Valentine's Party Care Package

Jess has been having a hard time at school lately due to a few hitches in her classes. I wanted to do something to cheer her up and make her smile. What two better ways to make someone happy than getting something fun in the mail and having a party? So, that's just what I did: I sent her a party care package in the mail.

Crayon Heart Valentine's

I am being stealth like a ninja this morning. Amy didn't send me anything to post this week, but little does she know I am posting something for her ;o). She made the cutest Valentine's with her kids last year to hand out in class: I loved them so much I saved it so that I could share it this year.

The amazing, and useful, Crayon Heart Valentine's, by Amy Hamblin!

Flower Tootsie Pops

I found these awesome sucker flowers this morning on Skip To My Lou and had to share. They are simple and inexpensive to make and would be perfect for something different to hand out for your Valentines - they'd also make a great Mother's Day bouquet. Check out the site, there are a lot of great ideas on there!

Here's how to make the Flower Tootsie Pops.

Rice Crispy Hearts

These are pretty simple and self explanatory, but so perfect for Valentines Day!

Rice Crispy treats cut into hearts, ends dipped into chocolate and then sprinkled with red. Put on a sucker stick and tie it with a bow - whala, insta party treat!

picture taken by Alli

Heart Garland

Simple. Easy. Inexpensive. These are all words that I love to have in my vocabulary, but I also love holidays and making my house festive. Making this simple heart garland fits the bill all around! Who could ask for more?

Giant Hershey Kiss

I remember when these use to be the big thing to make when I was in Jr. High. Who would want just a little kiss when they could have an entire make out?! With Valentines Day just around the corner, these could be the perfect thing to make for that someone special.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

We are not into candy in our house. If Aaron showed up with a box of candy for me I think I would probably look at him like he was invaded by the body snatchers. BUT, chocolate covered strawberries... that is a whole 'nother story. I am not a super great chocolate dipper (so if anyone has tips that does not involve shorting, I am ALL for it!), but these babies turned out pretty good. They tasted good anyway!

Handmade Heart Doilies

I am no Martha Stewart, but Martha Stewart is. I found these cute handmade heart doilies on her site and thought they would be a perfect project with the kids. A great way to decorate the Valentine's table.

Candy Cane Hearts

I saw this way cute idea for candy cane hearts on a blog that I follow occasionally, Love and Twenty Toes, and just had to share. What a cute idea to use up extra Christmas candy canes in the house! I don't have any this year, but you can bet I will next year ;o)

The Man Cave: Mating Rituals On Mars

“Romance” is a word that does not belong in the Man Cave. We do not speak it, except in reference to our wives. For a man to publicly outline his ideal romantic day is to essentially surrender his man-card. It is to open himself up to the ridicule and scorn of his peers. So what the heck am I supposed to do when Kathy asks me to write 400 words about what men find romantic? Crap.

Romance From Venus

With Valentine's Day on my mind this month, I thought it would be interesting to compare what the word "romance" means between women and men. So, this post will be a two parter. Today will be my answer to the riddle "What does romance mean to you?" and tomorrow will be Aaron's answer. I think both sexes can learn a lot from this. I will start by saying that I think Valentine's Day is one of the most unromantic days of the year. Before you roll your eyes at me, let me explain.

Beaded Glass

An easy way to dress up your Valentine's table and make it look fancy is to add beaded wire to the stem of your glasses. A great project that any age can do.

Holiday Muffins

A quick and easy way to ad Valentine's Day flair to your regular ol' muffins. Add a bit of red food coloring to your favorite muffin recipe. Then bake your muffins  in holiday wrappers and top with holiday sprinkles. 

Easy, inexpensive and festive!

Coupons Of Love

We live in a coupon mania age. Groupon, Living Social and Tipper have taken over our inboxes. You can't leave for the grocery store without those little scraps of paper, giving you cents off the dollar, in hand. Why not give a personal coupon to your significant other this Valentine's day? I have made up a few for you to print out to get your creative juices flowing. Remember though, the more personal and thoughtful, the better!

Who is St. Valentine?

I have always been a big one on learning the true meaning of holidays and talking about them with our kids. Why do we celebrate the things we do? What is this holiday even for? You would be amazed at the origins of some of the holidays we celebrate. Today, Valentine's day is a holiday of love and romance, but what started it all? Who really was this St. Valentine?

Reinvent The Warm Fuzzy

The warm fuzzy. Remember those from your childhood? A little token with an upbeat saying designed to make the receiver feel all warm and fuzzy. You can do this simply by leaving little "I Love You" notes for your family to find. 

Heart Napkin Folding

Napkin folding is quite an art form in many high scale restaurants. It really dresses up the table and makes it look extra special.

Dress up your Valentine's table this year with a quick and easy way to fold a regular, paper napkin into a great Valentine's Day decoration. 

Include The Kids!

Getting out for a special occasion, like Valentine's Day or an anniversary can be difficult. It's hard to find the money sometimes to pay for a babysitter and a dinner out. Been there done that!! Don't despair, you can still have a romantic evening. Just solicit the help of your kids and get them involved.

Top 10 Romance Movies That Guys Like

Whenever you think of Valentine's Day you think romance movie! But, it's always difficult for a gal for get her guy to sit down and watch one with her without comments and gagging all the way through. So, ladies, here are my top 10 pics for romance movies that guys will like too.

1. Princess Bride - 1987 - Rated PG

Very easily the number one pick on this list. This movie has, hands down, the best sword fight ever filmed. An awesomely told tale of a kidnapping, pirates, giants, an evil prince, torture and true love.

Couples Massage

Since we are coming up on Valentines Day I will start this blog off with a Valentines theme. I am always looking for great date ideas that are inexpensive. This date was a highly successful one for Aaron and I that we have done several times.