(just keeping it real)
xoxo
Leslie
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
It’s never too late.
Today was Ash Wednesday and I found myself in a church filled with elementary school children, where I listened to a beautiful explanation of Lent.
If you’re interested in this topic click HERE to read it.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
my Valentine dinner party
Hello my friends. In case you’re wondering…
Last night I finally had my little dinner party for our Box Club group and I have a few photos for you. Just in case you’re still in the mood for a couple more Valentine ideas.
I really like to share behind-the-scene details to show you how easy it is to put a pretty table together, once you decide on a theme and choose your colors.
Last night everyone was so appreciative of all the little touches, like these decoupaged hearts I made with old music sheets.
They were hanging on the boxwood wreaths in the dining room.
Why a Cupid theme? I decided on this theme once I found these miniature Cupids at the Dollar store. Isn’t that how it works? You find one item that inspires you and you’re off and running.
I used them as place cards that I embellished with Martha Stewart labels and a red gem that I found on the sticker aisle.
I put white doilies down the center of the table.
And these Cupid feathers are actually Christmas ornaments from Pier One that I bought at a 75% discount after Christmas. Once I decided on a Cupid table, of course I had to use them.
I hot glued pink trim on Mason jars. And I transformed basic Starbucks bottles for my table, filling them with pink lemonade.
Dessert bar
I made used this homemade chewy brownie recipe and used a heart shaped cookie cutter once they cooled. And I served mascarpone filled strawberries alongside them for dessert, another great recipe.
I served chicken and mushroom crepes with a cheese sauce for dinner. I found this perfect crepe recipe which made turning the crepes over… a breeze.
These were definitely comfort foods on this menu! But this salad with the pomegranate vinaigrette was lighter and I loved it. I would definitely recommend it if you like goat cheese, pears, and dried cranberries in your salad. (I used toasted pecans instead of walnuts).
I put hot pink-colored taffy inside my Grandma’s old teacup …
and inside the Cupid inspired party favors.
I made this crepe paper banner and I hung paper doily hearts from a lots of places.
Well, have you reached your pink and red quota for the day? Maybe?
Well, thanks for visiting … I’m always so happy to have you here. And I hope I’ve left you with a few ideas you can use. Have a great day!
xoxo
Leslie
linking up:
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Sweet ‘Cupid’ Things for your party…
Some things are just too cute not to share.
And even though I realize that tiny Cupid arrows will not be on anyone’s Google searches soon, I have to show you what I made for my Valentine dinner party. Because I know if you clicked on this title, YOU will be the kind of strange and creative soul that will think it’s adorable.
If you remember, the dinner guests will be all gals so I’m paying attention to the details. And of course, I needed to come up with some Cupid touches for my Valentine party treats right?
I wanted something Fast+Easy+Cheap.
So I used small skewers and hearts to make …drumroll please……
The sweetest Cupid Arrows you’ve ever seen!
(Psss…pretend this is a totally new idea. And if you’ve already done this, please don’t tell me, let me bask in the illusion that I’m a cool and original person).
Alright, here’s how easy it was…
Items Needed for Cupid’s Arrow
You only need two items, I used glitter heart stickers from Michael’s Crafts Store and small sized skewers found at any grocery store.
First thing-to-do is clip off the tips of the skewers, just for safety ( it’s a Mom thing)…
1. For the tip of the arrow I used a red heart.
2. For “feathers” I used a bigger heart (actually you’re using two hearts that stick together).
And that’s it.
I put some pink taffy and candy hearts in cupcake liners and placed them inside a cellophane bag.
Next, I added the bow and arrows. I apologize if this part seems like a no-brainer, but personally I like to see DIY photos, just for ideas.
After you secure the arrow you can tie a bow and then cut the extra twine.
I also needed to cut the tops of the bags because they were too tall.
My Cupid Inspired Party Treat.
Well, I hope you liked learning about my tiny Cupid arrows that made me so happy. I’ve got some additional little things I’ve made, simple decorations I’ll be sharing shortly.
finding beautiful truth tumblr.com
In the meantime, I sure hope you enjoy your weekend. And try to find something small and obscure to smile about.
I’d love to hear about it.
xoxo
Leslie
I’m linking this post up:
Thursday, February 7, 2013
little romantic things…
No matter what stage of love your relationship may be in,
Valentine’s Day is a chance to slow down and appreciate each other.
a life of beauty and grace tumblr
The gift of your own words
A year ago I stumbled on a blogger who actually pens love notes to her future husband and I found this idea intriguing. There’s a certain naked vulnerability about writing to an imaginary man and then posting all your dreamy hopes for the world to see.
I admire that kind of openness.
I also think there’s something inherently romantic about using using one’s own words to express your love. In fact, I just finished reading Jane Austen’s Persuasion and once again, there was another amazing love letter at the end of the book.
Every time I read Jane Austen I’m left wondering, “who was this woman who could write such gorgeous love letters?”
“You piece my soul.” Those are some pretty powerful and graphic words. And I admit it, I’m captivated by great writers. People who can create breathless emotion with mere words.
But at the same time, I don’t think the quality of writing matters when you’re putting your sincere feelings on paper for someone you love. In fact, I think it’s these little, meaningful gifts that are more touching than those with expensive price tags.
I believe that effort matters more than money. And leaving a handwritten note someplace surprising is sweeter than a box of chocolates.
Do you agree?
Here’s a few ideas from a past post that might inspire you to do something different for this Valentine’s Day. None of these ideas cost any money, they just take time.
A lipstick message on a mirror
A love letter left on the car seat
via Molly Jane
Framing a special quote
http://eaglelfc.deviantart.com/art/You-Had-Me-At-Hello-197440902
Using quotes from a favorite movie or song to describe your feelings
Using rose petals
Making a candlelight message
Decorating his car
Here’s one I’ve done. When I was a newlywed, I went to Mr. Moss’s workplace and covered his car with pink and red balloons and crepe paper while he was inside. Then I waited and watched from a hiding place while he came out. (warning: this is more fun for the giver!)
Add some bling and sparkles to “the key to your heart.”
Delivered with a note.
weheartit.com
A hand-made message left in an unexpected place….
A unique engraved spoon with a message.
loo, boo and shoes blogspot.com
And how about this? Using a book to hide a gift. How very cool.
Whatever you decide to do, I really hope you don’t get too hung up on the gift part.
Keeping expectations down and being grateful is ultimately the key to having a special Valentine’s moment. I just hope you have a chance to laugh and reminisce and have fun together away from the kids and the worries.
And that you remember why you ended up together in the first place. That’s so important.
In fact we’re planning on doing something totally different this year along these lines. Something very sentimental. I’ll have to let you know how it works.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering if men and women have similar views of Valentine’s Day, you can check out this interesting survey. You might be surprised.
Did I forget something on this list?
Tell me about your favorite Valentine’s gift, I’d love to hear!
xoxo
Leslie
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