7 Last Minute Valentine's Day DIYs

If you planned to order anything online for Valentine's Day, other than flowers or an Edible Arrangements, chances are you've already missed the deadline to guarantee shipment before Saturday. On the bright side, there's still plenty of time to make your valentine a really cool gift.

Tell your love story, fill it with inside jokes, draw naughty pictures--whatever you put in this  Valentine mini-zine your beloved will love it.

The little ones in your life will be smitten with these Valentine bubble wands.

Use these printable Xs and Os as cupcake toppers, to make a garland, decorate gift boxes, and dozens of other ways.

Fill the house with puckered up balloons the night before Valentine's Day so your beloved will wake up to a hundred kisses.

Serve your sweetie breakfast in bed with a tray of muffins and these heart-shaped tea bags.

A hand-printed  I Heart You kitchen towel is a cute gift for your mom, sister, or best girlfriends.

Personalized mugs are incredibly easy and inexpensive to make. Keep it simple, like the mugs pictured, or write an entire lettre d'amour to your love.

Coconut and Almond Bon Bons

I've been preparing for Valentine's Day practically since we took the Christmas tree down-- buying pretty pink and red ribbons with hearts all over them, picking out Valentine-themed outfits for my girls to wear, and thinking of sweet things to make for my husband and daughters. Since we all love chocolate and coconut candies I decided to try my hand at coconut bon bons (plus I really enjoy saying 'bon bons'). I added a bit of chopped almond, then decorated them with the most adorable glitter hearts. They turned out even better than I expected, and I'll definitely be making them again for Saturday. 

Coconut and Almond Bon Bons
2 ⅔ cups shredded unsweetened coconut

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

⅔ cup confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

¼ cup sliced almonds, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon vanilla

8 ounces dark chocolate

In a large mixing bowl, mix coconut, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter, almonds and vanilla until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Use a rounded measuring tablespoon to scoop out coconut mixture; press the coconut down into the hollow of the spoon and use a butter knife or inverted spatula to smooth out the top (which will end up being the bottom of the candy). Remove the bon bon by gently tapping the measuring spoon, coconut side down on the countertop. You should end up with a mound of coconut with a flat bottom. 

Melt chocolate, with a splash of vegetable oil, in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals until smooth and creamy. Use a fork or two toothpicks to dip the coconut mounds into the chocolate, covering evenly. Place dipped candies onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate to set. 

Before refrigerating you can sprinkle the tops with leftover coconut or almonds, candy sprinkles, edible glitter, etc. I drizzled mine with melted milk chocolate and then added edible glitter hearts.

Monday

image via Instagram

Friday Favorites

Somehow, despite what any groundhog says, spring has arrived here in Southern California. It's hot! It's actually been heating up for awhile, but until now I'd been hopeful for a wintry comeback. There are a few upsides to this situation, so I'm trying hard to stay focused on the positives--the weather will be perfect for a Valentine's Day picnic in the park with my husband and girls next weekend; I can pull out all my cute wedges and heels that are usually reserved for summer; frozen yogurt, and plenty of it, as a means to stay cool. I hope you have a fantastic weekend, and God bless!

A cute way to wrap sweet little Valentine's Day gifts.

This dreamy gown. 

DIY Valentine's confetti crackers to make for my two sweeties. 

Mmmm...brown butter cinnamon rolls. 

The Maldives.

Home Girl: Budget Friendly Finds to Style Your Space

When I was a fashion editor in downtown Los Angeles, I could take a walk outside and become totally inspired by all the colors and sounds and architecture around me, but now that I freelance from home, it's not always so easy to get my creative juices flowing. Since I've got a toddler who's on a napping schedule and a daughter in kindergarten, there's little time for dalliances in the sun, so I have to create an environment that sparks my imagination. A big part of that is in the way I style my home. I want a space that is stylish, welcoming, and comfortable for my family, but it also has to be inspiring and keep me focused on my work. Fresh flowers in a gorgeous vase, a beautifully-scented candle, a gilded accent bowl perched just so on an end table--all elements that compose my ideal space. The icing on the proverbial cake is how inexpensive each piece is, so I can afford to change things up whenever I want.

Shop these and tons of other cool and chic (and wallet-friendly) home decor items in my personally curated Mavatar cart.