It's time to Celebrate LOVE

I really dislike LOVE haters! And therefore, people who hate on Valentine's Day are included! I love Valentine's Day! I know what all you haters are thinking...blah blah blah its just a "Hallmark" holiday, but why not see it in a positive way and for what it is, a day to celebrate Love! 

Even when I was single and all my attached/married girlfriends had their someone special, I was never a hater. For me, my first true valentine was my dad.  Every Valentine's Day he would come home from work with a bouquet of flowers for my mom and a little something for me.  

In my opinion, people need to be more affectionate, and as adults we need to teach our children about love, empathy and affection. What a better day to do that than on Valentine's day! 

Of course, like the naysayers, I do believe that love should be celebrated all the time, but we all know that is not everyone's reality. It is like the people who say Christmas is no longer about the true meaning, which I agree with, but it doesn't stop me from celebrating it.  It is more about celebrating the holidays the way you believe they should be celebrated! 

For me, Valentine's Day will be a day to send messages to all my friends and family and let them know they are loved on this day and always, my husband will be told a 100 more times how much I love him and I'll give him a little gift, and now our Luna will get to share the day with us and will definitely get lots of extra kisses!  

So on this day before Valentine's Day why not find it in your heart to celebrate the ones you Love (this doesn't have to be a boyfriend/husband/partner, what about your parents, your kids, your friends, your grandma or a kind stranger).   Believe me the smile and joy will be worth it! 

Here's a few ideas of ways to show your love:

• An extra big hug & extra kisses
• A cup of coffee and sweet treat (donut anyone?)
• A handwritten note
• A phone call (yes, remember those!)
• Be a Valentine to a friend that you know is in need of a companion

Happy early Valentine's Day! XO


  

Love is in the Air

The celebration of love is here--Valentine's day is this Saturday. Are you ready to show some love?!

As you may or may not know, I am all for LOVE!  Last year, I wrote more extensively on my thoughts regarding the meaning of Valentines day and you can read it here.  

When it comes to your spouse or significant other, it is so important to know their love language (Words, Time, Acts, Gifts, and/or Touch), and once you get that down, include handwritten letters, be silly & laugh together, spend quality time (just the two of you or family time), and most importantly KISS OFTEN! 

This article on How Hugging, Kissing And More Displays Of Affection Help Your Health says kissing has shown to affect oxytocin and cortisol levels, and, just like hugging and cuddling, can reduce stress. I hope this is more than enough proof for all of you to get your hugging and smooching on!

This Love season should not only be about your significant other. It is also a time to pay a little more attention to the other people in your life who show you love. 

On a day like Valentine's Day, I always think of my parents.  They are not perfect, but in my eyes they are the epitome of love and marriage.  During this time, it is great to acknowledge the ones that first taught you love.  

Of course, do not forget about your children.  Yes, they may drive you bonkers sometimes, but the love they have for you is like no other.  Now is the perfect time to give them some extra hugs and kisses--even if they fight you off!

And what about your friends! You know the friend(s) who are there when you need them. In Spanish, Valentine's Day translates to El Dia del Amor y la Amistad aka Day of Love & Friendship. So get to it--Show your friends some love too!

Lastly, don't be a love scrooge.  Remember love comes to those that give love even during hard times. Do something nice, be kind and smile.

Wishing you all a love-filled Valentine's day season! 

 

Friday Favorites

What are you up to this weekend? It's our first weekend of having no plans in awhile, so I am looking forward to relaxing, and a taking a walk along the river since we are supposed to get a break from the rain.  I think I'll sneak off to get my loves a little something for Valentine's day because if you don't know, I love Love! Here's are some posts to prove it. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and here are this week's favorites...

Favorite Quote: Love is the closest thing to Magic, and dancing with my family... 

Favorite Bucket list: Amtrak Cascades travel through the Pacific Northwest with some glorious views. 

Favorite Outfit: Red Floral Dress + Jean Jacket -via Collage Vintage. This is a cute casual Valentine's Day outfit. Here's a similar dress. 

Favorite Book: The Confidence Code is on my must-read list.  Has anyone read this?!

Favorite Decor: Amsterdam Loft -via Airows. The greenery in this home is everything.  I have started my corner of greenery in our dining room and I want it to look like this. 

Favorite Dessert: Raw Mixed Berry and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake-via Downtshiftology. Doesn't this look delicious! I am not big on baking, but a girl can dream. 

Favorite Song of the Week: Love On Top -Beyoncé

Friday Favorites

Happy Valentine's Weekend! What are you up to this weekend? The weather is going to be beautiful.  I am looking forward to some outdoor exploring, and enjoying some Valentine's treats with my sweets. Hope you have a lovely weekend, and here are this week's favorites...

Favorite Quote: All you need is love (and like, a couple of million dollars).-via PureWow. I do believe all you need is love, and well...a million dollars wouldn't hurt! 

Favorite Dress: Poppies Shift Dress -via zoemiyorifujii. This dress would be great for date night, and it would look pretty dressed down with these flats. 

Favorite Gift: Meri Meri Paper Love Tokens -via Urban Outfitters.  These are sold out, but I found these printable ones for $1.95 that are equally cute.

Favorite DIY: Children's Binoculars -Ginger Snaps Blog.  These toilet paper rolls are a saving grace, and my toddler loves them. 

Favorite Accessory: Thin Gold Bangles -via VioletFly. I have had my eye on thin gold bangles.  I also like these in rose gold and this.  They are so simple, elegant and ladylike. 

Favorite Just Because: Breakfast in Bed is always a good idea, and if you have yet to get your love a gift, this is a win! (Photo via the Proper Blog)

Favorite Song of the Week: Fire We Make by Alicia Keys & Maxwell. This song is fire...and if you forgot the V-day gift, serve your love a drink and play this (enough said). 

P.S. MAS ~ Everyday is Valentine's Day with You.  Thank you for always making me feel like I am the only person in the room.  I love you. BABABABABA

   

Mindful Monday: Mamas & Taking Me Time

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. This was my third Mother's Day and I have a bit more perspective, and even though I have yet to perfect slowing down and remembering to take me time, I am getting there.  

As a mother, like most, I have a difficult time putting myself first. Even when my husband tells me to take more time for myself and he reassures me in every way possible that it is okay, I still do not put myself first. To be honest, I really love hanging out with my husband and daughter, but I will admit there are times I feel a little nutty and full of knots in my neck and shoulders! 

If you haven't taken time lately to do something for yourself--DO IT! I realize it is easier said than done, but once you get over the logistics, take a little time to take care of You. 

For Valentine's Day my husband gave me a gift certificate to my favorite local spa, The Spa Simply Skin, and they did not disappoint as always! I am not the type that can easily relax or fall asleep, therefore, when my massage was over and I thought to myself "was I asleep?" and I felt like I could cry from the pure joy of relaxation--well, I obviously waited too long to take care of myself. Lesson learned.

It is worth investing in whatever relaxes you. It does not have to be a trip to the spa (though it doesn't hurt), the main point of taking time for yourself is to be present and really relax so afterwards you feel like you hit that reset button. You will thank me later!

Friday Favorites

Heck Yes! Friday is here again!

Favorite Flowers: These carnations are currently on our breakfast nook table, they smell good, they are affordable, look amazing, and if Luna asks me for a daily flower I have no qualms!

Favorite Music I'm listening to right now: Chef soundtrack on Spotify. This is one of my top movies, and the soundtrack is good too!

Favorite hair inspiration: The Wavy Lob. I recently cut my hair and would love to learn how to get it just like this.

Favorite Product: Keeping with the hair inspiration. I recently purchased this L'oreal Boost It High Lift Creation Spray, and it is magic!

Favorite quote: Never underestimate the importance of having a person in your life... 

Favorite Toddler Diy: Valentine's Day Noodle Necklaces by The Allison Show. I cannot wait to try to make these with Luna!

Tonight's in-home date night plan of action is spaghetti squash dinner and a movie rental. I can't wait! As for the weekend, it is going to be a lot of relaxing and ending it with a birthday celebration for Luna's best friend Mikey!

Hope you had a great week, and now looking forward to the weekend!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday lovers! 

Love Poem: Pablo Neruda ~ Sonnet XVII

Love Song: Tu Amor Me Hace Bien by Marc Anthony (Your Love Does Me Good). I chose this one because it reminds me of my husband! 

Love in Flowers:  Instead of Red--why not go all Pink tones. Hint: if she has a favorite vase at home take it with you to the florist and have them fill it! 

Love Story: Part of Hallmark's #putyourhearttopaper campaign. Look them all up they are good, but this is one of my favorites. 

Love-inspired Breakfast in Bed: Keep it simple with coffee.

We do not have anything big planned--which is how I like it.  I am not gonna be one of those woman who says "don't get me anything" because we all know that's a lie *wink *wink~a small token never hurts. What can I say my love language is receiving gifts!

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day weekend. 

Friday Favorites

Hey guys! What are you up to this weekend?  I survived my week as a single stay-at-home mom, and I'm happily relieved my husband has returned from his business trip. Now, where's the wine?! I am looking forward to the three musketeers being together again. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and don't forget Monday we begin the #TPLFitFebruary challenge. Here are this week's favorites... 

Favorite Quote: Keep Laughing All Week via Design Love Fest. Lets just make it a point to laugh more plus it burns up to 40 calories in 15 minutes!

Favorite Flowers: Red Ranunculus via Style Me Pretty. A change of pace from traditional roses for Valentine's Day would be a nice surprise.  Think ranunculus, tulips or peonies.  

Favorite Mommy + Me: Yoko Mono Family Sock Set via Chatty Feet. These socks are the bee's knees.  Luna loves it when we match, and we both happen to like cute socks. 

Favorite Made Me Laugh: Gemma Correll's wine-drinking cat. Looks good to me! 

Favorite Etsy Find: Vintage Globe via Roberta Grove. In our house we love maps, and I am thinking it would be great to incorporate some globes in Luna's big girl room. The vintage light up globes are my faves. 

Favorite Cake: PB&J sandwich cake via Subtle Revelry.  This is so simple, and at the same time so magical.  

Favorite Song of the Week: Valio la Pena by Marc Anthony because it reminds me of my husband and its a hot salsa song.