Oh Valentines...to thy self be easy!

So here comes a Holiday...part of me wants to run out and just buy buy buy and be done...but another part of me wants to bring it down and keep it real! I hope that making it a tradition and keeping it real and simple will make it mean more to them each year and give a better lesson in love...that its not what you buy but what you do.  So I have to be honest and let you know that I am taking this right out of a page in Hubby's families handbook.  I know for sure his Mom did it when he was a kid and his oldest sister & younger sisters have carried it forward.  When I first heard about it and then saw a picture it dawned on me that its me buying into the commercial side of Valentines thinking I can just "buy buy buy" it and that it can be way more meaningful-not to mention we have to eat anyways.  So this is what I'm planning....

*Table Set and Decorated for Valentines
   I'll be using this center piece with tulips in it (that's my treat to me...showing the love)!

I did borrow some of this from Pinterest...it was a light bulb moment when the realization that  you could put something within in the jar to cut back on the amount of candy and have something   to put flowers in!!  I did cover the inner jar and may have covered to well so you might want to do a little less so its easier to un-bury and take off!! I love to do these jars for the Holidays it was a present from my Partylite Princess Mother!!

*I'm planning a simple menu...keeping them happy since it is for them and trying to serve a favorite of each kiddo's!!  I due have one surprise for them...I noticed in the Costco coupon book that the "Ribs" had a great coupon...and knowing that they had seen and admired when a  friend had them for Easter on year.    I heard about it for a good bit so this will be the perfect surprise and a fun meal choice for a  Valentines Dinner!!  The coupons still going......:)  I'm even going to do the little bowls with water for the ol' fingers!  

*At each place setting I plan on giving them each a box of conversation hearts with a fun note to each person.  Hubby grew up with a box of Chocolates which I think is way better but my children took a page out of my book and don't really like chocolate.....I know...I know that's nuts, but that's the truth.

Plenty of time to for you to do the same!  I would love to hear what your thinking of or a favorite thing your family may do!   Look for pictures after Valentines of the big day of LOVE!!  

Hope February is showing you the love!!