Valentine's Day!

I love Valentine's Day, don't you? For me, Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love. It's about the real, true love one has for family and friends. And Valentine's Day comes at just the perfect time of the year. It's always kind of a let down to take down the Christmas decorations, say good-bye to visiting friends and family, and go back to work. I usually get in the mood to clean out and declutter in January and then before I know it it's time for another holiday!

Wouldn't you know that I would marry someone who couldn't care less about Valentine's Day? In fact, he actually kind of dislikes Valentine's Day. I've tried my best in the ten plus years I've known and loved him and I've pretty much ... almost given up on him. Isn't that the way it goes?

But I've decided to not let it get me down. I just direct my Valentine's Day affection elsewhere.

The house was looking so bare after putting away all the Christmas stuff. I don't have much in the way of Valentine's decor and I'm not going to buy the adorable decorations out right now at full price (maybe in March at 80 or 90% off). I decided to give myself an hour to quickly add some free Valentine's love to a few areas of my home.

I Valentine-ized the dining room table with some red and white that I already owned.



My mother-in-law gave me the candles one year and my mom gave me the napkins, heart frame and Waterford violet vase.

I love these little vases. They are perfect for a real flower or two or, in only select instances, a bunch of fake ones.

I love these votive holders I got at Big Lots several years ago. I bought several for myself and gave them as gifts, too.

Candy is an inexpensive way to decorate. I got some Hot Tamales in my stocking and they work perfectly in my little candy tower. (And this way I don't eat a whole box in one evening since they're part of my decor.)
I bought two amaryllis at Marshalls after Christmas and they work well on the buffet.
They were only $7.00!
Pottery Barn sells just the flower for $12. I thought these looked pretty realistic but the bulb seemed a little odd. My mom (the horticulturalist) informed me that the yellow bulb is a "dead giveaway" that these are fake. So I will be painting these brown in the near future.

Next year when I pack up the Christmas decorations I'm going to try to look at things through rose-colored Valentine's glasses. I know I have other red, white, or sparkly things that could be mixed together in a new way for Valentine's Day.

In the bathroom (yes, Valentine's Day is honored in the bathroom, too) I just grouped together some pink and red bath products along with some cute washcloths from my mom.

Gels and bubbles are near the bathtub (makes sense, right?).

And lotions are on my vanity.
I just like walking in and seeing little displays. It makes me happy.

Another thing that makes me happy is this quick and cute DIY project that doesn't even need instructions once you see it.

I made this in college with a picture from the February Formal and it still makes me all warm and fuzzy when I see it. He does, too. :)

What do you to decorate for Valentine's Day?