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Living up North for most of my life, I have to tell you there is something magical about now living in a place where in December you can drive on a bridge, over a lake and when you look out, there are boats everywhere. 

While there are still some nippy days here in North Texas where winter doesn’t necessarily equate to boating season, spring arrives quickly, the temperatures soar and getting on the lake in boats is what Texans do!  (and you thought we only rode horses!)  It may come as a surprise to learn that Texas is the No. 2 boat state in the country, behind Minnesota.

After 20 years of marriage, I know that when it comes to Valentine’s Day a couple can get a little passive about it.

We’re taking a study on marriage right now in our small group, and so it encouraged me to come up with some ideas to put on a Countdown to Valentine’s Day calendar.  Nothing on it is expensive, many of the ‘hints’ I put on it are for things that are just ordinary with a loving sentiment.

It’s really easy for you to put one of these together for your spouse.  All you need is a calendar, some extra paper or wrapped paper hearts and your imagination 🙂

I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m a fan of wine 😉  I certainly never complain when someone gifts me with a bottle or anything that has to do with it either. 

So here are three made in America gift ideas for the wine lover for Valentine’s Day.

Adding a card stock tag to a crazy or heart shaped straw is another alternative to giving out candy Valentines.  I found the straws 6/$1 at Dollar Tree.

As part of my blog I get many great opportunities to attend local events of interest.  Last week I had the chance to experience walking through the new Nebraska Furniture Mart that is opening this Spring in The Colony, TX,  as part of a VIP Blogger event.

Being from South Dakota originally I was already familiar with Nebraska Furniture Mart.  It was a regular thing for the folks in our area to make the drive to Omaha to shop there!

The North Texas Nebraska Furniture Mart is the largest furniture store in the United States!

I know a lot of parents don’t want to give out more candy on Valentine’s Day and would like to have their children hand out alternative sentiments to their friends.  The other day I had one for a pencil and note pad, and today I have one for a game Valentine.

Valentine themed mini erasers serve as a stand-in for X’s and O’s in this tic-tac-toe game.

If you’re looking for an idea to put together small school treats or birthday goodies, here is a fun way to package them up.

If you’re looking for alternatives to candy for Valentine’s this year, this cute pairing of pencil and notepad is a great option.  I purchased the pencils 6 for $1.00 and the mini composition books 3 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree. 

I have both a Silhouette V3 File for those with a Portrait or Cameo as well as a PDF to print and cut if you don’t and want to just do them by hand. 

For each set all you need is some colored card stock and some tape in addition to the pencil and notebook. 

Many of you already know that my husband is a nerdy geek.  From elves to aliens with blue tentacles, my guy finds fantasy worlds and spaceships entertaining and hobby worthy.  Over the years he has wooed me to ‘the dark side’ and I partake in much of it right along side him.

With just 13 cards and some ribbon you can put a little fun around your mantle or door frame this Valentine’s Day.