Day 14, Breakfast in Bed

Happy Valentines Day! Try going the extra mile for the ones you love today. We started celebrating this morning in bed. :) Here’s to a year filled with LOVE!

Day 13, On The Hour Cards

Such an easy last minute idea to show love through out your loved ones day. I found this free printable labels here.

Day 12, Something Sparkly

Almost eight years ago I took a jewelry beading class. This skill has come in handy many times. Today I made some earrings for my girl friends back home who love to sparkle as much as I do. I hope that every time they wear them, they feel special.

Day 11, Hat Box

My girl friend shared this idea with me called the hat box. A hat box is a classy and fun place to store your lingerie. When ever you place the hat box on your husband side of the bed it is a signal for him to pick something out for you to wear later that evening. 

Men are visual creatures. This is a great way to spice up your mans day. By letting him know first thing in the morning, he has all day to picture you....well you know. :) 

Day 10, Give Blood

I have been anxious for 2 weeks over today’s Love goal challenge. I hate needles the very thought of them makes me light headed. So when I was compiling my list of ideas to give love this one popped in my mind and I knew it was the Lord planting the seed. So I went online and found the closest clinic and made my appointment. Over all it was a great experience I will have to share more about it in the future. The coolest part is that out of my 1 donation 3 lives could be saved. Thats amazing! 

To learn more about blood donation opportunities, visit www.redcrossblood.org/ or
call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733 2767).

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from a volunteer donor, a person like you who makes the choice to donate. There is no substitute for your donation. 

When you make a blood donation, you join a very select group. Currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood. 

From its beginning, the American Red Cross has formed a community of service, of generous, strong and decent people bound by beliefs beyond themselves. The American Red Cross blood donor embodies this principle.

Day 9, Surprise Lunch

Yesterday was a little bit of a doozy. Typical life stuff came up and got in the way of the Day 9 Love goal. Today is a new day....and its never to late to jump back on the wagon guns blazing. I wanted to surprise a friend with their favorite meal for lunch, but time was not on my side. I was thankful to have an alternative. In-and-Out! Yep, I think it smells like Love too. 

Day 8, Flowers

Some times we need a little pick me up in the middle of the week. I found this cute DIY free printable from the one and only- Martha Stewart.  I am going to surprise a special co-worker of mine with a little bouquet tonight. What I love about this project is that it takes a simple inexpensive flower and gives it a little lift. You don’t have to spend a arm and a leg showing love.

Day 7, Phone Date

Now that I am married to a soldier, relocating is becoming a frequent part of life. The exciting part about relocating is discovering new parts of the U.S. and meeting new girl friends. The hard part is saying goodbye to friends who have become like family. The best way I have found to maintain long distance relationships with my girl friends are weekly/monthly phone dates. We text available dates and times that we are free over the weekend. Then we set up a time set apart for each other and catch up. Today I am sending some of my long distance girl friends this cute DIY Valentine card with a Black Cherry Tea Bag for our next phone date. A little something that creates a coffee house atmosphere in our own home miles away from one another. 

You can down load this adorable free printable Valentine here: Tea Bag Printable

Day 6, Snail Mail

Its the simple things in life that can make your day. For me its getting a letter from a dear friend. There’s nothing like walking to your mail box to be surprised after shuffling through bills and advertisements to find a card from someone who thought of you. Today I am sending out 6 cards to friends I have not connected with in awhile from my address book.

I’ve heard people complain that Valentines Day has become a commercialized holiday. Maybe it has, but it’s always fun to find out the roots of age old traditions. I read this on the history channel website and found it quit educational. I hope you enjoy it as well.

http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day

Sincerely,

Daniela K Pina

Day 5, Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

I love Sunday mornings. That is a miracle in itself because I am not a morning person. Part of my love for Sundays is that we go and worship the Lord with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Growing up, it was the social event of the weekend. Now as an adult it’s like my weekly chiropractic visit. Even though I meet with the Lord daily, there is something to be said about corporate worship. When everyone brings there measure of faith we build together a great atmosphere of praise. When I was a little girl my parents would blast praise music through out the house like a large alarm clock. I thought it was annoying at the time...and now find it charming. Although the music was loud enough to wake neighbors, what got me out of bed was the smell of breakfast. My mom would make a Sunday roast and her famous homemade rolls. With the left over dough she made cinnamon rolls. I saw this cute picture on pintrest:http://pinterest.com/elap/14-days-of-love/

But here is how mine turned out. :)

So in honor of the coming holiday and Sunday morning Daniel and I are feasting on more than we probably need. Happy Sunday!

Day 4, Homemade Dog Biscuit

I wanted to do something for my four legged friend Spotter during my 14 day love challange. She gives me love every day threw licks, barks, and knowing just when I need a little snuggle. I found this quick and easy recipe for homemade dog biscuits. I made a few extra for her doggie cousins and friends. 

Peanut Butter Goodness Dog Treats Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/2 cups white flour 1/2 cup peanut butter (all-natural or organic) 1 cup water 2 tablespoons oil  Directions:Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, one cup at a time, forming a dough. Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies. Prep time is about 20 minutes on these dog treats. And you'll feel rewarded when your dog thumps his tail in appreciation!

Day 3, Pay it Forward

Today is the day before my birthday. I went on a 7 mile hike with my husband (like how I threw that in here). So I felt that I deserved a $5buck coffee; i.e. Starbucks. 

For day 3 of giving love I wanted to pay it forward to a stranger. When I payed for my coffee I also purchased a $5 gift card. I asked the cashier if she could help me out with my love project. I left her with instructions to give this gift card to an individual ordering a drink within the $5 budget and to tell them “Happy early Valentines Day pay some love forward”.

 I think the cashier was just as excited as I was to be apart of the blessing. We never know what will come as the result of a good deed. It could be a simple hello or a smile that makes someones day. Don’t underestimate the power we have to make a difference....and while your at it, Pay some Love forward!

Day 2, Mix Tape

It’s amazing how music can change our mood. I really like making mix “tapes” :) for my friends. It’s an inexpensive thoughtful gift everyone loves to receive. When my husband and I were first dating he would send me emails titled with the songs he was listening to as he wrote me. When I don’t feel like going to the gym a little Britney Spears motivates me to take those first few tough steps out the front door. (don’t hate you know you love her too)

The past few years I have been making a Valentine mix. This year I wanted to expand my selection, so I pooled a couple of my music loving friends for some suggestions. I am pretty happy with what we came up with. If your struggling getting into the Valentine spirit this mix is for you. 

 Here is my 2012 Valentine playlist:

My Funny Valentine: Frank Sinatra

I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me: Billie Holiday

Be My Husband : Nina Simone

Oh How Happy: Shades of Blue

I Do Love You: Billy Stewart

You're the First, the Last, My Everything: Barry White

Sweet Dreams (Of You): Patsy Cline

My Heart Skips a Beat: The Secret Sisters

Big Bad Handsome Man: Imelda May

Fever: Meiko

Shelter from the Storm: Bob Dylan

All My Days: Alexi Murdoch

Picture In a Frame: Tom Waits

Home: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Day 1: Hidden Love Notes

I believe there may be a Fringe/ X files event in my house hold. My husbands sock drawer never seems to be closed; and even more alarming his socks never make it inside the hamper. I know, crazy huh?! 

 Funny thing is my dad and brothers have the same problem. My mom always tells me “Would you rather have a husband who put his socks in the hamper, or a Man after your heart"? I always say “both”! 

Today I decided to help him out and tuck a little surprise inside.

I found these cute little cards at http://www.paper-source.com/ You can make your own with a post-it note or 3x5 card.