Snippets: Valentines and Stress

Life lately, according to iPhone pictures:
1. a couple of the valentines treats from my mom |  2. my favorite cuties, snuggling | 3. homemade heart-shaped kale pizza for dinner on Valentines Day | 4. pizza is love | 5. this place may be our backyard soon | 6. pretty sunset the other night | 7. we've had spring like weather lately; Pippin loves it and riding with the windows down | 8. a Pippin panic while Will filled up gas | 9. .... continued

The last couple of weeks have been a huge blur. There are a lot of transitions happening at once and it is all rather intimidating. We are going to be taking a few risks, because we have confidence they will be worth it, but that means my anxiety and stress has been at an all time high for a countless number of days. It is strange, when we come to points like this in our relationship where we are facing hardships and difficult decisions; they some how always bring us so incredibly close. I think it says a lot that when I'm worried, all I want to do is hold you. So, we had a very low key Valentines Day, in fact we spent all of it at home. We have been nonstop trouble-shooting and problem-solving lately, so we took a day off. We binge-watched a few episodes of the new season of House of Cards and I made us a pizza. It was a great refresh, and a great opportunity to brainstorm even more. I absolutely love simple moments like that, sharing our dreams with each other.

We're going to do great things together, darling. It may take some time, but oh I can feel it.

xx Emorie

Kiss My Face | Playlist

Here's a little playlist I put together full of some lovey dovey tunes for you to enjoy just in time for Valentines Day. I tried to make it an eclectic mix including some of my favorite folk artists, classics and covers of classics, jazzy tunes, sexy numbers, and of course a perfect Bey love song. Enjoy!

xx Emorie

Junk Food Valentines | Free Printable

I couldn't think of a better Valentine than a puny junk food edition. And once I get started with puns, it's hard to stop. My idea list included much more junk food humor than this, but I decided to cut it down to my favorites to try to keep myself sane. I may or may not be eating a donut at the precise moment I am writing this, if that is any indication about my love for these particular four foods. Just the other day I was standing, eating a piece of pizza, but I set it down and scooted it aside so I could plop a big wet kiss on Will's face; because he was sitting near and looking particularly cute. He then said, "Aw, you like me better than pizza?! Wow, I'm so lucky." Yes, I do love you more than pizza. But yes, yes you are lucky, because I also really freaking love pizza. And, I mean, what better way is there to tell someone you love them than to imply that they are as delicious as your favorite junk foods? Yum.

To print and use these valentines for your personal use, click a Dropbox link below to access the files for download:

+ a PDF download containing all images
+ a (word) Document download containing all images
+ or download each image separately: donut / pizza / pie / latte

* This printable is free for personal use only. It may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes without my written consent. Credit me if you share it elsewhere. Thank you. *



I printed my valentines on grey printer paper (which is why the plate under the slice of pie didn't show up too well) and then cut and glued each one onto a colored piece of card stock. I plan on writing on the back and handing some of these out to my friends.

Let me know if you use them! And, enjoy :)
xx Emorie

P.s. Now all I want for Valentines Day is some homemade pizza. I'm easy.

DIY Valentine Inspiration

Valentine's Day, to me, is a perfect holiday to get crafty and make something sweet and special for someone you love. Or for yourself, because you deserve it. I was always that kid in elementary school with the handmade valentines, and boy, I went all out. I've always been a crafter. Showing a little love or appreciation, for those important people in your life, doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Something made by hand will always hold more meaning anyway. Here are a few fun ideas I've gathered as inspiration to get you thinking/started.

1. Spruce up your place for the holiday, and add some color and life, by making some pretty floral letters — whether a monogram or a cute XO. Urbanic Paper's blog, Parcel Post, has the tutorial. If you wanted these to be fresh, just wet the floral foam first. But, if you'd rather this stick around and last long, just follow the instructions and use pretty silk flowers. I think this would be a lovely gift for a lady you're fond of. So pretty.

2. One of my favorite bloggers, Ella from Paper Umbrella recently shared a DIY tutorial for this darling gold glitter heart headband. Isn't it super adorable? The instructions look very simple; you probably have all the supplies sitting around in your craft things already. And, I think it would be the perfect addition to any Valentine's Day outfit. See the directions here.

3. Last year for Will's birthday, instead of a traditional birthday card, I made him this darling little booklet. I titled it then, 25 Reasons Why I Love You, because he was turning 25. You can customize it in anyway for your needs. I wish I had added printed pictures to mine, but I still love it (and he did too). Plus, it was really easy and fun to make.

4. I've been wanting to make a giant bouquet arrangement of painted flowers for myself ever since I saw this Hand Painted Flower Tree DIY from Oh Happy Day last year. I may make it first on my list of things to do once we settle in to a new place later this month. I think it would be perfect in an area for crafting. I think I'd be instantly happy every time I looked at it. Treat yourself and make one for yourself and spruce up a little corner of your home.

5. If it's still cold where you're at (and it's likely with all the snow I'm seeing on instagram), surprise and wow a friend with a handmade fleece ear warmer. Red or pink would make it perfect for a valentine. With a big pretty bow on the side, these are so cute and cozy warm. Not to mention, fast and simple to make. Promise.

6. Do you have a significant other? Give them a really meaningful handmade gift, like this mini Love Notes Photo Book that A Beautiful Mess shared. Get creative, choosing pictures that are meaningful and that coordinate with your notes of love. Emma added fabric to some sides of the pages, which I think was a really pretty, unique touch. This is such a lovely, little, sentimental gift you can both look back on years later.

7. These cute little pouches that Oh Joy! shared, by artist Roxy Marj are just darling. There isn't a DIY tutorial for them or anything but I think you could easily create something similar, with little effort and some cute fabric (perhaps, even, a heart pattern). Wouldn't a fabric envelope-style pouch make a cute unique way to package up a simple gift for a valentine? Not to mention, you (or your valentine) could reuse them!

Do you have any unique DIY valentine ideas? If so, share them with me below!

Happy valentines crafting!
xx Emorie