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.

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

• • • • •

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 | 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!! 

FREE | Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Introducing the cutest Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar labels...just in time for Valentine's Day!!
These charming labels are the perfect way to say I love you. (or even "I Like You) to everyone in your life. (kids, co-workers, friends, teachers, and of course, your beau).

Ghirardelli has a fun selection of chocolate bar flavors to choose from - and two sizes. (Small gold bar on the left, large gold bar on the right). And the labels fit BOTH sizes! Hello!! Bonus!!

And check out the gold foil wrapper! It's perfection.

Here's a closer peek at the smaller bar...

And a closer peek at the larger bar...

Just print off the labels...trim to size with a cute pair of gold scissors (totally optional)
and secure with some totally cute gold glitter washi tape (or any of these) on the back!! So easy!

TIP: If you want more of the gold to show - just trim a little more off the top and bottom of the label.
(see the difference between the "hearts" label and the "Love You More Than" label).

The "Love You More Than Chocolate..but ummm yeah, can we share this?" label is my favorite.
Because...well...you know it's the truth! *wink*

Here are the links to download the FREE LABELS:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar HEARTS label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar BUT UMM...CAN WE SHARE THIS label

If you are an email subscriber, you'll also be receiving the BONUS labels:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar - LIKE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar OUR STORY IS MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY - a Pen + Paper Flowers original quote - please do not copy!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
with these additional funny phrases:
        1. but don't get crazy and not share this with me
        2. did you know sharing is a true sign of love?

If you want these EXTRA labels too, you still have time to SIGN UP! Emails go out later tonight!!

Otherwise, I hope you love the three FREE downloads!

I hope you are as smitten with these adorable labels as I am!!
Use them! You still have plenty of time!!

Did you miss the TWO BONUS BLOG POSTS with MORE FREE PRINTABLE from earlier today?
Teachers Who Love Teaching - today only download
You Color My World Valentine

Love you my friends!
Thanks for being here today for the marathon of blog posts and free printables!

xoxo...
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I may or may not have had to run to CVS (three different times) to replenish my supply of candy bars to be able to photograph them for this photo shoot.

COMING SOON | Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Oh yes!! Just in time for Valentine's Day!!
These charming labels are on the way...stay tuned for the FREE PRINTABLES!!

While you are waiting, go pick up some Ghirardelli chocolate bars at your local CVS! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'd keep working the post but I'm thinking my kids would be really upset with me if I didn't pick them up from school. Ha! Gotta run!!

I should have the links available for everyone in a few hours - but just couldn't wait to share!!

GiFT iDEA | Teachers Who Love Teaching

We can't forget about sharing the love with our teachers for Valentine's Day!
Print, frame and tie it up with a pretty ribbon. Done!

I created this for a friend of mine who asked me to design something pretty using this ever popular quote by Robert J. Meehan! Download it for FREE TODAY ONLY and make that teacher in your life feel extra loved!

xoxo sweet friends!!
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Shhhh. The roses in the photo are nearly two weeks old.
Blurring them out and cropping out the wilted and browned ones still makes for a pretty picture..dont' you think!?  You'd have never known!!*wink*

FREE | You Color My World Valentine

So I wish I could've pulled myself together last week and gotten these posted sooner...
BUT...you can do two things with this FREE "You Color My World" Valentine Exchange idea...

1. Print it today for handing them out tomorrow - because you need a last minute idea! *wink*
2. Pin it for next year - so you don't forget about it! *wink*

Maybe some of you will choose both options?
In either case, this is an adorable non-candy exchange option and it's SUPER easy.
Print, cut and tape on whatever "colorful" item you want your child to hand out to his/her classmates.

I chose to attach these adorable mini shuttle pens because it gives the kids ALL of the colors in the rainbow but you can substitute a few crayons, a Crayola Pip Squeak Marker, a few mini colored pencils or if you want to use candy, try these Mentos Mini Rainbow Candies or these My Little Pony Candy Powder Rainbow Straws! 

Disclaimer: I've never tried either of the candy options mentioned - and I don't know the real dimensions as far as fitting onto the packaging nicely.

I used some cute Washi Tape I picked up from Office Depot while I was having these printed.
You could also use glue dots.  *complete supply list at bottom of post*

Have your kiddo write in the name of their classmate at the top and then sign their own name at the bottom. I wish I would've taken a photo of Ella making hers. Dang it!! #momfail

I hope you love it!

Stay tuned for TWO other freebies coming this afternoon - for the teacher, co-worker, friend and for your beau! *wink*

Yep! I'll be posting twice today!! 

Because I love ya!!

SUPPLY LIST

FREE Color My World Valentine Printable

Mini Shuttle Pens

Scotch Polka Dot Washi Tape

Scotch Striped Washi Tape

Scotch Diamond Washi Tape

Optional:

Corner Rounder Tool - I used something similar to this.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Got to run back to the printer - I forgot to have some printed for Ella's gymnastics team. 

But hey! That means I can actually take a photo of her writing them out this time! *wink* 

iNSPiRE | Our Story is My Favorite Love Story Art Print

a Pen + Paper Flowers original quote - please do not copy!

Good morning friends!!
Valentine's Day is on our heels and I'm way behind in my preparations, how about you?
If you are scrambling to come up with something, and you missed me mentioning the "Our Story is my Favorite Love Story" art print, it might just be the missing detail for your special day. You can print + frame this to give to the love(s) of your life - including your kiddos. 
Toss in some candy or flowers and I'd say you are good to go!!

DOWNLOAD THE ART PRINT HERE - comes in three sizes!

I pinky promise to share with you the cute Valentine's Day ideas I have TOMORROW!!
(one of which is a FREE printable I'm using for Ella's 1st grade Valentine Exchange on Friday).

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Pretty sure I'll be "MINC-ing" this art print and using it as part of my master bedroom makeover.
P.S. I think the meds are starting to kick in but I completely lost ALL steam after yesterday's post!!
P.P.S. I answered your questions about Pens and Gold Foiling...just in case you missed it! *wink*

HOME DECOR | Vintage Valentine Pillow + Silhouette

How adorable is this Vintage Valentine silhouette I created a few years ago?
I love how it looks on this pillow and think it will be darling sitting on the antique bench in my foyer.

If you love the pillow too, you can find it HERE!
Or if you're the creative type and would love to make your own Valentine's Day cards, home decor or art prints using this image, I've uploaded the .png file and made it available as an instant download in my shoppe.

Happy Friday Eve everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Still only have one wall painted in the Master Bedroom - but the color is wonderful and I love it.
And wow! Is that the shortest blog post I've ever written in my life? Yes, I believe it is. #less

LET'S TALK TUESDAY | No. 1 :: Hand-lettering, Less + Valentine's Day Ideas

Welcome friends!! It's a very chilly Florida morning here today;
Perfect for a hot cup of cocoa and getting cozy for our first official "Let's Talk Tuesday".

After having shared this idea of gathering as friends on a weekly basis to dive into some friendly conversation, I have received some awesome feedback and great questions from you!!

Let's dive in, shall we?

QUESTION #1

Q:  I've been a reader of your wonderful blog for a long time.  I wanted to ask if you have always loved to draw and have always had that talent since a child or was this something you cultivated later in life?  I love to draw and doodle and have really nice handwriting too.  I've been this way all my life, though. :) Karen W.

A:  I love this question!! As I sat down to begin to answer it, I stumbled upon a blog post I'd completely forgotten about...specifically about my love for hand-lettering. It was so fun to read back over it and it addresses this question perfectly. Hop over there to read it and then come back here - I promise you're going to love it and that I'll be here waiting when you are done. *wink*

Back already? Did you love that little bit of insight?  Do any of you remember purchasing pens + stickers from the Hallmark store when it was all the rage? I definitely think that's where my obsession for paper products and stationery really began. And as far as being able to "draw" - I don't think I'm very good at that. But I do love to DOODLE!! I thought it'd be fun to share this photo I found from 2006 (above)!

QUESTION #2

Q: What made you decide to make your life more enjoyable by doing less, and how do you decide what is less without finding yourself back in the trap of taking on too much?
I am also trying to prioritize with doing less and living for purpose and not for perfection. I find myself back into taking on more again, although I know it takes away me time and family time.  - Kathlene T.

A: I chose LESS as my focus word not because I've perfected the concept. I chose LESS because I firmly believe by continuing to work towards this concept, I will be left with MORE OF WHAT MATTERS. I was once the person who said yes to everything and wanted to do and be everything! It's super easy to get caught up in the rat race or even in the comparison game and fall into the "trap of too much"!   Expect mistakes + regrets along the way because this is life + it's a learning process. Just know that despite the mess ups along the way, you have the opportunity to get it right the next time.

How do I decide what is less? Life provides us with refining moments we don't always ask for or want to experience. (see this Life + Loss post). These moments provide us with the chance to "re-evaluate" the direction we are going. Figure out what really matters to you and write it down. Reference it often when faced with decisions related to time + commitment and re-evalute often.

And by the way, I'm always re-evaluating! (see this post on time management,  periods of re-evaluation, The Fringe Hours Book, + Navigate just to name a few.)

Here's a glimpse into what makes up my "What Matters Most" list

Ella and I - November 2014

As Lara Casey says...progress not perfection!! I've gotten really good at saying no. And I've gotten even better at stepping back and taking a minute to really evaluate something before saying yes.  Now that's progress!!

QUESTION #3

Q:  I know I'm a little early but I like to plan. Do you have any advice on making cute classroom valentines? Melissa S.

A: It's never too early to start planning - especially for fun classroom Valentine's Day treats!! Here is one of my my favorite ideas from last year...

Sparkle + Shine Classroom Valentines

MORE VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS
Sprinkles to My Cupcake Valentine's Day Cards
Colors in my Rainbow Valentine's Day Treats - includes links to some other fabulous ideas!
Sprinkles on my Sundae - great for a teacher gift
"Crush" Collection : candy + soda printable

I'm working on a NEW set of FREE printable Valentine's Day tags for you guys.
I'm skipping the sugary treats for Ella's classroom this year and will be handing THESE out instead.
I'll be sharing the cute packaging details for gifting THOSE so if you like that idea too, stay tuned for the upcoming post.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

It's been so fun sitting with you to answer a few of your questions.
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

If you've been inspired to ask a question, here are some
DIFFERENT OPTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS
1. Email me directly: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
2. Leave a question on my Instagram feed anytime.
3. Leave it as a comment here on the blog.
If you ever have any issues at all being able to leave a comment on my blog, please email me directly to let me know so I can figure out how to resolve it for you: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com

KEEPiNG iT REAL
In keeping with my one little word LESS...I'm attempting to do LESS sugar this year. (not my favorite choice by the way). Hence the non-sugary Valentine's Day treats for Ella's classroom this year. Yep! That was intentional. And...because I won't be making anything in the kitchen, it will take me LESS time to prepare these...giving me more time for other things. See how that all works out like that.  *wink*

And man...this whole "LESS" concept has certainly been challenging when writing blog posts.
I'm so used to getting "a bit wordy" and now I'm finding myself erasing entire paragraphs at times in order to keep things simple. This is so good for me. And for YOU too! *giggling* 

MAKE iT | Sparkle + Shine Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies

You guys - I'm totally IN LOVE with these darling, "Sparkle + Shine" oreo cookies.
And you won't believe how easy they are. Like SUPER EASY!

When I showed up to the school last week with a basket of them for Ella's class Valentine's Day party, I had someone ask me where I BOUGHT them. And then when I told her I MADE them she told me I should SELL them!? *blushing*

They DO look a bit fancy, don't they?!
But they are SO NOT FANCY at all.
It's amazing how a little bit of

ART PRINT | You Have My Whole Heart for My Whole Life

I had a very sweet friend recently commission me to create an art print for her to gift to her hubby for Valentine's Day. She provided me with the quote and then gave me creative liberty to come up with something she could hang either in or right outside of their room.

I thought it turned out so cute I decided to offer it as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD art print in my shoppe as well as to make it available in pillow, mug and framed art print formats too!

It's so perfect for Valentine's Day but I can totally see this for a bride and groom
as well as displayed in a baby's nursery and child's room. Can't you?

I hope you LOVE it as much as I do!!

And because I love you...
here's a 50% off discount code to use at checkout for the INSTANT DOWNLOAD 5x7 Art Print:
Just type in ALLMYLOVE4U at checkout to enjoy the instant savings!!

The discount code expires on Valentine's Day so use it while you can!

Email subscribers got a surprise email this afternoon - a limited time offer to print this for FREE!
If you aren't signed up you can sign up to receive MONTHLY EMAILS from Pen N' Paper Flowers. By signing up, you'll receive exclusive freebies and be privy to fun giveaways, new products and special announcements.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Heading into the kitchen right this second to whip up some last minute Valentine's Day treat ideas to share with you. Ella's class party is on Thursday! Eeeeps!

FREE | Love Is Like Butter Art Print :: The Cake Blog

"Love is Like Butter...there are no substitutes for the REAL thing..."

Can I get an "amen" to that, baking friends?
I hope you love the FREE 5x7 art print I designed as an exclusive download for The Cake Blog this month. If you LOVE it...go download, print and frame it. (or skip the frame and just pin it to your corkboard, secure it with a magnet to your fridge or use some cute washi tape to hang it on a mirror or window).

It's PERFECT for displaying this month - don't you think?
Shoot - print a few out and gift them to your girlfriends as part of the "GALentine" dinner or festivities you may be planning this month with your best girl friends!!

It comes in three different background color options too so go...now. *wink*

Wondering about those adorable candy hearts shown in these photos?
They are called Heart "Sweet Shapes" by Sweetworks  - and I LOVE how they taste.
They are like sweettarts but without the tart. *wink*
And they come in lots of different fun shapes and color options so you are sure to find something perfect for whatever celebration/dessert table you are putting together.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I never did get to host the "Friendsgiving" I was hoping to have in November due to the devastating family circumstances that took place a couple of weeks prior.

So now...I'm re-thinking things.
It's always so crazy-busy in November with three birthdays and Thanksgiving, (not to mention the approaching Christmas season), so as much as I've been dreaming about a Friendsgiving for over 3 years now...it just doesn't seem to ever come together. If it did ever miraculously happen - I just don't foresee it staying a strong, consistent tradition. (too many variables out of my control).

I've been talking to J about the idea of hosting a "Friendship Dinner" in February.
What do YOU think? There's not a whole lot going on in February - at least not for us.
I could shoot for the end of the month. Gives me a little more time for planning and preparations and doesn't interfere with all of those surprise romantic getaway plans I'm sure J has up his sleeve for us. *wink*
I'll keep you posted.

SHOPPE | NEW Art Print :: The Answer is Always LOVE

You'll find me adding new inspirational art prints to my shoppe on a regular basis throughout 2015.

This is all part of my strategy for finding ways to help others SHINE. See my OLW for 2015.

Each new art print will include a mix of my hand-lettering + fonts.

So here's my first official new art print for 2015... "The Answer is Always LOVE"

The idea behind the quote is something I personally came to terms with recently.
No matter what the situation or struggle might be…
family issues, combative teenagers, children (or adults) with selective hearing syndrome, hurt feelings, frustration in the check-out line, the driver in front making a left hand turn around the world at a snail's pace, fear + anxiety, etc.

If I step back for a minute and look at things from the perspective of "love"…
It's amazing how differently I handle or react to things.
I came to this understanding when I was frustrated about something with my middle daughter.
(at my wits end, actually). I was grasping at straws…looking for answers when it struck me with a bolt of lightning! The answer is always LOVE.

And of course love comes in many forms:
Patience, understanding, forgiveness, a hug, a smile, and even sometimes silence or rather biting your tongue.

I created several printable versions, gold, color, or black + white, all grouped together in one pack available now in my Etsy Shoppe.

I will definitely be creating an oversized version of this for my home…
and although it's appropriate year-round…how awesome is it as Valentine's Day decor too!?

Love you guys!!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I have been so touched by those of you who have reached out to me about my One Little Word selection this year. Your emails and comments have TRULY touched my heart!! I so very much enjoy when you share how this blog inspires you - it means so much to me to know that!! THANK YOU!! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to let me know!