WEDnesday Love: Dear Valentine!

I remember being in school and sitting up all night individually addressing the Valentine's Day cards to my classmates. I was no different than anyone else at First Lutheran Elementary School; I looked forward to passing out the little cheap cards with suckers or the heart shaped candies attached.  Then there was THE ONE....  Instead of  being addressed to Jimmy, it said "Dear Valentine".  What fun did we have reading all of the little messages and then adding our own twist. Lol. 

Now that I am married with children I no longer buy the packet of cards and put candy on them for a complete class but I do buy one special card and still address it ”Dear Valentine!" Since we now have a family it's important that everyone receives something on this day love is celebrated.  As a couple we make sure the girls receive something from him and I take care of the boys. 

As of this moment, it seems that I forgot how to count because I am NOT prepared for Valentine's Day, 2013. Lucky for me I can whip up a special meal featuring some family favorites and toss in either Rum Balls or Carmel Brownie Cheesecake and I'm back in the winners circle.  The pre Valentine's Day meal consisted of Cream Cheese Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and Crab Melts along with some fried chicken and sides and will post the recipes on tomorrow (2/14).  For Valentine's Day  I'll go ahead and either delight their palettes with Shrimp and Grits or Seared Shrimp with Four Cheese Ravioli in Vodka Sauce! Go ME.....

 

As an added bonus, back in October I released the TIGERESS within and took some Boudoir photos so he will get one of these to look at on a daily basis too. (Giggle)

 

How will you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Monday Motivation: "Make Time for Love"

After a super busy two weeks of business meetings, cheerleading and a 5am drive to Ohio to see my nephew play at Dayton, I decided that on Sunday I would lay low, cook dinner, grab a bottle of wine, and clean my house. I have to admit that it felt good to be home and really relax with my family. Last night, the husband and I (affectionately called WM) finally shared more than a hello and a good-bye via text. I was already in bed and when he joined me we spent a good 20 minutes talking about our nephews basketball game which we texted about the day before.  As we were talking..........zzzzzzz. I fell asleep :(

Realizing his days start at 4am and mine at 6am it's important that we take time to connect. Although our thirteen year old daughter KEEPS me moving while working a full time job and running two successful businesses; I must make time for love!

I remember early in our marriage we vowed to go and do something once a week that didn't include kids, bills or anything that would cause the night to end with me rolling my eyes or he driving fast with the music up really loud.  Where did that go? I believe that we've gotten too busy raising the kids, working and running to make time for us. Well, what is the solution? Go back to basics and know that without making time for each other - all of the other stuff will just be stuff.

I read an article by my friend and co-mom (Joyce Cunningham) that truly inspired ME on this Motivational Monday. Yes, I practice studying to be quiet but she is indeed a PThirty1 woman (Proverbs 31).   Her article has tons of goodness in it and I've decided that whatever I decide I want to do for my husband, whenever I want to do it, I will!  Lets just hope he gets on board so I'm not smacking my lips and YES, rolling my eyes. Lol

 

As Valentine's Day approaches, I encourage you to take the challenge in the ChitownMoms article written by Joyce: (here is an excerpt)

"Feed the Family and Fuel the Flame”  Don’t just settle for Valentine’s Day; find a way to manage the household needs and appreciate your love every day.  Watch a movie together.  Spend time cooking your or his favorite meal together.  Go see a local production.  Go grocery shopping– just the two of you.  Go for a drive in your dream neighborhood and pick a new home.  Shop together.  Try a cooking class.  Go to a basketball game.  Try a new restaurant.

"Live Life With No Regrets"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Reviving the Love..

Valentine's Day is that one day that's already romantic and generally know you'll be spending that time together.  Therefore, you shouldn't be suprised that it's also one of the most popular days of the year to propose.
I am a true believer that one should "Love Without End", and because of that thought If you're looking for ways to revive, renew and refresh your love, here are a few tips...

1. Hold Hands!  When I see a couple holding hands it makes me smile.  This seems to be something that has drifted away as the years go on.  Spend sometime walking and holding each other's hands. Talking things out and sorting ways to ease tension also helps to bring two people intimately closer to each other. 
2. Be Adventerous!  Go to all the places you'd love to be in - your partner might be a little afraid of skiing, snorkeling, horse riding, free falling and other activities, but this could be a way to overcome their fright.
3. Be Spontaneous! If you decide to stay home, snuggle and be close! Ask your partner what they want to do on a particular evening. If you like movies; watch a few movies together and make your partner comfortable by making them their favorite meals and doing little chores for them. .
4. Praise and Appreciate!  The biggest issue with relationships is that we get too "comfortable"  Take some time to get ready and pay attention to your appearance.  Everyone wants to love and be loved in return. If you will be open with your partner, your partner is sure to open up after a few loving gestures from your side
5. Gifts and trinkets!  We all love gifts, choose something out of the ordinary like a Boudour session!  These sexy photo's will certainly revive, renew and refresh.  I wrote an article on Chitown Moms pertaining to this subject - read more about it here.

Whatever you decide to do - do it well and "Love Without End"


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.