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Ultimate Valentines Day Round-Up

Are you still looking for the perfect Valentines gift? Recipes, crafts, printables, parties and more can be found on this Round-Up from some of my favorites bloggers around the web!

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is around the corner and the Social Fabric Community has put together the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Round-Up to help you prepare for the season of love. From tutorials to crafts to delicious recipes, we have something for everyone. We dare you not to fall in love with these ideas!

Craft/DIY/Tutorial

Friendly lentine Candy Jar – Creative Ramblings

Valentine Felt Envelopes – Good Morning Loretta

Valentine’s Day Candy Filled Mason Jar – Savvy Saving Couple

Valentine’s Day Love Bug Craft – Maryland Momma’s Rambles

Last-Minute Quick, Cute Cut-Out Cards – Our Daily Craft

DIY Heart Shaped Massage Bars – Thriftanista in the City

Valentine Memo Chalkboard – Southern Couture

Valentine’s Day Chalkboard Decoration – Pretty in Pigment

Flower Vase Craft – Polka Dotted Blue Jay

No-Sew Ribbon Embellished Cocktail Napkins – Atta Girl Says

Macaroni Art Lace Hearts – ABCs and Garden Peas

Cupid’s Arrow Valentine’s Day Favors – Home. Made. Interest.

Hand Lettered Valentine Notecards – One Artsy Mama

Instagram Magnetic Bookmarks – Happy Go Lucky Blog

Birdseed Heart Valentines – Made with Happy

Valentine’s Day Burlap Wreath – The Farm Girl Gabs

Cute Flower Valentines for Kids – Jaime

DIY Valentine Flower Corsage – Suburban Wife, City Life

DIY Valentine’s Snowglobes – Woods of Bell Trees

Valentine Envelop Chair Backers – 2Paws Designs

Reversible Valentine’s Day/St. Patrick’s Day Banner – Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Mini Bubblegum Machine Valentines – Bubbly Nature Creations

DIY Button Heart Picture Collage – Our Piece of Earth

Kids’ Valentine’s Day Gift with FREE Printable – A Cowboy’s Life

Easy Mesh and Ribbon Valentine’s Day Wreath – My Pinterventures

Snickerdoodle Sugar Scrub Recipe – Sunny Sweet Days

Valentine’s Day Verse on Burlap – Life with Captain Fussybuckets

12 Days of Romance Scavenger Hunt – The Mama Zone

Candy Kiss Ring – So TIPical Me

Valentine’s Day Hand Print Craft – As Cute as a Bug’s Ear

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Ribbon Banner – Aprons and Stilletos

Date Night with a Romantic Treasure Hunt – The TipToe Fairy

Chalkboard Gift Box – Organized Island

Easy Valentines Felt Pillow Cover – Creative Southern Home

Polar Fleece Ruffle Heart Wreath – Joy’s Life

Making A Valentine’s Day Rag Wreath with Fabric Scraps – Third Stop on the Right

Washi Tape Bubble Valentines – Moneywise Moms

Homemade Candles in 5 Easy Steps – Lemon Peony

DIY Felt Ornaments for Valentine’s Day – 3 Little Greenwoods

Butterfly Valentine’s Day Craft – Sarah in the Suburbs

Epsom Salt DIY Valentine Candles – A Day in the Motherhood

I “DOVE” You Printable with Candy – Newlywed Survival

Rainbow Heart PomPom Garland – Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Wishes

Valentine’s Day Printed Burlap Subway – Occasionally Crafty

Pom Pom Cupcakes Valentine Craft – Cute as a Fox

Valentine’s Wooden Door Hanger – We Got the Funk

Hearts Aplenty: Valentine’s Day DIY Decor – Woman in Real Life

Love Letters Simple Valentine’s Day Craft – Craving Some Creativity

Valentine’s Day Coffee Cup Sleeve – Cynchronicity

How to Make a Great Loves Print – My Sweet Sanity

Cross Stitch Heart Pillow – Cutesy Crafts

Free Valentine’s Day Cards Kids Can Make – Happy and Blessed Home

Recipes

Valentine Cupcakes – Home Maid Simple

Valentine’s Day Cakes – Charleston Crafted

Red Velvet Pudding Cups – Mostly Homemade Mom

Blood Orange Panna Cotta – Mooshu Jenne

Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts – Drugstore Divas

Cranberry Bliss Bars – Swanky Recipes

Valentine Rice Crispy Treats – Midwestern Moms

Chocolate Valentine Sandies – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

M&M’s® Red Velvet Brownies – Julie is Coco and Cocoa

Nutella Filled Conversation Hearts – A Million Moments

Conversation Hearts Martini – JVKOM Chronicles

Valentine’s Day S’mores Dip – Our Mini Family

M&M’s® Red Velvet Blondies – The NYC Talon

Valentine’s Day Cheesecake Brownies – West of the Loop

Red Velvet Cheesecakes – Houseful of Nicholes

Chocolate Kiss Valentine’s Day Cookies – Moscato Mom

Chocolate and Candy Valentine Popcorn – Made by a Princess

Easy Valentine’s Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies – Janine Huldie

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – Scrappy Geek

Coeur a la Creme with Raspberry Sauce – Graceful Order

Love Dipped Wafers – Sparkles to Sprinkles

Valentine’s Day Bento Lunch – Diana Rambles

“Blackened” Seafood Medley for a Low-Calorie Valentine’s Dinner – Broken TeePee

Sweet Salty Fudge – Foody Schmoody Blog

Valentine’s Day Covered Pretzels – Texas Type A Mom

Valentine’s Popcorn – Mommy’s Bundle

The Easiest Valentine’s Day Fudge Recipe – Young at Heart Mommy

Valentine’s Day Butter Cookies – Ilona’s Passion

Valentine’s Day Blondies – Saving You Dinero

Super Healthy Pomegranate-Cranberry-Almond Smoothie – Easy Cooking with Molly

Brownie Cut-outs – Tramplingrose

Puppy Valentine’s Day Cookies – Staying Close to Home

Valentine OREO Brownie Bar Recipe – As Mom Sees It

Strawberry-Vanilla Ice Cream Pie – Johanny’s Kitchen

Strawberry Filled Chocolate Cake – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Chocolate Raspberry Truffles – Food Lovin Family

Honey Bee My Valentine Cakes – I Don’t Have Time for That

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Parfaits – Living a Sunshine Life

Homemade Strawberry Syrup – Day by Day in Our World

Cranberry Hootycreek Cookies – Momma DJane

Red Velvet Donuts – Frugal Family Tree

Strawberry Mocha Granola – Strength & Sunshine

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Tales of a Ranting Ginger

Chocolate Shot Glasses – The Bewitchin’ Kitchen

Chocolate Pretzel Kisses – Just 2 Sisters

Valentine’s Candy Bark – Life with the Crust cut off

Chocolate Kiss Shooter! – Housewives of Frederick County

Super Simple Valentine’s Day Candy Hearts – My Real Food Family

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – Meatloaf & Melodrama

3 Ingredient Strawberry Brownies – Fun Things to Do in Central Mass

Nutella Baked Brie – Basil and Bubbly

Easy Cupid Crinkles – Creative Southern Home

Valentine’s Day Edible Tic Tac Toe Game – A Frugal Friend

Valentine’s Day Ombre Sweet Treat – Tastefully Frugal

Party

How to Throw a Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Party – Amber Nicole Blogs

Valentine’s Day Party for Tweens – Soiree Event Design

Love is in the Air Valentine Table – Not Just a Mommy

Valentine’s Day Tea Party – The Peanuts Gang

Printables

Easy Valentine’s Printables – I am the Maven®

Printable Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes and Coupons – Gluesticks Blog

“I Love You Like” Valentine’s Free Printable – C’mon Get Crafty

4 Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages – Saving More than Me

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Clues – Mom on the Side

Valentine Gift for Kids {Free Printable} – Fun on a Dime

Crayon Valentines Printable – Mom’s Messy Miracles

Tic Tac Toe XOXO Valentine with Free Printable – Housewife Eclectic

Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids – Simple Living Mama

2 Free Printable Valentines (Owls) – Altamonte Family

Love is in the Air Valentine Card – Making of a Mom

Matchstick Valentine Free Printable – Frenchie

Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes & Jokes – Coupons are Great

I “Wheelie” Like You Car Valentine Printable – Artsy Momma

Round-Up

Valentine’s Day Guide – The Ranting Latina!

24 Frugal Valentine’s Ideas – Real: The Kitchen and Beyond

7 Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day – Downshifting PRO

5 Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts for Bloggers – That Chic Mom

Top 5 Romantic Restaurants to Eat at in East Greenwhich, Rhode Island – Mama Luvs Books

Other

War Room Movie Night – A Beautiful Exchange

Pairing Chocolate with Wine & Spirits – In Good Taste

Valentine’s Day Make-up Tutorial – Glam Hungry Mom

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – Natasha Byrd

Can you feel the love tonight with all these great Valentine’s Day inspired activities?

January 25, 2016
DIY Oil Change Date Night + Printable Notecards!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DIYOilChange #CollectiveBias

Looking for a really fun date night that will have your man smiling the whole time? What would any guy like more on date night than to do something they enjoy? Last week that’s exactly what we did! I’ve decided it’s high time I learn some more handy skills around the house – like how to change my cars oil.

I told Mark I wanted to learn how to change the oil, I could tell he was pretty stoked with the idea. When I came out wearing his shirt and my holey jeans, he was definitely a happy man.

First was a stop at Walmart to pick up everything we needed – namely Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil! Along with the new oil we also grabbed an oil catcher, oil filter, and air filter. According to Mark the air filter should be changed with every other oil filter.
Be sure to check what weight and grade oil your car needs. I would have had no idea to even check that if it weren’t for Mark! You can check your cars manual, or possibly on the oil cap like mine was. Thankfully Walmart has this cool device to find exactly what oil filter you need for your car too.

So let’s get started! Now that I know how to change my cars oil, I’m ready to teach you.

*Please use standard safety procedures when changing your oil. You should always refer to your own car’s manual before changing your oil.*

DIY Oil Change

You will need:

Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil – it’s high quality oil is designed to fully protect my car’s engine!

Oil catcher

Car Jack

Car Jack Stand

Oil filter

Allen Wrench

Oil Filter Wrench

First things first is to get the car lifted. I learned that my awesome car has built in reinforced areas on the frame specifically for jacking up the car. How cool is that?! OK maybe that’s standard on most vehicles these days, I thought it was nifty. Don’t forget to block the back tires for an added safety measure!

Once you have both sides lifted on their jacks, it’s time to move to the oil changing part. Before you head under the car, you want to get some air flow going in the oil pan. This I knew, because it’s like emptying any other can of liquid – good airflow means a steady stream, bad airflow and the liquid galumps out this way and that – similar to your laundry detergent bottles.

Unscrew the oil cap, and pull the dipstick out to allow extra air flow. Now it’s time to head under the car! When I first scooted myself underneath I looked at Mark and said

“this makes me really anxious being under the car”

To which he responded

“Good. It should!”

So I felt completely capable at this point knowing I was normal to be anxious. At this point you need to locate the oil pan, and the screw bolt holding the oil in. For this part you need the Allen Wrench fitted with the right size bolt, and the oil catcher. A great reason to do this for date night, is your date can hand you the tools as you need them, so you’re not sliding in and out a bunch.

Here’s a little more inside look to this picture
- Anxiety
- I totally got this!
- Ahh! The wind picked up! note to self and everyone else – don’t do it on a windy day!
- There goes the oil! My hand’s dripping, probably should hold that over the pan until I get a rag.
Totally fun right! Mark was having a blast watching my facial expressions and snapping these photos for me. At this point I knew I was totally glad I put on HIS tee-shirt and my holey jeans. He loves when I wear his clothes, and I didn’t care that I was getting dirty.

Once the oil is all out, replace the bolt! You don’t want to put your new oil in, and have it all spill out the bottom!

For the oil filter you’ll use that REALLY BIG WRENCH, and unscrew the whole filter. It’s pretty close to the oil pan, and just hanging down, so you shouldn’t have too hard a time finding it. There will be oil in it, so keep that oil catcher nearby, and then go ahead and put the filter inside the catcher as well. Rub some oil on the new filter, and screw it on. Here’s some key points for the oil filter change:
- Make sure you get the old rubber washer off with the old filter. You don’t want it doubled up!
- Rub oil on the new filter’s washer before replacing.
- Screw new filter on just hand tight.
- Make sure you’re screwing it on straight and not crossing threads.
A second pair of hands and eyes was great to have. Mark enjoyed checking my work, and felt impressed with how tight I was able to get that filter back on.

Once you’ve finished up under the car, go ahead and take the car off the jacks. Please remember safety first! Lift the car up with the jack, remove the car stands, and lower the car down.

Now we’re ready to add our new oil! Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil keeps my cars pistons cleaner than 40% of the toughest industry standard. It’s also great for fuel economy, allowing us to drive an extra 550 miles a year vs driving with a dirty engine. Plus with Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil we get a 10 year/300,000 mile Lubrication Limited Warranty!

To replace oil, put a funnel in the oil intake hole – so not the technical term here guys! – and pour in your oil. Check your cars owner manual to see how much oil your car needs. Ours took a full 5 qts.

Replace the oil cap, push the dipstick back in, and feel accomplished. WAIT! We’re not quite done. To make sure you’ve got enough oil in, and you did it properly, run the motor for a minute or two to push the oil through the engine. Turn off the car and check the dipstick. To do this you pull it out, clean it off, and dip it back in. You’re now good to go if the oil is in the right area on your dipstick.

WELL DONE! You’ve now changed your oil. To make it even simpler, I’ve created these printable note cards for you! Print, cut, attach a ring, and you can change your oil anytime all on your own.

PRINT PAGE 1

PRINT PAGE 2

Check out these 5 great tips from Eric The Car Guy!

BONUS: If you’re ready to change the air filter, it’s so simple! There are 4 screws holding the air filter in. Unscrew those, remove the old filter, and put in your new one. Now you’re really rocking it!

Do you know how to change your car’s oil? Make it a Date Night and tell me all about it! Check out more tips and tricks for a #DIYOilChange
October 6, 2015
Tea Party Birthday

Princess R turned 5 last week. She’s such a doll! Her only request was that she get watermelon. I thought it would be fun to throw her a little tea party with a few friends, and of course, some Watermelon.

We started by using these adorable tea party invitations Mark drew with charcoal. The kids are pretty lucky to have such an artistic Dad. Knowing they were hand drawn, to me, adds a perfect touch of class to the invitations.

DOWNLOAD Tea Party Invites

When the girls arrived, we put on our favorite matching Lemon Flirty Aprons (affiliate link). The girls loved matching while keeping their fancy clothes clean.

For tea time, Princess R requested Watermelon, peanut butter sandwiches, and Princess brownie bites we found in the When Life Gives You Kids cookbook. We’re totally loving the recipes in here this spring! Little Prince has requested the mud cookies because there is a worm and a dump truck in the photo….but I digress!

Tea Parties, especially the birthday sort, should always be a bit more fancy don’t you think? So although the Princess wanted watermelon, I felt they should be fancy watermelons. Turns out, cutting shapes in watermelon is easier than I imagined, and perfect to get the kids involved with.

Cut your Watermelon in 1/4-1/2″ slices. Then grab your cookie cutters, and make some cute shapes. The bunnies were a favorite, especially with the thicker slices, since then they could stand up. We, of course, did this pre-tea party so fancy dresses would not become sticky. The fun shapes were then easily and cleanly devoured by 3 small Princesses and a little Prince.

You may be wondering about the tea in the party here – well we don’t actually drink tea here. So Princess R chose green Koolaid and our fancy Disney glass cups – the ones I only allow for special occasions. It worked for us, and our guests.

After the food, I let the girls play whatever suited their fancy. I find at this age, having a specific party plan and activities are kind of moot – they’re happier when they can do their own thing. We pulled out dolls, books, and coloring. The coloring won out over everything, and everyone went home with their own picture.

Planning a Tea Party soon?

Check out Mumfections Mothers Day Tea Party

or

This Collection of Perfect Tea Party Recipes

May 1, 2015
Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

I was thinking of doing a top 10 things I’m grateful for list, but realized I couldn’t summarize it better than this compilation I put together with the kids. From my Savior Jesus Christ, to butterflies and sticks. I am so very grateful for all that I have, and all that I have to give. May you have a wonderful day with your families and friends.

November 28, 2013
Little Monster Behavior Chart

Part of being a parent is disciplining your children when they make wrong choices, or have bad behavior. It is also setting an example so they know how to behave and can easily choose right from wrong.

We have been struggling with getting our kids to behave kindly, and well, just in general behave. I hope it’s not just me that struggles with kids pushing their boundaries, but I know in public I see much better behaved kids than my own. Last week as I lost control of my own behavior and acted shamefully in front of my kids I knew I was failing. I was failing as a mother and example to my kids. I cried to Mark that night, and even though I know I’ve succeeded in some areas, this one was becoming too much for me.

Mark, as always had a brilliant plan. So I sucked up my tears, and set to work creating a behavior chart for little miss Princess R. At 3 years old and in the middle of the pack, she seems to push boundaries the most. I crossed my fingers and just hoped that this chart was going to do the trick.

The basic idea was to have a chart with an item that could move up and down according to her behavior. Good behavior moves up the chart, bad moves down. I wasn’t sure how I was going to create it at first, but it soon came all together. I started on picmonkey to get my basic design (right click to print your own)

I printed our chart on card stock to have a nice solid background for the movable piece on the side. Next I made a slit with an exacto knife down the right side of the chart. Finally we attached a paper flower from My Memories Suite with a decorative brad.

If you do not currently have My Memories Suite, you can use code for STMMMS37783 $10 Off the program download.

Once the flower was attached we used some Zots to stick the chart up on the wall.

It’s been a few days since we have implemented this chart for Princess R, and the effects have been stunning! Not just for her either – but for me as well. Instead of losing my cool, and raising my voice, I calmly ask Princess R if we should move her to the Little Monster or up to the Ribbon. Princess R is just that – a Princess. She is not a Little Monster.

We still have our days of tantrums and Doing it Her Way, but they are calmer, we listen to each other better, and our overall behavior has stuck between the Happy Face and The Ribbon. Once we stay at the Ribbon Princess R will be allowed to pull a treat from our very coveted Treasure Box. Today looks like it will be a Treasure Box kind of day.

May 21, 2013
Creative Teacher Gifts with Printable Gift Tags

The end of the school year is coming. Teachers have worked hard, and you’ve seen your child progress in their knowledge. It’s time to say Thank You for all the teacher has done during the year. Check out this list of Creative Teacher Gifts and you’re sure to find something for the greatest teacher ever.

I found this practical idea of gifts that teachers can use in the classroom. I think it’s common knowledge that many teachers use their own money to buy supplies for the classroom, so every little bit helps them out. Paper clips, pens, pencils, highlighters, and of course a treat as well. I created my own printable for you to use with the paperclips, but I Saw That Going Differently In My Mind has cute sayings for each of these gifts.

The idea was cute, but I wanted to make it a little extra special. So I mustered up my courage and made the easiest printable for this. Nothing says You’re Awesome like paperclips right? OK, maybe add a treat that your teacher can enjoy just for themselves to take it up a notch.

Paper clips not the thing for your teacher? Well, that’s A-OK because I’ve gone around and gathered together some of the most creative teacher gifts I could find on the web! Now all you have to do is put the gift together and say Thank You.

15+ Creative Teacher Gift Ideas

Expo Marker Teacher Gift Idea

Super Hero Candy Bar Teacher Appreciation Gift

A Fortune Cookie Teachers Gift

Stylish Teacher Gift Ideas Teachers Really Want to Receive

Mod Podge Teacher Gift

Refreshing Teacher Gift Idea

M&M Teacher Gift Printable

Sunshine Sugar Scrub

Sharpie Teachers Gift Printable

EOS Lip Balm Teacher Gift Idea

Teacher Survival Kit

Teachers Tote Gift

24 Ways to Encourage Teachers

Popcorn Teacher Gift In A Jar

Pilot G2 Teacher Gift Idea with Free Printable

Commit-Mint Teacher Gift

December 20, 2012
Deo Perfume Candy – Perfect Neighbor Gift (Free Printable) ! #MompactLNO

Have you seen this new Perfume Candy? I was a bit skeptic when I first heard about it. It’s pretty good though. Supposedly after eating it, you’ll sweat the smell of roses. Although I haven’t noticed smelling any different, I do enjoy the taste of this candy. It’s got a bit of a fruity flavor. Which after reading the ingredients, I’m assuming comes from the Tangerine flavor added.

Deo candy is a product of Scientific Research in Japan. I tell you what, those Japanese come up with some of the craziest, and yummiest candies I’ve had. My in laws live over there right now, and are always sending us cute little candies. You can learn more about it by visiting the FAQ page.

Whoa, little digression there. Anyways, this candy comes in regular and sugar free options. I personally preferred the regular. It has more flavor than the sugar free ones, and I’m personally all about taste. My 2 year old girl enjoys them as well….must be why I haven’t smelled her dirty diapers for a bit….though my 4 and 6 year old have claimed they don’t want to eat roses. Ah well, more for me and the neighbors then!

You can “Like” Deo on Facebook

Buy Deo Perfume Candy on Amazon

(currently sold out, after being on the Kelly and Michael show this morning)

I’m definitely going to be giving these to my mom friends and neighbors as holiday gifts this year! I even have this really cute way to package them –

I mean really? How fun would it be to fill these take out boxes with Deo perfume candy to give to your friends!

You can download these boxes for FREE! from MyMemories Suite.

You do have to have an account (free to sign up) to get this, but you don’t have to have the My Memories Suite Software. These printables download straight to your computer.

Would you like to try some Perfume Candy?

Enter the Mompact November Giveaway

*I received Deo Perfume Candy in exchange for this post. Opinions are 100% my own. I received this as a member of Mompact.

November 14, 2012