Know your purpose… Decide whom you are decorating for as this will determine the “mood” you need to create. Children will like cutout hearts and candies, while a spouse will appreciate a fancy meal and elaborate desserts.

Decide the budget and timeframe… If you only have an hour to decorate, then don’t plan for much or prepare ahead of time. There are many things on the market today, but don’t think you have to spend a lot to make it special. Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is celebrated to show special people how much you care, not how much money you have.

Accomplish something special by sending greetings, making dinner or even washing someone’s car. Decorating the house can include a framed picture, bath products set up nicely in a bathroom, or an elaborately-made table serving a variety of desserts. For family, you might use cardboard cutouts of hearts and Cupid. You may also include a Valentine box for each member of the family to deposit Valentines cards. These can be made from old shoeboxes and decorated with fabric, paper and stickers.

Get supplies early… Shop around for exactly what you need. Crafts stores, thrift shops, and hardware stores are a few good places to start. A yard of fabric and some candles can go a long way. Create fancy wine glasses from thrift store finds and a little ribbon. Use your imagination.

*Tips Courtesy of eHow Home

One Tough Cookie, $55

]]> http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/02/01/sweet-and-sexy-cookies/feed/ 0 http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/31/birthday-inspiration/ http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/31/birthday-inspiration/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000 Lauren Barth http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/?p=13174 I’ve got a big birthday coming up this weekend. It’s huge. Major. Epic. It’s the big 3-0. I’m actually pretty pumped about entering the next decade of my life, and I’m looking forward to a quiet celebration at home (no parties for this old gal!). While I definitely don’t need a big bash, I certainly wouldn’t mind one of these  cutesy “cakes.” Yum!

And how ador is this manicure?

*Photo inspirations via Pinterest

NFL Protoast Toaster, $29

NFL Bamboo Cutting Board, $28

NFL Asiago Folding Cheese Serving Kit, $49

Koolatron 5-Liter Beer Keg Chiller, $185
Avanti Cubic Dispense, $278
Nostalgia Kegorato, $390
Keg Cooler, $20

Rapid Ice Beer Chiller, $14
Beerbands, $5
Assorted Beer Labels Can Glass, $24
Chill Cubes, $40

Touchdown Serving Bowl, $25
Appetizer Pick Set, $11
Chip Dish, $30
Igloo Cooler, $30

Programmable Slow Cooker, $47
Cuisinart Griddle With Skewers, $94
Triple Slow Cooker, $70
CrockPot, $70

]]> http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/30/essentials-for-your-super-bowl-bash/feed/ 0 http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/27/fighting-the-common-cold-my-homemade-tips-and-remedies/ http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/27/fighting-the-common-cold-my-homemade-tips-and-remedies/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:43:20 +0000 Lauren Barth http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/?p=13153 Nobody likes being sick. But along with winter comes the dreaded common cold. It’s a fact of life you can bet on every year.

I’m just getting over a case of the sniffles; and thankfully, the sneezing, coughing, and overall ickiness didn’t last long. I managed to nurse myself back to health with a few simple feel-good remedies. Notice a cold comin’ on? Try my tips and tricks and you’ll (hopefully!) feel better soon.

Drink Lots of Liquids
Doctors know best. And one of the first pieces of advice they’ll give you when you’re sick – drink, drink, drink. The more H20, the better. Flush your system with water and juice. Green tea is another warming great way to sooth your throat and boost your immune system.

Just Relax
Even if you feel too stuffy to sleep, prop yourself up with some pillows, snuggle up with your coziest blanket, and enjoy a little quality down time. Catch up on TV or pop in a DVD, and you might just find yourself snoozing after all.

Treat Yourself
When I’m not feeling well, I like to treat myself to something cold, refreshing, and delicious – like popsicles, ices, or ice cream. It feels good on the throat and inside the tummy!

Steam and a Humidifier
If I’m feeling stuffed up, I run the hot shower water and close the door. Taking a few deep breaths of the hot, humid air helps to clear my sinuses. And I always use a humidifier when I’m sleeping – even if I’m not sick.

Let Someone Take Care of You
Don’t be ashamed to accept help. Say yes to that homemade chicken noodle soup your neighbor offered to make and let your husband give you a foot massage. Never turn down a little TLC and pampering. You deserve to be spoiled — especially when you’re sick.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by HALLS via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of HALLS.
HALLS Warm-Ups are unique soothing drops that are warm and cool in one. Menthol vapors cool nasal passages while the warming sensation gently warms and soothes throats. Available in two delicious flavors: Apple Cider & Mocha Mint.

This is a cake. No, seriously. A cake. Not a delicious confection of couture, but an actual edible dessert. How much do you want to take a taste/try it on?!?!

Source

I’d love to say that my husband is going to keep the TV turned off and lavish me with fabulous gifts and gourmet goodies… but the Patriots are playing, and that means that his first love (Boston) will take priority. And so my fabulous birthday feast will probably entail wings and nachos. (I’m actually not complaining. Like, at all.)

I’m just looking to end the night with something sweet and celebratory — like this adorable football birthday cake or 31 touchdown cookies (one for good luck!).

]]> http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/24/super-bowl-sweets/feed/ 0 http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/19/diet-coke-benefit-cosmetics/ http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2012/01/19/diet-coke-benefit-cosmetics/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:16:58 +0000 Lauren Barth http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/?p=13117

On the heels of the confusing holiday-white Coke can debacle, a few new DC designs have launched, and we’re diggin’ ‘em. Diet Coke has partnered with Benefit Cosmetics for the “Love It Light” campaign in Europe, creating three fashion-forward, artistic designs that are meant to reflect three distinctly fabulous feminine personas: the romantic, the fashionista, and the rock chick. We have to say that the fashionista is our personal fave,  but given our slight addiction to diet caffeinated deliciousness, we’d happily chug from any of these super-cool cans.