DIY Valentine's Day Craft: You're Foxy, Valentine!

Valentine's Day is probably the best holiday in the world, in my mind. Celebrating love and anything pink is filed under favorites... So when an entire holiday revolves around shades of pink, celebrating love in all forms, and simply romancing each other - what is there not to like? It's fun to be flirty and getting crafty to take being flirty to the next level, is really what makes me smile when I think about this holiday.

Today I want to share a simple fox valentine that you can make with cardstock, scrapbooking paper, or even paint samples!

Begin by drawing a heart onto a deep pink or red piece of paper, then add triangles to make the ears and two tiny circles for the eyes.

Next you'll need to cut a heart smaller than the one you draw (which will become the nose area) and cut tiny white triangles to fit inside.

Cut a tiny black triangle out to make the nose and cut a banner out of a lighter shade. To make a banner - simply cut a rectangle, then two triangles on each side.

Color in eyes above the white "fur" and add a tiny white mark inside of eyes to give them a "glimmer".

Lastly, write a message to your Foxy Valentine!

Now you can use this cute little valentine as a gift tag or even just hand it over to your sweetie! Valentine's Day really is a fun reason to be romantic, isn't it?

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Creative Types + {a Giveaway}

Today's discussion is sponsored by Onite.

Everyone deserves to be spoiled on Valentine's Day, whether it's your best friend, your child, your co-worker, or your beau - it's nice to give those you love a little something to remind them they are important to you. Today I'm sharing a collection of items that would be perfect to give to the creative types in your life. If you love an artist, a photographer, a blogger, a kid with a knack for arts & crafts - these gifts will be the perfect way to treat them to something special without breaking the bank.

1. Gimme Mini, ANYTHING - It may sound silly but all creatives love little versions of things, it's just something inside of us. I obsess over miniature versions of most anything but these baby clothes pins take the cake, plus they are useful in craft projects or as a paper clip.

2. Magical Markers - Having an array of colored markers makes for a fun time, anytime for the creative type. Be sure to get a wide variety of colors and the bolder, the better.

3. Funk-ify Their Case - We all love to express ourselves, help the creative in your life express herself (or himself) with an adorable case that suits their personality. Check Etsy for some truly unique ideas.

4. Pens with a Spin - Well, not exactly a spin but pens that are unique that your loved one will cherish. I found these beauties in the $1 section at Target, they don't need to be expensive - just unique or something your sweetie will like. I'm gold obsessed so these funky gold accented pens are totally the perfect gift.

5. Flash 'em This - This Onite Flash Drive is the perfect gift for the photographers and instagram addicts in your life. They can transfer pictures from your cell phone to your PC in seconds with this flash drive. It's tough too, I accidentally dropped mine in water and it still works perfectly.

6. Office Accessories with Style - I'm still working on this one but my purple stapler is doing the job for now. I suggest a kit with rhinestones or studs, whatever your sweetie prefers.

7. Chalkboard and Chalk Pastels - Chalkboards aren't just trendy, they can make for some pretty awesome creative inspiration as well. I love these chalk pastels because they show up SO bright and beautiful and mini chalkboards are where it's at!

The good news - I'm giving away a 32GB Flash Drive to one lucky winner! Enter to win this awesome gadget with the giveaway tools form below:

Entry-Form

Do you have any creative gift ideas for your sweetie that you want to share? What's your favorite Valentine's Day gift you've ever received? I'd love to hear about it below!


Disclaimer: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Romantic Restaurants to Eat at In Your Area - Find The Perfect Place to Take Your Date in Your City!

It's almost time to celebrate Valentine's Day and we all know women (and some men) like to be spoiled on the day of love. I made a list recently with the best romantic places to eat in Tampa Bay, but today I want to share a list of romantic places to take your sweetheart from all over the United States!

Looking for a romantic place to take your Valentine? Look no further! Members of Social Fabric have found places all across the United States that are romantic and perfect for a lovely date night! Just find your local area below and see what fabulous places it has to offer. You can make it a night to remember!

Romantic Restaurants Across the United States
#Dinner4Valentines

 

Northeast Region
Eastampton, New Jersey - Dawn from A New Dawnn
Jersey City, New Jersey - May from La Vie En May
New Rochelle, New York - Jason from The Social Media Samurai
New York, New York - Ginnie from Hello Little Home
Unadilla, New York - Miranda from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Reading, Pennsylvania - Betsy from Heavens to Betsy
York, Pennsylvania - Sarah from How I Pinch A Penny
East Greenwich, Rhode Island - Kristin from Mama Luvs Books
Newport, Rhode Island - Stephanie from Mammamoiselle  
Providence, Rhode Island - Mary from Tall Mom Tiny Baby  


Midwest Region
Barrington, Illinois - Teresa from Tiaras & Tantrums  
Chicago Area, Illinois - Michelle from Honest and Truly
Chicago, Illinois - Kelly from Kelly's Lucky You
Chicago, Illinois - Jen from Fashionably Employed
Miami County, Ohio - Linette from The Home and Garden Cafe
Columbus, Ohio - Abbey from The Cards We Drew
Columbus, Ohio - Carissa from All in All
Troy, Ohio - Kendra from A Proverbs 31 Wife
Omaha, Nebraska - Mary from Living A Sunshine Life
Omaha, Nebraska - Lisa from Mom on the Side
Box Elder, South Dakota - Melissa from Kids Are Grown
Madison, Wisconsin - Jessica from All She Cooks


South Region
Birmingham, Alabama - Jennifer from Simple Hacks Living
Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas - Jamie from Jamie's Thots
Pea Ridge, Arkansas - Robyn from Create it. Go!
Boca Raton, Florida - Shaina from Take a Bite Out of Boca
Bradenton, Florida - Kelly from Virtually Yours
Lee County, Florida - Krystal from Krystal's Kitsch
Mount Dora, Florida - Sherry from Family Love and Other Stuff
Pensacola Beach, Florida - April from Frugally Green Mom
South Florida, Florida - Melissa Ann from The Eyes of a Boy
Tampa Bay, Florida - Lauren from Lauren Paints
Tampa, Florida - C. Lee from Helicopter Mom and Just Plane Dad
Augusta, Georgia - Candy from Candypolooza
Annapolis, Maryland - Ashley from Momma Rambles
Frederick, Maryland - Terri from Housewives of Frederick County
Durham, North Carolina - Jen from Jael Custom Designs
Memphis, Tennessee - Pamela from Still Dating My Spouse
Arlington/Ft. Worth, Texas - Danita from O Taste and See
Austin, Texas - Lani from Life Anchored
Dallas, Texas - Heather from Dallas Single Mom
Dallas, Texas - Emily from Fortuitous Foodies
Denton, Texas - Stephanie from The TipToe Fairy
Fort Worth, Texas - Julie from Julie is Coco and Cocoa
Houston, Texas - Christine from Xtine Danielle
Houston, Texas - Kelli from Eat, Pray, Read, Love
San Antonio, Texas - Sara from Sensibly Sara 
Richmond, Virginia - Jen from JVKom Chronicles


West Region
Anchorage, Alaska - Laura from Day by Day in Our World
Chandler, Arizona - JoAnn from A Whimsicle Life
Phoenix, Arizona - Michelle from Fun on a Dime
Los Angeles, California - Stacy from Fancy Shanty
Rohnert Park, California - Jamie from Minnesota Girl in the World
Sacramento, California - Brandy from Gluesticks
Santa Clarita, California - Carolyn from This Talk Ain't Cheap
Temecula, California - Kara from Ramblings of a Marine Wife
Victorville, California - Holly from Our Holly Days
Denver, Colorado - Callie from A Sweet Potato Pie
Missoula, Montana - Patty from Broken Teepee
Orem, Utah - Kristie from Beneficial Bento
Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah - Marissa from Raegun Ramblings
St. George, Utah - Kendra from The Things I Love Most

Is your area not on the list? I would love to hear where your favorite romantic place to dine in your area is...?

Healthy Creamy Spinach Dip

This year, I celebrated the big game in style, as you've probably already noticed if you follow the blog. Even though I served up a pretty decent amount of, ahem, less than healthy food - I'm doing my best to stay on track with my diet! This dip is beyond delicious, maybe even better than "normal" spinach dip and the perfect way to chow down on something delicious with out feeling guilty for it later, so I made sure to add it to my spread.

Say hello to your game day best friend, ladies and gentlemen! Be sure to pin this yumtastic recipe for later use - friends and family will be asking you to make this again and again!

Healthy Creamy Spinach Dip

1 9oz Package Green Giant Spinach
4 oz neufchatel cheese
1 5oz container greek yogurt - plain
Parmesan cheese
Italian Cheese Blend
garlic

Combine neufchatel cheese, greek yogurt, and spinach in a skillet, stir until they are all combined well and reach a warm temperature.

Remove from heat and add Parmesan, Italian cheese blend, and a dash of garlic.

Enjoy!

I'd love to know, what's your favorite healthy appetizer?

Old El Paso Touchdown Tacos: Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos with Guacamole Sauce

Thanks to Old El Paso for sponsoring today's discussion.

With all of The Big Game snacks, desserts, and meals I've been sharing lately, I realized I forgot to include something in my spread that is made with super fresh ingredients and still remains delicious for my veggie loving friends. So, today I'm sharing these Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos made with Old El Paso ingredients topped with a ridiculously tasty Guacamole Sauce that will blow your mind.

I'm kind of a taco connoisseur. By that I mean I literally order tacos wherever they are available, so I guess you could call me a self proclaimed "authority on tacos". With that said, I vow on all other tacos in the world, these veggie tacos are killer. They are stacked full of super foods and taste like they aren't as healthy as they actually are.

Delightfully deceiving, these tacos are the perfect vegetarian option to add to your party spread and are definitely going to be a game time favorite! With their amazing flavors, the perfectly crispy taco shells, and the super food filling your guests will be begging for the recipe. I set my tacos up so each guest could make their own and made a batch with all the fixings for the boys to eat while they watch the game. Either way, this recipe is a real winner!

Vegetarian Black Bean & Quinoa Tacos with Guacamole Sauce Taco Ingredients: 1 cup of quinoa 2 cups of vegetable broth 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained Old El Paso Taco Kit 1 ½ tablespoon of tomato paste Taco toppings of choice - cabbage, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, etc. Guacamole Sauce Ingredients: 1/2 avocado 2 Tbsp of cilantro ½ lime 2 Tbsp red onion 1 garlic clove, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup of water Pinch of salt Saute the onion in an oiled pan for 7 minutes or until it’s translucent. Add the quinoa, broth, Old El Paso taco seasoning and tomato paste and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, add in black beans. Cover and simmer for about 18 minutes until the quinoa is a fluffy consistency. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the guacamole sauce and Place Old El Paso Taco Shells into oven and bake as instructed on the package. Put all of the Guacamole Sauce ingredients into a food processor or a blender and mix until smooth. Add water until the sauce reaches desired consistency. Now it's taco time! Enjoy!

Here's some extra awesome news,  I've teamed up with Old El Paso and Avocados from Mexico to give one lucky reader some grocery money back in their pocket! Enter with the giveaway tools form below to win $25 Paypal CASH!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Now that I've shared every single game day snack or meal possibility. I'd love to hear what your favorite treats are for game day? Don't forget to grab some Old El Paso and Avocados from Mexico so you can whip up these delicious tacos and wow your guests! Click here to score a coupon so you can get a deal on all the fixings!

Romantic Places to Eat in the Tampa Bay Area

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to start getting creative and planning an evening for your sweetie that they'll cherish forever. Today I'm sharing a list of some of my favorite romantic places to eat in the Tampa Bay area, just in case there are any love birds looking for somewhere to celebrate their day together in my neck of the woods.

I have several favorite places, so I can't really say these are in any specific order. I do suggest calling most, if not all of these establishments, regarding reservations as well.


1. Salt Rock Grill - This amazing place is high-end yet laid back. With a tiki dock on the bay and a menu full of delicious dishes, it's sure to wow your sweetie. The two-top tables make for an intimate setting and the views during sunset are indescribable.

{via SaltRockGrill.com}

2. Bobby's Bistro - Low light in a romantic, yet comfortable atmosphere. This little gem in Clearwater is the perfect place to spoil your sweetheart.

{via SweetPollysFood.com}

3.  Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club - This unique restaurant is an amazing experience, offering a truly authentic 1920's vibe and an evening you'll never forget.

{via tampabay.com}

4. Island Way Grill - With a super romantic view and a good variety of dishes on the menu, can you imagine eating anywhere more tropical?

{via TampaBayWeddings.us}

5. Columbia Restaurant - This Tampa Bay staple is unlike any other Cuban/Spanish food you've ever tried. The environment is upscale but the food is truly top-notch. Your date will love the authentic vibe and beautiful surroundings, no doubt about it.

{via ColumbiaRestaurant.com}

If you don't live in my area, stay tuned - I'll be sharing some other amazing Social Fabric blogger's Romantic Restaurants lists on my blog soon!

My Weight Loss Snack Time Secret: Special K Brownies + Before & During Weight Loss Photo Update

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Special K.

I know I've been talking a lot about indulgent foods and special treats the last few days and while I've allowed myself a little bit of the calorie-rich goodness I've shared recently, I'm still working on losing weight and trying to stay on track to meet my goals in 2015.

So many of us are working hard toward our goals this year and don't want the Superbowl or Valentine's Day or whatever other indulgent-rich occasion we may have coming up to ruin our diets with super fatty foods and indulgent recipes - well, I assume I'm not the only one, at least! So today I'm sharing my favorite treat to snack on while watching my figure and also giving a little picture update on my weight loss (so far) because what's better than sharing a before & during photo and the better-for-you brownies I've been eating WHILE I've been losing!

That's right, I've been snacking on these awesome 80 calorie pieces of happiness over the last few weeks and I'm still losing weight. I'm actually only down 1-2lbs since last time I updated but you can see a difference even if my weight is going down dramatically now. Losing weight feels really tough at times, especially when saying "no" to some of my favorite foods. That's why I'm OVERJOYED to have found Special K Brownies. Now I can have a brownie after dinner and not feel guilty. You may not believe that you can eat a brownie on a diet but thanks to Special K, you totally can. These delectable little delights come in two different flavors - Divine Fudge & Heavenly Caramel and honestly, I love them both... like I want a few boxes of these for Valentine's Day instead of a box of chocolate because YUM!

Made with real cocoa, chocolate or caramel chips, and topped with a drizzle of chocolate fudge - the perfect treat to munch on while on-the-go, since they come in little pouches. Special K Brownies are a girl-on-a-diet's dream come true. I keep a few in my purse at all times... because who knows when you're going to need/want a brownie? Am I right?

I've been caught snacking on Special K Brownies while hiking with the hubs, after a run on the beach, and even while hanging out bayside after a work out. The perfect way to reward yourself (but not load up on calories)!

Do you have any healthy snack time secrets to share? I'd love to hear what low-calorie snacks you like to "indulge" in...

Surprise Your Game Day Party Guests with Something Different: Alexia Pizza Fries!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GameTimeGrub #CollectiveBias

As we all know some days are busier than others and lately every single day has been packed full of activities in our home. With a steady stream of work coming in, planning a party for this weekend, a million Valentine's Day post ideas floating around in my noggin, statistics and macroeconmoics homework needing to be done, a husband who works full time, a kayak that is longing for the water, two dogs that love long walks, paintings to be painted, and about a thousand other items on my to-do list you could say I'm a busy little bee in 2015. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - I love every second of this crazy (busy) life.

But when we actually have the chance to unwind, I like to take it easy! Time spent cuddling on the couch with my sweetheart is probably my favorite activity, in the world (I think that means I'm officially "old" but I'm totally okay with this fact). I also like spending as little time in the kitchen as possible on days when I take it easy, so when we decided to throw a Game Day Party on Sunday I wanted all of my recipes to be easy.

Then I realized I had a couple bags of Alexia Smart Classics Crinkle Cut Fries and Alexia Sweet Potato Fries in the freezer and instead of giving my guests just regular ol' fries, which are already delicious - I decided to add a twist with a football fan's favorite food, pizza!

Coming up with a creative way to make pizza was incredibly easy! This delicious recipe is a new favorite - one pan prep, personalized combinations for every picky eater on the planet, in whatever portion size you may please, and beyond heavenly flavors made with barely any effort; this may become a daily meal in our home!

I whipped up several different versions of pizza fries. Some with onions, spinach, and less cheese and some stacked to the brim with extra cheese. I decorated a few with pineapple, a couple with mushroom, and even made a handful of batches of Alexia Sweet Potato Pizza Fries for those that aren't fans of normal french fries!

I can't wait to make all kinds of new combinations for The Big Game on Sunday, because the possibilities for these little fries are endless!

Now that I've bragged about my inventive new recipe, let me go ahead and share how simple these Pizza Fries are to prepare:

Ingredients:
Alexia Smart Classics Crinkle Cut Fries and/or Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
Pizza Sauce

Pizza Toppings - Pepperoni, Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushroom, etc.

Italian Cheese

1. Bake Alexia Smart Classics Crinkle Cut Fries or Alexia Sweet Potato Fries as instructed on bag, remove with 5 minutes left on the timer.

2. Section the fries into separate portions. Add pizza sauce (I use homemade but you can always buy store bought), any toppings your heart desires, and cheese.

3. Bake for 5-7 more minutes or until cheese is melted to your liking.

Enjoy!

I hope your game day is full of fun and yummy food... If you aren't sure what you'll be eating this Sunday, grab a couple bags of  Alexia Fries from Walmart and let your guests delight in the perfect crinkle cut and delicious flavors!

If you decide to whip up a batch or two of Pizza Fries for your guests, I'd love to hear what combinations you enjoyed the most so I can try them as well!

Happy Football Game watchin', everybody -
may the best team win!

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