Valentine's Archives - 2 Cats and Chloe

SWS - Valentine Memories + Giveaway!

February 14, 2015 by Susan 8 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day Y’all! I hope you are spending the day hugging puppies, eating chocolate and drinking champagne. Unless you are me… in which case you are hugging puppies, dreaming about chocolate and sipping bubbly water! (I’m on day 45/60 of my Whole60! Woot!)

I was never a huge fan of Valentine’s Day… and I still think it’s kinda a funny holiday. Shouldn’t we treat our loved ones like it’s V-Day every day? Anyway, while I was never a huge fan - there are still a bunch of lovely memories attached to this Hallmark Holiday. So this Saturday, I asked the 2 cats sponsors if they have any wonderful memories from past Valentine’s Day…

Meet My Sponsors: Sarah from Say Hello, Dagmara from Glamista Home

I think my favorite Valentine’s Memory goes back to all of the cute and cheesy gifts my dad gave me every single year. Even when I was away at college, the one care package I received from him each year was full of little valentine chocolates and knick-knacks.

I also recently found this cute card that I had given my grandfather when I was five years old… so cute right? (It was from my TMNT phase…)

I’m spending today with my husband and furbabes, watching lots of netflix and relaxing. Quite frankly, it’s exactly the lazy day that I needed!

If you want to be part of the 2 cats & chloe Say What Saturday Series – it’s easy! This is just one of the many perks as a sponsor of this blog. All the money the comes from your sponsorships goes right out to sponsor bigger blogs, bringing more people back here to see you, your ad, your blog post (if it comes with your sponsorship) and your personality on Saturdays! So you see, it’s a win-win for all of us!

What is your favorite Valentine’s Memory?

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $300 J.Crew Gift Card

Co-hosts: Orange Marigolds • Jenn’s Blah Blag Blog • Style Tab • Miss Ari Leigh • Miss Erin Says • 2 Cats & Chloe • God’s Growing Garden • TonieGirl • Pumps and Push-Ups • Living With Beth • Stylish Adventures with AL • Allisonleighann.

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 2/27 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Podcast + Valentine Wreath

February 10, 2015 by Susan 27 Comments

Happy Celebrate Southern Day! Yup, it’s officially a day on my calendar, so let’s celebrate! First things first, there is a new episode of the Celebrate Southern Podcast LIVE! This week, J and I are discussing MEDIA KITS for bloggers! She is a pro on this topic so I can’t wait for you to listen in! I learned SO MUCH! You can listen along on the righthand side of my blog or right here:

If you want to see the notes for this podcast (or catch up on past podcasts) please click here.

Now how about a fun DIY project, right in time for February 14?

Just in case you haven’t noticed… I absolutely adore wreaths. They add a great touch of southern flair to any naked corner of your home, indoors or out. Yes, I said naked. Giggle giggle. With all of the recent cleaning and packing happening around the house - I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to “decorate” for Valentine’s Day. I decided to just stick with the mantle and then make a cute wreath.

In case you need to check out my wreath resume before proceeding any further into this post, you can see one here, here, and my favorite spring one here!

The best part of this Valentine’s wreath project is that it is really simple and takes very little time. Please don’t feel that just because this lovely, loving Hallmark Holiday is less than a week away that you don’t have time for one last festive project. This project will take you five minutes and really doesn’t even need a tutorial. You just grab your glue gun, your wreath-y supplies, then go crazy!

Supplies:

Grapevine Wreath. The wreath I used was buried in my messy craft closet. I bought about 5 of them last year when they were on sale for $3 each.
Valentine Ornaments (or Clearance Christmas Ornaments in Valentine-y colors!) I found mine at Walmart for $1.24 a piece… not so shabby right?
Hot Glue Gun
Ribbon (preferably wired ribbon)

Directions:

Pick your pattern and plan where you want to lay your ornaments. Again, super easy. I’m pretty sure even Chloe could’ve made this wreath if I let her use the glue gun. Once you have your color and pattern plan - start gluing! Keep in mind that you need to leave space for the ribbon. (I used leftover ribbon from a Christmas project… I feel like the addition of the ribbon really helps make it pop. Oh, and it’s sparkly so duh.) I have yet to master the “real wreath bow” making. You know, those super gorgeous, loopy ones? So I stick to the simple bow tie. If anyone has tips on how to make beautiful wreath bows - please help a sister out.

Ta daaaa! Here is my finished, 5 minute Valentine Grapevine Wreath. It cost me a mere $5 and can easily be recreated. So get on that… it’s not to late for one last valentine decoration this year!

2 cats & chloe: valentine burlap banner // DIY Wreath // Grapevine wreath

And because a have a few more cute valentine-y decorations up… heres a little sneak peek of a couple more projects you can easily recreate as well! I love my burlap heart banner and “Love Letters” that are simply covered in scrapbook paper!

What Valentine’s projects did you do this year? Do you have any plans with your significant other this weekend?

As always, thanks for joining stopping by and joining the linkup fun! Let us know what you think about the podcast! Like I said, I found this information extremely helpful and I think you will as well. Now you know the drill - get to it and have a wonderful week!

*I’m linking up here today!

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What Women Want For Valentines (or any other day really…)

February 5, 2015 by Susan 10 Comments

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought it would be really fun to put together a post about what women would really like from their men. No… I’m not going all “50 Shades” on you. I’m talking about gifts from the heart.

My husband, who is probably reading this post, post-publishing, grimacing his face, rolling his eyes and thinking “Oh Lord, what has she done now?” is a really amazing practical gift giver. I’ve gotten some really, really nice things from him. Things that I needed. Things that were absolutely useful. Things like computer software, an iPod docking station, paleo ketchup and a satellite radio subscription. While all of those gifts are things I love and use (I don’t mean to sound ungrateful) they are all lacking one thing: Romance.

Now ladies, we cannot hold this against our men. We love and adore them no matter what. But some of them are fundamentally just practical gift-givers. I polled several of my girlfriends and heard the same thing over and over again: a little more thought and romance would go a long way. I then asked each of them for a gift (or gesture) that they would love for their guy to give them.

So men, if you’re stressing over what to get your gal, here is a great list of ideas just in time for the upcoming day we all love to hate: Valentine’s Day. (This list also applies but is not limited to birthdays, anniversaries, Talk-like-a-Pirate-Day, Christmas and/or any random Saturday.)

1 // Even though we love you and your social updates on politics, burritos and gym memes… We would feel like a giddy highschooler again if you updated your Facebook status with a picture of us, or heck, a compliment about your wonderful girl would even go a long way. Just don’t be excessive… no one likes too much PDFBA! (Public Display of FaceBook Affection)

2 // Flowers for special occasions are nice. Flowers for no reason are even nicer. Even if I am the type of girl who keeps fresh flowers in the house… it’s the fact that you went out of your way to buy these, just for me, that really means something. Also, if you can go a couple steps further and put them in a vase, bonus points!

3 // Jewelry is wonderful. Even if it’s not expensive jewels. A charm, simple necklace or even an inexpensive made-in-China Charming Charlie’s find… it’s a token of your love that we can wear. When someone compliments it, we can say “thanks, my man got this for me!”

4 // A card or note. Newsflash: Girls love notes! A lot of us have a box with all of the cards in it that you’ve given us. You wouldn’t believe how far a post-it note on the mirror that says “you are beautiful” or “I love you” would get ya… Guys, it cannot get much easier than this. Yes it’s possible to woo your girl with three words on a post-it.

2 cats & chloe: valentines gifts for women, love you post-it note, romantic gifts for women

5 // Speaking of notes… with today’s advancements in technology, sometimes we just don’t have post-its laying around. A simple, “Good morning” or “Good night” text, or an “I hope you’re having a great day, love you!” text will go miles.

6 // A weekend away! Sure a nice weekend in a fancy hotel would be extremely ideal and romantic… but don’t think some of us wouldn’t be happy if you said “HEY! We are going camping this weekend! Pack your bags!” (PS. Remember those bonus points you’re trying to rack up? You will get a few more of them if you have figured out arrangements for the kids/pets/house/etc prior surprising us with a weekend away!)

7 // Come home with a bottle of wine or champagne for no good reason. Just do it. Especially if you did number 5 and learned your girl is having a rough day. Everyone benefits. Add a few dark chocolate covered strawberries = booooonnuuuussssss!

8 // Even at the age of 30, I would love to have one of those scavenger hunt date nights. You know, where you put thought into a few pit stops and it ends somewhere special or fun, or even at a bar for a glass of wine!

9 // Long distance? This is one of the few times that a super practical gift is acceptable. OR when your girl is traveling out of town. This is when a few minutes of thought in target or the grocery store can go a very long way. Think: Care package!

10 // Plan a picnic. I know it sounds cheesier than all RomCom moments you can possibly imagine - but plan a lunch in a park. Here’s a hint, you don’t even have to cook! Pick up chipotle, or her favorite, easy lunch. Pick a place: think park, beach, the lot where you are going to build your future house, a family cottage or in-town “getaway.” The key is to have it all planned out before you force her away from her computer and into your car… have the food and blanket waiting. Don’t tell her where you are going. (Stay away from the blindfold in the car though… nothing ruins a romantic picnic like vomming from motion sickness.)

11 // A couples massage. Yes, she would love a massage. I have yet to meet a girl who does not love an afternoon at the spa. And if you’ve already gifted her a massage, snaps for you. Wanna up the romance and minimize the knots in your back at the same time? Opt for a couples massage.

12 // Spend a couple of hours creating a photobook or collage for her. Whether its pictures from a vacation, photos documenting a year together, an album of your kids and family, or even pictures and funny jokes the two of you share. It’s things like this that she will hold on to and treasure. I was always so jealous of my college roommate… her boyfriend, now husband, made her an 8×10 collage every single year they were together. They now have a wall full of framed collages packed with pictures, ticket stubs and memories that their kids are looking at every day when they walk down the hallway.

2 cats & chloe: Target and Homegoods to decorate

13 // One last freebie for you. This is an easy one: Keep the house clean. Keep the darn toilet seat down. Put the throw pillows back in their proper places. Empty the dishwasher. Be still my heart.

So gents, remember, it’s not always the dollar amount that matters. Thoughtful, creative gestures are really the way to score the bonus points this Valentine’s Day. It’s a win-win for everyone because I’m pretty sure you will really enjoy cashing in all those bonus points you rack up. Wink Wink.

Ladies - what am I missing? What would you LOVE for your man to give you for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Photoshoot in the G-House

February 14, 2014 by Susan 4 Comments

Now that I am working from home, almost every day of the week, my human interaction is quite limited to business emails and social media. Today I needed a break from my computer.

Lately I’ve been toying with the idea of giving Chloe her own instagram account… because let’s be real… all the cool pets are doing it. Beyond that - she’s a unique dog. Blonde Border Collies are few and far between. They are as hard to find as those collector edition, teddy bear beanie babies were back in the 90s. So if some silly cat from South Africa can have thousands of followers, I have hope for C-lo’s page. And yeah… I follow that silly cat from South Africa. He’s just so stinkin cute!

But where does one start with the idea of having an instagram page for your pet? I’m pretty positive you have to be able to master a solid photo sesh with said pet.

Which is what I attempted to do on my 30 minute get-away-from-your-desk-break today.

Pretty sure we failed. Miserably.

I spent more time saying “NO! No, sit still!” “Do you want a cookie?” and “Rockie stop pulling the backdrop down!!” than having a good time.

Turns out Chloe is a much better model when she is in her natural habitat (i.e. playing in the snow) than she is posing for biscuits.

With that being said, we decided to pick one to turn into a Valentine’s e-picture just for you!

Cute, right?!

After uploading the pictures to my computer, I was shocked to see that one of the “pictures” was actually a video. I know I’m not the first to accidentally record when you mean to snap. But this totally wasn’t the case! Apparently my camera decided to make a video all on it’s own. And as it turns out, I love this video more than the pictures! You will see me bribe my dog with cookies, my horrible photography skills in action, and Rockie crash the shoot.

And now, just a few others that you may love on this lovely loving holiday.

After pulling down the left side, Rockie decided to go to the right side and poke chloe in the butt… until Chloe went all diva-licious on us. Which unfortunately isn’t on the video.

Then the cat stole the ribbon and left.

So with all that being said, I am pretty darn positive that chloe will not be getting her own instagram account. At least, not if Rockie has anything to do with it.

Happy Valentine’s Day Loves! While I’m counting down the days until my husband returns from military obligations on the other side of the country… I hope you’re holiday is a bit more exciting than mine! Spend it with some actual humans okay?

Oh - and if someone can explain why my camera gave me the video, I’d really appreciate it. Muah!

Why I Love and Hate Valentines Day

February 14, 2012 by Susan 2 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day friends!!

Believe it or not, despite my cute holiday decor I shared with you last week… I am not 100% thrilled with Valentine’s Day. Part of me hates it that someone, probably Hallmark, or apparently the Dollar Store {side note: do not, I repeat DO NOT go to the Dollar Store on February 13th. It’s like going to Party City October 30th. I am lucky I made it out alive.} Anyway, I do kind of hate it that someone invented this day as a way to make money on things like over priced flowers, balloons, chocolate, jewelry, and practical things like appliances that women can and will hold against their men for at least a week.

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Of course, this makes almost every girl secretly hope that a day like today will some how bring her her own Cinderella story. Miraculously her non-romantic guy will change into a true Casanova, or depending on who you are, maybe Justin Bieber or that dude from Twilight. I won’t judge you. But for just a couple hours he will dote on you and sing “Baby baby baby oooooo.” Because let’s be real, we all want to feel like a princess every now and then. I hate how this day makes us feel like we have to be with somebody, as opposed to we get to be with somebody.

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Then the other part of me, the part that my feminist comm professors would cringe at, loves Valentine’s Day. Don’t sigh at me yet, let me explain. I love this day because it gives us a reason to tell people we love them. Whether it’s through our words, or our actions, or our gifts (small or large, homemade or Tiffany’s, at home in flannel jammies or in a fancy dress out on the town.) So often, in my case at least, I think I forget to tell people how much they actually mean to me. So why not use a cheese ball holiday like this one to let them know they mean the world to me! In a crazy way, this day also gives me hope. Hope for smiles. Hope for surprises. Hope for love.

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So how am I taking on today? Yes, I would love it if my awesome boyfriend would flip a switch and take me on some kind of incredible date to Belize, where we would jump out of a helicopter, swim with sharks, soak up some rays, and then at the end of the day he would give me a rose. {Yes, I watched the Bachelor last night. And yes, I am still in shock trying to comprehend how he kept that skank. Enough said.}

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More than likely though, I have a crazy feeling my day isn’t going to look like an episode of The Bachelor. {Thankfully I won’t have to compete for my boyfriend’s love with 5 other crazy girls.} It will be simple. I will love the day for the love it brings. I will hate the day because it makes me want diamonds and peanut butter cups.

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I will hope for lovely surprises. I will go to work. My roommate will find the balloon and note I left for her. I will make sure that my realtors know I love them for all their support and continued business. I will text Michael a couple times. (We are going out to dinner on Saturday since we both have to work today.) Then I will volunteer at my family’s cafe as a waitress serving a delicious meal to our loyal patrons. (Surf and turf, champagne, and desserts for $50 a couple? Hello leftovers!!) A surprise or two would be nice. My dad has only failed my sister and I once. But, like I said, I hope to take advantage of today to wear pink {and more than likely something that sparkles} and to let you all know how much I love you!

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(I do love me some bacon though!)

I just looked up from my desk and spotted this on my bulletin board. I have no clue what year it’s from, but I am sure you can tell from my scribbly, childish writing it wasn’t recent. {AH! I take that back. Apparently it’s from 1989! There’s a date on the front of it! Sweet!}

Cute right? It’s little things like noticing the valentine card I gave my grandfather decades ago that make today special.

Thank you readers for bearing with me, and two days of long rambling blog posts. I promise this will not become a trend! Thank you for reading all the way through, if you did. I kinda felt like I was talking in circles about nothing really. I hope this read wasn’t a waste of your time. (If it was, I will make it up to you later with a funny tale of desk chair shopping.) And I truly hope you all have the best Valentine’s Day, full of surprises and love! xoxo.