Save money after Valentine's Day

If you are like me, you like to save money. But you also like to have some really cute stuff to add to your home and give as gifts. That is why I love stocking up after holidays. If you have the color red, pink, or purple in your home, now is the time to do just that! So many stores now have their Valentine's decor on sale.

I also love stocking up on gift wrap, gift bags and even gifts too. You just need to think about who you need to buy for in the future. Teachers, mothers, girl friends, and daughters might all be on that list with many items during this time. 

Here are a few I found online to help you start grabbing some great bargains for others or yourself! 

I found all of these items at Pier 1. Great gifts, pillows and a few red decorative elements for your home.

Look what I found at Kirklands. A cute pink floral lamp that would be great in a little girls room, guest bedroom or even a bathroom.

Checkout the pillows. Great for several styles and ALL on SALE!

Pottery Barn offers these FABULOUS red cut crystal martini glasses on sale right now. They were from their Christmas collection but would work for any home that uses red in their color scheme. And great to use many times throughout the year...Christmas, Valentine's Day,  Special events and even Thanksgiving. Mix them with other fall colors such as orange, greens and purples to a table that wows!

And here are a few gift bags ideas I found. Check out Target, Wal-Mart, Michael's Craft Store, Jo-Ann's fabric and crafts store, and so many others in your local areas. I like to stock up on solid bags in pink, red, and purple. You should also find some fabulous prints that can be used for baby gifts, teachers gifts, and many birthday gifts as well. Don't forget about the gift wrap too. Polka dots, stripes, and other designer patterns will work for many other occasions. 

I hope I inspired you to go check out some sales. I'd love to know what you find! Post some on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE. 

Happy SHOPPING and Bargain hunting!

Not your TYPICAL Valentine's Roses

As a designer, I am always wanting something different. I even worked in a floral shop in high school so believe me, when I say I dislike baby's breath in roses I MEAN IT! 

Thank goodness my hubby understood this right away. He knows I need a little extra drama in my flowers. He is still my VALENTINE after 17 years!

Here are a few ideas to maybe pass on to your VALENTINE for new ideas on your floral gifts. And even if you buy your own flowers for Valentine's Day this will give you a great starting point for "something more". You can also use these ideas to create your own bouquet. Many grocery stores, mass retailers and road side stands offer some fabulous selections. So go ahead...start designing your own. 

             

This design of red and pink roses is simple to make yourself. Cut stems at same length and let your vase help set the stage for the design. The next design is from floral designers that know how to give you more than the typical dozen roses. They used many colors of roses, designer ribbon and branches for this creation. 

                                          

Simple red, white and pink tulips is perfect for any DIY floral designer. And you can find these bundles most anywhere. The next design showcases roses, tulips and orchids. I also love how they used the long green stems to wrap around the stems to add an extra element of design. 

Make sure you change your water out everyday to preserve the life.

           

The purple creations above are all from www.teleflora.com. I just love how they use the color in mass to make a statement. And if you have never had lavender roses...I highly recommend it. 

They have thee most amazing smell. 

   

Do you still desire something different? Try light pinks and yellows. This is a very romantic arrangement. Now if you want more jewel tones, then the second arrangement might be more to your liking. Daisies, carnations, tulips and roses all make  up this bright and bold piece. I like how they incorporate the wicker pieces.

       

For the ultimate wow of color, these two arrangements will give you just that! The first is from www.proflowers.com. They offer this "A dozen Hugs, A dozen Kisses" style in several sizes to fit any budget. The second is a mixture of carnations, gerber daisies, and mini roses. The dark red ruby colored vase is what helps create that instant wow factor. 

I hope I have given you a few options to rethink your VALENTINE'S FLOWERS for this year. And don't worry if you need to drop a little hint to your honey...they might really appreciate the help.