Things I learned after spending 10 Valentine's Days in a card store.

So, most of you know that before I went to work for Williams-Sonoma, I spent 10 years working for American Greetings. AKA the center of the universe on Valentine's Day. Here is a list of things that I learned while I was in the epicenter of Valentine madness: 1. All that glitters...

Men think that buying a very expensave card with a lot of glitter and accoutrements is always the best way to go. For them, it is more about the way it looks than what it actually says. I promise you. For us girls, I think it is the exact opposite. Men, save your $7.00 and write a nice note. Seriously.

2. My Fuzzy Valentine?

Big bears with a heart sewn to them are king. No matter how many other classier (and less furry) options are available, some people just can't help themselves. They see the bear and the card and they just have to have them. Who are the girls (women?) that actually hope to receive a big furry bear.

3. One for my baby, and another one for the...

Mistress? I know this is hard to believe, but I actually witnessed men picking out a card for the wife AND a card for their mistress. Gross. Really gross.

So, my poor Tim has it tough because I don't really like ANY of the trappings of your traditional Valentine's Day. No red roses or bears or balloons for this girl. Luckily, he knows me well enough to know that Indian food take in, a movie, and some heart felt words really do the trick. And for him, a fun gift and a surprise dessert.

For Cora

Where do I start. About a week ago, while checking out Julie's blog (Joy's Hope), I was touched by her post about a little girl named Cora who had just passed away. I went to Cora's mom's blog and read about her story and my heart ached for this sweet family. In lieu of flowers, the family wanted any donations to go towards building a playground in Cora's honor.

So, being the amazing person Julie is, she created a network of talented Etsyans who listed items that would benefit Cora's playground. I just know you will find something you have to have...

like this bracelet that I bought for myself tonight! So very cute. And at the same time, I know that I did something small to send love across the country and pay tribute to little Cora. If you would like to peruse the Etsy items that benefit Cora's playground, please see the pale pink button on my page.

Julie, you are my hero.

Dating is awful...

But not quite as awful as this movie was... Not to say the message in it is not the real deal.

Dating is anything but fun and stress free.

It is lonely, desperate, calculating, and often disappointing.

I have been the girl waiting for the phone to ring.

And I have gone to bed with the phone just in case it rang.

And given up hope. And made an idiot of myself in the name of love.

And then, when I was least expecting it found something that was, as the movie says,

the exception and not the rule.

And the only dating advice that I could ever give is something I heard once on Oprah that I have kept with me ever since. And that is to "remember what yes feels like." Yes doesn't feel like maybe or kind of. Yes doesn't have a gray area. Yes is yes.

Oh and if you haven't seen the movie, I would pass.

I, pardon the pun, "just wasn't that into it."

Thank heaven...

For some long awaited time off to spend as I please.

Being true to my New Year's resolution means using this time to do things that I really want to do. That means no obligatory things this week! Hooray!

So, you might ask, what is on the agenda for the next few days?

I'm going out to dinner tomorrow night with Tim, his mom, and his sister Erin.

Then, we are going to see this movie. Have you seen it yet?

I also made plans to go up and see my mom. I am going to take her to lunch and then, we are going to go antique shopping at one of our old haunts.

I haven't been to Memory Lanes in years - maybe even decades actually. I remember it as an absolute relic. This is the place where my love of antiques was born. The sheer randomness of it all was enough to occupy me for an afternoon. I remember there being a kid area up front that resembled a jail. I was so afraid of it as a kid. Luckily my mom never would have left me there. I wonder if the kid jail still exists? I will give you a full report.


I'm also planning on doing lots of walking and relaxing. I love just getting out in my neighborhood and exploring. It's my favorite thing to do these days. So far, I have had 3 deer sightings.

Dove Canyon Cottage is nestled in the heart of this amazing scenery. I am so blessed.

And since I will be walking so much, I will be able to indulge in this comfort food meal that I have been craving all week. I told Tim that I don't care what we do on Valentine's Day, but I want really good fish and chips for dinner. Oh, and tartar sauce. Lots and lots of tartar sauce.

And I think I will be hosting a giveaway since I have so much free time on my hands. More details to come on that, so check back with me this week.

Life is good...

I can hear rain falling outside

and my whole house smells like chocolate.

Calories, Shmalories, right?

Love

Staying up late. Waking up late. The smell of rain and the sound it makes.

Long walks. Fall. Leaves changing color. Pearls.

Snuggling with my cat.

Desserts. Slot machines. Memories. Pictures. Junking. Long baths.

Reading. Topiaries.

Solvang. Crafting. Cooking. Baking. Babies. Chippy paint. Baskets.

Believing in magic. Tim. Gardening.

Warm Blankets. Old Friends. New Friends. Family.

Old Music. Maple Donuts.

Scarves. French writing.

Yep, that just about sums it up.

Ten on Tuesday

1. In the midst of wasting free time blogging today (come on, you know you do it too), I came across this blog http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/. Her story is really incredible. She spent quite a while battling infertility and now that her miracle baby is here, she is very ill. You should grab a few tissues and head over to her blog. Her baby Harper is just adorably sweet. It makes me afraid that I will have trouble having kids when Tim and I finally come around to deciding that it is the right time. So many people that I know have been battling infertility. It seems like such a heartbreaking journey.

2. I have been working like crazy with inventory at work. It is over and it went great. Hence, my day off to sleep and catch up.

3. I am taking about a week off over Valentine's Day. I haven't decided if I want to go anywhere or just spend the time soaking up the time to myself.

4. I have an itch to go antiquing on Sunday or next week. I am overdue for my fix!!

5. My little neice Zoe Rose is due in the next month. I can't wait to hold a new baby. Sigh..

6. We are starting up cooking classes at work this week - we haven't had one since November! I miss my cooking class regulars and all of the delicious food and inspiration. Thank goodness life will finally be back to normal after the holiday madness.

7. I am throwing a big Easter Egg hunt and bash at my house. I am going to start putting away fun things for the kiddos and collecting dollar bills to put into the eggs along with fun candy. Won't it be so fun! Time to get the garden ready.

8. Do you like going out on Valentine's Day? Tim and I are having this debate. I guess it was all of my years running greeting card stores on Valentine's Day that makes me want to enjoy this day in a peaceful, quiet way. Tim wants to "go out to dinner like everyone else." I like the thought of going away somewhere for the evening or eating in. I hate the idea of going out just to go out and being with massive crowds. What say you?

9. Jonathan gave me some beautiful meyer lemons. I am looking for a fun recipe to use them in. In the meantime, I sliced one up and put it in my water. Mmmm...

10. Tim has been travelling a lot for work. It makes me really appreciate the time we have together and how much I enjoy just sharing my life with someone.

What are you guys up to this week?