Buttoned Up » Valentine’s Day http://getbuttonedup.com Welcome to Buttoned Up: Products & Tips for Organized Living Sat, 25 May 2013 01:49:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Copyright © Buttoned Up 2012 info@getbuttonedup.com (Buttoned Up) info@getbuttonedup.com (Buttoned Up) 1440 http://getbuttonedup.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/BUpodcast_small.jpg Buttoned Up http://getbuttonedup.com 144 144 Welcome to Buttoned Up: Products & Tips for Organized Living Buttoned Up Buttoned Up info@getbuttonedup.com no no A 12-month Valentine’s Day challenge http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/08/a-12-month-valentines-day-challenge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-12-month-valentines-day-challenge http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/08/a-12-month-valentines-day-challenge/#comments Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:25:55 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=22709 datenightrut2

When you’ve been together with someone for awhile, like say coming up on 13 years (eek how did the time pass so quickly?), planning date nights – especially Valentine’s Date nights – can seem more like a chore than they’re worth.

So, it’s pretty easy for “date night” to devolve into sinking into the couch after little people are asleep and watching the latest episode of Downton Abbey or something along those lines. Fine enough once in awhile, but it’s not exactly relationship-building material either.

That pretty much sums up the rut my husband and I are in.

And yet we know that happily ever after doesn’t just happen. We learned early on in our marriage (two workaholics unite!) that when you don’t grow together through new, shared experiences, you can find yourselves adrift, having grown apart without even realizing it.

But what’s a busy couple to do? When you’re both sprinting through each day at work, racing home, cooking dinner, putting kids to bed, etc. weeks fly by. Before you know it Friday and Saturday are upon you and if you haven’t had time to plan…well, the couch beckons.

If that sounds a little familiar – why not join us in a little challenge we’re throwing for ourselves to celebrate Valentine’s Day over 12 different date nights in 2013? Why 12? No real reason other than we knew we weren’t going to shift from 0 date nights a month to 1 a week in a flash. So we thought we’d work our way up into a better habit gradually – picking one night a week.

We found a local high-school girl that we’ve tested out as a babysitter and have pre-booked her for once a month for the remainder of the year and twice during month of June (our anniversary month).

That’s step #1!

Once you have a standing order for a babysitter, it’s time for a little planning. Here are our thought-starter ideas – I’d love to hear yours! Share your thoughts in the comments.

1. Feb: Sit down at a bar (preferably w/a fireplace) and pretend we’re just getting to know each other

2. Mar: Take a Salsa dance class (Westchester Ballroom in Pleasantville)

3. Apr: Go see an arty film at Jacob Burns

4. May: Go on a bike ride together

5. Jun: Go to a wine tasting

6. Jun #2: Create a photo album that captures the best of our 13 years together

7. Jul: Romantic Picnic on Rye Beach

8. Aug: Mini golf championship of the world

9. Sept: Play a rousing game of tennis at the local town courts at twilight

10.Oct: Go to the driving range with another couple

11.Nov: Go bowling

12.Dec: Go ice-skating

Can we stick with it? I’m hopeful and a little excited! I’m sure we’ll be tweaking these ideas as we go along – so don’t forget to post your thoughts in the comments below!

]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/08/a-12-month-valentines-day-challenge/feed/ 1 10 of the cutest free Valentine’s Day printables evah http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/07/10-of-the-cutest-free-valentines-day-printables-evah/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-of-the-cutest-free-valentines-day-printables-evah http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/07/10-of-the-cutest-free-valentines-day-printables-evah/#comments Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:16:41 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=22717 valnetines-day-printables_shanty2chic

My oldest is now in first grade, and I asked him why we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

His answer (emphasis his): To celebrate CANDY!!!

Well…maybe some of these cute printables will help him wrap his head around the real meaning of the day.

1. Craft Paper Goodie Bag Labels


{Download yours via: Shanty-2-Chic}

2. “Wheely” Cute Car Cards


{Download your via: Paloma Paper Designs}

3. Bring it Gangnam Style


{Download yours via:Just Married with Coupons}

4. A Valentine that’s just write


{Download yours via: Positively Splendid}

5. Popcorn Valentine


{Download yours via: Our Best Bites}

6. 100% boy notes


{Download yours via: One Charming Party}

7. Notes for best girlfriends


{Download yours via: One Charming Party}

8. Stylishly sweet notes


{Download yours via: Andres Ruff}

9. Aaarrrrgh-guably the cutest cards ever


{Download yours via: c2marcano}

10. And, of course, don’t forget our very own Hollie’s lovely creations!


{Download yours via: GetButtonedUp.com}

My two guys have picked their favorites from the set and I’ve sent them to our local Staples to be printed. We plan to spend some quality time this weekend putting thoughtful Valentine’s Day packages together for their classmates (after sledding through the snow Nemo dumps on our area, of course).

What do your little ones think Valentine’s Day is all about?

]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/07/10-of-the-cutest-free-valentines-day-printables-evah/feed/ 3 Tutorial: Create Knockout Valentine’s Gifts Using Our Free Printables http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/04/tutorial-create-knockout-valentines-gifts-using-our-free-printables/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tutorial-create-knockout-valentines-gifts-using-our-free-printables http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/04/tutorial-create-knockout-valentines-gifts-using-our-free-printables/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:08:30 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=18711 vdaytutorial2

Next week is Valentine’s Day. If you’ve got kids, that means it’s time to get ahead of the last-minute sprint to the store to search through picked-over card sets!

We’ve got adorable free printables for you here – and we’ve put together a little tutorial to show you how to dress them up if you’re so inclined. Whatever you do, download and print them today. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Trust us, next week, you’ll be so glad you did.

These Valentine’s Day Cards are cute enough to stand on their own, but if you’ve got time, you can easily embellish them.

How? By gluing each card on to a colorful piece of construction paper and attaching some candy, or punching 2 holes in the card and slipping in a lollipop. You can even tape or glue the cards onto candy heart boxes. See below for some inspiration!

Click here to download the first set of cards seen below.

Click here to download the second set of cards seen below.

Have a HAPPY Valentine’s Day!

]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2013/02/04/tutorial-create-knockout-valentines-gifts-using-our-free-printables/feed/ 7 Tool: Free Printable 7 Things I Love About You http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/13/tool-free-printable-7-things-i-love-about-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tool-free-printable-7-things-i-love-about-you http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/13/tool-free-printable-7-things-i-love-about-you/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:01 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=18781 free_printable_7_things_main

Every once in awhile it’s good to let the people in your life know how much they’re loved.

Use this printable to jot down seven specific things you love about someone. Then cut along the dotted lines and deliver it to them along with a big XOXO.

Click here to download.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/13/tool-free-printable-7-things-i-love-about-you/feed/ 0 http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/10/18640/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=18640 http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/10/18640/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:19:02 +0000 Alicia http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=18640

Forgot to send out a holiday card to someone? Send a Valentines greeting card or egreeting instead.

]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/02/10/18640/feed/ 0 Join in the February #GetButtonedUp Challenge! http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/27/join-in-the-february-getbuttonedup-challenge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=join-in-the-february-getbuttonedup-challenge http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/27/join-in-the-february-getbuttonedup-challenge/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:50:10 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=18723 february_main

It’s time to get your love buttoned up!

February is all about the heart. Not only does Valentine’s Day fall smack, dab in the middle of the month, but it’s also “American Heart Month” and therefore time to take care of that all important organ. With this theme in mind, we’ve put together another great monthly challenge for you!

By the end of this challenge, you will:

  1. Actually have enjoyed Valentine’s Day because you were prepared for it!
  2. Be ready to remember every important day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) in the lives of your loved ones in 2012.
  3. Have taken concrete steps to care for your health.
  4. Actually have figured out how to carve out (and enjoy) some me time.

    5. And much, much more!

    How the February #GetButtonedUp Challenge Will Work

    Each day during the month of February we have a specific organizational task for you to complete. Download the 29 day calendar by clicking on the link below.

    Get Buttoned Up Challenge – February

    When you complete the task, let the buttoned up team know your status by commenting on the Facebook check-in post for that day and either email or Tweet the picture of your completed task. We will enter anyone who has completed all 29 days of the challenge successfully into a grand prize drawing. All winners will be selected using random.org.

    Participating in the #GetButtonedUp Challenge is as easy as 1-2-3:

    1. Let us know you’re in by commenting on this post below AND by heading over to Facebook to comment under the post about being a part of the February Challenge.
    2. Letting us know you completed your daily task by commenting on the Facebook GetButtonedUp Challenge Check-In post each day
    3. Sending a picture of your completed task to Sarah – via email sarah @ getbuttonedup dot com OR via TwitPic to @SarahButtonedUp & using the #getbuttonedup hashtag.

    Grand Prize

    Grand Prize: $100 donation to the charity of your choice in your name
    2 Runner Up Prizes: $50 donation to the charity of your choice in your name

    Join In By Commenting Below!

    NOTE: All are welcome to join in the challenge.

    ]]> http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/27/join-in-the-february-getbuttonedup-challenge/feed/ 33 Tool: Free Printable Valentine’s Day Cards http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/25/tool-free-printable-valentines-day-cards-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tool-free-printable-valentines-day-cards-3 http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/25/tool-free-printable-valentines-day-cards-3/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:29 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=18697 free_printable_valentines_day_cards1

    Deliver smiles this Valentine’s Day without spending a dime.

    Download and print these adorable cards on premium paper stock, cut them out and voilá—you (and your kids) are ready for the big day. They’re cute enough to stand on their own, but if you’ve got time, you can easily embellish them by gluing each card on to a colorful piece of construction paper and attaching a lollipop (come back tomorrow for a tutorial on this!)

    Click here to download the first set seen below.

    Click here to download the second set seen below.

    Have a HAPPY Valentine’s Day!

    ]]>     http://getbuttonedup.com/2012/01/25/tool-free-printable-valentines-day-cards-3/feed/ 11     Why Valentine’s Day is necessary http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/why-valentines-day-is-necessary/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-valentines-day-is-necessary http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/why-valentines-day-is-necessary/#comments Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:30:58 +0000 Sarah http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=14745 Candy Hearts Small

    I got a little flack this weekend via email regarding my post questioning the necessity of Valentine’s Day.

    While I personally fall into the camp of, “I’d rather celebrate the people we love every day,” I’d also argue that for most of us Valentine’s Day is an absolute necessity.

    Why?

    It drags us kicking and screaming from our daily, just-in-time-scramble to a place of organized thoughtfulness – where we are forced to take a moment to tell the people we love how great they are.

    Be honest, if you didn’t have the external pressure to say “I love you” to all of your Valentines – how many months (or years) would pass before you got around to showering them with warm fuzzies?

    It takes organization and planning to truly honor the people in our lives. Without the deadline of February 14th, most of us would probably never get around to it.

    It got me thinking…maybe we all dislike the holiday in inverse proportion to our overall level of time management skills. The better you are at scheduling your priorities (including those I love you’s), the less you hate the holiday. And vice-versa.

    Tell me, are you pro-Valentine’s Day or anti-Valentine’s Day? Why? Do you think you would remember to tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them without a reminder like Valentine’s Day? Would your significant other?

    {Feature Photo Credit} – Is there anything better than candy hearts?

    ]]>     http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/why-valentines-day-is-necessary/feed/ 6     http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/14675/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=14675 http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/14675/#comments Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:44:00 +0000 Alicia http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=14675

    Happy Valentines Day. Forget a loved one? Take 5 minutes and send an egreeting. #holiday #valentines

    ]]>     http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/14/14675/feed/ 0     http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/10/14398/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=14398 http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/10/14398/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:48:21 +0000 Alicia http://getbuttonedup.com/?p=14398

    Make Valentines Day skip the commercialism and create memories by writing love notes and memories on small pieces of parchment. Roll up the parchment and tie with a ribbon. Then leave in places you know your loved one will find (coffee mug, cereal bowl, coat pocket, glove, dashboard, etc.)

    ]]>     http://getbuttonedup.com/2011/02/10/14398/feed/ 0