Sweet and simple ways to decorate a small space living room for Valentine's Day in a French country style.     So tell me... do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? It's something I've usually done in some small way.     This year after the Christmas decorations were all put away my living room felt so empty.  This year's Christmas tree was so dramatic that once those sparkling lights with the stunning ornaments were gone I just had to do something. Tim isn't a fan of artificial flowers, but I really felt that I needed something of scale that would … [Read more...]

  Don't skip Valentine's Day because retailers and the media make it all about romance and roses.  Instead, make it about fun and love.  Here are some easy ideas to help you set a simple Valentine table that's perfect for friends, family, and even lovers, too.    I almost didn't use any red for my Valentine's Day tablescape this year. When I envisioned my simple Valentine table, the one thing I wanted to be cautious of was the overuse of red.  Don't get me wrong... I like red... but this year it just felt like too much for me.     Why was one of my favorite colors... … [Read more...]

  Do you love fresh flowers but think arranging them is just too hard? Think again! I'm here to show you that you can create a stunning Valentine's Day centerpiece with zero experience or skill.  Once you see how EASY it is to do, you'll be making table arrangements for every holiday and occasion.  In fact, you don't need a reason other than... Fresh flowers!     I created this beautiful floral arrangement for an intimate dinner for two on February 14. You can see more of my Valentine tablescape here. Let's get started! To begin you'll need a few supplies: Pruners or … [Read more...]

    Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but my dear husband and I aren't very romantic. I think I would like it if he was and I think he'd like it if I was. But we aren't. Not that we haven't tried.     In our early years, we thought we were being romantic by purchasing pretty new sheets for our anniversary. We'd go out to dinner dressed to the nines. We've had fancy foods at our bedside.  And my dear husband has sent me countless gorgeous floral bouquets. All romantic sounding things to do.... but bells don't ring and birds don't sing. He brings me flowers and … [Read more...]

Here it is, almost a week before Valentine's Day! So often we focus on the romantic side of Valentine's Day and yet we all are not in a place where romance is a part of our lives.  BUT... we all need love.  We need to love and be loved.  We need people.  We can't walk this journey alone, can we? The best way I know to be loved is to love others. Maybe if we focus on others and loving others well, when we get to the end of our lives we'll be like the velveteen rabbit.  And what could be better? Let's do our best to remember this... “Keep love in your heart.” To … [Read more...]

  Wouldn't you love to bake and Package a Chocolate Valentine's Day Gift  for family and friends using recycled items and things you have on hand? This edition of Make Something from Nothing is all about Valentine's Day Gifts!     Who knew recycled tuna cans and cardboard saltine cracker boxes would help make these adorable and delicious gifts you'll LOVE to give?   Be sure to stay until the end to see the creative gift ideas my friends, Jennifer and Mary Beth are sharing this month too.   What's your love language? Is it receiving gifts, words of … [Read more...]

  I'm a huge fan of red!  And hearts! And though I'm not a big romantic, I do enjoy doing a little bit of decorating with red and white and hearts.  A month after all the Christmas decor has been down, there's something fun and whimsical about getting a little bit crafty and sprinkling a few hearts in my home decor. That's why I'm excited for this week's features from Project Inspire{d}.  There are some really great DIY ideas you'll want to check out and try your hand at for Valentine's Day. Take a few minutes to kick back, relax, and check out all the features...  and don't forget to pin this … [Read more...]

It's Valentine's weekend... and we've got 25 lovely ideas for making it special. This might be the Valentine's Day weekend to stay in.  With blowing snow and white-outs in my neck of the woods, it was evident that there wasn't much celebrating going on as we traveled the treacherous roads this evening. And BRRRRRR is it cold. "They" say it's the coldest weekend of the year.  Where is that early spring Punxsutawney Phil promised us? No worries... check out these lovely ideas to make your Valentine's heart sing!! 25 Lovely Ways to Make Your Valentine's Heart Sing   Heart Gumdrops from A Mitten Full of … [Read more...]

  It's nearly Valentine's Day and you need some ideas. Quick!  No need to fear. I've assembled 40 quick and easy last minute Valentine's Day printables... perfect for kids of all ages.  You'll have a hard time choosing from all the creative cards, fun activity sheets, treat ideas, toppers, tags, and more.  There are some amazing low-cost ideas too.  Get ready.... because it's time to be inspired!!     40 Last Minute Valentine's Day Printables   You are So Loved - Printable :: Bombshell Bling Have a Heart - Printable :: Bloom Designs Valentine Envelopes Free … [Read more...]

Would you like a great Valentine gift idea that ISN'T red or pink? Skip the Red and Pink with this Bright Valentine Gift Idea I'm so excited to introduce you to my good blogging friend who's here today with an EXTRAORDINARY idea I know you'll love... Light Bulb Valentines Hi, Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday here. I am so excited that Diane is letting me share a project on her blog today! Since Valentine's Day is coming up quickly, I thought it would be fun to create some printable valentines and pair them with a small gift. Supplies: Printable Light Bulb Valentines, light bulb vases,* Sixlet … [Read more...]

Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? I don't decorate like Christmas, but I do enjoy filling a few Mason jars with treats, setting a pretty table with red, and using my red and white towels in the kitchen.  It's not a lot, but it's enough to infuse some much-needed red into our dreary gray wintry days. If you need a few ideas for adding a little Valentine sweetness and charm to your home, then you are at the right place!  Check out these inspiring ideas... Clever Decorating Ideas for Valentine's Day   Thrifty Valentine's Day Decor by Dagmar's Home Baby Food Jar Bud Vase by Mommiez on a … [Read more...]

  Valentine's Day... It seems people fall into three categories:  Love it. Indifferent. Hate it. Like most holidays... we bring baggage to the day that colors the way we see it.  The twist with Valentine's Day is that it's about love and romance.  And others say it's just a commercial holiday that puts pressure on us. Where do you fall on the Valentine's Day continuum? I decided that Valentine's Day is a great time to shower love and kindness on our friends and family. Those who are indifferent or hate the day... I've never seen them protest a thoughtful gift. And the lovers.... they eat up … [Read more...]

Valentine's Day will be here in a blink! Check out these deliciously sweet ideas for your Valentine's Day celebration. Celebrate with these Deliciously Delightful Valentine's Day Ideas   Happy Camper Valentine's Card Box from Suzy's Sitcom Copy Cat Lofthouse Cookies from Two Twenty One Easy Valentine Chocolate Heart Pops by Pink When Heart Sugar Cubes by Bloom Designs Online Sweetheart Surprise Valentines Day Cake from Virtually Yours Sweetheart Cheesecakes Wafers by Totally the Bomb Origami Heart Bouquet by Ruffles and Rainboots at Growing Up Gabel Valentine's Day Cupcakes by Flavours and … [Read more...]

Wouldn't you love to make a sweet treat for family or friends that looks like you slaved for hours in the kitchen?  I've got just the dessert.  I'll keep how easy it is to make a secret if you will, too!  While browsing Pinterest for pink flower arrangements, the cutest little pastry caught my eye.  Of course I pinned it.  And then I forgot.  I'm so glad I remembered the dainty envelope fruit tarts, just in time for Valentine's Day.     These dainty envelope fruit tarts are super simple and easy to create.   And best of all... they'll be the talk of the town!  Okay... the … [Read more...]

  Is it me, or do you get a little excited around Valentine's Day? Maybe it's silly, but I love the idea of using the holiday to spread a little joy to those around me.     For many, Valentine's Day is NOT a fun day. Though we see aisles of candies in the stores, and heart-shaped balloons floating at the ends of check lanes, many will not get a treat or any kind of "love" unless they purchase something for themselves.  It's their reality... every day.  Yet, they are reminded that "everyone," it seems, is enjoying something special for Valentine's Day. Except them. These … [Read more...]

Everywhere you look there's lots of red and white and pink! If you're like me and enjoy a little Valentine's Day fun, then you'll love my Valentine Hand Pies. Truly I had the most fun ever making them... and eating them!   I just know you'll want to make some too.  Find all the details here.    Just in case you missed all the extraordinary goodness from this past week... What are you afraid of? | JoyDay! The Best Ever Chocolate Hot Fudge Sauce & Easy Too! Can I Tell You a Secret? Plus...Project Inspire{d} Link Party Features: 9 Fabulous Valentine's Day Classroom … [Read more...]

Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for football fans, food lovers, and viewing super expensive TV commercials. I'm good for a little football as long as the game is exciting.  Of course I like to nosh with the best of them and enjoy catching a few commercials.  But, I have a hunch that it will be hard to top this commercial. What are you looking forward to doing? If you're hosting or attending a party, you'll want to check out the ideas curated by me and my Project Inspire{d} co-hostesses.... Follow Diane :: An Extraordinary Day!'s board Super Bowl :: Game Day Food & Favors on Pinterest. One of the pins … [Read more...]