flashback friday: be mine, creatively

circa 2006 and quite blurry.

ceramic heart and glitter heart found at dollar stores; valentine made from felt and ribbon; filled with chocolates and a cupcake; wrapped in cellophane.

I used to really love Valentine's day. Not to say that I don't now, but it was always so fun.

While my girlfriends were moping about being single on such a cookie-cutter Hallmark holiday, I was celebrating friendships with homemade goodies.

Every year I made a new homemade valentine card and paired it with a sweet treat like heart-shaped cookies, pink cupcakes, or even loads of chocolate bars.

The idea was simple: here's a little something I made to say "I love you".

And what better way to show that than with something made from the heart?

It's been years since I've made Valentine's day goodie bags, to be honest, but I did implement a $5 gift rule for my husband and I.

Though, he kind of hates the rule and he always breaks it.

But regardless, the creativity is there.

I really don't like red roses and even in high school, I hated the girls that crowded up the already-crowded hallways with enormous teddy bears and an unnecessary amount of red heart balloons.

So I like to be a little out of the box on Valentine's day.

So should you.

A couple of ideas to help:

Cupcakes and Cashmere's Conversation Heart Cookies

A Beautiful Mess' Wall Art

The Foodie Physician's Stay-at-home Romantic Meal

Bakerella's Cake Pops

Lots of love and creative energy your way!

And for the single ladies moping around on this "holiday", remember: