Valentine's Day: Baskets & Gifts III

Yes they might be all grown up to many but, not to us parents.  I love sending my daughter packages, she now lives in Texas and of course, I live in Alabama.  I want to send more than just a card, as she is that important to me.

I could just...

Throw all these goodies into a box and be done with it but, that is just not my style and also, I love her too much to do just that.

With a few inexpensive packaging, your gift will bring so much love, they are reassured that yes, you do love them, they are and will always be special to you.

Can one package do that, you bet your last bottom dollar it will.

I would like to point out one important suggestion...

Buy these holiday boxes, paper and decorations a day or two after the holiday is over, the savings is tremendous, from 60% off and on up.

Make 'it' Pretty Folks

Okay, I admit it, I did buy a bunch of hair accessories in the clearance bin, I tried to take off the stickers but, I had ripped off half the paper while doing so.

How I combated this problem was, I had taken the hair accessories out of the package.  I then placed them into these adorable Valentine small Chinese take out containers.  After I placed 1/4 of a Valentine theme napkin inside and then closed them up.

I also placed a small bear globe (bears are 1 of her favorite things) into one of those Chinese take out containers, for extra protection.

I will add her Valentine light up ring in her Valentine cup and then stuff her frogs (Also one of her favorite things) inside of the cup, leaving the head exposed.  We are saving space here folks.  Mama taught me how to pack things many of years ago.  Mama being a wife to one in the AF and traveling around the world, you learn a thing or two about packing.  No empty spaces should be in any box, or you just have too big of a box.

Stuff IT!

When stuffing their sweet Valentine's gifts into their box, think of how it will look when they open it, is it just thrown in, or did you take the time to place their goodies just so.  So as it puts a smile on their face as soon as they open your package of love you sent them, if not, re-pack.  It really means a lot, first impressions folks, can make or break it all.

I then placed a little extra napkins surrounding her bear globe, I will lay the rest of the package of Valentine napkins on top of this masterpiece, then a few bags of popcorn on top of those napkins and then all my space is taken up.  As she pulls back the popcorn and napkins, she will see a package made with love.

Why the popcorn might you ask, well my theme for her and her husband is movie night, yes I placed a few DVD's inside and other than the trinkets I picked up for her, the rest is a romantic movies night package for them to enjoy.

If You Don't Mind...

I was once challenged (dared) to try and write a poem.  Although it is a simple poem, I am sure you too will see that the simple things in life, the day to day grind, is not so bad. Especially when you have ones you love in your world.

Pictures of Life...

Just might be...

A child looking us in the eye,

as he smiles so sweetly.

All we have to do is open our eyes and we will see...

beauty surround us,

you and me.

Pictures of Life...

Will sometimes be, watching a dog being so carefree.  We just have to open our eyes and we will see pictures of life surround us, you and me.

Pictures of Life...

Just might be...

You son looking at you, with all the love...

Of a child of three.

All you must do is open your eyes,

I promise you will see...

Beauty surrounds us, you and me.

Pictures of Life...

Just might be, a brother working hard for his sister.  That would be me.  We should all look around and see, that we must open our eyes.  To you and me.

Pictures of Life... 

Just might be...

Your daughter and her husband making a life together...

and they 'let' you see.

If you don't look around, you will never see...

All the beauty that is surrounding...

You and me.

Pictures of Life...

Might not always be a picture you and I want to see but, if we don't open our eyes.  How can we see, if someone needs us, you and me.

Pictures of Life... 

Could also be...

The mother of my grandson handing him to me.

If we will not take off that lens cap...

How can we see...

What others do, for you and me.

Pictures of Life... 

The poem I just shared with you and me...

Might be a simple poem for you to read but...

I find 'simple' to be...

The most powerful word in the dictionary.

We just have to open our eyes and we will see.

That we have pictures of life...

That surround you and me.

Folks... 

I have taken the challenge, as you can see and even if it not a 'great' work of art, do you at least agree...

That the most powerful pictures in life are the simple ones...

To you and me.

All I am saying is, don't grumble as you buy a gift for the one you love on Valentines day, instead look around at the pictures the ones you love give you.  I am sure you too will stop and remember, just how important they are to you.

Why not!

My wonderful husband will be working on Valentine's day and this woman will not be awake to serve him bed in breakfast at six in the morning.

After you have been together for over two decades, you both are allowed to sleep in, it is a law or something.

Also, we are smart enough to know that Valentine's Day is more than just one day a year, when you are in love.

So since Dan will be working, I decided to make a quiche for him, he will grab a few pieces and off to work he will go.

Well, I do have 364 more days until next Valentine's Day to make it up.

BUT.... 

If you have the time, make a good size breakfast you can share and do not forget a few pieces of chocolate, it will set the ambiance and who knows what might happen.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day: I
Valentine's Day: II

Baked Potato Quiche:  Mama's Got 'it' Loaded!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Valentine's Day: Homemade Baskets & Gifts II

Valentine's Day, just as it is with Christmas, is a holiday where we give to others.  I take out the 'so called' commercialism and how the card company (why not) are making money on us and just think of giving to those I love and appreciate.  Bugg agrees with me...

Bugg loves to give

Make 'it' More...

I am going to demonstrate how to put together a Valentine basket, once you know the basics, then you will be able to master this easy craft and no longer pay 'way' too much for your next gift basket you will share with someone special.

I can not express enough how important it is to buy special occasion decorations right after that occasion, then you are able to get items for 60% off, on up.

If you are buying it just straight out, in the height of the holiday, these two baskets will not even break the bank.  Actually making these two baskets will cost less than one gift basket you will buy.  Plus it is not full of filler, just tasty treats.

What you will need...

2 plastic heart baskets ( I purchased mine at the dollar store, 2 for $1)
1 package (6 count) red treat boxes
1 package decorated Valentine (or any occasion) treat baggies
1 package red velvet hearts
12 lunch baggies
1 package clear basket cover bags (there will be 12 in the bag, you only need 2)
Tape (I use duct tape, it is much more sturdy & it comes in all kinds of colors and prints)
Scissors
Yarn
Ribbons
Bows
Cookies

We're Off!

Take all your boxes out and fold them, the decoration will be on the package and make sure to place some tape on the bottom of the boxes, so as to make the boxes a bit more sturdy.

Place two sheets of tissue paper in each basket.  The best place I have found to get tissue paper is at the dollar store.  They usually have all the colors and patterns you will need and a bit cheaper than if you bought the same paper in a craft store.

Start Packing! 

You will need 3 boxes for each basket, so make the decision which cookies you are going to use for each basket.  I used the less decorative cookies in the two bottom boxes.

Place 3 to 4 cookies in a sandwich baggie and place inside of your red box.  Make sure the handles are able to close very easily.

Bend the handles down and place some tape on the handles so the box is closed.  Then roll a piece of duct tape on one side of the box.

Remember, we want to pack as many goodies in this basket as you can, there is nothing worse than to get a basket and half of it is a bunch of paper and 'empty' cardboard boxes.  Your boxes are full.

Stuff It! 

Take your first box filled with cookies and place it in your basket, tape side down.  Make sure to push down  hard on the first box but, not so hard that you will break the cookies inside.

Repeat with your second box and place it on top of the bottom box.  Make sure it is as centered as you are able to get it.  Also try to make sure the second box is even, so when you top it with your top box, your top box does not lean, if need be, use more tape.

The Tops

Now take one of your treat bags and line up your cookies, so they will look pretty, take the tie that comes with the bag and twist the cookies tight.

I find if I place the cookies how I want them, I then twist them up tight.  I use the table as a second hand, I am able to place the tie at the bottom of the cookies, so much easier and it is more secure.

Take the tail of the excess treat bag and stuff it into the third red box, place some tape at the bottom of your box and place the box (standing up) on top of the second box, you have already placed in your basket.

Bag the Pretties 

I saved the heart cookies or just save the best cookies for last.  Once again decide which position looks the best.

I will take the bag after I have decided I like how it looks in the bag and hold it up to the basket, see how it looks.  At times it looks great but, at times I need to adjust the cookies.

I am sure you have noticed I went back to the clear sandwich baggies.

I did this because the heart shaped cookies look great all by themselves, they don't need any added decorations, they are pretty on their own.

After you have gotten your cookies placed how you like them, then once again twist the baggie as tight as you are able to and then tie some yarn around the bottom of the cookies, using the table as an extra hand.

Tuck one in the front of the basket and one bag of cookies on each side of the boxes, tucking (gently) and moving here and there until you are satisfied in how it looks.

Basket full of Goodness...

Now place the red velvet hearts on each side of the center box, towards the back.  Get one of your clear basket covers and cover the basket.  You might have to mess with the tissue a bit.  Before tying off the cover, stand back and see how it looks, if you are satisfied, grab your yarn, a helper and tie it closed, very tight.

Then add what bow/bows and ribbon you like, then you are done, it is as easy as that.  This basket can be made for any occasion.  By all means add your own goodies inside, candy, cookies or a hidden present.  I promise you, the one that gets this basket, will have been given a gift they will treasure and never forget.

Valentine's Day: Part I
Valentine's Day: III

Valentine's Day Massacre:  NOT!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Valentine's Day: Homemade Baskets & Gifts I

Some homemade goodies or store bought ones, you can make the ordinary, extraordinary.  It only takes a few supplies, treats and a bit of your imagination.  I also included one of my tips for shipping a package to the ones you love.

Yes, It's 'almost' Valentine's Day

Yes I have taken those store bought cookies and just given them to my friends and family in the package the cookies came in but, I have found if you do just a tad bit more, you will truly be giving a gift from the heart.

I usually make some homemade goodies and at times I too buy store bought cookies, as my daughter loves one certain cookie that is made at a bakery they don't have where her and her husband live.

When you do send cookies through the mail or fed-ex them, I have a sure fire way that your cookies will not get smashed.  If you don't use these products than ask a friend/family to save these containers for you.

Pringles or Frito Lays containers, depending on the size of your cookies or delicate candies, will determine which canisters you will use.

Not all mail carriers are gentle

I started using this technique last year after the cookies I sent my Uncle during Christmas 2009 were ruined because they were all smashed.  I thought  I packed it enough with newspaper but, apparently not.  I now do not worry about the goodies I send through the mail, I know they will be received just as I packed them and all is well.

Make 'it' Pretty!

I made some peanut butter cookies, added the chocolate glaze and some sprinkles and then placed them in a Valentine tin box.  I use (regular) cupcakes paper fillers to place my cookies in, it gives it a finished look.

Yes the tin box was cute but, why not go the extra yard and make it even more from the heart.

Yes, tie a ribbon around this package, add a card and I am sure your Valentine will be very happy and impressed by your kindness.

I find that this day is not just for 'lovers', it is a time to share with all those that you love, just how much they mean to you.

If you work in a office, make up a batch of cookies and place some cookies into a Chinese take-out container.  You can find them at most department/craft/party stores.   Add some tissue paper inside before adding your cookies, it makes for a nicer looking package.

It's A Wrap!

Why stop there, wrap it up with some pretty paper, a nice bow and then, they will be surprised with the first look, then even more so with this cute tin and then the cookies.  Now come on, we can all do this and make one that you love (or even just like) feel a bit special come February 14.

On Valentine's day or even on the times you go on a date, during the rest of the year.  Just imagine how your date would feel receiving such a personal and very thoughtful gift.  I really like this package for men, it is simple yet elegant.

Peanut Butter Cookies: Easy & Delicious

Valentine's Day:  Homemade Baskets & Gifts II

Valentine's Day:  Homemade Baskets & Gifts III

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)