A Fail Proof List: Valentine's Edition

Sometimes I find myself feeling sorry for the male species. Other times I feel a sense of frustration. This all stems from the upcoming holiday. I hear some men go above and beyond to make their girl happy. Showing their love and appreciation and making her feel special. Others use the excuse I didn't know what to get so I got nothing at all. Some guys are insecure themselves and feel like nothing they do will be good enough so they take the easy route and settle on something with little to no meaning.

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For me, it's always been the thought that counts. I'm happy knowing time and effort was spent into purchasing or making whatever it is. I've experienced a lot of these scenarios. The nothing, the little and the everything.

I'm thinking that if all of us ladies make it a little easier on the fellas that we will end up as winners as well. For me, gift buying has always been easy. I find the item that person wants the most. If it's a little unreasonable then I simply listen. What is their current hobby? Is there an item used daily that might need upgrading? Etc... I find it just paying attention to that person. Shouldn't be that hard really.

So as a woman who has a lot of girlfriends and pays attention to what is trending I find it would be very hard to fail if a man was to purchase one of these items. Not only for Valentine's Day but any holiday.

1. Starbucks: gift pack, mug or gift card

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2. Victoria's Secret: lingerie, perfume, beauty products or gift card

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3. Chocolate and wine

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4. Spa day: manicure, pedicure or massage package

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5. Bath and Body Works: candles, plug ins, beauty products, body spray or perfume

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6. Magazines and nail polish

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These simple gift ideas will bring a smile to any girls face. It takes time and effort tracking down these items and will brighten anyone's day. Every girl hopes that their man will spend this one day making them feel special. If buying gifts isn't your thing, plan a date and spend the day and night together. Whatever makes you feel good in your heart, share that with the one you love!!

Office Santa Mission

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With Halloween over and the month of November in full force all my mind can think about now is Christmas!

I do love Thanksgiving but Christmas really steals my heart!

I use all of November to plan. I make notes in my phone and on my laptop to create Christmas lists for my family and friends. I start following the weather forecast very closely so I know which weekend is the best to put up outdoor decorations. Last but not least I begin using Pinterest to come up with my office gift for work. 

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For the past three years I joined in on the gift giving at work. I have worked at my company for eight years and have become very close to my colleagues. With a department full of women it seems very easy to come up with something each and every year making it super easy for me!

Pinterest has always been my main source at finding which gifts I decide on except my gifts have a little twist. 

Some of the girls give out candles and lotion, others give out candy and edible items but where I try and stand out....gag gifts!

I love to make people laugh and smile. With the every day "get down to business" attitude that looms around the office I like to shake things up a bit.

I surprisingly failed to take pictures of my own creations but with the help of Google, you will get the idea of what has been given out so far:

Year One: Snowman Poop

Materials:

Mini marshmallows

Sandwich bag

Snowman label that reads the following: 

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Year Two: Jingle Balls

Materials:

Malted milk balls in red, green and silver wrappers

Sandwich Bag

Jingle Bells

String

I simply took the sandwich bag and wrote "Jingle Balls" on the outside, filled the bag with the candy and tied the bells around the top and Voila!

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Year Three: Washer and Dryer

Materials:

A dish towel and washcloth

String

A label or card that reads:

This Christmas you deserve the best...

...a present unlike all the rest.

We considered a new car or exotic cruise,

but decided on something you could really use!

Finally we found a gift to admire,

we hope you like your new washer and dryer!

Happy Holidays!

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So, now I am on the hunt for this years gift! I love more than anything to see the reaction each and every year once everyone receives their gift. I love to keep the environment lighthearted and to make people smile. I am definitely a giver that keeps on giving! 

Do you participate in office gift giving? Secret Santa? Etc? 

I would love to hear your ideas!

Full of Love

Today's post of "What I'm Loving", a link up with Jamie, is dedicated to the wonderful love filled holiday that happens tomorrow, Valentine's Day.

I don't think this holiday is all about romance between a couple, I believe it represents all love.

To yourself, family, children, God etc.

So just remember if you are single, make it a spa day or go take yourself shopping or have a fruity drink to celebrate the love you have for yourself!

If you have children, make them a little basket, or take them for ice cream or do something special to express your love for them.

And if you are one of the lucky ones to be in a loving relationship, show your loved one just how much they mean to you, a date night or a gift basket filled with their favorite goodies will do the trick!

I do believe that these heart filled things should be done all throughout the year and not just on one day. Appreciation and love are the two key elements in any relationship.

With that being said let's get on with What I'm Loving for Valentine's Day, 14 Pinterest finds that I am loving for this holiday....

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How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day?

Do you have an annual tradition?

Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

 

Full of Love

Today's post of "What I'm Loving", a link up with Jamie, is dedicated to the wonderful love filled holiday that happens tomorrow, Valentine's Day.

I don't think this holiday is all about romance between a couple, I believe it represents all love.

To yourself, family, children, God etc.

So just remember if you are single, make it a spa day or go take yourself shopping or have a fruity drink to celebrate the love you have for yourself!

If you have children, make them a little basket, or take them for ice cream or do something special to express your love for them.

And if you are one of the lucky ones to be in a loving relationship, show your loved one just how much they mean to you, a date night or a gift basket filled with their favorite goodies will do the trick!

I do believe that these heart filled things should be done all throughout the year and not just on one day. Appreciation and love are the two key elements in any relationship.

With that being said let's get on with What I'm Loving for Valentine's Day, 14 Pinterest finds that I am loving for this holiday....

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How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day?

Do you have an annual tradition?

Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Sweetest Hearts

Many of you joined the link up with Meg and many others for the Valentine's Day Blog Gift Swap.

If you didn't have a chance to do this we basically were all matched up to a fellow blogger.

We were able to exchange info on our hobbies, favorite candy and items and then sent each other fabulous gift packages.

I had the honor of being the partner of the fabulous Stephanie, she blogs over at Diary of a Debutante. She was such a sweetheart to put this fabulous package together for me!

I cannot wait for her to receive her package and enjoy her favorite items!

 

 

Loved the cute packaging and the sweet little Valentine's day card!

Rosie Lee Butter London nail polish-love the color!

 

 Oh my favorite candy on the planet! Dove chocolates are the bomb.com

 

 

 These heart stickers are the cutest thing! I can't wait to use these on Valentine's projects!

 

 Yankee Candles smell yummy in every scent! I was excited to receive two scents I don't have. My house smells wonderful!

 

 Lip gloss! A girls best friend! A nude subtle pink shade that I can wear daily.

 

 Nail decals are so easy and fun to use! I gave myself a mani that day! Love the designs!

 

My cute card and heart tattoo. She is such a sweetie!

 

What did you receive from your gift swap? Leave me a link to your post so I can read all about it!

I can't wait for the next gift swap!

Thanks again Stephanie!