Five DIY Valentines

Whether you're hard-core pro-Valentine's Day or 100% anti heart day, or somewhere in between celebrating Galentine's Day, we've got some fun last-minute Valentine DIYs anyone can whip up for their boo, gal pal or freshly-delivered pizza.



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1. Valentine Coupons





A modern take on those love coupons everyone used to give their mom when they didn't have money to buy her gifts– but you can personalize them with basically anything you want!

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2. Scrap Paper Valentines





Don't throw those random paper scraps away– use 'em to create some quirky little Valentines instead! Simply cut out some hearts, draw on your faces, and decorate to your heart's content!

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3. Wild About You



  

Probably our favorite one– I mean who doesn't love a DIY that involves mini plastic animals?! We grabbed some scrap card stock, a brush and some black paint and painted the zebra stripes, then added our little message at the top. Poke 2 little holes to string the twine through, and voila! A valentine fit for a king (of the jungle)

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4. We're a Great Match





This one's super easy– we just took a box of matches, cut a piece of paper to size, and wrapped/taped it around the box... so quick and simple! Write a little message on there, and you're good to go! Also how cute is this candle from Annie Seo?! Can't find the strength to burn it (probably ever...)

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5. Animal Envelopes





Can't get much easier than this– take some colored construction paper and cut out some ears (of course a cat was our first choice) then doodle on a face with a Sharpie, and you're done! Slip a little note or card inside, too!

There you have it friends, five easy DIY Valentine's for everyone on your list! Have fun making them, and as always tag your projects with #rayandablog so we can see what you made!

Valentine's Printables

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which might mean one of three things… 

A. You can’t wait for that super romantic date next week, B. You’re the one planning the decorations and food lineup for your friend’s annual Galentine’s day party, or, C. You prefer a low-key, intimate date with a bottle of wine and a Netflix marathon while you scowl over all the couple pics in your Instagram feed. 

Whatever your feelings for this holiday, we got you covered with these free printables...



For the romantic in everyone, xoxo.

For those of you throwing your anti-Valentine's parties, send these to all your gal pals...

And for the Parks & Rec, Vote for Knope crew, a classic Ann adoration quote for the strong musk ox that's deep down inside all of us. 


To download all of these designs, click here. Happy Valentine's Day!

#friendsareforever

Photo: http://vsco.co/dirtyyydan

NEW YEAR'S HOPES AND GOALS

We can’t believe that 2015 is already coming to an end as we’re getting ready to welcome in 2016. This past year we both graduated college, Ray got engaged and started her new job post college and A finally hit the West coast, went to too many concerts, and got a new cat! Things have been crazy, but good!

We’re both excited for the New Year and what is to come, but instead of striving for resolutions which we forget in a week or two, we have some New Year's hopes and goals.

FOR US PERSONALLY

Ray
+ Stay grateful — Life is never perfect and goes exactly the way I want it to, but there is so much to be thankful for everyday. It's not a bad life, just an off day.
+ Explore! My goal will be to travel somewhere new once a year when I am married. I love seeing new sights and taking in new environments. First stop (hopefully) Montana!
+ Stay calm — I need to remember that making a mistake isn't the end of the world. Each mistake is the opportunity to learn and grow from it.

A

+ Live more purposefully — to really think about why I do what I do, and do everything to the fullest!

+ Travel more! There’s so much to see out there, and so little time (and money), but it's possible, and something I want to strive to do more of.

+ Invest more into friendships — so easily overlooked, but oh so important!

FOR THE BLOG

+ Expand and grow our audience to more awesome readers like you!
+ Spread the word about more local businesses.
+ Support and get to know more bloggers!

FOR OTHERS

+ Show more love. No matter where you’re from, who you are, what you believe, everyone is worth so much more than we can imagine. 
+ Embrace creativity! Whether it’s writing, making art and music, cooking— let your creative juices run wild, it’s good for you!
+ Have compassion. It is so easy to get caught up in life and think about what is best for ourselves. If we just took more time to acknowledge others and be willing to help, the world could be a brighter place.

Now that we’ve shared our hopes and goals for the New Year we would love to hear from you about yours!

#freshstart

Photo: http://vsco.co/temicoker/