Here at FOLK we like to think we know how to throw a party, even if the party is just for two. This Valentine’s Day we have you covered with treats that will make your heart melt, a giveaway and recommendations for American-made gifts that your honey pie will swoon over. We know this because they are products we swoon over too!
Valentine’s Day decor. I have a love/hate relationship with it. When it is done right I love it, but when it is done wrong it’s oh, so wrong. Thankfully Kimberly Watt walks us through some DIY projects for setting the table that are easy and pretty. With yarn, carnations and ribbon she whips up a table scape that I would be honored to display in my own home. You can view instructions for these easy DIY projects in our Winter 2013 Issue (on page 64). You aren’t a subscriber? No worries. We promised, you’re invited. Check out the digital version of the issue HERE. Oh, but that’s not all!
Pink Velvet Cake! Mmmmmm! I told you we were going to make your heart melt! After you have your table all set head over to pages 90-95 (don’t forget, the digital issue can be viewed HERE) for the following recipes:
Pink Velvet Cake | White Chocolate Ganache | Chocolate Filled Red Velvet Cupcakes
Cream Cheese Frosting | Chocolate Mousse | Frosted Fruit | Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Don’t forget to also check out our recent (delicious) recipes that are right here on the blog! Heather shares with us how to create a Chocolate and Nutella Lava Cake and Lucy dishes up a recipe for Healthy Chocolate Pudding. I’ve always said, if you’re going to have a party… why not make it a fondue party? Amy walks us through how to set up a Fondue Party for that special someone (or just for yourself, I’m not judging).
I hope your heart isn’t already in a puddle on the floor… because I’m not done! I promised you a giveaway and recommendations for swoon worthy gifts.
Did you notice that chalkboard banner heart that Ben is holding at the top of this post? It’s perfect for quick ‘love notes’ and as much as we want to keep it… it’s for one of YOU!
Made in North Carolina, all Homegrown signs are hand stenciled, hand cut and hand painted with light distressing. This makes each one unique as slight variations occur during the handmade process. What can be better than a heart chalkboard to say I love you all throughout the year? Hearts are always a guaranteed success!
Hearts… and Roses. If you’re anything like me though those beautiful (aka expensive) roses are dead within a week. You’re supposed to change the water in the vase and clip the stems and yadda yadda yadda. I don’t have time for that. I like my roses made of fabric. No care necessary!
To fill the rose void in my life I turn to La Bonne Vie Designs. Every time I wear one of my Rockin’ Roses necklaces I end up talking about Marlene and her designs. It’s inevitable. Literally every time I put on one of her necklaces I get asked about it. Very soon, two of you will be getting asked about yours too because we have TWO to give away!
Do you want to be a lucky winner? It’s easy to enter.
Just leave a comment on this post telling us something special and something sweet about your Valentine. Three winners will be randomly selected on February 11th and contacted via email.
In the meantime, here are a few more American-made products that I personally love and believe would make great Valentine’s Day gifts:
For the person who adds the salt & pepper to your life:
Paulova handmade, ceramic salt and pepper bowls
For the one who believes it doesn’t get any more romantic than a handwritten love letter:
Dawn Josephine handwritten earrings with Aquamarine Silver Metal
For the long-distance relationship. Something to make those trips back and forth a little more enjoyable:
Hudson Sutler Hatteras Commuter Duffel
For a subtle daily reminder of your love:
The Burlap Bag wood burned tree trunk heart cufflinks
For a sweet reminder of an important place in your life (think where you met or where you said ‘I Do’):
A. Heirloom State Shaped Cutting Boards
Last, but not least, for the new little love in your life:
Little Hip Squeeks Organic Chevron Patterned Receiving Blankets
Be sure to check out the great recipes and DIY projects in our Winter 2013 Issue and don’t forget to let us know in the comments below something special and something sweet about your Valentine. All original comments will be automatically entered into a drawing. Three winners will be randomly chosen and contacted via email. Oh, and STAY TUNED. We have many more Valentine’s Day plans and recipes up our sleeve!
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» Crafts, Decor, Desserts, DIY, Entertaining, Fashion, Food, Gift Ideas, Giveaways, Holidays, Magazine, Recipes, Valentine's Day » Dear Valentine…
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67 Responses to Dear Valentine…
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« Chocolate and Nutella Lava Cakes…decadent Valentine’s day dessert A healthy dark chocolate, coconut, and almond treat »
Something sweet? I’ll try not go to too “so sweet your head will explode into candy and hopefully there are kids around with buckets when it happens”– but my Valentine is pretty darn fantastic. He is perhaps the most genuinely kind person I’ve met– he asks questions and genuinely cares about the response, makes time for the people he loves, looks out for people, and isn’t a doormat about his kindness, either. Lucky girl over here.
My Valentine opens doors for me, Car Doors, Restaurant doors, If there is a door he opens it for me….without prompting. Sure I can open my own doors but I sure do feel special when he opens them for me and when I see the looks on peoples faces as they watch him open the door for me at a restaurant makes me feel even more specila. My Valentine shows me everyday just how much he adores me
My Valentine is my husband. We have been married for 25 years. He is special because he had a massive stroke 14 years ago that left him paralyzed on one side, and brain damaged. He is sweet in that he is usually in a good mood, and tries to be helpful. But being a caregiver – I do miss the husband I had, and the romance and surprises of Valentines day.
My Valentine is super special because he knows me better than anyone else in the world & he still adores me
& My Valentine is super sweet…he’s big on big gifts & proclamations of his care & love but I think the thing that I’ve appreciated most lately is that he consistently has been making coffee just for me every morning. Oh it helps me take on the day!
S
My Valentine(s) are my 6 children. They have always, no matter their age, told me they love me even as teenagers in front of their friends (and the football team!) They make everything worth it
My husband of 17 years always thanks me after we have had our dinner. Every night. I am not a gourmet cook, but I think it is very sweet and special that he enjoys his meals enough to thank me for making his dinner.
My Valentine is my husband. We’ve been married for 24 years and he still gives me a wolf whistle now and then
My valentine is my husband, who as time passes by has made the complete circle of life in becoming the man that I had met many years ago. By that I mean he is once again thoughtful, thinking of my needs & wants, enjoying spending time together, traveling the off beaten paths and finding some of the mom & pop restaurants for enjoyment, becoming adventurous, and just relaxing and enjoying life. Our children are grown, having children and enjoying their own lives. We spend a lot of time with our family and have been so blessed. So my valentine is my husband.
This sounds so lovely!! Mine is starting to do the same thing too
Enjoy your special relationship!
My valentine is my true soul mate & hubby. Although he works 6 days a week, he is always willing to do projects I know he’d rather not do. Most are decorating projects that most guys would run from. This past weekend, he made a barn door for our laundry room, something I saw on Pintrest. I am in constant awe of him, his desire to please, his love & devotion and how he truly desires to have a the perfect little “Ranch House” just as I do.
My Valentines are my daughters/son/& Mom. They have been so sweet & caring with support, love, humor, and joy of life. These are the things that have held me up in life transitions of my marriage ending after 25 years & recent diagnosis this past year of MS. They each spoil me with lots of sweet little things of I love you, goofiness with song & dance, cooking & juicing together, exploring. I feel I’m very blessed when my 19/25/26/30 year old kids love to do things with “me”-their Mama. My mother & I are best friends. We have been through thick & thin/joys & heartaches in this circle of life, all of us together, walking in love.
My valentines are my two kids and grand daughter. I’m so proud of my kids! They have grown into responsible, polite and hard working adults. My son is a single dad and is doing a awesome job! I love that they all like doing things with me! And my daughter will post on my face book that she loves her mom
My sweet Valentine is my husband of 39 years. We became grand parents for the third time today to our first grand daughter! We recently moved from New York City to the Denver area of Colorado, so that we could live closer to our children that settled here, and our grandchildren. Family first. That is what true love is all about!
My Valentine of 20 years knows that’s its the little things that get me! He gets me a cup of tea in the evening, takes care if little chores when I’ve had a long day, and warms up my side of the bed before I get in
love, love, love!
Valentine’s Day is really special for my husband and I. I met him on the internet 15 years ago on the 8th and then met him in person the day before Valentine’s Day. He gave me a dozen red roses and a diamond bracelet. We both knew we belonged together and we have been together ever since. It was like a Cinderella story. We married three years later and Valentine’s Day is always a special holiday for us.
My husband and I live simply in the cold western part of Massachusetts. The other day he took my car for a quick run to the post office. When I questioned him for using my car instead of his truck, he said he wanted to warm it up for me to drive to work. It’s the little thoughtful things that have kept our marriage strong for 23 years.
My dear hubby is my special and sweet guy!….he treats me so good, always there for me for everything…..he is so loving and kind, I can’t imagine life without him…
Brenda
My valentine is my husband. He knows I am not a morning person and for 27 yrs he has made the first pot of coffee then pours me a cup, hands me the paper and let’s me have some quiet time to slowly wake up. That is a perfect way to start each day!
My valentine is my very special friend Ben. He is by my side helping me cook dinner, and after the meal he always tells me to go sit down and rest and to let him clean up. He is very kind and nurturing, and he loves to play cards with my special grandchildren. He’s a great guy!
My valentine is my husband. We have been together for over 40 years. We have loved and cared for each other through good times and bad. We still have a romantic date night every Friday night. A love like that doesn’t get old. It only gets sweeter.
Valentines day is really special to us because we got engaged on this day. We always celebrate it & talk about our engagement day.
My sweet valentine is my husband. I am receiving cancer treatments 3 times a week and have about 7 more months to go and he is my rock! Very thoughtful and caring and making sure that he tells me everything will be okay and we will make it through this. I love him more than life itself!
Vaentine’s Day is nestled in the month with other family celebrations: Chinese New Year, three family birthdays and my parents’ 66th anniversary. My most memorable Valentine’s Day was a few years ago when we were snowed in for the entire day. Gee whilikers- only we two and the whole day to ourselves. We have been married 46 years and he still gets my motor running. lol.
My honey has been in my life alittle over two yers. He has lifed me uo, loved me, and showered my children and grandchildren with unconditional love. We are both starting over after a long time alone. We treasure each moment and tell each other every day our love and devotion. Life is short and we have a lot to catch up on. He is my everything along with my chilren and grands. God has been good to both of us. All praise goes to Him.
My Valentine is my husband, Jim. He will turn 55 on Valentine’s Day! We have been together since high school. He made me wait 6 years before we could get married as he had his dream to become a physician. When med school did not look like it was in his future he chose graduate school and we were on our way to New Mexico so he could teach. At the 11th hour he was accepted to medical school and after 9 more years of schooling/training/residency he is now a Radiation Oncologist in his hometown. It will be 20 years this July that he’s been practicing. He has the sweetest disposition and compassion and has treated many family friends over the years. Patients and their families will tell me how wonderfully he treated them and it just makes my heart swell more for him. He’s a sweet husband, father, brother, son and friend too! My Valentine!
My family ‘owns my heart’ and are my true Valentines. Its been a bit of a challenge some days but my 2 daughters are growing up so nicely (16 and 18) and its a joy to say they are mine. My hubby of almost 25 years has truly become my ‘other half’ and cannot imagine a life without him.
oh, and to be silly–my pets-2 cats/1 dog–who greet me so happily when I get home from work (sometimes even more than the people )
My husband and I have been married almost three years…since we started dating eight years ago our Valentine’s Day tradition is to go to a local bookstore together to read. We make it sweet with coffee for me and hot coco for my Mr. Where we live Valentine’s Day can be freezing temperature so after the bookstore we head to downtown St. Paul (Minnesota) for some chilly ice-skating. Perfect night for us!
My valentine, who has impeccable grammar (his something special), sends me bouquets of brightly colored spatulas instead of bouquets of flowers and boxes of mason jars instead of boxes of store-bought candy (his something sweet). : )
Even though my hubbie is not a lover of vegetables, he plants me a vegie garden each spring.
My husband has been my valentine ever since we met 19 years ago. He is truly the wind beneath my wings and I cannot imagine life without him. He has the most generous heart of anyone I know and his sense of humor gets us through some rocky situations. He is my best friend and my soul mate and I count my lucky stars for meeting him!
my Valentine has been with me since high school graduation (some 40 years ago). We have weathered a lot together but still love each other more than when we first met. that’s not to say we don’t have our troubles, but the best part is that he still makes me laugh like no one else!
I while ago my husband and I decided not to give gifts on Valentine’s day. Our wedding anniversary is Feb. 12th. So Valentine’s day sorta gets lost in the mix. At the time 13 years ago getting married on 2/12 sounded fun and romantic but now I wish we would have chosen a date not so close to Valentines day. You see I love Valentines day but my husband is indifferent to it. I decorate the house and I bake goodies. Secretly I think maybe flowers or a little gift will come my way. So far nothing. We love each other very much but he’s kinda of unromantic when it comes to Valentine’s day. SO I would love to receive your special gifts. Just thinking about a package showing up on my porch makes me excited.
love the blog and look forward to getting the magazine in March.
Karen
unfortunately my husband doesn’t get into valentine’s day. I usually have lunch delivered to him and make him a card. One time I got flowers delivered to me with a “welcome to your new home” card. It was really funny.
I would really be surprised if my husband did anything special for Valentine’s Day, he doesn’t get
into any holidays. He still is special to me and does little surprises at unexpected times to make
each year of marriage to him memorable.
My husband is my valentine. He is so sweet because he is willing to go to Trade Days in Canton with me all day and hurry and be there early. He also goes to stores with me that he doesn’t care for and sorta patiently waits for me to look around. After 29 years we have learned to go with the flow!
Valentine’s Day is our anniversary…28 years. I still have the little candy hearts he gave me on our first Valentine’s Day. They keep surprisingly well. LOL!! The little ones say: “I do” “Cutey pie” and “Let’s kiss.” The big one says “Kiss Miss?” My husband works really hard all the time to take care of us but on our anniversary we spend the day together just noodling around our favorite town and talking. It’s not lavish, but it’s sweet and I’d rather have the gift of time than anything else.
My sweetie is not the card buying, flower picking type. But I wouldn’t want him any other
way!! He is sweet to me EVERY day of the year. Each morning my coffee cup is out and waiting for me. This lets me know he is thinking of me first thing each day!! What could make you feel more special than that? We usually spend part of the day together checking on all the newborn baby calves! Nothing more precious than that!
My Valentine this year is myself. I am actually very thankful for this opportunity to focus on myself and show myself the love I deserve.
Every few years my hubby plans a crazy, secret surprise for me–once it was a trip by plane to another city to see a show I loved; once it was a weekend at a B&B; once it was a new dress and fancy dinner out. He always involves my friends with keeping it from me, organizes babysitting and even packs my bags. They all think he needs for do workshops for husbands! He’s pretty special.
Let me know when that workshop is open for sign-up’s!
My heart belongs to a United States Marine — that’s the sweetest thing to me!
My hubby is my valentine. He is the sweetest guy I know. The special thing about him is how after 30 years together he is still my love, my sweetheart. One of the sweetest things he did for me was this last Christmas, he took me and our little dachshund to PetSmart, so the 3 of us could have our picture taken with Santa. We wore twirly Santa hats, and our doxie wore her Santa collar. He did this just for me…because I love that little dog so very much.
My husband has been my ♥ for 33 + years. He doesn’t get into the candy and flowers thing saying its “expected” and too commercialized, so instead he gives me something around Valentines Day (never on the actual day) that I may have made a comment about that I would like or need…he really is sweet and most thoughtful all throughout the year. The special thing he does and I look forward to the most is every year after working hard outside he takes the time to pick and hand delivers with a kiss the first almond blossom from our orchard and the first rose that blooms because he knows I like them.
I like Valentine Day because it’s the day my husband proposed to me
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! Cheers!!
My Valentine is my husband, Colin. We’ve been through the ringer together but our relationship has always overcome. We’re learning after four years married, seven total together, that love isn’t about what the other person can do to make you happy…but what YOU CAN DO to make them happy. Once both sides start living life with that mentality, the storms become easier to weather when they come – and they will. Marriage itself isn’t easy…but anything worth having isn’t easily attained. You have to work at it and for it. You have to go through the valley to get to that mountaintop. I wouldn’t choose anyone else but him to go through this journey we call life…and I can’t think of anyone better than him to call my Valentine <3
My valentine(s) are my daughter and grandaughter, they are so wonderful and they keep me going everyday even though I have health problems. I don’t know what I would do without them in my life!!
My valentine is my wonderful husband of 52 years. He is so amazing and always puts me first in everything he does. He was a very good nurse to me when I had my back surgery in June; waiting on me hand and foot, cooked all the meals and brought mine to me on a tray, in my recliner. He was my highschool sweetheart, and I love him even more deeply than I did 52 years ago. God give me a wonderful gift when He gave me him.
My Valentine is my BF, a very special man. He found me when I was down and out and helped to lift me back up, with kindness and laughter. He is my best friend, we laugh together everyday. He is my gift from Heaven.
My valentine is my wonderful husband. This April, we will be married 11 years, and I have loved every minute of it. He’s goofy and fun and makes me laugh at least once a day–not little giggle laughs, the kind that makes your stomach hurt and tears roll down your eyes. And he makes sure to tell me, at least once a day (often more) that he adores me. He sure knows how to make a girl feel special.
My Valentiine is my husband of 26 years. He loves me unconditionally through the trials and tribulations we have faced over the years. He is THE best father to our two young adult children and our 4 cats and 3 dogs.
Hmmm – Something Special about my Valentine: He is not only an amazing husband (20+ years) but he is also an amazing Dad… to me, that is pretty special! And something sweet: he takes HOURS – and I am not exaggerating, to pick out that ‘perfect’ card and then hours more to write in it! And yes… I have a box FILLED with them overflowing! He’s pretty special AND sweet on a daily basis and I am very blessed!
special | this year, my wife + I celebrate our 7th valentine’s day together.
sweet | my wife is the bees knees and I would be lost in this world without her.
When we reserve only one day a year to express love, it’s very limiting. Kindness, caring, and love can be shown all year long. I receive a great reward, myself, each time I do something for someone else–open a door, carry a bag, say hello, pay a bill, give a gift for no reason, offer to drive, give a smile– among other things that would qualify as “good deeds”. So rather than express love to one person on one special day, I’d rather spread it around all year long in hopes that my actions would be contagious. What people don’t know is I can then feel an inner love of myself for trying to be a better person. Through these random acts of kindness, my wish is that those I’ve touched will “pay it forward” and make someone else a grateful recipient.
We live in a very cold, cold place….Star Valley, Wyoming. My Honey and I have been married for more than 27 years. there have been some tough times…we’ve never had nearly enough money…but my sweetie finds the time to tuck in hot water bottles near my feet every morning before he goes off to work early. Those are the kind of simple, sweet things that have kept our marriage going.
My Valentine is my husband. I have several illnesses that prevent me from doing the things that I used to. My husband works 50 hours a week and still helps clean the house, make meals, and do the laundry. He also goes to my doctor appointments with me and calls to check on me several times a day. He is the most loving, caring man in the world. I am so blessed!
My husband of 41 years is the best husband, father and grandfather any woman could ask for! I can’t imagine my life without him!
My Valentine is my husband of 21 years. He is so very kind, and loyal, and patient with me. I think that the greatest gift he gives is his kindness.
Instead of fighting the crowds at any given restaurant on Valentine’s Day, my sweet husband decorates our dining room table and cooks us a special dinner. We also make each other’s cards…I haved saved all our valentines we’ve exchanged….I think they will be fun to show our son someday!
This year, my valentines are going to be my pop and two brothers (although they don’t know this yet…because I just decided it…they’ll understand). They’re my special guys because they willingly comfort me when I girl out on them with a call at 3 in the morning sobbing about the meaning of life. They’re my sweethearts because I know they’ll be willing to be my stand ins (if) until I find a boyfriend. Now I’m going to call them to make sure they know what kind of chocolate I like.
Valentine’s day is always special. Winter can be cold and dark, but Valentine’s warms everything!
Cooking dinner for my Valentines (husband and children) and baking heart cookies. It’s simple and the best!
Valentine’s Day is always such a special day for me, as a little girl and on through my life my adorab le Dad would present my Mother, Sister and I with a red heart box of candy and a special card.This tradition continued untill he passed away.He was in the Armed Services and wheather he was homeon not we got the same gift.It was such an exciting time to think we were Daddy’s girls.It is such a wonderful memory along with many fixed in my mind forever!
One thing I always thought was so fun was making boxes for others to put their valentines in. This was a grade school project. We were all to bring a shoe box or something similar and we decorated them at school. I remember that ots of glue and glitter plus candy hearts were on those boxes.
I wrote a blog entry about my Valentine that I want to show you but not sure I should do that here. I will sum it up by saying, 21 years of marriage, 4 boys, 2 miscarriages, he’s stood by me thru years of depression and makes me feel like I’m still 16. He swears I look like a VS model (bless his heart) and he goes out of his way to make my life better. He’s been my best friend since I was 8 and he 14. Storybook stuff that’s survived many challenges!!
My funny valentine….hmm. Well after almost 22 years I know to still not expect anything from him. He can’t seem to remember birthdays or holidays, but I still love him.
My Valentine greet’s me every morning with ” Good Morning Beautiful” He proposed to me at a Peacock Hut. That may not seem to special but it was amazing for many reasons 1 IT was my momma’s favorite bird. (She died when I was a little over a year old. She found out she had leukemia when she was 4 months pregnant with me and decided to wait for treatment until I was born so it didn’t harm me) 2 I never wanted to get married before I met him. He’s my sweet and special all wrapped up into one big, bearded, beautiful package.
OMG – Am I too late to enter? The necklaces are more than gorgeous! Whether I’m late or not, I want to take the time to tell you how loving and kind my husband was to me during the March-August 2012 (and even beyond) time — I was going through a very difficult chemotherapy regime and he too such good care of me at a time that I needed it so much! He’s the absolute best valentine one could want — he loved me at a time that I needed spiritual and emotional support that couldn’t come from a medical team.
My hubby is special because today he filled my car with balloons, the same thing he did seven years ago when he proposed. He always seeks to serve me and loves me unconditionally.