Valentine’s Day Balloons

“Bah-moo,” our son says with happiness and delight. “Bah-moo,” he says again and points excitedly towards the sky. “Ugh!” He’s unhappy now. He thinks about hitting me to get my attention. “What,” I ask? “Bah-moo,” he points. Ah. “Balloon.” Too many syllables in that one word for our son’s mouth at the moment. He eagerly attempts to get the words out though. It started with an infatuation with those floating balls in other books. It then moved to a desire to see them up close in the various supermarkets that had them floating around the aisles. Eventually I’d be waiting … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day: Special Delivery

What will you do for your sweetie(s) for Valentine’s Day? Will you have something special delivered to work or school to say ‘be mine’? A lot of thought (not to mention cash) goes into picking out just the right things and having them delivered. I like thoughtful ideas rather than extravagant. I won’t be spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I won’t be sending six foot tall Teddy Bears, dozens of roses, or 10 pound heart shaped boxes of chocolate to school for my kids. I’ll just find a little something that’s cute and sweet that says Happy Valentine’s Day … Continue reading

Sending Gifts to School

I am not sure when Valentine’s Day became about children. On Wednesday, my school was full of balloons, stuffed animals, candy, and other goodies. It seems that parents, myself included, are more worried about sending their children the largest balloon or stuffed animal than what to buy their spouse. At one time, Valentine’s Day was for sweethearts. There are problems that I see with sending gift items, such as balloons and flowers, to school. One problem deals with the other children. As a kindergarten teacher, I spent much of Valentine’s Day afternoon answering the question: “Where’s mine?” It is very … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day

Is it a special day in your home? Do you decorate, make special treats, pick out precious presents for your loved ones, or create sweet cards for each other? Everyone does something different. Maybe you have plans for a nice dinner or perhaps your sending special surprises to school for your kiddos or to the office for your spouse. Have you received something special? My husband presented me with three long stemmed red roses surrounded by baby’s breath and leather leaf in a pretty crystal vase. He also gave me my favorite dark chocolate truffles. Sweets from my sweetie! The … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day: It’s Not Too Late!

Yes, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, but that’s okay. Sometimes, even though you know a special occasion is coming, it can sneak up on you, but it’s not too late. If you find yourself unprepared, don’t worry. There are still some last minute things you can do to show that special someone you care. Send E-Cards Are you out of time, money, or both? None of these issues mean that you cannot still send a Valentine’s Day card. You don’t have to wait on the mail and you don’t even have to head to the store. Just pick out a great … Continue reading

Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Valentine’s Day

It only takes a few moments to change the mood of any room. So, even if tomorrow’s date sneaked up on you and you still have things to do to get ready, you can squeeze in a few simple, last minute touches to help make any space say Happy Valentine’s Day. Heart Placemats Michele had some cute ideas for decorating and for heart-shaped food, so what better way to serve such items than on Valentines themed plates atop heart-shaped placemats? You’ll need twelve hearts for each placemat. Cut them about 6” high by 6” wide. You can use fabric, lace … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day for the Whole Family

While you may have plans to do something special with or for your spouse on Valentine’s Day, it can also be an event celebrated by the entire family. Your home can become a Valentine’s Day wonderland with just a few quick, special touches. Balloons I love balloons. They are festive and make great decorations for any occasion. Even just a few plain red balloons will change the mood, although you can find a great assortment of styles and colors especially for Valentine’s Day. Streamers You don’t have to reserve streamers for birthday parties. They add color and fun to any … Continue reading

A Twist on Valentine’s Day: Adopt a Penguin?

How cool would it be to adopt a penguin? Would your kids get a kick out of doing something like this? The penguin would certainly appreciate it, and everyone in your family can go in on this little project together instead of spending the money on gooey chocolates. You can save a penguin and save your teeth! How does it Work? 1. A $50.00 donation is required. 2. After payment, you will receive an adoption certificate. 3. You will also receive a thank you note. 4. A Little Penguin photo will also be included. 5. Visit TheLittlePenguin.com for details. Are … Continue reading

Seven Days of Valentines

Instead of celebrating just once for Valentine’s Day, why not build up to it for a week? Start on the seventh (or have cards or other small gifts begin arriving on that date) and present something each day until the fourteenth. Small gestures are best, because they will surprise and delight the person you love without making that person feel obligated to return the favor. You don’t want him or her to feel bad, thinking that he or she should have had something each day for you too, so keep it sweet and simple. One cute idea is to pick … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day: Sweet Surprises at School

I don’t know about your area, but around here it’s all the rage to have surprises for children delivered to school on Valentine’s Day. Many schools will allow you to have something delivered or to drop something off in the lobby. Gifts are usually distributed later in the day to avoid disrupting classes, but it’s a nice way to brighten your children’s day and make them feel special. You can order a Valentine’s Day gift, flowers, or balloons, etc. or you can create something yourself. Here are some ideas: Soda Surprise Start with a plastic bottle of your child’s favorite … Continue reading