,
Valentine's Day was yesterday.
This year I wrote three posts inspired by the holiday of love, more than I have ever written. You will find them all below, and I must admit, I surprised myself in writing more than one. But the idea of love is powerful. And what I have begun to realize over the past 18 months more fervently than ever before is that we are rich with love if only we would look around
ourselves.
The traditional means of love are discussed and depicted frequently, but love in simple moments for seemingly simple things is available for us all to appreciate if only we would recognize such displays and offerings.
I know many of TSLL subscribers do recognize them. That is something we share - an appreciate for the simple everyday gifts. And so, with that in mind, I wanted to share with you how I spent my Valentine's Day. And truth be told, it may have just been the most lovely February 14th for me personally yet.
Let's start at the end - I viewed a film I have watched a multitude of times - Under the Tuscan Sun. Having read the book that inspired the film, but that is much different than the film itself, I had not viewed it in some time. And for this current moment in my journey, this Valentine's Day was a pertinent time to see it again.
Prior to sitting down to relax as the evening unwound, as I shared in this Instagram post, I enjoyed a lovely hamburger from a favorite restaurant made with a brioche bun, paired with vegetables and one glass of French beaujoulais. Of course, I had to spend time with my boys out in Mother Nature, so I took a walk in the snow - do
check out my Instagram stories to see what Norman and I enjoyed - it was soothing.
As most of us have to do, I went to work. But going to work was extra special, as I did so in a magical flurry of snow that changed on a dime from white bubbly flakes to rain, then sleet, then for a moment, blue sky. It was quite surreal, and we taught through it all. To begin the day, I stopped by my local bakery and picked up their seasonal chocolate truffle Valentine's mini cookie.
For breakfast, it was simple and routine (but I do love this routine so, as many of you know). And after opening a card from family, the day of Valentine's celebrations began.
The day, Valentine's Day 2019, was simple, but I will treasure it because it brought me many moments of smiles, appreciation and adoration of all that was going on around me that I did not have control over (the snow for one), but that I savored immensely.
We need not wait for Valentine's Day to enjoy such days. We can create these days for our everydays throughout the year which is why my new book and the blog and the podcast share a myriad of ways to tailor how to do so to you and your life.
While Valentine's Day may have been yesterday, the weekend is still offering time to celebrate, so below are the three posts I mentioned previously, and a few delicious recipes in this week's This & That that would be perfect to enjoy with someone special or on your own (for me, the Chocolate Lava Cake is something I cannot wait to try).
Wishing you a lovely weekend, and until next Friday, I'll see you on the blog.
-Shannon
P.S. This week I was invited to be a guest on the podcast
The Little Yellow Couch with Zandra, and we had such a fun conversation. Touching on subjects from decor, what true luxury is, as well as style and how it has such power in our lives when we understand what it can help us cultivate, be sure to listen to our 30 minute conversation
here.
