SEVEN days until 2/14. If you are crafty and have the time over the next several days try making these hand stitched love birds. Or better yet just go on etsy.com and order them from Lova Revolutionary. Too cute!

SIX days left. Speakig of the handmade gift there may just be time left for this idea to make yourself. If not, it is still kind of a cute. I came across these on etsy.com as well. Just thought it was kind of rustic and sweet.

FIVE more days. It may not be too late to make a reservation at your favorite restaurant…. or your second favorite if the only time left is 9:55 and you are like me anything past 9:07 and I’m down for the count.

FOUR days until 2/14. Okay, so there were no available reservations at the romantic restaurant of choice and unless you find the local Pizza Hut romantic maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands and plan a lovely dinner at home for two. Plan your menu today and shop two days in advance so that on THE day you are prepared, relaxed, and can enjoy a lovely glass of wine while making dinner in.

THREE days. ops! You drank the bottle of wine that you set aside last night in anticipation of your Valentine dinner for two at home. Guess it’s time to run to the liquor store again and pick up another bottle or two to have on hand. It’s always best to stay well stocked in the wine department. My favorites as of late have been Malbec and the good stand by of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Or simply give a good bottle of wine as a gift.

TWO more days. The heart felt decorated cookie is the ticket for friends, family, and kids. Put them in a pretty box or present them on a platter. Whatever the form if made with thoughtfulness (or purchased with the best intentions) they will be well received. Who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie?

ONE day… yikes! Chocolate cupcakes are the winner. Make them yourself or if you are in an urban area there is likely a cupcake shop nearby. This is the perfect dessert for that dinner in for two.  

It’s THE Day! When all else fails go for flowers. You can get them anywhere… even the grocery store. If you go for this option try to spruce it up a bit and wrap them in some pretty paper or add a bow. Whatever you do just don’t leave them in the cellophane wrap with the price sticker still attached.

From tree toppers…

to ornaments creatively displayed in pretty bowls…

and even the nontraditional tree with beautifully wrapped gifts sparkling in gold are all the trend this season.

If you don’t want to invest too much in adding gold into your holiday decor this year maybe a little DIY project is in order. Kill two current trends with one stone and try this project idea from Martha Stewart.  Take an everyday magazine, plus a bit of innovation, and add a dash of gold to make a pretty little tree for the mantel.

Mix your old ornaments with a few new gold or amber ornaments and hang them from branches found outside (my favorite idea… maybe I’ll try this on the dining table if I can muster up the trust that Leroy won’t take out an ornament or two).

Not interested in adding gold into your own decor? Try giving the gift of gold with these great carafes and serving bowl sets from Design Within Reach. Simple, classic, classy, and splashy!

Only 45 more days until Christmas! Go for the gold and add some sparkle to your holiday!

P.S. The I.Design Box is finally on Facebook! Check it out in the right had side bar or go directly to the page by clicking here!

There is Madame Butterfly…

• Pro:  Keeps Close Talkers Away
• Con:  Difficult Cocktail to Mouth Navigation

Raining Cats & Dogs is fun…

• Pro:  Kind of Kitchie (Perfect for Adult Halloween Party)
• Con:  Rain Slicker + Crowded Party = Sweating of the Upper Lip

Perhaps a  Bubble Wrap Jelly Fish is the ticket …

• Pro:  Provides Ample Personal Space in Crowds
• Con:  I’d Have to Wear White Pants… and Where on Earth Does One Find an Umbrella Like This?

Hmmmm. Maybe it is best to keep it simple and go with Mouse Ears…

• Pro:  Blocks Out  Uninteresting Small Talk & Loud Party Music(Great for Aging Ears)
• Con:  Well, I can’t find one so maybe this is it!

What do you think? Do you have some great ideas for homemade Halloween costumes? I’m open for suggestions and looking for inspiration for a couple’s costume too. After all, I am going with my honey and it would be nice to come up with a creative two-some costume. Share your ideas by leaving a comment below. Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

This heart shaped bookmark is great for the avid reader in your life. Easy enough to do and only requires a few simple items available from the craft store or the nearest Target. For How-To instructions go to Heart Bookmark from Martha Stewart 

A great idea that carries through to spring are these lunch bag  plant holders. Fun for the kids to decorate! For How-To instructions go to: Valentine’s Day Plant Holder from Martha Stewart

For the tea lover in your life I found these heart tea bags to be sweet and simple. For How-To Instructions go to: Heart-Shaped Tea Bag from Martha Stewart

I’m a sucker for a beautifully wrapped gift. I found this poetic gift wrapping idea to be classic, simple, and definitely stylish. For How-To Instructions go to: Poetic Gift Wrapping from Martha Stewart

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!