Homemade Creamy Eggnog Recipe

I'm not sure what started it, but the kids were really excited to make homemade eggnog this year.  They kept talking about it during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and I loved the idea since A) eggnog is de-licious, and B) I have fond memories of helping my dad make it on Christmas morning.

I haven't made any since I was young though, and had no idea what recipe to use.  I asked on Facebook and looked a few up on Allrecipes.  In the end I used them for inspiration and made my own recipe based on what I had on hand.  It was super easy and was a big hit - and a super savings!  The kids and adults loved how it turned out, so I knew I had to share with you guys!

I've been following Trim Healthy Mama since April and have improved my health (and weight) greatly! I've been making some really yummy and healthy holiday drinks (like Coconut Malted Nog, Java Chip Frappe, Winter Wonderland Sip) so I didn't feel deprived in the least....but I also made sure to allow for a few splurges...this eggnog being one of them! =) 
(Eventually I'd like to try to "THM-ify" it! The kids have been begging for me to make more, so it may not be long!)

Homemade Creamy Eggnog Recipe
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 quart half and half
1 quart coconut milk
1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream

1. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
2. Gradually stir in half and half, coconut milk, and nutmeg.
3. In separate chilled bowl, whip cream to a peak. Fold into egg mixture.  Refrigerate overnight if possible. Shake before serving. 


Notes:

• I made sure to get some great quality free-range eggs from the farmers market since they would be consumed raw.
• We only had time to refrigerate for a couple hours, and it was great - though it was definitely better chilled than right after mixing. I would imagine overnight would be even better to let the flavors develop more and allow the frothiness to settle.
• I do think you could sub coconut milk for the half and half and the heavy cream to make it dairy-free. It would be much thinner, but I'm guessing still really yummy!
• Some of the original recipes I looked at included bourbon and/or rum in the ingredients. Since kids would be drinking it, that obviously wasn't an option, but I added a bit of rum to my own glass and it was delicious!  ;)

photo credit

Cookie Cupcakes -- Quick, Easy, and SO Yummy!

You guys, I am so excited to share these treats....crispy, chewy, coconut sugar cookies, topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with pretty coconut and sugar....and devoured!  Two words: "dangerously delicious"!  They are a great bite-size for the kiddos....and for you to have more than one and still enjoy yourself.  ;)

We had a last-minute get together for the 4th of July, and at first I was going to make our 4th of July fruit kabobs (....big hit with the kids, and a favorite on the blog!)....but then I realized we were out of blueberries and I couldn't find our wooden skewers, lol. 

I wanted a fun treat for the kids though, so with strawberries in hand, off to Pinterest I went!  I found this recipe for "Red, White, and Blue Sugar Cookie Cups" and it was perfect -- it's an easy one to make and easy to have all the ingredients on hand!

After baking the sugar cookie cups, I frosted them with cream cheese frosting - just put it in a Ziploc bag, snip off the corner and do a swirly-whirly on top for a pretty look.

I had red sugar that was clearanced after Christmas, and I dyed some coconut blue for the topping.  To make the blue coconut, I just tossed some shredded coconut and a couple drops of blue food coloring (I'd like to try a natural food coloring like this) in a Tupperware container - the kids liked helping with this!  Then we added some fresh strawberries...

The red, white and blue was perfect for a 4th of July or Memorial Day treat, but my mind was racing with other color possibilities -- birthday parties, sports teams, other holidays, pink and blue for baby showers or gender reveal parties...

I did leave some plain for those who don't love coconut - just as yummy to keep it really simple with just the colored sugar....

They were super delicious!!  Seriously, how can you go wrong with sugar cookies, cream cheese, fresh fruit, and anything in a mini muffin tin?? It was very similar in taste to a fruit pizza, but in a cute bite size.  (My mouth is watering just typing this up!)

Directions

For the Cookie Cupcakes:

• 1 (17.5 oz.) package Sugar Cookie Cookie Mix (I used Betty Crocker)
• ½ c. coconut oil
• 1 egg

1. Mix cookies according to package instructions, substituting coconut oil for butter.
2. Grease mini muffin tin (24 muffins) and divide dough evenly among tins.

3. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 c. powdered sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, & vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth & blended.
2. Add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then beat on medium speed for 1 minute to lighten the frosting.
3. Top cooled cookie cups with cream cheese frosting, using a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe frosting (a smaller hole gives you more control). Top with blue coconut, red sugar, and strawberry piece (or whatever you'd like).

Optional Toppings:

• ½ c. sweetened, shredded coconut (dyed with a couple drops of food coloring)
• colored sugar
• fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (if using large strawberries, divide into smaller segments)
• candies (nerds, gummies, etc)

Igloo Cheeseball and Penguin Pals - cute and easy appetizer!

I don't remember where I first saw this idea (it was a few years ago), but the little penguin pals were just so cute!  They instantly won me over and I knew I had to make this cute appetizer at the first opportunity, which was a New Years Eve party at my sister's house.  They were such a hit though, I think I might make them again for Christmas this year.

*As an extra bit of fun, during the party, one of our friends "kidnapped" one of the penguins and left a ransom note.  After a lot of laughter and a house-wide search, he was found in the freezer. What a fun night that was!

Alright, to make yours, you start by spreading a little cream cheese on the plate, and I drew some "tracks" where the penguins had been skating around.  =)

Igloo:
Make your favorite cheese ball (I think I just made the recipe up....cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapenos...something like that - you can finds lots of ideas at Allrecipes), form it into a dome shape on a plate/platter, and carve out an opening for the "door".

Soften some cream cheese and spread a layer over the cheese ball.  Use a toothpick or knife to draw the "ice blocks" in the cream cheese.  Then roll a "rope" out of cream cheese, shape it into a U, and press into the ball over the doorway.


Penguins:
Each "Penguin Pal" will need a toothpick, 2 black olives (one jumbo, one small), a slice of carrot, and a bit of cream cheese.

• Feet: Cut a "V" into the slice of carrot to make his little feet, and stick the toothpick into the carrot to create the penguins' base.
• Body: Slice a jumbo olive lengthwise and stuff with cream cheese, then slide onto the toothpick.
• Head: Cut a little slit in a small olive and give him a tiny carrot wedge for his mouth, then place it on top of the body.

*You could even dress him up with a little pimento scarf if you want. I tried giving one of them a little beret with a cap of olive, but didn't totally love how it turned out.

Serve them up with some crackers and enjoy your fun little friends!  If you make these I would LOVE to see how they turn out!

{how cute are these guys in their Winter Wonderland??}

FREE eBook on Amazon.com: "Homemade Christmas"

Amazon is offering the "Homemade Christmas" e-book for Kindle for FREE!  This book looks like it's chockful of ideas for a great stress-less Christmas!

• If you don’t have a Kindle, you can just download a free reading app from Amazon which will allow you to read this on your PC, iPad, iPhone, blackberry, android, Mac and more!
• Prices change often.....if it's still FREE the price will be listed as $0.00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Have fun during the holidays without spending a lot of money!

Do you get stressed out around Christmas time because everything seems so disorganized and you feel the pressure to spend way more than you feel you can actually afford? It IS possible to enjoy the holidays without having to pay for it for the next 5 years!

In the Homemade Christmas e-book, you'll find lots of helpful tips including:
- 90 Homemade Gifts and Gag Gifts from Easy Bake Oven Mix to Sugar Scrub to Homemade Christmas Coal
- A Holiday "To Do" List
- How to Have More with Less at Christmas
- How Can I Spend Less on Presents Without Looking Cheap?
- How To Make A Candy Christmas Wreath
- Christmas On A Budget!
- Homemade Gift Basket Ideas
- Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Gift Wrapping Money
- Save Money With Unusual After Christmas Buys
- Our Favorite Christmas Recipes
- ...and much more.

Get the Homemade Christmas e-book today and enjoy a happier and more stress free holiday season!"

(thank you Stacy Makes Cents!)

FREE Redbox DVD Rentals for Valentine's Day!

Redbox is celebrating Valentine's Day by giving us some FREE codes!  Good through today, Thursday, Feb. 14th, use these codes to get a free movie rental. Limit one free rental, per code, per debit card.

HIGHFIVE
HEART
SWEET


You will need to swipe your credit/debit card, but will not be charged unless you return it late (after 9pm the next night).  In that case, you'd pay $1/day for each day it's late. 
Check here for Redbox locations.  You can use each code once per credit/debit card.



Other Current Codes: (as far as I know they're current - let us know in the comments how they work for you!)
REDBOX
DVDONME
BREAKROOM

N6TRWTV
DATE124
CLIMB5
WALGREENS

DVDATWAG (valid only at Walgreens locations)
DVDKROG (valid only at Kroger locations)
DRIVEIN (valid only at Sonic locations)

FREE Bed and Breakfast Stay for 2 for Active or Retired Military - November, 11th, 2012!

Here's a wonderful free offer to any active or retired military....a FREE stay for 2 at Bed and Breakfasts across North America on November 11th, 2012.  There are currently more than 600 inns in the participating in the US and Canada (but space is limited, so don't wait to book a room!).  Here are some details to check out:

Inns and B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest and say thank you for your service by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Rooms are offered on a space available basis, and there are far more deserving vets than B&B space allows.  Offers are updated daily and may be sorted by state/province, so check back often and scroll down for participating inns and B&Bs.

Click here to learn more about how to find a participating inn or B&B and more details about the requirements to participate.

Click here to learn about Canadian B&Bs for Vets offers from BBCanada.


(thanks Money Saving Mom!)

FREE Meal for Veterans and Active Duty Military at Applebee's on Veteran's Day - Nov. 11th, 2012!

Applebee's is saying thank you to our Veterans and Active Duty Military by offering a FREE Signature Entree on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2012 (and every Veterans Day)!

McDonald's: Halloween Coupon Booklet - $1 for 12 FREE Items!

Have you seen these "Halloween Treats Packs" at your McDonald's??  They're only $1 and they include coupons for 12 FREE items for kids 12 and under!

The coupons inside include:
*3 FREE Apple Slices
*3 FREE Small Vanilla Cones
*3 FREE Milk Chugs or Sm. Apple Juice
*3 FREE Hamburgers

Our McDonald's just got them in, so my husband bought a few this morning.  I've heard some people talk about passing these free coupons out to trick-or-treaters, and my 8-year-old will take one to a friend's birthday party tomorrow for his buddy.  I love the idea of having these in the car to stop for a free treat when I'm out running errands with the kids!

Lucas is super excited about them, lol!  ;)

*Some bloggers have mentioned that they have no expiration dates, but mine do - they're good from 11/1/12 - 12/31/12.  Every McDonald's may not carry these - call to check at yours.

FREE Personalized Greeting Card + FREE Shipping through Sunday! (US and Canada)

Cardstore is looking to celebrate any and all occassions, so in honor of Hammock Day this Sunday 7/22, Cardstore is giving away FREE CARDS!

The FREE Card is available now through Hammock Day, Sunday, 7/22 at 11:59pm EST!  Use the code "CAJ2719" at checkout for 1 FREE Card, including Free Shipping.


*One Free card valid per Cardstore.com account. Free Card valid in the US and Canada only, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Free Shipping only valid in the US.

**HOT** Rebates for Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan, Smirnoff, and MORE! FREE Groceries!

I love when rebates for wine, liquor, or beer come around because these rebates are a great way to save money and it's perfect timing if you have a 4th of July party or summer soiree coming up that you'll be buying alcohol for....

Right now (until 7/8/12!) you have a few days to grab this first deal:

• Buy any (2) 750ml (or larger) Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, and/or Tanqueray* between 6/24/12 and 7/8/12
• Mail in this rebate form to get $8 back! That's $4 off per bottle!
• *See rebate form for specific varieties.  Not valid in IN, ME, MS, NC, TX, and UT.

This 2nd deal you have a little longer to buy, and is similar, but with more options to purchase:

• Buy any (2) 750ml (or larger) Bailey's, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, Jose Cuervo,  Ketel One, Smirnoff, and/or Tanqueray* between 6/14/12 and 7/10/12
• Mail in this rebate form to get $8 back! That's $4 off per bottle!
• *See rebate form for specific varieties.  Not valid in IN, ME, MS, NC, TX, and UT.

Here's a 3rd deal with an even longer time to take advantage of, and is the best one of all IMO!

• Buy (1) 12pk OR (2) 6pks of Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks/Premium Flavored Malt Beverage AND $25.01+ in groceries, between 5/11/12 and 9/30/12,
• Mail in the rebate form found here to get a $25 rebate!  What a fun way to save on groceries!  ;) 
• Valid in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, MA, MD, MI, MS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, WA, WI or WY.

These are 3 separate rebates, so you can purchase and submit all three, but they must all be on their own receipt!  For example, you cannot purchase 2 Jose Cuervo's and expect it to qualify for both #1 and #2 rebates.  Each rebate will need it's own rebate form and original receipt.

Make sure to read the rebate forms and follow the directions to be sure you receive your rebate.  When I mail in rebates, I always make a copy of my submission (via digital photo) to keep track of what I've sent in, and in case there's any discrepancy I can show proof of purchase.


(thanks Sarah's Deals and The Deal Yo!)

FREE Father's Day Greeting Card with FREE Shipping from Cardstore.com!

Father's Day is on it's way, grab a FREE card for dad + FREE shipping!  Starting today, you can get a FREE personalized Father's Day card from Cardstore.com!

Cardstore.com’s wide variety of Father’s Day cards let you make a unique statement beyond just "Happy Father’s Day". It's easy to get started. Just choose a modern or funny Father’s Day card, add your own sayings, photos, and even your own signature, and remind Dad how important he is to you.  It’s just like sending a little you!

• Go to Cardstore.com
• Create your card
• Use the code "LUVDAD2" at checkout
• Card will be FREE + FREE shipping!  =)

*Valid in the US and Canada only. Free Shipping only available in the US. One Free Card redemption per Cardstore.com account.

4th of July Fruit Kabobs Recipe! Fun, easy and healthy recipe for kids to help with!

Here's a really yummy way to celebrate the 4th of July (or Memorial Day) with a fun red, white, and blue treat!  Since it's Summer, many fruits are in season and this makes it a perfect frugal recipe/activity to make with the kids!  It's easy and healthy too!

I originally saw this recipe on Frugal Girls a couple years ago and when we had a family reunion over July 4th last year, I thought this would be perfect for both the oodles of little ones and the adults! They were a hit!

I started by assembling my ingredients:

• Skewers
• Star Shaped Marshmallows (I've seen them at Walmart and Meijer.  You could also use regular marshmallows too)
• Red and Blue fruit (I used strawberries, blueberries, and red grapes)

{^ that's almost exactly what my ingredients looked like, but I couldn't take a good picture with the cell phone - thanks Frugal Girls!}

Then I stuck the fruit and marshmallows on the skewers in fun patterns.  Done!
{I apologize for the poor quality pictures, I misplaced the camera - then found it about 30 minutes after these were gobbled up, lol.  So, cell phone pics will have to do}  =)

The skewers are sharp, so be careful!  But kids can help by:

• picking which fruits to buy/use
• washing fruits
• handing you fruits and marshmallows
• assembling the patterns of how they want them on the kabob (ie: 2 blueberries, 1 white marshmallow, 3 blueberries, 1 blue marshmallow....etc.)
• older kiddles could thread the ingredients onto the skewer

Other red, white, and blue ingredients you could use....
Red:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Watermelon chunks/balls
• Red grapefruit
• Red Pears

White:

• Marshmallows (mini, large, stars...)
• Pound cake cut into chunks or shapes with a cookie cutter
• Dragonfruit (white and black inside)
• Banana (tossed with lemon juice to keep from browning)
• White nectarines or peaches
• Pears (peeled - and again, tossed with lemon juice)
• Pineapple (white-ish)  =)
• Angel food cake

Blue:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raisins

{Here's a great flag version Brianna made that I found on Pinterest!}

I think these would be really fun for other occasions too!  Rainbow colored for a birthday party - or use the colors of a favorite sports team for a game day party.  What do you think?  Any other ideas?

Linking up to.....

FREE Personalized Greeting Card + FREE Shipping! Ready for Mother's Day?

To celebrate Mother's Day, you can get another FREE personalized card + FREE shipping from Cardstore.com starting today, 4/26 through Sunday, 5/6!  Just use coupon code "LUVMOM" at checkout.  I got all of our valentine's and recent anniversary card from Cardstore and I just loved them!


*Valid in the US and Canada only. Free shipping only available in the US.  One free card redemption per Cardstore.com account.

Cheap April Fools Day Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!

I know you're not supposed to let your kids "play with their food", but April Fools Day is a day to encourage it - and Mom and Dad even get to have fun with it!  =)

Last year I whipped up some funzies to entertain the kids for April 1st....I like that these are easy and quick to put together with what you have on hand - a nice last minute "prank" in case you forget.

"Fried Eggs" for breakfast.....Greek yogurt and apricot halves (you could also use marshmallow fluff or Cool Whip for the "whites", and peaches for the "yolk")

{I thought they were quite convincing!!}

{Greek Yogurt + Apricot halves}

Surprisingly, my kids were not too fond of apricots, so I might try peaches next time, but it was still a funny way to start the day.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potato "Cupcakes" for supper....

I just made up a normal recipe for meatloaf and cooked them in a cupcake pan.  First though, I added a Ritz cracker to the bottom of the liner to soak up any extra grease*.

While the meatloaf was cooking, I scrubbed, cut up, and boiled some potatoes until they were nice and smushie.  Then I drained them, threw them into my KitchenAid, and mixed in some cream cheese, salt and pepper, milk....the usual, until smooth.  I added some red food coloring to make them a little more believable as "cupcakes".

When the "frosting" had cooled enough to handle, I scooped it into an icing bag and piped it onto the "cupcakes".  They were a big hit --  the kids were asking the other day if they could have them for supper....almost a year later.  =)  

It was a lot of family fun and laughter, for free!  ....well, the food cost money, but no more than we would have spent for normal meals!

*I used the ground beef I had on hand, which was not lean enough for this, so the grease soaked the cracker and liner and was kind of a mess to eat.......but the kids loved it anyway and I just used a fork for mine.  I would suggest though to use a lean meat!


You can see some more April Fools ideas here from last year's post - Octopus mac n' cheese and Jell-O "juice" I made for my littles (you could make for lunch or dinner), and more ideas from around the web.

What are your favorite pranks - food or otherwise - to play on April Fools Day??


Linking up.....

Rite-Aid Wrap-Up (3/11 - 3/17/12) Saved 78%!

I had some +UP Rewards that expired earlier this week and though it was not a great week at Rite-Aid, I was just able to find a couple things to buy.......now I discovered another $10 +UP that was hiding in my Rite-Aid envelope that expires on the 17th! 

Hmm, I haven't seen any crazy great deals pop up as the week has gone on, so maybe I'll just have to use it for a rare treat and buy something for myself!  *gasp!  
Orrrr, maybe I should be practical and get some tp, lol!  ;p

3 boxes Rice Krispies (GF)
1 box Raisin Bran
4 Snickers Easter eggs
The cereal was B/G and I had $4/4 coupons....so they were $1.40/box.
The Snickers eggs were 2/$2 and you got a $1+UP back wyb 2, I used the $1/2 Mars coupons and got all 4 for Free.

Retail Price: $24.32
Sale Price: $13.58
- Coupons: $6
- +UP Rewards: $2
Final Price = $5.58......78% Savings!


So, what do you think??  Do I use the extra $10 +UP for me or should I "use it wisely" and be practical??  ;)

FREE Fries at Burger King on St. Patrick's Day Weekend! (March 17th and 18th)

Mmm, stop in to get FREE fries at Burger King with "St. Paddy's Day sauce" (ie: green ketchup.....hmm, lol) this upcoming weekend, March 17-18, 2012!

*No purchase or coupon necessary!  One value size fries per customer.  While supplies last.

Rite-Aid Deals ~ 2/26/12 - 3/3/12.....FREEBIES and Moneymakers!

Here are some of the highlights I see for the best deals at Rite-Aid this week......

*If you're new to deal shopping at Rite-Aid, you can check out the latest corporate coupon policy here.
SCR = Single Check Rebate (money back in the mail)
MQ = manufacturer coupon
+UP Reward = store credit that prints on receipt at checkout when you use your +UP member card



Blink Gel Tears (10ml) - $7.99
- $7.99 SCR (#12)
- $1/1 printable coupon HERE or HERE
= FREE + $1 Moneymaker!

Stopain Analgesic Spray (4oz) or Roll-On (3oz) - $6
- $6 SCR (#22)
- $2/1 MQ (1/22 Parade insert)
= FREE + $2 Moneymaker!

Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers - $2/7
- $2 +UP wyb 2 (limit 2 offers)
- $3/2 MQ (2/26 SS)
= $1 each!
*The Pantene Aqua Light and Ice Shine are reportedly printing an extra $1 +UP Reward that would make them free!  YMMV, let us know if that works for you! (thanks Hip2Save!)

Revlon Cosmetics and Grooming items - 40% off reg. retail
Revlon Nail Clipper (reg. $1.45 - 40% off sale) - .87¢
- $1/1 MQ (1/29 SS....will be adjusted down)
= FREE!

Single Serve Easter Candy, M&M’s 9.9-12.6 oz. - B1/G1 FREE
     {{Deal Scenario}}
Buy 4 single serving Easter Snickers Egg
- $1.50/2 MQ (1/22 or 2/12 RP)
= not sure of the shelf price, but may be FREE!

Right Guard Antiperspirant/Deodorant and Body Wash - $2.99
- $1 +UP Rewards (limit 4 offers)
     {{Deal Scenario}}
Buy 2
- $3/2 printable coupon
- two $1 +UPs
= .49¢ each!

Easy Valentine's Day gift -- "I love you because ____" frame tutorial.....Pinterest inspired and only cost $1.18!

I came across this really cute idea on Pinterest for a picture frame that says "I love you because _______" and you fill in the blank by writing on the glass.  It was featured on eighteen25 and I pinned it forever ago thinking I'd make it someday to hang it in our bedroom and leave sweet notes back and forth with the hubzy.....and then Valentine's Day came around and I thought that would be the perfect time to actually do it!
"Words of Affirmation" are really meaningful to my husband, so I knew he'd love it too! Knowing his love language is so important to help communicate love in a way he'll actually hear it! ("The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman is a fantastic book! If you haven't read it yet, I so wholeheartedly recommend it!)


Here were my supplies:

• 1 piece of pretty scrapbook paper (12x12)  = .59¢
• 1 piece of vellum paper (8.5x11.5)  = .59¢
• 1 8x10" picture frame (on hand)  = Free
• Rustoleum oil-rubbed bronze spray paint (on hand)  = Free

We had an old picture no longer being used that was sitting in a box in the basement....it was a yard sale find that we liked the picture of, but were not really feeling the frame.  I took the picture and glass out and spray painted the frame with oil-rubbed bronze to transform it.

{Sorry about the bad picture -- our basement is like a dungeon when it comes to taking pictures!}

I bought a piece of scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby that I thought would fit our decor, and also a piece of vellum to soften the printed paper so that we'd be sure to be able to see what was written without it competing with the pattern.

{I love the "old love letter" look of this paper.  I was going to pick something with color, but couldn't decide what since we currently have greens and purple in our bedroom, but I want to switch it over to a restful palette of blues, cream, and tan....but have yet to convince the hubzy.}

{I was concerned that the "words" on the paper would maybe make it a little too busy, so I added the vellum to soften it....see the difference it makes?  I love vellum!}

I then typed up "i love you because ______" in a Word document.  I did a Swagbucks search to find a clip art image of a heart and put that in place of the word "love".  Then played with the fonts and spacing until I was happy with the look. 

{I was a little nervous that the ink might smear on the vellum, but I ran it through my laser printer and it came out beautifully!}

Personally, I may have chosen a prettier, more "romantical" font for the words, but my husband does not share my love for fun and fabulous fonts (or alliteration, lol), so I thought I'd keep it simple -- since it was a gift for him after all.  ;)  And I did like the way the simple font looked on the "inspiration frame".

I then trimmed the pieces of paper to fit the frame and replaced the glass, then put in the vellum and and the printed scrapbook paper.  Tada!!  I'll probably put a dry erase or chalk marker like I use (and love!) for our menu board, on top of the frame to keep it handy for jotting a reason down.

{I couldn't get rid if the reflection, but I love the way the ORB goes with the blue in our kitchen!}

{I'd love to make some of these in smaller frames too for the kids.....wouldn't that be sweet to write something for them to see when they come home from school each day?}

So, for only $1.18 we'll have a Valentine's day gift that lasts year-round.......an easy way to take a second out of the daily hustle and bustle and tell each other why we're still crazy about each other.   =)

Linking up: