Valentine's Day

Aside from watching Charlie Brown, our Valentine's Day is just another day. We don't really do anything "special". I mean, I get the dollar fifty hearts with chocolates from Walgreens, and sometimes give the kids cards, but this year, I wasn't feeling it.

I've been sick with an ear infection. 102* fever, and all. Who gets ear infections at over 30 years old?! Me.

Yesterday my hubby took the girl child to a Father/Daughter sweetheart dance at a community Rec Center. They had a blast, until "Whip and Nae Nae" came on.. and my husband said, "Whip? A-No-No."  They decided then would be a great time to go get a snack. They took pictures with Belle, and spun and danced the afternoon away. When they came home, I asked the big boy child, (who's almost the size of man, by the way) if he'd be my valentine and go out on a date with me, despite the fact that I was hopped up on Dayquil & Sudafed. We went to go see 'The Good Dinosaur'. Such a cute coming of age type movie- definitely scarier for little ones, great for the 7 and up group. I digress. We had a lovely evening, and he asked me to be HIS valentine with the other chocolate heart I bought. It was perfectly perfect. Maybe I'm doing something right with him, after all.

My daughter is my artsy one.. she made breakfast in bed for the hubster and I. Scrambled eggs, with a smiley face of ketchup on and around the eggs. So cute. She also made us a card in her crochet club, it was perfect!

I feel like maybe we're doing something right with this one, too. My little guy went Pee-Pee on the potty, so at this rate he WON'T be getting married in diapers, so I guess I'm doing okay with him, too!!

Well, I wish you and yours a happy Sunday-which-also-happens-to-be-Valentine's-Day. Go be with the ones you love, and tell them you love and appreciate them not only today, but every day of the year. Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone.. so enjoy TODAY while you can!

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How about some LOVE from 4BabyAndMom +YouCanMakeThis.com?!

So after my week long trip out of state, my plane landed after 12:30am.. by the time I got home I was shot. I figured I could finish up pre-valentine prep on Monday, but I spent most of the day trying to get into the swing of home life again. So the day was basically spent calling doctors, setting up appointments, and all of that other fun stuff.

Monday evening, Babs finished her Valentines, and we attached her candy, and I realized they looked "cheap". So... thanks to Pinterest, I decided to make crayon hearts. Out to Walmart I trekked (on one of the busiest shopping days of the year!) and bought a mold, a gazillion crayons, and then went home- expecting to just whip up some crayons.

First, I will admit that they were a lot more difficult than I thought... unwrapping them, anyway. I used two different brands, just for some color variation. One brand was a little bit better than the other, but only once the hubster got out his razor knife, did the paper shells start coming off with ease.

We broke them into fourths, and piled them in the bowl. After the crayon prep was done, we put piles of them into the molds, threw them into the toaster oven (at 230*) for approximately 12 minutes. Fifteen minutes made the tops (back) turn darkest; at ten minutes, some of the crayon chunks didn't melt all of the way, so 12 minutes it was.

I placed the mold into a frying pan (just as a buffer) and placed it in the fridge. I checked on it in 10-15 minutes and turned it upside down, if they were cool enough they popped right out, if not, they went back in for a few more minutes. After I made about 40 of them, I called it a night. The last batch was the prettiest, by far, but I only took a picture of the second batch. The front of the heart (bottom of the mold) looked GORGEOUS!! A nice swirly (or chunky) blend of colors, but the backs of the first two batches were less defined, and more of a solid color. The last two batches had more of a distinct swirl of colors, but still were not as absolute as the front of the hearts (pictured above). 

All in all, I think they came out beautiful, and the kids enjoyed handing them out along with their Valentines.

Being pregnant and not feeling very well, I shamefully admit that was the extent of the craftiness this Valentine's Day. I did do Abbie's hair in a heart braid in the morning, but I couldn't really put my usual "oomph" into the day.

I love being crafty- really, I do. Earlier this month, I jumped at the opportunity to host a giveaway for YouCanMakeThis.com. 

If you've never been there before- you should definitely check it out. They have patterns for EVERYTHING, and tutorials showing you how to make many projects for around the home, kids, hair accessories, and so much more! They have great beginner items, as well as more advanced items- from crocheting, to sewing, and everything in-between!  

Our friends at YouCanMakeThis.com have offered one of our readers their chance to win this HOT Valentine's themed pattern prize pack!

To enter, just fill out the RaffleCopter form below- if you cannot see the form, CLICK HERE to load this page separately. (It may need a minute to load properly).
 






a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Romance Film Favorites- 4pk DVD Giveaway! Because We LOVE You!

This is going to be a really quick, old school giveaway. Because Valentine's Day is going to be here before we know it, we decided to show you our love! One lucky winner will have the chance to win this fabulous 4 pack of DVD's; perfect for a chick flick night, or just to add to your library.

The four pack of Nicholas Sparks Romance DVD's include: THE NOTEBOOK, MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE, A WALK TO REMEMBER, and NIGHTS IN RODANTHE.

This is just for our readers- our fans- because without you, there would be no "us". Thank you for supporting us in our down time, believing in us when we were slow, and encouraging us through this difficult year.

We look forward to an exciting 2012 full of giveaways and awesome reviews.

To enter to win- just leave us a comment below. You can share anything you want- why you like our site, if there's anything you want to see come back [or see more of], or just a word of encouragement. Also, please tell us how/where you follow us (GFC, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, RSS, ETC).

This giveaway is open to anyone with a valid US address only and will end on  Thursday, February 9, at 11:59pm EST.

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Send Your Valentine Something Sweet [or Salty] from The Popcorn Factory! Giveaway + Free Shipping

I grew up in a family that gave gifts for everything. You lost a tooth? You got a gift. It's Halloween? You got a gift. Usually, the gifts were not just from my parents, but they were from my aunts and uncles or cousins, as well. I miss being a part of a close-knit family like that [as much as they drove me NUTS when I was a kid..] especially when I look at my kids.

That being said...I have seven nieces and a nephew. One is still an infant, and only two are close enough for us to see randomly through the year. The others live in NY, and two live in California. This year, I told Bri that I would love to do something special for the kids we don't see too often, and send them little trinkets, or gifts for the in-between holidays. The majority of them are all getting old enough to know who we are, and being that we don't see them that often, I do want them to know we are here, we care about them, and love them- even if we're 1500 miles away.

While looking for something fun, functional, or practical to send, I found this cute LOVE YA! sampler set from The Popcorn Factory. How cute is this?!?

The LOVE YA! gift is only $4.99 and comes with their super delicious secret recipe popcorn heart and four foil wrapped chocolate hearts. Perfect for the sweet and salty lover in your family, or for the older kiddos this Valentine's Day.

There is a 20% off coupon that comes with the gift pack, which is great for your recipient to use at a later date, or for their parents, if you're like me!

Use Promo Code LOVEYA and get FREE Ground Shipping on this sweet treat!

Great deals like this don't last very long, so make sure you put your order in quickly- as this is limited to the first 2,000 sweeties out there!

I encourage you to visit The Popcorn Factory on Facebook to find special deals, give feedback on products, and check out their "perfectly corny" video. 

Want to take a chance to win one for your special Valentine? THREE readers will win this wonderfully delicious prize pack- to keep or send to that special someone. Here's how: 

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What a way to brighten a mood! Special gifts from Pearl Paradise

Every Valentine's Day, my dear husband never really spoils me with something "fabulous". Which is usually why we host our Fabulous February Fiesta. Obviously, this year we did not. "Why???," you ask...

Well, we're moving. As we speak I am trying to organize, re-schedule, and pack. Excited about our new beginnings, but feeling a little gloomy, I got a great little surprise in the mail from Pearl Paradise.

These gorgeous black pearl earrings were so much more than I expected. I love black pearls. I have a necklace that my great-aunt had given me many years ago, and these earrings matched the black pearls in the necklace perfectly. Pearl Paradise has a large selection of Freshwater Pearls- from earrings to rings and everything in between- in many different colors. Not only do they have a huge selection, their prices are amazing. These gorgeous earrings would sell for $210 in stores, but Pearl Paradise sells them for only $43!

So did you get a special gift from your significant other this Valentine's Day? With these prices, you can afford to go and get something special for yourself, without breaking the budget.

Stay tuned for a special giveaway..



Special thanks to Pearl Paradise for allowing us to review these earrings.

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"Celebrating Love" with 1-800-Flowers

Maybe you didn't get the warm and fuzzy feelings from your significant other today, or maybe you got exactly what you were wanting. No matter what this Valentine's Day brings, know that 1-800-Flowers has put together another amazing book filled with everything one may need to "Celebrating Love".

Filled with quotes and words about love for every season, this book makes a great gift for anyone on your list.

Before you know it, Mother's Day will be here, and "Celebrating Love" would make a perfect addition to the gift you pick out for mom.

While you're at 1-800-Flowers.com be sure to check out their huge selection of beautiful bouquets, scrumptious chocolates, and gifts for any occasion.

Our friends at 1800Flowers have offered one of our lucky readers their chance to win CELEBRATING LOVE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to 1800Flowers for providing a press sample of Celebrating Love, and for offering a copy for our winner. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

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Wow! Wow! "Wubbzy Be Mine" DVD Giveaway!

From the PR/news release:

Roses are red…Wubbzy is yellow!

As Valentine’s Day is approaching, I wanted to share with you the release of Wubbzy’s newest DVD called “Wubbzy Be Mine.” The festive new DVD, which offers loads of Valentine’s Day–themed fun for young viewers and their families, is set to spark lots of “Wubb love” and laughter – just in time to celebrate the special day!

“Wubbzy Be Mine” (SRP $12.98) is an irresistible compilation of three episodes featuring the series’ well-loved characters, Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy. In “Mr. Valentine,” Wuzzleburg’s trusty mailman falls ill on Valentine’s Day and Wubbzy steps in to deliver all the valentines, but he soon discovers there are none for him…. To Wubbzy’s surprise, his pals personally deliver his valentines, saving the best for last! In “Cupid’s Helper,” Cupid pays a visit to Wuzzleburg, but loses his prized bubble-blower. When Wubbzy finds it, he starts blowing bubbles bringing together some of Wuzzleburg’s oddest couples. And, in “My Speedy Valentine,” the third love-filled episode on the new release, Wubbzy and his pals try to find the fastest way ever to make their own valentines, but something keeps bugging Walden….

Both of our kids love Wubbzy, and this Valentine's Day, they enjoyed receiving the new DVD as part of their gifts. To spread the "wuv", our friends from Wuzzleburg have offered one lucky reader their chance to WIN a brand new WUBBZY BE MINE DVD and some special Wubbzy candy for your little valentine.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to the PR firm representing WowWowWubbzy for providing a press copy of this DVD to 4BabyAndMom, and for sponsoring this giveaway. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

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Red Envelope and ProFlowers Makes Valentines Easy *Giveaway*

Every year my husband and I celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner and a movie at home. I usually try to make something special like shrimp scampi, or something out of the norm. We rarely give each other gifts, as we feel that we show our love throughout the year. This year, with a move on our horizon, our gifts have been more along the lines of file cabinets and stuff for the new place to help stay organized and make it feel like a home.

While searching for some home decor and things that really fit our style, I found RedEnvelope.com and knew right away what I wanted for our "Valentine's Day Gift". For the first time in our adult life, we have a hallway. I know, it doesn't sound like a major thing, but what do you do with a hallway?

My first impression was to put pictures in it, but I wanted something more than that. I found this beautiful Hall Gallery Frame Set, and knew that it would be perfect for that space. Isn't it gorgeous?! I knew as soon as I saw it that I would have to get it for our new home.

While I was there, I decided to look around and splurge a little on something for Brian. After all, this year we've celebrated 10 years of being together, and it's been awhile since the last time I bought him something just for him. He's an electrician, and doesn't have an office, so most items for men that are on the market during Valentine's Day is stuff for a desk, or cufflinks, or tie tacks and the like. While browsing I found the coolest thing for him, a Buffalo Nickel Money Clip Wallet. He loves old coins, and I thought that this would be perfect for him to use on weekends, or in exchange for his bulky wallet. Part of me was thinking of the Home Brewery Kit, (perfect for a man who has everything), but I wasn't sure if I wanted to take that step.. His brother brews his own beer, and well, I like the fact that my husband only has one on occasion.

The greatest part about RedEnvelope.com is that they not only have gifts for men and women, but gifts for the whole family, and for the house. If you can't decide what to get for your loved one, you can send a more traditional Valentine- flowers and chocolate! Whether you are looking for decadent chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, or just a bouquet of bright flowers for your mom, you will find it at RedEnvelope.com. You all know how I love "one stop shopping", and this place is it! Once you’ve picked out the perfect gift, choose delivery dates (including day-of shipping), select gift wrap, add a personalized card, and you’re set. No more trips to the mall for tired greeting cards and tacky ties!

While you’re shopping, be sure to check out ProFlowers.com too, for fresh, colorful flowers and gifts! From roses to lilies, plus add-ons like gourmet truffles and chocolate-dipped berries, you’re sure to find the sweetest gift for the ones you love – for Valentine’s Day and beyond!

To share the love with my readers, RedEnvelope.com is offering a $100 gift certificate for one lucky reader!


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 13, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to RedEnvelope and ProFlowers for providing two gift codes for the use of 4BabyAndMom. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

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1-800-Flowers & 1-800-Baskets Valentines Favorites! Review + Winner's Choice 4 Day Giveaway!

Whether it's baked goods or classic flowers, 1-800-Flowers & 1-800-Baskets has something to spoil every Valentine on your list.

From 1-800-BASKETS:

Decadent Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries ($32.99)Product Code:93300

These gigantic strawberries come covered in premium dark chocolate, and truly make for a romantic and delightful evening with your Love.

In the product description it claims, "It’s simply the best chocolate covered strawberry experience they’ll ever have."

I am a huge fan of chocolate covered strawberries, but I must say, I agree completely. The strawberries themselves were huge and perfectly ripened, and the chocolate was so creamy and indulgent.

It mentions on the insert that this product is meant to be consumed immediately, so be sure that the recipient will be where they are delivered, and plan the night accordingly. If your Valentine is a romantic who loves champagne and strawberries, this is a must have for your Sweetheart.


Cheryl&Co® Dancing Hearts Cookie Gift Tower ($49.99) Product Code:93349

Packed with the sweetest of baked goods, this tower of cookies, pretzels, brownies and candies makes for a lovely gift for a teacher, for a party hostess gift, or for a mother, grandmother, or special someone this Valentine's Day.

Cheryl & Co. products are baked fresh daily, hand frosted and individually wrapped for freshness and flavor.

The contents are intended to be consumed within 5-7 days after delivery, but can be frozen up to 6 months.




Sweetheart Belgian Chocolate Covered Oreo® Tin ($39.99) Product Code:93243

These look so beautiful when you open them, that you almost don't want to eat them! Made for the true Chocolate Lover- a lucious blanket of Belgian Milk, Dark and White chocolate with the adorable heart confections cover traditional Oreo cream filled cookies. If your Valentine has a Sweet Tooth, this tin is for them!

There are 16 in total, made perfect to share with someone you love.



From 1-800-FLOWERS:

Everlasting Love™ ($99.99) Product Code:90386

A dozen beautiful red roses and a bunch gorgeous lilies, accented with heather, bear grass and halal makes this arrangement perfect for a traditional Valentine's gift. This arrangement comes with a simple red glass vase and jewel heart accents which alone says, "I love you".

Whether you're half way around the world, or sharing the other half of the bed, this arrangement makes a great impression from the moment it's delivered. The combination of the smell of the lilies and roses make for a sweet and sensual experience.


Your Valentine is sure to remember this beautiful arrangement, or any of the other items mentioned above, or available at 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-BASKETS this year.

WANT IT?
Visit 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-BASKETS to view their large assortment of Valentine's baskets, arrangements and confections starting at $29.99! Take advantage of the free shipping and no service charge for Valentine's Day now. Also, if you become a fan of 1-800-BASKETS on Facebook, you'll receive a 15% off coupon for your entire order! (see the website for details)
 

WINNER:

This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. The giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on February 11, 2010. If the winner claims this giveaway by noon on the 12th, their Valentine should receive their gift on time. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on this post and our WINNERS PAGE. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. These products were provided to us at no cost by the 1-800-Flowers corporation for review purposes. All opinions expressed above are 100% mine, and your opinions may differ.

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Mom Central's 2nd Annual Valentine's Giveaways & Gift Guide

The flurry of red, white, and pink cupid and heart cut-out decorations abound in stores and classrooms signals the rapid approach of Valentine's Day. If choosing a thoughtful gift to display your affection to your Valentine sends you into a panic, turn to Mom Central's second annual Valentine's Day Gift Guide for an array of gift suggestions for men, women, and kids. In addition to using it as a resource for gift ideas, you can enter to win giveaways each week for all of the featured products!

Three of the exciting giveaways include:

Frederick's of Hollywood: Frederick's of Hollywood creates beautiful and sophisticated lingerie to help women feel sexy and confident in their own skin. Re-ignite the romance in your life and treat yourself- and your significant other- with special lingerie this Valentine's Day and beyond.

Perry Ellis Platinum Cologne: High-end fashion company Perry Ellis has launched their own line of men's fragrances, and Perry Ellis Platinum Label stands as the crown jewel of this catalog. This intricate blend of bamboo, mandarin, rosemary, violet, lavender, and cedar wood can be only be described as completely addictive and endlessly seductive.

Chocri Customizable Chocolate bars: Take the quintessential Valentine's Day gift of chocolate one step further with Chocri Chocolates, and move beyond your typical candy experience with customizable chocolate bars. Start with a base of milk, dark, or white chocolate and choose up to 5 toppings from more than 90 different mix-ins to create a truly unique confection to your Valentine.

One of my favorites so far is the TWELVE WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU book. Visit Mom Central now to check out this great Valentine's Day gift guide for wonderful and memorable gift ideas for your special someone



"I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. Mom Central entered my name in a random drawing to win a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate."

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Between Me and You, Honey~Day #6 Review & Giveaway!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this beautiful relationship keepsake journal could be yours!

When I received the Between Me and You HONEY relationship keepsake journal by Sand Dune Publishing in the mail, I thought surely I would give it to my husband, and have him fill it out for me. The longer I had the book, (and the more I flipped through the pages), the more I contemplated filling it out for him. Brian and I have been through so much together! We've been together 10 years, and married for just over 5. Many couples married for decades haven't gone through the trials of our friendship, courtship and marriage. Answering the questions and reflecting on the years before "us", really helped me to open up to my husband- on paper- for the first time since our premarital counseling. I really feel that it helped me reconnect and remember how and why we fell in love.

The book itself is not the actual gift. Sure, it's physically the gift that will be unwrapped, but the true gift is the words written inside for your special loved one. It's a gift of truth; a gift of hopes and dreams, and the gift of love, all over again. Sand Dune Publishing took it one step further and created an entire line of "Between Me and You" relationship keepsake journals to offer to Grandparents, to girlfriends, to lovers and even siblings. These journals are broken up into six different chapters concerning different phases of your personal relationship with the recipient. All of the questions you never knew how to ask, or even when to ask them- they ask them for you. It's presented in a comfortable, conversational tone so it's simple and easy for your loved one to fill out. The spiral binding allows for even more flexibility, if there's a question or a page that is irrelevant, you can simply tear it out. You can even add your own questions on the blank pages in the back!

I cannot even describe to you how much I wish that this particular line existed when my mother-in-law fell ill with cancer. There are so many things that I wish my children would have known about her, from her- she really was an incredible woman. A relationship keepsake journal such as this, would have been a fabulous way to have her true heartfelt thoughts and memories live forever.

Want it?
Run over to BETWEEN ME AND YOU JOURNALS and pick out the relationship keepsake journals for the friends and family you want to share your love with this Valentine's Day. Be sure to mention that read about them at 4BabyAndMom!

Win it!
Our friends at Sand Dune Publishing have offered a Between Me and You HONEY relationship keepsake journal to one lucky winner in celebration of Valentine's Day and our February Fiesta!

Here's how:

• Head over to BETWEEN ME AND YOU JOURNALS and share with us your favorite keepsake journal and one question you would ask or share with the recipient on the blank pages in the back.
  
• Email this post to at least three other friends and CC us at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com!
• Tweet, Digg or Stumble this giveaway, please include the link! (As much as you want, more thank 1x per day is a-ok!Just make another comment and link back!)
  
• Follow this blog and/or subscribe for our feeds!
• Blog about this contest!
• Add our button to your sidebar!
  
• You get an extra entry in ALL of our giveaways if you follow the directions in this post!!

Special thanks to Winston, President/Founder of Sand Dune Publishing for sponsoring Day #6 of our Fabulous February Fiesta!
Fine Print: Please include your email or contact information in your comments. YOU MUST post separate comments for each one of the tasks above that you complete. This drawing ends Monday 2/9/09 at 11:59pm EST. Any comments posted after that time will be deleted. If you post one reply saying you did all six, you will only receive 1 entry. One lucky winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, 2/10. Any questions, please click on the Contact Us button on our sidebar. Thank you for participating!

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