so you wannabee a Domestik Goddess?

Confession: I’ve always had a few “mixed feelings” about the whole Valentine’s Day thing, myself… but our brand-new guest writer, Becky Ocasio, links a passion for home decor with, well, just plain ol’ passion, in a way that could make even a jaded cynic want to open the door when Cupid calls. Enjoy! ~ Jen

Valentine’s Day Ideas from a Hopeless Romantic

Valentines Day… Is it a day for hopeless romantics to swoon over their one true love? Is it a glorified Hallmark holiday? Ok, so I choose to be the hopeless romantic, even after almost 20 years of marriage, 5 kids and 2 dogs later.

I’ve given some thought (I’m sure you fellas are waiting for this for gift buying insight) as to what to do for your loved one on Valentines Day. Is the jewelry thing overdone? Flowers just die and chocolates, well there goes the New Years resolution. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the “same old, same old”.

Here are a few thoughts…

How about a blue sky, a beautiful park and a picnic basket? This would be great — minus the 5 kids of course! Or maybe a picnic backpack instead of the basket. Get your Picnic Set, grab the grub at a local Italian deli, throw in a great bottle of wine, and you’re set!   The picnic set will be around for your next romantic rendezvous.

Guys, she will adore you for the thoughtfulness — trust me! This picnic set is so cute and stylish, she will be telling all her friends that you consulted with Martha Stewart herself!

Don’t like the outdoors?
Dim the lights and light the candles and enjoy a quiet evening alone.

Don’t forget the gorgeous set of candle holders. I would recommend the Prior Park or Auburn Candleholder sets. They are both gorgeous and have a romantic feel to them — and they will be around to show off at your next dinner party.

I love it when I have someone ask where I got the incredible box that I keep on my coffee table. My husband knew I had my eye on it and he bought it for me as a gift. They reply “Wow, he bought that?!” And I just smile. I do have to add that a few days ago he announced that his new favorite store was Ikea (one just opened up near us), and I fell in love with him all over again.

Make your better half a meal that will knock his socks off and leave him wondering what he or his stomach would ever do without you?! You have incredible recipes at your fingertips right here!

Don’t forget, presentation is everything — so jazz it all up with some hip dinnerware from Interior Style Home. My favorites are the Mosaic and the Vine patterns. Great items to spice up the kitchen. As a couple and as a family, we are in the kitchen constantly — might as well make it stylish and fun!

Gathering up pictures of memorable times and framing them in a collage type of arrangement would also be a great gift.

I always mean to take that special photo, frame it and place it somewhere for all to see, but there is never enough time in the day. It would be great if someone did this for me… hint, hint!

A Natane photo frame is a fabulous gift for anyone to display several memories.

You are probably saying to yourself by now, “this girl really loves Interior Style Home!”… Yep, I do! I happen to be the mad decorating mind behind the madness, or should I say, website!?

I love all things beautiful in the home — that’s a passion of mine that my family has to live with.

The truth behind the Valentine’s Day legend is cloudy, and probably has been elaborated over the years to become what it is today… so what exactly is it now? Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be a crazy show of affection ,or a “let me go overboard day”, but a day to show you appreciate that special someone, with a gesture to show you care.

Who says that Valentines Day has to be about jewelry and lingerie? A picnic, a romantic evening, an incredible meal, or a collage of great memories, you’ll be sure to get your point across, even though it may not be with a bow and arrow.

Becky Ocasio is an interior decorator in Oviedo, Florida, and the WAHM of 5 behind InteriorStyleHome.com. She loves nothing more than to hide away (”where the kids can’t find me!”) to create floral arrangements and custom window treatments, or to seek out the perfect home accents for her clients.

Technorati Tags: Valentine, gifts, romance, guest post

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