As we are staying home during this interesting and unusual period in history with COVID-19, I've really decided to try my best to make sure my perspective is one of hope, opportunity, and joy. Here's an example...

OPPORTUNITY
A couple of weeks ago, with the anticipation of another month of isolation, I decided to use April as an opportunity to get some Spring Cleaning done. With Ella home, it's also a chance to work side-by-side with her on deep cleaning tasks I haven't taught her yet.

HOPE
My approach going into this was very methodical -> I wanted it to be achievable and as easy as possible...no overwhelm or added stress. With that in mind, I created a good sized checklist so as to pick one or two things to accomplish every day with Ella's assistance and be completely finished by the end of the month. Basically, 30 days to a deep cleaned home.

JOY
I turned this list into a beautiful printable that makes me happy when I look at it and now I'm excited to share it with you. My hope is that it will inspire you to do a little Spring Cleaning in your own home and with your family's help too. Can you imagine how happy we'll all feel when we get to the end of the month with everything completed and our homes sparkling clean?

CLICK HERE to download the FREE Spring Checklist

-> Or PIN IT to Pinterest for later!! <- click here

Thinking of you all and hoping you are staying healthy, safe (and sane).



PS - Sweet friends, let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration. Psst - If you aren't already following along you've been missing out...

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY INSTAGRAM FEED - sure hope you're already following along!
• Weekly Dinner Plans
• My NEW hobby
• PERFECT boiled egg without boiling the eggs!
• DIY Hair Masks - using things from the kitchen

PSS -  Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

..........

OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY:

Easter Must-Try

Kids will love making these

Easy Dinner Idea

KEEPING IT REAL

Trust me...there are definitely days/moments where I feel like every little thing is getting on my last nerve having been cooped up in the house. BUT...I try really hard to turn that negativity right into something positive. And then there are some days I just go to bed early. *giggle*

STYLING | Valentine's Day Hot Cocoa Bars

Fresh florals to replace the fresh cedar and now we've got a whole new look for the Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar I created for Christmas. I love how everything else was kept exactly the same except for the florals and now it looks like a completely different hot cocoa bar - perfectly perfect for Valentine's Day or a winter wedding.  (see the original ->Christmas Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Bar)

I then took things a step farther after a fun poll on Instagram stories.
I gave everyone over there 3 different "Valentine's-ish" sign options to choose from and here's what they picked...

Same florals, different sign and now another different vibe....even more Valentine's-esque.
This "Cuddles + Cocoa" sign is just so simple and charming and was actually my personal favorite of the three options I let everyone choose from.

I went into designing this with the idea of creating a cozy, dreamy, romantic setting for a night of snuggling on the couch with Jay while sipping on mugs of delicious hot cocoa and binge-watching Netflix together. *wink*

I hope this inspires you...knowing how simple changes can create an entirely new vibe - for your home decor, for your wardrobe, heck...even a recipe. *wink*

And...I hope this lights your creative fire for some cozy Valentine's Day ideas...we are exactly three weeks away from celebrating!!

PS - Flash Freebie RIGHT NOW to grab this sign and the other two I mentioned for FREE...
see details below!

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

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• • • • •

TODAY ONLY...for my blog readers and IG followers...

"Flash Freebie" happening now! Grab all three signs as FREE DOWNLOADS until 10pm this evening. THREE signs to choose from --> and THREE SIZES for all three signs --> 11x14, 16x20 or 20x30 (as shown in these images). 

Simply click the "flash freebie" button below and pick the sign you want!
Download and print as many times as you'd like -> PERSONAL USE ONLY

Enjoy!!

UPDATE: Flash Freebie has expired!

Be sure to subscribe to the blog or follow me on Instagram 

so as not to miss out on the next "Flash Freebie" and other free Printables.

KEEPING IT REAL
The cozy, dreamy Valentine's Day night I mentioned?
Well...it's actually going to look just a tiny bit different.
There's a daddy daughter dance that evening and Ella's bestie is coming to town for the weekend. So much for the "romantic" part of the evening! Ha!! We love when Elise is here and I'm totally looking forward to snuggling all together for a movie after they return from the dance. Lol!

Slow start to my January with regards to my blog but slayin' things on the homefront with getting organized, decluttering and setting goals for 2020.
I love using the entire month of January to reflect on the previous year...giving myself time to set some well thought-out goals. 

GIFT IDEA | Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

Pecan Praline Dessert Topping...
Let that sink in for a minute.

Now let me help you dream up some ways to incorporate this into your life.
Think pound cakes, ice cream, apples, pancakes, right off the spoon and would
just look at how good it looks on cheesecake.  *gasp*

I shared this delicious recipe years ago and knew it deserved to be shared again.
It's gift-giving season after all and this easy-to-make, delicious treat is something everyone will love.

You should see it on cheesecake! Talk about upleveling your desserts!? (scroll down for the pic).

Enjoy the updated gift tags, recipe and pictures in this post and then be sure to PIN THIS to your "Gift Ideas" Pinterest board.

You need this in you life.
It's delicious...just trust me on this.

Pecan, Praline, Dessert, Gift, Jar, Topping

Yield: Makes 4-6 Jars

Author: Jess - Pen + Paper Flowers

Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

prep time: 5 Mcook time: 15 Mtotal time: 20 M

This easy-to-make delicious dessert topping can be enjoyed on cheesecake, pound cake, apple slices, pancakes and ice cream. You'll want to gift jars of this to your favorite people.

ingredients:

• 1 + 1/4 cups chopped pecans
• 7 TBSP butter
• 1 + 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk

instructions:

How to cook Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

1. Melt butter over low heat in saucepan; add pecans.
2. Stir until light brown and the aroma of lightly toasted pecans fills your kitchen.
3. Add brown sugar and corn syrup.
4. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Remove from heat and stir in evaporated milk.
6. Serve warm over ice cream, cheesecake, pound cake, cookies, apples or pancakes.
7. Store in refrigerator.
8. Reheat in microwave for 15 seconds.
9. SEE GIFT GIVING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

NOTES:

FOR GIFT GIVING Pour into prepared, sterilized jars with airtight lids. Add cute gifts tags - linked below Store in refrigerator.

FREE GIFT TAGS:

Pecan Praline Gift Tags

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2019/12/Pecan-Praline-Dessert-Topping-Recipe-and-Gift-Tags.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @pnpflowers on instagram and hashtag it #pnpflowersrecipe

Created using The Recipes Generator

FREE | Making BIG changes...100 Days Tracker

Have some goals you're trying to accomplish?
Well this easy-to-track daily goal checker might just be the thing you are looking for.

• Decide on a daily habit you want to create.
  (ie., 50 pushups/day, 8 glasses of water, read, compliment your spouse, write down something you're
  grateful for on a daily basis...whatever it is you want/need to do.)
• Write it down on this tracker.
• Commit to doing it every day for 100 days in a row.
• Color in a circle every day to celebrate your achievement. (or just "x", "check" or mark the circles)
• Watch your circles fill up as you make your way to your goal.

That's it.

Commit. Keep track. Kick butt.

I created this the other day, inspired by the one Elise Joy created, after more than a month of debilitating pain associated with my piriformis muscle. (I've been sharing on Instagram - you can get caught up over there in my story bubble called PT)

I would have just used the Elise Joy sheet but it kept printing wonky so out of frustration I just created my own.

The physical limitations + excruciating pain has been ongoing since mid-February and needless to say I was feeling pretty defeated.

But then I remembered something Jay says to me all of the time:
"Control the controllables".

I changed my attitude right then and there and decided if I can't exercise and do the physical things I had planned to help me reach my health goals this year...
I can certainly be in charge of what I put in my body...right?

I really just wanted an easy way to track my progress and thought the bubble sheet concept from Elise Joy was brilliant.

If you're feeling inspired to use it to help you with your own goals...
grab the FREE 100 Days Habit Tracker .pdf file right here and print it out!

Here's to making big changes my friends...
xoxo,
Jess

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Yes...for my new habit...I chose to drink celery juice every morning for 100 days.
Haven't heard about celery juice yet?
I've been sharing all about it and the new juicer I got over on my Instagram Feed.

GIFT IDEA | Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Wrappers

A few weeks ago I took a poll in my Instagram stories asking for feedback on some custom Valentine's Day candy bar labels for Lindt's footlong candy bar I recently came across.

I loved the feedback I received...there were so many fun responses.
I ended up combining similar answers and the majority of responses that came through to create 11 different FREE WRAPPERS/LABELS for you to print and use as gifts + treats for Valentine's Day!

The selections include candy bar wrappers for teachers, principals, besties, coaches, friends, and more.

I found these GIANT FOOT-LONG Lindt Bars in my local grocery store for $5.99 - just happened to pass by them one day!! 

They really make a statement and the custom labels help to make them extra special + personalized to gift to the people you love!

I'm taking things a step further and gifting the chocolate bars to all three of my girls along with one of these ADORABLE + super soft stuffed animals that are filled with organic french lavender.

Have you seen these?  These cuties are so snuggly and weigh about 2-3 pounds and can also be heated up in the microwave for some added warmth for cuddle time.

This sweet puppy is for Ella but Ema is getting this adorable Koala Bear and Clara's puppy is sold out but here is one that's similar. 


Friends...as a mama who has struggled with anxiety issues my entire life and having two daughters that struggle as well...these are SUCH a perfect gift. The lavender creates calm, the heaviness of the animal creates security and the softness gives comfort. 

I love them so much I want to get one for myself. *wink*

So, whether you decide to just stick with the chocolate bars...
or add in a plush stuffed animal...
I really hope you're inspired to try at least one of these options.

You could even save the stuffed animal idea for EASTER!!!

Here's all you need to make the Customized Candy Bars Labels...

SUPPLIES
1 - Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Candy Bar Wrapper
1 - sheet of 8.5x11" white card stock
1 - 10.6 oz. Lindt Chocolate Bar <--- this link is from Amazon but I found mine for $5.99 at Publix
Clear Tape to secure wrapper on back
Ribbon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Print Candy Bar Wrapper onto 8.5x11" white card stock.
2. Wrap around candy bar and secure with tape.
3. Crease edges for a nice finish.
4. Add a ribbon if you'd like to jazz it up a bit.

TIP: If you don't like the gold outer packaging unwrap it to find a plain silver foil wrapped candy bar inside.

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
There are soooo many different adorable plush stuffed animals to choose from I really don't know which one to pick for myself. Ha!! It took me forever to pick out the ones for the girls.

And honestly, Clara picked out a pink elephant at first and then traded it for the puppy because the elephant nose was a little awkward to snuggle with. (I didn't tell her what i was getting, I just gave her a few "stuffed animal" options to choose from and then when she realized what it was for she chose something she could really get cozied up to). *wink*

FREE | All The Feels Emoji Themed Valentine's Day Ideas

I've got two adorable Valentine's Day ideas for you today everyone!!
And these, my friends, are for all of the emoji-loving people out there!
And for all of the people on Instagram and social media that use the term "all the feels" on a regular basis. I know you get me!

If you are unfamiliar with the phrase "all the feels" it simply refers to something that moves you emotionally...or something that gives you good vibes.

So...I thought it was a brilliant concept to combine the "all the feels" expression with the iconic "emojis" we are all familiar with - that essentially represent every emotion. *wink* Brilliant, right?

So here we go...

IDEA #1: Valentine's Day Treat Tags

I created these super cute Valentine's Day treat tags for Ella to hand out to her 3rd grade classmates. She's loves all things emojis and loved the idea.

And they are SO easy. Just print them onto white card stock, trim to size and tie onto a small cellophane bag filled with emoji themed chocolates or these cute emoji themed gumballs.
I picked up my chocolates from Hobby Lobby but I found them on Amazon as well!

 IDEA #2: Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

This idea came about after Ella said she wanted to do a giant candy bar to mail to her best friend, Elise for Valentine's Day.  I just love her and her awesome ideas!!

So I whipped up this emoji themed Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrapper - just like the Llama themed wrappers I shared the other day and these other black and white wrappers too!

And then I created a "Having YOU for a BESTIE gives me ALL THE FEELS!" tag to tie on.
I love how they turned out so much I was then inspired to create even more custom tags for Dad, Mom, Teacher, Coach, Friend and Sister. (shhhh - don't tell Clara and Ema they'll be getting one of these in the mail too from their little sister) Ha!!

Feel free to use the treat tags on the candy bars too!
Both of these ideas are so fun and so easy!
If you are inspired to whip some of these up too, here are the links to download the files:

Emoji Themed Valentine's Day Printables 

PLEASE NOTE: There are 7 different printable Ghirardelli wrappers - each one with a custom tag included. (i.e. Teacher, Dad, Mom, etc.) - Be careful to download and print the one(s) you want! *wink*

Love you guys!
Share your pictures with me if you make these!
Email: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
Tag me on Instagram: @pnpflowers

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Just barely getting these loaded onto the blog before I jump in the car to grab Ella from school!
But hey! At least she finished an entire day of school today! She missed three days this week and came home early yesterday after attempting to go. Poor girl. She's on the mend though! Yay!!

FREE | Llama Themed Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Hello friends! We are already knee deep into February with Valentine's Day on our heels.

Today I'm sharing these super cute and super easy "Llama-themed" Ghirardelli bar wrappers to be given to anyone on your Valentine's Day list.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1 - Ghirardelli bar - removed from outer cardboard packaging. ---> 3.5oz like these

1 - Llama Candy Bar Wrapper printed on white card stock. (links at end of blog post)

scissors

double-stick tape

INSTRUCTIONS

Print Llama Candy Bar Wrapper.

Trim to size using scissors.

Wrap around candy bar aligning image on front of candy bar.

Secure with double-stick tape on back of candy bar.

Tip: For a polished look, rub fingers along edges of candy bar for clear wrapper "creases". 

A "llama love" went into designing these for you guys!

Hoping you love them and most importantly....USE THEM!

Here's a fun time lapse video I shared on Instagram sharing the whole process of putting one of these together  - hopefully you can view it okay here on the blog.

DOWNLOAD your FREE Llama Love Valentine's Day Candy Bar Wrappers below:

There's a Llama Love Between Us Valentine

I have a Llama Love for You - Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay tuned for some classroom treat tags coming tomorrow!

Hint: You'll probably want some of THESE or THESE to go with them! *wink*

PS - If you love the idea of the Ghirardelli wrappers CHECK OUT THESE!

xoxo,

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ella has been down with a virus for a few days now so I apologize for not getting these photographed and up on the blog sooner!! 

RECIPE + GIFT IDEA | White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Delicious + festive cookies with white chocolate + red cranberries!?

Can you think of a cookie more perfect for baking + gifting during the Christmas season?

I love these cookies.

They're quite delicious...the recipe is no-fuss AND they're pretty. Win!!

Here's the recipe if you decide you love these too + want to try them....

If you need gifting ideas...well here you go:
1. bake the cookies and package them up.
2. bake the cookies, package them up AND give them the recipe on a cute recipe card.
Oh wait! You don't have a cute recipe card?
Well Merry Christmas!!
I've taken care of that for you.
AND...you see those cute labels on the cookie tins? (white background + black background)?
Yep! I've got those for you to print too - if you want them + need them. (all links below)

WHITE CHOCOLATE + CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIE FREE PRINTABLES:

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie RECIPE CARD

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies GIFT TAGS - white background

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies GIFT TAGS - black background

I hope you try them.
I hope you love them.
And I hope you'll let me know if you do.

Love you guys!
4 more sleeps until Christmas!!! Are you ready?

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I still have wrapping to do.
And you should see the state of our home right now. Eeks!
BUT...this is the most calm I've been through the holidays in a very long time.
And I'm liking it. A LOT!!!

GIFT IDEA | Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Gift Package

Good morning friends!!
Looking for a last minute cutesy, thoughtful gift?
Well...I figured out how to package up my Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa you guys!!
I packaged it up in a glass jar, added a bag of marshmallows and a tiny bottle of cinnamon sugar.

The lucky person on the receiving end of this gift will just need to add hot water + whipped cream!
And...there are enough servings to enjoy 4 mugs making it perfect for gifting it to a person or a small family. Yes!!

Plus, I created some super cute labels to make the package delightful + charming! 
Tip: I rounded my corners on my label using a corner rounding craft punch - like this one.

So...here's the recipe + the how-to on packaging it up.

Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix - makes one gift package

1 cup of White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - use my homemade recipe or this one from Ghirardelli
2 heaping TBSP brown sugar
1 heaping tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together by hand or using a food processor.
Fill a 10oz. jar with your Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix.
Fill a tiny jar with cinnamon sugar - use my perfect cinnamon sugar recipe
Bag up some marshmallows.
Print out your FREE Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix Labels.
Secure to jars using double-stick tape.
Package in a cute basket or slip inside a clear cello bag and tie with a ribbon + cinnamon sticks.
(I put my marshmallows in a separate cello, tied them shut and then placed them on top of glass jar - see below. These hard bottomed cello bags are perfect for gifts like this).

I hope you LOVE and USE the idea!!
It's fun to put together - and it's sooooo cute.
Plus...it's soooo delicious.

xoxo,
Jess

SOURCES:
FREE Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix packaging labels
10oz. glass jars - Hobby Lobby
mini jars with corks - Hobby Lobby
Cello bags with circle bottoms
White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - homemade recipe
White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - store bought

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Only 5 days until Christmas! Eeks!
I wasn't freaking out about it until today.
I've got presents to wrap and things to wrap up and yet I can't wrap my head around the fact Christmas is almost here. *wink*