Guest Blog Post: Valentine’s Day Link Party!

For me, there’s just something about Valentine’s Day that makes me really look forward to it every year.  The stress of the holiday season is behind us.  It’s finally hit me that we’re in the middle of the winter –it’s cold, the days are short, everything is brown, and there’s nothing to distract me from these facts.

Enter Valentine’s Day.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  It’s not the expensive dining and gifts that we can sometimes feel pressured to take part in this time of year that I love so much.  Rather, it’s the sweet traditions my hubby and I have established with our family, as well as between the two of us, that I look forward to so much.  The same is probably true for you as well.

It’s the punch of red and pink in the middle of the cold and drab winter.  It’s the puffy heart and white doily crafts lovingly made by our little ones.  It’s the sweet sentiments and gestures  - taking the time to tell or show someone you love and care for them.  It’s the chocolate.  Let me repeat.  It’s the chocolate! 

I’ve put together a list of some of the crafts, recipes, and ideas that are inspiring me this Valentine’s Day.  Maybe some or all of them will do the same for you.

Surprise your little ones with one of these 10 Valentine’s Day School Lunch Ideas.

It doesn’t get any simpler or sweeter than these Easy Valentine’sDay Cookies.

I can’t wait to try out this Valentine Heart Cone Tree Tutorial.

This Conversation Heart Craft couldn’t be more simple and cute.

This list of Valentine’s Day Photo Ideas is sure to get you inspired to snap some cute photos of your kids this year.  

Or, better yet, hire a photographer (like yours truly!) to do it for you.  This colorful and sentimental holiday lends itself well to mini sessions.  It’s a great way get adorable pics of your kiddos and take a new-to-you photographer for a test drive.  My Valentine Mini Sessions will be on January 26^th at Kupcakes & Co.

I did this Valentine Wall –Color Matching Rainbow Mural with my then 2.5-year-old daughter last year and she loved it.  It was both fun and educational.

This Upper and Lowercase Letters: Heart Matching Game is another fun yet educational game to try with your little ones.

These Valentine Heart Leis look so cute yet so simple and easy.  A perfect craft to do with my 3.5-year-old daughter.  Added bonus – she adores necklaces!

This year, go crazy by celebrating with a Family Dance Party.

No child could resist these Valentine Red Velvet Brownies – they have sprinkles AND M&Ms!

You’re sure to find the gift idea you’re looking for on this list of 50 Quick and Easy DIY Valentine Gift Ideas.

This DIY Paper Heart Wall Art is my inspiration for the background we made for my Valentine mini sessions.

It doesn’t get any easier than this Nap Date idea to squeeze in a little romance this Valentine’s Day.

I hope this list has inspired you and has you looking forward to Valentine’s Day as much as I am!  In the comments below, let us know if you have any ideas to add!

Jennifer Krafchik, owner of Jennifer K Photography, has been a wife for eight years, a mama for three, and a professional photographer for two. Capturing life through her lens is one of her greatest obsessions and she looks forward to sharing this love with you each month. Keep up with her life as a mama to two little monkeys as well as her latest work and promotions by following her blog and Facebook page.