my valentine's day message to you: go love yourself.

Valentine's Day is not really my thing. I don't hold out for sweeping romantic gestures or feel the need to cover my bed with rose petals. Last year my present to Scott was to clean up our bedroom.  The year before that I wrote him a blog post.  This year I'm too sick to do either (though Scott told me yesterday that he is taking me to see Janet Jackson when she comes to Toronto in March so that is just about the most rockin' Valentine's Day gift evah).

This morning I put on the aquamarine necklace that Scott gave me the night before we got married.  I don't wear it nearly enough and what better day than today?  I also gave myself a Valentine's Day gift - a market tote from Gussy Sews.  Hey man, I'm worth it.  You're worth it too.  My recommendation, regardless of whether you are in a relationship or not, is to treat yourself to something today.  For my single friends, there is no need to bemoan the fact that you have nobody to celebrate Valentine's Day with.  You are enough.  You are worth loving.  Love yourself!  Remember, you teach people how to treat you, so treat yourself right! 

As for the rest of you, enjoy your dinner out, wine and knocking boots.  I'll be the one curled up in a ball under the covers (of my super messy bedroom) coughing my lungs out. 

top 10 valentine's gifts for her.

Okay fellas, you have just over a week left to get your ass in gear for Valentine's Day.  If you are like any of the men I know, you have know clue what to get your lady.  I'm going to help you out with my top ten favourite things (excluding flowers).  I'm not even being paid to write this.  Consider it a "how to make sure you get some action" public service announcement (cue Barry White).

In no particular order:


Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf - recommended by my girl Lulu


There is a very nice flowery description about this perfume on the Sephora site that you can take a boo at.   The real deal here is that you will look très sophisticated and in the know if you get this perfume for your lady.  I would also like this, and even though I'm not your lady, feel free to also send me some.  Unless that would get you in a lot of trouble.  I'm not about breaking up relationships.

Pink Starburst Market Tote by Gussy Sews

I met Gussy last week at the Blissdom conference in Nashville.  She is a wonderfully talented designer who creates everything from wallets to laptop bags (all made in America).  I have actually ordered this particular bag for myself (a Valentine's gift for me from me!).  If you haven't noticed already, I am a big fan of pink.  Not to worry, Gussy offers her products in all sorts of colours, so she will definitely have something your lady will like in her favourite colour.

Lovebirds t-shirt by Threadless


Maybe your lady is nontraditional (I totally get that).  If you don't know about Threadless, you need to go check them out.  This t-shirt is funky and unique and also draws attention to the bust (a good thing in my books).

pearl bracelet with a charm from the vintage pearl

I would jump and down and kiss anyone who got this for me.  Really, give it a try, you will get a big smooch from yours truly.  I have a necklace from the vintage pearl that I wear on a daily basis.  What I love about their jewelry is it is reasonably priced, very hip, and you personalize it which will make you look really thoughtful (you don't have to tell your lady that you got the idea from me).

Globe Salt Lamp from Hima Salt

This suggestion is a bit out there, but maybe your lady is too, so this will be just the thing for her.  I have given several salt lamps as gifts and they were all very well received.  They are said to be good for natural healing and light therapy.  I have one in my bedroom next to my Buddha and I find it very relaxing.  They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.  I got mine at my local health food store.  Note, they are very heavy, so if your lady tends to be one who throws things when she gets upset, this may not be a great idea for you.

The Beauty of Different by Karen Walrond

This is also a nontraditional gift idea, but if your lady is a book lover, this may be just the ticket.  It is a book about beauty in all dimensions.  I dare you to not feel warm and fuzzy after reading this book.  The writing is inspiring and the photographs are breathtaking and it is all about embracing yourself and those around you and loving the things that makes us all different.  I read a few pages every day and it lifts my spirits every time.

open circle necklace by lisa leonard designs


Can you tell I love me some jewellery? I have several Lisa Leonard pieces that I absolutely cherish.  I don't have this one (yet), but honestly, I would have a hard time choosing just one piece from her collection (check out her site and you will see what I mean).  You can personalize most pieces (more thoughtful points!!) and if your lady doesn't love this, then maybe you should find another lady (I'm just sayin' is all).

Oyster Bay Sauvingon Blanc

I adore this wine.  If your lady is a white wine drinker, it is a safe bet she will enjoy this.  It's not super cheap, but not so expensive that you feel like every sip should taste like liquid gold (whatever liquid  gold tastes like).  I also recommend ordering in Thai food to have with this.  Especially if your lady likes Thai food!  And get a movie while you are at it! And candles! Yes, candles for sure!!

Aveda spa day

I am a sucker for Aveda products.  I am also a big fan of going to the spa (for the entire day if you're offering thanks).  An Aveda spa day would blow my mind.  It will blow your lady's mind.  It may be pricey but I'm willing to bet you will feel like it was worth every penny for the good will you get back.  She'll be happy and pampered and relaxed and feel like a million bucks.  A happy lady is a good thing.

Year of Godiva Dark Chocolate

Of course, it's Valentine's Day, so there must be chocolate (and dark chocolate is really good for you, so you are also being health conscious).  But don't half ass it with a heart shaped box of drugstore chocolate - do it up right.  I'm talking Godiva, and I'm talking the gift that keeps on giving.  Imagine this - every month your lady gets chocolate and you get to reap the benefits of her post chocolate bliss - and all you had to do was make one simple investment.  Sounds ideal.  Sounds like something you should do.  And if my husband is reading this, I would love something (exactly) like this.

Did I miss anything? Ladies, do you have any other suggestions?  Do tell!

(Early) Morning Smile.

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm up super early today because...because Max is up super early! Oof.

Part 2: From Bed-ruin to Bedroom.

My bedroom is a mess and I hate it. At least, it was and I did. After chipping away at the clutter all week (despite being super sick) I have managed to take back our bedroom and return it to its previous Love Den glory. Or, at least, I hope I have (wink). Try not to judge me too harshly as you look at the before pictures. We don't spend much time in our bedroom except to get dressed and sleep, and this room definitely fell victim to our crazy-constantly-on-the-run lifestyle. I'm hoping a clean slate will help us stay motivated to keep it nice and organized moving forward.

The Dresser Before:
Yes, we have fallen prey to the unused exercise equipment that has been converted into "that thing we put crap on". My favourite part of this picture is not the cluttered dresser, but the luggage sitting in the corner, begging to be used. The garbage bag is actually filled with clothes that need to be donated. The steamer? I can't remember the last time it was used.

The Dresser After:
While the wires to the tv still need to be tucked away, and there are still a few boxes between the dressers, this is much better. In a perfect world I'd get rid of that tall dresser altogether. The laundry basket? Well, it has to live somewhere, right?
The Entryway Before:
There is really no excuse for this. Yeah, that's Christmas wrap (and yeah, it's mid-February). The boxes are leftover shipping boxes from gifts that got delivered to the house. Laptop bag, CD binders, and big box of CDs from my big iTunes import project. What can I say? Things tend to stay where they are left...

The Entryway After:
Not much to say here. I cleaned up all the crap. Makes it a lot easier to get into the bedroom.
The Bed Before:
This isn't actually that bad. The bedside tables are piled high with books, which is typical for us. What you can't see is that they are very dusty and need a good wipe down. The decorative pillows are piled in the corner, because, who are we kidding? Nobody actually sleeps with those on the bed.
The Bed After:
I couldn't resist putting a red blanket on the bed for Valentine's Day. Much sexier than the quilt. Bedside tables are cleared of books (this will last until we go to bed tonight and need a place to rest our books).The first thing Scott asked me when he saw the bedroom in its new form was "What am I supposed to do with my clothes?". I suggested that if they required washing, they should be put in the laundry basket, and if they were still clean, they should be hung up in the closet. We'll see how long that lasts.

TMI Tuesday: From Bed-ruin to Boudoir in 1 Week.

With Valentine's Day under a week away, I am willing to bet that plans for romantic evenings abound. Those who dig the holiday are excited about their loved ones being forced into buying cheesy cards, overpriced flowers, and chocolate that your derriere probably doesn't need. I actually have no problem with Valentine's Day (or flowers or chocolate). I just wish that instead of spending a tonne of money on it, people would write their own poem (or love song!), buy an oregano plant , bake a cake, or get busy to express how they feel.

I have figured out a way that will truly express my love: I am going to give our bedroom a makeover and transform it from its current bed-ruin state into a boudoir that will make my intentions for Valentine's Day crystal clear. The bonus, this will cost me no money!

We have a big bedroom. We have way too much stuff in our bedroom, making it cluttered and tough to find things when you need them. And yes, we have a tv in our bedroom (apparently this is a sexlife killer). I think kids are the real sex life killers and you should all leave my tv out of it. The tv stays. The bike gathering dust in the corner? It's a goner.

In order to clean up our bedroom so that I can turn it into The Love Den, I figured the first thing I needed to do was make room in the closets. The only way to do this was to get rid of some clothes. After it was all said and done, I turfed 5 garbage bags worth. Jennifer was my main motivation for this. Not only did her kitchen makeover inspire me, but we also had a lengthy discussion about clothes. Why do I keep clothes I haven't worn in years? Clothes that don't fit? Clothes that aren't flattering? Clothes with stains? Tears? Aren't in style anymore? The biggest offender - clothes that don't make me feel like a million bucks. And don't even start about the shoes...

I found this mass purge fulfilling. I tossed the "goal" jeans that I have been saving in hopes of shimmying my way back into them. Realistically, when I do wiggle a little less, I'm going to reward myself with a new pair of jeans, I'm not going to want to wear my ratty old CKs. I also don't need 15 pairs of pajama pants, old concert tshirts or sweaters with less shape than potato sacks. I am letting a few items that I just couldn't bear to part with audition for a place in my new wardrobe. If I don't wear them by the end of February they will be joining their brethren for donation.

The end result was very pleasing. Now that I have gotten rid of the clothes I don't wear, don't like, and that do nothing for me, I can easily find the garments that make me walk tall (all 5'4 of me). I have kindly suggested to Scott that I would be happy to help him sort through his wardrobe (we'll see if he bites).

Next up? The dresser and night tables (hey! don't look in there...that's private...).