A Sweet Valentine's Read

"What I couldn't have known was all that you'd be

by you being you and giving to me."

~ Marianne Richmond

This year I discovered the loveliest book to give the children for Valentine's Day!

You Are My Heart

by Marianne Richmond

I used to give each of the children a book to commemorate the holiday, but as they are getting older and the boys have more assigned literature at school, they don't all enjoy reading for pleasure to the same degree. I was going to forgo the tradition this year, but when I read the message of this beautifully illustrated children's classic, I couldn't resist getting a copy for my four. This treasure is sure to become a family favorite. The girls and I have shared some cozy story times with this book, and earlier this week I asked Mary Ashley to read it to the family before dinner. Today I will be taking it to Emma's school, where I am coordinating an ice-cream sundae party for the birthday girl's class. I'm certain her third-grade friends will love it, too! Click the title above to learn more about this heart-filled love letter written from parent to child.

"You're my joy beyond joy, to grow you, my child,

my delight and my thankful, my adventure, my wild."

~ Marianne Richmond 

February Loves

This most romantic month is such a delight to my heart! Here are a few of my favorite products for February. Clockwise from top left: I literally gasped when I first saw our cover for the January/February issue of Victoria -- a vision of loveliness! A Peony Blanche scented candle from NEST Fragrances offers notes of peony blossoms with watery accents of jasmine, magnolia and lily. For the past month, my go-to purse has been this lined, rosebud-embellished sea grass tote from Barnes & Noble. I cannot resist sweetly scented soaps, like the petal bouquet from World Market and a Wild Rose bar from Fringe Studio. Center: Find luscious blooms like these pale pink roses -- fresh picked for easy, no-hassle delivery and lasting beauty -- at The Bouqs.

"A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you." ~ Anonymous

A Swan Lake Lunch

I cannot help but smile whenever I see this photo. With best friend Emma Cate here for the weekend, Mary Ashley said she has never felt so happy. Instead of having a traditional party for her 11th birthday, we planned a low-key extended visit for these gal pals. 

The highlight of the weekend was a trip to downtown Birmingham to watch Swan Lake. This Fitz and Floyd teapot made an easy centerpiece for lunch before the ballet.

Here is the birthday girl, pausing for a portrait.

Before lunch, I took some pictures of the girls. So along with photos of our festive tablescape, here are some favorite images of these besties.

Mary Ashley and Emma Cate have been the best of friends since kindergarten.

Fresh-cut hydrangeas and feather boas enhanced the softness of this sea of pastels.

These girls haven't seen each other in person since we moved 18 months ago, but they picked back up as if no time had passed. That's a blessing of true friendship!

Make a wish, sweet girl!

The girls wanted to be as fancy as could be for our trip to the ballet. Their shimmering dresses were not expensive, but the girls felt like princesses during their afternoon on the town. (Emma's dress, left, and Mary Ashley's dress, right.)

Mary Ashley's favorite menu of poppy seed chicken, rice, green beans, crescent rolls and cupcakes was easy to prepare between church and showtime.

One of my favorite shots!

Swan Lake place cards, adorned with a feather.

The girls were so enamored with the feather boas we used on the table, they asked to wear them to the performance.

Monogrammed acrylic cupcake toppers from Viv&Lou are sure to get repeated use.

It was such fun watching these two catch up. Friendship is such a gift, and it is worth the investment to ensure that precious relationships endure. We can't wait to get together again!

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." ~ Douglas Pagels