Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! Got any special plans? I've already celebrated V-Day (and got some pretty, sparkly pressies!), but I thought I'd share with you my gifts to my friends and loved ones this year.

I love getting mail and presents through the post. And I always want to make sure that those I love know that I think and care about them. So I had a lot of fun sending out these packages.

I made several batches of cookies and brownies (chocolate chip, oatmeal cranberry, peanut butter, and this recipe from Bon Appetit magazine). I tied them up with little labels and twine. They were placed very gingerly in boxes with tissue paper and heart-shaped confetti (which I was told, while charming, was everywhere after the package was opened).

For some, I included a Valentine's Day music mix with songs by Hall and Oates, John Lennon, Amos Lee, Big Star, Slim Harpo, Islands, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Sam Cooke, among others.

I was so happy to send these little treats out and I hope the recipients liked them!

Now, I'll leave you with my essential thoughts on Valentine's Day:

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! - Lucy Van Pelt

Twisted Felt Garland

I wanted some playful decorations for Edie's birthday party, but wanted something that wasn't to "hokey."  I found an awesome tutorial on The Purl Bee for a twisted felt garland. It was so easy! A nice "sit in front of the TV and catch up on The Real Housewives, uh, I mean Meet the Press" project. I think I bought about two yards each of blue and white felt, and it made a TON of garland. I have a big garbage bag full of it! But, it was really easy, and for the amount shown here, it would probably take less than an hour to make and only cost a few bucks. Check out the tutorial here.

Inspired Ideas

I just found this great e-zine, Amy Powers' Inspired Ideas - Christmas Issue. Have you heard about it already? Some of the things here were a little too "country" for my tastes, but I can't help but share a few of my favorite ideas with you.

Theses little felt houses are darling! I might try to make them, along with the felt ornaments on page 46.

I believe my mother has a hidden set of vintage glass ornaments very similar to these. Thinking they need to become mine.

I love silhouettes and cameos. This idea would be adorable framed, perhaps above the kids' cribs?

The sample trees remind me of a cute sweater Edie wore all the time last winter. It had a little hood with a pompom, and made her look like an elf.

Really liking this felt play mat idea. Hopefully I can cram one into my holiday sewing. Edie and Eric love cars and trains right now.

Head on over to Amy's blog to check the rest of the e-zine out for yourself! (Sorry for the blurry pictures!)