My Amazing Valentine...

A year ago I spent Valentine's Day without my husband, and was an emotional mess! 

(He was away at basic training.)

This year was very different! 

It started off a little rocky since I was struggling with a migraine and feeling sick.

An hour long soak in the bathtub, listening to romantic music, Exedrin, and some prayer fixed that and I was ready to prepare for the evening! 

My husband and I have a tradition of staying in and making dinner so we don't have to deal with the crowds on Valentine's Day.  In my opinion it is so much more romantic.

So I prepared a lovely fondue meal for the two of us as well as decorated the house!

 Then my dear wonderful husband surprised me with the most beautiful orchids!

Apparently when he had the flower lady remake the arrangement in all green (my favorite color), She asked "Are you sure you don't want something more traditional like red roses?".  He said no, my wife will like these better...and he was sooo right!  I adore orchids.

 

He did not stop there with the gifts...

He also bought me this beautiful blue topaz and diamond necklace!

Oh, and my favorite VS perfume, Very Sexy.

 All in all it was a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Now off to do all the dishes!  :(

~ Elle

Valentine's Emotions

Ok, so I thought I would be a lot tougher on Valentine's Day!  I thought Valentine's Day?  No problem!  I thought, no big deal...right?
 WRONG!

 

My day started off bad to begin with. I had a miserable migraine all day.  I took the two girls I nanny to dance class, and all the moms were complaining about there husbands not getting them what they wanted, or not being romantic enough.  I didn't hear one comment that sounded loving and appreciative!

Everything was just making me emotional on top of the fact that I hadn't gotten a letter from Justin in a week.  I felt like we had lost all communication and I was feeling very down.  I prayed all morning that I would get a letter.  It was my only wish.

To get one love letter from him...

When I got home I went to check the mail I didn't see a letter right away and wanted to cry. Then I saw the letter tucked way in the middle, and I DID cry!  Tears of pure relief and overwhelming, unexplainable emotions!  

Then I continued to cry the whole way through the letter! It was a mixture of happy and sad tears.  It was dated 2/14/2012 to let me know he wrote it specifically for Valentine's Day.  It was the sweetest letter I've gotten from him so far.  It almost didn't sound like him.  Justin isn't a sappy kind of  guy, and while this letter was not super sappy, it was sincere, honest, and loving.  It was just what I needed at this moment in time. It addressed all my fears and concerns.  Reading Justin's thoughts made me realize he is going through just as much self reflection as I am.  I am not going to go into detail about everything he wrote in the letter, but he did thank me for always standing behind him, supporting him, and believing in him.  

I can't even explain how much I miss him right now. I feel like half of myself is missing.  This whole experience is an emotional roller coaster ride!  One moment I think I am doing great and the next I'm an emotional wreck! I'm never quite sure how I am going to handle each day!   Justin says I am strong, but I sure don't feel strong at the moment!

 

I hope my husband is feeling my love throughout all this.  I wish I could tell him in person. For those of you who can, take advantage of it!

 Take the time to tell the people you love how much they mean to you.  Don't take a single day for granted.  Don't hold back.  Don't let your pride or anger get in the way.  You never know when you stop getting chances to tell them!   You never know when "later" is "too late". 

I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day!

~ Elle~

Made with Love

I am very sad that Justin isn't around to make a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for this year. I do thoroughly enjoy preparing a romantic dinner.  Since I can't prepare one for Justin this year I thought I would share some wonderful ideas for those of you who do have someone special to share it with! 

Start the evening off with this Liquid Sensation: Romeo & Juliet Cocktails

For the Salad: I love these Two Hearts Glazed Shrimp Salad. I think it looks so romantic!

Sumptuous Main Course:  Pecan Crusted Tilapia with Honey Glaze

For Dessert: Ghiradelli Chocolate Rasberry Cheesecake Hearts

 If Cheesecake isn't your thing you can never fail with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!

Don't forget to set the atmosphere! Here are some ideas to help!

1.  Fresh flowers on the table will help with some color and romance!

 

2. Take your dinner outdoors! 

 

3. Mood lighting is a MUST!

 

4. Dining in front of the fire is soo romantic!

Now you better get to planning and shopping! The stores are already a madhouse with Valentine's Day pre-planners! Good luck!

~ Elle

Color Me Red

 I am loving these beautiful pops of red! This vibrant color is lifting my spirits a little. What better time to wear red then in February...the season of love and passion! These photos are making me passionate about red! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 ~ Elle