Planning a Fun Valentine’s Day

Are you planning a fun Valentine’s Day? I don’t go crazy with valentines decorations but I do add a bit of pink to my white sofa in my family room. Pillows and a throw are a nice cozy touch. I don’t buy a lot, but I put out some Valentine’s candy for “Handy”. He’s my sweet eater and he enjoys the love!

planning a fun Valentine's Day with a pretty pink pillow on a white chair and a pink throw.

I used to do more when the kids were little. With Kenny and Annie, I always made homemade Valentines for them and I decorated the house with crafts. Emma wanted nothing to do with my homemade cards and proudly distributed her store-bought beauties. I always added in something extra–much to her chagrin. LOL.

I decided to try my hand at making a small Valentine’s project this week just to see if I’ve still got it! My idea was to make 3-D hanging hearts, cut out from pages of an old book. Turns out the book was so old that just cutting the fragile paper was a challenge. My project turned into just some old sheet music and my cut-out hearts on my table. I’m loving this cozy little corner of my family room. It’s where I sit at night and watch TV with “Handy” or read a book.

photo of vintage sheet music, with hearts cut from an antique books a candle and a tea cup

If you have kids, I think Valentine’s craft and baking projects are such a fun pastime for these littles who are cooped up in the house. Pinterest has a ton of great ideas for any ability level.

I along with three of my blogger friends started a link party. What that is, is a place for bloggers to all upload their blog posts. It’s a place for a ton of inspiration and this past Friday they posted a ton of Valentine’s Day ideas. You can find that right HERE.

a very romantic valentine' day mantel with two taper candles, antique books and an ironstone pitcher with pink roses in it.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Plans

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, I won’t have time to prepare a complicated dinner. Salmon is an easy healthy, but also elegant dish to make for the occasion. The color of salmon also lends itself to a pretty amazing holiday meal. Salmon, along with a simple salad and herbed brown rice, will be a delicious dinner.

Baked Lemon Salmon

This is a quick and healthy meal, but also so elegant that it makes a beautiful dish for a romantic dinner
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Salmon, Healthy Eating, Quick Meal
Servings: 2 People
Calories:

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon filets
  • 2 tsp grapeseed oil
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp Simply Organic All-Purpose Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°
  • Line 9 x 9 baking dish with foil (makes for an easy clean-up)
  • Place salmon filets, skin side down, in the dish and drizzle with oil. Using a basting brush, make sure the oil coats the top of the salmon
  • Squeeze the juice of a lemon on each filet (1/2 per piece)
  • Sprinkle with seasonings and top with slices of the second lemon
  • Cover with foil and bake in oven for 15 minutes or until filets are flaky

Notes

If you’re not watching your caloric intake, you can also top each filet with a pat of butter. 
You can also substitute seasoning with what ever you like.  I sometime use Herbs de Provence or Italian Seasoning.
Yum

Herbed Brown Rice

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3 cups
Calories:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice check the packaging, some brown rices need to be rinsed before use.
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp grapeseed oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt optional
  • 1 tsp Simply Organic All-Purpose Seasoning
  • 1 tsp butter optional

Instructions

  • Heat oil over medium heat in medium saucepan
  • Add onions and saute until transparent
  • Add garlic and cook one more minute, stirring continually
  • Add rice and mix throughly with onion/garlic mixture
  • Add chicken broth, spices and butter. Bring to boil and stir once
  • Cover with a tight lid or foil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 45 minutes
  • Remove from heat and let stand (covered) for 5-10 minutes longer
  • Fluff rice before serving
Yum

If you have more time you might want to try my Cheesy Lobster Ravioli. You can find the recipe HERE.

It’s pretty easy to plan a fun Valentine’s Day with very little work. Some simple pink tulips or roses can add a festive atmosphere to your home. I’m planning to set a pretty table for this special day.

pretty Valentine's Day table with rose gold charger under a white plate, rose gold silverware and wine glass

Since we are talking about romance, I have a great post about making your bedroom cozy and romantic. You can read about that HERE.

Peace,

At this time of year, I typically have my second batch of paperwhite growing. They are also a very sweet romantic flower to add interest in the winter months. Read about it HERE

flourish
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10 Comments

  1. Laura Wilson says:

    I am loving your Valentine touches Lynn! So simple yet impactful…and your table setting is exquisite!

    1. Thanks Laura – I’m not much of a “Valentine’s” decor gal but I’m liking the little romantic touches during a time that’s kinda blah!

  2. What a great idea. I love your photos! The heart around the cutlery is also charming. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!

    1. Thank you so much Anna! I appreciate your reading my blog.

  3. I love these ideas. Your home is so charming. Hugs to you.

    1. It’s pretty much just another day around here but I like to add a little sparkle for the season.

    1. I can’t wait for grandkids!

    1. Thank you Donna – Same to you!