Friday, February 18, 2011

Wet Seal Order is here

I made my order on the 11 of February and It arrived on the 17th. I am excited, I love the little yoga shorts. I am almost certain that I would never leave my house in them, but I will do yoga at home with them, my hubby enjoys it immensely. I love, love the Tunnel Tank, it's so comfy, soft and it fits so well. The other tank is pretty nice as well. The only complaint I have is with the dolphin shorts, they are too big. But I can use them to sleep in them instead of running in them. Here is what came in the order and a great picture from me.

1 of Tunnel T-Back Tank $4.00
1 of Rib Tank Top $4.00
1 of Dolphin Short $4.00
1 of Fold Over Yoga Short $4.00
1 of Solid Rollover Yoga Short $4.00


I also finally got around to going to a Target and buying the little jacket I really wanted. I use the last of the Money on the Target gift card I was given for Christmas from my wonderful little sister. She has always been a great gift giver. The Jacket was $37.00 with tax, and the gift card had $20.00 left on it so I only had to pay $17.00 for it. Here's a picture of it that I took here in my room.
Tell me what you think about the clothes, jacket or whatever you want to share with me I am here. Leave a comment and become a follower before you leave.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Delia's.com Outift



Blowfish Casita Sandal
Item#: 300303
Price: $49.50
Lucy Dolman
Price: Original: $24.50
Now: $14.99 - $19.50
Long-sleeve dolman top with placed graphic detail.
Solid Burnout Boy Tank
Item#: 300482
Price: $15.50
BUY ANY 2 FOR $25


Olivia Jegging
Price: $39.50
BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF

Five-pocket stretchy jegging with super-narrow leg.
Mixed Media Bracelet
Item#: 300786
Price: $12.50
 http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=55349&categoryID=1856&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=#
  • Cord, metal and plastic

  • One size

  • Imported



  • Turquoise Flower Ring
    Item#: 300792
    Price: $9.50
  • Metal

  • One size

  • Imported

  • http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=55368&categoryID=1856&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=



  • Gold Hoop Earrings
    Item#: 300817
    Price: $9.50

  • Metal

  • One size

  • Imported

  • Web exclusive

  • http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=55342&categoryID=1856&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=



  • Valentines Outfit- From my closet-

    Here is the cute little outfit I am going to be wearing for Valentines. The dress is kind of short so I have to wear leggings with it. And I love my boots. I bought the dress from Wet Seal for about $10.00, the boots came from Wet Seal for about $40.00, and the leggings came from Wet Seal for about $5.00. The nail polish came from CVS for $1.99. So let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

    Romantic Restaurant

    I found this place on a yahoo web thing, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. This place looks great. I would love to go and check it out some day, have a romantic lunch with my hubby , the sound of the waterfall just outside the window. It would be so wonderful.
    Simon Pearce Restaurant

     

    Glassmaker Simon Pearce’s restaurant, housed in a restored mill overlooking the falls of Vermont’s Ottauquechee River and its covered bridge, is a food destination worth its out-of-the-way address. The exposed-brick and blond wood terrace dining room—hanging over the falls—is open and airy in the summer and fully glass-encased during winter. Ask for “table #5,” an intimate two-seat table set directly over the rushing river.

    Saturday, February 12, 2011

    Proactive-Update-

    2 Days in and my skin is beginning to dry out.  I can already tell that this stuff isn't going to last long at all. They don't fill these tiny little bottles with much of the product.
    The face wash feels like I'm washing my face with sand. The Toner smalls really bad, what were they thinking? My repairing cream was a really small bottle and also was like half full. Although the green tea moisturizer was in a tiny little bottle I actually like it. It smells really nice but it doesn't last long on the face. It seems that after I apply it a few hours late my face is still really dry. I haven't noticed any different in my face, with pimples or blackheads, but it has only been a few days. I will get back to this subject in a week and see where I am then.

    Outfit of the Week- Week Three

    Here is a good Winter outfit. Seeing how it is Winter and all my outfits are for Summer I thought I would go ahead and make up a Winter outfit instead of another Summer one. I am a huge fan of shorts, everyone knows that but I often wear jeans as well when it is colder. These are  my favorite jeans, Almost Famous, is there brand name and I bought them at Ross for around $15.00 maybe even cheaper. It has been a few years so I am not entirely sure what the price was.



    This is just a simple undershirt I picked up at, you guessed it, Ross for around $3.99. I really like to where grey and the lace on the bottom and around the top makes this top so cute.
    I bought this sweater Ross for around $7.99. It is really light and airy so really it might not be the best sweater for really cold weather. You could always put a long sleeve shirt underneath it that would keep you warmer in much colder weather.

    I bought these neat little shoes at Target. They were in clearance for $4.99. I can't believe it either but I was so happy to find them. I almost had to fight a lady over them but my hubby is really intimidating and people usually don't get to close to us. I love shopping with him because it keeps all the crazy bitches trying to gab up the stuff I am going for at bay.:)

    I am keeping the accessories simple because during winter I don't tend to wear to many accessories.  Just some earrings, a cute ring and a necklace, A of coarse for Alissa. So I hope you like this weeks outfit. If you have any questions or just have something to say just leave a comment, I love to hear from anyone really.

    Friday, February 11, 2011

    Wetseal Order

    Yay! My order was shipped and should be here in a few days. they have 5 for $20.00 deals all the time and I often take advantage of it and buy five items for $20.00 and end up spending $26.00 because of shipping and tax. My order is as follows.

    1 of Tunnel T-Back Tank $4.00

    1 of Rib Tank Top $4.00

    1 of Dolphin Short $4.00

    1 of Fold Over Yoga Short $4.00

    1 of Solid Rollover Yoga Short $4.00

    So when it arrives I am going to take pictures of all the items and let you know how great or disappointing they are. I am really hoping that the shorts will all fit because sometimes their bottoms can run a little small but I am hopeful. If you have any questions or comments I always reply and get back to you so go ahead and leave a comment and let me know about your experience with wetseal, and if you love their stuff or not.

    What's in my bag

    So I thought it would be neat to do a blog about what I carry around with me in my bag everyday. I always bring my bag no matter where I am going, at least as long as I am leaving my house I take my bag with me.

    As you can see I have here my first wallet which I bought from Target a few weeks ago for $9.99. Second my brush which I bought from Ross for $3.99. Third you can see my keys which open my doors and start my cars. Forth is my make-up bag which you will see the content of it later. I bought this from Target as well for $1.99. Fifth is my MP3 player I bought from Wal-Mart for $79.00. I really love it, it works really well and I haven't come close to filling it up. Last but not least, or maybe it is, my little compact mirror. I bought this from Claires in one of our malls around here and I think it was $4.99 in clearance. I bought this my last birthday.


    Here are the items that are in the pink/butterfly make-up bag. First my little floss stick things and my gum, I always need these just in case we ever eat out and I need to clean my teeth up a little. I carry gum where ever I go. Second a little thing of Deodorant. You never want to smell bad from B.O. Third I like to take along with me a little bit of make-up just in case I ever need to touch up my face. Some powder, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and eyeshadow stick.

    Here we have a few different breath savors, tick tacks and whatnot, you never want to have bad breath. Some more lip gloss can be seen at the bottom right. I keep a little notebook with me just in case along with my little green address book, I got from target for $7.99. On the address book there area few hair things and a nail file. The green case at the top is where I keep my checkbook and other important things.

    So now you know what I keep in my bag, what kinds of things do you always keep with you? If you have any questions or comments go ahead and leave a comment, I will respond always. So make sure you check back often.

    Delia's.com Clearance Outfit

    Here is another great outfit you can get cheaper by buying from the Clearance area of your favorite stores, online or in the store itself.
    Vilma Love Necklace
    Janice Multi Cord Bracelet
    Alana Lace Skirt
    Allover lace skirt with contrast black underlay and contrast elastic waistband.
    Gwenyth Babydoll Henley
    Perfect for layering or to wear alone! Solid babydoll henley with lace trim at bustline and spaghetti straps.


    Jessica Lace Clutch

    Restricted Folklore Gladiator Sandal
    One of this season's hottest trends: the woven gladiator sandal.


    Thursday, February 10, 2011

    Alloy.com Clearance

     Everywhere you go you are going to run into clearance area's where you can find great stuff for cheaper prices. You can even find them online as well. Here is an outfit I  put together from alloy's clearance area.

    Monroe Tote
    Top-handle tote with covered stud detail and two side pockets. Inside zipper pocket and cell phone pocket. 10" handle drop.

    Get Lucky Necklace
    Two-tier necklace with rhinestone and horn charms. Adjustable clasp.
    Crawford Sandal
    Metal bead detail.
    Butterfly Words
    V-neck tee with dolman sleeves.

    Aphrodite Vintage Boyfriend Short
    Five-pocket low-rise jean short with a slouchy boyfriend fit. Worn low and loose around hips.

    If you have any questions or comments I will always get back to you and answer every question to my best knowledge.

    Proactive

    I ordered and received my Proactive package. It came with Renewing Cleanser 2 FL., Revitalizing Toner 2 FL., Repairing Treatment 1 FL., Refining Mask 1 OZ., Green Tea Moisturizer .33 FL OZ., and of coarse that stuppid little book that they say is worth $12.00 and I say is worth nothing. It is a little silly just how small these bottle are, it's crazy. So I will try it out tonight before bed and then again in the morning. I will keep at it and use all of the product keeping everyone in the loop about how my skin changes or not changes. I don't have a terrible acne problem just a few break-outs every now and then but I would love to not have those and just have clear beautiful skin. I hate break-outs.
    If you have used Proactive please leave a comment and tell me about your experience with it. I would love to know what happen with your skin, if it worked or didn't help at all.

    Outfit of the Week- Week Two

    This is a great summer outfit and sometimes because of the crazy weather in North Carolina I often get to wear it even in the winter.
    I bought this shirt at Khols and only paid about $4.00 for it because it was in clearance. If you read my blogs often you will notice that I get allot of my stuff from the clearance areas. It's the same stuff as the rest of the store just extremely cheaper. I love it.

    I love these flip flops, they are so comfortable and easy to wear. They are cushy and soft. I found these at my local CVS store right down the street from my house. They were of coarse in clearance for $4.00, so cheap but so wonderful.
    I love these shorts. I haven't worn them through the summer yet because I just bought them this Christmas with my X-Mas money. I found them at Khols in clearance for $7.00. They are so comfortable and soft and I just love them. I always use to say that I didn't like cut off short and would never wear them. Now I couldn't bare to lose these cut off shorts. I am totally sold on cut off shorts, well at least these ones.

    So what do you think about this weeks "Outfit of the Week"? Leave a comment and let me know.

    Wednesday, February 9, 2011

    LOVE THIS DESSERT

    Treat your sweetie to something special this Valentine's Day: this eye-catching cake that melds raspberries and chocolate. Ganache is used for the airy mousse base and as the topping, while a pink-hued raspberry mousse peeks out between the layers.
    Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Cake

    CRUST
    1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs*
    6 tablespoons butter, melted
    1/4 cup raspberry preserves
    FILLING
    8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
    2 tablespoons raspberry flavoring syrup, divided**
    2 1/2 cups whipping topping, divided
    1 tablespoon sugar
    TOPPING
    6 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
    3/4 cup whipping cream

    1. Heat oven to 375°F. In medium bowl, stir together cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes or until set.
    Remove from oven; gently spread preserves over crust. Cool completely on wire rack.

    2. Meanwhile, place 8 oz. chocolate and 1 tablespoon of the raspberry syrup in large bowl. Heat 1 1/2 cups of the cream in medium saucepan over medium heat or in microwave on high until cream comes to a boil. Immediately pour cream over chocolate; stir until smooth. Let stand until cool but still liquid (about 65°F.). (To speed up process, place bowl with chocolate in bowl of ice water; stir constantly.) Beat at medium speed 2 to 4 minutes or until slightly soft peaks form; spread over crust. Refrigerate.

    3. In large bowl, beat remaining 1 cup cream, remaining 1 tablespoon raspberry syrup and sugar at medium speed until firm but not stiff peaks form. Spread over chocolate filling. Refrigerate.

    4. Place 6 oz. chocolate in large bowl. Heat 3/4 cup cream in small saucepan over medium heat or in microwave on high until cream comes to a boil. Immediately pour cream over chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool until slightly thickened but still pourable (about 75°F.). Spoon over raspberry filling. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 8 hours or overnight. (Cake can be made up to 2 days ahead.)
    5. To easily cut cake, leave cake in springform pan; use hot dry knife to cut through top layer. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove springform pan ring; slice completely. Store in refrigerator.

    TIPS *Look for 100-percent chocolate cookie crumbs, such as the Oreo brand, which are located in the supermarket baking section near graham cracker crumbs or in the ice cream topping section. If you can’t find them, substitute crushed chocolate wafer cookies.
    **Raspberry flavoring syrup often is used to flavor coffee, so look for it in the gourmet coffee section of the supermarket.

    Tuesday, February 8, 2011

    Strawberry Alissa-Rita

    This is a strawberry margarita with a little sparkle. If you like strawberries your goning to love this drink.

    Ingredients

  • 1 (12 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate

  • 12 ounces champagne

  • 8 ounces Tequila

  • 4 ounces DeKuyper® Strawberry Liqueur

  • 12 ounces water

  • Directions

    1. Pour limeade into pitcher with ice. Fill limeade can with champagne and pour into pitcher. Then fill limeade can with 2/3  Tequila and 1/3 DeKuyper Strawberry Liqueur and pour in. Lastly, add a can of water, stir and serve over ice. Makes 9 delicious drinks, perfect for any ladies night in.
    2. Looking for a lighter option? Swap soda water for the champagne and 2 cups of sliced strawberries for the Strawberry Liqueur.

    Chicken Gravy -Request-

    After creating your favorite chicken dish, it's all gravy - chicken gravy! Pour over chicken and go to town! Yummmy! If you don't have chicken stock on hand, you could also use bouillon cubes, chicken flavor of coarse; just follow package directions and proceed as directed below.

    Ingredients


  • 2 cups chicken stock




  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch




  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning



  • Directions

    Bring chicken stock to a boil. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and add to chicken stock. Season to taste with poultry seasoning and cook until thickened. Serve over mashed potatoes or chicken.

    If you have any questions or comments  leave a comment and I will get back to you.

    Orange Cream Delight (Screwdriver

    Remember those creamy orange ice pops you had as a child? Now you can drink them too! You can adjust the vodka to your liking. It goes down smooth, so watch your consumption. You don't want to get to wasted and end up that girl dancing on the table with her top off at the end of the party...lol

    Ingredients

  • 6 fluid ounces orange juice

  • 2 1/2 fluid ounces vanilla flavored vodka

  • ice cubes - I think mine crunched up-

  • Directions

    1. Measure the orange juice and vodka into a shaker and add a scoop of ice. Cover and shake until the outside is frosty. Strain into a glass and serve. If you don't have a shaker just mix them in the glass you intend to drink from but add the ice first.
    2. And if you like you can cut an orange and place a slice on the side of the glass as seen in the picture.

    WILLOW SANDAL -from Alloy.com

    I got these great sandals from Alloy.com, they have them in clearance for $14.99. It's a good price compared to the price before it went on clearance which was $29.90. You can get them in black or chestnut. They are Metal and bead detail with a back zipper.
     I usually wear a 8 1/2 or 9, I got these in an 8 1/2 but they are a little big for me. So if you get them go a little smaller than your original size.


  • 3/4" faux wood stacked mini wedge




  • Faux leather upper




  • Here is a shot from Alloy.com of the Chestnut version of the sandle. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about these sandles and if you are going to get a pair yourself. I always love to hear from my readers and I always comment back if anyone leaves a message. :)

    Monday, February 7, 2011

    Basic Mashed Potatoes

    If you love good, old fashioned mashed potatoes this is the perfect recipe. Simple and delicious

    Ingredients

  • 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 cup milk

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • Directions

    1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain.
    2. In a small saucepan heat butter and milk over low heat until butter is melted. Using a potato masher or electric beater, slowly blend milk mixture into potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    If anyone needs a good GRAVY recipe to go with these great mashed potatoes just leave a comment and let me know. I would be happy to upload any kind of gravy you want. I am full of recipes.;)

    Valentines Day Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    This is the simplest version of chocolate covered strawberries I know. Paraffin was originally used instead of shortening. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert by the toothpicks into a piece of Styrofoam for easy cooling, or simply place them on a sheet of wax paper. White chocolate may be drizzled over the milk chocolate for a fancier look. They are perfect for weddings when decorated with frosting bow ties, bells, butterflies, roses, etc

    Ingredients

  • 16 ounces milk chocolate chips

  • 2 tablespoons shortening

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

  • Directions

    1. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
    2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture.
    3. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into Styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

    Saturday, February 5, 2011

    What I bought, Shopping.

    So as you know if you keep up with my blogs I went shopping the other day and bought a few things. First as I have shown in another entry my new bag. It was about $26.00 at Ross, I love it there. Ross has higher quality items such as clothes, bags, and shoes plus much more for a cheaper price than other stores. I could spend all day in one shopping threw all their great stuff.

    I also purchased these two tops the first was $8.99 at Ross. It fits great and I love the way it fits around my chest. The fabric is fabulous, so soft on my skin and comfortable. The second shirt was $6.99 at Ross. It is also soft and comfortable.
    This shirt also came from Ross for about $6.99. This one is a little too big for me but I will wear it with a little pair of leggings and just hang around the house in it. It was totally comfy and will be great around that time of the month.

    I also went to CVS and got my supply of hair dye and some basic make-ups. I love using Garnier Nutrisse, it always leaves my hair feeling much better than any other dyes. I picked up some pink lip gloss, and a few cover up make-ups. I tend to buy allot of my make-ups and beauty supplies from CVS because they are right down the road from my house and I love simple and quick when it comes to getting to a place.


    My Kitty-Smidge-

    This is my little Smidge, better known as MooMoo or MooBear. I always have multiple names for all the animals I end up with. Depending on my mood and theirs, I use the different names to let her know how I feel about what she is doing. In the picture she is my little MooBear, so sweet and cute. You just want to squeeze her and run her little belly. When she is being a naughty girl, getting into something or using my bed as a scratching post we call her Smidge in a Stern voice. Now when she is being silly or I accidentally knock her of my computer chair with my elbow, I use MooMoo. She is such a mommys girl and often sits in my lap while I am on the computer. She needs allot of attention and care. If you are wondering why she is so fat it's not my fault. My mother in law feeds her treats all day long and I can't get her to stop. lol Moo will be okay though so she is on the all cat food diet. What do you think about little Smidge? Leave a comment and become a follower for more from me.

    Thursday, February 3, 2011

    My newest handbag- Tyler Rodan-


    I picked up this Tyler Rodan bag in Ross today for about $26.00, original price was $75.00. There are two smaller zipper openings in the front and one larger one on the back, including two cell phone pockets on the sides.


    Here you can kind of see the matching Umbrella that can with the bag.
     I love freebies.  What do you think about the bag? Would you tote it around? Leave a comment and tell me what you think about it and don't forget to become a follower so you wont miss a thing from me and my blog!

    Outfit of the Week- Week One

    So I am going to start doing an outfit of the week. I plan to upload a new outfit at least once a week but if I don't get around to it every single week don't be mad. I might even end up doing more that just one a week, oh well.
    Anyway this is a usual outfit for me, I am so casual. I always, always wear flats. I tried wearing heels a couple years back but they never caught on with me. I feel like a giant even though I am only 5'5 and my hubby likes that I am short and prefers me on the ground. Flats are much more comfortable and if you have to run away from something or whatever you are good to go. I bought these shoes at Ross for around $15.00.

    I am always in a pair of jeans, be it pants or shorts, so of coarse my first "Outfit of the Week" is Jeans. I am a big fan of the ripped look, I am pretty sure most of my jeans have ripped parts on them. I bought these jeans from Alloy.com but I don't recommend buying jeans online. You really need to try them on. I had to return these twice trying to find the right size and the shipping is killer. I complained and got most of the shipping given back in a gift card. Remember this if nothing else, complaining can get you free stuff. lol

     A good undershirt is key. I never want to show too much while I am out and about so I always wear a great undershirt. A good one can snuggle you in all the right places and give you some great cleavage so I usually don't go without one. I bought this undershirt at Khols for around $2.99. Khols clearance is amazing, I shop their allot.


    Finally the top. Light blue is so pretty and the shirt is great to wear. It is so breathable and the fabric is so soft. These are all key details when getting a great shirt. I bought this one at Wetseal.com for $7.50 and I do believe that they still have a few left.
    And now we are down to jewelry. I love jewelry, it really adds texture to your outfit and it is so important for your outfit. No matter what your taste is always add some jewelry to complete the outfit. I got most of this stuff from the mall, Claires and whatnot. The butterfly ring was $5.99, the other were a set for $9.99, while the bracelets where $3.99, the earrings came in a set of 3 or 4 different earrings and was $8.99, and the necklace was $6.99 I think.
    There is the "Outfit of the Week" out of my closet. Complete with everything you need to look great and be comfortable. Don't forget to wear bras and undies, I didn't think it necessary to upload those, what do you think? Well leave a comment and let me know what you think about my Outfit of the Week. You can also become a follower so you don't miss anything I blog about, you don't want to miss next weeks Outfit of the Week, Do you?

    Xhilaration Moto Jacket

    I was shopping at Target today and found this rather awesome coat  the Xhilaration Moto Jacket. It's about $35.00 in stores and on their website. I am hoping to find it on sale or maybe in two weeks when I get paid again just pay the $35.00. But I worry that they will all be gone, sold out, this happens to me often. I had already spent $60.00 at Ross and $20.00 at CVS so I just couldn't get the jacket as well. I still have to order Pro Active and $25.00 worth at Wetseal. Wow, I am a shopping fool. But anyway I tried the jacket on at Target and I really like it on, it fit well and feels great. The material doesn't feel all cheap and crappy made. So I definitely want to get one before they are all  gone. What about you? What do you think about the jacket? Do you like it or hate it?

    Tuesday, February 1, 2011

    Revlon 1" Straightener - Floral Pattern

    Revlon’s 1 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener is perfect for everyday use. Tourmaline technology is unsurpassed for leaving hair silky, shiny and soft. Ceramic technology provides high, even heat that penetrates hair from the inside-out, helping hair retain natural moisture for “frizz-free” styles. The versatile size of the 1 inch plates straightens, flips, curls and creates waves. For styling versatility the 1 inch tourmaline ceramic straightener offers multiple heat settings, 30 second fast heat-up, "watch out this sucker can get really hot", instant heat recover, and a swivel free cord that helps prevents tangles.

    Features

    • Includes a heat-resistant pouch
    • Used For: Straightening
    • For Use On: Hair
    • Hair Type: All Hair Types
    • Features: Corded, Swivel Cord, Adjustable, High Heat, 30-Sec. Heat Up, Ceramic Plates, Automatic Shut-Off
    • Pieces: 2
    • Care and Cleaning: Hand Wash
    • Power Source: Electric

    A Little Romance-Sharing valentines at school

    From traditional cards to handmade missives to baked treats, there are plenty of sweet ways for kids to express their appreciation for teachers and classmates.

    Sweet Treats

    Cookie and cupcake lovers of all ages will treasure something home-baked and decorated by hand, even if it starts with a mix.
    Almost homemade. Cut refrigerator sugar cookie dough into heart shapes and decorate with icing and candy sprinkles; bake as directed. Place each cookie in a plastic bag and tie with red ribbon. Cut out paper hearts for gift tags.
  • Love me tender. These Black Bottom Cupcakes come with a gooey cream cheese center, so there's no need for icing. To add a secret message, place a large conversation heart candy in the cream cheese just before baking.

  • Sweet heart. It might not come in a box from Tiffany's, but this butter cookie necklace is better than bling! Make it a key chain instead of a necklace by shortening the red licorice strand.

  • Card-Carrying Romantics

    Let the kids take the lead when it comes to choosing or making Valentine's Day cards.
  • One and all. Encourage kids to include all classmates on their Valentine's Day list so no one feels left out. Be sure to remember teachers and school staff, too.

  • Think inside the box. Allow kids to buy boxed cards if that's their preference, but help them personalize the sentiment by decorating envelopes with stickers, stamps and drawings.

  • Get creative. You don't have to spend money on commercial valentines--create something unique instead. Use a cookie cutter to trace heart shapes on red or pink cardstock or construction paper. Cut out pictures from magazines for charming collages. Recycle old valentines: mount fronts of cards on heavy red or pink paper or flattened cupcake liners, and decorate with ribbon bows.

  • Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Check out poetry books from the library to help older kids think about messages to put on their valentines.

  • Poets who know it. Have younger kids pen poetry using a "Roses are Red, Violets are blue" theme. Or show them how to write a love note that expresses why they appreciate someone: "How do I like you? Let me count the ways…"
  • Valentines Cranberry Raspberry Flirtini

    "Packed with fun and flavor, there is nothing coy about this fruity and effervescent refresher. It will definitely be a favorite to all your guests, friends, family, guy friends, everyone.:)

    Ingredients


  • 2 ounces Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail




  • 1 ounce vodka/OR MORE




  • 1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur




  • 1 ounce champagne or sparkling wine




  • Fresh raspberries, garnish



  • Directions

    Combine the cranberry juice cocktail, vodka, and liqueur in an ice-filled martini shaker. Shake gently and strain into a large martini glass. Top with champagne and garnish with fresh cranberries and raspberries.

    Boots

    I picked up these great black boots at Ross in Raleigh at briar creek. I think I payed like $15.00 for them. They are crazy comfortable because they are flat. I wear them with everything...shorts, dresses, jeans. I love them. What do you think about them? Would you wear them?