While at Target one day by myself (which is one of my versions of heaven) I was perusing the Valentine’s section.
I looked at all of the boxes of Valentine’s cards for kids to pass out to their friends and I thought “Hey, I’ve seen a lot of DIY Valentine’s stuff on Pinterest lately. I could help Hayley make her own Valentine’s cards. They will be so cute and we will have such a great time making them.” (For the record, I rarely think like this).
So I walked away from the aisle empty handed while in my head planning how we were going to make these fun and exciting Valentine’s cards.
About 2.3 minutes later my brain finally realized what it was thinking and set off a WTF alarm (why on earth it took so long I have no idea) so I sent out this tweet…
I continued my shopping while waiting for some responses to help me figure out what kind of mom I should be this Valentine’s holiday.
First Kimsely (Mama’s Monologues) replied with of course the thought that my brain was screaming once I realized what I might be subjecting myself to…
Then some other people said I should do the project with my kid. (Notice how I’m not showing those tweets but thank you peeps for answering).
And finally, I got this tweet from my wine-drinking friend Bridget at Twinisims.
She helped me remember I’m so not that crafty mom when it comes to stuff like this.
Make 25 Valentine cards for other kids? #HellNo!
I would much rather spend $6.00 on a box of Mad Lib cards with pencils and save myself a butt load of time and stress. If the kids want to make a Valentine’s project I’ll get out some paper, markers, and stickers that they can do by themselves.
So Pinterest, you almost got me this time. Fortunately I have friends who look out for my best interest.
I think I’ll go back to only pinning drink recipes now. You know, the useful stuff.
Oh, and speaking of drinks we have a Valentine’s Martini posted over at One Martini at a Time with strawberry infused vodka and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. You don’t want to miss this drink (trust me).
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I should have asked twitter. I was sucked in.
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: A Valentine from the Past
I know. I was laughing when I read your post about the Valentine’s project you were doing with the boys because I had already written this post.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I’m so glad you didn’t make them, of course because that would have been more work for you, but also because those are always the ones that receive a nice dialog of colorful words in my head when my kid brings them home. I’d hate for you to be that mom.
Kimberly recently posted..A Glimpse Of Our Future
It’s a good thing you were looking out for my best interest.
Twitter: carribrown
says:
Word. Don’t make the rest of us look like assholes. And besides, it will take away from your tweeting time.
Carri recently posted..Birthdays Are For Suckers
And my martini making time. You know, the important stuff in life.
Twitter: TheDanaK
says:
CLOSE CALL
I love crafty moms but I’ll never be one. Klaw is stuck with the mom who 1- thinks Valentine’s Day is stupid & 2- won’t let him eat candy. I hope to set the bar really low for other moms at holidays.
Dana K recently posted..Clowns are Creepy
Dude, you are a mean mom. No candy? WTH?
Twitter: mommysparadise
says:
He he, good choice. I like to look at all those crafty things I could do with my tot, but very quickly my mommy-brain kicks in and I see the mess (not on the tot, he’s cleanable, but in my house) and the glue, the glitter and the paint on the walls. No.Way.Ever. That’s what preschool is for, isn’t it?
Karin @Mommy’s Paradise recently posted..There is one thing I can do blindfolded and I never screw it up
I think I’m going to ban glitter from my house for good. It is so difficult to clean up.
Twitter: applesndroses
says:
Bwahahahaha! As the annoying crafty mom I am, I can say that Pinterest even messes me up!!
Glad your tweeps were there to save you!
Mirjam recently posted..Wonder
I’m glad to know that it even gets the crafty moms.
Twitter: madwomandiary
says:
Um, yeah.
I’m the mom that ends up buying Vday cards b/c she didn’t read the email from her daughter’s school that said they were doing the card exchange on the TENTH!?!?!?! WTH?????
Isn’t Vday 2/14?
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t making any frickin cards for a bunch of 3-4 year olds, oops, I mean help my kid make cards but at least I was going to let her pick them out.
Mad Woman behind the Blog recently posted..Push Pause please.
On the 10th? That’s crap. I would have been the mom who sent her kid to nothing because she completely missed the email.
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
I’m printing valentines cuz I’m crafty like that. I’ll make the other moms look like jerks!
Ha! You are pretty crafty.
Yes, don’t be “that” mom.
They just get thrown out anyways…just that thought of working so hard at making them to know that they’ll get tossed makes me cringe.
Amen for Target!!
Kimberly recently posted..I Bet You’re Wondering…
My daughter tries to keep all the Valentine cards she gets but I always toss them when she isn’t looking.
Twitter: babspinfrance
says:
That is why Pinterest needs to come with a warning label! I always think I can do things I can’t! I’m glad you bought them, that’s what I do!
Barbara recently posted..Hey Mr. Postman
I think the warning label is a good idea for Pinterest!
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
Ha! This reminds me of Christmas and how I almost let all the pinning about DIY wreaths get me. I didn’t let it though, I ended up buying one for $20 instead and spent the day catching up on my DVR. Better use of my time I think.
I’m thankful that my son doesn’t go to school yet so I have no reason to buy any Valentines this year. I will however buy some Godiva for myself and say that it’s because my son likes the good stuff. That’s just how I roll.
Eve recently posted..He’s Got Moves Like Jaggar
You are one smart cookie Eve.
Twitter: LittleMsP
says:
YIKES! I no likey those Moms at all. They’re like Stepford Moms. It’s scary!
Paulette recently posted..They Are Who They Are and It’s Awesome!
Those Stepford Moms are very creepy.
Twitter: Twinisms
says:
Haha! Thanks for the shout out & for taking my advice.
And really, in the long run-thanks for being the kind of mom I don’t hate:)
Bridget recently posted..Alaska Sucks
Thank you for saving me from being that kind of mom.
Twitter: Spitupchronicle
says:
I definitely tried to be one of those moms. Three hours and lots of tears and yelling later…we went to Target. And the crying and yelling may or may not have been me.
Jessica recently posted..Social Media Lovin’
Yeah, that’s what I feared would happen at my house.
Valentine’s Day is coming? Shoot. When?
Leanne recently posted..Tired Mama – Year Seventeen.
Ha! Next week. You better hit Target soon.
I chose to live vicariously through Shell’s making crayon hearts. JDaniel will be passing out cards I got for sale last year on clearance. Glad you got great advice!
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Running Out? Run In! Publix $25 Gift Card Giveaway
Smart move to buy the cards last year while they were on Clearance. I usually do that with Christmas cards.
Twitter: kidthingsnet
says:
I was just standing in the Valentine card aisle at the store this morning, wondering if I should just forget it and make our own. Thank you for bringing me back off that ledge.
C @ Kid Things recently posted..The Space Between Us
I’m glad I could help.
You crack me up!
I wish I had asked Twitter that that same question…. instead I am taking four days to painstakingly cut out hearts from construction paper and fight with Lucas over the Elmer’s Glue. Agh!
Tonya recently posted..February 9, 2002
Dude, you should definitely ask Twitter next time.
I have been there!! So many good intentions so little time. This year my kids are using boxed valentines that I got last year on clearance after Valentines for 10 cents a box. Truth be told I love making treats so I’ll probably attach the valentine to a treat bag.
Marie@feedingfive recently posted..Cupcake Wars
I’m sure the kids will love the treats!
Twitter: daddyrunsalot
says:
I totally remember, when the kid would show up with he hand-made Valentine’s, thinking “his mom really put a lot of work into them.” But, yeah, they all end up in the same place as the store bought ones . . . no need to be “that mom”
John recently posted..Where, sometimes, a smile is enough
No need to spend that time for something that is going to be thrown away.
Bwaahaahaa!! This cracked me up…darn that Pinterest for sucking us in. I love your WTF alarm
And Bridget’s response was priceless. I’m not that mom either. And Target by yourself?! That is heaven.
Runnermom-jen recently posted..If I Die Young…
It’s a good thing I had the WTF alarm and Bridget to save me. I’m sure if I had attempted the cards I would have pulled all of my hair out by now.
Twitter: thekircorner
says:
oooh, honestly I am thinking of doing one…by myself fro Pinterest. I must be OUT OF MY MIND. I’m going to need a drink after it, I’m sure
Kir recently posted..Proud Mommy Moments: Nancy is Writing in My Corner
Well I happen to know a place where you can get some good drink recipes…
Hilarious! And therein lies the “danger” of Pinterest. Its dazzling images and array of clever crafts can lead you to easily believe that you need to be “that mom” and want to be “that mom.” But, you don’t have to be that mom. I’m sure your kids were just as happy with the store-bought cards.
My daughter was so excited with the Mad Lib cards and the pencils. She wanted to fill them all out for her friends.
I almost got sucked in. But then I came to my senses, laughed, and told myself, “Sometimes you think crazy thoughts!”
And I didn’t even have to resort to Twitter!
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..Do Unto Others
No Twitter consult? Wow! I envy you.
Twitter: latorres
says:
Seriously. The only reason I’m considering it is because I only have to make 12: 6 kids for each of my girls…or maybe I should make it 5 kids since my girls don’t really need to give each other a valentine? Maybe i should consult twitter.
Leigh Ann recently posted..Toddler Smackdown: Costco Style
12 isn’t as bad as 20 something.
Twitter: sarcasmgoddess
says:
Phew! You really dodged a bullet. I was getting really worried for a second.
Sarcasm Goddess recently posted..What’s In the Box!
I was very lucky this time.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
You’ve got to watch that Pinterest….it will get you everytime…I’m starting to think it is the devil!
Natalie recently posted..Recipe #4-Coconut Encrusted Chicken Salad
Sometimes it really is.
Okay- I’m laughing (loudly) for many reasons. 1- I like to do crafts, but by myself. I would much rather make the cards myself & let my kids do the finishing touches. (Yeah- it’s because I like them just so & I am just that high strung) 2- I would get that same idea- then get half way in to it & realize I did not have the time for it & be really wishing I had just bought them pre-made. 3- it’s not an attempt to make others look bad- it’s more to counter my own inner guilt for not being the kind of mom that gets on the floor & plays with the kids. Like I said- I don’t do crafts with them either. You are not the only one that goes back & forth. I think most of us want to be that perfect mom that does it all- but really, that person is lacking in other places we just can’t see. So be happy you bought them & saved that time for doing other things with them instead. Now- all this being said- when things like this come up- I am so glad we homeschool & I don’t have the pressure to HAVE TO do this.
Gina recently posted..Looking In ~ 14 years
Yeah, the time it takes to do certain crafts with the kids is just not worth it. I’ll let them make necklaces and do scrapbooking and other crafts that they can do by themselves but 20 something Valentines cards? No way.
Twitter: katiefhurley
says:
We make them for family and close friends…but not the super fancy Pinterest ones…I’m talking pink paper and some stickers. But for school? Forget it. Why should we put the Valentine makers out of business??
Practical Parenting recently posted..Fashion Show
Ha! We should just think of it as supporting the economy.
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
Even I wouldn’t let the girls MAKE Valentine cards for their friends. TOO time consuming. A headache. So much easier to buy them already made!
Bruna recently posted..always my valentine ♥
I’m glad to hear that from you Bruna. Makes me feel better.
Twitter: KoalaBearWriter
says:
I’m almost happy that we’re going to be away for Valentine’s Day so I don’t have to do them for my daughter’s preschool (though I feel like I should do them early and drop them off before we go…). I thought about helping her make them, but she’s four and that would be a LOT of work for me. I thought about buying them, but I’m not a huge fan of generic boxed cards. I’m not even looking forward to all the cards she’ll bring home from school. Am I the Valentine’s version of a Grinch that I don’t want my four-year-old to give or get cards???
Bonnie Way recently posted..8 Tips for Building a Marriage that Thrives
I don’t think you are the Valentine’s grinch. Just thinking about it reasonably. It’s a lot of time to make the cards and then they just end up getting thrown away so if you have the chance to skip it, go for it.
Twitter: funnyorsnot
says:
Bridget is the voice of reason. So glad you didn’t get sucked in. The only things I will make that I pin are cocktails! And Ryan Reynolds given the opportunity.
Poppy recently posted..Zumba on Over to Aiming Low
You are a wise woman Poppy.
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
Wow – you’re considering crafts and you used a crock-pot today. What happened to you?
Elena recently posted..How I Spend My Friday Nights…
Maybe I’ve been drinking too many martinis lately.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
Ok next time -
Find a big bag of flat lollipops and a couple of rolls of cheap ribbon.
Tie a bow around each stick.
Print out a sheet of wallet size photo’s of your kids face, and cut them up.
Stick a face to one side of lollipop – if you are really adventurous, you can have your kid put stickers on the other side.
Done.
And you look like you really made an effort
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Wordy Wordless Wednesday Feb 7th – We Need to Fight Cancer
How about you do the Valentine cards for me and I’ll send out your GFC newsletter?
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Dude, I wouldn’t even have bought cards, never mind made them.
Yes, I’m THAT mom.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Love, Life and Loss
I couldn’t have let my daughter be the only kid at school who didn’t have cards to pass out.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
Hilarious. It’s the craft stuff that always tries to get me too. I should know better.
Robin | Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Valentines Revisited
It can be so tempting sometimes.
Twitter: grumpygrateful
says:
That was a close call! I bought 3 boxes of fun dip Valentine’s for my kids. Feeling extra unambitious this year.
Grumpy Grateful Mom recently posted..Family Politics
I bet they will love that.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Hee! So well played, friend!
Also? Mad Libs + pencils = a pretty good valentine, yes?
Galit Breen recently posted..Call for Submissions!
My kid was very excited when she saw them.
Twitter: AskDocG
says:
Thank you thank you thank you. I’m with @scarymommy on this: I think that Pinterest *might* be an evil plot to make us all feel inadequate.
I’m starting to agree with that. Although there are some good cocktail recipes there.
Twitter: Amandaaustin
says:
If it were left up to Pinterest, I’d be well dressed, skinny, a fabulous baker, I’d make all my own clothes out of tshirts, My house would be immaculately cleaned, I’d have fresh food on the table every night, my budget would be in order and my hair would have 15 tiny braids made into a messy bun.
But instead, I’m me.
You made the right call.
Amanda Austin recently posted..Celebrity Roundup: Sick and tired
I think we would all look that way if it were up to Pinterest.
Twitter: h
says:
I helped my daughter make personalized Valentine’s for her classmates once and I swore I would never do it again. It ended up being more work for me, in the end. Not to mention more expensive.
I was hoping my little twins would want to make cute glittery V-Day playdough to give to their preschool friends but they wanted to do store-bought ones instead. Once I came to my senses, I was thankful.
Helene recently posted..Hi, I’m a type-A control freak mom of multiple multiples…nice to meet you!
Just say NO to glitter!!!!
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
says:
Bridget’s response was so funny, and true, at least for me. I was so relieved when my son’s school decided to forbid homemade treats for birthdays and class parties. My cupcakes are not share-worthy, even though they come from a box. The Target bakery does it so much better.
Total digression in the comment section…sorry, I haven’t really written all week!
Miss Marina Star recently posted..18 And Life
Ha! I can bake but I’m not sure I want to give a bunch of second graders my yummy cupcakes. I like to keep those all for me.
My kids are bringing Valentines that I got for 70% off last year.
Go me.
Amber recently posted..The Tale Of tommy
That’s awesome.
Thank GOD you sent out that tweet.
Leighann recently posted..11 Questions
Seriously.
I always think I’m going to be that mom–the uber Martha Stewart. Then I look and look and look on Pinterest, can’t make up my mind and end up going to the store b/c time’s running out. Yeah. Good times.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Life’s Lessons: I Need an Easy Button & A Tylenol
Maybe it’s for the best that you run out of time.
This post makes me feel so much better, I always feel like I am that mom who doesn’t do projects with their kids and whatnot, but that is not my thing…I have a crazy schedule anyway and so trying to fit that in seemed impossible. I am just glad to know that I am not the only mom out there that feels this way!
Brianne recently posted..Victory!
I know what life is like working and going to school and having a kid. Don’t feel bad at all for not having time for the crafty projects.
Twitter: krrobi
says:
–I am quite afraid to go on Pinterest…
I have a feeling it will just be one. more. addiction.
You know? X
My Inner Chick recently posted..I’m Not Your Conventional Christian Girl
I know. I avoided it for a long time but then when I started my martini blog I joined Pinterest because it’s the perfect place to show off our drinks.
Ha! You’ve just now given me another great reason to add to my why I homeschool list. And I love your Target version of heaven…I just tweeted minutes ago about how I may make my annual trip to Target today, and it may be with 2 kids instead of 4!
Christine@TheAums recently posted..Stream of Consciousness Sunday – Under Pressure
I can’t imagine taking 4 kids to Target. It’s bad enough taking my 2 and having them ask me for everything they see.
Twitter: jessesco
says:
Seriously, Twitter is so smart. I was hoping I wasn’t the only one who tweeted from stores then stared at my phone waiting for answers.
Plus? Homemade is actually way more costly than bought. AND time is money, so…
Jess recently posted..Irony is…
I tweet at the store all the time. My kids always make fun of me but sometimes the questions are very important.
OMG, I felt like such a huge ass today. Boy took store-bought ones. Who actually believes that a two year old made the origami one he came home with?
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..The Past and the Present and the Future
Seriously, two year old homemade origami Valentine’s cards? Um, no thank you.
I did the exact same thing until some friends of mine talked sense into me. they are keep to buy and a hassle to make. there shouldnt be any question
Raine recently posted..Depression and Twitter
It really is easier to just buy them.
Twitter: livingthescream
says:
I saw the million of homemade ideas as well and thought I was horrible for just wanting to buy my kids some. I am SO glad I did not make them either. When having my girls pick them out at the store they were so excited! They did not want homemade ones they wanted characters. I am not a crafty person either! Non crafty people unite!
Carly recently posted..Out Numbered at the Mall