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

Birthday Dinner!

My husband treated me to a progressive birthday dinner and took me to eat all my favorite things!

We started with my favorite Santa Fe Spinach Dip at Cheddar's, then continued on to Cheesecake Factory for their amazing Firecracker salmon!  From their we headed over to Chili's for what I consider to be the best margarita ever...The El Niño.

We then took the Paradise Pie to-go, so that we could watch a movie at home.

Now I know you might be thinking these are some odd places to have all-time favorites at, but it is what it is!

Here are a few shots of my outfit (and of me being silly) before we left!

 (dress: TJ Maxx, jewelry: Forever 21)

 

Oh, and check out these beautiful flowers my long time friend, Mattie, over at Madelyn St. Claire sent me for my birthday!  How sweet was that?  It totally made my day!

All in all it was a lovely birthday.

~ 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