I am sending you a virtual valentine’s hug, a few conversation hearts [one that says "blog this!" ha ], and a day full of pink sparkles. xo Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my new friend!

What you’ve described is reminiscent of what this holiday was before it was hijacked by Hallmark and Kay.

Pancakes, milkshakes, cookies, stickers, and hand cut hearts, that’s not silly, that’s so MEANINGFUL! I hope others might be inspired to take back Valentine’s day and make it what they want it to be, sans the pressure and obligation to spend tons of cash and do things that are so not fun, just to be like “everybody else”. I am inspired. These are things that single, married, or other people could do on Valentine’s Day to make it a happy, not sad or irritating day.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

Milkshake Friday? You don’t live near Washington DC, do you? LOL

i like Valentine's day.
i like cutting out hearts from paper I find in the recycling bin and scribble notes of appreciation for my co-workers, neighbor, and local coffee shop owner.
i like buying my kitten treats that come in a pink package, because it's Valentine's day week.
i like sending a page of bright colored stickers to my best friend's toddler with a note enclosed for her to share them with the people she LOVES because Valentine's day is an extra special celebration of what we do every single day, anyway [share and love. the lessons are simple, raelly.]
i like wearing a heart shaped charm around my neck today, and something red tomorrow.
i like saying “Happy Valentine’s Day! I appreciate you!” to the store clerk I see twice a week, or the UPS man when he comes into my office [I have heart shaped valentine's cookies ready to share with them!]

and although there have been many “single” valentine’s days in my life, I must be honest and say that i like the idea that this is “first valentine’s day” i will spend with my boyfriend, Nick. And that I don’t expect flowers or candy or a gift at all. Instead, we’ve decided to make a time capsule [with things we already have/love - nothing new to buy!] to set aside in a cardboard box wrapped in duct tape and marked “do not open until 2019!!” – capturing this season of our lives – celebrating this season of our lives.

All this to say – Valentine’s Day is silly, but I am silly, too.
and i think it has a lot to do with how you CHOOSE to spend your time/energy when it comes to celebration. I CHOOSE to celebrate the little things, the silly holidays, and the “important” holidays. [though, I guess to me, they are all "important" because they often give us an avenue for tradition creation and sharing, and i love tradition sharing!] Because I love to celebrate.

the end.

Currently I do have space. Please feel free to email me directly if you have more questions.

I would love to learn how to belly dance, but I definitely have bad fitness habits. Do you still have room in your class? If so, I would like to participate.

Thank you!

I think between 10 and 15 minutes, but it will vary according to your oven. You can also tell by the tops being somewhat golden brown.