Category Archives: Valentine’s Day

The Best Valentine’s Day Gift I Bought For My Dad #Giveaway

Valentines Day Cupcakes

Cupcakes I made for a Valentine’s Day Date Night

Saint Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re like me, you love the romantic feeling in the air. Even if you don’t have a significant other or spouse in your life, you can celebrate the love between yourself and your children, grandchildren, family and friends.

I think one of the best Valentine’s Day memories I have is the time my sister and I saw a pair of Valentine’s Day Boxers in a store window. They were part of a gift set, along with a chattering red heart, that had, “My Heart Beat For You” on the top. You could wind up the heart, and it chattered around a flat surface, much like infamous chattering teeth. I am sure it was the chattering teeth that made us beg our mom to buy them for my father. We carried on until she entered the store and bought them.

 

Valentine's Day

These are very similar to the set we bought my father. Photo Source Collectors Weekly

Excited, we wrapped them up as soon as we arrived home and gave them to our father. Our dad went on for our sake, about how much he liked them. I was very interested in trying out the chattering heart. After that night, I would go into my dad’s dresser where the boxers and heart sat in their gift box. Every so often, I would go in, wind up the heart play with it for a while, and return it to the box. I wondered why my dad had not yet worn those loud heart boxers. Year after year, they remained in the drawer, right up until they sold the house to move closer to my sister and I, now married with kids of our own. I am not sure where those boxers ended up after that, but it sure is a memory, I don’t think I will ever forget. He obviously treasured those boxers so much,  he could not bear the thought of wearing them. At least that is what I choose to believe.

These are similar to the boxers we bought my father. Photo Source Collectors Weekly

Linzer Cookies

Another Valentine’s Day treat I made for my family.

Giveaway

We have a very special giveaway sponsored by Catholic Central to share with you for a St. Valentine’s Day Kit

The St. Valentine Kit includes:

1 – Red Rose LED Glass Dome elegant table lamp.

1 – Gold tone “Love” bangle bracelet

1 – Perfume card

Check out my short video below to see more:


Let me know your special Valentine’s Day Memory in the comments. 

Catholic Central is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One very lucky blog reader will win a special Valentine’s Day Gift Package. Thank you to Catholic Central for the St.  Valentine’s Day  gift set and for sponsoring this very special giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

 

Saint Valentine’s Gift Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

 

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6 Fun Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

If you have little ones in school, you probably received a class list of your child’s classmates. With your list in hand, it is time to help your child with their Valentine’s Day cards, crafts or treats.  With each passing year, I find this Valentine’s Day exchange lends itself to more than just little cards being passed around.

Little bags of candy, pencils, cookies and more are becoming the norm. If your child is having a class party, there are really cute things you can create to make even an ordinary juice box festive.

A  Juicy Juice Family occasion survey, found that one in four parents (23%) will show their love by decorating for Valentine’s Day.  Check out these Valentine’s Day craft ideas from Juicy Juice. These crafts are easy and fun to do with your kids and they will love sharing them with their friends.

Valentine’s Love Bots

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Juicy Juice has the perfect craft idea for you and your little sweethearts to do this Valentine’s Day! Consider making these super fun Valentine’s love bots! Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:
Googly eyes
Tape
Glue
Scissors
Markers
Pipe cleaners
Valentine’s Day decorations such as hearts
2-5 used 6.75 oz Juicy Juice boxes
Valentine’s Day gift wrap

Click HERE for the full details.

Fingerprint Heart Jar

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

On the most romantic day of the year, your little ones will enjoy making this simple two-step craft. It can function as a vase or a multipurpose jar, and as a gift to a loved one! Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:
White acrylic paint
Red acrylic paint
Pink acrylic paint
Mason jar
Paint brush

Click HERE to get all the details.

I Heart U Card

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Everyone loves cards that pop, so we made one for you! This card is a perfect craft to make with the family and share with everybody. We hope you heart it as much as we do.

Materials
Scissors (or precision knife – parents only)
Pink or red construction paper
Template (included)
Glue stick
Ruler

Click HERE For Full Instructions.

Valentine Secret Pals

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

WHAT YOU NEED

  • Paper
  • Envelopes
  • Pencils or pens
  • Hat
  • Tape
  • 1- 3 x 3 x 3 empty gift box (one for each member of the family)
  • 1 package of candy conversation hearts.

Click HERE for full details.

Juicy Heart Gummies

With these cute Juicy Juice™ Snacks, you’re bound to share a giggle and a smile!

For more details Click HERE.

Cupid’s Arrow Caprese Bites

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine’s Day and all of its traditions can be a fun occasion to show your loved ones you care. While exchanging candy is fun, celebrating the holiday with unique recipes can be even more exciting. Juicy Juice came up with a simple, adorable Valentine’s Day snack that will delight and offer a fresh take on sharing hearts.

Materials
Roma tomatoes
Basil leaves
Cheese squares of preference
Toothpicks

Click HERE for full details.

Let me know what you think of these ideas and if you try one or all. I would love to read your thoughts in the comments. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

I was provided with samples to facilitate my post. As always my words and views are 100% my own.


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Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch” Blu-ray Valentine’s Gift Set Giveaway #TheGrinch

Christmas may be over but  Illuminations heartwarming tale is one for all seasons!

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is available now on Digital via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE and on 4K Ultra HD Blue-Ray, DVD and On Demand on February 5th.

Get ready for more fun and laughs because it has three hilarious new mini movies featuring The Minions and Max.

From Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, the film based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale about a cynical grouch who goes on a mission to steal Christmas from others only to feel his own heart grow three sizes larger through unexpected friendships is one “the whole family can watch and enjoy,” (Kidsday/Newsday).

Watch the TRAILER HERE!

The new home entertainment edition contains more than 60 minutes of bonus content, including three mini-movies: “Dog Days of Winter” starring the Grinch and his heroically loyal dog Max; and “Yellow is the New Black” and “Santa’s Little Helpers,” both starring the lovable Minions.

It also includes stunning featurettes, a how-to-draw tutorial and much more. Narrated by Grammy Award® winner and Oscar® nominee Pharrell Williams, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch stars Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange, “Sherlock”) as the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company.

The incredible voice cast includes Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation,” The Muppets) as Donna Who, Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) as Bricklebaum, Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman) as Cindy-Lou Who, and featuring legendary actress Angela Lansbury (Anastasia, Beauty and the Beast) as the mayor of Whoville. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a perfect night in for the whole family!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM and DVD:

  • Who’s Who in Who-ville (interactive map) – There are so many interesting characters that call Who-ville home that it’s hard to keep track of them all. This “Who’s Who” pop-up book uses animation to create a virtual storybook that takes us from Who-ville to Mt. Crumpit.
  • “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Lyric Video – Tyler, The Creator puts a modern spin on the Seussian Christmas classic.

MINI-MOVIES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • Yellow is the New Black – Before they all make their big escape from prison in Despicable Me 3, a couple of lucky Minions get a taste of freedom as they break free with the help of one of their fellow human inmates.
  • Dog Days of Winter – Max braves the harsh winter weather and an uncooperative Who to bring a sick Grinch his favorite hot tea.
  • Santa’s Little Helpers – Fan favorites – the Minions – are back for another adventure! Having been accidently dropped off at the North Pole, our Minion pals make the most of the situation by trying to become elves.

 BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • The Making of the Mini-Movies – Mini in size but not in heart, these short films are fan favorites. From the Grinch and Max to the Minions – you’ll explore the themes of each of the mini-movies through the eyes of the filmmakers who made them.
  • From Green to Screen – It takes a lot to bring grumpy green to your home screen. This inside look at the making of Illumination’s Seuss’s The Grinch features interviews and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, filmmakers and artists whose hearts have all grown three sizes bringing this classic tale to life.
  • Illuminating THE GRINCH – Using filmmaker and cast interviews, concept art and progression reels, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters evolved from initial sketches to fully realized characters.
  • My Earliest GRINCH Memories – The cast and filmmakers of Seuss’s The Grinch reveal their earliest memories of the grumpy green character and the enduring appeal of this Christmas curmudgeon’s journey to redemption.
  • Grinchy Gadgets – From his body-size blow dryer to his moving mechanical chair, from his catapult to his dog drone-rig and more… you’ll get to explore the wondrous world of Grinch’s gadgets.
  • “I Am The Grinch” Lyric Video – A stylized look at Tyler, The Creator’s original song created just for the film.
  • Songs From His Little Heart – Take a deep dive into the toe tapping beats of Seuss’s The Grinch. From score to specialty songs, you’ll hear from the film’s A-list musicians on what it took to create the music behind the movie.
  • X-mas Around the World – Every culture practices Christmas in a slightly different way. We’ll highlight some of the more fun permutations of the holiday around the globe.
  • Cindy-Lou’s Yule Log – Nothing says the holidays quite like an animated fireplace blasting fake heat from your living room television. Just in time for winter, we’ll recreate Cindy-Lou’s living room on Christmas Eve for all to enjoy.
  • Production Babies – A celebration of the babies born to the filmmakers during the production of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
  • Any Who Can Draw – Hosted by an Illumination artist and head of story Mark O’Hare, you’ll see step-by-step how to draw some of your favorite characters from this beloved holiday classic; Grinch, Max and Fred!

About Illumination

Illumination, founded by Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films.  The company’s franchises include three of the top-eight animated films of all time, and its iconic, beloved brands—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $6 billion worldwide.

#TheGrinch Giveaway

I have a real treat for Valentine’s Day. Would you like the chance to win a Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Blu-ray Gift Set? I bet you would! Let me tell you more about this great gift set that is filled with Grinch fun!

Grinch Gift Set Includes:

    • Blu-ray
    • Grinch beanie
    • Grinch Valentine’s Day Candy Conversation Hearts

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Gift Set! Thank you to UPHE for the review gift set and for sponsoring this Grinchy-good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Gift Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Download & Print Valentines from “Trolls The Beat Goes On”

If you just realized your kids need Valentines for tomorrow, we can help. Here are some adorable Valentine’s cards you can print at home. They are perfect for sharing with their friends and classmates.

For more Trolls fun, tune into, Trolls The Beat Goes On, a new Netflix series that you can watch now.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!! 

 

 

 

 


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Give a Rose That Lasts Forever #Giveaway

Roses are beautiful, but they die so fast when cut for bouquets. Sure, you can dry and press them, but that does not leave you with a vibrant, beautiful flower. Wouldn’t it be amazing if they could stay beautifully preserved forever?

If you like that idea, you will love, The Eternity Rose. They take a natural rose and create a gorgeous work of art by electroforming it with 24 karat gold. Then, they cover the leaves and petals in a radiant glaze.

The leaves are treated in a way that dissolves the green tissue, leaving the underlying leaf structure. This reveals a beautiful lattice framework that they coat with 24 karat gold and then glaze.

Each rose is crafted by hand and is truly unique. I recently ordered one of their purple glazed roses. It was presented in a beautiful case that cradled this breathtaking flower with care. The rose is absolutely stunning, you can see more on our video below.

They have roses available in so many beautiful colors on their website. They also have, exquisite pendants and earrings made using real miniature roses. They even have gift sets of their roses and jewelry. These roses make perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Why not give a gift that will be around for longer than a week?

I have good news, we are holding a giveaway and you can enter below for your chance to win a pendant or a pair of earrings of your choice from, The Eternity Rose!

Giveaway:

The Eternity Rose is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One of our lucky blog readers will win their choice of a pendant or earrings (subject to availability) from The Eternity Rose! Thank you to The Eternity Rose for the review rose and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Good Luck! Open to US residence in the contiguous 48 states.

The Eternity Rose Pendant or Earrings Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Disney Junior’s Minnie: Helping Hearts DVD #Giveaway

If you are growing tired of snow, ice and cold winter weather, take heart because Minnie and Daisy are on their way with Happy Hearts and Helping Hands!

Whip up some hot chocolate and cuddle up with the kids to watch Minnie and Daisy in their newly released DVD, Minnie: Helping Hearts. Remember spring starts next month!!!

Friendship Wins

The Happy Helpers are on their way!  When their friends need help, these two BFFs are at the ready! As the Happy Helpers from Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Minnie and Daisy can complete any task at hand, whether they are babysitters, personal assistants, or cruise ship directors leading the Valentine’s Day dance contest! Every day is an exciting new adventure and you can always count on the Happy Helpers to show up with happy hearts and helping hands!

Voice Cast:

Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse; Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck; Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse; Daniel Ross as Donald Duck; Bill Farmer as Goofy; April Winchell as Clarabelle Cow and Jim Cummings as Pete.

 Episodes:                          

  • The Happiest Helpers Cruise!
  • The Big Broadcast
  • Adventures in Buddysitting!
  • Lights! Camera! Help!
  • Grandpa Beagle’s Day Out
  •  Artful Helpers
  • Cuckoo La-La
  • Figaro’s New Friend

Executive Producer:       Rob LaDuca

Co-Executive Producer and Supervising  Story Editor:  Mark Seidenberg

Ratings:                             TV-Y (US); G (CE/CF)

Run Time:                         96 minutes

Giveaway:

Disney Junior is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One of our lucky blog readers will win their own Minnie: Helping Hearts DVD! Thank you to Disney Junior for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Good Luck! Open to US residence in the contiguous 48 states.

Minnie: Helping Hearts DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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5 Family-Fun Valentine’s Day Activities

When you have a tribe of kids like I do, it can be hard to just get away with my husband. I know it is important, but sometimes, it is just not possible. We tend to embrace the time we do get alone together, no matter when it occurs. I guess, it is good that I am a, “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of girl. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I would highlight some things you can do as a family to celebrate your own house full of love.

Bake Something Sweet

Set aside to bake some sweet treats. It does not have to be a complicated recipe. It should be something everyone can take part in. It can be as simple as opening up a box of cake mix and making some cupcakes. Let the kids take turns adding the ingredients and then pour the batter into some festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners.

Make a simple buttercream frosting, or if you are so inclined, open up a can of ready-made frosting. I know it might get messy, but let the kinds help you frost the cupcakes. I like to pipe my frosting on, so it can be fun to let kids try that. Have some fun showing them the different tip patterns and let them take a guess as to what kind of design it will create.

To top your cupcakes, use candy conversation hearts, red, pink or purple sugar crystals, sprinkles, cinnamon candies or a milk chocolate heart placed in the center.

If you would rather make a cake, use heart shaped cake pans to make it fun. If you love baking like I do, you can find all kinds of festive cupcake liners, baking pans and decorative accents online or in your favorite store.

Make homemade cards for each other

Sit down at the kitchen or craft table with an assortment of cardstock, construction paper, markers, decorative paper punches, ribbons, stickers, crayons, paper lace doilies, glue sticks and scissors and craft homemade cards for each other. Have your child write a poem and print it out. Then glue the poem to the inside of the card.  There are so many great ideas on sites like Pinterest for inspiration.

Make a Fun Family Video or Photo Slideshow

Take all those great moments you have captured as photos or videos, and put them together to create a special slideshow or video. Editing software like Photoshop Premiere Elements 2018, makes it easy to make instant movies. You just put in the media, make some design choices and enjoy the results in minutes. You will love the way it turns out, and people will think you spent hours editing. If you don’t have that software, there are many other programs that will work. You probably already have something on your computer to do it. When finished, you can share it on social media, as well as, cast to your TV for everyone to enjoy together.

Make A Coupon Book

Cut out some dollar bill size strips of construction paper and then staple 10 together to form a coupon book. Give everyone a book and let the make coupons for things they would do for someone. Kids could offer to clean the bathroom, take out the trash, walk the dog etc. When everyone is finished, put the books in a bag or box and let each person pull out a random coupon book. If they pick their own, have them put it back and try again.

Have A Special Valentine’s Day Family Meal

Sit down together, and plan the menu for a special Valentine’s Day Breakfast or Dinner. Some breakfast ideas are heart-shaped waffles or pancakes. Dinner can be simple or elaborate. A heart-shaped cookie cutter can be used to create sandwiches in the shapes of hearts.

When you have decided on a meal and menu, assign everyone a part and work together to create a meal with love you can all share. Make your table super festive with Valentine’s Day linens and fun paper roses that the kids will have a blast making.

I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration on you can celebrate the love of your family this Valentine’s Day. Let me know some of your best family ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day.


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