Valentine’s Day has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something truly wonderful about dedicating a specific day to celebrating love, romance, and the people who make our lives extraordinary. My husband, knowing my fondness for this day, always goes the extra mile to make it memorable. This particular year, however, our plans were a bit different, intertwining a significant family event with this cherished holiday.

Just a couple of months prior, for Christmas, we had surprised our children with an unforgettable gift: a trip to sunny San Diego to visit their beloved Grandparents. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and the excitement was palpable as the departure date drew nearer. Little did we know, the universe had a charming twist in store for us, scheduling our flight precisely on Valentine’s Day itself.

Initially, we had both agreed that a plane trip to sunshine, family, and adventure was more than gift enough for Valentine’s Day. After all, what could be more romantic than embarking on a family journey together, escaping the winter chill for the warmth of the West Coast? The shared experience, the joy of the kids, and the promise of making new memories felt like the ultimate expression of our love and commitment to our family.

However, if you know me, you’ll understand that I’m a little bit of a rule-breaker, especially when it comes to celebrating important moments. While the San Diego trip was a magnificent gesture, I couldn’t resist the urge to add a personal, heartfelt touch that would serve as a daily reminder of our affection, long after the suitcases were unpacked and the tan lines had faded. I believe it’s those small, consistent acts of love that truly weave the fabric of a lasting relationship.

It was around this time that I stumbled upon a brilliant idea on Pinterest. Pinterest, that endless wellspring of creativity, often inspires me to tackle new DIY projects, and this one immediately caught my eye. The concept was simple yet incredibly charming: transforming a regular framed picture into a functional dry erase board. It struck me as the perfect blend of decorative elegance and practical utility, offering a subtle yet constant avenue for connection.

This idea resonated deeply because leaving little notes for one another is already a cherished tradition in our household. Whether it’s a quick “Good morning, love!” or a “Don’t forget the dry cleaning” reminder, the bathroom counter has long served as our informal message center. We find joy in these small exchanges, a silent conversation that brightens our days and keeps us connected amidst busy schedules. The thought of elevating this simple habit with a beautifully crafted piece of decor was truly exciting.

Over the past year, I had taken on a significant redecoration project for our master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. My vision was to create a serene, calming oasis, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I opted for a sophisticated palette of warm browns, complemented by a refreshing, tranquil Caribbean blue. This combination evokes the feeling of our favorite coastal getaways, reminding us of clear skies, sandy beaches, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean.

Our trips to the beach are not just vacations; they are essential escapes, moments of profound relaxation and reconnection. We both adore the feeling of warm sand between our toes and the refreshing spray of the sea. It’s where we truly unwind and recharge. Naturally, these cherished memories heavily influenced my decor choices. I gathered countless photos from our adventures over the years, along with an assortment of shells and charming “beachy” trinkets, deciding to incorporate all of them into the room’s aesthetic.

When I saw the Pinterest idea to convert a picture frame into a dry erase board, it clicked instantly. Given our newly renovated, beach-themed bedroom and bathroom, finding an image that complemented this serene, coastal vibe was paramount. I envisioned something that would not only be functional but also beautiful and seamlessly integrated into our personal sanctuary. The search for the perfect image began.

I turned to Google Images, sifting through countless options until I found it: a truly adorable picture of two starfish, seemingly intertwined, perhaps holding hands or embracing. It wasn’t just cute; it radiated a quiet, enduring sweetness that perfectly captured the sentiment I wanted to convey. It felt symbolic of partnership, connection, and steadfast love – everything I cherish about our relationship. This was the image that would become our new, personalized message board.

With the perfect image selected, the next step was bringing it to life. I printed the starfish photo in a generous 12×12 inch size, ensuring it would be a prominent yet tasteful addition to the wall. This larger format would provide ample space for messages while allowing the charming details of the image to shine through. Finding a suitable frame was next on the agenda, and a trip to Hobby Lobby proved successful. They always have an incredible selection, and I quickly found a beautiful, sturdy frame that would protect the image and complete the aesthetic.

Before sealing the picture permanently within its frame, I added a crucial personal touch. I carefully selected some elegant scrapbook stickers and meticulously arranged them in the upper left corner of the image to spell out, “I Love You.” This wasn’t just a decoration; it was an integral part of the gift’s meaning. Even when there wasn’t a handwritten note, this message would always be present, a constant, silent declaration of my affection, embedded within the artwork itself.

The morning of Valentine’s Day arrived, and I excitedly put my plan into action. While my husband was still asleep, I carefully hung the newly created dry erase board on the wall, strategically placing it right behind his spot at the bathroom mirror. It was positioned perfectly so that as he prepared for the day, those two sweet starfish would be reflected back at him, a subtle surprise waiting to be discovered.

To kick off the Valentine’s Day celebration, I took the final step in preparing the gift. Using a dry erase marker, I penned a simple but heartfelt message directly onto the glass surface: “Happy Valentine’s Day.” It was the perfect greeting, a warm and personal welcome to the special day, waiting for him to find as he began his morning routine. The anticipation of his reaction was almost as delightful as the gift itself.

Attention to detail is something I truly appreciate, so I even went searching for a brown dry erase marker. I wanted it to blend seamlessly with our bathroom’s decor, rather than standing out awkwardly. Thankfully, I found one that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing enough to leave sitting casually on top of the frame. This small detail ensured that the entire setup looked cohesive and thoughtfully curated, an extension of our home’s comforting ambiance.

Now, every morning, as my husband gets ready, those two charming starfish gaze back at him from the reflection in his mirror. It’s more than just a picture or a message board; it’s a silent affirmation. And even if there isn’t a new note scrawled on its surface, the “I Love You” stickers are always there, a timeless and enduring reminder of our bond. It transforms a simple daily routine into a moment of connection, a gentle nudge of affection to start the day.

This personalized dry erase board has become a cherished part of our daily lives, a small yet powerful symbol of our love. It serves as a practical spot for reminders, an encouraging space for uplifting messages, and most importantly, a constant visual cue of affection. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, don’t we all need a little reminder, every now and then, of the deep connections and love that enrich our lives? I certainly think so, and this simple DIY project has delivered that and so much more.

xoxo