit down for the luxurious 15-20 minutes throughout the day that those with one baby complain about!

Sweet Adelyn

Darling Jessalyn

Just about to fall asleep, this photo makes me want to run in circles screaming.

After a little dinner break, we reconvened for a few family photos together.

We have really lucked out with sweet and kind-hearted clients. With the start of this New Year, I've been doing a lot of looking back and feeling so grateful for all the new people I have met and connected with. Looking forward to seeing these little cuties grow up and raise some toddler tyranny in the Lowe household!

Celebrating International Women's Day at Project Bloom

Samesies! : Adelyn + Jessalyn