Remember those 2×3 cards printed with Disney Princesses, Tonka Trucks and Powder Puff girls? There was often a cherry-flavored, heart-shaped lollipop attached to the aforementioned with a little piece of Scotch tape. These flimsy, little treasures were collected in cereal boxes covered with construction paper or miniature red and pink mailboxes from the dollar store. I’m referring to the valentines of our childhood my friends, the ones we scribbled on, stickered and traded with our classmates, teachers and loved ones. Even though I am “technically” a grown-up (by the way, what constitutes being grown-up?), I still covet those little cards in the holiday section of the drug store and get nostalgic when I spy the long cellophane-wrapped strips of lollipops hanging from the metals rungs of a store shelf.
I absolutely love Valentine’s Day. I don’t love it for the “girly” reasons you might think: receiving flowers, jewelry and expensive dinners (although, all are indeed welcome!). Rather I adore this holiday for the simple reason that it celebrates love, itself. It’s an opportunity to reach out to family, friends, co-workers, and tell them the things that often go unsaid. It’s the perfect time to express your fondness, appreciation and of course love, for all of those important people in your life. I have to stand against the bitter naysayers who label the 14th of February as a mere “Hallmark Holiday.” It is so much more than that! Which brings me back to those little cards I mentioned above…
I love sending and receiving valentines. And I love it when they are handmade, with various papers, glitter, ribbon, paint- I’ve used it all! This year though, I drew miniature illustrations with pencils and markers and mounted them on solid and polka-dotted pink card stock. I also incorporated either some ribbon or red thread where necessary… I am sending them out to friends and family all over the place {world}. I hope that you are inspired to make some too… I promise they will make whomever you choose to give them to, feel loved and appreciated.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xx LP
What a week! Is it really Friday already? I apologize for my posts becoming less frequent as of late; I have literally been on the go since Tuesday of last week! My days have been consumed by endless cookie-baking (and naturally endless cookie-eating), various trips into the city, the recent and *cough annoying snow storm as well as a few small side-projects… However by just Thursday, I can proudly say that my Valentine’s Day orders were finished and delivered! This morning I will spend finishing up my own Valentines, for the people I love. Some will be receiving hand-made cards, while others will get small boxes/bags filled with yummy treats. Unfortunately, I have also been battling a cold/ sinus infection this week as well… Not one to typically slow down, I have found it especially difficult to get my act together yesterday and today. I almost passed out on the treadmill at the gym yesterday morning! I know- scary! Thank God I didn’t; I’d like to keep my face in one piece, thank you! (Today’s trip to the gym was quickly vetoed…)
