My Heart's On Fire: Why I Go All Out for Valentine's Day (Even If Tanner Thinks I'm Crazy)

Okay, so I know what you're thinking. And yes, Tanner probably thinks I'm a *little* bit unhinged when it comes to holiday decor. Especially Valentine's Day. I mean, I realized after setting it up that I went a little overboard, but I can't lie, I love Valentine's Day! Like, sm. My heart just feels so full around this time, and I love any excuse to make our home feel extra special and cozy for my favorite people. It's not just about the red and pink, it's about the feeling, you know? It's about celebrating love in all its forms, and for me, that starts right here at home with my girls and my handsome husband. I feel like sometimes people think Valentine's Day is just for couples, but for me, it's about celebrating *all* the love in my life. The love I have for Tanner, for Stella, Ozzy, and baby Cherry, and even for myself and my incredible mom who taught me everything about loving big. It's just a sweet, sweet holiday that makes my heart happy. :,)

Why Valentine's Day Just Hits Different for Me

Honestly, I think it goes back to when I was little. My mom was a single mom, and she always made sure every holiday felt magical, even when things were tough. She'd put out little hearts, make us special treats, and just fill our tiny apartment with so much love. It wasn't about spending a lot of money, it was about the intention, the effort, the feeling of being cherished. And I guess that just stuck with me. Now, as a mom myself, I want to create those same kinds of memories for my girls. I want them to grow up feeling surrounded by love, knowing that our home is a place where every feeling is welcome, especially joy and affection. So yeah, maybe I go a little extra with the hearts and the pink, but it's bc I want my girls to feel that warmth, that specialness. It's not just decor, it's a feeling, a memory in the making. And honestly, it makes *me* happy too. There's something so therapeutic about transforming a space, even for a short time, to reflect something beautiful. It's like a little love letter to our home and to the people who live in it.

My Valentine's Day Decor Vibe: Cozy, Sweet, and a Little Bit Whimsical

So, when I say I went 'overboard,' I don't mean like, full-on professional decorator overboard. More like, I just kept finding cute things and thinking, 'Oh, that would be perfect here!' hahah. My vibe is always cozy first. I want our home to feel like a big, warm hug. For Valentine's Day, that means lots of soft textures, warm lighting, and, of course, hearts everywhere. I love mixing different shades of pink and red with neutrals like cream and white. It keeps it from feeling too overwhelming, you know? Like, I'll have a super bright pink pillow next to a chunky knit throw in a soft ivory. It just works. I'm also a big fan of incorporating natural elements. Think fresh flowers – tulips are my absolute fave for V-Day, or even just some pretty branches. It adds life and a little bit of that organic, earthy feel that I love so much. And candles! Oh my gosh, candles are a must. They instantly make any space feel more intimate and romantic, even if it's just for a family dinner. I'm not super strict about everything matching perfectly. I love a collected, lived-in look. It tells a story, and it feels more authentic to us. So if I find a cute heart mug that doesn't perfectly match my plates, idc, it's coming home with me! It's all about what makes you smile when you see it.

Little Touches That Make a Big Impact

You don't have to redecorate your entire house to get into the Valentine's spirit. Honestly, some of my favorite things are the small, simple touches that just bring a little bit of joy. Here are a few things I did this year that I think made a big difference:

• Heart Garlands & Banners: I have these cute felt heart garlands that I drape over doorways, across the mantel, and even on the girls' beds. They're so simple but instantly make everything feel festive.
• Cozy Throws & Pillows: Swapping out a few everyday throw pillows for some in pink, red, or with heart patterns makes a huge difference. Same with a soft, fuzzy blanket. It just screams 'snuggle up with your loved ones!'
• Sweet Treats on Display: I love having little bowls of pink and red candies or heart-shaped cookies out. It's not just for eating (though we definitely do that!), it's also part of the decor. It adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Flowers: Like I said, tulips are my go-to. A simple bouquet in a pretty vase instantly brightens up any room and brings that fresh, lovely scent.
• Kids' Artwork: This is probably my favorite. Stella and Ozzy are always making little heart drawings and crafts, and I love taping them up on the fridge or even creating a little 'love art' gallery on a wall. It's so personal and precious.
• Table Settings: Even for a casual family dinner, I'll use a pink placemat or some heart-shaped napkins. It just makes the meal feel a little more special and celebratory.

It's about creating an atmosphere, you know? A feeling of love and warmth that permeates every corner of our home. And seeing the girls' faces light up when they see all the hearts? Priceless. That's why I do it. That's why it's worth every 'overboard' moment.

Involving the Girls: Making Memories Together

One of the best parts about decorating for any holiday is getting the girls involved. They absolutely love it! Stella is getting to the age where she has strong opinions about where things should go, and Ozzy just loves anything colorful and sparkly. Even baby Cherry just smiles at all the bright colors. We'll put on some fun music, and they'll help me hang garlands (or at least try to hahah), pick out which hearts go where, and of course, help with the 'taste testing' of any Valentine's treats. It's not just about the end result; it's about the process, the time we spend together creating something joyful. Those are the moments I'm going to remember forever. Those are the memories I want them to have when they think back on their childhood. It's not about perfect decor, it's about shared laughter and feeling connected. I mean, ngl, sometimes it means things aren't exactly where I'd put them, or there's glitter in places I didn't intend, but that's part of the fun, right? It's real life, and it's beautiful messy. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The Real Meaning Behind All the Hearts

At the end of the day, all the decor, all the pink and red, it's just a reflection of something much deeper. It's a physical manifestation of the love that fills our home. It's a reminder to pause, to appreciate, and to celebrate the incredible people I get to share my life with. Tanner, my rock, my best friend, my hype man. My three amazing girls who teach me something new about love every single day. My mom, who showed me what unconditional love looks like. Valentine's Day, for me, is just a big, sparkly exclamation point on that feeling. It's permission to be extra, to be sappy, to wear my heart on my sleeve (or, you know, all over my living room hahah). So yeah, I might go a little overboard, but it's bc my heart feels a little overboard with love. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope this inspires you to embrace whatever holidays make your heart happy, and to go a little 'overboard' in your own way. Bc life's too short not to celebrate the love all around us. :,) What are your favorite ways to celebrate Valentine's Day? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you guys. ❤