{DIY Tutorial}: Long Distance Valentine Heart

My latest project is a Valentine for my husband, who'll be away and traveling on Valentine's Day.  It features a ruffled heart made of map pieces and the sweet sentiment:  "together forever, never apart."  Although I made this Valentine as a piece of framed art, you could use this same technique to make a larger heart wreath or a smaller heart for a Valentine's Day card. 

The full tutorial is on my Hubpages.

Just in Time for Valentine's Day...

I've put together a list of the Top 40 Love Songs - perfect if you are planning a special date or romantic dinner, or if you're just looking for some great songs to add to your ipod or workout playlists!  Find it here on my Hubpages!

And while you're there, check out my tutorial for making this Button Heart Pin or Pendant.  A sweet accessory for this time of the year - or any day :)

{Food} Blog Envy (Again): Haniela's - from my kitchen to yours

I recently came across another wonderfully creative blog I wanted to share, Haniela's - from my kitchen to yours.

from http://www.hanielas.com/

What first caught my attention what her recipe for homemade Valentine's Day S'mores.  Aren't they gorgeous?  So pretty - elegant even.

Her recipe includes directions for making homemade graham crackers AND your own marshmallow!  YIKES!  I must admit, I can't ever imagine making my own graham crackers and marshmallow.  However, this recipe has given me an idea for a simpler treat.  Using this same design, cut out sugar cookies, dip them part way in chocolate, and spread strawberry jam in between the top and bottom cookie.  This idea would make a very pretty cookie for a tea party, bridal or baby shower, or any special event!

Haniela's website is loaded with wonderful recipes.  I'm going to go see what else I can find there!  :)

A Handmade Heart

So going into yesterday, my husband and I had a little bet on.  If my team won a certain football game, my husband would take me out to lunch during the week.  If his team won, he wouldn't.  I know this doesn't sound like much of a bet, and it isn't, but we rarely go out during the work week so this would be a silly special treat.

And I was so sure my team was going to win that I decided to make a sweet little heart-shaped pin/brooch to wear on my victory lunch date.  I grabbed a bunch of things I had on hand and came up with this button collage pin (or can be used as a pendant).  Romantic/funky/vintage/eclectic - it's all these things and I really like it.

But then, in the late afternoon, my team lost and my lunch date plans were dashed.  Sadness - for both my Patriots and my dream date.

But the story has a happy ending (I hope):  my hubby, being the great guy that he is, announced that he would honor our lunch date!  He's going to take me and my heart-shaped button pin out to lunch this week!

In celebration, I've put this pin/pendant tutorial up on my Hubpages for everyone to enjoy!