Valentine's Day Guide
Valentine's Day is around the corner and I'm excited to share it with our little love! As a kid, every holiday was celebrated in our house. My Dad was my first Valentine and until Rob and I were engaged he would send me flowers every year. He still gets me a card and will always be my first Valentine. To me, there is something especially sweet about a father asking his little girl to be his Valentine. I love knowing that Rob will be Mary Clare's first Valentine. Cue melting heart.
Make Valentine's Day special without expensive presents but with family traditions. Since we are starting our own this year, I've rounded up a bunch of ideas to get you and your little ones ready for February 14th!
A LOVELY MEAL:
Make the morning of Feb. 14 extra special and whip up some heart shaped pancakes, toast or eggs with cookie cutters. Turn some fruit, maybe melon or pineapple, into hearts too! Get yourself some heart shaped cookie cutters and go wild!
Enjoy it all with a love potion smoothie: toss 1 cup of your favorite yogurt, 2 cups of fresh berries, 1 ripe banana in the blender. Add splashes of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Breakfast will be as yummy as it is fun!
MAKE VALENTINES:
Making homemade valentines is the perfect activity leading up to February 14th. Michael's has loads love themed craft supplies and easy to use valentine kits. Plus through the end of the month they are giving 20% off your whole online purchase AND 40% off one single item! Stock up ladies!
Minted.com has adorable valentines for school aged kiddos. They are pricier compared to the ones you'll find at the drug store but invariably cuter! They also make use of the best valentines puns. Who doesn't love a good pun?
VALENTINES JAMMIES:
Is it really Valentine's Day if you don't wear Valentine's jammies? Personally, I think they should be worn all year round so what better way to kick off the season of love?
Here are some adorable pajamas for all the little loves in your life! These and these from the Gap would be perfect for the toddlers in your life. There is this classic layette set for your little bundle of joy from Roberta Roller Rabbit. I love this JCrew heart sleep dress and this Mark & Graham kimono robe for Mommy! Finally, matching love themed boxers for Daddy and son!
GIFT GUIDE:
For the Littles:
This is no time for crazy, expensive gifts if you ask me. There are so many adorable, cost effective treats your little one will love!
Bath time is more fun with these rubber duckies!
Your little lady will be styling in these adorable moccasins. Emoji cookie cutters are perfect for your budding baker or as a fun play doh toy.
Brighten up bedtime with this glitter night light.
Gap also has loads of heart and love themed gear that is oh so irresistible! Gap is having a big sale going on through Jan 29th. 20% off everything and mostly everything is an additional 50% off...so it's basically free? Loving these, this and this!
Don't forget Daddy and Mommy:
Fuego Box is a hot sauce subscription and it's the perfect gift for that hot guy in your life! You can gift 1 or 3 bottles of hot sauce per month or you can have 3 delivered quarterly which is what I got for Rob last year. I love how the hot sauces are brands we've never heard of. Plus they come with tasting notes and pairing suggestions sort of like wine! Your first order is $10 off!
Mommy always deserves something special and Valentine's Day is a great excuse! Here are 2 items I love, leave it up on your computer screen and drop the hint!
I am sure you've heard of Maya Brenner jewelry. I love the classic simplicity of her pieces. This necklace can be designed especially for you with the initials of your children and maybe a diamond too? I personally love the rose gold with the 20 inch chain but again the choice is yours. If you have 2 children, the letter earrings are perfect. My sister in law wears a J and a G for her son and daughter. This jewelry is unique to your family, very special yet easy for everyday wear. HINT HINT ROB!
I'm absolutely in love with this heart shaped Cuyana cosmetic case. I have a few leather products from Cuyana. The leather is so soft and the gold hardware is lovely. Plus you can have foil or blind embossing done for a personal touch.
During the craziness of motherhood and the day in and day out of trying to balance it all, it's easy to lose sight of what's important. Who isn't guilty of it? It's okay to complain about it or feel spread too thin, you don't have to pretend it isn't hard. Yet I also try to pause now and again to remember how lucky I am. I have a healthy and happy family and I am fortunate enough to be healthy and happy enough to take care of them.
So whatever little ways you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day, take a moment to consider all the love in your life. For me, the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to make sure my family knows how much I love them by snuggling and saying "I love you" every day! Wishing you love and warmth today and every day!