Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Fun Valentine's Day ideas

Bon jour, Mon Amis! Since Valentine's Day is just a few short weeks away, I thought I'd put together some inspiring ideas, compliments of Better Homes and Gardens.

I don't know about you, but the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Valentine's Day is sweet treats!  Anything chocolate, and you can count me in!   How about some mini raspberry and white chocolate whoopie pies?  Yum-O!
 Cheesecake is my absolute favorite dessert, so these cheesecake brownie bites would fit the bill nicely, I think!
 Equally drool worthy is this amazingly looking chocolate malted milk ball mousse!  I really want to try this recipe! I remember as a little girl, eating so many malted milk balls, that the roof of my mouth got sore!

And what would be more romantic for the day than candle light? While this vignette was geared towards Christmas, you could easily swap out the little ornaments for a few fresh flowers tucked here and there. Or maybe a sprinkling of rose petals for some added romance! I really love the idea of turning interesting glassware, and vintage silver pieces, into candles. Notice the vintage jello mold turned candle, how cute is that?  I am going to try that one for sure! 


What would the day be without a special Valentine card for your loved ones?  I rarely buy cards any more, I prefer to make them myself.  I thought this one below was so pretty, and a great way to use up bits of scrapbooking paper.  Cards don't have to be elaborate to be special!



 I really love this idea, above.  Take a box of store bought candy, cover the box with gorgeous papers and trim, and viola!  Even an inexpensive drug store box of candy seems elegant now!
 Here are some fun packaging ideas for your gift giving.  I love keys, and thought it was such a neat idea to add one to a gift. The packaging is so pretty here, making it a gift within a gift!
I also really love the idea of adding goodies to a plain ol' brown paper lunch bag.  Make a cute tag by adding foil wrapped chocolate hearts to the tag, and clip it on with a clothespin.  How fun for your kids to give to their friends or teachers!
 Of course, we can't forget the flowers for Valentine's Day, can we? (hint, hint, hubby!)
 I especially love this sweet little bouquet in a silver mint julep cup.  And the tussie mussie is oh so romantic, I think!

all photos courtesy of bhg.com

You can find more great Valentine ideas over at BGH.com, as well as the recipes for the yummy treats that I've shown here.
On a side note, I'm starting to feel alot better, still moving slow, but improving.  I'm having some issues going on with leg numbness and a terrible burning sensation in my leg.  The dr's office said that a nerve may have been disturbed during surgery.  I hope that whatever it is, it's not permanent nerve damage, as it is really freaking me out.  I'm going to the dr. tomorrow, so I hope I get some answers!  Thank you again for all of your support and prayers, you guys are my life line!

16 comments:

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I'm craving chocolate now Donna. Thanks a lot. lol

john said...

me too...want chocolate !!! good luck at the drs x Gail x

The Bear's Blog said...

Ah, you are feeling more yourself, it shows in this wonderful post.

Keep up the good recovery. Hugs to Emily.

Hugs

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a beautiful post, Donna...pure eye candy! Hope you are feeling better SOON!! XO

Susie said...

Donna, All the goodies look wonderful. Yum ! I hope your drs. visit goes well. I think if they even touch nerves, it can make them feel numb for some time. Keep the faith. xoxo, Susie (She Junks)

LuLu Kellogg said...

LOVELY photos Donna! I love all these!

LuLu~*xoxo

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Was glad to see you doing a post. I am glad your feeling better. Sorry your leg is bothering you...hopefully it will be feeling better soon too.

Blondie's Journal said...

How sweet that you treated us with a great post when you still aren't feeling well. You are amazing! Good luck with the doctor tomorrow!

XO,
Jane

Musings from Kim K. said...

Beautiful eye candy. Yummy ideas abound!! I've been busy covering chocolate boxes with trims, glitter and fancy paper. An easy gift with glamorous results. Best wishes with the doctor tomorrow. Please keep us posted.

NanaDiana said...

Donna- What a beautiful post. Even if I don't eat chocolate! lol I love all the sweet ideas you have shared here. You know that I am continuing to pray for your recovery and improvement. xo Diana

Tete said...

Hi Girl! Love all your ideas, but I went really fast past the sweets, since I can't have any at all right now! Bummer!
I wish I had something that chocolate would cure! Wouldn't that be nice, to eat your way well...LOL
I hope you aren't so sore today and that you continue to heal quickly so you can get back to making us drool over your blogging. I could even handle some glitter from you---but only you!

Myric said...

What lovely creative ideas! I absolutely love the idea of turning glassware to candle! The first picture reminds me of macaron. I would really really love how to make them. Reminds me so much of France!

xoxo
Myric

Dominique said...

I will continue to pray for you, as I'm sure the leg issue is unnerving! I love the idea of covering those boxed chocolates! My mom always buys the cartoon character ones for my kids- no matter how old they are. Maybe this year we can add a little pizzazz to them!

Cindy Adkins said...

I dearly love the wrapping with the keys! I'm trying to cut back on sweets...but oh my, these pictures have be drooling! lol Lovely Valentine's post.
Hugs, Cindy

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Still thinking of you and hope you get some kind of resolve tomorrow re your leg numbness. Aren't you glad it's all over with now? Love your post, especially those delish treats so will have to look up a couple of those recipes! Keep taking it easy for now!!! xox

Karen said...

Hi Donna....What beautiful and yummy photos! Now, I'm craving malted milk balls. The mousse looks delicious.

Hope your doctor appt. went well and that you'll feel better soon.

Love, Karen