Be My Valentine...Perhaps?

Hello friends,

Please pardon my being away for a few days. My weeks lately have been busy with  events and engagements.  I will fill you in briefly before I move on to more lovely points of conversation.

I've been known to wear many, many hats (Wide brimmed, of course!) and have my hands in many projects.

The first weekend of February I joined my Mom and our best friends to host the Miss Hartsville Pageant. Miss Hartsville is part of the larger Miss America Organization. We were so fortunate to have our dads, cousins, aunts and friends helping with the event. Living in a small town usually means one persons project is the whole families affair. The judges selected a young lady who we are sure will represent our small town well, and preparation to take the Miss South Carolina crown has begun!
                   

What a wonderful night and a fantastic cover story featured in the Hartsville Messenger! Many Thanks Ardie!

Friday February 8, 2013

If February was not off to a wonderful start already-the second weekend brought along another exciting event! My cousin who I fondly refer to as "little brother" has been part of the US Marine Corps Basic Training program since November. I have missed him terribly but have enjoyed taking time each week to write hand written letters (yes, people still do those things) and include photos and such of life while he was away.  Nevertheless, Friday the 8th was a wonderful celebration. Our family joined in Hilton Head to share in his big day-we are so incredibly proud.

On to the third week of February-my favorite week filled with lovely days all about love and hearts and letters and valentines. My favorite part of school was making my box each year  for all of our classmates to fill with candy and pink and red little notes. It is a wonderful day of sentiment, and one I enjoy very much.

Valentines day is a mere 36 hours and quickly approaching. Some may say that this day is a "Hallmark Holiday" or one made for marketing cards and candy and flowers more than they should.  I happen to love Valentines. I thought in honor of the occasion I would share a few tips for Valentines giving do's and don'ts by age. 

Thanks to the every-so-idea-full Pinterest, we have resources at our finger tips and a database filled with so many ideas it will make your head twirl Who wouldn't love four dozen roses or a diamond necklace that "shows you're their shining star" from a national jewelry company? (NOT THIS GIRL) I am a believer it is certainly the thought that counts!

Elementary school class mates? Don't spend all night and burn your fingers with the hot glue gun making rhinestone  lace filled, sequin covered elaborate valentines for each of your kiddos mates. Keep it simple-but, keep it thoughtful. Find a candy that ties to a word you could include in a simple computer drawn or perhaps hand made card (include the little one, of course). Example: You ROCK- pop rocks.  

It is important for teens and their, dare I say, girlfriends or boyfriends, to not take Valentines too seriously. For example, Victoria's Secret for a 16 year old girlfriend as a gift from her beau is NOT appropriate  On that same note, those funny, oh-so-cute saying covered boxes are not appropriate either.  Drive them to the store to pick out something simple, thoughtful and small. Their favorite candy paired with a movie that's a love story, and age appropriate. A gift certificate to get their nails done if there are small shops in town. Think twice on the over sized, large, carry all day Teddy Bear. Let's not take a note from Taylor Swift and Cutie-Pa-tootie Taylor Lautner on this one. Those just are not sensible to carry around all day.

If you feel strongly about giving a gift to perhaps the parents of your significant others, never underestimate the power of a hand written note. If your beau's mom loves photos as much as mine, why not throw one of the two of you, or the four in? It makes for a very simple, very special gift. It's the thought that counts.

For all the other loves of your life-favorite candies work wonderful. Favorite restaurant for your beau may be even better, and if your just not sure, take a bag of mixed candy with your that day-folks will enjoy the sweet treat on their desk. Besides, remember what your mother, and Emily Post say-never show up empty handed!

I'll leave you with one of my most favorite Valentines Classics:

Here's to wishing you a day full of love, surprise and yes, a little glitter.