Last night, Kevin and I had our Valentine’s Day dinner. We’re not really that big on the holiday, but I absolutely love any excuse to decorate the table and plan a menu. We recently finished our brick paver patio so I thought it would be great to have a Valentine’s dinner al fresco. I used only supplies I had on hand to decorate the table (after crafting for awhile you seem to accumulate all sorts of things).

Here are some of the details.
Tablerunner: a scrap of burlap I had, ironed and cut into a table runner.

Candle votives: mason jars left over from cheesecake in jars and jam. I torn a 1″ wide strip of fabric then tied it around each jar. Use scissors to cut the edges. Place a tea light candle inside each jar (you could also fill the jars half full with water and float the candle).

Heart drinking glasses: I made these about a month ago while I was recovering from my foot surgery. They are cheap Ikea 365 glasses that I painted a heart on. I used the Martha Stewart craft paints (from Michaels) which are dishwasher safe after they cure for 3 weeks.

Menus: I made a free printable template and you can get the details below!

Planning a Valentine’s day dinner or maybe an anniversary or birthday dinner? You can make these menus in a few minutes.

Supplies:
• Download the free Valentine’s Day menu template
• One 11″ x 8.5″ sheet of card stock per 2 menus
• Solid or patterned cardstock to mount the menus on, cut into 4.5″ x 6.5″ sheets (1 per menu)
• Glue or washi tape
• Scissors or an x-acto knife and ruler
• Word or Pages
• Home printer
• If you want to use the font I used, you can download it here.

Directions:
1. Install the Later On font (if you want to use the font I used). Open the template in Word or Pages and edit the menu. Print on card stock.
2. Cut out each menu then mount it on the solid or patterned paper. Use glue or washi tape to adhere it to the backer paper.
3. Enjoy your dinner with lovely little menus.

{Photos and printable menu by me.}

While I’ve been house bound recovering from foot surgery, I am (slightly) ashamed to say I consumed an entire jar of Nutella and a few packages of delicious, Florida strawberries. While I’ve been on this Nutella kick, I searched for other ways to enjoy the chocolate hazelnut goodness. I  stumbled upon this Nutella banana muffin recipe on Sweet Pea’s Kitchen and thought I should give it a try. It’s easy to make and absolutely delicious!

If you’re planning on making your love breakfast this Valentine’s Day, you should make these. Your significant other will love you forever (or at least until the last muffin is consumed). The recipe is below and you can even print out the cute little “you are sweet,” tags to put on them. Or use the tags on a box of chocolates or tried around a gorgeous bouquet.

I baked the muffins in little paper baking molds. If you live in central Florida, I purchased them at D & G Occasions, a great local bakery supply store. For every one else, you can find them online at Mignon Kitchen Co.

Valentine’s “You are Sweet” Gift Tags
Download the tags here!

Nutella Banana Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed well (mine were a little green and thats ok too)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 large eggs, beaten lightly
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped, optional (If you’re cheap, like me, and have walnuts in your pantry, use them)
• 1/4 cup Nutella (one teaspoon per muffin… or tablespoon if you must)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. If you are using the paper baking molds, just place them on a baking sheet. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. If you are using an electric upright mixer, you can mix this in a bowl.
2. In another large bowl, combine the mash bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
3. Slowly add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix to combine.
4. Fold in the nuts if you chose to add the. If the batter is really thick, add a little bit of milk.
5.  Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full. Spoon one teaspoon (or more) of Nutella on top of each muffin. Then use a toothpick to swirl the Nutella with the batter. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
6. Print out sweet tag template on white card stock and cut out each tag. If you have a circle punch, you that, it works perfectly. Use your favorite ribbon or baker’s twine and wrap it around the muffins. Punch a hold on the tag and thread it though the ribbon or twine and tie a bow. Now give some sweets to your sweetie (and save a few for yourself, of course).

{Recipe via Sweet Pea’s Kitchen, printable tags and photos by me}

Today I thought I would share my free Valentine’s Day printable love coupons that I shared last year. They are perfect for the person who has everything and super sweet for those with busy schedules. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate some intentional quality time with their significant other? Best of all, you can make these cute coupons for pennies and in a few minutes.

Here’s step-by-step directions and eight coupons you can print out on your home printer.

{Photos and printable by me}

If you’re an animal lover like me, you’re probably wondering what to get your favorite furry friend for Valentine’s Day. Here are some cute gifts for dogs and cats. I mean, what dog doesn’t need an adorable bow tie?

Do you give your pet a gift for Valentine’s Day? Or another holiday?

1. Pink Standing Mouse cat toy, $3.99
2. Hearts and Flowers dog collar, $16
3. 3-Piece Bowl Set for dogs, $9.59
4. Valentine’s Stack of Hearts dog toy, $9.99
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries catnip cat toys, $15
6. Red Honeycomb Bow Tie dog collar, $42
7. Retro Modern Valentine plush cat toy, $20

Here’s a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your little one (or ones!). The cute love book, Me Without You, would be equally great for your significant other.

1. Me Without You book, $9.95
2. Red Crocheted Hair Bows, $10
3. Red Wool Tiny TOMS Cordones, $29
4. Heart Embroidery Tiny TOMS Classics, $29
5. Hello I’m New Here baby onesie, $18
6. Hearts and Cookies pretend wooden play food, $26
7. Red Glove Fox  Stuffed Animal Toy, $18

Here’s a few suggestions on what to get your boyfriend, husband, brother, or dad for Valentine’s Day. I love the idea of a breakfast-in-bed tray, like the one above. It would be a sweet gift that can be given on Valentine’s Day (with breakfast) that can be used again… like for your birthday breakfast-in-bed of course.

1. Custom Stripe Duvet Cover and Shams, $19-71
2.  Product Red iPod Nano, $129-$149
3. Black White & Red Plaid Men’s Button Down Shirt, $19.99
4. LunaTik Lynk Blackout Watchband for iPod Nano, $139.95
5. Love You More Pillow, $16.95
6. Papa Bear Mug, $14.95
7. Bentwood Breakfast Tray, $39
8. Retro Handset for iPad, iPod, and iPhone, $25.27

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and I’m going to be sharing gift ideas, printable cards, and more. For today, here’s a little guide to help you shop for your special lady. I’ve personally been eyeing the wooden heart necklace for a long time (hint, hint, Kevin). What’s your favorite item?

1. Wood You Be Mine necklace, $14.99
2.  Heart apron, $39.95
3. Mini Charm Heart Stud Earrings, $38
4.  Personalized glass shadow boxes, $24-79
5. Let Go shirt, $29.99
6. Red Canvas women’s wedges, $69
7. Mama Bear mug, $14.99
8. Savor the Date dress, $79.99

This week I will be sharing simple gifts you came make for all your fooide friends. Like some of the gift ideas from last week, these will be easy to make and be very affordable.

Today’s gift was inspired by a recipe I discovered in the current issue of Everyday Food. This citrus-herb seasoning salt uses pantry spices to make a very versatile seasoning that can be used as a meat rub, a bread dipping sauce, popcorn or nut flavoring, salad dressing mix, and even a veggie dip.

After making this simple seasoning, you can print out the gift tags I made (shown above and below). They include serving suggestions and a place for you to write the expiration date.

Since the seasoning contains fresh lemon zest, it will last 3 months when stored in an air-tight container. Glass jars with a rubber seal work perfectly for gifting this.

Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 3 teaspoons dried thyme
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Supplies:
• Glass jar with an air-tight rubber seal (I got the one above at Home Goods for only $1.99)
• One sheet of card stock
• Home printer
• Ribbon or string (I used baker’s twine I had on hand)
• This Citrus Seasoning Salt Gift Tag Template

Combine all ingredients in a bowl then place in a clean jar. Wrap jar with string or ribbon and add gift tags. Be sure to write in the expiration date, which is three months from that date you made it. Happy gifting!

Cost: $1.99 per gift

Here’s a gift that is cheap to make and fun to give! I made this chalkboard frame in a couple of minutes by simply painting a ready made frame. This would be a thoughtful way to present you holiday card with a portrait of your family. It’s also a great gift for newly weds (like my gorgeous friends Haley and Kevin) so they can frame a wedding photo.

This would also be a fun gift for kids (or kids at heart) because the chalk drawings can be erased and re-drawn each time you change the photo.

Supplies:
• Chalkboard paint (I used some that I purchased for making chalkboard wine glasses, it’s $9.99 for 30 oz., you can probably make 20+ frames with one can)
• Ready-made wooden frame, unfinished ones work best. (I got the one above for only $1 at Michaels)
• Foam paint brush
• Chalk for gifting

Directions:
Apply a thin coat of paint . Allow to dry and repeat with a second coat. Once dry, insert a photo and you’re done! If you would like to the chalk drawing to be permanent, I recommend drawing with a china marker (I used one for the chalkboard garden markers). It’s an oil-based pencil that won’t rub off.

Cost: $1.50 per frame

Here’s another practical gift that is perfect for newly wed friends and foodies alike. Stenciled monogram tea towels (also know as kitchen or hand towels) are very cheap to make and look lovely in the kitchen. I used the freezer paper stencil method (explained below) with acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium. The fabric medium allows the paint to set and be washable. You can also use fabric paint, and save some money.

These would also be a perfect hostess gift you give to your friend or family member who is hosting the holiday dinner. The would be an adorable wrapping “paper” for a small loaf cake. Don’t be overwhelmed with the length of supplies or directions. This is a supper simple craft!

Supplies:
• Tea towels (I purchased these towels at Ikea for $.79 each!)
• Fabric paint
OR
• Acrylic paint and fabric medium (like this one, I had both)
• Foam brush or medium size paint brush
• Freezer paper (can purchase this at any grocery store)
• Printer
• X-Acto Knife
• Iron

Directions:
1. Print out the letters or initials using a word processing program. I recommend using a font that is pretty thick and not a script, as a script font will be harder to cut out. I used this font (I’m obsessed with it right now!)
2. Place the paper with the printer letter under a piece of freezer paper that is about 2″ larger than the letter. Make sure the shinny side of the freezer paper is facing down.
3. Using a pencil or sharpie marker, trace the letter (you will be  writing on the matte side of the freezer paper).
4. Remove the print out then using your x-acto knife, carefully cut along the outline of the letter. If using a letter such as A, B, D, you will also need to cut out the “inside” of the letter. Keep the “inside” of the letter. you will need this for the stencil.
5. Iron your tea towel to smooth out any wrinkles. Then place the freezer paper stencil with the shinny side down on top of the tea towel wherever you would like the monogram to be. Iron the stencil onto the towel. Make sure you not use any steam or spray while ironing the stencil onto the towel.
6. Paint inside of the stencil then allow to dry. After it is dry, add a second coat if necessary. Then remove the stencil once it is completely dry.
7. Using a dry iron, iron over the monogram to heat set the image. Then you’re ready for gifting!

Cost: $.79 per towel

{Photos by me)