Happy Valentines Day + Bee My Valentine DIY

Happy Valentine's Day! I wanted to share the little DIY bags I put together for Weeks' teachers. They turned out pretty cute and were so simple. 

Materials:

-Burts Bees Chapstick

-Hershey Kisses (Hugs variety)

-Ribbon

-Tags

-Cellophane Bags

I saw a similar Burts Bees Valentine card on pinterest but added the Hersheys part myself. In all honesty, I did an online grocery order (best thing ever!) and thought I was getting Valentine colored Hersheys...but when the Hugs showed up it actually was perfect because the stripes remind me of bumblebee stripes! Some things are just meant to be :)

I tied the wooden tags with the handwritten note on with raffia ribbon and we were all set.

 

We are headed out for dinner tonight {usually we go the day before or after V-day} and then I am making our favorite turkey meatballs Wednesday for a special little family dinner. Weeks has been sick so we held off on our special family celebration until then. Hope you guys have the best day! xoxo.

Valentines Gift Ideas For Her

Do you exchange Valentines gifts? We change it up each year depending on how hard Christmas hit our bank account, current projects happening etc. I must have flowers though, that is a must. Then we usually eat out one night for a date, and then at home with the kids for something special as well. I rounded up a handful of items that aren't strictly for Valentines, but more along the lines of things ya really want/things ya really need! 

I am in black leggings 90% of the time and I would love a fresh pair to switch things up. These tights look like they are the perfect pair for the athleisure look that we all love! // What girl doesn't want a pretty, feminine new top? This ruffle trim top comes in several colors and has a pretty back. There is something elegant about it. Ok, I wanted these super duper sunglasses forever and I got them for my birthday. Totally worth it. I am obsessed with them! This is a similar pair for $15!! I picked up this candle this weekend because it just smells like Spring to me. It's wonderful. I would love a pair of soludos for an upcoming trip. I've heard they are so comfy. This necklace is the perfect pop of color for Spring! I love this turquoise and the clasp is adorable.

My Valentines

I hope everyone had an extra sweet Valentines weekend! I didn't do too much with my Valentines decor this year, but truthfully it was nice to keep it simple. Weeks made some Valentines and I framed one for the mantel. Love those sweet little handprints! I bought finger paint for a Christmas project and I pulled it out again to do these. It needs to find a spot for a year round home because I love it.

I have been switching out different prints and watercolors in this frame for about a year and totally forgot to share my tip. I use washi tape to attach the print to the mat. It comes off easily and doesn't damage the mat or print. Love it!

We went out to eat at a new favorite spot in Beaufort, The Cedars Inn. What a charming little restaurant! Our table was perfectly set right next to the fire. My Valentine had hydrangeas waiting on the table. He knows the way to my heart.

The food was amazing and had such a wonderful presentation. They definitely know how to make you feel like you are dining in a special place.

 Friday night we stayed in, cooked dinner and spent time with the most special, sweetest little Valentine ever! 

Gosh I love him.

Angel Food Cupcakes + Heart Toppers

My sweet tooth got the best of me a few weeks ago and we ended up having such a nice little after dinner treat. I had picked up a box of Funfetti Angel Food Cake, made according to package instructions and then topped them with fat free Cool Whip. For the Cool Whip, I put a few spoonfuls in a plastic bag and cut the tip off so I could "pipe" it on them instead of using a knife. I also only topped with Cool Whip when we were ready to eat, instead of topping them all ahead of time and refrigerating. 

I am sort of obsessed with Angel Food Cupcakes now because they are just the right size and so low in calories and fat! There are endless options for Angel Food too, in the summer add a strawberry or peach. Drizzle with chocolate. Or top with sprinkles!

Funfetti makes everything better!

I've got a big stash of straws from various occasions that I cut down to size, and added a heart cut out of glitter scrapbook paper with a dab of glue. So easy y'all, but so cute!

And since I'm trying to get rid of my hoarders stash of straws, I cut some more hearts for straws to place on our bar cart until our next mixed drink. Ok, I doubt Stephen will use one, but I sure will :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Yes, I'm totally going there. It's ok right, I'm really pregnant and emotional from time to time. I will be really sweet and sappy to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Valentine's Day. Having a baby on the way has already changed the dynamic of our relationship, in nothing but a positive way. I love him more and more each day, and I feel closer to him than I've ever been. I have seen him grow from not only a caring husband for me, but a provider, who is a generous and loving daddy to our little boy who hasn't even joined the world yet.

Happy Valentine's Day Honey!! Love you lots.

And to all my lovely friends and readers, Happy Valentine's Day to you too! I hope you indulge in something {or a lot of sweet things} today and sip on a yummy drink with your loved one or a group of girlfriends.

via

xoxo.

Valentines at Home

Happy Monday y'all! Normally I'm not a big fan of Mondays but after last weeks stomach debacle I am thanking my lucky stars to be feeling good even on a drab Monday like today. I thought I'd share a few Valentines decorations with you all. Things are real simple around here these days as we are focusing on more important things like, a baby and his nursery! 

I pretty much love making these garlands now- I made a pom pom one for Christmas and used scrapbook paper and bakers twine for the Valentines edition. Love it. 

I don't think I ever payed attention to caring for tulips but I was intrigued after seeing Get Your Tulips to Tango at Carolina Charm. You must read these easy tips. These babies are thriving! 

Day four looks better than day one!

I also bought a pot of tulips at the grocery store that haven't bloomed yet. It's a nice dose of greenery right now inside.



And my little Valentines pups- I wanted them to stop and smell the tulips but that didn't happen. These are just as sweet though.

I got a ton of things done this weekend to make up for being out of commission last week.
Cannot wait to share!!

xoxo.

Guest Post: Hilliary from Happily Ever Healthy

Hey Miss Dixie Readers!  I am Hilliary from Happily Ever Healthy, the lifestyle blog about cooking, healthy living and the odds and ins that make me, well me!  I was tickled pink when Katie asked if I would like to share a recipe with you all while she is away in Atlanta!  Of course I jumped at the opportunity!  I love reading Katie’s blog everyday because of her upbeat personality, fabulous stories, and inspiration for all things girly! 

With Valentines day coming up next month, I thought I would share a recipe that is sure to show that special someone just how much you care.  Because we all know the way to a mans heart is through his stomach!  That’s how I won my boyfriend over!  I am not talking about a decadent dessert (but I have one of those for you too).  I am talking about elegant light crepes stuffed with strawberries (or any fruit for that matter) drizzled in milk chocolate, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar and luscious whip cream if you so desire!

And yes on Valentines day I think it is perfectly acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast! 

What I love about crepes is their wow factor and ingredients list. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.  Which means more time with your special someone and less time running to the store for a long list of ingredients!  So lets begin!

What you will need for your crepes is as followed:
Crepes
Makes 16 good size Crepes

 1 1/4 Cup Flour 

1/2 Cup Sugar 

3 Eggs

 1 Cup Milk 

2 Tablespoons Butter Melted

Pinch of Salt (Very Little Bit)

Powdered Sugar for Dusting

Chocolate for Drizzling: I suggest this recipe
Whip Cream if you desire

Small Skillet

Cooking Spray

Now for the fillings this is the fun part!  Be creative with your flavor combinations. There is no right or wrong way to dress these crepes up!  Pick fillings you know your special someone will love!  Here are some suggestions:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Bananas

Jelly: Any Flavor

Peanut Butter

Nutella

Trader Joes Cookie Butter- Haven't tried this?  It is addicting, taste just like a cookie!

I usually stick with fresh berries, especially when the tops are drizzled in melty chocolate!

So now that we have gone over all the ingredients, lets begin preparing this special brunch!

Start by mixing your sugar, flour and salt together in a large bowl (all the dry ingredients)

Then in a separate bowl combine your melted butter, milk and eggs.  Whisk them together really well!  

Now add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and stir well to combine everything.  You want a smooth batter, no lumps!

Spray your skillet (I used an electric griddle this time) with non stick cooking spray and heat it over med-high heat.  

When the skillet is nice and hot pour in 1/4 cup batter, swivel the pan around a bit to ensure a nice thin crepe.  By doing this you will also get an even thickness to your crepe!  Your crepes are ready to flip when tiny bubbles form on the surface of the crepe, and the edges start to curl a bit.

Continue in this manner till your batter is gone, respraying the pan as you see fit!  Don't get frustrated, I usually mess up my first 2 or 4 crepes!  

Helpful tip: Crepes can stick together easily.  I recommend putting a layer of wax paper in-between each crepe  after they are done cooking.  This will insure that no crepe gets stuck together!

It is fun to set out the toppings like a ice cream sunday bar, only this would be a crepe filling and topping bar!  However if you prefer to make a pretty presentation for that someone special go right ahead!  This past weekend when I made them I simply set out an array of toppings and let everyone fill their own!

Bon Apetite!  Enjoy because these Crepes truly are a little treat for breakfast!
Oh and just one last thing before I go!  If you want a festive dessert sure to please any sweet tooth why not try these red velvet cupcakes!

Thanks again Katie for allowing me to guest post! Have a fabulous Wednesday Everyone!

Thank you so much for sharing that mouth watering treat with us Hilliary!! I had never thought to make crepes before for Valentine's Day but I'm thinking I will have to make these once the hubby sees this. If you haven't checked out Hilliary's blog make sure you stop by and say hello! Thanks again for the sweet treat!

xoxo.