A Little Something Special

I have never gotten overly enthusiastic about Valentine's Day.  When I was a little girl, my dad would always gift me a box of Whitman chocolates and some flowers.  When I was a teenager, I often waited with anticipation during classes to see if I'd receive a construction paper heart from an admirer as part of our school fundraiser.  When I was married, I loved going to dinner but we'd coordinate a few days before or after the fourteenth of the month to avoid the masses of romantics that hit the romantics on Valentine's Day.   

But even with all of that said, I think it's fun on Valentine's Day to get a little something special from a someone special whether it be a boy friend, husband, 'Gal'entine or your kids.  I also make a little goody basket of fun things to give my kids for the day.  

So, with that said, I've pulled together a handful of suggestions that can all be curated from Vivid Hue Home, of course.   

Our Hugs and Kisses Mug isn't simply for Valentine's Day of course, but why not have a little fun sipping the perfect pour size for teas and hot chocolate.  Sip In style with its tic-tac-toe design, complete with hearts and a playful red kiss on the rim.  $20

Hand crafted decoupage oyster shells created by Joanna Reicher, Designer and Propieter of You, Me & the Sea. Each shell is picked by Joanna and her twin daughters from the sea and then carefully designed. A unique decorative piece for one’s home and or for elegant jewelry placement. Joanna’s love for the sea radiates through her creations. approx 6-7" Long We love this decor for sitting on a desk or side table. Perfect on it's own as decor but also serves as a beautiful little trinket dish or jewelry holder. $45 and $65, depending upon size.  See our large lemon oyster shell here.  

Good Vibes Only Necklace: Fill your heart with positivity and the rest will come easy. This 14k gold dipped necklace features the words, "Good vibes only" and can be adjusted from 16"-18" in length. It comes beautifully packaged on a colorful card and includes a fun inspirational message.

Serve In style with the Palm Beach Pink chic handprinted tray by Jayes Studio as designed by Danika Herrick.  $90.  

Ya'll know we have cheeky and sentimental cards for all occasions so of course Valentine's day is no different.  Check them out here.  

Share the love with our ceramic heart doily plate.  $18.  

And lastly, who can get through Valentine's day without chocolate!  Enjoy this award winning B. toffee in our darling custom Valentine's Day Kraft Boxes! Each batch is handcrafted to perfection with rich savory butter, sweet domestic sugars, premium Guittard Milk  chocolates, topped with superior quality roasted pecan nuts. Defines B. toffee, Simply the Best! $12 each.  Go here! 

We hope you enjoy my post today.  It's been almost a year since my last entry and I am going to start posting more frequently again!  I'm going to use this forum to share DIY projects, design projects and more! 

As always, thanks for following Vivid Hue Home for all of these years!  

Valentine's Day Gift Guide- For Men

Yesterday I shared our Vivid Hue Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Women and Kids.  

Today, I wanted to review a few products that we have in stock that would be perfect for the special man in your life. 

1. Best Day Tie Clip $16.  

Though your man may not need to wear a tie every day of his life, when he does, he can stylishly keep it in place with this brass tie clip.

2.  Do Something Pocket Knife $20

My husband has this knife and I swear I ask to borrow it about 3 times a week.  It's made of stainless steel and has four extremely useful tools--a corkscrew, large blade, bottle and can opener, and screwdriver.

3. Premium Wine Gift Accessory $54

This is a single wine bottle gift box made in cherry finish with a pour spout, bottle stopper, corkscrew and drip ring.  You supply the perfect bottle of wine.  Any wine connoisseur will appreciate the presentation and the tools.  The box is securely padded to guarantee protection for that special bottle of wine.

4.  Gentleman Soap Set $18

These handcrafted authentic soaps are in the style of fine 18th century toiletries.  They are environmentally sensitive, made with vegetable oils and free of animal testing.  Wrapper is printed with soy based inks on post consumer recycled paper.  Made with Organic Oatmeal.

5. Gin and Titonic $12

This is sure to be a conversation piece at a party.  Made of synthetic rubber, this ice cube tray makes four Titanic ocean liners and four icebergs.  Great for mixed drinks.  

6. 4 Piece Gift Set $37

Do you see a theme here?  Not to suggest that every man loves wine, but when they do, they appreciate fine wine accessories.  This box offers a black wood finish corkscrew, bottle stopper, drip ring and pour spout.  

7. Prost Stein $45

"Cheers" in German.  This beer stein is 1 Liter, hand-painted stoneware and manufactured in the style of the authentic German beer steins.  

8. 4 in 1 Bar Tool $28

This tool handles anything you'll need to do at the bar.  Break ice, Pop a cork, open a beer, measure a shot.  This design was based off of a functional vintage tool.  

And, of course, there are always S'Well Water Bottles that will keep liquid cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours!  

Please come by and see what we have in person! There are many more items not featured here.  

Cheers, 

Heather 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide- Vivid Hue Style

I have to admit, I'm not a huge Valentine's Day person.  Flower arrangements are typically doubled in price simply because of the occasion.  Restaurants are packed with lovey-dovey couples.   Singles hit the bars to trash talk love (or celebrate their independence).

With that said, Valentine's Day is just three weeks away!  While flowers are the obvious gift for a loved one or best friend for this occasion, why not consider something that has a bit more longevity?
I love the idea of giving a little something that will last well beyond February 14th.

A cheeky wine glass gift for the next girl-friend get together.  

A pastel pink gurgle pot or decorative coffee mug for the favorite teacher.  

A fun watermelon cooler bag for the soccer mom to keep juice boxes chilled for the game.  

A heart shaped duffle bag for a teenager's weekend sleep overs.  

A S'Well water bottle for him.  Or her.  Friend. Or boyfriend.  

Or, a set of chic elephant bookends or koi lotus pillows for you!  

Because even YOU deserve to treat yourself every so often.  

We have a range of gifts that are perfect for the day...and who says gifts have to be exchanged only between couples?  I love giving gifts when they're not expected.

Today, I'm showcasing a few of my favorite Vivid Hue Home items that are perfect for Valentine's Day or "just because" gifts.  

1. Koi + Lotus Leaf Chintz Pillow $95  |  2. Gold Elephant Bookends $42/pair | 3. "If the shoe fits, buy one in every color" Catchall Tray $20 | 4. Wine is My Valentine Glass  $14  | 5. Watermelon Cooler Bag $32 | 6. I Did My Best Journal $10 | 7. Heart Duffle Weekender Bag $54 | 8. Rosey Gurgle Pot $45 | 9. Gold Dots Makeup Clutch $15 | 10.  Heart Ceramic Mug $15 | 11.  S'Well Water Bottle $25-45

Now that I have littles, I like to give a little something to them on Valentine's Day.  They love getting a thoughtful care package and I try not to make it all about chocolates and sweets.  We have some items at Vivid Hue Home that would be the perfect "something" for your special little one.  

1. Say Something Necklace $10  

Wonderfully inspirational messages already in a built in gift box.  Necklace is a bar with one word.  

Take it all in and remember to BREATHE, Make today Ridiculously AMAZING, Always Classy and a little bit SASSY, Real Friends treat you like family #SISTERS, Best Friend Ever BESTIE, Life was meant for good friends and great adventures LETS GO

2.  I heart you more than unicorns, roller coasters and bubble gum all put together $10

3.  Floral Journal $10, I Did My Best Journal $10  and Fun Pens with sassy messages $14 for 3.  

4.  Hot Pink Heart Shopper $10, Glitter Bobby Pins, Hand Illustrated Pillows by Mari Robeson $50-70, Hand Painted Piggy + Elephant Banks $15

Now, don't think that Valentine's day is all about the kiddos and ladies.  Even the guys need a little loving on this day!  Check back tomorrow for our Vivid Hue Home Valentine's Day Guy Guide!

Best, 

Heather 

Vivid Hue Home + Gifts

775 Farmington Ave | Farmington CT  06032

860-677-0301 | vividhuehome.com

Hours: Mon Closed, Tues + Wed 10-5pm, Thurs 10-6pm, Fri 10-5pm Sat + Sun 10-4pm

Off to a Bright New Year!

Vivid Hue Home + Gifts

775 Farmington Ave | Farmington CT  06032

860-677-0301 | vividhuehome.com

Hours: Mon Closed, Tues + Wed 10-5pm, Thurs 10-6pm, Fri 10-5pm Sat + Sun 10-4pm

I got back into the shop this morning after a mini-holiday hiatus.  I must admit, I wasn't entirely excited to get back in there because there was so much work to be done.  The holidays were good to us and the store was completely picked over and bare.  I still had remnants of our holiday merchandise and showers of red and green themed products spattered throughout the shelves.

I am now pleased to say that our holiday items have been moved onto our clearance shelves (60% off, I might add).  And the store has been refreshed with bright colors and new inventory!

My recent ordering trend is towards pineapples!  Not only are they the sign of prosperity, they're so cheery and welcoming.  What a perfect house warming gift!

 

 

We also have a hot pink and black theme going!  I tell you, I'm already ready for preppy spring gifts (and it just finally got cold here!)

 

This watermelon bag is a cooler (perfect for carting around juice boxes or beer or wine).  And the heart pitcher would be perfect with flowers for a Valentine's Day gift!  

If the shoe fits, buy it in every color!   These custom koi pillows are my fave!  

Our S'Well bottle inventory was completely wiped out over the holidays but we have more coming in every single size.  (And just about every single color combination you could imagine!! ) 

This little petit vase is one of my favorites, too.  It would be precious in a little kid's room sitting on a bookshelf.  Each side has a different pattern and an equally sweet French child's character on it.  

We still have our staple custom furniture and home decor brands.  Cotton + Quill pillows, Society Social Sofa, World's Away Lacquer Green Coffee Table, Taylor Burke Kings Grant Chairs, Vintage Palm Beach 1970's Chairs.  And we will be getting even more fun pillows in stock!

Looking forward to starting the year off with lots of color!
Whew, just after I arranged the entire store like this today, several more shipments arrived.  It's fun to unwrap the new deliveries, but boy is it work!

I'll be heading to the NY NOW gift show at the end of the month.  Hard to believe it, but I'll be scouting items for the spring and summer!!!

Hope you are all staying warm!  If you're local, pop into the shop and see what we have in person.

Cheers,
Heather

DIY: "You make my heart soar"

Recall that earlier this week I had about ten hours on a snow day to keep my kid's entertained?  (read here). 

We headed to pinterest and decided to tackle these Airplane Favors:

The supplies needed for these Valentine's Day favors, included:

•  Smarties
• Life Savors
• Rubber Bands
• Stick Gum
• Red Ribbon + Printed Tags ("You make my heart soar")

 

We learned a few tips along the way. 

 

For one, the rubber bands need to be just the right size or the airplane won't hold it's Smarties base in place.  It's very hard to tell how big these are from the photo, but these ended up being just right.  (About 1.5" in diameter when not stretched)

And two, the stick gum we selected wasn't hard enough and so it would bend when we attempted to put the rubber band ends around it.  I cut a small strip of cardboard from the back of the construction paper booklet and this solved the problem! (We used the cardboard underneath the gum). 

1. Getting started, wheels up!

Thread the rubber band through 2 life savers. 

2. The wings

Pull the two ends of the rubber band up around the life savers (almost like straps on a purse).  Place cardboard in between the loops and then the gum. 

Turn cardboard and gum so they are sitting flat across the 'wheels.'

 

3.  Copter Base

Slightly lift the 'wings' up so you can slip the Smarties underneath.

 

 

Adjust and tie note to end of airplane stating "You make my heart soar" (not pictured)

And then, if you're like us, you repeat this 22 more times for each kid in class!

Do you help your kid's make their class Valentine's?  What ideas have you done? 

Visit more DIY Projects here. 

Valentine's Day DIY Favors

 It was about 9am...a mere hour into the snow day.  My precious little kids had still managed to wake up at 6am.  By this time, they'd eaten breakfast, watched four episodes of 'Dog With a Blog', sneaked in forty minutes of game time on the kindle, gotten into three knock down drag out fights and played out in the snow. 

And here we sat.  With  h-o-u-r-s  of endless *quality* time in front of us. 

So I did what any insane mama would do.  I bundled those lil kiddos up to their ears in snow gear and loaded them into the car.  We trekked through six inches of snow and headed to the DOLLAR STORE!

Crafts galore!  We loaded up on a ton of supplies with Valentine's Day themes.  Over the next several days, I will share our DIY activities. 

To start, we made these candy-filled Valentine's "thank you's" for all of the teachers and professionals in the kid's lives.  Twelve of these suckers (yes, my kids are needy and require a ton of support). 

We filled pickling mason jars with tissue paper just to pad the bottoms a bit.  With twelve of these babies, I didn't want to buy stock in M&M's and Hershey kisses. 

Filled each jar with goodies galore and topped with polka dotted tissue. 

Then used a bit of baker's twine I had left over from Ikea.  We used gift cards from Target and cut them to pint size. 

Wrote a little personal message of "thanks" onto each card.

And loaded them all back into the card board box so we can tote these off to school. 
This kept the kiddos busy for about 30 minutes (all the way up to the point of filling the jars with candy...and of course testing a few handfuls to ensure the product wasn't rotten). 

Check back soon to see how we filled the other 7 hours of the day! 

Do you make crafts for your school teachers?  Share any good ideas!  Check out more ideas on my pinterest page. 

My Own Photos from Shoot

 It's been so fun to hear feedback from my Vivid Hue "Homies" about the article in Hartford Magazine about Vivid Hue.  (If you missed me announcing this from the rooftops, visit here for details). 

I promised I'd share more photos from the day of the photo shoot.  These are photos I snapped before the photographer and writer arrived. 

The shoot was scheduled for a Monday in December.  I had most of the house decked out in Christmas holiday décor.   I knew the focus of the shoot would be around the Valentine's Day "Tea Party" table so I spent most of my energy styling the dining room table.  (In fact, I started slowly setting the table in November around before Thanksgiving!)  The mag mentioned that they wanted kitchen shots as well...

Kitchen Island

I usually like to use "non-traditional" colors for a holiday (e.g., instead of red and green at Christmas, I may use gold and eggplant; and instead of pink and red at Valentine's I use neutral flowers and magenta). 

Kitchen Table

Dining Room Bar Cart

I was dying for a bar cart before the shoot and convinced EG to allow me to get the Libations Cart from Crate and Barrel.  Initially, I considered loading the cart up with booze, but I could never stop downing the bottles long enough to display them.  But truthfully, I'm more of a wine and beer drinker so we didn't have much liquor to display.  That's when I got the idea to style the cart as a "side table."
I found the Target lamp on a dime ($14.99 on clearance) and scored the Miles Redd book at Antro on major sale ($25).  The rest fell into place!

 

 These little cupcakes didn't make the final cut in the magazine.  We had a great time making (and eating) the "props" from the shoot!  Also, only one tea cup was displayed so it wasn't apparent that each place setting had a different colored cup.  (PS- not complaining about the final photos in the magazine!  I'm thrilled with the vast number of spaces they displayed in my house). 

 

This angle of the flowers down the middle of the table looks busy! 

These assorted macaroons made it into the final cut in the header page!  These little guys sat on this plate for about a month (in prep for the shoot).  They went straight to the trash after!

And the shoot motivated me to restyle the inside of my dining room hutch! 

Dining Table

Kitchen

These candy jars moved multiple times before settling in the corner of the kitchen.  (I tried them in the dining hutch and on the kitchen island first).  Yes, it bugs the heck out of me that I erased the words "Vivid Hue" from the marshmallow jar and never rewrote it back...that's why only "Home" is on the label!  I started downing Chardonnay at 11am the morning of the shoot to ease the nerves so this detail went completely unnoticed until it showed up in print! 

This was an entire day process.   The team arrived around 10:30am and the photographer finished around 2:30pm.  Then I had my interview with Krystian until about 4pm.  What a fun filled and exciting day! 

PS--It seems when it rains, it pours...I will have some more good news to share with you in a few months!