Creating a Functional Entryway for Busy Mornings

Before we dive into all things heart-shaped, let’s talk real life—like how to stop tripping over backpacks and shoes every morning. A few quick fixes:

• Hooks for Everything: Give each family member their own hook for coats, bags, and scarves to keep things off the floor.
• Drop Zone for Shoes: A simple basket or shoe rack near the door keeps the chaos contained.
• Grab-and-Go Basket: Keep essentials like gloves, sunglasses, and keys in one spot so you’re not scrambling.

Hack: Add a “return bin” for library books, borrowed items, and school forms so they don’t disappear into the abyss.

Make-Ahead Meals for the Week of Love

Because nothing kills the Valentine’s mood like realizing you still have to cook dinner. These simple meals let you enjoy the evening instead:

• Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken: Toss chicken, balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices into the slow cooker in the morning—by dinner, it’s tender and delicious.
• Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggies: 15 minutes in the oven = a fancy dinner with almost no cleanup.
• Heart-Shaped Ravioli with Pesto: Buy pre-made heart ravioli (yes, they exist!), cook for 5 minutes, and toss with pesto or marinara. Instant Valentine’s magic.

Mom win: Fancy enough to feel special, easy enough to avoid stress.

DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts from the Kids

Skip the store-bought cards—these homemade gifts are sweet, personal, and fun to make:

• Handprint “Love You” Art: Dip little hands in paint and press onto paper, then add “I love you” for a sentimental keepsake.
• Homemade Love Coupons: Let the kids create coupons for things like extra hugs, breakfast in bed (for you!), or a game night.
• Mason Jar Treats: Fill a jar with candy, stickers, and a sweet note—perfect for teachers, grandparents, or siblings.

Pro tip: These work for last-minute gifts, too. No judgment.

Celebrate Galentine’s: Ideas for a Fun Girls’ Night

Valentine’s is great, but let’s not forget Galentine’s Day—aka a chance to celebrate the amazing women in your life. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Charcuterie & Chill: Everyone brings a different snack (or wine), and you sit around in comfy clothes and catch up.
• DIY Mani Night: Grab some nail polish, sheet masks, and fancy chocolates for a self-care night in.
• Rom-Com Marathon: Bridesmaids, Legally Blonde, Crazy Rich Asians—whatever makes you laugh and feel fabulous.

Why it’s necessary: Because we all need a night to just be—without anyone calling us “Mom” for a few hours.

That’s it for this week! Next Tuesday, we’ll help you shake off the winter slump with tips for refreshing your home, creative ways to use leftovers, and fun ideas for planning a budget-friendly spring break.

Until then, enjoy the love, the chocolate, and the moments that make it all worth it.