‘Valentine’s Day’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Minted: Get Valentine’s Day Ready

February 6, 2017 · Narrative

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day cards for your kid’s classmates? They are seriously just a few clicks away…

If you’ve been a reader for a little while, you may have caught on that Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. I am also the girl who cried favorite because every holiday is pretty much my favorite, but Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly in the Top Three.

Over the years, for classroom valentines, we have vacillated between store-bought cards and homemade, old school cards. And I honestly love both. Sometimes our decision comes down to time (or lack thereof) and inspiration (like if we see something in the store and love it, or have a creative idea that we just run with).

So that kind of means we go where the wind takes us.

And isn’t that how it goes with love anyway?

So, appropos.

But then something new happened … I discovered that Minted makes Valentine’s Day cards.

I knew that they offered beautiful artwork because I’m obsessed with their heart photo collage and it’s on my Wish List, but I didn’t know about the perfectly tiny, completely appropriate classmate Valentine’s Day cards they have. They kind of have a ridiculous amount of selections to choose from … so much so that when I gave Maddie the options, she came back with more than a few she wanted. I don’t blame her!

She ended up deciding to go with the Pugs & Kisses cards and I can’t say I’m surprised. Once you choose which card you want, you can go on to make it even more personal … different colors for some of the cards … clean edges versus scalloped edges … add on stickers to seal the envelopes. So many possibilities for so much adorableness in one tiny package.

Our order arrived crazyquick, and you totally have time to get yours in time of the big day. It came in the cutest little cloth pouch with a thank you note from the artist who designed the card. We plan to package them with little pink heart stickers that we had on had from crafting, and attach a pencil or lollipop to it.

Given the three of us have been sick for the past few days, which, like, never happens, the discovery of the treasure trove that is Minted’s Valentine’s Day gallery was perfect timing.

…

Valentine’s Day Inspiration

February 10, 2016 · Holidays and More, Narrative

This week rivals the Christmas season in our household in terms of busyness and celebrating.

Two birthday and Valentine’s Day.

Which is crazy awesome.

Because I am all for anything that celebrates love and some of my favorite people.

So as I am knee-deep in prep work, I thought I would share some of our favorite Valentine’s Day inspiration.

These “out of this world” Valentine’s Day cards was one of my favorite DIYs over the years – totally unique and super simple to make.

I actually just spied this shirt at the bottom of a donate pile the other day. Love Nick’s version, though there’s no way he’d wear that now, as a teenager. Another very simple craft idea, and perfect activity if you want to have a few friends over.

This recipe for Seven Layer Jell-O Squares was a fun one, and gobbled up by the kids. I have been on a Jell-O kick lately – came out of I DON’T KNOW WHERE.

These Chocolate S’mores Cookies look adorable with hearts piped onto the top.

These cards from a few years back were easy and a favorite as well.

Now, for a few gift ideas…

…

Valentine’s Day 2014

February 18, 2014 · Narrative

This year, Valentine’s Day was a bit out of sorts. I mostly blame Mother Nature, who delivered two snow days last week and a whopping foot and a half of snow, and I think a delayed opening or two. Honestly, it’s just all a blur at this point.

And then Nick had plans at a teen event with friends on Friday night, which only compounded the out of sorts feeling, leaving Madeline and I to our own devices.

And since I thought the holiday was so off, I called for a redo, which we did last night, celebrating again with friends.

On the real Valentine’s Day, as opposed to my self-imposed do over, Madeline declared “Valentine’s Day is like Christmas. Only with love. And I love drawing hearts, so it’s my favorite.” And, of course, I couldn’t agree more. She loved the day, and getting a second crack at it, and loves love as much as her Mom. Which couldn’t make me happier. Growing up, my parents always made a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, and I have continued to do the same with Nick and Madeline. Because I want them to know that Valentine’s Day is far more than an over-commercialized holiday for Hallmark and your local florist. It’s a day to celebrate love. But not just love of a significant other. Love of family, friends, everybody, and everything. And more importantly, perhaps, is the fact that love can be celebrated all throughout the year, not just on February 14th. And since Madeline loves the holiday, love, and finding random hearts as much as I do, I’d say I’m doing a bang-up job of driving that point home.

…

Valentine’s Day 2013

February 14, 2013 · Narrative

Regular readers know how much I love Valentine’s Day. Like, really. And this year was no exception.

Let’s backtrack to yesterday. What a treat to have the kids old enough to help put together the Valentine’s Day cards for their classmates! Which meant I managed to escape a super late night putting everything together by myself.

These little hands sat and handwrote a card for each of her classmates, and then signed them all. And then affixed little hearts to close them. It took her awhile, but she was bound and determined to do it.

And really, what is better than a five-year-old’s handwriting?

I have had these stamps for a year or two. They were a dollar for each package, and I seriously debated about buying them. Going back and forth. Do I really need them? Would I really use them? And I’m so glad I ended up getting them, because I use them tons.

For the treats for Madeline’s classmates, I bought these small muslin bags, and then stamped the kids’ names on the front with a little heart, and then inside went a handful of conversation hearts and a Valentine.

I meant to go back and color in the heart with a marker, but I forgot. I love these little bags, and can envision the kids using them to hold their little treasures and trinkets long after Valentine’s Day has passed….

Valentine’s Day Card Inspiration for Boys

February 7, 2013 · Narrative

I think my eyes automatically glaze over when I see all the little Valentine’s Day cards that stores sell for kids to give to their classmates. While I love that they instantly bring me back to grade school when I was exchanging them with my own little friends, and I love seeing the masses that the kids bring home, I yearn for something different. Less common. More unique.

*those cards are just fine. I know this and agree. I use them too, usually one year with those, one year homemade. They have their place and they are all sorts of awesome. This is about those times that you want something a little different. And as an aside, I think the store-bought cards really leave out Nick’s age group, and are more geared towards kids a bit younger.

This year was a year for something different. With Nick’s cards, it all started when I found out that there is a web site featuring gorgeous photographs taken by the Hubble (you know, that space telescope?). (And thanks, Rubyellen, for that little tidbit). Not only is there a web site featuring the photos, but you can download them for free (and, although it’s easy, they give you step-by-step directions on how to do that). Which means these photos are perfect for making posters (as Rubyellen did for her husband) and … wait for it …

for making Valentine’s Day cards!

…

Recipe: Seven Layer Finger Jell-O

February 16, 2012 · Narrative

First, let me state the obvious.

I typically don’t want to eat a dessert with the word finger in it.

But that might be just me.

I’m gathering the word finger is in there because you cut these into squares and can conceivably eat them with your fingers. Even if they are a little wiggly. You know, like Jell-O is prone to be.

Layered Jell-O desserts are generally a royal pain in the you know where. They are super easy to make, but it’s a time thing. You have to make and chill each layer separately. So between 15-20 minutes was needed for each of the seven layers you see here. It wasn’t a h-u-g-e deal because we were in the kitchen making other things for Valentine’s Day the night before, but consider yourself forewarned. The kids love it though, and that’s really enough for me.

Once you figure out your schedule to make a layered Jell-O dessert, they’re fun to serve. They’re pretty. The kids love them. And it’s practically guilt-free. Don’t get hung up on the red layers. Make green ones for St. Patrick’s day. Rainbow layers for a rainbow party. Pastel layers to celebrate spring. Blue layers for a baby shower. Use the concept and unleash that wicked imagination of yours. I think a rainbow layered one would fit right into our bi-annual Rainbow Cake parties. We have made a slightly different version for Fourth of July parties of years’ past (see this uber-short, ancient post here).

And is it me, or does Jell-O totally remind you of your childhood? Which is pretty cool in and of itself.

Go get yourself a few boxes of your favorite colors, and layer up a fun little dessert. For a holiday. Or because it’s Thursday. Or any reason in between.

Will be back here Sunday night. Have yourself an awesome little weekend. We plan to do exactly the same.

…

Read More

February 2010 Recipe Round-Up

March 1, 2010 · Narrative, Project 365

Cheesy Hash Brown Chili. Good, but not repeatable. Next!
David Garrard’s Buffalo Chicken Dip. The favorite of the month, and even made twice in one week. Reviewed here.
Mocha Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Good. Nice hit from the caffeine. Interesting sandy texture on the outside of the cookie. Review coming soon.
Deep Woods Salad Dressing. This recipe came from Serena, Food and Stories. Easy and packed with flavor. I served it on a salad at Madeline’s birthday party. Review and recipe coming soon.
Sour Cream White Cupcakes. This one is from the new Cupcake Doctor cookbook. I tried one without the frosting and nearly threw away the whole batch. Luckily, once it had frosting on it, all was right with the world.
Roast Ham with Marmalade Mess Marinade. This is another one from Serena, Food and Stories. Loved it.
Chocolate Chip Dream Bars. These are OMG good. If you haven’t made this one yet, you’re missing out. Favorite #2 of the month.
Veggie Bites. How to make good vegetables bad for you. Review coming soon.
Hershey Kiss Good Fortunes. A fun sweet treat. Review here.
Tuna Cakes. Easy and you likely have the ingredients on hand. A few days later, I warmed one up, and put it in between pumpernickel bread with melted cheddar and spicy mustard. So good.
Roasted Mushrooms and Asparagus. Super simple. Loved this. Review coming soon.
Go Green Stew for Eli. Nick and Madeline made a stew for Eli. He inhaled it so fast, we’re thinking he liked it, but we stopped short of taste-testing it ourselves. He was definitely looking for more the next day.
German Chocolate Cupcake. The failure of the month. You won’t be hearing about this one.
Peanut Butter and Honey Cookies. Favorite #3 for the month. You won’t think they’re anything special. Until you make them. Bet you can’t eat just one….
Read More