3 Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and if you’re like me, you kind of forget Valentine’s Day exists until it’s, well, a day away. You, like me, are probably racing to the Dollar Store for whatever Valentine’s you can find for your kids, or yourself.

I love doing holiday crafts with Forrest. It’s a great way to use up a little time during long days. Plus, it’s a little more heartfelt than a store bought Valentine. I’ve collected a few of my favorite crafts from Pinterest—as well as one we’ve done ourselves recently!

1. Love Canvas

Supplies needed:

• 1 small-to-medium sized canvas (I found them for $1 at the Dollar Store!)

• Acrylic paint in the colors of your choice

• Paintbrushes

• Masking tape

• Sharpie

I made these with Forrest for his grandparents a few weeks ago (hopefully, his grandparents in Idaho have received theirs and this is not a spoiler!) I found canvas at the Dollar Store, as well as some acrylic paint; so the cost for making 4 of these was only about $10. That’s pretty good!

I started by making a heart out of masking tape on the canvas, then I let Forrest go to town painting. We used red, pink, and white paint on both paintbrushes and round sponge dabbers. He really liked using the sponges. Next time, I want to do heart-shaped sponges and see if that helps him a little more! I wished I had a little bit of blue paint, because he kept asking for purple. But they turned out beautiful!

When they were dry, i peeled off the masking tape, then drew phrases on (Love You! or just Love) in pencil, before tracing in black Sharpie. They turned out so cute!

2. Paper Plate Unicorns

These are from one of my favorite craft blogs. Paper plate unicorns! I have about 1,000 leftover paper plates from parties over the years and honestly, I’m trying to get rid of them in a mindful way. This is a genius craft. It would be particularly good for playdates or preschool classes. Perhaps minus the glitter!

3. Fingerprint Heart Trees

This is another great craft for sending to grandparents or family who live far away, because it is a small piece of your toddler or child. I love how these fingerprint trees look and they use just paint and probably a lot of patience. They would look beautiful framed in a gallery wall as well. The best part is that you could really switch up the color scheme for any holiday.

My Top 3 Valentine's Day Beauty Must-Haves

Surprise! It's a bonus weekend post. 

I don't do this very often, usually only during challenge months, but I recently got an email from the Beauty Crop** announcing a special Valentine's Day sale starting today through the 4th! Everything on their website will be 30% off. Yes, everything. 

All the lipsticks I've recommended. All their brush sets. Everything. 

I wanted to share 3 of my favorite products from the Beauty Crop that will be perfect for Valentine's Day! Whether you're heading out with your honey or just want to treat yourself, these 3 pieces will be perfect: affordable, high-quality, and, most importantly, cruelty-free. 

1. Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter** 

The Beauty Crop's liquid highlighters (Glow Milk & Lighting Crew) are genuinely 2 of my favorite beauty products of all time because they are both dupes for the Cover FX droppers that everyone mixes into their foundation. (Ok, not everyone...) I love using both, but especially for Valentine's Day, the Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter is such a good option. Made from all-natural ingredients and in a beautiful, pale pink color, it's so much fun to use because of the cute packaging. Please just imagine how cute it will look in Instagram photos! It's regularly $19.50, but at 30% off, it will be less than $14! 

2. Fineapple Makeup Brush Set**

When people ask me what item they should definitely invest in when it comes to beauty, I always say brushes; a good brush set that you love will stay with you for years! I love this one from the Beauty Crop because it comes with such a nice case and the brushes are so cute. A stand out set of brushes that you love is something that you will revel in using every day--and these ones make me so happy! This set is normally $49, but with 30% off, it will be only $34.30! For 8 brushes and a case, that's an absolute steal. 

3. GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick in Piedaho**

I love the GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick formula; it's soft and comfortable, while still being super matte and full coverage. The color Piedaho is a deep, rich, burgundy; it's so pretty, especially for Valentine's Day. Whether you're vamping it up solo or heading out for dinner, it's the perfect color to wear with your favorite outfit (whether that's a dress or pajamas at home is up to you). Normally, Piedaho is $14.95, but with 30% off, it will be about $10.50! You can get 2 for that price! 

Whether you're looking for a little treat for yourself or to invest in a gift set (like the Brewtiful Face Gift set**, a personal favorite!), you don't want to miss this sale. 30% off everything ends on Sunday, February 4--to get shopping! 

Disclaimer: as noted in my disclosure policy (which you can read here), a double asterisk (**) indicates an affiliate links. An affiliate link means that for every sale, I make a small commission; affiliate links & posts like these help me keep the lights on at Writing Between Pauses. Thanks for supporting my blog & me by clicking these links, checking out these great products, and maybe making a purchase or 2! 

5 Polyvore Sets for Valentine’s Day Inspiration

Valentine’s Day is almost here. Here’s the thing: I love Valentine’s Day. I love the color scheme. I love the kitschy vibe. I love the candy. 

I don’t care if you think it is commercialized as hell. (I mean, you’re totally right.) I enjoy it regardless. Me and my closest thousands of friends. If you need more information regarding this, please see this tweet.

Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk what we’re going to wear. I picked 5 Polyvore sets to help us get in the mood for Valentine’s Day fashion. Let’s check it out! 

1. If you love sticking to the theme

The Valentine Effect by prettyorchid22 featuring a bone china

Classic Valentine’s Day theme: red and white everything. I’ve seen some super cute graphic print tops and sweaters lately (like this one from the GAP or this one from Torrid), as well as some white hot red skirts (like this one from Forever 21). Add some cute red shoes & Valentine’s Day-themed accessories and you’ve got one super Instagrammable outfit. Seriously, take a photo. 

2. If You Hate Red

Ten Twenty Six by monmondefou featuring loafer shoes

“Valentine’s Day is great. Except I hate red.” Sound familiar? That’s you. Or maybe you just love this outfit as much as I do. Ok, it’s not Valentine-y in the slightly. But it’s cute. It’s comfortable. And you’ll stay warm in it. (Is it as cold where you are as it is here in Oregon? Brrr!) Pair a classic preppy striped sweater with your favorite jeans, some cute loafers, and a killer coat for a Valentine’s Day outfit that says, “Fall in love with me because I’m always chic.” 

3. If you’re a little vintage 

Chic Style by pokadoll featuring a collarless jacket

You think outside the box. That’s for sure. Pair a cute, classic floral print dress (I love this one with a Peter Pan collar or this one) with an interesting, structured jacket, cute loafers, and fun accessories. You’ll be anything by boring. 

4. If you work from home

stuck in her daydream by thosewhowonderarenotalwayslost featuring a flower stem

“But I don’t leave the house! Most of the time…” you think, as you scroll through these outfits. Hey, fellow bloggers, this outfit is for you. You’ll notice it’s also definitely not stereotypically Valentine-y either. But I think it’s plenty romantic. Pair your favorite jeans with a romantic sweater (the one picture is sold out, but I like this one from Nordstrom Rack too) and a comfy scarf, as well as some super cute booties. You’ll look perfectly romantic & perfectly put together—without being too frilly for getting everything done. 

5. If you love pink 

Happy Valentine's Day! by tallybow featuring ballet flats

Pink isn’t everyone’s favorite color. But I’m betting it is yours. This outfit is for the girl who loves pink. A pink dress is a pretty standard wardrobe staple (and you can wear them hundreds of ways). I like this ribbed knit dress from Forever 21 and this peach number from Lulu’s for a fancier evening. Pair with flats and a cute jacket (I love this floral print bomber jacket) for a day out with friends… or just another day at the office. 

4 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Home

Danny and I are not what I would call date people. If we can stay home, we will choose staying home every time. (It really doesn’t help that our toddler has a strict 5:30pm bedtime!) 

We have consistently celebrated Valentine’s Day at home—if at all. I wanted to share a few ways you can celebrate at home, either with your partner or on your own. 

1. Make dinner together (or make your favorite dinner) 

Listen, cooking can be fun. Really! Choose something fun to make that you’ve never done before or make your absolute favorite. Light some candles; play your favorite music or podcast; drink wine; and most importantly, have fun. 

2. Play a game

Danny and I love to play video games together. I have only a middling interest in most video games, but every once and I while, we will play where we trade off every 10 minutes or so. It’s so much fun! If you aren’t a fan of traditional Valentine’s Day activities, playing a video game together (or even a good ol’ fashioned board game) is a way to bond and have fun. 

3. Have some alone time. 

Ok, it’s Valentine’s Day. But also, it’s just any other day. If you’re flying solo this year, do some self-care: take a bubble bath, deep clean your kitchen until it is sparkling, or read your favorite book. Even if you’re not on your own this year, take some time for yourself: let your partner do what makes him or her happy and treat yourself to something fun. Personally, I’ll most likely take a bubble bath and read by myself in bed on Valentine’s Day. Because that’s what I wanna do. 

4. Watch your favorite movie. 

This is such an obvious one. But here’s something fun: buy your absolute favorite snacks (mega butter popcorn and M&Ms!?), rent your favorite movie (or, uh, grab it off a shelf), and settle onto the couch. Don’t move until the snacks are gone and the movie is over. Don’t touch your phone for that 2 hours. How relaxing is that!?