Message in a Bottle

Remember when I was all like, "I don't like anything romantic for Valentine's Day! I only want things that are funny and witty, and maybe even borderline offensive!"? Well, scratch that. If M were to give me a card I would not only die of shock, but would prefer cheeky to mushy.

However, if he's reading this (he isn't--he doesn't follow le blog) and he DID want to splash out on the romance I think these Message in a Bottles (from Miniature Rhino) would be the perfect way to do it.

Why, you ask? Well...

1. I love getting real mail.

2. They're not your typical cheesetastic Hallmark cards.

3. The message can be totally personalized.

4. Really, they're just adorable.

Aaaand they would work for any occasion.

Your personal message gets hand-transferred by typewriter onto vintage book paper then sealed with red wax and put into the glass vial you see above. Your glass bottle gets decorated with a tiny, monogram-stamped key tied on with twine.

I'd love to unwrap this on Valentine's Day--or any day!

And if the message inside was funny, cheeky and/or witty all the better.

So what do you think?

Message in a Bottle - yay or nay?

Dating, married or single I hope

you have a wonderful day today!

Some great Valentine's Day Quotes

via last year's post xoxo



Domestic Romance: Tips to Create Ambiance at Home

Valentine's Day is on a Monday this year, which likely means we'll spend a low key night at home and probably do something more on the weekend. If you'll also be spending the night at home here are five suggestions to make your place more comfortable, inviting and romantic on Valentine's Day--or any day.

  

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

A foolproof way to brighten up your home and make it a feel good space is to decorate with some buds. A great idea is to create a monochromatic arrangement of tightly clustered flowers in small glass vases or mint julep cups.

SWEET SCENTS

Add to the ambiance with a subtle interior spray or aromatic candle in your favourite scent. Your home will seem totally welcoming when it smells amazing. Don't forget to spray on some perfume too!

TEXTURED AND SOFT

Touch is such an important sense, especially when you're trying to create atmosphere. Think of investing in some good Egyptian cotton sheets, a soft fur throw or even some silk if that's your thing.

DECLUTTER

Organizing and tossing the things you don't need won't cost you a thing, but you'll be glad you did it long after Valentine's Day is over. Coming home to stacks of letters, scattered papers or unfolded clothing can be stressful. If you want your home to be a romantic escape getting organized is a great way to start.

DIM THE LIGHTS

This has got to be the most effective way to bring a little romance into your home. Harsh, bright lights just don't have the same effect as dim lighting or candles. The kind people at the Home Depot recently sent me two Philips light bulbs (their energy efficient 9W Dimmable Ambient LED, said to last up to 20 years, and the 14 Watt R20 Energy Saver Reflector Soft White Flood Bulb, which will also save you on energy costs), both of which I'm excited to try to add a bit of low lit ambiance.  Of course, candles are always a great, atmospheric alternative to a glaring overhead light. 

How to do you make your home inviting and romantic?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Valentine's Day 2011 Gift Guide: For Her, By Colour

What are you hoping to get from

 your honey for Valentine's Day?

My 2010 Valentine's Picks for Her: Under $75

Valentine's Day 2011 Gift Guide: For Him

You can also check out my

2010 Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Him

Do you know what you're getting your

 significant other for Valentine's Day?

Funny & Cheeky Valentine's Day Cards

{I Effin Love You Card by Crab Apple Design}

So, here's the deal.

I like Valentine's Day.

Gifts, chocolates, wine.

What's not to like?

{All That and a Bag of Chips Card by Creativity Cards}

That said, M and I are not really mushy romantics.

And M is definitely a man of, shall we say, FEW words.

We're not the type to give each other heartfelt cards..

A funny/witty/cheeky card on the other hand?

I am ALL over that.

...kinda like how butter loves toast...

{Fuzzy Grapefruit}

Some other funny cards that are right up my alley:

{Uncooked}

I think this card appeals to me because of the dog

rocking out on the tambourine--in a tutu.

{You Rock My World Card by Betty Bits}

For taking that new relationship to the next level...

{A Confession Card by Navy Blue Notes}



{Uncooked}



Which, let me tell you, is a hell of a lot.

{Lovely Little Nest}

If your relationship is of the Ronnie and Sammi variety

this Love is a Battlefield card would do nicely.

{Apocalyptic Valentine's Day Card by Surly Ben}

{Uncooked}

I like the ostriches.

{You're Really Good at Kissing Card by Shira Leuchter}

I don't think this is strictly true in my case...

{Crazy Love II Card by Up Up Creative}

{Uncooked}

{Yo Girl Tiger Card by Wild Little Goose}

For the single gals -- they should get Valentine's Day love too!

{Creativity Cards}

I think this (or the first) may be the winner for me...

{Uncooked}

So tell me, what do you prefer?

Funny or romantic?

Happy Monday!