Mark's Valentine Gift to Me

You must just know my Mark, he's the sweetest person on earth. When Valentine's Day comes around I can always count on him to bring me Haagen Dazs Rocky Road Ice Cream.  (He's precious---he picks it up on the way home from work, then I eat it right away!)  He's never sent flower to me.  Well, except the ONE time he did:  It just didn't work out---the florist was SO busy, they delivered the roses the DAY AFTER Valentine's Day!  It was supposed to be a surprise; it was!  But being the person I am, I refused the flowers, and made sure the florist credited Mark.  We both agreed after that experience, that the only way to be sure I was happy was to stop and buy the chocolate ("any chocolate", I told him) on the way home. 

But this year is different.  You see, today he bought this for me:

Because we love adventure, he bought one for himself as well!  We'll take them when we go camping.  Plus there are a number of great trails around here for us to explore. Now isn't this the Valentine's Day gift you always wanted?  I love my Mark!

I told him it needs some pink and he sent me the link to this eBay item:

"I am a grandma,", I said!  He said, "Age doesn't matter!"  He has so much confidence in me, I'm honored.  So, OF COURSE, I took it out for a few test rides on our road.  I did fine, luckily our old Lab Sarge MOVED out of the way at the last second, but that was a close call!

My question for you all:  What unusual gift has your loved one given you for Valentine's Day?

Hugs, Hearts, Love and Blessings,

                    ~Heidi

I *heart* you!

Some Pinterest Interest here...
In looking for some Sunday School kids crafts via Pinterest I found this paper heart. I've seen this around, probably for years, but never have tried myself to make one.  They are called "Swedish Hearts".

I cut the paper a few times and sure did feel like a dummy...it's not as easy as it looks.  Maybe I needed better instructions than the site gave.  I'll keep working on that.

But through this I found a lovely new-to-me blog called "Three Pixie Lane".  I just love the home decor photos she blogs about.  I'll be spending more time on Christie's blog for sure! Here is her header photo:

If you like to blog-surf I think the best time of the year to do that is February, there are SO MANY yummy Valentine's photos and ideas posted this month! I'm inspired now to decorated for Valentine's Day. (Yes, I'm way behind so many of you!) I just stacked a bunch of red and/or romantic books in a corner.  And I'm hanging my vintage sheet music hearts together as my window banners. 

I *heart* you all!  Here's a heart you can cut out for a card:

(Directions: Copy to computer and enlarge as desired.

Only cut the SOLID lines, fold dotted lines.

Can be sandwiched in a solid paper to make the

pop out "I *love* you" show up even better.)

And you all know, "Love is Sweet"...

Now to get my hands on some chocolate!

        Hearts and Hugs, Heidi

(the Google search I did for hearts and cuts outs was very helpful, too!)

What? Monthly? Not good!

I realized the pace I'm blogging is monthly now. I don't like that, but until I can get blogging back to top priority on my daily lists I guess monthly it'll have to be!  Anyone out there struggling with this too? Throw in way too much time on Pinterest....don't get me started on that distraction,...err...wonderful place!

So, a few photos of signs I painted in January:

For a precious baby girl on the way.....a princess, for sure!

"Our Little Princes...." with custom name.

 This is a must for all couples.....and for children and babies, too!

"Always Kiss Me Goodnight" (shown in black lettering)

 Home is....

where your horses are!

(A sign for a horse lover!)

 This sign was given as a gift. I paint a lot of this type of sign.

You can add any words, names, dates, etc.

"Love is Sweet".....this continues to now be my top selling sign.

I can paint it in any color and any font!

Ice Cream Parlor.....an event coordinator ordered a few of these

signs for her event.  I loved painting this....wanted ice cream that night!

What else?  How about "Cupcakes"....can you think of a sign for a cupcake table?

Welcome to Our Home, layered over the family name, with the date.

I loved painting this sign, I've done a few and enjoy seeing the color

combinations the buyers select.

 Snips & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...perfect for a baby boy shower!

Both the girl and boy signs in this set have been very popular lately!

Those sayings are making a come-back, I guess!

To The Beach......I have so many "beach" signs to paint,

but just not enough time!

Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice......

perfect for a baby girl shower gift!

 A dream is a wish your heart makes.  A Disney sign?

See the three reasons I love being a grandmother?

Blessings, Heidi