Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Ideas

Hello!

Well Valentine's Day is only 3 days away and you may be in need of a little inspiration for a gift, especially if you're tired of doing the same old thing every year.  I've been peeking around blogland and came across a few ideas that you can put together in 30 minutes or less.  {Thank goodness!} There are so many ideas that I want to recreate myself! So, for all of you whose idea well has run dry and procrastinators to, this post is for you!   Our hubbies will never know that we completed our Valentines, a day or two before….  You will definitely want to surprise your spouse with a personalized present. It will mean a lot to them, and there is something here for everyone to try.

I hope you get inspired!
XOXO

Sharmin





Click on each link to view each idea



#1) Shower Love Notes {HowDoesShe} - Getting a little dirty, while getting clean... A fun love note tradition. A fabulous *gift* that only costs $5! :)

#2) Tied To You {The Dating Divas} - A fun way to prepare the house before your sweetheart gets home! All you need is string and the free printable!

#3) Love Notes & Balloons {Somewhat Simple} - Surprise your sweetheart with a dozen balloons over his bed, each containing a reason you love him.

#4) Valentine Prints {Sweet Rose Studio} - For some easy peasy Valentine decor that couldn't be any quicker, simply print one {or all!} of these prints out and put it in an 8x10 frame. Done in no time flat!



#5) Now That I've Kissed The Ground... {The Dating Divas} - A SUPER fast & clever V-Day idea. Items needed: Hershey's Hugs & Kisses, rose petals, & the super cute FREE printable included in this post. "Now that I've kissed the ground you walk on...."

#6) i {heart} u Blocks {iCandy Handmade} - Stencil these 4x4x4x blocks for a quick and easy stack-able home decor. 

#7) You Make My Heart Bounce {The Crafting Chicks} - A fun and easy Valentine for the boys (or girls) to share with their friends! Free Printable!

Yummy Banana Bread

Staying In My Lane: Recipes

I absolutely love banana bread.  So I started searching for a new recipe to try.  I came across this recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  She's on HGTV and oh my, I have been cooking through her cookbook and everything so far has been YUMMY!  So without fail I found a recipe on her site for banana bread.   This recipe is different from some of the other ones that I've used because it calls for sour cream. 

The crispy outside of this banana bread was super good!

Ingredients

• 2 sticks Butter
• 1-1/2 cup + 2 TBLS Sugar
• 3 whole Eggs
• 1-1/2 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas
• 4 cups + 2 TBLS Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1-1/2 cup Sour Cream

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour bundt pan.
Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, beating for a few seconds after each addition. Add mashed bananas and beat.
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add dry ingredients and sour cream alternately to the mixing bowl. Beat well until all combined.
Pour into bundt pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Invert on a cooling rack and allow cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving with softened butter.

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Yesterday, January 15th we celebrated Lillian's 4th birthday!  She was super excited about her party and about turning 4!  For presents she received pink cooking pots, a Dora game, TinkerBell hat and gloves, and more accessories for her Baby Alive.  We had so much fun!

 The Birthday Girl with her party horn!

 The party crew enjoying  pizza. Yummy!

 She requested a pink cake and pink she got! 

 Me and the birthday girl.

Hannah was so sweet.  She made Lillian a card and helped me make Lillian's cake.

Dear Lillian,

Today is your 4th birthday and I feel that my time with you is passing so quickly.  The day that you were born daddy and I were so surprised when they announced "it's a girl!" You were such a little peanut weighing in at 6lbs 10oz.  I must say that although you are one of the smallest members of our family, you certainly make up for it in personality.  I enjoy listening to you sing and play with your My Little Pony friends.  You certainly add a little spunky attitude to Ponyville!  Lillybug, I hope that you had a wonderful birthday. I am so proud to be your mommy and thankful that God gave you to me as a daughter.

Happy Birthday Lillian!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy