January 11, 2008

Red Heart Vest &
 Bow Tie

Esther Howland, the woman who produced the first commercial American valentines in the 1840s, sold a then mind-boggling $5,000 in cards during her first year of business. The valentine industry in the United States has been booming ever since. Today, over 1 billion valentine cards are sent in this country each year -- second in number only to Christmas cards, according to the Greeting Card Association. (The happy day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.)

Around 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to cards, there are millions of boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses purchased (mostly by men) for the February 14 holiday.

When did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? Scholars tell slightly different versions of the history of this popular holiday. In this article, we'll look at that history, with its Roman and Christian roots, as well as holiday traditions that have developed over the years. We'll also check out some old valentines and some new ones.        (Source)

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Sweets for Your Sweetie

Two Toned Heart Compact Wedding Favor
No other symbol expresses love more completely than the heart. Give this sleek gold and silver compact as a gift that needs no words

 Cake Toppers

Romantic Moment Cake Topper

Just the Two of Us

Take My Hand

Cupids Pen Set Favor

Blossoming Heart

Love & Hearts Bottle Opener

Foil Wrapped Chocolate

Patriotic Heart Favors

Card Holder

Heart Shaped Bags

Two Hearts Unity Candle

Personalize these wrist bands (velvet, sateen or patent leatherette) with your choice of three different glittering letter, number and symbol charms for bridesmaids, flower girls and the bride-to-be. The adjustable buckle bands fits most wrist sizes and measures 3/8" wide. The removable charms slide on and off and you can even order extra charms for versatility.

We are a little late getting our Valentine Newsletter out this year.  With that in mind we tried to make a newsletter with some Valentine's and heart themed products, i.e., favors, cake toppers, but also items that can be used throughout the year.  As always, feel free to check out our site Laptop Bride, for more products, information and our newsletters.   Happy Valentine's day!

Make a Teacup Topiary

 I came across this lovely craft "How to Make a Teacup Topiary" on Sav-on-Crafts. This is beautiful, simple and do-able! This will work for a bridal shower, tea party, wedding or even birthday party!

• STYROFOAM* Brand Products: Balls, 2” and 2-1/2”

Other Materials:

• Teacup, with or without saucer
• Silk flowers: assorted roses, gyp, and others to match teapot (model used approximately 2-1/2 dozen 1” roses)
• Silk flower stem, 7” length (model used lilac stem)
• Ribbon: 1/2” x 1 yd each of wine, pink and white
• Floral wire, 3”, cloth-covered
• Spanish moss, handful
• Green moss
• Scissors
• Wire cutters
• Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks

(Note: As you shop flea markets and tag sales for vintage teacups, feel free to creatively mix and match flowers and ribbons to coordinate with your finds.)

Instructions 1. Insert and glue one end of silk flower stem 2” deep in 2” ball; repeat for other end, inserting it 2” deep into 2-1/2” ball.2. Glue Spanish moss on 2” foam ball, lightly covering entire ball. 3. Cut flowers from stems. Arrange and glue flowers over moss, covering ball.4. Make a six-loop bow from each length of ribbon; secure with wire. Wire each bow to the topiary stem, under center front of ball; glue in place. 5. Place 2-1/2” ball in cup; if needed flatten sides to fit. Glue in place.6. Cover foam base with green moss.

Source: Sav-on-Crafts

Conversation Hearts ... Great Valentine Favors!

Conversation hearts are an old stand-by that are both recognizable, represent love, whimsy, youth and memories. Who doesn't remember their first little box of these confections. Inexpensive yet expressive they can be used any time of the year for any type of event. From bridal shower, wedding shower, birthday party or even child's party. Here are some new twists on an old favaorite.

"Heart to Heart" Ceramic Conversation Heart Box (Set of Six) Perfect for a Valentine's Day wedding - or any other wedding!These ceramic "conversation heart"" boxes are memory makers your guests will love you for!Each set of six comes with two pink hearts, a yellow heart,an orange heart, a blue heart and a teal heart, all with word of love like ""BeMine"", ""Marry Me"", ""Cute Stuff"" and more. Each heart box measures 2"" x 2 ¼"" andare sold as a set of six.

and these place cards will ensure that you have carried out your theme:

Sweet Talk Conversation Hearts Place Cards/Photo Holders (Set of 6) These adorable conversation hearts place card holders double as favors as your guests can use them for special photos and love notes after the event. These conversation hearts are handpainted wood on steel memoclips with red bases. The set comes in assorted sizes with the largest holder measuring 1.5"" x .75"" x 5.3"".

for more heart favors visit our laptop bride site: Laptop Bride.com

Source: Developed and Tested by the Hershey Kitchens

Inexpensive Favor Ideas

• CD or Tape of Favorite Love Songs - Record your favorite love songs and present a copy toyour guests.
• Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies - Bake heart shaped sugar cookies. Dip one half of eachcookie in melted chocolate. Write your names and wedding date with red or white icing on top. Wrap in clear cellophane.
• Jordan Almonds - Place Jordan Almonds in heart shaped boxes or mini-gift bags. Decorate bags or boxes with red heart stickers.  
• Hugs and Kisses- Place 2 Hershey Kisses and 2 Hershey Hugs chocolates in tulle. Sprinkle some heart shaped confetti inside. Gather top and tie off with a red curly ribbon and tag: Hugs and Kisses, from the Mr. and Mrs.
• Kisses (or Hugs) on a Spoon- Place a Hershey Kiss or Hugs chocolate on white plastic
  spoon. Wrap the end of the spoon in tulle and secure with ribbon. Add a tag: �A spoonful of kisses (or hugs) from the Mr. and Mrs.
• Champagne Glasses and Cinnamon Hearts  Buy small plastic champagne glasses and fill with red cinnamon hearts. Wrap top of glass in tulle, secure with red ribbon around stem. 
• Long-Stemmed Red Silk Rose  Give each guest a long-stemmed red silk rose. Very elegant. 

  Another great idea .... Visit Wedding Supplies(Oriental Trading) - where they have craft items at deep, deep discounts and craft kits .

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  "Little Black Dress" for romantic Evenings

   

  One more thing; with Valentine's day coming up, curvy and plus sized gals will be looking for great styles in the "Little Black Dress Dept." One of our favorite shops just got some beautiful styles in. Igigi (Sizes 14 and up) ... can't beat the prices or quality. Nicki Blonsky shops here : )

  Little Black Dress

  Uncomplicated and versatile, every girl’s wardrobe staple to play up or down depending on your occasion and imagination.

  • Sweetheart neckline
  • Bra-friendly straps
  • Knee-length skirt

  

  Lace Overcoat

  Possibilities are endless! Whether it is a little black dress or a pair of jeans you are wearing, this beautiful lace overcoat will definitely add that touch of glam for a stylish look.

  • Scalloped bell sleeves
  • Jewelled clasp closure
  • Scalloped hem

Red Heart Cotton Sundresses by Patricia from Paris Don't wear your heart on your sleeve. This whimsical short sleeved shift by Patricia from Paris has an appliqued red heart right on the front. Adorable for Valentine's Day. Wear as a shift or with leggings

Heart Inspired Jewelry

Floating Heart Toasting Flutes

As much a decoration for the head table as a toasting set, this elaborate piece will make you feel like royalty! The glasses are designed without bases so they can only be held or placed in the special silver plated stand. Each flute measures 12" tall. Base measures 4.5" x 3.5".   View here.

Hearts Cake Set.  These utensils are all about style and simplicity so while they make an elegant set for your wedding, you'll find yourself using these for special occasions long after the big day. Each set includes a 10.5" knife and 9.5" server.

VALENTINE PUNCH

  Mix. Add ginger ale just before serving

Meringue Kisses (Cookies)

• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, with electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites until frothy; add cream of tartar and salt. Beat on high speed until stiff.
3. Beat in sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Add vanilla and fold in chocolate chips.
4. Drop batter by heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Place in oven. Turn oven off; leave cookies in oven 5 hours. Variation: Add food coloring for festive holiday touch: green for Christmas; pink and yellow for Easter, etc.

 

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