3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Project 365

Valentines Display Window – Decorations and Ideas

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Valentine Decorations

Outdoor Valentine decorations are not common. Valentines day not like Christmas or Halloween decorations where people decorate their yards and houses.

Valentine Decorations and gift ideas for Valentines Day
Day 76/365 Project: Valentines’ Day in Elmwood

So whenever I see Valentine’s display windows it makes me stop. go in and shop for cute Valentine’s decorations and gifts.

This Valentine’s display window is in Elmwood, Nebraska at the Bit’s and Pieces thrift store. The windows are so creative that they make you look twice and smile.

You can tell a great deal of pride and effort goes into each of the four windows and it really brightens Main Street in our little Village of Elmwood Nebraska. If the goal is to make the town more festive, inviting, and cheerful it has definitely been accomplished.

If you would like to create your own Valentine’s Day window display then here are some ideas.

Valentine Window Display

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Valentine window clings and vinyl window stickers are not just for Valentine’s day. They also are perfect Anniversary decorations.

Valentine window display ideas for your home and business.

Create a Valentine’s Latte

So in the theme of decorating for Valentines’ Day and a romantic dinner, don’t forget the drinks. When served in heart-themed plastic champagne glasses, a regular chai latte turns into a romantic fancy drink. Top it with whipped cream, Valentine-themed sprinkles and a raspberry and you have a very memorable experience.

You may not know it, but I also own a Tea n’ More, a tea company that specializes in a DIY Chai concentrate kit.

Creative Valentine Gifts for Men

I normally go into the store looking for Valentine’s gift for my husband. Men are some of the most difficult people to buy for unless it has to do with hunting, Husker football, or hunting. (Oh did I say hunting twice? I guess I did. )

Think about it. What is the best Valentine gift for men?

The best Valentine gifts for men, boyfriends or fiancees are ones that make them smile. Usually, it’s a sexy gift for him that really makes him laugh.

Jumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine’s Day Card’ Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) – Handsome ManJumbo Roll Me Over Valentine's Day Card' Greeting Card with Envelope (8.5 x 11 Inch) - Handsome ManBeer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her – Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) –Beer Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her - Six Pack Greeting Card Box (Set of 4) -

So put up some Valentines decorations, put on some romantic music, set the table, light some candles and have a very Happy Valentines Day!

Day 75/365: Raspberry Brownie Dessert

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Raspberry Brownie Delight

There is nothing better than church dinners. Especially the desserts! The day before Valentines Day, the combined youth groups of Trinity Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. I was lucky enough to find this chocolate brownie with whipped cream and fresh raspberries sitting on the table.

There is a commandment,”Do not covet..” Let’s say I had covetous eyes scoping out my dessert. It was as good as it looks. No, it was even better.

Ingredients:

  • Brownie Mix
  • Whipped cream (Cool Whip)
  • Fresh raspberries

Directions: Prepare brownie mix according to directions, bake on round pizza pan. When cool cut brownies in pizza style triangles. Just before serving top with whipped cream and raspberries.

So easy and yet so good.

Photoshop CS2 Notes: Added standard adjustment layers color, contrast, saturation, and a minor smart sharpen. Then I touched up and erased the stray whipped cream on the brownie that was distracting. Tried using the shadow and highlights tool to bring out the texture in the whipped cream, but it didn’t make too much of a difference.

Day 74/365: Sweet Sixteen Today

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Sweet Sixteen Cake and Candles

Sometimes I get so caught up in being your Mom-

still trying to look out for you

and worrying about every little thing-

that I don’t take the time to tell you what you deserve to hear.

 

I’m amazed by you-

with everything you’ve accomplished,

and how busy you are every day,

you’re still one of the kindest,

most thoughtful people I know.

 

I’m inspired by you-

your courage, your ambition,

the way you look at life.

Even when things are challenging,

you keep your positive attitude.

 

I’m proud of you-

and always have been.

You know exactly you you are

and you do a beautiful job of expressing it.

I love watching you be “you”

And I love being you Mom.

 

Happy Sweet Sixteen my Wonderful Daughter, Love Mom

Valentine Day Dance Ideas – Dancing Shoes and So Much More

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Valentine Day Dance Ideas

The Sweetheart dance at our local high school gave me the idea for this photo.

Day 73/365 Project: Dancing Shoes

I had photography Valentine Day dance ideas in my head. My thought was Valentines decorations of red hearts, glitter, lights and fun dresses for Valentines Day. But for my 365 Photo Project, this plan went straight out the window when I saw two girls standing in the middle of the floor in their red and black dresses and shoes.

I want to thank Kolbi and Emily, thanks for being my leg models this evening.

oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Women’s Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)oxiuly Women's Chic V-Neck Cap Sleeve Floral Casual Work Stretch Swing Dress OX233 (M, Dark red)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women’s A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Sylvestidoso Women's A-Line Pleated Sleeveless Little Cocktail Party Dress with Black Mesh Red Roses (M, Black)Women Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine’s DayWomen Dress, Vintage Floral Lace Off Shoulder Party Valentine's DayAyli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women’s Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Ayli Women's Sweetheart Sleeveless Wine Red 50s Retro Swing Midi Dress, US-16/Tag-2XL/02w124Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women’s Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Missufe Women's Sleeveless Sweetheart Flared Mini Dress (Large, 02-Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women’s Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)Miusol Women's Official V-Neck Retro Cap Sleeve Fitted Business Cocktail Dress (Small, Red)

Of course, the Skull Candy dresses are more appropriate for the high school or a college Valentine’s Day Dance. High school sweetheart dances aren’t as formal. My daughter would have loved the Floral Sugar Skull Cap dress.

OTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women’s Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeOTEN Women's Floral Sugar Skull Cap Sleeve Sewing Retro Party Rockabilly Dress,Red,LargeSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women’s Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart SmallSister Amy Women's Pattern Printed Elastic Sleeveless Shaping Camisole Skater Pink Heart Small

Red Dress Shoes for Dancing

You can’t go to a Valentines Day dance without the proper shoes. When else can you wear red shoes? Ok, for Christmas, but red red dress shoes and pumps just scream Valentine fashion and fun!

Christian Louboutin ShoesChristian Louboutin Shoes, red dress shoes for womenChristian Louboutin ShoesCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Leather Electropump 160 Heels Shoes 6.5 US 36.5 EUJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women’s Lancer Suede Black Suede HeelsJIMMY CHOO Women's Lancer100suedeblack Black Suede HeelsBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women’s Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBadgley Mischka Women's Rouge Dress Pump, Black, 9 M USBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women’s Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUBrian Atwood Women's Voyage Black Nappa 38.5 M EUPrada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8Prada Women’s – Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels Red dress shoes for women Prada Women's 1I294F 069 F0011 Red Brushed Spazzolato Leather Pumps/Heels EU 38 / US 8

Valentine Day Dance Ideas

To complete the whole Valentine Day dance ideas theme you need decorations for the room and tables. An elegant theme for a Valentines Day dance is using white window curtain lights.  This theme can be used to decorate for other parties and special occasions such as an anniversary party, company Christmas or even a New Years Eve party.

Neretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forNeretva Window Curtain Icicle Lights, 600 LEDs String Fairy Lights, 19.68FTx9.84FT, 8 Modes Linkable, Icicle Fairy Lights forBright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Bright Zeal 16Ambox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withAmbox LED String Lights, 6 Pack 7.2 ft / 2.2 m LED Starry String Lights Battery Operated withCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100′ Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedCreative Converting 100' Roll Plastic Table Cover, Classic RedValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationValentine Red Tinsel Heart Centerpiece | Party DecorationHanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations – Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Hanging Heart Swirls,Valentines Decorations - Pack of 46 | Valentines Day Decorations | Valentines Day Party Favors |Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,Valentines Day Party Decorations Kit – Pack of 21 | Red Heart Felt Garland Banner, Heart Paper Fans,DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother’s Day, Valentin’s Day and Everyday Use –DII 100% Cotton, Machine Washable, Printed Kitchen Table Runner For Mother's Day, Valentin's Day and Everyday Use -

Quick Easy Valentine Desserts

Don’t forget to serve Valentine desserts and appetizers. Chocolate covered strawberries are super easy! Check out my easy homemade chocolate covered strawberry instructions and you can wipe them up in less than 30 minutes.

Chocolate covered strawberries recipe
Chocolate covered strawberries recipe

So I hope you have a Happy Valentines Day and find a Sweetheart dance to go to with your sweetheart. 

Day 72/365: Super Target, It’s Huge!!

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Day 72: Shopping

The Super Target in the Omaha L Street Market is huge!  It goes on forever and ever! I went in for a Valentine card, my daughter Birthday card, and socks for my son. Ended up walking a half a mile. Really it did. Never fails, whatever you’re needing is in opposite sections of the store. Then you remember something else you need and trek back to the far section again. This particular store is 174,000 sq feet and one half is the grocery section which I didn’t even venture into on this trip.

I do like Target, much more than Walmart. Target has higher quality items and for a chain department store the home decor section makes me drool.  I did resist, I made the conscience decision not to get a cart. That strategy has worked more than once. You can only buy what you can carry.

This store was so bright, clean, such a contrast from the Walmart at the other end of the shopping plaza, which feels like warehouse. Target has an actual finished ceiling, instead of open pipes and heating ducts. The floor is finished and not polished concrete, again like Walmart. Makes the shopping experience so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Maybe the concept is people will feel more comfortable, shop longer and spend more money. I might have, it I had a cart.

Photoshop Notes: In addition to the standard adjustment layers I posterized the image and it really made a difference in the image clarity giving it more depth. The original was looked  a dull and boring. I wasn’t getting the same bright crisp effect in the photograph that I got in person. First time experimenting with this function and I’m going to have to use it more often.