Whether it’s romantic, or it’s all about the kids, or it’s for your loving gal pals, a simple valentine celebration can still be a special.
Pulling out everything I own that is pink, heart shaped, vintage or flowery helps put me in the mood for valentine decorating. Using what I have is always my motto, but this year, more than ever, that’s a lucky thing. Because I’ve never seen so many empty shelves as I saw at my local grocery store this week.
That’s ok, we’ll make do, won’t we?
Valentine Table
Reusing a cute valentine table cloth almost makes the table look like it’s sprinkled with confetti. A white metal tiered tray with heart cut-outs lets me corral all my little collectables and candies in one spot.
Do you remember those adorable metallic paper straws I got over the holidays? One of the designs is hearts. I pulled those out and placed in my gold-leaf flutes. For a galantine brunch they would be so cute for mimosas, kir royale or mocktails.
Tiny portions of chocolate kisses, red licorice candies and butter cookies means the sweets are out there, but please moderate. Note to self, that is.
Fresh berries and grapes are a nice garnish and encourage a bit of healthier nibbling.
Valentine Beverage Station
It’s such a small space, but coffee and tea are on my all-day, every-day agenda so I like to make it festive.
I found this adorable Kissing Booth sign at Dollar Tree and couldn’t resist. BTW, Dollar Tree is now $1.25 per item. Just so you know.
I ended up giving a kiss out at no charge because when I held my hand out to collect a quarter he turned around and walked off. Hmmm.
I’m hoping this post of my very humble and simple valentine décor inspires you to dig out sweet and sentimental items.
What I’m Eating
In keeping with the valentine theme, I wanted to try a healthier version of hot chocolate. Telling the truth here. Hot chocolate has been on my nightly rotation for weeks. As in since the cold weather got here. And “no sugar added” is still 11 grams of sugar. Yikes.
So I tried Creamy Almond Milk Hot Chocolate. The site I got the recipe from is very highly regarded, so I’m not going to share it here because I didn’t really like it. Even topped with canned whipped cream. Which is delicious.
Anyway, if you think you might want to give it a go let me know and I’ll forward the recipe. But for reference it calls for:
Creamy Almond Milk Hot Chocolate
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (I didn’t use)
- A pinch of salt
This was way too strong of a chocolate taste for me and the almond milk is too watery. I thought it made a pretty drink though.
What I’m Reading
On audio, I finally finished Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. It took over 21 days to listen to it because I had to renew my loan from the library.
Oh, but I loved it and I give it a big five stars. Ethiopia is the setting for this book. A place I know nothing about. But now, I’m excited to learn about it.
The strange and mysterious characters are not all likable, but are engaging and I didn’t want to let any of them go.
This book is written by a physician about physicians and that makes their world seem realistic and interesting. If you are ready for a long read or a long listen, get this book
Wrap Up
Well, February, here are you. Are you going to usher in a quick spring or do we need to bear through another six weeks of winter?
Wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying your journey and thank you for taking a little walk with me.
God bless you and yours. Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day.