Feature on UCreate!

I'm taking a break today as I'm guest posting over at UCreate!!
...yup, I'm pretty much famous! :)

Come check out my feature and get a load of the UCreate greatness!

Before you click on over...

Don't forget to enter the giveaway.... which ends Sunday!!

Looking for a unique gift for Valentine's? Check out the Love Actually Boutique

You've Got Mail!

I love these cute little mailboxes because they tie romance and crafting together...two of my favorites!

Wouldn't it be fun to write your spouse a love note and put it inside a mini mailbox? Don't want to do a full love note....how about a series of mini love notes leading up to Valentine's Day? Each evening, put the flag up so they'll know that "they've got mail"!

Here are some embellished mailboxes that I think are ridiculously cute!

Alayna's Creations

Taylored Expressions

For Love of Paper


Beautiful Mess

Simply Rae

Stamp Talk with Shannon Lawrence

BIG Love...It's not what you think!

...I thought this might raise a few eyebrows considering the TV show, "Big Love" which I'm not a fan of, by the way. Regardless, it was a fitting title for today's post! :)



Looking for a way to make a BIG impression this Valentine's Day?

Jordan Ferney and Things to Play With have just the trick.

Note: I'm guessing the saying on her love note is an inside joke?

Jordan provided the instructions for how she made hers:

1. Write or print out the saying you want on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper.

2. Take it to a Kinkos with one of those large scale printers and have it enlarged {costs around $4.} She made hers a few feet wide.

3. Fold it up into a little square and wrap it up with an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. You can print their name or a message on the outside wrapper.

I think this would be a great way to show just how big your love is!

If you try this, please send me your photos: loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Postmarked with Love

If you're thinking of writing a little love note or card to your spouse this year, why not let it be postmarked with love?

You can mail it to Loveland, Colorado (the "Sweetheart City")where it will be hand-stamped with a unique four line poem & pictorial postmark. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce heads up this yearly romance project with cards going to all 50 states and to over 100 foreign countries annually.


Cool, right? Just enclose your pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentine's card in a larger envelope and mail to:
Postmaster - Attention Valentines
446 E. 29th St.
Loveland, CO 80538-9998

To ensure delivery by Valentine's Day, mail must be received in Loveland by February 8 (for cards being returned to US addresses). Further details here.

You can also send it to postmasters of these other cities too:
Loveland, Ohio 45140
Valentine, Texas 79854
Valentine, Nebraska 69201
Kissimmee, Florida 32741
Loving, New Mexico 88256
Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010
Romance, Arkansas 72136

You know...this could be a fun tradition to start. Every year, send your love letter to Loveland's Postmaster and save each year's letter. You'd have quite the collection of love letters after so many years... (imagine the legacy you'd leave behind!)

Heart Shaped Giveaway!!

This is this week's giveaway!!!

But first....The winner from last week's giveaway of a Pampered Chef Cookbook is.....
Jennifer Howard!!

Congrats, Jennifer!! Please email your mailing address to loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com
If you'd like to see what other products Shari has to offer, please email her at shari.trujillo @ live.com

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Now, on to this week's giveaway!!

I saw these ridiculously cute kitchen towels and heart-shaped silicone baking cups at the store and there was no way I could resist. The only way I justified buying them was to give a set to one of my followers. So, I hope you won't mind this selfish pursuit of mine... :)

• Set of 2 Kitchen Towels
• Set of 8 Silicone Baking Cups (Heart-Shaped, 4 pink, 4 red)

How to Qualify:
1. Be a Follower --->
2. Leave a comment telling me your favorite Valentine's Day memory (perhaps an event/date, a gift you gave or received, etc.)

Bonus Entries:
(Leave a seperate comment for each bonus entry!!)

• Vote for Love Actually Blog on TopMommyBlogs by clicking HERE
• Post my Button on your blog
• Follow LAB on Facebook
• Follow LAB on Twitter

Giveaway ends Sunday, January 31st!

Valentine's Day Advent

So, I've already showed you my version of a Valentine's Countdown Calendar.

But, there are some other cute ones I wanted to feature.

I found this cute advent calendar over at Katie's Nesting Spot. She provided a tutorial on her blog.

And how about this Muffin Tin Advent seen on Studio 5 . Pioneer Party in Lehi, Utah created this project.

Cute, Cute.

Somewhat Simple recycled this chocolate box to make a fun Vday countdown. She provides a tutorial on her blog as well.

Valentine's Day is less than a month away...have you decided what all you're going to do? Don't forget about the fun Valentine's Checks that I'm selling as a customized, unique Valentine's gift that your spouse will LOVE! You can find them in my boutique by clicking on SHOP above on the menu bar.

Oh, have you voted for Love Actually yet on MomBlogs? I'm almost to the Top 25!!
And, don't foget to enter the *giveaway* ending Sunday!!

Chocolate & Flowers: Twists on the Tradition

Chocolate and flowers for Valentine's Day used to be boring.... this year, not so much.

This is a post for my male readers...I know I don't cater to you guys very often, but today, this one's for you! (...not that you girls won't enjoy this video, too.)

This video has some awesome ideas for combining two not-so-original Valentine items and making them unique!

It includes quick tutorials on:

• Chocolate Roses (using Hershey Kisses)
• Chocolate Bowls (100% edible...very cool?)
• Adding chocolate hearts to gerber daisies
• ...and more!
  
  
  

  Get a load of this....

Source: KSL Studio 5

Just a random side note: The "Campus Craft & Floral" that they talk about in this video is from my alma mater! Yeah, BYU!!

"Be My Valentine" - Clever Valentine Guide

So you know those cheesy clever valentines that you used to get in elementary school, and perhaps the ones you help your kids make for their school parties? You do? Good.

I think it'd be fun to make one of these for your valentine this year!

{And if you're using my Valentine's Countdown Calendar, one activity is to make each other valentine's. so, this ought to be helpful...}

Here a few ideas I've found...

1. Matchbox Gum Valentine

2. You're the Bomb - DIY Bath Bombs

3. You Rock, Valentine - attached to Pop Rocks candy

4. I Chews You - gum..."chew"s...get it?

5. The "iLove" - *tutorial* "iLOVE" you!

6. I love you a latte!
7. Fortune Cookie: ..so "fortunate" to have you!
Other phrases that could apply:
[Fortunately for me, you're my Valentine!]
[You make my heart crumble!]
8. Crush on You! - free printable labels!
9. Nuts For You!
10. As a practical gift, give a new calculator with attached tag "According to my calculations, you're #1!"

Now, you've got to watch this video! Emily Hover from Pioneer Party based out of Utah has some more fun and "cheesy" ideas for you!

Video from KSL Studio 5

AND--- I've prepared a PDF for you which has a whole bunch of other ideas in text format, just in case you didn't see something here that struck your fancy.


Download PDF HERE

As always, I'd love to see what you come up with or if you have any other ideas. Send a link and/or pictures to loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Cooking for Two (Pampered Chef Giveaway!)

Great News! Today, you can get entered to win this!! Shari Trujillo of Pampered Chef has generously offered this "Cooking for two & more" to one lucky follower of Love, Actually!!

This cookbook contains more than 60 fresh, simple and innovative recipes tailored to lifestyles of smaller households. Chapters like “Weekend Chef” offer contemporary-American, restaurant-style cuisine. “Trip for Two” includes a variety of popular ethnic cuisines. “Cooking With Friends” helps you create appetizers and desserts for 4-8 guests.

I'm thinking you may find a great new recipe for your homecooked Valentine's Day dinner in this book!

The Pampered Chef has lots of great products. If you'd like to see what products Shari has to offer, please email her at shari.trujillo @ live.com

How to Qualify for Giveaway:
1. Be a Follower -------->
2. Vote for Love, Actually on TopMommyBlogs by clicking HERE

5 Bonus Entries:
(leave a seperate comment for each bonus entry!!)

• Sign up for Shari's email newsletter: Email your first and last name to shari.trujillo @ live.com (comment saying you did)
• Post my button on your blog
• Post about Love Actually
• Follow LoveActually on Facebook --->
• Follow LoveActually on Twitter --->

Be sure to leave your email address if your profile does not contain your contact information. Giveaway ends Sunday, January 24th!

Thanks again to Shari for sponsoring this fun giveaway!

The 12 "Lays" of Valentines

I read this idea on Life Frosting and thought it was a clever twist on the 12 Days of Christmas, designed for Valentine's Day instead.

Here is what Chelsea came up with...with my additions in red.

1. Pear bubble bath, pear dessert, a night in "pear-adise", a game using a "pear (pair) of dice"
2.dove chocolate, chocolate turtles, spell out "love" with them
3. french kiss, french kiss the movie, french and romantic, french fries
4. sexy "calling" messages, or notes, or texts
5. anything gold (undies, lotion, doughnuts, etc.) gold coins
6. egg: breakfast in bed, anything with eggs
7. goldfish, a speedo for swimming?
8. maid attire, milk duds, milk shake
9. beginners guide to "dancing," slow dance in the bedroom, etc.
10. a massage (the lords were tired of leaping), choc. frogs, sexy chess or checkers
11. music, itunes gift card, homemade cd of favorite sexy songs
12. whatever you want the finale to be!

You can plan this in a million different ways... but I'd keep it simple and just prepare a poem, "On the first Day of Valentine's, my true love gave to me...." and then give him/her the next line each day with it's corresponding gift/service.

Be sure to visit Life Frosting to see Chelsea's original post and find other great ideas!

Merry Valentine's!

Valentine's Day Decor

How about a few ideas to inspire your home decorating this Valentine's Day?

1 - Carnation & Candy Centerpiece
2 - Rays of Love - Covered Lampshades
3 - Cute Candy Frames
4 - Hearty Bath Candles
5 - Vday Candy Bucket - {sorry, unknown source?}
6 - Heart Wreaths

7 - Headboard Banner
8 - Be Mine Banner
9 - Button Pillow
10 - Sprinkles Candle Holder
11 - Tulips in Vase w/ Coversation Hearts
12 - Hanging Hearts

How cute are these ideas?!?! There are so many more...but these were a few of my favorites.

Feel free to leave me the link to your or your favorite Valentine's Day Decor!

Valentine's Day Tablescapes

Planning a romantic dinner at home? Here is lots of creative inspiration for your table decor this year.

Please be sure to click the corresponding links for more pictures and to support those who created each tablescape!

1. Pink Raspberry Pinwheels - More Pictures, option to purchase personalized pinwheels
2. Sweet Hearts Theme - More pictures, menu, and inventory of items
3. Love Bug Theme - More pictures, menu, and inventory of items
4. Love Theme - close up pictures

5. Heart Bouquet - Handcrafted placemats, menu, and heart bouquet.

6. Valentine Tree - how cute is this? love the recycled mini Christmas tree.
7. Valentine Picnic Theme - More pictures, DIY tutorial
8. Red Hearts - simple and sweet.

9. Table for Two - More pictures
10. Words of Love - More pictures and table decor from Debbie Mumm
11. Red, Hot & Black - If tablesettings can be considered sexy, then surely this one is!

Once again, feel free to email me any photos or blog links you have that relate to Valentine's Day! loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Food from the Heart: Valentine's Food Guide

Valentine's just isn't Valentine's without heart-shaped-anything-you-imagine, including food!

Here is a small collection of some yummy Vday foodies I've found! Click the links below each image to take you to the source! You can also click each image to view larger.

1 - Heartfelt Muffins {tutorial}
2 -Valentine Toast

3 - Heart Shaped Hamburger Patties
4 - Pizza for Lovers - (or you could cut your pepperonis into heart shapes)

5 - Bakerella's Oreo Kisses {tutorial & recipe}

6 - Valentine's Candy Cone {instructions}
7 - Love Shakes - {tutorial}
8 - Chocolate Passion Dessert - {recipe}
9 - Brownie Heart Cupcakes {recipe}

10 - Cute Cookie Container - sorry, couldn't find where I found this. any help?
11 - Dipped Oreo Suckers
12 - Giant Rice Krispy Greeting
13 - Martha's Handwritten Chocolate Glazed Cupcakes *recipe and instructions*

14 - Meringue Kisses - {recipe}
15 - Jam Filled Heart Cookies - {tutorial/recipe}
16 - Heart Brownies w/ Fruit and Cream {tutorial}
17 - Jell-O Lips {recipe}

What's your favorite? Which would your spouse enjoy most?

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Have a Valentine's Day idea you'd like featured? Email idea and photos to loveactuallyblog@hotmail.com

Love Checks: A Valentine's Gift!

Over the holidays, I had such a great time designing and personalizing my "Date of the Month Club" digital kit as a Christmas gift for so many of you. I was blown away with tremendous response I got from it, so I know that many of you think the same way I do in wanting something creative and unique to offer as a gift!

Some of you are still asking for the Date of the Month Club kit, and that's great. It now has a permanent spot in the "Love Actually Boutique Shop". However, I have created two different digital kits, especially for Valentine's Day, that I hope you'll enjoy. Whether you make them yourself using my ideas as inspiration, or have me design them for you, I hope they'll be just what you've been looking for to surprise your spouse this Valentine's Day...without spending a ton of money!!

So, this post and the one previous, "Valentine's Countdown Calendar", will both include digital kits for sale.

Enjoy!

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Surprise your Valentine this year with a one-of-a-kind gift!

...by one-of-a-kind, I mean a customized gift designed by me!

You'd fill in your love's name on the "Pay to the Order of:" line. Then, when they redeem each check, just have them sign the back so you know it's been used!

{Click below to get all the details!}

*Unfortunately, I will not be able to mix & match the check styles. Please choose one style.

Here are the wording options:
(The wording and fonts are the same on each style. Checks come pre-formatted to a standard check size!)

{Click each to enlarge}

What about the cute little tag on the checkbook cover? It's yours!

Only $14.99 for the custom checks and checkbook gift tag!

How to Order:

1. Email loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com
2. Choose the style of check you want: (Classic Chic, Damask, or Earthy Chic)
3. Choose the name of "your" Bank of Love.
4. Choose your 15 check word options (each check above has a number in the upper right hand corner). Give me a list of the 15 you want. If you choose more than 15, I will add $1.00 for each additional.
(Further customization requests will be quoted on an individual basis.)

Once I finish your customization requests, I will send you the PDF files which contain your checks and checkbook tag. You can then print at home or send it to Kinkos! I will also provide you EASY instructions for getting your checks to stick together (with modge-podge of course!).

Note: I use Google Invoice for payment, a secure website where you can pay online using a debit or credit card.

Feel free to email me with any questions: loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com

Valentine's Countdown Calendar

You know...I've seen a lot of cutesy Valentine's countdown/advent ideas for kids... which are really cute...



But seriously, Valentine's Day is for lovers!!!



So, I've come up with my own advent calendar designed especially for you and your love!

This is mine on our bedroom wall...that way nobody else sees it (except you, of course)... And if you have kids, you want to keep it seperate from anything Valentiney you're doing for them.

Each day has some kind of simple romantic activity or guesture that you both do together (or maybe seperately). The possibilities are endless, but you can read the activities I used on my cards below.

It's super easy to make and I've got a tutorial for you. {Just click to enlarge and/or save.}

And.... of course I have some purchase options for you if you're interested in making this project a little easier on yourself!

(click to enlarge for better viewing)



$4.99



Set of 18 Printable Cards (15 options above and 3 blank) and Numbers 1-14 in PDF format (using the cute font I used on my envelopes). No custom options.

$9.99

Customized set of 14 Printable Cards. You provide the wording and I'll make the cards for you. Also includes numbers 1-14 on a PDF (using the cute font as on my envelopes).



How to Order:

Email loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com and tell me which option you'd like!



Note: Purchase includes digital items only. No product will be shipped.

Be sure to check out Love Actually's "Love Checks" on sale now!

Amazing Race: Valentine's Edition {My Insanity Feature}

So, you know how Christmas just ended and now all of a sudden, Valentine's Day stuff has filled the shelves of every store? That used to bother me. Now, not so much. This blog has totally turned me around.

I have been collecting fun Valentine's Day ideas for over a year. So, I have TONS to share along with a couple of fun giveaways! So, I'm starting early...hopefully motivating you to:
{ do something fun, unqiue and meaningful for your valentine this year! }

Today's post is an idea from Kendra at My Insanity Blog. I wanted to post this early so you'd have time to plan it to perfection!

This is such a clever idea to do with a group of friends. Lucky for you, My Insanity has all the inspiration you need. She provided all the "clues" which were used, and you could easily adapt them for your situation.

They made matching shirts to be worn during "the amazing race"

When their husbands completed the race, they were presented with these Big Hunk Bouqets!

This is just a sneak peek of Kendra's original post...I wanted you to head over to her blog to get the full low-down. You can find her post HERE along with lots of other insanely creative ideas!

Counting Kisses

Here's a quick romance tip that you can use TODAY!

When you see your spouse next, ask he/she to pick a number between 1 and 50. Tell them that if they guess the right number, they'll get a reward. When they've guessed, make a big deal out of the "fact" that they guessed correctly!

Here's what I'd say when he guesses correctly:
"Holy Cow!!" (yeah, I grew up in Montana...cut me some country slack, okay?)
Let's try this again. *ahem*

"Holy Cow...how'd you know? You're good! I guess you can have your reward now."

Then, lay the kisses on him..or her. The number they guessed is the number of kisses they'll get.
{those are some big lips, huh? and no, they aren't mine. best I could find by googling "kiss"}

I think this little romance quickie will be a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Try it and report back to me with the results? I'd love to hear!

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Oh, PS--I'm doing a giveaway over on Divine Diva Media today!! Come check it out along with a bunch of other FUN giveways for our Launch Party!

Enter to win HERE