DIY Hearts.

In the spirit of Valentine's day, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite heart-themed DIY project ideas.

{1} I haven't used crayon shavings + wax paper to create the look of stained glass since grade school; however, I love the idea of making art that is so simple yet so pretty.

{2} This beauty has been on my "to craft" list ever since Kristina posted it back in 2009. I guess I could say I've been collecting corks ever since... maybe it's time to do something with them?

{3} I was recently gifted a sewing machine (thanks Grandma!) and I am looking for simple yet inspiring projects to get me back into practice. Enter: the purl bee's tutorial. I plan on attempting a few cards this weekend with some of the leftover fabric scraps I have (from Lyla's Up-inspired bunting)!

Is there any Valentine-inspired art on your agenda?



(Images and tutorials courtesy of Martha Stewart, Lovely Morning via 100 Layer Cake, and the Purl Bee).

love notes.

While reviewing my recent etsy favourites, I noticed a theme: love notes. As a fan of the 'post-it on the mirror good morning message' Ben and I sometimes leave each other, I enjoy these subtle yet thoughtful ways of incorporating romantic endearments throughout the home.

Seriously. I think I need these pencils...



(Mr. Darcy Proposal Dish Towel $11, Brookish; Hello. Also I love you pencils $10, the big harumph; oh darling, let's be adventurers screenprinted poster $25, fifi du vie).

Happy Valentine's Day.

Sending hugs from sunny Arizona. See you soon.



Print by the Love Shop.

Arizona Sunshine + Valentines

Well friends, it is ta ta for now as B and I are heading to Arizona until next Wednesday. We plan to explore the Phoenix - Mesa - Scottsdale area and do some shopping, hiking, eating, and - above all - relaxing. I haven't been feeling 100% all week and I'm hoping a dose of Vitamin D will be the cure all I am looking for. When I return I will finally post our Boardwalk Empire-inspired NYE party.


Until then, enjoy the weekend! Why don't you...

• Send some cocodot Valentines? Psst... cocodot is free for new users during the month of February!


• Put a little love in your... hair!? Love these barrettes.


• Enjoy some tea & chocolate. Delicious.


• Bake a heart cake! I wish I was ambitious enough to attempt this...

Our 2011 Valentine, created at cocodot.

Finders Keepers on Granville Island

Starting tomorrow, February 11, Vancouver artist Jasna Sokolovic will be spreading up to 200 ceramic red hearts around Granville Island.

The artist describes her project: If you find it, take it, keep it for yourself or give it to someone who will cherish the love.

Each heart will list Jasna's web address on it and the lucky recipients of these pretties are encouraged to contact her and send photos. I love the idea of this love-inspired scavenger hunt; what a fantastic way to spread the love and pay it forward. If you are interested in following along as the photos come in, check out her blog.


Image and concept courtesy of Jasna Sokolovic via poppytalk.

Red Hat

I'm in love with everything about this outfit. The hat. The scarf. The glasses. The lips. This stylish lady always looks fantastic and she has the.BEST.hair. (She reminds me of Ingrid Michaelson).


I'm gravitating towards everything red this week. How about you?



Photo via Chictopia.

Valentine's Gift Guide - for her.

Some of the best gifts I've ever received have been fun treats that I could incorporate into my daily routines. A little something extra is always a welcome addition to everyday happenings.




An adorable Kate Spade pouch to hold the essentials; the complete first season of Glee for impromptu karaoke; an adorable Chanel print for her dressing table (or, better yet, the real thing); the David's Travel Press is amazing (read: any tea lover should own this); ban.do hair embellishments make any messy up do look "put together."

Valentine's Gift Guide - for him.

Although Valentine's Day is typically a spoil-the-women-holiday, it's also a nice excuse to treat the men in our lives. The following are a few gift ideas that may please your favourite fella (you may even enjoy one or two, yourself).



Whisky Stones for Cocktail Hour; Jay Z's Decoded for an afternoon read; The Big Lebowski movie poster for his man cave; Apple TV for movie night; and - if he doesn't already own it - Mumford & Sons' fantastic album.



Do you exchange Valentine's gifts with your partner? Do you make or buy them?

Hearts.

It's that time of year when hearts seem to pop up everywhere...


In your tea... as an unexpected gesture of admiration.


In a Valentine... as a reminder to steal kisses + spread love.


In a fabulous accessory... as a fun embellishment to a tired ponytail or blazer.




How have you spread the love, this week?



Images via Martha Stewart, Rifle Paper Co., and ban.do.

Love Notes

This one is for Angie because I feel she will appreciate the typographic humour.


Pencils via paper pastries.

Conversation Heart Cookies

Aren't these conversation cookies adorable? What a fun way to send a special love note in someone's lunch. (Find the recipe here).



Image via Martha Stewart.

A Punch of Red

A touch of red to kick off love week.




Psst... in honour of Valentine's Day (it is only one week away), prepare for some fun love-inspired posts this week.




Photo via dreamsicle + Happenstance.

Love.Love.Love.

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday cuddling, kissing, canoodling, and loving (which is - of course - the most important part of Valentine's day).

I couldn't resist sharing these adorable photos by the amazing JP and Joe Elario that I found on Green Wedding Shoes {Note: the photo was paired with Jen's awesome Love Mix. Check it out: it rivals mine & includes Joseph Arthur, Regina Spektor, and Greg Laswell... swoon}

Happy Sunday. Enjoy some:



{Photos by JP and Joe Elario via Green Wedding Shoes}

What are you doing to celebrate Valentine's & enjoy your Sunday?

Valentine Love Notes

I am a huge fan of cards (one of my resolutions is to send more of them), especially love notes. Because B. and I have lived apart at different times during our relationship, we've often sent letters and cards via snail mail. I've kept them (call me sentimental) as I treasure words written by one's hand far more than those in an email.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to tell the one you love how you feel and why you love them. The following are a few of my favourite note cards, perfect for the occasion.

{Dingbat Press}

{Chewing the Cud}

{City Light}

{Lily Jane Stationary}

... & my favourite:

{Simplesong Designs}

Did you write Valentines this year?

A Valentine Mix Tape

I wanted to share some of my favourite Love Songs to celebrate heart week. I hope you enjoy.

What is your favourite love song, new or old?

Valentine Photo Shoots

I'm really enjoying the fabulous Valentines-themed-posts that are filling my head with inspiration + love. However, I feel like V-day has crept up on me this year. {Am I alone}?

I'm in the mood to spread the love {before love day passes} and I thought it was a fitting time to share some of my favourite Valentine-styled love shoots. I'm particularly loving:

Heart Confetti...


{photos by Simply Bloom Photography via Green Wedding Shoes}

Heart Balloons...



{photos by Sarah Yates}

... & Fields of Hearts.



{photos by Stephanie Williams via Love and Lavender}


There is something about hearts and the colours of Valentine's day that make me feel like a fourth-grader again. Happy Love Week, folks. Go and hug someone special.

Happy heart day

{Miranda Karkling}


Enjoy your weekend my lovelies.

xo.

Say it with flowers

Dear Significant Others,

The following floral arrangements would delight any woman in your life, not to mention add some much-needed colour. Please take notes. Any combination of the following flowers will work nicely.

Sincerely,

Women Everywhere

PS: We love you

. . .


Teleflora's Happy Hearts Bouquet from Davie Flowers, $51.95


Beautiful Hoya Plants available at Divine Vines Florist, starting at $14.99


A classic rose bouquet from Lilacs & Lavender, $89.95


A beautiful mixed Bouquet from the Flower Factory
. . .

Whatever your preference, budget, or method of delivery, fresh cut flowers make the perfect gift for anyone: sister, best friend, mum, grandma, or sweetheart. This gesture doesn't have to be elaborate, sometimes the most thoughtful gift is a hand written card and a single flower.

Happy Valentine's, my friends.

Touche.

Ever since Courtney shared this lovely post with her readers I have been continuously drawn back to the love shop. This hidden gem is full of gorgeous images and beautiful phrases.

I purchased my first print today and I'm pretty sure this one will be my second.

Thank you Courtney. Thank you Love Shop.

Mid Week Date Night

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, many of us are caught up in planning the where & when of the evening. Being a Saturday this year, Valentine's is sure to create some of the longest wait lists around.

Solution:

Celebrate Early!
As Vancouverites, we are familiar with the success of Dine Out Vancouver. This year, White Rock has created Bite of the Rock which is on until the 11Th [aka three more date nights]. White Rock is a hidden gem of the Lower Mainland, in my opinion, and there are many many smaller restaurants that are worth a try [to say the least]. 3- Course Meals are available for $15, $25, and $35.

Bon Appetit.