Valentines Day Freebies

My goodness, Valentine's Day snuck up on me! I don't know about you, but I can't believe that it's this Friday. Dan and I don't typically do a whole lot for Valentine's Day, as we like to go on special little dates and day trips as often as possible regardless of the time of year or applicable holiday. I'd like to surprise him with a valentine and a sweet treat or two, and maybe we can create a special meal together at home this year.

I'm a big fan of finding classy free printables online, since I always have a supply of thick white cardstock and printer ink at home. When you have those simple items, it's easy to share a quick Valentine's Day goodie with your friends or lover. Why not think of a special man or woman in your life and bring them a little something, with a free printable attached? I know that I'd be excited to get a treat from someone who was thinking especially of me.

Here are some links to a few great Valentine's Day (or any day filled with love, really) printables. Enjoy! Let me know if any of the links are of any use to you, and if you use them in a fun and loving way.

Image and file via Love vs. Design

A beautifully designed (and free!) valentine for your darling.

Image and file via I Still Love You

A fun free printable from I Still Love You (ISLY) to frame for your friend or lover.

Image and file via eighteen25

A fun piece of free printable art available in multiple colour options from eighteen25.

Image and file via Sprik Space

A free 5x7" love printable in a variety of colourways from Sprik Space.

(She has oodles of other free Valentines/love printables on her site, too!)

Image and file via Hostess with the Mostess

Fun, free woodland animal valentines to hand out to your friends via Hostess with the Mostess.

Image and file via I Heart Naptime

An adorable free printable xoxo banner from I Heart Naptime to dress up your home.

Happy Tuesday!

Free Christmas Printables

image and beautiful tag via LindseyBee

Originally, I had wanted to create and share a free Christmas printable for my readers, but this year, that's not an option. I came up with the next best solution: a collection of free printables that I've stumbled across. After scouring the internet for a few free printables, I've come across several beautiful options. I thought that I'd share them here with you, to save you a little bit of time, since we know it's a precious commodity at this time of year (can't believe that Christmas is less than 10 days away!). I hope that you find something suitable for your needs - some of the wall art would make a beautiful Christmas present, too, all wrapped up in a pretty frame. Let me know if you discover anything else!

Wall Art:
Free printable Christmas song art - chalkboard style
Free Christmas chalkboard printables
Free Bible verse printable from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Free winter berry wall art
Free holiday tree wall art

Cards and Gift Tags:
Free typographic gift tags
Free holiday jumbo gift tags
Free hanging Christmas gift tags
Free mini Christmas cards
Free Christmas gift tags

Enjoy - and have a happy Monday!

In the Kitchen : Dessert Inspiration

This upcoming long weekend is our church's annual Bible conference. This year, part of my responsibilities in the preparations is making three desserts to bring to one of the meals. I've been searching through my recipe books and various web sources to find the ideal dessert: eye-catching, economical, easily accessible ingredients, quick, and most of all - delicious! Here are a few recipes that have caught my eye. Be prepared to wipe the drool off of your keyboard.

(All images that are used in this post have been properly sourced and credited to their owner. Smart sharing matters!)

image via How Sweet Eats

Always a source of delicious goods and serious eye candy, How Sweet Eat's Cannoli Tart looks scrumptiously smooth with a hint of chocolate.

image via Smitten Kitchen

Another source of yummy recipes, Smitten Kitchen's Pear Cranberry and Gingersnap Crumble looks like it's a snap (hehe, get it? Snap? Gingersnap? Okay, I'll stop.) to make with tasty results.

image via Reluctant Entertainer

Sometimes a simple layer cake can be a showstopper. This Banana Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Reluctant Entertainer has my tastebuds tingling!

image via 101 Cookbooks

Switching things up a bit with this recipe, 101 Cookbook's Red Fruit Salad is simple, fresh, and easy. The vibrant fruit is eye-catching and the simple salad is a nice gluten-free dessert option.

I contacted the blogger at The Little Kitchen but didn't hear a response as to whether or not I could share her recipe's photo. Regardless, umm, hello? The Little Kitchen's Chocolate Chip Mocha Cookie Dough Brownies sound deadly! A few more steps in this recipe, but it looks well worth it.

Those are a few of the dessert options that I'm playing with for the weekend. Thankfully, I have Friday off from school, so I'll have the afternoon free to crank the tunes and get messy in the kitchen. Do you have any favourite dessert recipes? Do share!

Happy Thursday!

(P.S. I'm hungry this evening and decided to be adventurous with my supper menu, too. I have cream cheese, mushroom and thyme stuffed chicken breasts that I wrapped in bacon (I couldn't resist buying bacon at the grocery store - craving, perhaps?) baking in the oven and filling my kitchen with delicious goodness. Paired with a veggie-hearty pasta salad, I can't wait 'til suppertime!)

Do It Yourself : Link Love on Polka Dot Soup

Ever see a cool link that you want to share? I've compiled a list of links that I've been interested in.

Ever wonder how food bloggers can create picture perfect food? Here's a trick for beautiful egg styling for food photos.

Paper garlands intrigue you? Here's a how-to for creating modern paper garland mobiles/backdrops.

Want a quick and inexpensive DIY wall art how-to? This giant geometric heart is easy and eye-catching.

I can't wait to try this one! A homemade wood stain to create that perfect grey aged wood.

Need a new spring necklace and want to make it yourself? Try this DIY bird nest necklace.

Or... is your home in need of a spring update? Check out this homemade spring wreath made from scrap fabric!

A new way to follow Polka Dot Soup: Blog Lovin'

There's a new way to read along with Polka Dot Soup. As you may have heard, Google Reader is closing their doors this year on July 1st. In order to make preparations and keep my readers in the loop, I thought that it's time to get aboard the Blog Lovin' train. Follow my blog with Bloglovin and make me a happy girl!

Wardrobe Organization

I thought this was neat and had to share: a guide to organizing your wardrobe – an infographic by the team at Apartment Geeks. A beautifully created infographic that has some handy-dandy tips. Enjoy!

Crafting in January

As soon as Christmas gets all wrapped up - presents unwrapped, decorations boxed up, the tree thrown out, the food all eaten - I get itching to craft every year. Call it nesting, winter hibernation, shack-happy, whatever, but all I want to do is create with my hands. There is an innate desire in me that screams "let me craft!"

I chose four colourful projects that are from my DIY Pinterest board to make this month. The monocromatic winterscape outside makes the colours stand out even more. I've had each of these projects pinned for a long time, and now that I'm writing down that I'm making them, maybe I'll get committed :)

The first project? A pencil stand from an old chunk of wood. I have lots of art supplies that need to be organized, and this free craft project would be both quick and useful. This supply stand could be used in countless ways - pencils, pencil crayons, markers, paint brushes, make-up brushes, you name it. You get to use hand-tools while making the stand as well... can it get any more fun?

I've had lots of vintage fabric scraps saved over the past few years. The pillowcase project would make great use of those vintage fabrics, and bring cheery comfiness to the bed linens. I don't think that I'll tackle the crocheted edge, but bright colours? That I can manage.

The third project is one that I have wanted to do for quite some time. I may paint Mason jars with bright colours, but chances are I'll use a metallic paint or two for this go-round. Timeless storage solutions that are inexpensive (read: free) and easy rock my boat. Just need to grab a jar or two from the recycling bin. Eco-friendly at its finest.

The last project is one that I will tackle on a smaller scale. Colourful paper flowers would be right at home in our rearranged living room. I'm getting tired of some of the darker artwork that's displayed in our home (I may list some pieces on Kijiji) and the paper flowers will be nice free placeholders until I decide what I want to do.

How about you? Are there any craft projects that you are tackling this month? Let me know if you think of any cool ideas! I'm always up for something new and cheap.

(Sources: Image 1; Image 2; Image 3; Image 4)

Happy Tuesday!

Need a Typeface?

Learn about data visualization tools.

So fun! Make sure you enlarge this image to take a closer look. Some fonts you won't agree with, of course, but it's a great visualization. Enjoy!

Featured on Style Me Pretty

The wedding that I worked on this past summer is up on Style Me Pretty, one of the dreamiest wedding blogs out there! Knowing how much time and effort went into this wedding all the more exciting to see it featured today. Janelle and Colin make a lovely couple, and their wedding reflected that perfectly. Check the post out!

Happy Thursday!

Can I Move In?

I want to pick up this home and put it in my pocket and carry it with me until I get to my place and I can fuse the two places together and move in and make it my own. Done and amen.

Home tour and photo via Design*Sponge, as per yoush.

You're welcome.

Oh, Canada!

Awesome print available via Etsy

Happy birthday, Canada! Thanks for being the home to most of my favourite people. Thanks for being a safe place for me to lay my head. Thanks for your cold winters and hot summers, your maple leaves and open fields. Thanks for letting me be free to worship my Lord. Thanks for protecting me from bad guys and the ability to trust in the law enforcement. Thanks for just being you!

On this hot summer day, take the time to read this great post from Jami Nato. Before you slip into that pair of cutoffs, it might give you something to think about. It will only take a few minutes but may have a significant impact on your wardrobe decisions. You can also groove to her sweet tunes, the source of most of my new music. You're welcome.

Happy Canada Day!

Friday Finds

I'm dropping in this morning to share a little link love with you. Check out these cool things in your spare time over the weekend!

Me want-y this rug from Urban Outfitters. 

Rachel Denbow has a pretty new dining room tour. So envious of her combination of new and vintage pieces! I'm itching to do a little rearranging around our home. Sometimes you just get tired of the same. old. things.

How fun are these Blowfish sandals? I've been loving a multi-coloured look lately, and these shoes would be great with cuffed skinny jeans or a maxi skirt. So great!

I loved Design Sponge's peek at Shanna Murray's latest decals. She's got the knack - I think I may have to dish out some coins pretty soon and splurge. 

Oh, Ruche! You do it right, every time. I want this dress so bad - I'm dying to get some more coral and mint in my closet. The dress would be perfect dressed up or down, with a jean jacket or cardigan. Love it.

I hope you have the loveliest of weekends! Do you have anything planned? Do share!

Happy Friday!

Heads Up!

image via oh, hello friend

Hi! Just dropping in to give you a heads up about a great giveaway. Danni over at oh, hello friend has a great reader appreciation week going on, and today's giveaway is awesome! Click over to enter...

Have you entered or won any great giveaways or contests lately? Share in the comments!

Typographic Verses

image via typographic verses

image via typographic verses


I may or may not have stumbled across a great art collection! Johnathan Ogden has a great site called Typograpic Verses where he, along with guest designers, posts great verse art. Some of his verses are available for sale in his shop. Take a peek!

image via typographic verses

image via typographic verses

image via typographic verses


Tell me your favourite print!

Happy Friday!

Link Love

Since it's Wednesday, that dreaded middle of the week where it feels like you have too much to do in too little time, I'd like to share some link love with you to brighten your day!

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An awesome new site was launched on Valentine's Day, and I thought that I would spread the love, so you can reap the benefits too. 

Beautifully Rooted is a great website with lots of female contributors. Their five topics are believe, create, nourish, nurture, and sanctuary. Here's what the creators have to say about the site:

Beautifully Rooted was created by Heather Hamilton of Life Made Lovely and Rachel Reeves of No.17.  Born out of a true desire to create a inclusive place where each woman could come, be inspired & creatively think, Heather and Rachel set out to make a site that highlights a woman’s uniqueness, in and through Christ.  Heather and Rachel believe that each woman is a beautiful individual and has been created especially for a purpose. Only when we're deeply & beautifully rooted in Christ can we each unlock our journey through Him. Each day you will find several posts to inspire you in the area of home,parenting, nourishment, faith and beautiful creative inspirations.

source

Besides large doses of inspiration, I've found lots of great free printables through the blog, too. Be sure to click over and see for yourself! It's updated daily with lots of great posts!


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Here's a great new post from The Handmade Home on colour theory and applying it to your home.


This pin is so true. How often do we avoid the very thing we need to do?


This recipe for spinach and chick peas sounds easy, delish, and good for you, too. 
Smitten Kitchen, you can't go wrong.


This Etsy shop has gorgeous photo prints that help fund the artist's trip to Rwanda. 
I know the exact print that I want. 
Can't wait to order it!


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What links have you been enjoying lately? Do share!


Happy Wednesday!


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This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
❤

Garden Dreamin'

With the beginning of March comes thoughts of warmer weather. Dan and I have been trying to decide if we are going to plant a garden again this year. It's a lot of work and takes a lot of commitment. We just need to decide if the benefits outweigh the negatives. I will definitely be planting herbs again - they're too easy and yummy to resist! There are several local farmers' markets that we buy most of our fresh produce from in the summer months, so that's a help as well.

I created an Etsy treasury to get some creative outdoor juices flowing. There are so many beautiful handmade items available! Check out the treasury for a little eye candy, and the links to each great item.

Happy Friday!

Recipe Link Love

I've been trying new recipes left and right lately. The long winter months are the perfect time to add a great recipe to your repertoire, so you can whip it out in the busier summer months without much fuss. I thought that I'd share a few online recipe finds, both the hits and the misses, with you today:

Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

I made this delicious chowder for supper tonight. It was really rich, so I don't know how often I would repeat it, but Dan and his dad were both fans. I added extra veggies to the original recipe - it's the perfect one for cleaning out your veggie drawers.

Verdict? A keeper.

Six Week Bran Cereal Muffins

I prepared the batter for this recipe last week and have made three little batches of fresh muffins since then. It's the best idea ever! You have a large container of muffin batter in the fridge that you can dip into anytime that you want a hot muffin! I haven't added anything to the muffins yet, just sprinkled a bit of coarse sugar on top of them before they went into the oven. 

Verdict? A definite keeper.

Honey Sauced Chicken

This recipe was beyond delicious! I made it in the oven instead of the slow cooker, and I tossed the diced chicken in cornstarch before pouring the sauce on, so the sauce would thicken in the heat. I left it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, instead of the recommended 20, since I felt that it wasn't ready. We ate this yummy chicken dish with rice and steamed veggies.

Verdict? Amazing!

DIY Sonic Cherry Limeade

I made this punch for the accessories swap that I hosted a few weeks ago. It was a really pretty colour, and made a nice sized batch. It would have been great if I had crushed ice to mix in. I wasn't too impressed with the flavour: I could hardly taste the cherry. Maybe if you pureed some of the cherries and added them to the punch it would help.

Verdict? Not a repeat.

BBQ Macaroni Salad

This recipe was amazing! I kept going back to the fridge for little spoonfuls of it. We can't wait to try it once it's barbecue season again: it would be perfect with a grilled steak and corn on the cob. I made it without the sausages (gross!) and added a lot more veggies. The barbecue flavour was just enough - not too overwhelming.

Verdict? Amazing!

Broccoli Slaw Salad

This recipe was a disappointment. Dan didn't mind it, but it grossed me out. The dressing ingredients didn't mesh together at all, I could totally taste the dijon and rice vinegar. The slaw stayed much too crunchy, too. I used either cashews or walnuts instead of the almonds that the recipe called for, and plain yoghurt instead of the Greek. 

Verdict? Not a repeat. Ever.

Have you tried any new recipes that you've found online? Do share!

Happy Tuesday!

Home Tour Link

image via life made lovely

I stumbled on this home tour on Life Made Lovely this evening and just had to share! It's a crazy beautiful wacky homey loveable family space that perfectly reflects on the people that live in it. I hope that's what people say about my home! I know that this home's style isn't for everyone, but you can definitely enjoy at least one element in this cozy house! I love the gorgeous colours, blend of vintage and new finds, and dreamy wallpaper throughout the home. When we have a house of our own, this home tour is definitely going to be a favourite source of inspiration! 

Consider it bookmarked!

xo

Pin It

I've got a challenge for you.

By my recent home pins on Pinterest, can you tell what my favourite colour is?

Give it a go.

Ready? Set? Go!

Happy Thursday!

(For more info on any of the photos, click on them to follow the link!)

 

Link It

Don't you just love clunker boots? Dan rocks his all. the. time.

Yay! It's Friday! 

Here's a little link love of some things that I've been enjoying lately:

I have pumpkin apple spice muffins are cooling on my counter as I type. 

I may or may not have snuck a bit - yummo! It's a big batch, too - perfect for sharing.

I'm in need of a watch, but I've been looking for, ahem, years. 

This one just may fit the bill!

The Nesting Game is a great little blog that I stumbled upon. 

If you like home decor, then check it out!

Someday soon, Target's coming to Canada. 

Too bad it wasn't here now, though - I. want. the. red. skirt. with. bicycles.

Wouldn't a tilt-shift camera be so much fun?

I gave my sister-in-law this heating pad for Christmas. 

It was so easy to make, and I scented it with loose peppermint tea. 

I'm not a glitter girl, but I sure would like to dress like one.

Isn't this hairdo sweet? Looks relatively easy, too.

That's all for this week, folks. 

I've got some fun thrifted finds to share with you the beginning of next week. 

Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!