wedding dress

If I am being honest, I actually packed all my Valentine's decor this week. I am trying to de-clutter the house and get it ready for showings. A little sad but that's reality. However, my sister has kids and they love Valentine's Day, and I like to send Valentine's every four years or so...

I saw this heart montage and thought of my sister, I think her kids would love it.

This ribbon punched valentine looks completely reasonable as far as effort and it is darling to boot.

I love the heart garland

This valentine project would be a serious undertaking, but how cool is it? A secret message valentine? What kid (or possibly adult) wouldn't love to get this in the mail.

Also, thanks to Tip Junkie for featuring one of my older valentine posts (I am number 7)!

via wikipedia

Apparently there are several Catholic Saints known as Valentine and none of their stories has a romantic twist to it. Although one of the stories has evolved to a Catholic Priest who married young couples when Claudius II outlawed marriage in Rome while trying to build up his army.

References to Valentine's day can be found as far back as the 1400's and in the 1600's a reference is found in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
"To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine."
-Hamlet

The modern tradition of sending Valentines stems from the late 1700's in England. Traditionally they were handwritten and often ornately decorated with lace and other trimmings. Mass produced paper Valentine's came around in the 1800's.


I love this handmade Valentine from Martha Stewart. Although it takes a couple of tries to get the hang of it, it is fairly easy. Apparently this is the style some of some of the earliest Valentine's.

Topiary from FTD
I know a topiary seems boring, but it's awesome. Plus it won't die in a week unless your thumb is black.

Roses from FTD
I think that finding a good arrangement of roses online is almost like winning the lottery. That being said, I love this arrangement. I sent a link to my brother who loves to give splashy roses to girls.


Orchids from Teleflora
Exotic and yes, expensive. Also gorgeous. Orchids used to be the flower to give, what happened?

For less expensive flowers check out Trader Joes (if you have one near by) they usually have a good selection of unique flowers.

Isn't this a pretty arrangement? I love all the red!


I love these matchbox valentines found on inchmark journal.