For the Kids: Valentines Gift Guide

For those of you with children, here's some Valentines ideas just right for a range of ages.

These free printable valentines will be perfect for passing out to their friends and classmates, and they are way cooler than anything Bob the Builder has tacked together.

Free Printable Valentines from One Charming Party

A sweet treat is in order, so how about baking up some red velvet cupcakes? Or, tuck some store-bought goodies into these dear heart boxes and no one will be the wiser.

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Annie's Eats

Valentines Day Treat Boxes from Martha Stewart Crafts, $5.99

Even hesitant readers will enjoy these how-to books made just for them. Boys learn essential skills like tying knots and coin tricks, while girls get a lesson in designing their own clothes and annoying people in elevators. Equally silly and serious, these books are a delight. Read the Amazon reviews for more details.

The Dangerous Book for Boys, $14.97

How to be the Best at Everything (The Girls Book), $9.99

This DIY gumball necklace is so cute! Make one for your little princess and her friends.

DIY Gumball Necklace from One Charming Party

Something for even your littlest sweeteart, precious leather moccasins.

Moccasins from Freshly Picked, $45 each

Give them something to snuggle... maybe a little bear or a friendly monster?

Carson by Pogoshop, $44

Ixtabat by canoo, $30

Use this simple felt heart craft for decor or little gifts.

DIY Valentine Pins from the purl bee

A warm hat will remind them how much you care.

Eco Girlie Stripe Hat from Joretta Natural Knits, $22

Pixie Stocking Cap from Deusprovidebit, $24.50

Bedeck their favorite food with hearts galore.

Valentine Pizza from One Charming Party

For Him: Valentines Day Gift Guide

Alright ladies, here's some ideas on what to get your man for Valentines Day. On a side note, I asked my hubby what he would suggest for this gift guide... he said "Food. No seriously, all I want are tacos. Doesn't anybody on Etsy sell those?"

Of course, if you're giving him chocolate it had better be Sweeteeth.
Get it here. $5- $25

If he's not into sweets, how about some hot sauce?
This one is a favorite of Cory's. $7

These extra-soft tees from Parachute Clothing are super fun.

Lorem Ipsum and Better Together, $18 each

Cufflinks are still cool.

If he's into classic gaming, he'll love these Zelda Tri force cufflinks. $19

These handcrafted resin cufflinks can be customized with your paper

... a page from his favorite book, or maybe a love letter? $50

If he's a dapper kind of guy, get him a handmade bow tie.

Rust Red Velvet, $26 or Johnny Cashmere, $35

 Headphones! $29

Nothing says "I love you" like a knife. $11

These novelty cameras are perfect for the budding photographer.

Holgawood and Lomography Fisheye, $48 each

These leather iPad cases are gorgeously crafted. We have one and just love it. It offers perfect functionality, hardback protection, and fun security.

BookBook for iPad, $69

Beware: If you give your man a Nintendo DSi, he may forget you exist. These things are so fun, and the XL version is perfect for adult hands to play comfortably. The red version is perfect for this lover's holiday, plus it comes included with my favorite game.

Special Edition Nintendo DSi XL, $179

For Her: Valentines Day Gift Guide

I know my readers are primarily female, but to the few guys out there, this post is for you. Here's some gift ideas for your lady friend.

Chocolate is a must. Skip Russell Stover and get her the good stuff. Sweeteeth makes the best chocolate and the world and packages it beautifully. (Greenvillians, it's sold at Art & Light, O Cha, and Community Tap. Their online store will also ship to wherever your recipient is.)

I'm addicted to their Sea is for Caramel bar, but their new Port Wine Caramel might just steal my heart. $5 - $6

 Their limited edition Valentines gift boxes include 12 truffles and come with a keepsake art print. $25

Don't forget the flowers!

Anything from Emersonmade will make her swoon.

There's lots of lovely blossoms in my shop, including these rosebud studs, $8

Shoe clips from ban.do will be a sweet surprise, $25

Rosebud bobby pins from Heart of Light will look so pretty in her hair, $11

Jewelry is always a welcome gift.

A love letter on a chain! $18.50

This delicate pendant necklace would make me so happy. (hint, hint) $39.95

Vintage texts describe true love in this handcrafted necklace. $65

A chunky quartz ring is non-traditional and super cool. $40

Feeling extra romantic this year? Go for something lacy.

Leggings will keep her warm and stylish. $14

A lace necklace is elegant and oh-so-feminine. $30

These lacey fingerless gloves would look just darling on her pretty hands. $21

Delicate panties are extra nice. $12.50

If your gal is more the practical type, get her something for the home.

This felt pillow will brighten up the winter days. $89

A stamped vintage silver spoon for her tea! What a thoughtful gift. $11

A kitchen towel with a pretty bird is so sweet. $15

This art piece will maker her smile. $11

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Of course, don't forget to include a card,
see my recommendations here and here.

Pink + Red Valentine Roundup

Here's some gorgeous Valentines in the season's traditional colors.

Everything by Rifle Paper Co. wins my heart, and their Valentine selection is no exception.

Valentines by Rifle Paper Co., $4 each

 This letterpress card set is sweet and simple, and comes with coordinating pencils.

xoxo set by we heart paper, $15 for set of 5

Sweet swallows are letterpressed in blushing pink, carrying your note of love.

Love Bird Card by Darling Press & Stationers, $3.20 each

A hand-punched heart is simple and classy, while a letterpressed saying has modern elegance.

Two Hearts Beat As One by warpeDesign, $7 each

Apple of My Eye by Smock Papers, $4 each

This cheeky card is still delicate and sweet.

From the Heart by farouche, $3.50 each

I just adore this linen love note. Have the muslin bag stamped with any message you choose, 

and infuse the heart with your favorite scent.

Custom Linen Love Note by ink-lore, $12 each

Weekend Glimpse

 Clementines...darling ones.

They are like a bucket of sunshine in these dreary winter months.

 New tablecloth (Target), thrifted milkglass vase, light reading.

Open windows.

The rush of warm air incites bullying. Poor James.

Not pictured:

- a midnight stroll

- book-keeping stuff

- hours of scouring the internet for an upcoming design project

- popcorn and cream soda

- dawning realization that I want a tutu, a blush colored one with a gold sash.

- Valentine planning

Black + White Valentine Roundup

This year I'm really feeling the minimalist vibe when it comes to valentines. Here's some black + white notes of love...

 Who says valentines have to be a note card?
Give your sweetheart this darling garland and their heart will sing for joy.

Love is Splendid Word Thread by Royal Buffet, $13

 Have your message of love inscribed in gorgeous calligraphy.
What a sweet keepsake!

Custom Calligraphy Valentines by Hello Handmade, $30 (sold out already!)

A tiny letter packs a big punch.  The World's Smallest Postal Service will write and send your message in minuscule form, complete with a magnifying glass and a tiny wax seal.

Tiny Valentine by The World's Smallest Postal Service, $9

 Have a lot of Valentines? This eight-card set will take care of all of them.

Love Cards by In Haus Press, $16

 

This simple DIY is so sweet... stamp or write your message onto a long ribbon, then wind on a spool and let your Valentine unravel the message from your heart.

DIY Spool Valentine by papernstitch

 This letterpress eye chart contains a message of love...
and could double as piece of art.

Eye Chart Love by HawkGerber Ink, $5

Pink Crush

I guess I'm ready for Valentines Day, 

because I've been having a major pink crush lately.

Shoe vignette by Martha Stewart Living via design darling 

Sophia headpiece via Mrs. Press + pink dress via Tidepooler

Cake via the laundry room via Style Me Pretty

Headboard via oh joy

Poms via Snowy Bliss

Very Berry Tartlets

These sweet mini-pies are perfect for a party!

Very Berry Tartlets

enough pie dough to equal 3 crusts (I use 1.5 batches of this recipe)

4 c. mixed berries (I use strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries... and frozen is fine.)
2/3 c. sugar
3 T. cornstarch
1/2 c. whipping cream
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 T. fresh lime zest

Divide pie dough in half. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface, fairly thin. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut 12 rounds.  Repeat with remaining dough. Lightly spray 2 regular sized-muffin tins with nonstick spray. Press rounds into muffin cups, pleating to fit. Poke each crust a couple times with a fork to reduce bubbling. Bake at 400 for 6-8 minute, or until crusts turn golden. Cool in muffin tins for a few minutes, then carefully remove tartlets and cool completely on a wire rack.

Combine 2/3 c. sugar and cornstarch. Combine sugar mixture and 2 c. mixed berries in a saucepan over med-high heat. Stirring frequently until mixture boils and thickens, remove from heat. Cool. Once cool, gently toss mixture with remaining 2 c. berries. Spoon berry mixture into tartlet shells.

Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy.  Garnish each tartlet with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with lime zest.

Yield: 24 servings

Marvelous Millinery

Let me state for the record that I am not a hat person. My skull is too big, or my hair doesn't fall right, or something, I just can't pull it off. But, that doesn't stop me from appreciating a milliner's work of art. And if I wore hats, I would wear these amazing creations by Behida Dolic.

1. Small and Beautiful, $400

2. Pink Accordion Cloche, $450

3. When Birds Were Hats, $275

4. Pink Autumn, $380

Weekend Glimpse

Not much sleep this past weekend, but lots of busy time and fun things. The busy times were too busy for photos, but here's some of the fun things.

Working on Valentimey decor, with a Martha Stewart crepe paper rose kit.

FYI... she could totally have had the pieces cut out already. For real, Martha.

What is black and white and red all over?
My kitchen table centerpiece... striped runner from here, milkglass vases, red berries snipped from Annie's house.

Cooking up some naan...and yes, it did get a little dark there... and yes, the smoke detector may have gone off twice thanks to some smokin' hot oil. But it was still so good, make it with Butter Chicken and sop up some goodness.

Not pictured:

- catered a brunch (hence, busy times)

- Jimmy John's

- found a gorgeous upholstered bench for a friend (in brown ikat!)

- procrastinating about sewing curtains

- lots of dishes

- When Harry Met Sally