Z's Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Sure, Valentine's Day might be a bit (a ton) commercialized, and I know many feel like it is simply a way to sell chocolates and expensive dinners. But, I just don't see how anyone could hate on a day carved out of the calendar to celebrate love. This world needs all the excuses it can get to celebrate love these days! And to me, love doesn't have to be celebrated only by couples on V Day. When I was little, my mom always got me Valentine's Day presents. When I was in college, I always went out to a fun dinner with friends. Love is love, yes? For friends, for parents or children, for spouses, for pets. So, go put on some pink or red and celebrate with the people or furry friends that have your heart! 

February can be dark, snowy, and depressing in Indiana. It isn't quite spring and most things are still dead outside. Use Valentine's Day as a way to cheer up, perk up, and snuggle up to your love. Fun Fact: My husband Daniel and I spent our first Valentine's Day in a plow truck, plowing the parking lots on Purdue's campus through the middle of the night. Romantic, yes? Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Now, choose that perfect gift for your Valentine and celebrate love on this fine February 14th! Here are some of my very fave things that I KNOW a special person in your life will love too:

1. Custom Pet Portrait- I have the extreme pleasure of introducing you to one of the most talented women I have had the pleasure of working with, Bethany Salisbury. She has her own Etsy shop, featuring custom animal portraits. She offers a variety of canvas sizes and works hard to ensure that your portrait looks identical to your pet. She is amazing! You simply send her a variety of photos of your pet and then she works her artistic magic, resulting in a one-of-a-kind painting of your furry friends. I love these so much that I have given them as gifts time and time again. My parents and grandparents treasure theirs. We have one of Derby (bottom left) and one of Boomer (top left) displayed in our living room, where we can always enjoy them. 

2. The Sign Queen Sign- I may or may not know the artist, aka my mom, Tracey Hossfeld. She can make anything you like, from animals to flowers, to anchors, to hearts. These signs are custom made in Michigan and can be shipped to you. Signs can be made of burlap or wood, a variety of sizes, and can be personalized with names, sayings, or monograms. Pre-made signs are available as well, ready for purchase. Aren't they the cutest? They hold up extremely well outdoors. My classroom and house are covered in The Sign Queen signs. Snag a heart-shaped one to help your Valentine decorate their front door.

3. Flowers, duh- Bouqs is rockin because they send bouquets of flowers that are not only beautiful and fresh, but also they are farm-to table; they ship from eco-friendly, sustainable farms from around the world. Because they are cut the day you order, they last 1.5 times longer. They smell amazing, too. I can smell the lillies I received from Bouqs as soon as I walk in my house. Bouqs offers a variety of prices and sizes so you can order to match your budget. Use my code ZARAHSKELTON20 for 20% off your Valentines' Day order! Who doesn't love gorgeous flowers delivered right to their home? These stunning lillies remind me of our wedding and instantly brighten my day.

4. Macarons- Ever dying for some macarons but don't have access to any in your area? In Lafayette, we do have a wonderful bakery that kicks out some killer macarons, but before Sweet Revolution opened, I ordered from Dana's Bakery to get my fix, and I still do because they're just so good. I will never forget the first time I had a macaron. I bought some at a market in Montreal, Canada and I accidentally on purpose ate all 6 in one day. At Dana's Bakery, they let you custom create your macaron box, allowing you to choose 12 little morsels of goodness from a variety of flavors, from fruity to chocolaty. I like that I get a say in the flavors, plus the box comes to your door fresh. They feature flavors of the month to keep things fun and new. They are sooooo delicious.

Photo from Dana's Bakery

5. "Home" Video- Yours.co offers their services to help you transform your iPhone videos into professional videos. Think of all the video clips on your phone of you and your Valentine. Send them off to Yours Co and give the gift of memories. They quickly edit your masterpieces, adding transitions and music.I know I have TONS of videos on my phone and I don't ever so much with them. This company helps anyone put their videos together in a professional way. So neat!

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