The Sweetest Ideas for Valentine's Day

photo credit: Tom Kat Studio

It's that time of year again, when we jump to remember those we love and care about. My daughters both love celebrating Valentine's Day, even to this day. I'm sharing some cute recipes and ideas for a "sweet" holiday.


photo credit: Family Fun

Sweet Heart Brownies

Ingredients

• 36 2-inch graham crackers
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (don't use evaporated milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 16-ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º (325º for glassware). While you generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan, put your kids to work crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. It's especially easy and fun if you seal the crackers in a plastic bag and then use a rolling pin.

2. Stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate morsels, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs and mix with a wooden spoon until well blended.

3. Spoon the batter (it will be very stiff) into the greased pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon (or clean hands) to pat the batter into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.

4. Use a cookie cutter or a butter knife to cut out small (these brownies are rich!) heart shapes. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or raspberry sherbet. Makes about 8 to 12, depending on size.
* From our friends at Family Fun Magazine


photo credit: Martha Stewart

My oldest daughter used to love to come home and "empty" her Valentine's Day mailbox on our kitchen table. This is a cute idea we got from Martha Stewart for your children to make and share with their classmates.

To make, cut a heart from a strip of candy dots, and glue it to a piece of construction paper. With scalloping scissors, cut construction paper to create a border around the heart.

And in our home it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without some "loving" gifts. Here are a few that I found on Etsy that I think are adorable!


photo credit: LBG Studio

Crafty Kids Crayon Art Tote

This pretty little crayon organizer holds 12 crayons, a pad of paper (both included!), and has an extra pocket for stickers, drawings, and other crafty goodness. Perfect for older kids who want to have their own tote to carry. They can take it along with them in the car, doctor's appointments, restaurants, play dates. . . keep them busy and entertained!


photo credit: the belle and the beau

The perfect for Valentine's Day tie!

I love these ties! They are custom designed to be wider for a more modern style. The best part of these kid friendly ties is that they are washable because we all know that boys will be boys!

Belle and Beau's hand made ties are perfect for all occasions, Sunday best, or have some fun by putting them with a polo and jeans.

This red and white holiday paisley is fitting for any little man in your life!


photo credit: Oh Nelly

Since my I called both of my girls "tiny chef's" they would have loved this one!
Let's get cooking! This handmade apron and chef's hat is the perfect kitchen combo for any little chef.

Typically this apron and hat will fit ages 3-7. It has a velcro closure on the neck strap so the apron will not hang too low. The chefs hat is has a velcro closure and is adjustable to the size of the chefs head. Personalization is available for both the apron and the chef's hat.


photo credit: Tom Kat Studio

And if your children are anything like mine they would love to have a Valentine's Day party! Here are a few ideas from Kim at Tom Kat Studios which are so cute and would make any Valentine's Day party a success.

Hope you enjoy your day of "love." Let us know what you do to celebrate!