14 DIY Valentine treats for your someone special..

It's that time of year again when love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I love this time of year because all hearts are out. This is the only time I can indulge in my love of everything heart shaped.. Everywhere you turn, everything has a heart on it. Love it..

Lots of people are scrambling to find the perfect gift to show their someone special how much they love them. It's not always about how much money you spend but it's the thought that counts; your labor of love will show how much you care.

So to keep with my love for everything hearts, hope this list of DIY heart shaped treats will inspire you to make a special something for the Valentine in your life.. Whether its your mom, dad, grandma, wife, husband, sister, best friend, aunt or child, give them lots of love during this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!!

14 DIY Valentine Treats

Heart Brownie Treasure Box for dessert	Add a Sugar Cube to your coffee
Heart Ice Cream Sandwich	Heart Marshmallow with a nice hot chocolate
Heart Eggs to add something special for breakfast	Heart Healthy Sushi Roll
Heart Cherry Tomatoes to add to your salad	Cupid's Fruit Arrows
Hot Dog Hearts	Mini Heart Pizza for lunch. Great for the kids
Heart Apple Chips and Dip	Cinnamon rolls full with Love <3
Heart Milk Ice cubes for your precious ones	Pound Cake with hidden surprise inside

~~Words of Encouragement~~
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (NIV)

Dreaming of a White Christmas..snowflake gifts

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas tomorrow and I have an 65% chance of  getting some snow tomorrow :-)  I'm being optimistic that we will have a white Christmas this year, even if it's only with a few inches.   Snow on Christmas makes the holidays more special. The beauty about snow it is made up of a lot of snowflakes and each snowflake is very unique.  There is not two snowflake alike.  Snowflakes reminds me of people.  Each person is as unique as a snowflake, each with their own name and unique personality.  So this Christmas, I decided to make personalized snowflake names, embroidered on scarfs.
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With each person's name, I designed the snowflake to try to match their individual personalities. I tried to make each one special and unique.  The ones for the women were more fun to play with all the script fonts options and the ones for the men, I tried to make them simple and masculine.   I love how they came out, I think they came out pretty awesome for my first try.  I hope they will like the personal touch.

The idea of making the snowflake names come from a YouTube video I saw last year.  It was about how words or music can affect water.  Masuru Emoto experimented with crystallizing water to see what shape the water would talk by speaking positive or negative words.  He published his findings in a series of books called "The Hidden Messages in Water".  It's amazing how words or music can affect the way the water crystals formed.  Watch this video to see the effects, it will blow your mind.

 

I can't compete with water crystal formations or real snowflakes but I can make my own.  Here are the ones I made for the ladies:

Anita

Ann

Debora

Imelda

Janie

Linda

Noreen

Saloni

Shaefali

Silviana

Trivena

To see real snowflakes, check out Marion Owen's blog.  Marion camps out in the cold and takes pictures of actual snowflakes.  They look amazing.  Here are the ones for the men:

Abraham

Eugene

Michael

Lukas

Ryan

Shawn

Each person is unique so hopefully I was able to capture their personalities in these snowflake names. So with that, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May this be a Christmas full of love, laughter and wonderful memories for you and your loved ones. Christmas is not all about present, don't forget about the "Christ" in Christmas. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

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On the 12th Day of Christmas, My True Love gave to me…. Twelve Cutting Boards

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
Twelve Cutting Boards

Eleven iPad Covers,

Ten Photo Plates,

Nine Water Bottles,

Eight Travel Lattes,

Seven Stocking Stuffers,

Six iPhone Cases,

Five Mirror Frames,

Four Picture Mugs,

Three Coasters,

Two Baby Cups,

and a Mouse Pad on my work desk.

Happy Cyber Monday!!! This is the last day of the 12 days of Christmas gift giving series, I hope you found a gift giving idea for the whole family from baby, brother, sister, mom, dad, aunt & uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, Grandpa & Grandma to give them that special gift this year for everyone on your list. Did you miss anyone else?

For the last and final gift, I saved my favorite item; a tampered glass cutting board that is too pretty to hide. It's a beautiful accent on your kitchen counter top and can also be used as center piece or serving platter on your dinner table.
Add your favorite picture or quote to make this cutting board a unique addition to your kitchen.

The cutting boards are made of high quality tempered glass that is stain resistant and more sanitary than traditional wood boards. They are easy to clean. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth and air dry. They also come with small rubber feet to lift the cutting boards off your counter.

These cutting boards are so pretty, they may actually inspire you to cook! :-)

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!
May the holiday season bring you much hope, joy and peace...

~~Words of Encouragement~~
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)

On the 11th Day of Christmas, My True Love gave to me…. Eleven iPad Covers

On the 11th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....Eleven iPad Covers

Ten Photo Plates,

Nine Water Bottles,

Eight Travel Lattes,

Seven Stocking Stuffers,

Six iPhone Cases,

Five Mirror Frames,

Four Picture Mugs,

Three Coasters,

Two Baby Cups,

and a Mouse Pad on my work desk.

Hope your Thanksgiving was full of Memories, Love and Laughter.
How was your Black Friday? Did you get a good start to your holiday shopping list? Did you catch all the great doorbuster deals? Or are you waiting for Cyber Monday instead?
If you're like me, I got more accomplished on the stuff I wanted verses the items I really need to find for the people on my gift list. :-)

The Apple store was packed as usual with loads of people checking out the new mini iPad. It's very nice looking and the size fits better in the hand if you're used to the eReaders. But I still prefer the iPad for the size of the screen. The iPad is a nice screen size when browsing the internet and playing games ;-)

If you purchased an iPad for yourself or for someone on your gift list, wouldn't be great to personalize a case or sleeve to make it as unique as you? Protect your new investment from scratches and bumps with either a neoprene sleeve or a full case with landscape viewing angles.

1. Neoprene iPad Sleeve

The iPad Sleeve is a stylish way to protect & personalize your iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3 or small tablets. Made of a soft neoprene material it won't harm or scratch your device. Top loading zippered enclosure offers easy access to your device whenever needed.

* Lightweight and durable
* Protects from dust, scratches, bumps
* Water resistant
* Top zipper
* Black backside backing that doesn’t show dirt


2. iPad Case

The iPad Case is a great way to protect and personalize your iPad 2, or iPad 3 are perfect for someone on go. The iPad Case is created out of a soft leatherette material, with a woven polyester panel to show off your favorite picture or design.

The iPad Case has an opening in the back for the camera so there is no need to remove the iPad to snap photos, the iPad cases also have a spot built for the speaker so the sound will not be blocked! The buttons and charging ports are all accessible without removing the case.

The iPad Case is designed to convert from a portfolio protective cover into a stand with multiple viewing angles in landscape position. Simply insert your iPad into this case and you’re good to go!

Happy Shopping!

~~Words of Encouragement~~
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
Proverbs 24:3-5 (NIV)

On the 9th Day of Christmas, My True Love gave to me…. Nine Water Bottles

On the 9th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....Nine Water Bottles

Eight Travel Lattes,

Seven Stocking Stuffers,

Six iPhone Cases,

Five Mirror Frames,

Four Picture Mugs,

Three Coasters,

Two Baby Cups,

and a Mouse Pad on my work desk.

Are you always thirsty or feel dehydrated all the time? I'm always needing to carry a water bottle with me where ever I go because no matter how much I drink, it's never enough.
I used to carry plastic water bottles until I found out a while back, that the caps on the plastic water bottles are not recyclable like the rest of the bottle. The caps are a little thicker and harder in material. It cannot be processed the same way at the recycling centers. If you recycle the plastic bottle with the cap, the bottles end up in landfills or in the ocean. A lot of the recycling companies cannot process the caps so they will end up throwing out the whole bottle if you leave the cap on. So whenever I recycle a plastic water bottle or any other type of beverage bottle, I remove the cap and dispense it with regular trash and recycle the bottle only.
So I recently started carrying my own stainless steel water bottle instead of always carrying those plastic water bottles. The stainless steel water bottle has a convenient folding straw embedded to the top. It holds 20 oz of water to keep your thirst quenched.

* BPA free
* Ultra lightweight
* Size: 20 oz (600 ml)
* Dishwasher-safe
* Fit into most any backpack beverage holder or lunch bag

Happy Shopping!!

~~Words of Encouragement~~
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

On the 8th Day of Christmas, My True Love gave to me…. Eight Travel Lattes

On the 8th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....Eight Travel Lattes

Seven Stocking Stuffers,

Six iPhone Cases,

Five Mirror Frames,

Four Picture Mugs,

Three Coasters,

Two Baby Cups,

and a Mouse Pad on my work desk.

Who is ready for Black Friday shopping?? Have you checked out the deals yet? I was looking at the door buster deals and noticed that a lot of stores have changed their strategy this year. Retailers have decided to stagger the door buster deals over few time slots and multiple days to give more people opportunity to come at different times. But it also means that you will have to go more then one time to the same store if you want different door buster deals at different times. If you're heading out with friends or family members, you can split up your shopping list and share the burden. :-)

After a few hours of shopping, I am always looking for a nice quite corner to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea to rest and rejuvenate some energy. I recently discovered a reusable ceramic latte mug that is a great environmental friendly alternative to the disposable paper cup and plastic lid coffee cups found in coffee houses everywhere.

The reusable travel latte mug is created with a double-wall of porcelain in order to trap air for insulation; helping to keep your beverages hot or cold and not to mention uniquely adorned with your favorite photos!
No heat sleeve is needed with the convenient function of the double-wall insulation; preventing the user from getting burned.

The bottom is adorned with a silicone stopper that prevents water from entering the hollow cavity when washing the cup. Dishwasher and microwave safe.
The silicone lid helps keep your beverage hot or cold and prevents spills!The silicone lid is NOT microwave safe, but can be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack. Lids comes in White or Brown color

Measures 5.25"H x 3.5"W; holds 10oz.

Happy Shopping! Stay warm..

~~Words of Encouragement~~
"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)

On the 7th Day of Christmas, My True Love gave to me…. Seven Stocking Stuffers

On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....
Seven Stocking Stuffers

Six iPhone Cases,

Five Mirror Frames,

Four Picture Mugs,

Three Coasters,

Two Baby Cups,

and a Mouse Pad on my work desk.

Digging into my stocking was my favorite part of Christmas morning as a kid, and it still is now. The best gifts come in small packages!

Nobody is getting a lump of coal in their Christmas stocking this year.  Christmas is the season for giving!  Find small Christmas gifts and keepsakes that are perfect for stuffing everyone’s stockings, that will be treasured for years to come. Shop for Babies, Kids, Teens & Adults.

	1. Compact Mirror (Oval shaped) Material: Silvertone metal Size: 2.5" x 3" x .4"
	2. Christmas Ornament Material: Ceramic Size: 3 inch in diameter Double sided Full Color Picture
	3. Bookmark (Rectangle shaped) Material: Aluminum Size: 2" x 3" One sided Full Color Print
	4. Keychain (Oval shaped) Material: Aluminum Size: 2.5 inch tall Double sided Full Color Picture
	5. Crystal Pendant (Heart shaped) Size: About 1 inch tall Comes with a leather neck chain
	6. Mother of Pearl Pendant (Oval shaped) Size: About 1.3 inch tall One sided Full Color Print
	7. Mini White Hand Towel Material: 100% Polyester Size: 11" X 18" Message: "I have come that you may have life and life more abundantly"

Happy Shopping!

~~Words of Encouragement~~
Many try to win the kindness of a generous person,
and everyone is a friend to a person who gives gifts.
Proverbs 19:6 (GW)