Several years ago when I was deep in the throws of toddlerhood with twins and Just. Trying. To. Survive, I spent a February afternoon with Lorae. In those days, my Galentine and I only lived a few miles from each other—something we totally took for granted—and I plopped my kids in her front room to play dress up while we played catch up. At some point during the visit, my friend told me she’d been helping her girls make valentines for their classmates at school, and then she brought out just about the most creative cards I’d ever seen. I don’t remember all the details (because I was lamenting the Target cut-out valentines I had just bought) but there was melted crayon wax on a piece of card stock and a note sorta like You Melt My Heart. Something amazing like that. Lorae, you really are a closet crafter. Can’t wait to hear what your girls have in store for their valentines this year!
Insta-spiration: Letter Folk
I am a calendar woman, I use both a paper and electronic (because I need checks and balances to keep me in line!). We have a huge chalkboard that lays out our week and has sweet reminders like “get 12 hugs a day,” “smile,” “be positive,” and “have fun.” Sometimes we need to see it to bring it to the forefront of our minds, right? Recently, Molly introduced me Letterfolk, an Instagram account that collects the sweetest, funniest, most inspiring letter board messages. If you’ve been coveting a letter board but don’t know what size to buy, they have a virtual board you can play with to figure it out. Clear some space in your home and add a letter board to your life (or just follow Letter Folk).
Be Mine: Valentine Crafting
My name is Lorae and I am a closet crafter. I love choosing valentine projects and constructing them with my kids. Don’t tell me my days are numbered, I know. When I see how much they like them and how excited they are to hand them out, I realize the time was worth it. If you are looking for something fun to craft with the kids, Cool Mom Picks always has the best ideas. Here is 2018’s round up. I ended up making these origami unicorn valentines during a snow day with my 7-year-old and we are going to jazz them up with some glitter because…WHY NOT!!!
Sweet Treat: Strawberry & Rosemary Scones
I tend to be more of a Ina-girl than a Giada-girl but I love this recipe this time of year—it feels fresh and makes you feel ready to welcome warmer days ahead (they are coming, right?). I made scones last week with intentions of sending them in to the kids’ teachers as an early Valentine treat but they never made it, so I will be making it again next week. The recipe is super easy and not messy so let the kids scrub in and help. Throw a few of these in a bag, tie a little bow and you will be good to go.
Go for the Gold: 2018 Winter Olympics Guide
I don’t know about your house but once the Olympics begin, it is all we do. My kids understand the morale the games brings to countries all over the world. We look over the Olympic schedule and record the events they want to see most, then follow medal counts and cheer our teams onto victory. If you are a Olympic super fan and would like follow along, there are a few apps that appadvice has highlighted for the games.
More than a few years ago some of my favorite friends and their children hosted an Olympics party, everyone brought Olympics-themed food and had fun age-appropriate games everyone could participate in and earn medals for. There are more than a few resources for crafts and games but check out these and these for your Winter Olympics gathering.
Keep Laughing: Two Clips to Watch This Weekend
Eagles Super Fan:
I know the Super Bowl has come and gone but if you have not seen this clip, you should. Many of us have had our wisdom teeth removed but I don’t think many of us had cameras on us as we came out of recovery to document the yoyos pf pain meds. I think many of us were rooting for the underdog, so it is easy to enjoy Haley Parks delirious excitement. Knowing the outcome is half the battle of this clip, I am already reminding myself to bring a camera to any appointments that require anesthesia for my children. Anyone who knows my kids knows which one would be worth watching…
Secret Talent Theater:
One of my besties is a big ol’ Reese Witherspoon fan. When I saw this clip on southern slang I knew I had to share. I am a west coast transplant but claim the south as home so all of these phrases are not lost on me. How many of these do you know? By the way this is a recurring series—simply type in Secret Talent Theater and you can watch till your heart is content.
Final Recommendations: Gifts for your Galentine
Some gift ideas for Valentines or Galentines, your choice:
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