BLAH - BLAH - BLAH...Ok, Happy Valentine's Day ;-)

Yes, it is February 14th, Valentine's Day, and yes, I will post, but no, I will NOT get personal...so if you're here to try to get "juicy details" - move on...about as personal as I'm going to get today is to let you know that one of my best Valentine's ever was waiting for me this morning from Hannah (2 yummy special treats, of course) but a wonderful card declaring me to be the best mom ever (and she "seconded" the sentiment in her own writing :-)). Now you know that will warm my heart for a long, long time!

I did do some online surfing to see what Valentine goodies might catch my eye to share with you today and found some fun things and great new shops...

I LOVE this card from Hidenseek, an Etsy shop in the UK. This extremely talented artist brings to mind old-style children's books and fairy tales....and I couldn't resist the little girl's red dress and brown hair, although my hair was always cut in a pixie!

And, yes, now you know where my post title actually comes from - these soaps caught my eye when I was searching with the keyword "Valentine" and MariaElenaEvents has them in a large assortment of scents to choose from - a great deal! Plus, I really had to appreciate her sense of humor...

Now, for those of you who just can't make up your mind today...you may need this from FiligreeandFindings on ArtFire! What a great find!

Sometimes I like to window shop, and yes, even buy occasionally when I can, jewelry instead of making my own (I know, it's shocking, isn't it!)....if I could, these babies would be in my cart today! Maybe tomorrow (if you don't beat me to them!) ~ from one of my favorite artisans and a great pal, too...AbeleesHandcrafted on 1000Markets:

So, I do wish you a very wonderful Valentine's Day ~ may you be surrounded by all those who love you and filled with love yourself ~ blah, blah, blah! ;-) Peace...

P.S. A little "Valentine 101 Romance Advice" from Hannah as we're driving home from the "mountain" today ~
HANNAH: "Y'know, I think, alotta guys think it's romantic to teach their girlfriends to snowboard on a day like this and they're wrong."
ME: "Really?"
HANNAH: "Yeah, I mean, I can't tell you how many times I've heard on the lift, 'Why did you tell me to do that?' or 'You told me to do it that way!' or 'I just want to go home!' They should just let them learn on their own. I don't think I would want anyone trying to teach me how to snowboard."

You heard it here, guys -- listen up! Dinner and a movie - don't make it complicated.

FRIDAY FREE~FOR~ALL

A bit of this, a bit of that...after all, it's Friday~

First, just to clarify, the adorable puppy in "Wordless Wednesday" is not mine - she is Andrew's "Tusker" who keeps him company over in Tanzania (and also has a penchant for chewing things -- I think perhaps she may be telepathic with our Scout...hmmm...but, she is adorable, isn't she!). Here is our "sweet" pup (not really a pup, shhh! he thinks he is!).

Had a great "Mimi" day with Sarah today ~ although must say when I picked her up, her first words were, "Don't panic, but I was sick most of the night and had contractions for a while this morning, but it's ok, they've stopped and I just HAVE to go to the mall to get this stuff, so if you don't take me, I'll go by myself." EEK! Like I really had a choice then, huh?! All is quiet now in "high-alert" baby world, but I was watching her like a "Mimi-hawk" all day! :-) She picked out some wonderful new mommy sleepwear (a gift from me -- and very appropriate as one of the sets' brands was "Mimi") and got an adorable outfit for baby "Rachel" (not the little one's real name - family joke since we're being kept in the dark and that's what we all guessed!) to come home from the hospital in....we "topped off" our day by "finishing off" our feet with much deserved pedicures ~ well, at least she certainly deserved hers :-).

REMINDER....this weekend will be the FINAL days of the Valentine's Sale in the Etsy shop (sale ends at Sunday, midnight) -- if you haven't checked out these specials, be sure to stop by and do so this weekend. Other Artisan Beaders also are offering specials and you can see their shops at this link. Now's the time to get that special Valentine a treat....or treat yourself!

Finally, want to share this very cool link with you and encourage you visit it daily - to "exercise" your brain AND help with world hunger (can't argue with that, can you?). It's sponsored by the United Nations World Food Program. From the "FreeRice" site:

Do I really make a difference by playing FreeRice?
The rice you donate makes a huge difference to the person who receives it. According to the United Nations, about 25,000 people die each day from hunger or hunger-related causes, most of them children. Though 10 grains of rice may seem like a small amount, it is important to remember that while you are playing, so are thousands of other people at the same time. It is everyone together that makes the difference. Thanks to you, FreeRice has generated enough rice to feed more than two million people since it started in October 2007.

TGIF, everyone!

CHOCOLATE...and...FLOWERS...LACE....OH, MY!

Have you voted yet? Be sure to check out the "TWTpoll" ------> and cast your choice for what your fave Valentine surprise would be!

And after all the "hard work of that decision-making," why not take a leisurely browse through the shops of the Artisan Beaders Street Team to see what many of them are offering right now, including SignatureSterling, for the "Chocolate, Flowers, and Lace" special Valentine's Sale?! You are sure to find some absolutely wonderful gems, designs, and luscious temptations -- all at special discounts....and here's a thought, the first person you might remember :-) is yourself - in order to more fully love others! So, why not treat yourself this February 14th!!

Chocolate, Flowers, and Lace ~ it's those little treats that mean so much!

CAN YOU EVER HAVE ENOUGH???

Chocolate, Flowers, and Lace....of course! Well, then the Artisan Beaders have a GREAT sale ready for you now, just in time for ♥ Valentine's Day ♥.

All items in my "VALENTINES SALE" section of the SignatureSterling Etsy shop are available at 15% off original list prices (prices already adjusted for you for easy checkout!).

You can find more beautiful creations by other Artisan Beaders (the talented ABSTEAM!) by viewing the Artisan Beaders Gift Guide.

Be sure to start shopping now for best selection!

LIFE IS...

a box of chocolates! (Thank you, Forrest Gump!) And you know how I LOVE chocolate! So, let's celebrate life AND chocolate with a look at some favorite finds I've come across ~ and a new listing of mine as well! :-))

First things first -- self promotion is encouraged here! A new listing for me at the Art Fire shop, "Box of Chocolates" with deep, dark bronzite -- hmmm, dark chocolate - my favorite!

From VickiOrion, at Etsy, this "yummy" glazed donut...

Oh, these look so YUM-O from Whimsy&Spice!

Ok...so I LOVE blueberries and I LOVE dark chocolate ~ I'm SO guessing that THIS would be INCREDIBLE from Seth Ellis Chocolatier ~ oh, my!