LeadingLadies giveaway

    LeadingLadies is a family business, operated by a mother and two daughters who have a passion for jewelry making. It is such a great shop and they have some beautiful jewelry pieces. LeadingLadies use only the finest quality materials, including gemstones, pearls, Swarovski crystals, and lampwork glass.

    I am currently drooling over a few (ok, many) of their lovely pieces. Like these beauties...

    And this bracelet...

    And these (oh jade, how I love you)...

    Alright, I know you want some of this beautiful jewelry for yourself. So, LeadingLadies is giving away a $35 gift certificate to the shop for one of our readers! All you need to do to enter is visit LeadingLadies and find your favorite item (good luck finding just one!) and then come back and leave us a comment with what item it is! This giveaway will end on Friday, February 17, 2012 PT.

    Also, LeadingLadies is offering our readers 20% off their purchase during this giveaway. Use code BUBBLEGUM.

love notes valentine tree {valentine's craft}

    One of my favorite photography blogs gave me a brilliant idea for this week's family home evening activity (we set aside one night a week for a family activity and lesson). Rebecca Cooper of Simple As That made a darling Valentine's tree with simple paper hearts, and tied it into a wonderful video message entitled "What Matters Most." (If you don't know Rebecca, check out her blog. You are going to love her!)

    We watched this short message and then wrote messages of love to each other on the back of simple paper hearts (that I had prepared earlier--believe me, we would not have made it through the activity if I had my kids make them). My boys absolutely loved writing these little notes, and even more, they loved reading the ones written to them! It was so sweet, and the little Valentine's tree on the mantel reminds us each day about all the love feel for each other in our family, and how important it is to share that love with each other daily. I love this new Valentine's tradition! We really needed it in our family (there was way too much fighting over the Wii going on this week). Maybe it's just what your family needs, too!

    Here's what you need to do this project:

    *Paper hearts, decorated or not, it's up to you
    *Hole punch
    *String or yarn
    *Dry branches from the yard
    *Vase or jar filled with marbles or rocks
    *Pens or pencils

    I made my own heart template, traced it onto various patterned papers, and cut them out. Then I totally copied Rebecca's hearts and included a little banner for the name of the person and glued it on front. I finished them off with a button or mini staple for a little interest. Simple and easy, but cute!

    Next, punch a hole in the heart and tie a 6" piece of baker's twine, string, or yarn through it for a hanger.
     

    Have each family member write at least one message to every other family member, telling them what they love about them or something sweet.

    Fill a jar or vase with floral marbles (I found these red ones at Walmart for around $3) or rocks. Place dry branches in the vase or jar and arrange. I felt extra lucky that we've had such a mild winter so I could easily find dry branches. Hang your hearts on the tree and put it somewhere everyone can see!
     



    I didn't have a chance to finish all my ideas for the mantel, but here's something I carried over from my Christmas mantel that only took about 3 mintues. Remember how it looked with the ornament in the center? I simply replaced the ornament with a glittered Styrofoam heart and some Eiffel tower ribbon to match my Valentine's theme. I just tied the ribbon on the frame and used a pin to attach the heart. Easy peasy!
     

    Happy Valentine's day!

quick and easy valentine ideas {round up}

    This Valentine Round-Up has been amazing. We have gathered up a bunch of fantastic bloggers to share their favorite "Quick & Easy" ideas for this special holiday. There are so many ideas that I want to re-create for myself! The best part is that these can all be done in about 30 minutes or less. This works out well for all procrastinators out there! :) Our spouses will never know that we completed our Valentines, a day or two before.... You will definitely want to surprise your spouse with a personalized present. It will mean a lot to them, and there is something here for everyone to try.
    #1) Shower Love Notes {HowDoesShe} - Getting a little dirty, while getting clean... A fun love note tradition. A fabulous *gift* that only costs $5! :)
    #2) Tied To You {The Dating Divas} - A fun way to prepare the house before your sweetheart gets home! All you need is string and the free printable!
    #3) Love Notes & Balloons {Somewhat Simple} - Surprise your sweetheart with a dozen balloons over his bed, each containing a reason you love him.
    #4) Valentine Prints {Sweet Rose Studio} - For some easy peasy Valentine decor that couldn't be any quicker, simply print one {or all!} of these prints out and put it in an 8x10 frame. Done in no time flat!

    #5) Now That I've Kissed The Ground... {The Dating Divas} -A SUPER fast & clever V-Day idea. Items needed: Hershey's Hugs & Kisses, rose petals, & the super cute FREE printable included in this post. "Now that I've kissed the ground you walk on...."
    #6) i {heart} u Blocks {iCandy Handmade} -Stencil these 4x4x4x blocks for a quick and easy stack-able home decor.

    #7) You Make My Heart Bounce {The Crafting Chicks} - A fun and easy Valentine for the boys (or girls) to share with their friends! Free Printable!

    #8) Easy Love Notes {Little Birdie Secrets} - Quick and easy love notes to give as Valentines (or to show your love any time of year!).
    #9) Basket of Snacks with Printable Poem {My Insanity} -This candy gram style gift snack basket is easy to replicate since its contents come from the grocery store (or dollar store) and the Printable Poem is provided!
    #10) DIY Valentine Candy Labels {Lil' Luna} -Doll up your Valentine candy with these quick, easy and cute V-Day Labels.


    #11) Candy Heart Bracelets {Brown Paper Packages} -A fun activity and a yummy treat all-in-one--your girls will love these darling bracelets!
    #12) Stitched Heart Bookmarks {Thirty Handmade Days} -Heart stitched bookmarks with cute printable card. For both your spouse and your kids.
    Good luck on creating your own quick and easy ideas. Make sure to use the printables that are already available for you through the various links....to make YOUR Valentine's Day prep work THAT much faster!

valentine's day treats {round up}

    The girls over at The Dating Divas have given us another great round-up today--delicious sweet treats to help you celebrate Valentine's day! Don't miss our chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies--mmm, I need to make some of those NOW. Actually all these ideas look amazing. How to choose?

    #1) Love Potion Drink Labels {The Dating Divas} - Add "love potion" to the menu for your upcoming Valentine's Day party. Adorable & free Love Potion Printables that you can put on any bottled beverage.
    #2) Cookie Valentine's {Eighteen25} - Hand out Cookie Valentines this year. Make some yummy Peanut Butter and M&M cookies (or your own favorite cookies) and package them into fun cd sleeves!
    #3) Strawberry Heart Homemade Oreos {Thirty Handmade Days} - Fun Valentine cookies- PINK strawberry oreo hearts! Plus a free "I heart you" printable!
    #4) Valentine Tea Bags {FunkyTime} - A fabulous "how to" make your very own heart shaped tea bags. Relax and soak up the love!
    #5) G, PG, Pg-13 Cookies {HowDoesShe?} - Three exciting ways to decorate a heart shaped sugar cookie. Rate them G, PG, or even PG-13! You do NOT want to miss out on this one!
    #6) Hearts on a Stick {HowDoesShe?} - This is a very fast and easy treat for kids and adults. Plus it tastes soooo yummy!!
    #7) Anniversary, In the Kitchen {The Dating Divas} - Love fruit tarts?? This is a very cute and unique way to show your love for someone special! ....plus...a lot MORE fun ideas that you could use for Valentine's Day OR another special occasion...say....your anniversary! :)
    #8) Valentine's Twinkies {Somewhat Simple} - Quick and easy strawberry shortcake ala heart shaped twinkies! Dessert NO ONE will forget!
    #9) Valentine's Day Peanut Butter Blossoms {Eighteen 25} - Can't get any cuter than these!! A favorite combination...peanut butter and chocolate! A crowd pleaser every time!
    #10) Stained Glass Heart Cookies {Brown Paper Packages} - Fun to make, yummy to eat--these cookies are perfect for home, classroom, parties, and giving away to a special someone!
    #11) Evil Treats for the Sweetest Sweet {The Crafting Chicks} - Deliciously "evil" brownie recipe with a Valentine's Day twist.
    #12) Heart-Shaped Pizzas {My Insanity} - Check out how to make your own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day! Remember that red peppers can make great red hearts too!
    #13) Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies & Tin {Little Birdie Secrets} - Chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies are absolutely addictive! Make a batch and package them in an altered tin for an unforgettable gift!
    #14) Chocolate Themed Dinner {My Insanity} - If a little chocolate is the recipe for romance, think what an entire meal featuring chocolate could do for your love life! Sweet and savory chocolate recipes and presentation ideas.
    #15) Red Oreo Pudding Pole Cake {Lil' Luna} - Quick, easy and delicious oreo pudding poke cake that is red and perfect for Valentine's Day!
    #16) No Bake Berry Oreo Cheesecake { Lil' Luna} - Pink and heart-shaped, these no bake berry oreo cheesecakes are perfect for your Valentine's dinner dessert!
    #17) Easy Valentine's Day Dessert {The Polkadot Chair} - Simplify your Valentine's Day dessert by using a heart shaped cookie cutter to dress up a tray of brownies! Don't forget the irresistible strawberries too!

    Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is! I think I'll make one of everything. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for even more great ideas during this love season!!

valentine's home decor craft ideas {round-up}

    Today's our big day on The Dating Divas' Valentine's Day craft round-up! They're featuring fun Valentine decor craft projects from their favorite bloggers (including us x2!). Check out all these amazing ideas for darling Valentine's craft projects!

    #1) Be Mine Valentine Banner {HowDoesShe} - Add a festive touch to your home every year with this simple "Be Mine" Valentine's banner!
    #2) Valentine Garland {Somewhat Simple} - Spend a night talking with the people you love, about all the things you love, while making this fun Valentine garland!
    #3) Love Story Print {Eighteen25} - Are you looking for an easy addition to your holiday decor? All you need is an 8x10 frame and this fabulous website provide the rest!
    #4) Valentine's Day Countdown {iCandy Handmade} - Using some heart-shaped wedding favors, a cookie sheet and some magnets, create this fun Valentine Advent. Fill it with goodies or love notes!
    #5) Pretty Polkadot Valentine Pillow {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create this pillow cover to sweeten up your couch (or your bed!) just in time for Valentine's Day!
    #6) Conversation Blocks {Brown Paper Packages} - These adorable conversation blocks are so easy to make and easy on your budget too!
    #7) Love Tree Centerpiece {The Crafting Chicks} - A personalized "Love Tree" centerpiece featuring photos and love notes about your family members!
    #8) Heart Bunting Countdown {Brown Paper Packages} - Looking for a fun way to count down the days to Valentine's Day and create darling decor at the same time? This heart bunting is the perfect way to do both!
    #9) Heart-Shaped Flower Arrangement {My Insanity} - Find out how to use fresh flowers in making a heart-shaped floral centerpiece!
    #10) Doily Heart Banner w/Advent Inserts {My Insanity} - This banner doubles as a countdown to Valentine's Day. Each insert has a rhyme with a love challenge for the day!
    #11) "LOVE" Banner {Little Birdie Secrets} - This vintage-inspired "LOVE" banner is made with sheet music and a little glitter glue!
    #12) Family V-Day Mailboxes {The Dating Divas} - An adorable way to decorate AND keep the love alive during this month of appreciation!
    #13) Burlap Valentine's Bunting {Little Birdie Secrets} - Create a darling burlap bunting out of jute webbing. It's quick, cheap, and cute!
    #14) Valentine Wreath & Frame {Lil' Luna} - Cute, fun and easy way to doll up your door for Valentine's Day!

    Next thing on The Dating Divas' list. . . FOOD! Tune in tomorrow for something sweet to eat this Valentine's Day!

Get Creative with The Lorax Blog Tour

    In support of Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax movie, we are participating in a blog tour of wonderful crafts and activities inspired by the film. The movie will be in theaters on March 2 and I cannot wait to take my boys to see it!


    In coming up with a craft to coincide with The Lorax movie, my boys wanted to help make a garden wrapper for their potted plants. My boys have a big hand in helping with our gardening, and they love to dress up the pots. I also thought this would be a great idea to help them get excited about planting some things since the movie has some focus on conservation. We wanted to make a garden planter that would look like the face of The Lorax while also featuring the Truffula trees that are highlighted in the film.


    First we got all of our supplies together. 


    Then we cut a strip of paper to fit around the pot. We used bright colors for everything to fit the theme of the movie.

    Then I drew the face of The Lorax to attach to the strip that wraps around the pot.

    We also added some foam eyes, a pompom nose and a tongue to complete the face.
    Then we cut out long strips of yellow paper for the trunks of the Truffula trees. We drew black stripes on them and attached them to the wrapper. We made some straight and some curved since they are shown that way in the movie.


    Next we wrapped the paper around the pot and got ready to attach some brightly colored pompoms to make the tops of the Truffula trees. You might need to attach another piece of cardstock to the trees to hold the pompoms up.

    We're finished! Now the kids can plant anything they like in the pot and watch it grow! If you don't wish to make a garden pot wrapper, you can also let the kids where this as a crown! My boys got a kick out of that as well.

    Be sure to check out the trailer for the upcoming film The Lorax.



    Also, make sure you visit the other stops on The Get Creative with The Lorax blog tour. You will find so many other fun crafts and activities to do! Here are all the stops:
    Feb 1        Today’s Creative Blog 
    Feb 2        Katydid and Kid
    Feb 3        zakka life
    Feb 6        Smashed Peas & Carrots
    Feb 7        WhiMSy love
    Feb 8        Little Birdie Secrets
    Feb 9        Art Projects For Kids
    Feb 10      Dabbled 
    Feb 13      Prudent Baby 
    Feb 14     TonyaStaab.com 

valentine's handmade gift ideas {round-up}

    We were so excited to be invited to be a part of The Dating Divas' crafty Valentine's Day Round-Up this year, and it's getting started today! These cute girls partnered up with a bunch of their favorite websites to show off some fabulous Valentine's Day ideas. There will be more coming up the rest of the week, including some of our favorite Valentine's ideas. Today they're sharing tons of amazing DIY gifts that you can whip up for you special someone this coming Valentine's Day!
    Here we go.....
    #1) Lucky In Love Scratch-Off Cards {The Dating Divas} - Show your spouse how lucky you are to have them this Valentine's Day! Follow this simple tutorial to create scratch off cards to reveal your love for them.
    #2) Love Story Pallet Art {Sweet Rose Studio} - Create a special piece of rustic art for your special someone using pallet boards, paint, vinyl, and one amazing quote!
    #3) Hate Ironing? I Do! {HowDoesShe?} - Perfect gift for him (and you)! Ironed shirts. You'll love it as much as he does.
    #4) Felt Valentine Fortune Cookies {Somewhat Simple} - Give your sweetheart some love coupons in a new, creative way!
    #5) "How Do I Love Thee?" Countdown {The Dating Divas} - If you can think of 24 reasons why you love your sweetheart, you are already halfway done with this project! An adorable way to show your love by using a muffin tin and FREE printables!
    #6) Made With Love {Eighteen25} - Giving the gift of a homemade treat is a great way to show someone you love them. And we're sharing a cute little tag to help you prove it.
    #7) Frayed Cut-Out Applique Valentine's Shirt {iCandy Handmade} - We love to make Valentine's Day shirts for our kids to wear on the big day. Whip one of these up and gift it to them on V-day morning!
    #8) ABC's of What I Love About You {Somewhat Simple} - Think of characteristics you love about your spouse for every letter of the alphabet and find photos that illustrate the qualities on your list. I'll show you how to put them together to create a fun mini book printed and bound professionally for less than $5!
    #9) Love Buckets {Brown Paper Packages} - Give the gift of love with these darling love buckets! Each day the members of your family can leave each other little love notes, making the countdown from February 1st to the 14th extra special!
    #10) Thumbprint Valentine's {Brown Paper Packages} - Put a personal "touch" on Valentines for friends and family this year---perfect for parents, grandparents, and more!
    #11) Be Mine Banner {Polkadot Chair} - What better way to surprise your sweetheart on V-Day than by "spelling it out" for him! Recycle an old book into a fun banner perfect for Valentine's Day!
    #12) Valentine Button Necklace {Blue Robin Cottage} - Create a darling Valentine's gift by making this unique and charming embroidered fabric button heart necklace.
    #13) Valentine's On The Hour {Thirty Handmade Days} - A genius idea for your loved one - give a gift throughout the day on the hour....includes sticker templates!
    #14) "Hooked On You" Pail {Lil' Luna} - Easy and cute, these pails are perfect for anyone you're "hooked on!"
    #15) Magnetic Heart-Shaped Shoe Clips {Polkadot Chair} - Have any fashionistas in your life? Use some might magnets to make some fun interchangeable shoe clips for a present! Great for lovey dovey day :)
    #16) DIY Felt Valentine Envelopes - Pottery Barn Style {The Crafting Chicks} - Make your own felt Valentine envelopes to fill with treats and love notes for your kids! FREE love mail printable, too!
    #17) Chair-Back Valentine Envelope Knock-off {iCandy Handmade} - The perfect stash for your child's little Valentine goodies!
    #18) Pocket Kiss Flip Book {Brassy Apple} - Blow a kiss to your sweetheart wherever they may be!

    #19) Valentine's Kit {Blue Robin Cottage} - Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for your hubby? Make him a Valentine's kit with all the things in it he loves! This tutorial even includes a Free kit card printable!
    #20) "Cross My Heart" Pillow {Polkadot Chair} - Looking for a present for a holiday decor queen? Here is a fun tutorial for a quick and easy pillow to make for that fabulous friend to display on Valentine's Day!
    #21) Big Hunk Candy Bar Bouquets {My Insanity} - With some bamboo skewers and a little hot glue, you can make Big Hunk bouquets to give to your husbands. This post also features a FUN "Amazing Race" date you can do on Valentine's Day!!
    ...and there you have it! A BUNCH of fun gift ideas to try out this coming Valentine's Day! Check back tomorrow for even MORE Valentine's Day ideas!

valentine's wreath with spiral rose letters {tutorial}

    I told you I was going to use my red burlap Christmas wreath for Valentine's, and I have. It was way too much work to only use for one holiday! I added an X and an O covered with rolled roses so it didn't look quite so Christmas-y to me. They honestly didn't take me that long--I think I did it in three episodes of "Lost" on DVD, plus an episode of 30 Rock to glue them on. Here's a little how to (and video!) for the spiral rose-covered letters (you can find the wreath tutorial here). Can I just say that I LOVE Valentine's crafts? I wish I had more time for all the Valentine ideas in my head!

    Valentine's Burlap & Spiral Paper Rose Wreath Tutorial

    Supplies:
    *Wooden letters (I found mine at Hobby Lobby for $2, but on sale for $1!)
    *10-12 pieces of card stock in color of your choice (you may need more or less, depending on how big your letters are)
    *Paint to match your flowers
    *Hot glue gun
    *Wreath (or not)

    1. The first step is to paint your letters the same color as your paper. This will make the holes between flowers less noticeable. I used Martha Stewart's craft paint in "Wedding Cake".

    2. Cut your card stock into squares. I used these two arrangements to get a good variety of sizes. I also cut 2-3 pages at a time to save time!

    Then cut those squares into spirals. The width of my spirals is about .5". You can watch my video tutorial here. It's a bit fancier than the flowers I did here, but it will help you get the concept if you're more of a visual learner like me.
    Did you watch it? First, try to forget what a dork I sound like on video. Thanks. Next, you might have noticed that for this project I didn't cut the wavy line around the edges for these flowers, and I used hot glue on the bottom of the flower to make the project go MUCH faster. Those are the major differences.

    If you didn't watch the video, here's a quick how to on the spiral roses. Roll your spiral up from the outside in, making a tight spiral.

    Then let go of your spiral and watch it bloom!

    Turn the flower over and put a bit of hot glue on the bottom in the middle of the spiral.

    Press the very inside of the spiral flat against it to hold it together. 

    Now sit down in front of your favorite Valentine's chick flick and make a boatload more of them.

    3. Start gluing your roses to your letters. I laid out a few at a time to make sure they were going to fit well. Don't be afraid to smoosh them in close together. It's just paper--you won't ruin the flowers.  

    Continue until your letters are covered. 
     

    These letters were originally going to be on my mantel, but I decided the burlap wreath needed a little somethin' somethin'. First I hung the wreath with a piece of polka dot ribbon. To hang the letters, I attached picture framing hardware to the back and strung them with fishing line. The fishing line is secured to the top of my door. I hammered two small nails to the top of the door and bent them down, then wrapped the fishing line around them. Sounds weird, but I use this method for most of my wreaths!
     

    This Valentine's craft project was brought to you by Phonechay's Creations!

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