international pancake day...

It's International pancake day and IHOP is giving away free pancakes from 7 am - 10 pm. Now if you weren't able to go to IHOP to receive free pancakes then why not have your own celebration! If you didn't treat yourself to pancakes this morning, pancakes for dinner are an even better treat! It's dinner and dessert in one!

and why not have some fun with it by making mickey mouse pancakes for the little ones or the big kids as well ;)

Feeling guilty about eating pancakes? Top it off with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powder sugar or as I did, indulged in all the fruit afterwards so that I didn't feel as guilty! I'm now stuffed and ready for bed! BTW, blueberries are a great antioxidant and great for the skin and strawberries will keep those teeth looking white! The oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which is also great for the immune system!

Happy International Pancake Day!

http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/ihop-national-pancake-day-customers-receive-free-short-stack?ocid=ansdelsh11

valentines day in our home...

Love is patient, Love is kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. In my home,  it's the simple things that make me the happiest. Fresh flowers can brighten any room, homemade goodies can turn a frown upside down, a simple hug can say a million words and time spent together with loved ones, priceless.

These cute vile of bubbles (top left) were found at Target and came in a cute assortment of colors, which gave me inspiration for choosing my frosting colors. Fresh flowers placed in tiny cups all over the house gave it a sweet touch and candy dishes placed throughout the home as well make it extra sweet! (just make sure to keep an eye are your kids or they will eat them before the holiday arrives!)

I always buy myself fresh flowers, especially for Valentine's Day! Not only do they make any room look beautiful but they can brighten up any gloomy day.  I finally put to use my new IKEA vase that I purchased for only $2.99, what a steal!

The Spray Rose is my absolute favorite type of Rose! It's delicate wispy petals are so beautiful! If you love the Shabby Chic look, these are perfect for you. Trader Joe's has a great assortment of fresh flowers and always a great price! All these for only $5.99.

We started our Valentine's morning off with pink pancakes! Even the neighbor boy joined us. :)

Baking cupcakes are a must when it comes to Valentine's Day!

Simple cellophane baggies were stuffed with homemade cupcakes and goodies for the "sweetest teacher".

The movie Mr. Popper's Penguins made a great gift for one of my boys. No need to spend an outrageous amount on your tiny valentine's as I used to. Teaching them the real meaning behind each Holiday is what's important! Originally $19.99 and only $9 at Target this week only! A small box of chocolates and of course, a toothbrush to brush those tusk! Good 'ol dollar store for those.

and Real Steel as well for only $9. I purchased 3 movies and had a savings of $34.00! They even had "The Help" for only $9, which would make a great gift for yourself!

How sweet are these faux leather ballet flats in red! On sale for only $15 and red heart leggings for only $5 both at Old Navy!

For dessert, I found these chocolate shortcakes at Sprouts and topped them off with fresh strawberries, whip cream and sprinkled them with love! Homeade shortcake is even better but for those who don't have much time, these are time savers for sure and work just as well! :)

For an adult treat: These are my favorite truffles! I am not a huge fan of chocolate but received this brand by Trader Joe's one year as a gift and have gone back for more on several occasions. Only $2.99, beats Godiva prices for sure! I found a great Pink Moscato by Amusant at Trader Joe's for only $5.99. I must say it was a great way to end my long day! Everyone deserves a glass of bubbly on Valentine's Day! 

I came across this great Valentine's day card... for those who know me, know my love for coffee! For the one who receives this card will be one special person!! I'll hold on to it for now ;)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

dress the part this valentines...

Just because it's Valentines day, don't feel that you have to dress in pink or red. Anything floral will give a sweet, soft look to any outfit.  Whether it's a floral shirt for your daughter or a floral scarf for yourself. You are sure to get some compliments this Valentine's day! Adding statement pieces are an easy way to add some love to your outfit!

Although I love pink, my daughter is a fan of blue and somehow she always wins! So when I saw this turquoise and baby blue floral blouse, I had to grab it. My daughter paired the blouse herself with black leggings and gold ballet flats because "the blouse has yellow flowers in it and the gold goes perfect!". Again, she always wins :)

As I always say, the bigger the better! Especially when it comes to Valentine's day! This is one day where you can go all out. These flowers were only $1.50 at Forever 21. I couldn't help but grab one in each color!

The large floral bows are perfect for my daughter as well. I can wear it as a pin on my blouse then pass it down to her for a sweet hair accessory. A simple braid wrapped around a bun adds a sweet touch.

Small, leather roses that can be worn as a pin or a hair clip and just $1.50 at Forever 21!

These leather clips are fun for yourself or your daughter! If you plan on a casual day, these are an easy way to dress up a T-shirt and jeans! Toss your hair in a messy bun...add a fun hair accessory and you are ready for the day! To dress it up for an evening out, complete the look with a bright pair of high heels, leather jacket and notice me lip color. A fuchsia or hot pink lip color is perfect for Valentine's day!

A sweet bow shaped ring is perfect for Valentine's day! Less than $3 too!

Since I am working this Valentine’s Day, I decided to wear a hot pink cardigan, paired with dress slacks, a bold floral and gold vintage inspired necklace that I've had forever. I kept my makeup minimal with a matte nude eye shadow. A pink rose blush and hot pink matte lips in "Amplified" by MAC. Extra coats of mascara and a cat-eye liner for added definition.

a valentine's breakfast...

There's nothing better than waking up to a nice breakfast on Valentine's day! I love to make breakfast for my family complete with fresh flowers and touches of love sprinkled all over. Here are some simple ways to add love to any meal this Valentine's day.

Pink Belgian waffles add a festive touch to the ordinary waffle simply by adding a few drops of red food coloring to the batter. Topped off with fresh strawberries, whip cream and Valentine's sprinkles. For the adults, mimosa's are a nice treat. For the kids, add some sparkling cider to O.J. for a virgin mimosa.

A hidden message says a lot and who doesn't love pink eggs? Although this pic doesn't do justice, the baby pink eggs were a hit with my kids! Adding red food coloring to the scrambled egg mix is a super easy way to add some love this Valentine's day!

I found these great items in the dollar section at Target and The Dollar Tree. This "I love you" stamp is easy, just press it to the bread before toasting and you get a hidden message anyone is sure to love! The stencils are great for adding a message to cookies or cupcakes too!

Are you rushed in the mornings? Here's a simple way to add some love to your breakfast on Valentine's day! Peanut butter and bananas on toast, topped off with some decorative heart sprinkles add love to any meal. A side of strawberries can be shaped into hearts simply by cutting them in half, removing the stem then shape with a paring knife.

A hidden message in your child's backpack or lunch box is another simple way to say I love you, not just on Valentine's day but every day!

my valentine's day picks for him and her...

You have one last weekend to get your loved one something special. Here are my picks for sweet, unique and inexpensive gifts this VALENTINE'S DAY. Guys and Gals pay close attention!

Every lady loves a cute apron, whether she's a cook or not. Some just like them to feel domesticated while other's like to look cute in the kitchen (which would be me). Anthropologie is the place to look for the best variety of aprons!

Why not get a matching one for the mother-daughter duo in your life!

A cute dish to hold those rings in and only $10 at Anthropolgie.

A simple Fleur De Lys cream and sugar set is great for the tea or coffee drinker in your life. Entertaining a guest never felt so sweet and inviting! Only $10 at Anthropologie.

A cookbook is a great gift for any woman in your life. Especially this cute on on cupcakes that I came across at Anthropologie for less than $20.

A great roller-ball perfume that will fit in any clutch is nice for the dinner you will be taking her to! Only $22 at Aveda.

Say I LOVE YOU with a simple charm, only $15.00 at Anthropologie. This can be added to any necklace.

Don't forget the flowers! Try a different flower than the typical flower of love, the ever popular red rose. Unless of course, these are her favorite! Hydrangea are my favorite and I know I prefer these over roses any day. Trader Joe's is great for a large assortment of flowers at an inexpensive price! Now guys, it's the simple display of public affection that means more than anything so make sure to send her them to her work! She will enjoy the attention, believe me! For those stay-at home mom's, have them delivered to her while you are at work. She will love to receive an unexpected knock on the door!

A comfy slipper is great for any man in you life. Your dad, husband, boyfriend, best friend....you can't go wrong with an Ugg Ascot Slipper. Less than $100 and they will last for years!

For the coffee lover in your life. This mug is last than $10, making it great for a co-worker, dad or the guy you just started dating.

I have always been a fan of the Rosemary Mint line from Aveda. Great gifts for any guy! $16.00 for this bar but worth every penny!

For the working man in your life. A nice cuff link from Banana Republic he will love. This is the type of gift to give for the ones who always need them but will never buy them for themselves. Only $39.00. I'm sure you can find other less expensive one's at Ross, TJ Maxx or Marshall's for just as nice!

Coasters are a simple gift that would also be appropriate for the guy you just started dating or the bachelor friend in your life. Try Pier One Imports or Z Gallerie! These are only $15 at Pier One.

Now although this isn't inexpensive, this in an investment piece great for the working man in your life. It's often seen as an item that most men wont splurge on for themselves because they feel guilty. So why not make this a gift that he can enjoy because he deserves it! It will last for years, making it worth your money.

All these can be a way to show a loved one  just how much you appreciate them but the best gift of all that money can't buy is a heartfelt card. Words can express so much more. Followed by words are actions that go noticed even more!

My absolute favorite scripture is LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind, LOVE does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

So on this Valentine's Day, men take out the trash without a complaint or sigh and ladies, ask nicely without nagging...Not just for this day, but every day!

flirty with floral or fun and fearless...

Photo Provided by Quinna Borden Photography

Which describes you better? Flirty? Do you love floral, soft colors when it comes to clothing? Your makeup is minimal with hints of pink or peach tones and your idea of a statement piece is a flower in your hair or floral scarf to complete your look.

A sheer, flowy blouse pairs well with skinny jeans. A beige or cream color will go with anything!

Hair pulled back in a loose messy bun with a cute floral clip is sweet yet chic. 

Or a pony tail with a simple headband for a romantic look.

A floral scarf is perfect for dressing up jeans and a plain T. Throw on a cute pump and go!

You prefer a lip-gloss over an intense lipstick!

You store your makeup in a simple floral makeup bag!

OR..........

Photo Provided by Quinna Borden Photography

 Do your consider yourself more fun when it comes to hair, makeup and fashion?

Bold Colors are more your style. Polk-a-dot patterns are fun and a blouse like this worn with a black or navy blue pencil skirt is right up your alley!

Mixing patterns and colors are way more fun than keeping things minimal! A retro inspired hair style is more your style than a loose messy bun.

Bows, Bows, Bows!

You have no problem showing off a red pout or even adding a fun cat-eye for an evening out!

Your makeup bag expresses your fun out-going personality!

These pics were taken by my dear friend Quinna Borden. She is offering a Valentine's Day special and it's not too late to book your appointment! Pics like these are fun and make a great gift. If not for someone, do it for yourself. You are only as old as you feel and remember beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/QuinnaBordenPhotography

I am more of a floral pattern type of gal. I love soft colors, anything pink! But... if I were to switch it up, I'd be more daring. I'm a Gemini so i guess that's the other side of me! Ha!