10 MINUTE DIY HEART ART!

Last year I was all about decorating for Valentine's Day. I had flowers and garlands and tacky candles galore.

This year? Well, this is about all I came up with. I could pretend it was some super fancy process that takes skill, but let's be real. It took about 10 minutes and could probably be done by a kid.

Eh, I love it anyway.

Try it, friends:

All you need:

- Contact paper

- Red acrylic paint

- Sponge brush

- Scissors

- Thick cardstock or painters paper

- Vinyl letters (I used 2" Helvetica from Office Depot)

Make it happen:

I don't think a step by step is needed here, right?

Just one tip: Contact paper doesn't always stick suuuper well, so paint going from the outside of the heart into the center to keep a crisp outline!

There she is. Framed in all her glory. 

 (yup, those are a couple of the flowers from the V-day tradition I shared last year)

How are you decorating for Valentine's?

Don't have any ideas or any time? Try this 10 minute DIY!

xo, lp 

THE BEST THING TO WAKE UP TO!

Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating.

Waking up to winning the lottery, breakfast in bed, and a massage would be the best thing to wake up to...but this is a real life, and those things just don't happen often. 

What IS real life is the Kate Spade surprise sample sale. Up to 75% off the one of the classiest, most ladylike brands out there. PLUS it's a flat $5 for shipping. Boom.

'Tis the time for gifting yourself a little Valentine's Day (or in my case early birthday) gift, right?

Here are some of my favorite items:

1. This "Things we love" wall calendar is only $10 and is mine. Purchased. I plan on framing some of the images once the months are over! 

2. I'm in need of a new makeup case desperately. If you don't believe me I'll email you a picture of my once red-now brown Vera Bradley. This polka dot guy is perfect!

3. Sigh. No iPhone for me, as we all know. Someone get me one so I can get a crossword or stripey case.

4. I always overlook Kate Spade jewelry- but both this pink gem ring and gold diamond one caught my eye.

5. Clearly Kate Spade bags are all lovely - but this cobalt Alexander Ave and Oak Island Stripe Kaleigh stand out for sure!

6. Similar to #3- buy me an iPad too so I can get this Play Hooky case?

7. Last but not least- I have been eyeing KSNY  wallets FOREVER. I always put them in my shopping cart and then my conscience kicks in and says : HEY YOU IDIOT- WHY WOULD YOU SPEND $160 on a WALLET? Yes, I know the whole "cost per use" thing, and yes I use a wallet daily- but I'm stubborn- so there. Now that two of my favorite colors of the Neda are on crazy sale, I think it's finally time to grow up & make it happen. Right?

What are you gonna grab friends?

Come on, you know you want to virtual shop with me!

xo, lp

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OREO POPS

Last week I shared with you some sweet Conversation Heart Cookies...but you didn't think that was the only V-day treat I had up my sleeve, did you? 

This is one that is super easy to make, but looks like you put a lot of time into it. Plus, just change up the color of sprinkles and you're good to go for any holiday!

I present to you:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Pops

What you'll need to make it happen:

Double Stuff Oreos

Creamy Peanut Butter

Lollipop Sticks (available at Michael's and Target)

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Shortening (Crisco works well)

Red Candy Melts (available at Michael's and Target)

Sprinkles

Ribbon

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Carefully put your lollipop sticks in your oreo and push them about halfway through without cracking the cookies

Step 2: Apply a thick layer of peanut butter to the tops of the cookies, and stick 'em in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Set up a double boiler and melt your chocolate chips and shortening. Pull out your oreos from the freezer and quickly coat them with chocolate. Do this using a spatula quickly- or else the peanut butter will melt all over!

Step 4: Add any sprinkles you want directly on the chocolate right away! Put them back in the freezer for another 15 minutes to harden everything up again.

Step 5: Melt your candy melts in the microwave and drizzle/dip your remaining cookies.

Step 6: After the chocolate is fully hard, tie little bows around the sticks and you're good to go!

Cute, right!?

The best part is you can make them ahead of time and keep them in the freezer so they'll still be great for Valentine's day! 

I really dare you to find someone who doesn't love these. Make them and tell me if you do!

What's your favorite easy-to-make treat?

Share a link from another blog/Pinterest in the comments!

xo,lp

Pssssssssssst: If you'd like to give a whole bunch to one person, try this:

Take a small cardboard box and poke small holes it it using a pen tip. Push your cookie pops into the holes and surround with colorful tissue paper!  You'll have the sweetest bouquet possible!