Happy Valentine's Day

February - the shortest month - seemed to fly by this year. Maybe it seemed extra short because of the unusually warm weather - that's my best explanation. I enjoyed decorating this year - sometimes I think I won't bother (no kids to decorate for), but I'm always glad when I fill my house with hearts. and love.

I loved my Valentine's Table Runner. I finished it last year after Valentine's Day, so this was my first year to enjoy it. It decorated my kitchen counter along with pink and red candies. I think anyone could easily sew this table runner. The center tumbler blocks are so fun to make - it's magic how you sew those uneven blocks together and they come out in perfect rows. The applique is quick and easy using your machine. (The pattern is available from Kimberbell Designs)

This is Kim's version.

Add here is mine.

I loved using browns, tans, and taupe prints for this project.

I also loved my pillow which was made by my friend Teresa Lewis! Look at those buttons! And the hand embroidery. Teresa is a beautiful, prolific pillow maker. 

I loved loved the sugar cookies our d-i-l Sierra made. Her cookies are my favorite gift from her!

 I loved my handmade card from Becky! The ombre hearts have always been a favorite look and now I have a card of my own. 

I loved the flowers I bought at Sego and took to a friend...especially love that hobnail vase! I picked it especially for my friend because it looks old fashioned and girly. 

inspiration! red and white dinner

Check out my good friend (and co-Cut the Crazy Out of Christmas author) Norma Olsen's red and white table decor. This is actually from Christmas, but it would be equally darling for a Valentine's Day celebration. I love, love the red rick rack and white buttons.

Every year Norma goes all out for her Christmas Eve dinner. She chooses a theme and enjoys making it a surprise for her family. When the kids were little, they went skiing or bowling with Herm (Norma's husband) so she'd have time to get everything ready. She blocks off the kitchen and dining room with a blanket over the door so the beautiful decorations are a surprise. This year, Norma got inspiration from a post on the Cut The Crazy blog. She said that when she looked at our blog post, the ideas started to click. Soon she had a darling table to go with her wonderful meal. Suzie and I ran into Norma at the store, and she invited us to come over and enjoy her surprise.

Norma loves vintage and antique things - mixed with modern "finds."

She used dishes she had and added a few new pieces that worked with her theme.

She stayed with a red and white theme.

Even the chairs were decorated. I love that the wreaths are tied on the back of the chair.

The red berries were in Norma's yard!

The centerpiece was so simple yet elegant.

Norma hunted around and found the red and white old-fashioned bottles at antique stores.

The red rick rack had buttons scattered along it and went all the way down the table.

Even the antique high chair (a family heirloom) is decorated.