My holiday house(s)

Hard to believe that January is nearly over and February is upon us. 

I made a few modifications to my window boxes at our house and Aframe lake house to celebrate Valentines.
     
There is definitely a benefit to having two homes...more excuses and places to tuck decorations!

Happy "almost" February!

My house Valentine style...

Inspired by Magpie's post last week which showed her lovely Valentine decorations, here are a few more Valentine pictures from around my house right now.

My feather tree is nice and full with a few of my own creations and special treasures exchanged during past valentine swaps.

The plastic Christmas candle even got a Valentine makeover.  It was inspired by a pair of cupid lights that Magpie shared on her Valentine post.

The flowerhead vase was an estate sale acquisition in January.  With all her red, I decided she would be perfect for Valentines and jazzed her up with some special bling.

The red metal shelf is in my kitchen and the pom pom kitty is a gift from my dear friend, Viv.  The dolls and framed snowflake were things that I had embellished last winter.

I was blessed to receive several items from Elizabeth (Creative Breathing) years ago.

This is a shot of the entire mantle area in the sunroom.

Even my Halloween owl got a Valentine makeover.  He's now wearing a red satin bow.

As you can see, I've had fun creating a few vignettes with my Valentines.

 Lots of Valentine fun. 

I can't believe it's nearly here! 

XOXO
  

Special delivery!

A special delivery arrived Monday, traveling all the way from a very snowy Long Island.  Isn't my Valentine elf adorable? 

I had recently participated in Viv's valentine swap and was partnered with Maggie (Maggie's Lil' Fixins).  These ornaments have already found a special spot on my Valentine feather tree.

Maggie and I equally share a love for decorating for each and every darn holiday and have been blogging pals for quite a while.

I can always count on Maggie to share plastic popcorn holiday art with me.

Aren't these paper dolls sweet?  Thank you so much, Maggie for the beautiful valentine gifts you made for me.   And thank you, Viv for hosting this fun swap!

Here's a sneak peek and a few closeups of the things that I sent to Maggie.   

Stay crafty, friends!

XOXO

Seeing RED!

I hope your week is going well. 

Just popping in with a few pictures of Valentine decorations that are scattered about the house.

I hope to work on my Valentine/Chinese New Year tree later this weekend.

Happy Wednesday!
  

Christmas clearance Valentine makeovers...

Although it's only mid-January, my crafting brain has turned to Valentine projects.  My local grocery chain (Meijer) is carrying these vintage-inspired chocolate boxes. I'm a sucker for anything vintage looking and the $1.49 price tag isn't bad either.  

Over the last week, I stopped by Target and Dollar General and picked up a couple of Christmas items that were 90% off.  

The red felt tree skirt (Dollar General) received a few felt hearts and is now my Valentine tree skirt for my year-round sunroom tree.  Excuse the wrinkles.  I haven't decorated the tree yet, but I've added a few red lights.

The fabric houses and felt heart were part of this year's Target line of ornaments  and with a few embellishments, they will also be added to my Valentine tree.  

Are you working on any special Valentine projects?

XOXO
   

Valentine decor around the house...

I put out a few Valentine things before surgery.

 I didn't realize how tired I really was until everyone left the house Monday for school and I was alone.

I love my family, but I’m also enjoying the peace and quiet while my body is healing.

My energy has been completely zapped and I've actually been napping (something I never ever do).

I haven't felt like reading yet, but I've been making lists of books to check out later. Many of you have been sharing your favorite reads.  Thank you.

A box of Valentine ornaments arrived from Sarah at Makin Projects.  I always participate in her holiday swaps and bowed out this year knowing I would need to focus on other things before surgery. 

Thank you, ladies for your generosity.   Totally unexpected and much appreciated.

 I also need to thank everyone who sent get well cards and special Valentines too. I'm definitely feeling the love.  

On Thursday, I'll have a very special Valentine post.  I took the pictures well before surgery when I was allowed to climb through mounds of snow and strategically bend my body in odd positions to get the perfect shot.  Stay tuned. 

Mail call and mini house goodness!

Our mailman has been busy lately.  Tammy from "Tammy's in Love" sent me the sweetest Valentine card. 

Tammy and I share a special bond with our international adoption connection.    Thank you for my sweet card!

Erica from Golden Egg Vintage and I exchanged Valentine houses.  You can see the house I sent Erica on this post.

Isn't the Kewpie doll just the sweetest little thing!!

She always makes the fullest decorated mini trees.  It's just perfect.  In addition to the little house, she made the sweetest Valentine Bingo card.

She also filled a huge box with all sorts of special goodies.

She even included a paper Chinese lantern which is just perfect for our CNY tree.

To top it off, she also included this dollhouse decorating kit.

 Thank you, Erica.   I've said this before, but blogging friends are the most generous friends.

Isn't this weekend is just speeding by?  I'll have more Chinese New Year pictures to share on Tuesday.  If you enjoy watching the super bowl (I'm all about the commercials) have fun.  I'll be sneaking off to watch Downton Abbey during the game.