The Highly Overrated Valentine’s Day

With or without a beau, I always have a fantastic Valentine’s Day.  It’s just another excuse to make sure you have fun!  Last year, I was taken out for dinner and given a bouquet of roses.  The typical Valentine’s tradition was placed upon me for the first time and I can confidently say that it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.  Ladies, do yourself a favor and make sure you have a man who can come up with something a little more creative to captivate your attention.  I have a feeling that I’m going to have more fun this year with my 7 year-old friend, Fionna, who I am watching over the weekend.  I have made plans to take her to Lowe’s on Saturday morning for their kid’s workshop, give her a Jamberry manicure, bake cookies, dance around the house, craft a heart puzzle wreath, and to go to see Paddington.  Sometimes it’s freeing (and let’s not forget exhausting) to be a kid again.

Needless to say, I have the house all decorated for our Valentine’s festivities.  Hopefully they will inspire you to get into the spirit.

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I used mini cupcake liners to hold these candlesticks into place.
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I often use cake stands and swatches of fabric to decorate tabletops.
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I keep my Christmas tree up and decorate it with hearts.
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I’m constantly changing the decor on my Hoosier. I got the Hoosier Mama Book of Pie as a Christmas present and now display it on a cookbook holder.

Tonight, I am taking the Valentine’s theme to a party at the VIM thrift shop where I volunteer. We’re hosting a ladies’ night for heart awareness month. We’re having blood pressure checks and giving tips on keeping your heart healthy. We have to have snacks that are a little more health conscious than I would normally make. I whipped up some marshmallow treats made with Cheerios.  I also gave myself a heart friendly manicure with my new Jamberries!

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Cheerio Marshmallow Treats
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Jamberry Manicure
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Cupcakes for Fionna

A Hoot and a Half

I need to preface this post by saying I’m a bad Chi Omega sister, I already know.

I made somewhat of a dramatic confession to a few of my best friends/ sorority sisters a couple months ago.

Brace yourself.

I’m not a fan of owls.

Owls are a big symbol for Chi Omega, and with their recent popularity in fashion/design, anything with an owl on it is a go-to gift for Chi Omega sisters. After I broke this news to Karla and Carrie, it has become somewhat of a contentious issue. I think they’re moving through all the stages of grief.

My feelings aside, Carrie is a good Chi Omega, and when I visited her last week, I collected some evidence. Please note, this is just the tip of the iceberg in her house.

Candle candy dish salt and pepper candle cover teapot bottle opener mugs mugs 2 candlestick nightlight welcome mat

Be Mine This Valentine’s

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The heart garland is available at Pier 1 Imports. At $5.95, it is not worth taking the time to make it yourself.

In an effort to get my beau in the mood for Valentine’s Day, I decided I would decorate the house for when he comes to visit this week.  I know it’s a little early to celebrate, but let’s be honest…shouldn’t everyday be Valentine’s Day.  We should appreciate our other half everyday of the year.  In the past, I have not been quite as eager to give in to the Hallmark holiday but this year I must say I put it in gear.  As I got out my decorations, I was sadly disappointed with the two owl tea towels on which say “Who loves you?” (which was a sad reminder of my singledom last year and I remember wanting to burn it) and a coordinating owl serving platter.  This year I decided I needed to up my Valentine’s game.  I said to myself “Never fear for Pinterest is here!” in my superhero voice.  I’m sure you all find yourself saying that at times.  Anyway this is what I came up with.  I hope you have as much fun playing Cupid as I have!

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I made this garland that you can find on my Valentine’s Day Pin Board. I used pages of Pride and Prejudice and hot glue to make the pinwheels. Then I used scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and glitter to decorate the pinwheels. I hot glued the finished pinwheels onto ribbon. I adhered marbles on the side you don’t see as weights to make it hang straight. The finished product really makes the mantel look festive.
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These are zipper heart ornaments that I created from inspiration I pulled from Pinterest. Check out my Valentine’s Day Pin Board for this idea and some more I found interesting.
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I got the conversation heart ornaments from Lillian Vernon.
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I used Valentine’s fabric as the tree skirt.
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I used a pink depression cake plate for an updated napkin holder. I simply framed the napkins with glass beads from Pier 1 Imports.
I used a cake stand for the centerpiece of my dining room table.  The glass beads and the candles are from Pier 1 Imports.
I used a cake stand for the centerpiece of my dining room table. The glass beads and the candles are from Pier 1 Imports.
This is an old retro server that I turned into a centerpiece for my coffee table.  I bought the hearts and candle at Pier 1 Imports.  I thought outside the box and bought the candle at 75% off because they were in the Christmas clearance section.  The candle ended up being about $2.50.
This is an old retro server that I turned into a centerpiece for my coffee table. I bought the hearts and candle at Pier 1 Imports. I thought outside the box and bought the candle at 75% off because they were in the Christmas clearance section. The candle ended up being about $2.50.