Countdown to Valentine's Day

I love the anticipation of a countdown – whether it’s celebrating the Advent at Christmastime or checking off the days before a vacation, the joy of what’s to come makes me as giddy as a child. And it doesn’t take much to get a child excited about each new day… mine, at least!

When something as practical *wink* as a Valentine’s countdown can double as decoration for my dining room, I’m all about it! So here is how I created my Valentine’s bunting/countdown.

My supplies: cutesy scrapbook paper and stickers from Hobby Lobby, a handmade crocheted heart garland from my sister-in-law, vintage postcards collected from antique shops, mini clothespins and vintage Air Mail envelopes from Etsy.

This year, while continuing in our tradition, I decided to stray away from the extra clutter and sweets that I tend to fill my daughters’ advent gifts with and instead make our countdown to Valentine’s Day more about the experiences.

I wrote down 14 different things for us to do, while looking at my calendar and planning things that would realistically work for us and around our schedule.

I used the number stickers to easily add the 14 days leading up to Valentine’s Day, from February 1^st when we’ll begin our countdown, to the envelopes and then filled them with the activity cards.

I should also note that I didn’t seal the envelopes so if something comes up and I have to switch things around, I don’t have to do much work. Also, I made myself a “key” so that I’m not surprised with something like “making marshmallows” without having the ingredients ready to go.

With a few pieces of tape, I strung up my garland and added in all the goodies to fill it out. 

Is it February yet??

Enjoy!

Jessica