Okay, So I Might Have Gone a *Little* Overboard… But IDC!

You guys, I’m sitting here looking around our living room and I’m just smiling. Like, a big, goofy, can’t-wipe-it-off-my-face kind of smile. And yeah, I know, I probably went a little overboard with the Valentine’s Day decorations this year. Tanner definitely gave me *the look* when I brought home the fifth bag of heart-shaped everything from Target, hahah. But honestly? I couldn’t care less. Because my heart is just so full, and our house feels so warm and happy, and that’s all that matters to me, fr.

I mean, come on. It’s Valentine’s Day! Or at least, it’s almost Valentine’s Day, and in my book, that means it’s time to lean into all things pink, red, glittery, and sweet. I just love it so much. It’s not just about romantic love, although Tanner is my absolute favorite human and I’m so grateful for him every single day. But for me, especially now with our three girls, Stella, Ozzy, and our sweet baby Cherry, Valentine’s Day has become this beautiful, chaotic, love-filled celebration of family love. It’s about making our home feel like the biggest, warmest hug for them. It’s about creating those little moments, those memories they’ll look back on and hopefully remember feeling so loved and cherished.

I remember when I was little, my mom, who raised me as a single mom and is seriously my hero, she always made every holiday feel so special. Even when things were tough, she’d find a way to sprinkle a little magic. And I think that’s where my love for going all out comes from. It’s not about spending a ton of money or making everything perfect. It’s about the intention. It’s about showing up for your people and making them feel seen and adored. And if that means our kitchen counter is covered in heart-shaped sprinkles for a week, then so be it! Hahah.

Why Valentine’s Day Just Hits Different Now

Before kids, Valentine’s Day was cute. Tanner and I would do a nice dinner, maybe exchange a card. Sweet, simple. But now? Oh my goodness. It’s a whole new ballgame. Seeing Stella’s eyes light up when she sees a new pink garland, or Ozzy trying to eat the glitter off a heart ornament (don’t worry, I stopped her!), it just melts me. And thinking about Cherry experiencing her first V-Day next year, it makes me freakin out in the best way. I just want to soak up every single second of them being little and believing in all the magic. And if I can help create some of that magic for them, then I’m all in.

I feel like sometimes people think Valentine’s Day is just for couples, but I truly believe it’s for everyone. It’s a reminder to tell the people you love that you love them. To do something kind. To spread a little extra joy. And for me, that often translates into turning our house into a giant, pink, sparkly love-fest. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, you guys are my whole heart.”

My (Slightly Overboard) V-Day Decor Philosophy

Okay, so you wanna know my secrets for going overboard without losing my mind? Hahah. Here’s the deal:

Start with a Vibe, Not a Plan

I don’t usually sit down and plan out a whole Pinterest board. Ngl, I just kinda wander into Target or Hobby Lobby and let the pink and red speak to me. If something makes me smile, it goes in the cart. I love things that are a little whimsical, a little sweet, and definitely not too serious. Think fluffy hearts, sparkly garlands, cute little signs that say “XOXO.” It’s about creating a feeling, not a perfectly curated display. It’s supposed to feel lived-in and loved, not like a showroom.

Mix & Match (and Re-use!)

I’m not buying all new stuff every year. I definitely have my core pieces that I pull out, like the big “LOVE” sign that Stella helped me paint a few years ago (it’s a little messy, but I love it even more bc of that!). Then I’ll add a few new little things to freshen it up. A new banner, some cute little trinkets for the tiered tray, maybe some fresh flowers. It keeps it exciting without breaking the bank or making me feel like I have to start from scratch every time.

Don’t Forget the Little Details

It’s not just about the big statements. I love sprinkling little bits of Valentine’s Day everywhere. Heart-shaped mugs for our morning coffee (and hot cocoa for the girls!), a cute little dish for candy, heart-shaped cookie cutters for pancakes. Those tiny touches are what make it feel truly immersive and special. It’s like the house is whispering “I love you” in every corner.

Involve the Kids (Even if it Gets Messy)

This is a big one for me. Stella and Ozzy are always my little helpers. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, things might not end up exactly where I envisioned them. And yes, there will be glitter. So much glitter. But seeing their excitement, letting them choose where a garland goes, or helping them make a little craft to add to the decor? That’s the best part. It makes it their Valentine’s Day too, not just mine. And those are the memories I want them to have.

Beyond the Decorations: Spreading the Love

Decorating is just one piece of the puzzle, though. For me, Valentine’s Day is also about those little gestures that show you care. It doesn’t have to be grand. It can be:

• A special breakfast: Heart-shaped pancakes or waffles are always a hit.
• Handmade cards: We love making cards for each other, for Tanner, and for grandparents. It’s so sweet to see what the girls come up with.
• A family movie night: Snuggled up with blankets, popcorn, and a cheesy rom-com (or a kid-friendly movie, hahah).
• Baking together: Cookies, cupcakes, anything with sprinkles! The mess is part of the fun.
• Just saying “I love you”: Sometimes, the simplest words are the most powerful.

Tanner is so good about this too. He’s my hype man, always appreciating the effort and making sure I feel loved. He’ll leave me little notes, or surprise me with my favorite treat. It’s those small, consistent acts of love that truly make our family feel so strong and connected. I’m so lucky to have him.

So, Yeah, I’m a Valentine’s Day Enthusiast!

So, if you see my house looking like a pink and red explosion, just know it’s coming from a place of pure, unadulterated love. It’s my way of celebrating my amazing family, of bringing a little extra joy into our everyday, and of carrying on those traditions my mom started for me. And if that means going a little overboard? Then I’m guilty as charged, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope this inspires you to lean into whatever brings you joy this Valentine’s Day, whether it’s a full-blown decor party or just a quiet moment of gratitude with the people you love. Sending you all the biggest, warmest hugs and heart emojis! XOXO Lo ❤