Valentine's Craft Ideas on Associated Content

Monday's blog entry covered Valentine's Day recipe ideas on Associated Content. Today, in the lead up to February 14th, are a few of the many craft ideas that have been recently published on AC.

Emma S. guides "guys" through the steps to make an easy, heart-shaped planter. All you'll need is a trip to the craft store, a glue gun and a nudge to your creative side with some paint.

A beaded Valentine's Day heart is a simple craft that is especially appealing for children. They can be used as keychains or bookmarks after they're finished.

For more crafting with children, here are Sandra Petersen's "Valentine Crafts for Young Children." A teacher or grandparent will melt when they are handed one of these paper and ribbon confections by a little one. Making something especially for Dad? Read this.

Like flowers? Want them to last longer than a bouquet of cut flowers? Try a silk flower arrangement as a Valentine's day decoration idea. For more of a homemade touch, watch this video of how to make a fabric flower.

Finally, for digitally-minded Valentine's Day creators, a video guide for How to Create a Valentine in Photoshop.

Valentine's Day Recipes on Associated Content

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. An interesting holiday, with possible historical origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalis, it was later decreed by the Catholic church that February 14th was Saint Valentine's Day. The holiday really took on its current romantic connotations in the 19th century.

Second only to Christmas for in the number of greeting cards sent on a single day, Valentine's Day is hard to avoid but does not have to stressful on the wallet. This year, many people may be considering skipping an expensive dinner date and a babysitter in favor of a more economical and intimate meal at home. With that in mind, Associated Content has some excellent recipe suggestions for at-home Valentine's chefs.

To get into a romantic mood, consult this list of aphrodisiacs by Traci Freeman. Chocolate, champagne and even bananas are on there in addition to the usual raw oysters and pomegranate suggestions.

Plenty of red and pink food is suggested in this meal planner from Amanda Roddy. Pasta for two, Valentine's salad and even pink mashed potatoes will really add something special to your evening.

If the cook is feeling pressed for time (or unenthusiastic about dishes), check out Skye Danzer's "How to Prepare Dinner for Your Valentine Without Cooking."

Finally, what would a romantic dinner be without indulgent desserts? Sabah Karimi shares tempting recipes for Dark Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce, Cappuccino Truffles, Chocolate Lava Cakes and more.

Any suggestions or recommendations of other AC recipes for V Day? Tomorrow--crafts!

Falling Into the Holidays with Associated Content

The middle of December feels like it came really fast, but here we are, 5 days before the start of Hanukkah and 10 days before Christmas. Ready yet? AC can help.

As with many holidays, there is a plethora of great stuff about the season on Associated Content. From decorating to shopping to cooking, our CPs have it all covered. "Green" Christmas decorations? Check. Shopping on a budget? Check. Eggnog recipe? Check. We're got everything!

I asked the Content Team for some highlights to share with AC blog readers. With so much to choose from it was tough for them to narrow it down, but they came through with some useful and entertaining selections:

Survive Celebrating Both Christmas and Hanukkah in One Season by Jennifer Claerr.

White Elephant Gift Ideas to Make You a Christmas Party Hit by Mike DeNicola.

Add a Charity to Your Christmas List by PennyB.

Five Kwanzaa Gifts for Your Parents Under $50 by Nannette Campbell.

How to Make Your Own Kwanzaa Mkeka by Emma Gin

Cheap Christmas Gifts During an Economic Recession by Sherry W.

There are so many more. I'm off to search AC for advice on what to buy my brother this year.