Valentine Gifts for Pennies!

It's been a busy week on Pinterest, lots of great ideas for Valentine's Day next week. Do you have something special in mind or does the pocketbook still feel a little "light" from Christmas? I saw just an idea on Pinterest this week if that's the case. It won't cost you one single penny and it's a very special gift for a family member.

The Dates Our Lives Were Forever Changed

from The Memory Gallery on Etsy is sold out...
but with a little patience I made one for us starting with our wedding date, then the days our daughters were born and then our grandsons. You have to fiddle with the font and the size to get it to fit on the paper, then change the color of the script that repeats the dates. Find a simple frame, probably up in the closet and you have just made a gift from the ♥

Carrot and Banana Dog Treats
What about Fido? We love our pets too! This is a great idea from 17 Apart

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 
1/2 cup cornmeal 
1 bunch fresh carrots, finely chopped or grated 
2-3 fresh bananas, peeled and mashed 
1 beaten egg 
1/3 cup vegetable oil 
1 tablespoon brown sugar (*optional, we went without) 
1/2 cup cold water

Go over to 17 Apart for the complete directions how to make these healthy dog biscuits for your special pup!

from Reformed Sorority Girl

Another way to remember that special year you met, year you married, your children's birth years.

♥Special♥

from Anji Johnston on Flickr

A shadowbox made with a simple branch to represent the "Family Tree." This would bring tears of joy to Grand or Great-Grandparents!

I'm doing this for our Grandson Ewan who's celebrating a birthday this week! One or several balloons in a big box to open will be FUN! Great idea from Happiness Is.

Would these Chocolate Dipped "Hi Hat" Cupcakes make you feel loved?

I thought so... pop over to Oh Cupcakes for the recipe!

Or you could make a Cherpumple for your beloved. It's 3 stacked layers - a cherry pie baked into a chocolate cake, a pumpkin pie in a spice cake, and an apple pie in a yellow cake then covered in frosting. I'm not pulling your leg... go to Eating Out Part V if you are brave enough to make this one!

For my Valentine's treat I'd love to be right here on this sandy beach with my special someone watching as the sun sets!

Maybe with a couple of these...Mango Margaritas from Food and Wine!