Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I am so looking forward to a day of sweet treats, flowers and lots of love! With so much plight going on in our world right now, celebrating holidays and milestones (whether big or small) is such an immeasurable joy. It is something fun to look forward to! Lately, in our household we have been celebrating small victories no matter how silly they might seem! Get an awesome grade on an exam? Cupcake party! Learn how to spell a new word? Pizza night! My kids love getting excited over simple joys in life, and it is one of the many reasons I love being a mom! I get to experience those little joys all over again through their eyes.
Valentine’s Day Traditions. My husband and I love to do a Valentine’s date night and if the day doesn’t fall on a weekend, we usually just wait until the weekend to celebrate. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so we will celebrate with the kids during the day then sneak off for a dinner in the evening. We always prefer early dinners – early bird special it is! As far as gifts go, we are usually pretty simple about Valentine’s Day! I love a nice card, some fresh blooms and maybe a special dessert at dinner. My husband usually surprises me with something, so I told him I would love some cookbooks and my favorite scented candle! We definitely are not extravagant gift givers, because we truly have all we need! I always buy him a card, and the kids make one too! He loves sour patch kids, so I usually buy him a bag to go with the card (it’s a little tradition since we started dating).
Class Valentines. We love making Valentines bags for classmates at school. It’s always such a nice, unexpected gesture when families put together a treat bag for the class. This year will be the first year we are making one for Olivia’s class. I like to gather little toys and stickers from Walmart and Dollar Tree. It’s fun to put them together with the kids! We will also give out traditional Valentine’s Day cards – I do not go crazy buying fancy ones – the $2 Walmart cards with Paw Patrol are fine with us!
Sweet Treats. As if you really need an excuse to bake sugar cookies, we love making some goodies to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This year, I’m dying to try this cookie recipe by Joanna Gaines called Crew’s Cookies. It’s a variation of sugar cookies but with some cinnamon for an added kick (I adore anything cinnamon flavored!). We are going to make a simple frosting (my kids prefer powdered sugar + water frosting mixed together). I bought cute Valentine’s Day sprinkles from Home Goods, so I can’t wait to make them!
Gift ideas. Valentine’s Day gifts do not have to be just for your significant other! They can also be for your sister, mother, aunts, best friend or most importantly – yourself! I’ve put together a fun list of a few goodies that would make fun gifts for that special Galentine in your life!
- Dudley Stephens fleece: These are my daily go-to sweaters in the fall and winter! They come in a variety of colors, but tend to sell out quickly! I love to joke that it’s my mom uniform, and when you own one you will understand why! Some comfy and cozy!
- Le Creuset Dutch Oven: I’ve had my eye on this dutch oven for years. I love this exclusive cream color with the brass top. It’s a large price tag, but I think it’s a worthy investment. I really thing this would be a huge game changer in any kitchen! I might treat myself to it for my birthday this year!
- Cuyana Leather Tote: My Cuyana tote is by far my favorite bag right now! The leather is so soft, and the subtle monogram you can add is really the perfect touch. I love this soft rose color. Perfect as we transition to Spring!
- Martha Stewart Cookie Book: This book is my new fave! I’ve been enjoying adding books to my kitchen collection, and this one in particular has some great cookie recipes!
- Dash Heart Waffle Maker: I love collecting these sweet little waffle makers for each holiday. My kids love making Belgian waffles on the weekend, and this heart shape would be so fun for Valentine’s Day! It’s a great price point too.
- Pink Hearts Headband: I think this is the cutest headband to go with your Valentine’s Day outfit!
- Pink Capri Blue Candle: My favorite scent is even better in a pink glass jar! This truly has my name written all over it.
- Heart Cookie Cutters: I love baking sugar cookies for Valentine’s Day! I bought these the minute I saw them for a curbside pickup! Great price point too!
- Pink Leopard Uggs: Ok, unpopular opinion time! I love Uggs and they get a bad reputation! I received my first pair of Uggs as a senior in high school and haven’t stopped wearing them since (yes, even in the south!). They are comfy and cozy, and exactly what I need on chilly mornings out. I wear them to the bus stop, while running errands – you name it! I love the pink version with the subtle leopard print too!
