THIS WEEK'S PRODUCT FINDS

I love it when my Facebook friends are out and about and will snap a photo of something they see in-store that they feel is a great deal or product find. It's such a help! That's what I'm hoping to do here by posting some of the party-related items I find when I'm out and about. The frequency will really depend on how often I find share-worthy items, but I hope you'll find this helpful.

If you follow me on Facebook, then you may have seen this first find I saw at Sam's Club. These tubes of gumballs are perfect for Valentine's Day. You get 24 tubes for only $9.98! This is on our radar as a strong possibility for my girls to give out to their friends this year.

Next, did any of you see these white ceramic cake/cupcake holders at Target? The small version is $1. The larger version is $5. I really do favor white tableware because you can customize them to any color palette just by hanging some pom poms, tassels or ribbon around them. These can also be used as candle holders.

Until next time!

BLUE AND FUCHSIA STYLED SHOOT

With the pops of fuchsia, plush white florals and table coverings I immediately thought the decor in this styled shoot from North Carolina's Jodi Gray Photography would be ideal for Valentine's Day--not just for a wedding, but for a shower or intimate dinner, too. In addition to the rich decor, event planner and owner, Shericca Bittle of Epic Event Planning, used an inspirational quote as a beautiful backdrop and focal point. A magical way to celebrate love! Make sure to check out all the participating vendors at the end of the post.

Photographer:   Jodi Gray Photography // Event Venue: Villa de l'Amour "House of Love" // Floral Designer: ABBA design arranged beautifully by Anderson // Make-up: Chante Goodman, Freelance Make-up Artist // Bridal Shop: Winnie Couture Charlotte // Stationery: UR Invited // Cake Designer: Just Desserts Catering and Cakes // Rentals: Southern Event Rentals // Hair: UPDO's Studio // Formal Wear: TN Boone // Female Model: Chante Goodman // Male Model: Marcus Walker

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

LOVE-LY STYLED BRIDAL SHOWER

Nope, it's not Valentine's Day... but still a celebration of love! This sparkly, red and pink bridal shower was taken by Colorado's Kimberly Weber Photography. As much as I love the decor, I have to admit that my two favorite take-aways from this styled shoot are the "Bride to Be BFF" canvas with each of their lip marks and the photo with the countdown sign. Each offers a great souvenir from the big day. I also love that not only is this shower celebrating the upcoming nuptials, it's also celebrating the best friends in bride-to-be's  life. Enjoy!

Photographer:   Kimberly Weber Photography//Equipment Rentals:Elite Events//DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Old Bird Design Co.//Event Planner: R&R Events and Design //Bakery:Simply Cakes by Camberly//Makeup Artist:Wide Eyed Makeup //

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

My husband and I are pretty low-key when it comes to Valentine's Day. I'm not big on jewelry and I don't like the crowded pre-fixe menus restaurants serve. But, since Valentine's Day does fall on a Saturday night this year, I am content enough to just share and enjoy a bottle of vino or bubbly after the kids go to bed. I shared these printables from All For the Memories on Facebook yesterday but thought it was worth re-sharing here if you need a quick idea for your special someone.

I hope your day is filled with love tomorrow--whatever form that might come in or however you choose to enjoy it!

VALENTINE'S DAY CLASS PARTY VIGNETTES

The girls had a great time Friday in their classroom Valentine's Day parties. I didn't have anything to do with the planning, so I got to totally relax by just helping the kids do their crafts. The classroom coordinators took care of all the planning. They had some fun games and crafts all the kids enjoyed.

Kids made their own monster mailboxes to hold their valentine cards.

Our mustache valentines were a hit!

Fun at the photo prop booth

Ladybug tic tac toe game was a craft and these robot snacks were super cute!

A heart sun catcher was another craft. Totally forgot to take a photo until we got home!

And fun "minute to win it" games ended the party.

What kind of crafts and games did your kids have in their classroom parties?

ADORABLE VALENTINE'S DAY SHOOT

Happy Valentine's Day! I can't help sharing this adorable Valentine's Day shoot from Jenna Norman Photography, in California.  This was actually done as two mini shoots, but in my mind I'm thinking this handsome little boy is driving to drop off roses to his little crush and she is giggling as she plays hard to get. So cute!  I hope you enjoy the photos and that each of you has a beautiful day filled with love!

YOU STILL HAVE TIME FOR THESE VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS

If the week has slipped by you, but you still want to do a little something for your someone special, here are a few ideas you can still get done today in time for Valentine's Day.

HEART LOVE NOTES FROM DESIGN DAZZLE: Adorn a bedroom door, bathroom mirror or the inside of the car of a special someone with all the little things you love about that person.

DONUT FORGET THAT I LOVE YOU FREE PRINTABLE FROM THE SPARKLE COLLECTIVE: Sneak a doughnut in the hubby's bag or a small doughnut hole in your child's lunch with this sweet free printable. It's guaranteed to put a smile on their face!

DIY BANANA VALENTINE FROM THE SWEETEST OCCASION: If you're looking for something less in calories, this is a really cute way to give a Valentine's Day message. Another fun message they suggest: "I'm bananas for you!"

OPEN WHEN LETTERS FROM LIFE LOVE LAUREN: A series of letters that can be opened at the recipient's whim.  "Open when you need a pep talk"... "Open when you are bored."  It's a very thoughtful gift that can be done for an adult or child.

Enjoy!

PINNED AND DONE: PUZZLE VALENTINE

My in-laws and my own parents love to do puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku–basically any type of mind challenging exercise. So, when I saw this idea on Pinterest I immediately was inspired to create something similar as a fun Valentine's Day card for them from my girls.

If you have a puzzle your kids have outgrown, like we did, then you don't have to buy anything and makes this a great recycling project. Otherwise you can find blank puzzles at the craft store.

Start by painting all the puzzle pieces.  We used an old 24-piece puzzle. We didn't paint the puzzle as a whole (put together) because I was afraid of the pieces sticking together.

Once they're all done, check to see if you need a second coat.  If everything looks okay wait a while until they are nice and dry. Then put the puzzle together. Make sure it all fits together okay.

Then let your child have fun drawing his/her message.  We used colored Sharpies and regular markers to draw our message "LOVE YOU TO PIECES."  I tried to encourage Renee and Siena to use up the whole puzzle for their message, but I think they found it tricky writing over several pieces.  But they did have fun with it.  They can't wait to see if their grandparents can put it together!

Use this idea for birthdays or as a congratulations wish, too!

CORK HEART SOUVENIR

My husband and I don't go crazy with the Valentine's Day gifts. I would rather give him something sentimental or meaningful than a gift card for a massage.  I love this idea I came across by Sand & Sisal. She saved wine corks from the bottles she and her husband shared and turned them into a heart.  Filling a decorated mason jar or vase with the special dates on each cork would be great, too.  Find the full post here.

TRENDY VALENTINES FOR BOY AND GIRL (FREE PRINTABLES)

The Valentines cards and candy are out on store shelves which makes me immediately start to think about classroom Valentines.  I don't know about your world, but in my world Rainbow Loom is the biggest thing with my girls and their friends.  They come back from school with new bracelets on their wrists and the bands are a big gift item. (And yes, I realize there are plenty of boys that like Rainbow Loom bracelets too! I'm including them as well.) My nephews are way into Minecraft!  In fact, I gave them Minecraft foam toys as part of their Christmas gifts this year.  So, with that said---I thought these were very fitting classroom Valentines for kids to hand out this year that I wanted to share.

I actually found two free printables for Rainbow Loom bracelet Valentines:

This one from The Suburban Mom:

And this one from Thirty Handmade Days:

If it's too much for your child to make enough bracelets for the entire class, then attach a small cellophane bag of loom bands instead.

Here are some cute Minecraft Valentines for the boys from Over the Big Moon:

What are you and your child planning on giving out this Valentine's Day??

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you each have a fun Valentine's Day.  I'll be at my girls' school, helping out with their class parties and probably picking up a last minute gift for the hubby :0  Spread a bit of kindness and love today.  Here's a cute printable from crazy little projects to use however you wish: on the mantle, bookshelf, or even as a large card.  Enjoy!

Lush and Airy Valentine's Day Table

The beautiful pink and purple flowers provides the lushness, while the pink tulle table covering gives this table setting an airy quality.  Together, they set a beautiful stage and inspiration for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner, wedding or shower.  Photographed and submitted by Christian Burge Photography.

 

Shimmery and Red Valentine's Day Table

It's Valentine's Day week and I have a couple of beautiful table settings to share with you.  This first one, photographed by MickoPhoto in New York got me with its beautiful shimmery table covering.  It's purely exquisite!  The table was photographed in and out of the house--but I totally prefer it outside against the rustic fence.  What a lovely setting for two!

 

 Floral Designer: Makini Regal Designs
Invitation Designer: Noir Style Invites