What's Your Love Language?

February is a month where we place an emphasis on love and relationships. Regardless of  relationship status, Valentine's Day is the perfect reminder to show appreciation and gratitude for our loved ones. People always appreciate being appreciated, and while we might think these things, it's so important that we actually let them know how valuable their presence is in our lives. One of the habits I've been cultivating in my own life is the practice of a gratitude journal, and each day I make time to jot down a few things that I'm grateful for. I encourage you to make a list of some people in your life that you are grateful for and and let them know--make a phone call, send a text, send an email, write a note, or set up a time to get together and tell them in person! In my experience, this not only makes their day, but also strengthens the relationship.

How else can you express your gratitude? Start by speaking their love language. A number of years ago I was introduced to Gary Chapman's research and writing on the 5 Love Languages, and I took the quiz again about 2 years ago to get a refresh. It's based on each person's preferred communication styles, and will give you so much insight into how you like to receive love as well as how to better love other people. Communication is such a critical element in all of our relationships, and when you know how to speak someone's love language, you'll be able to understand how to relate to one other better. Also, I've found that it is so beneficial to continue to learn more about yourself and identifying your love language is a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding. You can take the quiz here!

Finally, decide to see this holiday and focus on love as the perfect reminder to freely give and receive love. It is easy to place barriers around ourselves, but life was meant to be done in community. Relationships with other people are so essential to living a meaningful and satisfying life; we need one another! It's scary at times to put yourself out there, and perhaps you've been hurt by others in the past, but I encourage you to love others anyway. The more love we give, the more our capacity to receive love is expanded; I can't explain it, but it's one of those things that the more of it that we give away, the more we seem to discover within. Whether it's through a smile, a hug, a card, a phone call, or time invested with someone, decide to show some love and appreciation for the people in your life. I promise it will make an incredible impact!

0

Pink Lace

| similar dress | shoes | clutch | earrings |

It's no secret that I love to dress up, and this pretty pink lace number is just begging to be worn for Valentine's Day and throughout spring in general! Sometimes a color can be just as much of a statement as the design and detail. The swingy style pairs beautifully with simple, neutral accessories and sparkling earrings. Speaking of Valentine's Day, I've linked a few of my favorite gift ideas for her (hint hint, gentlemen) that would be perfect to give a girlfriend, gal pal, or yourself (that's allowed too)! :)

0

Valentine's Day

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day!
See my Valentine's Day Tea Party 

3

Valentine Breakfast In Bed

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and regardless of your relationship status, it's a fun reason to celebrate all things beautiful. I don't often have breakfast in bed, but what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a batch of fluffy, heart-shaped, coconut waffles?? I'm a fan of coconut anything, and these waffles are perfectly sweet and simple! To create the heart shape, I use a special waffle iron (find a similar one here and another version on sale here). I think you'll enjoy this fun and delicious way to celebrate whether you're cooking for someone else or treating yourself!

Toasted Coconut Waffles

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

Dash salt

3 eggs

1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk

6 tablespoons butter, melted

1/8 teaspoon coconut extract

3/4 cup flaked coconut

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk, butter and extract. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in coconut.

Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Serve desired amount of waffles with whipped cream and chocolate topping.

To freeze waffles, arrange waffles in a single layer on baking sheets. Freeze overnight or until firm. Transfer to a resealable plastic freezer bag. Waffles may be frozen for up to 2 months.

(Editor's Note: I used a mix from Trader Joe's, but if you want to whip up a fluffy batch from scratch, this is a great recipe!)

Make sure to include your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, shredded coconut or powdered sugar, etc. Serve on a small tray with a fresh bloom! 

Enjoy!

2

Forever Valentine

It is tradition on Valentine's Day to post this little journal excerpt-turned-poem that I had written many years ago. These words still hold true, wherever you are in life. My hope is that you feel loved today, regardless of your relationship status, and that you know that your Creator loves you with an unexplainably beautiful, deep, true kind of love. Happy Valentine's Day!

2

Snapshots of Life Lately

I hosted a little "Gal-entine's" Day party which was a girl's night in complete with all kinds of sweet things, bubbly drinks, valentine making, and lots of conversation! What a fun way to celebrate such a sweet holiday!

Got to enjoy Valentine's day all dressed up in pink with this girl! Love my sis!

 Completed my first 5k, and got first in my age division! Hooray! Can't wait for a few more in the next couple months ahead!

The weather says spring is definitely here, and I'm so thrilled to enjoy the sunshine, blue skies, and warmer weather! A peaceful weekend is one enjoyed outdoors in a gorgeous garden...total bliss!

1

Isn't She LOVE-ly?

Happy Valentine's Day to you! I know it's one of those holidays that most people pick a side for...either you love it, or you don't, and while it's easy to say, "oh, that's just for couples", I find it to be a beautiful day regardless of your relationship status. We're so often me-centered, and are quick to jump to feeling sorry for ourselves if we're not coupled up on this day, but can I submit the idea that perhaps we change our focus from amplified feelings of singleness & self-pity, to seeing this day as an opportunity to love & serve someone else. Who is in your life that you can encourage or appreciate? This is a great day to share the love, tell someone you care about them, and appreciate what they do. Have you noticed that when you take the emphasis off yourself, and make it about others that things seem to become better? In blessing another, you, too, are blessed. 

Also, if we look around, our whole world seems to operate on love, or the lack thereof, as we notice in the motives behind a person's actions. Everybody, whether they admit it or not, craves love; it's essential to our existence. We make decisions, create actions, and do everything on the basis of how we feel about love. This brings to mind a verse in 1 Corinthians. 

(image via)

We are to be an example of love to those around us. Everything we do should be an act of love, an extension of our heart, and as we have been loved by God, when we did not deserve it, so we should extend grace & love to those around us, especially those that may be a challenge to love. Take a look around you, examine your daily schedule, and ask yourself how you can show love to friends, family, those you work with, strangers...etc? Be love, show love, and share love!

Wishing you a wonderful, beautiful and love-ly Valentine's Day!

0

Valentine Friendship Tea

As February gets into full swing, it's time to plan for Valentine's Day. Last year, I hosted a Friendship tea around Valentine's Day for some friends of mine, and thought it would be fun to share it with you! We spent the better part of the late afternoon catching up on each other's lives over sweets, sparkling pink lemonade, and raspberry tea. Everyone loves receiving a note of appreciation, especially around Valentine's Day, so after tea, we brought out the scissors, glitter & pink ribbons, and got to work creating a sweet note or two for friends and family! 

One of my favorite things about Valentine's Day is the fact that it's a great reminder to let those that you love know that you care! Whether you're single, or in a relationship, be sure to share a little love with others; it's surprising how much it blesses you! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3

Be Mine, Valentine?

Happy Valentines Day, friends! I know many people have mixed feelings about this day, but it's really all about your attitude..just think, it's socially acceptable today to eat lots of chocolate, wear all the pink, red and frilly things you own, to give friends and yourself a little gift or a card..and for those of you with a special someone, this is your chance to be as cutely romantic as possible without it seeming cheesy ;) 

It's been a tradition of mine to share this little writing I did some years back, and regardless of whether you're in a relationship or single today, hopefully this reminder can ring true for you today also! 

Have a wonderful, LOVE-ly day!

-Candice

6

Snapshots of Life Lately

Here's a few of the fun things I've been up to lately..
1. Wandering about the blooming rose gardens with my cousin makes for wonderful afternoons!
2. A day spent with some of my favorite girls! Such fun to reunite the "Tiara Trio" after a few years!  See their blogs HERE and HERE 
3. Valentine's day came a little early here! Catch the full party HERE & throw your own girl's night in!

Happy Monday, everyone!

-Candice

8

The Easiest DIY Project Ever

Ok, so here's the thing, I like doing DIY projects, as long as it's not too intricate...otherwise I start to lose interest. When I came across this idea on Pinterest, I knew it was right up my alley. It's cute, inexpensive and super easy. Ready? Let's do it.

Necessary Objects:

Ceramic mugs (pick these up at the Dollar Store)

Paint pen or Sharpie marker (fine point and regular sizes are best)

Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pick your design, quote or whatever you're choosing to draw/write on the mug.
3. Put your Picasso skills to work, and then bake in the oven for 30 min, and voila!

Enjoy your cute new mug, and then make a bunch as gifts for other people to stuff with their favorite coffee or tea!
(How cute would this be for a Valentine's gift..filled to to the brim with
little chocolates and a tea bag or two? You can even do personalized or monogrammed designs)

Have you made these before? 

8

The Perfect Valentine's Day Party

Here's a sneak peek of a project I did for the You Are Project! It was such fun to enjoy an afternoon with my friends, surrounded by flowers, sweet treats and everything pretty in pink!

Enjoy the entire party HERE

Happy Monday, everyone!

-Candice

4

A Valentine's Wish

Roses are red, violets are blue
I am so blessed to have readers like you!

Here's just a little Valentine's Day wish from me to you! Hope your day is truly wonderful!

Happy Valentine's Day, lovely friends!

xoxo,

Candice

11

Queen of Hearts

(Dress: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes: Moschino, Ring: Forever21, Earrings: Cecilie Melli)

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day! I'm going to celebrate on my blog both today and tomorrow just because! I just love this time of year, when everything is aglow in hues of pink, red and white, it is acceptable to eat lots of chocolate and treat yourself or someone special to a little something fun, and flowers are in full bloom everywhere you look. 

Regardless of whether or not you are in a relationship, this is such a fun celebration of one of the most important aspects of life; love. I have a tradition of posting this journal entry of mine from a few years back, as it reminds me to again look at the beauty of life, the one who is true love, and all HE has done to romance my heart..perhaps it can also serve as a reminder to you. Enjoy!

 Hope your day is absolutely wonderful!

Happy Monday!

-Candice

20