Etsy Love: Valentine’s Day cards

While a big box of chocolates or a huge bouquet of roses can be a nice gift for Valentine’s Day, sometimes the sweetest gesture is a simple card. It’s short, sweet and from the heart, just like these eight cute finds from Etsy…

*”Sweet Valentine,” $4, from DebbieDrawsFunny.
*”Thank you for loving me, hangriness and all,” $3, from WildPreciousPrints.
*”Ugh, thanks a lot…,” $4.50, from seaandlake.
*”You’ve caged my heart,” $4, from TurtlesSoup.
*”I whaley love you,” $4.50, from augustandoak.
*”I can’t believe…,” $4.50, from OrangeCricket.
*”I think I’ll keep you,” $4.50 from seaandlake.
*”Let’s watch something on Netflix…,” $3.95, from GreySquirrelDesigns.

Which one is your favorite, friends? xoxo

P.S. And perhaps the most important reminder of all. 🙂

10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for kids

A giant stuffed panda because when you’re four-years-old, that is the definition of true love, $56.59.

This sequin heart cardigan to keep them warm for the rest of the winter, $36.99.

Amour bobby pin set to go with above cardigan, $9.95.

These adorable kitty slippers for lazy weekends, $7.95.

Conversation heart crayons to bring out their artistic side, $8.95.

A personalized iPhone case, so they’ll remember to call more, $33.

This heart-and-arrows pencil set for writing letters the old-fashioned way, $1 each.

Pretty pink polish for a mani-pedi session, $19.99.

A book of funny Valentine’s Day mad libs because it’s both fun and secretly a bit educational, $3.01.

And of course, Dylan’s Candy Bar Kiddie Cup because, really, all they want is candy, $9.

P.S. More gifts for kids and the rest of the Valentine’s Day 2015 Gift Guide.

Heart-shaped cupcakes

You really didn’t think I would let Valentine’s Week slip by without the mention of a sweet treat, did you, friends? Surely, you know me better than that.

These heart-shaped cupcakes would make the perfect little treat for yourself, wouldn’t they? Add a tall glass of milk and my Valentine’s Day dreams would be fulfilled! xoxo

P.S. A new Gift Guide and Open Letter are coming your way shortly! 🙂

10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him

The Man Cave Book so he can create his own perfect space, $12.42.

A box of tasty snacks to satisfy their sweet tooth, $70 and up.

Mountain Man candle for a pine-fresh scent indoors, $17.10.

A subscription to his favorite magazine, like Rolling Stone, $29.95.

This pixel heart changing mug so he’ll think of you every morning, $11.99.

A case of spicy beef jerky for late-night snacks, $24.99.

You’re The Spring In My Step because it describes you two perfectly, $8.89.

This “Hello There, Handsome” pillow for lazy Sundays, $29.

A leather wallet since he’s always losing everything, $42.

And of course, a funny card because it’s, well, so very, very, very true, $4.50.

Tip: Give someone a hug today!

Picture this: You’ve just had the absolute worst day imaginable. Everything went wrong, and despite trying to look on the bright side of things, you just can’t seem to shake those black clouds that keep following you around.

And then you talk with a loved one — your dad, best friend, boyfriend — and they wrap their arms around you.

A giant hug. It’s just what you needed.

It turns out (not surprisingly) that there’s more than just love going on here. Yes, science is hard at work, and you can thank it for lifting your once-gloomy mood. New research recently published in the journal Psychological Science even shows that a simple hug can boost your immunity. Lead researcher Dr. Sheldon Cohen studied 400 adults, who were monitored for interpersonal conflict and the number of hugs they received. They were also exposed to the common cold virus and were monitored for signs of infection. The results? The frequency of hugs significantly reduced the risk of infection. The findings, Cohen concluded, point to the sheer power of hugs…

“This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress. The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy. Either way, those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection.”

I couldn’t agree more! You all know I’m a pretty big hugger. I always have been. I love the immediacy of an embrace. The connectedness of touch. It’s something that can seemingly feel like such a small gesture, but in the long run, the benefits are overwhelming.

When was the last time you hugged someone? When was the last time someone hugged you? Did it bring you comfort? GO ahead and hug someone today, and never let anyone tell you that hugs don’t matter. You never know — you just might be turning someone’s day around. *HUGS* to you, friends! xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]