Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Fourteen and Thirteen (oops).

Last Night I crawled into bed after a long and fulfilling day and realized I had forgotten to blog! Oops! I did do something yesterday but got so wrapped up in living I forgot to post it. So real quick, Day thirteen was a day devoted to helping my best friend move into her new apartment. I got a way later start then I wanted but now that she lives so close I could stay until much later. Along with my two hands I also took her a jar of homemade chai concentrate because she likes chai and this stuff is sooooo wonderful. I hope she uses it up in good health!

Today is Valentines day and what have I learned after fourteen days of cooking and gifting and all around love spreading (That sounded awkward didn't it)? I learned that next year I should start this project a little bit sooner then on February 1st. Not too much because I like the day-to-day tasks and how that sort of kept me in the moment but a few of the projects took more then one day so a little extra time would allow me to slow down and enjoy it a little more (I did enjoy it don't misunderstand me).

I learned that people are so sweet and appreciative and all those lovely comments made me feel so happy to be doing this project. Not that we should do things to get praised or anything but I'm sure you other moms know how sometimes we just feel very under appreciated. It was nice to get appreciated.

It was even nicer to get to make someone's day brighter. Doing this every day forced me to really think about what I love and value in the people around me. It really helped me to realize how many people I have in my life that I care about and that care about me. Seriously the worst thing about the project was that I barely made a dent in the things I'd like to do for other people. Every day I thought of something else I could do for someone else. And I felt so bad that only three people would get to have one of my giveaways.  I know that any holiday can get overblown in this country and that hallmark does want to make a profit today BUT love IS an AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL thing. It's a real gift that we humans get to experience. Given from God to us and then from us to each other... is just so magical.

So today I'm making dinner for the family and a couple of friends. Nothing fancy good chili (per Brian's request) homemade bread (it's look ridiculous but hopefully tastes good) and dairy free German Chocolate Cake. I'm going to feel grateful that I have a warm home, a loving husband and so many people to love. I hope your Valentines reminds you of God's love for you and your love for others!

And The Winners of the Fourteen Days of Valentines Giveaway Are....

Coffee Sleeve and Gift card: Jen B!!!!

Nestlace: Gerri Sue!!!!!

Embroidered Valentines: Courtney Smallwood!!

Normally I would post their comments but everyone had such wonderful things to say it would take up a lot of room go here to read them and every one else's.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Twelve

I thought you might be curious as to what I did actually wear out on our Valentine's date. I'm calling this look my "French Connection". I am so sick of winter that I did go for one of my summer dresses. I wore it somewhat like this a couple Sundays ago and someone told me I looked french. I thought that was just a fabulous compliment. Couple that with the bloomers and I think "french" is an accurate description. Anyway, paired with my tall black boots, black leggings and my go-to jean jacket I think you can get away with wearing this in winter (especially to celebrate Valentines since it's at the end of winter-- supposedly).

We went to Addinton Hills Cafe  In heavy snow fall. did that deter us? NO! Our food was delicious and (we had hummus that sort of blew our minds) and I drank so much good coffee. I will say I didn't care for my dinner. It wasn't anything they did I just didn't care for the dish and they still took it off the menu!! Wow great service.

Dress: Made by me

Jacket: Handed down from my aunt several years ago (I love this jacket)

Boots: Fashion Bug one a half years ago

Jacket: Gift from my Aunt, Maceys.

Purse: Antique, gift from my mom.

Gloves: Vintage from an antique shop in MD.

Necklace: "Nestlace" made by me

Bracelet: Freebie from my mom from Dress Barn.

Hair: Pin curls I let "set" during the day.

Okay so on to Day Twelve. This was a challenge since Sundays are very busy for me and I didn't have time to start something Saturday what with the bloomers and all. I wandered around Meijers for a bit this afternoon wondering what to do for the youth group when it hit me "Elementary Valentines Party!"

So I bought plates and napkins, little Debbie Snacks (of course) Chex mix, and even made a card holder out of a milk jug and filled it with a little heart for each student. Each heart has one thing on it that I like/admire about them. So for not having a lot of time I thought this was fun and clever. We'll see if they like it (any time food is involved with teenagers is usually pretty successful) in a couple of hours, but I think they will.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Eleven.

Today I made something for myself. And sort of for Brian but mostly for myself. I am constantly amazed at how good I feel when I'm wearing pretty underthings. So I decided to make this pair of bloomers from Colette. It's a free pattern and really easy so if your a beginner you could totally do this!

Since I have about as much chance of going to Europe as I have of taking a trip in the TARDIS I used this fancy cotton with some kind of french or german writing on it (maybe both?). I like the old vintage look it has and the color is pretty unique.

I entertained the idea of modeling them for you for about two seconds (if your curious to see how it looks on a really skinny girl click here). I really try to be confident in the body I have now (even if I hope it's somewhat firmer in the future) but there is a limit to what I will post online. So instead I put on my most vintage looking dress and did a bunch of "pinup" poses. 

This is how a vintage girl curls her hair.

Since it's been so mild and nice here I was totally going to wear this dress for Brian and my nice Valentines dinner (with a hot pink sweater)... Then we had a snowstorm last night. Sigh. I will be wearing something that can go with tights and boots instead (I will be wearing the bloomers though).

Don't forget to scroll down to enter for one of my giveaways. If you win I will mail it even if you live overseas. 

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Ten.

Day ten I'm nearly there! I'm nearly to a day devoted to red and pink and glitter and chocolate!  Initially you might think todays project was a bit on the lame side, but just hold on.

First up is a chocolate cake. Today is our church's Valentine's banquet. I think a lot of churches don't have these anymore. Our church is still doing it and they do it really well. It's always decorated so nice and there's child care (which means I'll be able to eat an entire meal without being interrupted a million times. Can I get a hallelujah?!) AND I don't have to cook, so bonus! Any way I offered to make a dessert which at first glance seems pretty nice but I have a selfish motive. This way I can ensure that there is at least one dessert that I can eat (dairy free).

I used this recipe (it's my go to chocolate cake) and swap in almond milk for regular and have never noticed a difference. If you make this cake try her frosting it's soooo good. Unfortunately I haven't figured out a dairy free rue yet so I can't have it (hence the powdered sugar topping.)

 Okay now for the real treats. Da da da da!!!! I have give-a-ways of love for you sweet readers!! Let me begin by saying I waited to photograph them until today and it was a super grey snowy (blech) day. So, I had troubles with the photos (always a disappointment in the blogging world).

The gifts are: Coffee Cup Sleeve and gift card, Embroidered
Valentine, and a Nestlace.

I am giving away three gifts because I really do love you. The fact that you stop by this little piece of the internet and read what I have to say is so humbling. It warms my heart again and again and keeps me going through good times and tough. It means something to me to put down words and ideas and have them read; so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!!

The three gifts are: a coffee cup sleeve with Starbucks gift card, a felt embroidered valentine, and a nestlace. To enter simply leave a comment on my blog (if you sign in as anonymous make sure you leave your name) answering the following question: "What is the most romantic or sweet thing that you have ever received or had done for you or by you." (appropriate for the blog world of course tee hee). I will randomly draw three winners on Tuesday February 14th. And don't forget to keep tuning in, my project for tomorrow is a bit on the risqué side (wink).

How sweet are buttons?

These Necklaces still don't
want to photograph
well.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Nine.

All right I can finally let you in on Day nine! It was for my sisters and I'd hoped they'd get them in the mail yesterday which is why I was being a bit lazy about finishing something else. And I really wanted it to be a surprise so I held off blogging about it.

Years ago before I had kids I got into making jewelry. Now you should know that when I get into something I really get into it so I have lots and lots of jewelry stuff some of it's very nice stuff from the local bead shop (I sort shiver to think of how much money I have in that plastic box). After a few frustrating pieces it sort of went by the way side until I discovered this nest idea on Pinterest.

You already know about my love of birds so this was perfect. Different but still cool looking, pretty even, and every pendant can have a different mix of "eggs" (beads). So for my sisters I decided to make them these necklaces and I'm so glad I did! I loved it; spent all of the Super Bowl with my jewelry stuff on my lap happily chatting with other mainly commercial watchers.

I could NOT get them to photograph well. No matter where I placed them. It's like some of the beads just absorb light or photography magic or something but you get the idea.

It's a fairly simple design really, and I like that each one is unique. The black beads are actually vintage buttons and because of the way they're cut they do sparkle (just not in the picture apparently).

I wish you could see how they truly are I think the pictures don't really do them justice.

See this one on my neck? Well, it's an extra so make sure you tune back in Friday. I'm not saying what's what I'm just saying be sure to check back Friday.

P.S. I forgot to say how much I LOVE my sisters. They are so amazing and such great friends and if I'd known how much I was going to straight up enjoy their company, when I was a teenager... I wouldn't have yelled at them so much.  TO SISTERS!!!!!

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Eight.

Ummm bad news I do not have a finished project to share with you. I have two projects partially done but am beginning to think they won't be finished in time for me to blog about them. I mean I did treat myself to homemade chai, made dinner for my family and Brian got a candy bar off of his hearts calendar... so...

Okay I realize that none of that really counts (except maybe the homemade chai because it was really good) and I apologize. Probably means there will be a day with more then one project to share.  I'll let you go now and do some more sewing and crafting (but absolutely no more dishes today). See you tomorrow!

And treat yourself to some of this chai, it's really fabulous (I had two mugs of it yesterday and then lay in bed wide awake until midnight).

Fourteen Days of Valentines, Day Five.

We've had some grey days. Makes
taking pictures difficult.

This project was actually the one that gave me the idea of fourteen days of spreading around some love.  My mom and I share a lot. I'd say we're pretty good friends and can talk about most things. We also share a sort of weird obsession with birds. This strange love of feathered creatures isn't very old either, maybe five years. Mine started after SuperH was born and I'd sit in front of my window in a postpartum induced stupor and watch the array of woodpeckers on the tree. My mom's love started about the same time when she and my dad moved into the mountains and she was surrounded by tons of different species.

When I saw this picture on Pinterest (again) I thought of her and I thought how something like this sent in the mail and received unexpectedly might have the power to make her day maybe even her week. I also really like small embroidery projects. I thought how birds are something we have in common and it also kind of shows how I want her heart and her spirit to soar (her and dad are emerging from a particularly trying year).

I hope she liked it and it was super simple and sweet. I didn't have a pattern or anything but I think anyone could manage it if they wanted.

I hope your heart finds it's song this Sunday.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Four. Or I'm So Hot.

I am SOOOO HOT!! And not in the sexy, romance way, I am hot in the: Oh my gosh making homemade pretzels makes the kitchen 100 degrees kind of hot. Yes, for day four I decided to make Brian and the gang (which turned out to be the kids, one neighbor friend, and two college aged students who are painting the basement) homemade pretzel bites another thing I found on Pinterest.

No wonder it's so hot in here boiling water
 and 425 degree oven. 

Lest you get any pie-in-the-sky
ideas about what the kitchen looks
like when I cook.

Don't get me wrong I like embarking on a new fascinating recipe and I really love to feed people (it's one of the love languages that Gary Chapman left out of the book by accident). And these turned out really really good. We pretty much just ate them right off the cool rack. I attempted some with cinnamon and sugar and after prying them off the cookie sheet learned you add that after they're baked (ohhhhh).

This is honestly how we at most of them.

Pretzels are cool: flour, salt, sugar, and yeast, you make a dough and them drop pieces into a boiling mixture of water and baking soda and then bake them. Weird. They would have been perfect for super bowl sunday tomorrow but that is a sunday and I do not have time to let dough rise on a Sunday.

A small pile for a picture.

These pretzels elicited a "Mom your the best!" from SuperH and "yea dees good, wuv you!" from Conster. In the words of one of the students "These are better then Aunt Annies." Now tell me what 100 degree kitchen isn't worth that?

The kids loved them.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Three.

The first month I was in college my maternal grandfather (Papa) gave me a book of stamps. It was probably the first book of stamps I ever owned and was definitely the first book of stamps I had that were self adhesive (why did it take the post office so long to figure that one out?). I remember these stamps so well; they had pink roses on them.

Picturing my Papa in the post office buying me a book of stamps with roses on them was a bit like watching Matthew Cuthbert trying to buy Anne a poofed sleeves dress in Anne of Green Gables. I'm not saying that's how it was (he may very well have said "I need some stamps for my granddaughter." and that was that) I'm just saying it gave me those same feelings as I've always thought the similarities between my real-life Papa and Matthew where spooky. But the simple fact that Papa thought to buy me stamps did something to my heart. He thought of me out of all his grandchildren and obligations. He thought to do something so that I could stay in contact with the ones I loved back home.

He is so quiet that the stamp thing shocked me. Still does when I think about it. I got to wondering if I ever sent my Papa anything with those first stamps? Certainly I would have sent something to my Grammy and it would have had a salutation to him that she would have shared, but, did I send him anything?  I hope I did but I kind of doubt it.  I am so lucky that both my Grammy and Papa are alive and in pretty good health. I've got friends who don't have any grandparents left. I do not take that for grant it so I decided that for day three I wanted my Papa to know how much I love him. I want him to know how much I respect him, down to my very core. I want to thank him for those stamps (oh how I wish I had saved one).

It's a simple project. a pot of tea a piece of stationary and a pen. But how often do we take that kind of time to send someone a note they can hold in their hand? It's different then Facebook and email. It's sweeter and slower and it means more even if the words are the same. Send someone a letter or a card I bet it makes their day a lot brighter.

Fourteen Days of Valentines Day Two.

Day two and it was a Martha Stewart Project. In my experience her projects either work out great or are total failures. In the case of the latter I shake my fist and am once again convinced that she is an evil mastermind. So for day two I had pinned one of her recipes; cheesecakes in canning jars. My husband and his boss (the head preacher man) both love cheesecake and the treats looked so darn cute in their individual little jars. It worked out fine though, of course, didn't look as fabulous as hers did (evil genius indeed).

I made little paper hearts that were suppose to mimic those gross candy hearts you can get this time of year (You know the ones that will break your tooth in half). I tried to remember all the hilarious sayings on them including my favorites, "Fax Me" and "U R Cool" and attached them to the jars with a strand of red embroidery floss. They turned out cute and I'm hoping that they taste good too (I don't know because I can not even look at cream cheese with out getting sick).

It's sort of upside down cheesecake:
crust on top, followed by blueberry preserves
then the cheesecake.

To be shipped to church for the hard working
and long suffering staff.

Tomorrow I've got something a bit less involved but more personal up my sleeve.  I hope this day finds you doing great and filled with warmth.

Fourteen Days of Valentines. Day One.

Any one know anything about St. Valentine? I did a bit of research and turns out he was martyred (I think) for marrying Christians during one of the great Roman persecutions. That's pretty cool if you ask me (not that he was martyred but that he would sacrifice himself for love). You know what else I think is cool? Red and pink together, tiny hearts, boxes of chocolates, pretty silk underpinnings, victorian cards, and love. It may be cheesy and girly but I don't care. I don't think those things are as wonderful as self sacrifice of course. The reason I told you the thing about St. Valentine's is so that you can combat the evil guy philosophy of "it's just a hallmark holiday invented to sell cards." (insert deep annoying guy voice) And so what if they've commercialized it I don't have to buy into all that and frankly I think love is something great that we should celebrate. If it weren't for valentines day we'd have nothing to in February.

In the past I've done a thing called "Fourteen Days of Valentines" for Brian. It's my take on the twelve days of Christmas. I'm doing it again this year but I'm changing it up a bit. I will show you my valentines advent string in a minute and most of the other gifts will be for Brian (he is my greatest love after all) but I also wanted to spread the love out to those around me. So every day from here until the 14th (give or take a weekend where I'm too busy) I'm going to post about a little gift or project I've done to show someone that I care. Culminating with a gift to be given away to one of you my sweet readers (so stay tuned for that next week or so).

The first project I did was my Valentines "advent calendar" for Brian.

First I took some red construction paper and cut out 14 hearts of varying sizes (sorry about the photos the lighting wasn't very good today. Very grey outside.)

Then using a permanent or other easy-to-see-pen number the hearts one through fourteen on one side. On the other write something that you appreciate/love about the person. I used a variety of physical, spiritual, and work/respect things about Brian (I read somewhere that "respect is to a man what romance is to a woman" and I've tried to be mindful of that when I do things like this for Brian.)

Then take a long wide ribbon (I used this red stripy one left over from christmas) and starting with 14 tape the hearts on going down the line to one. The idea is that starting at the bottom of the ribbon each day he will take off one of the hearts to read what I love about him. I also alternated adding candy for him. I didn't add enough for every day because it would have made the ribbon really heavy and I have other presents for him throughout this season. (I hated using candy bars but I made sure none of them were hershey's brand-the most evil of all chocolate companies).

To attach something like a candy bar, cut to parallel slits in the ribbon and slip the bar through as shown in the above pic. I also put a piece of tape across the back to hold it in place. If you were attaching something like a bag of skittles you could just staple it right to the ribbon.

Then I nailed it to the wall (I know I shouldn't have used nails but it was heavy!! Maybe a better way would be to leave extra ribbon at the top and tie it to something tall). I nailed it at the top and around day 7 to help distribute the weight. I had a heck of a time finding a place that was out of the way of the kids (I didn't want to torture them or me with whining for dad's candy every moment of the day). So it ended up in our bedroom but that seems okay to me; wink wink.

I hope your dreaming up some fun loving things for this month. I'll see you tomorrow when I attempt a Martha Stewart recipe for the church staff.