The Gypsy Crochet Thing Frilly Dress {Crochet Pattern}


{I found this pattern in a box of random vintage crafts that I received from family.  I figured I would share it here in it's original form.  Please note that I have typed it exactly as it was listed and have not worked the pattern yet myself.  I'll probably work it up at some point and post my comments and adjustments too :)  Enjoy!}

This Pattern has been moved to my Patreon library to help support my websites and art adventures.  If you would like to support my work, you'll gain access to a library of awesome patterns, including this one.

My Pattern Experience: The Vortex Hat {knit pattern review}


When I do my Christmas crafting, sometimes I know exactly what to make someone and other times it takes a sudden hit of inspiration to get there.  Last summer when I went to Stitches Midwest, I picked up a pattern for The Vortex Hat from the Halos of Hope booth.  You can download the pattern free on Ravelry.  I didn't do anything with it at the time, just added it to my "someday-to-try" pattern pile.  When I needed some inspiration for the holidays, I flipped through it and saw this hat.  Instantly I knew it would be perfect for my brother in law.  I had a great shade of grey, so I went straight to work.


Let me just say, this hat works up super fast!  I've only ever knitted up a handful of hats (I usually crochet them) but this hat was very easy to do and a delight to see the pattern show up before your eyes!  I was able to finish this hat in just a couple short hours of knitting and the results were great!  It's a nice stretchy hat, and fit every head that I put into it.  This will definitely be a hat I do again!

Scouted: Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles

You all know how I'm always on the lookout for really cool things to see, places to go and things to craft, right?  Well today I found something that just makes me want to hop on a plane and fly out to Los Angeles.  Get this:  They have a climate controlled, permanent craft marketplace that is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Here where I live, we have a craft marketplace pop up once every couple of months and you never get to see everything in it.  There, they have a whole marketplace that you can literally spend all weekend, every weekend in!
They are not joking!
With everything from toys and games to bath supplies and everything in between, this is sure to be the haven for any crafter!   It's called Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles, and it is my dream haven!  It looks like it's creme of the  craft fairs of southern California.  Why wouldn't it be?  It's home to hundreds of handmade vendors and some of the coolest art you'll ever see! 

If you look at their calendar, there's literally something for everyone, like Zumba class, Food Trucks, Music nights, vendor meet ups, and craft tutorials.  They also have a variety of delicious looking food that is always there and sure to please! Just looking at their website I found a variety of amazing photographers, jewelers, bakers, home crafters, apparel and other awesome handmade goods!

I just think it's wonderful that there is a place like this, that can be devoted to crafts and their makers every weekend, instead of just featuring them once in a great while.  America was built on it's artisans and I think it is important that we remember and celebrate that. So make sure that you check out this art fair in Los Angeles next time that you're there. I promise that you won't regret it!

Scouting Sunday #13: 8 Great Homemade Recipes



 So if you recall, this series is designed to share with you some of the things I've found during the week that I love- most are diy, crafty items, and I think they're all great!  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!



This week, we're celebrating awesome food, like:

Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes
Don't those look delicious?  The substitution of cauliflower for potato shaves off about 60 calories per serving (though the cheese adds right back on to that).  If you want to save even more calories, opt for the cheese free version:

Original Cauliflower Pancakes
If you're a cookie addict, like me... you'll love these homemade oreos!


Homemade Oreos from My Kitchen Addiction
but if you're looking for a lighter, healthier snack, check out this:

Blow Your Mind Microwave Popcorn
It really does work!  We've been making all our popcorn like this, but as a note, our microwave takes about 2 minutes longer than it calls for on this website.  Yum!

If it's a snack for the kids you're looking for, why not try:

Homemade Graham Crackers from Baking and Boys
but if you're looking for something for dinner instead, have:

Homemade Crescent Rolls
or try some awesome veggies with:

Zucchini Chips
and lastly, finish it up with some awesome weight busting water!

Apple Cinnamon Water Detox Drink

I hope you've enjoyed today's Scouting Sunday!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!




This Crafting Life

Xbox 360 with Kinect Bundle Giveaway!!!


Get Fit By Gaming Giveaway

Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Includes:
Xbox 360 S Console 250GB Hard Drive Kinect Sensor
Wireless Controller Kinect Adventures Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do

One lucky reader will receive a Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle Console Bundle!

Giveaway ends March 1st at 11:59pm, open to US & Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This Crafting Life is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Scouting Sunday #12: DIY Beauty Recipes




Welcome to another edition of Scouting Sunday!  

This week, I'm changing things up a bit.  Instead of sharing with you crafts or focusing on bloggers this week, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite DIY Beauty Products and recipes that I've been collecting for some time now!

I hope you enjoy this special series of Scouting Sunday!


Facial

Acne Aspirin Mask: Mix 2 tbsp honey with 2-3 tbsp plain yogurt and add 5 crushed up aspirins.  Mix into a paste and leave on the face for 10-20 minutes.

Acne Lightening Spot Treatment: Taunts the benefits of fading acne marks and boosting natural defenses against future skin problems!  Mix 2 tbsp honey, 4 tsp lemon juice, 3 tsp plain or greek yogurt and 1 egg white and whisk until the mask thickens.  You can apply to the whole face or as a spot treatment where you need it.  Let dry for about 15 minutes.  Gently wash off with warm water.  Will stay fresh for 1 week in refrigerator.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Aspirin Toner: Mix 1/2 oz apple cider vinegar with 4 oz of mineral water.  Add 5 crushed aspirin tablets (uncoated kind).  Apply sparingly to areas with acne, rough skin or enlarged pores.  Store in a closed bottle for one month in the refrigerator.

Apple, Honey and Oatmeal Mask: Puree an apple, mix with 1 tsp honey and a small handful of oats- mixture should be thick enough to smear on your face and not be drippy.  If it's too thin, add more oats.  Spread on face and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Avocado and Honey Mask: Mash up a half an avocado and add 1 tsp honey.  Spread on face and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Baking Soda Blackhead Reducer: Combine equal parts baking soda and water and rub the mixture into your skin, let sit until dry, then rinse.

Banana and Honey Scrub: Mash 1 banana (make sure it isn't overripe) with 3 tbs. honey. Smooth onto skin and let sit for 10 minutes.  You can also add oatmeal.

Brown Sugar and Milk Scrub: Combine 1/2 c brown sugar with just enough milk to make a paste.  Spread on face and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Calming Mask: Mix 1/2 c. plain yogurt, 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 peeled cucumber, and a few drops of chamomile oil.  Mix everything in a blender and leave on face for 10-15 minutes.

Citrus Facial: Mix together 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp honey, 6 oz plain yogurt, 1 drop essential oil, 1/4 c oatmeal or crushed almonds.  Apply to face and allow to dry.  Rinse off with warm water.
  
Coarse Sugar Scrub: Mix 1 tbs. sugar with a few drops of olive oil for a facial exfoliate. 

Cucumber Honey Toner: Peel one cucumber and cut into pieces, and puree in a blender.  Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set the sieve over a bowl to strain.  When all the juice has drained through, add 2 tsp honey and pour in a clean bottle.  When ready to use, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the toner.  Let dry on skin and store remainder in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Dull Skin Cleansing Scrub: 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp plain yogurt, 2 tbsp finely ground almonds, and 1/2 tsp lemon juice.  Mix everything together, rub gently onto face for 1-2 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
 
Fruit Astringent Mask: Apples and pears are mild astringents. Make a quick mask by grating a large apple or pear and mixing it with 1 tbs. of honey. 

Egg White Mask: Rub egg whites onto face, let dry for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Egg Yolk, Honey and Olive Oil Mask: Mix together 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp honey and tbsp olive oil.  Smooth on face and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Garlic Vinegar Pimple Treatment: Mix the juice from 3 cloves of garlic with an equal portion rosehip seed oil and white vinegar.  Swab the mixture onto the pimple several times a day.  The garlic and vinegar is antiseptic and the rosehip seed oil decreases redness and soothes the skin.

Grape Facial Scrub: Mash a handful of grapes. Strain them to separate the pulp from the juice. Remove the skins and mash the pulp and juice with 1 tablespoon of almond flour.

Honey Mask:  Rub honey on your face and let sit for 15 minutes.

Make Up Removal: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Moisturizing Mask: Mix 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1 tbsp honey and 1-2 tbsp cooked and cooled oatmeal into a smooth paste.  Spread on the face and leave for 10-15 minutes.  Wash off with warm washcloth.
Oatmeal Scrub: Take a handful of oats and squeeze it tightly, run a little warm water over your fist, getting the oats slightly damp. Scrub your face with the damp oats, and rinse.

Oatmeal and Onion Mask: Pour 1 ounce boiling mineral water over 3 tbsp oatmeal and steep for 5 minutes.  Finely grind 1 medium onion in a food processor to a smooth puree.  Add to the warm oatmeal mixture and let cool to a comfortable temperature for your skin.  If mask isn't thick enough, add some honey until the mask will stay on your face.  Let sit for 10-15 minutes and then wash with your normal wash.  Mask will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Pore Cleaning Mask: Mix 1 Tablespoon Unflavored Gelatin with 1 1/2- 2 Tablespoons Milk {any kind}, microwave for 10-15 seconds and then apply to face (any needed areas) with a popsicle stick or spoon (work quickly!!!!)  Let dry for 10-15 minutes, until hardened, then peel off your face. 

Rose Potion Facial: Need 1 cup fresh rose petals, 1 bowl, 1 bath towel, 1 spray bottle and 1 gallon of almost boiling water.   Place Rose Petals in the bowl, pour the water over them and lean over the bowl covering your head with the towel.  Steam your face for about 15 minutes and pat dry.  Apply moisturizer.  After the rose infused water has cooled, pour it into the spray bottle.  Use as a refreshing skin or room spray.

Tea Leaf Facial: Apply wet tea leaves to your face, and let them lie on your face, for 15 minutes or longer. Apply moisturizer to your face afterwards.

Hair Treatments

Want Silky Hair?: Mix 1 tbs. Honey into 2 liters of warm water and pour over your hair. Don't rinse out- style as usual.

Deep Avocado Conditioner: Mix 1 cup of real mayonnaise and 1/4 of an avocado in a medium bowl and smooth into hair all the way to the tips.  Put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel.  Leave on for 20 minutes.

Want Thicker Hair?: Aloe Vera gel is great for thickening hair. Massage it into your scalp then leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Need to remove buildup?: Add 1 tsp. baking soda to your shampoo, wash as normal.

Want strong, shiny hair?: Mix two eggs with 1/4 cup vegetable oil and coat your hair with the mixture. Wrap hair in plastic and leave on over night. In the morning, make sure to wash it out very well, or else you'll smell like eggs for the rest of the day!

More Shiny Hair: Rinse your hair with either tea or beer.

Even more shiny hair: Mix lemon juice with water and apply to hair.
Want shiny, silky hair?: Rinse your hair in apple cider vinegar after you shampoo.

Anti-dandruff Treatment: Spray Apple Cider Vinegar onto your scalp before washing your hair, on either wet or dry hair.  Leave the vinegar on the scalp for about 5 minutes and then rinse it out and wash your hair as normal.

Hairspray: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of plain gelatin to it.  Stir until the gelatin is dissolved.  Store in a spray bottle.  Before use, place in a hot water bath in your sink to liquefy.

Soft Rag Curl Treatment: In a spray bottle, combine 2 spoonfuls of sugar to 6 oz water to fill the bottle.  Spray wet hair with the mixture.  Prepare strips of fabric an inch wide by 6 inches long.  Section hair off into chunks and then roll each chunk into the strip and tie it up.  Do this before bed and wake up to beautiful curls!


Bath Additives

For Softer Skin: Add 1/4 cup honey and 1 cup of milk to the water


All Over Body Treatments

Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe: 2 parts either fine sugar, brown sugar, white sugar, or raw sugar, 1 part beauty oil (apricot oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil, or vitamin E oil) and a few drops of any desired fragrances or essential oils.  Consistency should be thick, not drippy. Store small quantities in the shower for a week or two and large quantities in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks.

Body Wash:  Boil 6 cups of water on the stove.  Microwave 3 bars of soap (one at a time) for 90 seconds in a microwave safe container. When melted, immediately pour into water.  Continue stirring until all the soap is dissolved.  When completely dissolved, pour into plastic bottles and let cool.  It will thicken over the next 24 hours.  If it gets too thick, then just add a little water.

Brown Sugar Moisturizing Scrub: Combine 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar, 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1/8 cup Raw Honey, 1/4 teaspoon of any desired scents or essential oils (ie. vanilla extract, lemon juice, lavender essential oil, coffee, cinnamon or clove) in a bowl to form a paste.  Store the body scrub in a container in your shower or by the sink.  (Doesn't need to be refrigerated!)  To use, scoop some into your hand and massage into skin.  Works great before shaving!
 
Coffee Scrub: Mix 2 cups coffee grounds, 1/2 cup raw sugar, 2/3 tbsp massage oil or your favorite oil.  Mix these three together in a bowl.  You can also add brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, or vanila extract.  Store in a jar for use later.


Deodorant:  Combine equal parts baking soda and arrowroot powder.  Slowly add coconut oil and work it in until it reaches the consistency of deodorant.  You can either pack it into old deodorant dispensers or put it in a small container with a lid and apply with your fingers.  What is left on your hands can be rubbed in as a moisturizer.


 Dry Elbow Treatment: Cut a lemon in half and massage it into each elbow once a day.  Dry elbows with a towel and apply olive oil to the elbow.

 Diaper Rash: Coconut Oil
 Foot Exfoliate: Combine 2 tbsp sea salt, 2 tsp oatmeal, and 1 tsp baking soda to make a paste.  Rub gently on skin and rinse.

Lemon Brown Sugar Scrub: Mix 1/4 c. coarse brown sugar, 1 cup grapeseed oil and 1/4 c grated lemon peel.  Mix together all ingredients and rub on your body in a circular motion.

Milk Foot Soak:  In a large saucepan, heat 2 cup milk and 7 cups water.  When it's steaming add 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tbsp of your favorite lotion.  Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature and pour in a large bowl and soak for 10 minutes.  

 Pumpkin Foot Scrub: Combine 1/4 c pumpkin puree, 1/4 c brown sugar, 1 tbsp either almond oil or olive oil, 1 tbsp ground coffee and 1-2 tbsp lemon juice into a large bowl.  Place your feet in the bowl and scrub your feet!  You can use this on your whole body too!

Razor Burn Treatment/Moisturizer: Add 1-2 drops of honey to wet fingertips and massage onto razor burn area or area to be moisturized.  Pat dry. 

Perfume: Put petals or leaves in a container that you want for a scent or effect, and add 190 proof everclear to cover the leaves or petals.  Wait a day and strain out the petals and leaves, and add new petals.  Repeat until the scent is to your liking (but do not add new alcohol.)


Make Up

Beet Lip Stain: Take one beet, chop it into pieces and heat in microwave for 40 seconds to bring out the juice.  In a small container, mix the beet juice with a couple of drops of olive oil and add powdered sugar until it reaches a consistency of your liking.  Store in a container and either use a brush to apply to lips or use a sponge to apply color to cheeks.

Bronzer: Choose a makeup case and add some cinnamon and some powdered sugar to get the color you like.  Add a couple drops of essential oil- add only a drop at a time, you want to make the cinnamon fixture become firm and bind together.  Apply with a brush.
 
Lemon Based Tooth Whitener: Mix 3 parts lemon juice to 1 part salt, swish around in mouth.  Spit.  :)


Enjoy and Be Frugal!

Midi Skirt {crochet pattern}


{I found this pattern in a box of random vintage crafts that I received from family.  I figured I would share it here in it's original form.  Please note that I have typed it exactly as it was listed and have not worked the pattern yet myself.  I'll probably work it up at some point and post my comments and adjustments too :)  Enjoy!}

This Pattern has been moved to my Patreon library to help support my websites and art adventures.  If you would like to support my work, you'll gain access to a library of awesome patterns, including this one.

My Pattern Experience: Doris Chan's All Shawl {crochet pattern review}


Today's "My Pattern Experience" is brought to you by Doris Chan's "All Shawl" crochet pattern.  It is a pattern that has 4 different ways to complete it, which if you were daring, could turn into a million and one!  I love this shawl pattern.  It's so versatile.  You can take any piece of this variety pack pattern and make yourself a wonderfully unique shawl.  For this shawl, I used a super large hook- a K, though in retrospect, I almost would like to see it worked up with something larger, like a P.  The trim portion is gorgeous (though would have benefited if I had time to block it before these pictures).  The best part was that it worked up super quick!!  I had this shawl done, from start to finish, in about 3 hours, with lots of interruptions (I have children, and it gets hard to have a solid block of time).  I can't wait to try out some of the other variations with the pattern, but I just had to share this with you!



I love the open look that is created with the edc and large hook!



Isn't this edging gorgeous??

I like to wear shawls all wrapped up around my neck, and the variegated yarn causes a lovely effect with this one!!

Scouting Sunday #11: Valentines Yarn Crafts


This week, I'm going back to what is the root of this blog, while also exploring the Valentine's Theme.  This will be the last Valentine's themed Scouting Sunday.  I hope you've enjoyed the extended theme series, and after this week we'll be back onto scouting other things.  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!





Hope you all love this edition of Scouting Sunday!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!




This Crafting Life

iPad 2 MPM Birthday Giveaway!

i

It’s a MPM Birthday Celebration Event

We are so excited to give you a chance to win an iPad 2!
iPad 2 Specs:
Wifi Color: Black Apple iOS 4, Apple A5 1 GHz. It has 16 GB integrated. 9.7" IPS TFT , LED backlight and Multi-Touch. 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR , 21.2 oz. Camera: Front: 0.7 MP, Back: 0.7 MP
ipad 2

One winner will receive iPad 2 {Wifi, 16GB, Black}!

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. This Crafting Life is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser and Fragrance Mist Review



As a BzzAgent, I was recently invited to try a new product by Glade.  I have used glade in the past, but recently have only been using wax warmers as my home freshening choice.  I was excited to get some new scents in the house and see how they worked.




As soon as I got home, I got them out of their packages and found them new homes.  My oil diffuser went to my plant shelf, where it lies masquerading as just another one of the plants.  (Forgive the fact that my plants all look ill.  I've been doing my best but they just aren't liking this winter in my house!)


I was a little bummed out that I couldn't smell it more throughout the room.  In order to really catch a good smell, you had to be within about 2 feet of the diffuser.  It's next to a doorway in my house however, which is nice because you smell it when you're changing rooms.

Next up was the Fragrance Spray.  You always need an air freshener in the bathroom, so I plopped it down on the counter in there.  Looks good so far!  I really like the scent of this one.  I was a little disappointed, however, that the scent didn't last for a very long time at all.  I felt I needed to spray it constantly to keep up the nice smell!

Overall, It seems like a good product, I just wish the smell would be a little more powerful.  I loved both of the fragrances I got (Pineapple Mangosteen on the diffuser and Lavender on the Spray)

*Disclosure: I have received this product for free for testing and review purposes.  This has not effected my opinion on the product and you will always receive an honest review from me!

Scouting Sunday #10: 5 Valentines Date Ideas


This week, for our Scouting Sunday, we're going to do things a little bit differently.  This week, we'll be discussing Valentine's Date Ideas... from the cheap to the extravagant, for any type of couple.  If you are a blogger and have been scouted, make sure to snag a button at the bottom!

Idea #1

For the geeky couple:


...for those with expensive taste...

Why not visit Woodlyn Park, which is a unique adventure nicknamed the "hobbit hotel."  For those looking for the Lord of the Rings experience, it might be perfect.  The interior is not as hobbit-ish as the outside and surrounding area, but it's a quaint getaway nonetheless.











But why stop there?  Continue your Lord of the Rings adventure with a Middle Earth Adventure in Wellington, NZ.  This scenic adventure will take you to an array of filming sites used in the movies, and also gorgeous scenery.

Want it all in one package? Including *authentic* hobbit food?  Check out this tour/stay  from Minaret Lodge that features such awesome amenities as 1st and 2nd breakfast, Lembas bread, and  local tours.  Choose your hobbit adventure wisely!

...on the cheap...

Plan an at home Lord of the Rings Getaway! 
Who says you have to travel overseas to have the full hobbiton experience?  
First, you'll either have to rent or own the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Second, TOGETHER (it is date night, right?) prepare a feast fit for a hobbit.  Start with Merry's Cider (add Rum for a Hard Cider Variety), snack on Elvish Lembas Bread, move on to Mushroom soup from the Inn at Bree, add a main course of Mrs. Maggot's Cottage Pie and finish it up with a fine dessert of Lebuchken.  Don't like that menu?  Replace any item with one of the other hundred middle earth recipes featured on that website!  Pop in the movies while you're cooking, and play the LEGO hobbit game after dinner, put together a Citadel of Minas Tirith 3D Puzzle, or even play Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit or Risk!


Everything needed for this Date Night:




Idea #2

For the adventurous couple:


...for those with expensive taste...
Want a true adventurous adventure?  Want it all planned for you?  Want to relive history?  Take a Covered Wagon Vacation!  According to their website:.  "Wagons West invited you to be a part of Western America's most unique vacation idea.  Trek with us along unused roads in the foothills of the Rockies and near the mighty Tetons...camp with us in grassy meadows by a noisy stream...share some dutch oven grub from the chuckwagon...enjoy the evening wagon circle and campfire...relax to the singing of the cowboy...coax the oldtimer to spin a yarn...sleep in your covered wagon, in a tent or under the starsSounds pretty cool to me!


...on the cheap...
Being adventurous and exploring nature doesn't mean you have to travel far or spend a lot of money to do it, in fact, you can get by relatively cheaply on your own.  If the weather is nice, do something outside- camp at a secluded campsite, hike in a state park near you, or even just pop a tent in your backyard and sleep out together under the stars.  For those of us in more unfortunate weather, stay inside, make a tent from sheets, spread out those sleeping bags and have a picnic on the floor with a star projector turning your room into a nighttime wonderland!




Everything you need for this date night and more:









Idea #3

For the family-oriented couple:


...for those with expensive taste...
Take a Family Adventure Vacation with OARS!  Vacations vary from 1/2 a day to 11 days with varying options and locations.  They send you with multiple guides, including one especially designated for your children.  They provide the food, awesome photographic locations and all the transportation. 



...on the cheap...
Make a family date night- go to Chuck-e Cheese's or even let the kids each pick their favorite meal and movie and order in (everyone gets their favorite!)  Go ice skating, roller skating, bowling, to a movie, or host a family game night at home!  {In about a week I'll be posting about the fantastic Hasbro Family Game Night I hosted on New Years!}
The point is, do what you love to do, and do it together. :)




Idea #4

For the romantic couple:


...for those with expensive taste...
Where better to spend the most romantic holiday of the year than the most romantic city in the world?  Travel to Paris, stay in the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel, visit the Eiffel Tower and soak in the romance all around.





...on the cheap...

Make your own Parisian getaway at home!  Dress up in your fanciest clothes, throw a lace tablecloth and a nice centerpiece (and definitely don't use paper plates!) on your table.  Prepare some French delicacies, and treat yourself to a wonderful evening.  
Suggested Menu:

Everything you need and more:



Idea #5

For the pampered couple:


...for those with expensive taste...
Try a trip to Koh Samui, the ultimate Spa Resort.  They offer everything that a spa does, in a resort format and add detox, yoga and meditation, and you can do it all from their beautiful beaches....







...on the cheap...
Make your own spa experience at home!  Dim the lights, light some candles, and invest in some massage oils, facial masks, lotions and other amenities to slather all over each other.  Feed each other grapes or serve chocolate covered strawberries with a bottle of a great Moscato.  The point of this one is to spend the night pampering each other!

Everything you need for this date night and more:








Hope you all love this edition of Scouting Sunday!

  If you're a blogger and you've been "Scouted" be sure to grab a button at the bottom to put on your blog or post!




This Crafting Life