Category "Valentine’s Day"

Couple’s Photo Shoot | One-Size-Fits-All Gift

Queen Darlene - December 21, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day

Most of my friends and I have adult children. The question each year is “What do we give them for Christmas?”

It was so much easier to pick out Christmas gifts when they were small, but as adults it’s difficult to surprise them.

My friend shared her “stroke of genius” idea and came up with a Couple’s Photo Shoot for her grown adult children’s Christmas gift.

We have lots of pictures of our children but not professional grown-up photos of our kids and their spouses other than the wedding photos taken years before.

Even her adult granddaughter and boyfriend will receive a photo session. They will be so surprised!

Moto Photo packages for couples are reasonably priced starting at $55 for a one pose package.

The package consists of an 8×10, two 5×7 and 8 wallets. Gift certificates are also available to give any dollar amount you would like.

JCPenney Portraits and Portrait Innovations are also offering holiday specials.

Artisanal Ice Cream in Fun Flavors

Princess Diana - November 28, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Family, Father's Day, Food & Drinks, Gifts for Him, Host, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Really good ice cream in fun flavors. That’s what I want. Any time of year.

One of my favorite flavors is goat cheese ice cream. Hey. Don’t knock it until you try it. Trust me.

One time a friend bought me a pint of Jeni’s Goat Cheese with Red Cherries. Absolute heaven!

Have you heard of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams? It’s an artisan ice cream company, which means real people use real (vs. synthetic) ingredients to make the highest quality ice cream.

The company is known for always coming out with fun, inventive flavors!

MoviePass | Watch One Movie in Theaters Every Day

Princess Diana - November 14, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Family, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Me, Graduation, Kids, Retirement, Valentine's Day

Some people love being able to watch movies on their home entertainment system, but others love the original movie watching experience–in an actual movie theater!

They want a cinematic experience that involves sitting in a dark theater watching a film on a three-story screen while listening to the audio come out of a massive speaker system. For them, it’s just not the same watching movies at home.

There is another reason some people love going to the movies.

They want to see a movie as soon as it comes out. They don’t want to wait months for it to become available on Redbox, on Netflix or on DVD.

Psst. I personally love the social aspect of watching horror movies inside a crowded theater–to feel dozens of strangers suck in their breath together in anticipation or to hear a blood curdling screen come from someone sitting in the row behind you.

Cozy Fleece Photo Blanket

Princess Diana - August 15, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Family, Father's Day, Get Well, Going Away, Graduation, Housewarming, Kids, Mother's Day, Retirement, Teacher Gifts, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Years ago, my sister, Julia, and her family moved to the East coast away from her parents and siblings.

It’s tough living far apart from family, but especially hard when someone has young children. Finding child care is harder, and holidays can be a bit more lonely.

My sister though experienced tremendous luck! She found an older woman in her neighborhood who ran a small in-home day care. “Miss Pat” has cared for my sister’s three daughters for 14 years now, and they have a very special bond with her.

She loves those girls like her own granddaughters, and they love her like a grandmother.

“Miss Pat” and her husband “Mister Pete” have become family.

Custom Photo Blanket

For Miss Pat’s birthday this year, my sister gave her a custom fleece photo blanket with a beautiful collage of her three daughters and Miss Pat.

The photos printed really well and show how much the girls have grown up since Miss Pat has known them. So many cherished memories gathered all in one place!

Miss Pat can literally wrap the girls around her any time, day or night! Continue Reading

Magical 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards

Princess Diana - May 9, 2017 - $20 or Less, Anniversary, Baby Shower, Birthday, Business, Christmas, Congratulations, Father's Day, Get Well, Graduation, Housewarming, Kids, Mother's Day, Teacher Gifts, Thank You, Valentine's Day, Wedding

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards are so beautiful and mesmerizing, they are almost a gift in itself. And they’re definitely keepsakes!

When you open one of these cards, instead of seeing words, you see the card magically come to life as it POPS UP into a unique design. They are truly miniature works of paper art!

Send Someone a Pop Up Surprise

You can buy 3D Pop Up Greeting Cards in all sorts of designs for all sorts of occasions. Some of them are designed to hold a gift card.

Although, do you even need an occasion to send a 3D greeting card with a pop up dragon, a pop up pirate ship or a pop up rocket? Send them just because the cards are badass and you want to surprise someone!

Holding Hands Photos | Sentimental Gift

Queen Darlene - April 13, 2017 - $20 or Less, Anniversary, Birthday, Family, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day

I’ve known my friend, Sherry, for years and have had the privilege of meeting her parents on many occasions. When I recently attended a reception honoring their daughter’s achievement, I noticed they were holding hands across the table.

I asked if I could take a picture of them holding hands. Her parents smiled and agreed. I thought it was so precious and wanted to capture the sweet, tender embrace for Sherry.

Sherry’s parents are her biggest supporters. Their hands have held her, guided her, hugged her, loved her, and clapped for her and her awesome accomplishments. Continue Reading

The Gift of Time Away

Princess Diana - March 9, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day

We have so many responsibilities in our lives – working to pay the bills, raising kids, running a household, giving back to our community… The list goes on and on. And on.

When was the last time YOU had 24 hours or an entire weekend just to yourself?

When was the last time YOUR SPOUSE had 24 hours or an entire weekend to himself or herself?

With all of the pressures and stress we face, we all need some “me time” or if you’re a parent you might call it “adult time.” What you or your partner may need is the Gift of Time Away.

The Gift of Time Away

For a thoughtful gift, give your partner one or more days for himself/herself with zero responsibilities. He/she won’t have to do any chores, run any errands, or watch any kids.

You’re essentially giving them the free time and freedom to do what makes them happy!

Give Your Partner A Sensual Oil Massage

Princess Diana - February 14, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Experiences, Valentine's Day

I have a Valentine’s Day gift that can transform your relationship by creating deeper intimacy. You can give it over and over, and it’s amazing every time!

Give your partner a sensual massage with your own two hands using massage oil.

If you think about it, who better than to pamper your lover with a romantic massage than you?

My husband is no professional masseur, but he gives THE BEST massages. I only wish he could massage me longer than 20 minutes before his fingers get tired. Really though, I’m not complaining because those 20 minutes are pure heaven!

My body becomes putty in his hands as he sensually rubs my aches and tensions away… leaving me feeling completely relaxed and loved. There’s something very intimate in knowing that your partner is focusing all of his or her efforts on making you feel so good.

By the way, massage oil is essential. It makes a massage feel 100 times better!

Valentine’s Day Traditions Reimagined

Queen Darlene - February 9, 2017 - Valentine's Day

It’s time to fall in love with Valentine’s Day all over again!

We’ve reimagined routine Valentine’s Day traditions by adding a new twist to make it even more special. After reading our You say…We say… list, we’re sure you will come up with your own unique ideas!

The 5 Love Languages for A Happy Marriage

Princess Diana - February 7, 2017 - Anniversary, Gifts for Me, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to a long, happy marriage? I am completely serious when I tell you I’ve found it.

I learned it in the book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, the #1 New York Times bestselling book by Dr. Gary D. Chapman.

Communication doesn’t break down because men are from Mars and women are from Venus. It’s because we often speak different love languages than our spouse.

In the book, Dr. Chapman explains the 5 Love Languages using wonderful stories and examples from real couples he has helped through marriage counseling. He says it’s the secret to keeping love alive.

The 5 Love Languages

Words of Affirmation
Acts of Service
Receiving Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch

Reading this book helped understand what makes me feel loved and what makes my husband feel loved.