Valentine’s Day is one of the highlights of winter for me. A bright spot in a string of long, cold, dark days that we have here in the Midwest during this time of the year. It gives us a chance to have a bit of color around. I fantasize about redecorating my house with fresh pinks like the ones in this Southern Living kitchen, or bright reds like in the bedroom from BHG below.
My husband and I started dating right before Valentine’s Day–our first date was on February 7–so this time of year also reminds me of that “new-in-love” feeling. Do you know what he gave me on our first Valentine’s Day together? A black rose. That’s right. (He’ll love that I’m telling you this!) It was left outside on a windowsill overnight so it would stay “fresh.”
It froze. By the time Dave gave it to me, the rose was purplish-black and falling apart. You know you like a boy a lot when he gives you a dead flower and you keep dating him anyway! We joke that he was just setting the bar low so that all of his gifts in years to come would look good in comparison.
Each year I make him take me to a chick-flick or romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day, and he’s a good sport about it. Today I’m dragging him to see the movie version of one of my favorite books:
I love the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. If you haven’t read them, I’m telling you, they are laugh-out-loud funny. Critics are saying the film version isn’t as good, but I’m a big enough fan that I’ll go and pay good money to see it anyway. I even went to a book signing when Sophie Kinsella came to town and took about 50 photos of her, like a stalker. (She’s just as sweet and fun as you’d imagine when reading her books, by the way!)
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Whatever it is, I hope it’s a good one!
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*Melissa at The Inspired Room is having a “Beautiful Life” blog party today. She also has a great recap from BlissDom posted that you should check out! I also just discovered Finer Things Friday, another fun carnival going on!*
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for valentine’s day, we’re going out looking at houses. probably not romantic to some, but to us it totally is!
maya | springtree road’s last blog post..All blue, but for one green
What a cute story about the rose! I like to have a quiet Valentine’s Day with my family. A movie sounds good.
Great story Julia! How funny! Either of us do anything too special for V-day. We always have great plans….then “bang” it’s here, and too late to do anything you thought! Love the pictures, so romantic & wonderful!
Enjoy your week!!
Karla & Karrie
The Summer Kitchen Girls’s last blog post..Picture Perfect
This is my first time. I hope to y’all invite me back. I plan to be extra good to wife and daughters (who you can see in my post) and not just on the 14th.
Hi Julia. How fun that you’ve chosen Valentine’s Day this week — and chick flicks! I’m looking forward to seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic, too! Happy Valentine’s Day! ~Arleen
Arleen’s last blog post..Inspiration ~ Hand Painted Furniture
I love the kitchen…the pinks, whites and french flair…oh my! The story about you and your husband was very sweet and romantic.
Mary Beth’s last blog post..Valentine’s Treats to Make and Give
I love that other people find Valentine’s Day so exciting … I find it a bit like New Years Eve … not really an occasion that lives up to expectations!
LexyB’s last blog post..Green roof love
That top photo of the kitchen is making me drool.
My kids are having a sleepover with my parents and hubby and I are going to dinner at a restaurant a friend got us a reservation at and then spending a quiet evening at home (in the QUIET!)
My post for tomorrow is about my baby boy turning 2 so I’ll have to play Hooked On Fridays next week.
Emily@remodelingthislife’s last blog post..Small Space Solutions
I love the black rose story! ha. We are having a date night dinner with my MOPS (mother’s of preschooler’s) group Friday night. We cater dinner for the adults and get childcare. It’s one of the few times we all get together with our husbands, so it’s a lot of fun. Then Sat. night the kids are going to parent’s night out while we get to go out! I think I’ll do the chick flick thing too. I’m lucky that he usually likes those movies anyway. Although he is a scary movie fanatic and is threatening to go to the MOPS dinner in a hockey mask (Friday the 13th!!) LOL!
Amy @ Living Locurto’s last blog post..Oklahoma Tornado
I can’t wait to see what you think about the movie! I was literally just telling my DH how much I loved the books but am disappointed in the trailers for the movie. I hope it’s good.
I’m not sure what we are doing for V Day…probably not much. Maybe we’ll eat dinner together after the kid goes to bed and then watch a movie.
Lindsay’s last blog post..The Wonderful World of Wall-E
That first photo with the distressed table and the Shabby Chic chandelier? Me likey.
As for Valentine’s Day, we do a family “love fest” instead of a couples thing. The kids help decorate the table, we light candles, cook up a family favorite meal, put on some music, and pass around homemade Valentines. We try to make it super fun. This year we’re also going to spend some time my parents earlier in the day.
Ann Kroeker’s last blog post..Food on Fridays: PG Tips
Your rose experience sounds really great. I’ll bet you still laugh about it today. That bottom picture from BHG is amazing, too. It’s just perfect for this post.
Katie
Katie @ makingthishome.com’s last blog post..Caring for Flowers in Europe & A February Children’s Poem
Love the cute stories and the pics! Let us know how the movie is! I REALLY want to see it-the books were awesome!
Julie @ Organizement’s last blog post..Functional Furniture
oh I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Valentines too! I have read just about all of the shopaholic books… they are so funny! Enjoy the movie, let us know how you like it!
jill’s last blog post..Hooked On… Bird Cages!
Love the story about the rose! You’re right, Valentine’s day is a bright spot in winter. Thanks for hosting week after week!
Taya @ Delightful’s last blog post..Celebrating Valentines Day all Year
Happy Valentine’s Julia!
Maya@Completely Coastal’s last blog post..Pink Beach Resorts
I sooooooooooooo want to go see Shopaholic!!!!!
FUN to be part of your Friday AGAIN!
ENJOY!
Fifi
Fifi Flowers’s last blog post..Hooked on Stealing… aaah a beautiful life
OOh, I’m jealous, Shopaholic hasn’t hit Norway’s theaters yet!
Have a great Valentines Day!
Dagny’s last blog post..Ebay-o-mania
Hi, I’ve joined your party! I can’t wait to see that film – I loved all the books.
Lynne’s last blog post..Hable Construction: West Village store closing
Awwwe, the black rose is such a cute story.
Think I can drag my hubby to that movie for V-Day?
Happy Valentines Day!
~TidyMom
Have fun at the movies, it looks so cute!!
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Keep it Sweet,
Suzy
Suzy’s last blog post..Hooked on Valentine Baking….
Hi Julie, I LOVE V-day too…it’s also our anniversary (11 years!). In lieu of gifts, we got a new mattress (is that romantic?). Have a great mushy weekend!
Susan
Susan Smith’s last blog post..What do a bra and a mattress have in common?
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Darla ~ Sassy Homemaker’s last blog post..Deerly beloved
Oh the black rose made me LOL (and it’s not even 7 AM yet).
Darla ~ Sassy Homemaker’s last blog post..Deerly beloved
Wishing all a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Kathi’s last blog post..Supporting the Arts
Sheeeze! It’s Friday the 13th and I’m supposed to be thinking about getting lucky?!?!?
I’m thinking surf ‘n’ turf lobster and fillets with truffle butter and a caesar salad and maybe a Barolo or two avec Mrs. OrDie. I doubt I could beat that.
Mark
RehabOrDie’s last blog post..Shout out to Shane and Casey !!
I love this blog and greatly enjoy this blog carnival! Thanks for doing this.
Have a good Valentine’s date!
Lacy’s last blog post..Hooked on…The Tides
Oh that is so funny that he inadvertently left you a dead rose! hahaha! And I have not read any of Sophia Kinsella’s books…but as soon as I have time to read more I will check them out. I love books that make you laugh out loud! My Valentine’s day plans aren’t romantic, per say, but I will be with the people I love, so I’m very excited about that. My brother, his wife and their two little ones are visiting us for the weekend! We haven’t seen them since Christmas and we’ve got lots planned. Can’t wait. Hope you have a great weekend too!
christy’s last blog post..Where to meet cute British men. Tomorrow.
I love that kitchen!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
We always used to go out to eat on Valentines. Now that we have kids it’s just not worth it. Finding a sitter, finding a restaurant, sitting through a very long meal with bad service, it’s way too crowded out there etc. Do I sound like a Valentine scroodge or what? I’m really not! Now we might go somewhere to eat. But we go really early to beat the crowds, we take the kids, it’s usually a very casual family place. We really enjoy spending the time together as a family. Hubby and I can be romantic later!
Lazy Mom Leslie’s last blog post..Drumroll Please
Oops sorry to double post. My hubbie is watching the kids, so I can see Shopaholic ALONE. Not romantic to some but he would def would not like it…He & the kids are going to do something fun which does make me happy. Yay!! I can’t believe I get a little alone time. Happy Valentines Day!!
melissa’s last blog post..Harrison Howard Chinoiseries
Ahhhh Valentines day! The day for sweeties to fall in love all over again. Wonder what my hubby has up his sleeve. The movie night that yall will be having sounds like a great idea! The movie sounds like a cute one too. Hope yall have a wonderful time and Happy Valentines day to ya!
Susie Harris’s last blog post..More than just ad….An inspiration
I’m trying to convince my husband to go see either Confessions or He’s just not that into you…we’ll see who wears the pants in our house! Have a great Valentine’s Weekend!
Kristin’s last blog post..Vintage Photos
I loved your dating story! Today I am hooked on a beautiful bouquet of in the moment memories! Have great weekend!
Sandy’s last blog post..A Beautiful Bouquet Of Moments…..
I will have to see if we can make it to that movie- might be fun. Loved the picture of that first kitchen- fabulous.
Thanks for sharing.
teresa’s last blog post..Cottage Bath & It’s a Beautiful Life challenge-
So sweet! Love that story. And you’ll let us know about the movie. I am looking forward to our Valentine’s Dinner/Banquety Night.
CarolinaMama’s last blog post..Hooked On Fitness Rocks!
The kitchen is so perfect! i’ll have to save the image for future references when I design my dream kitchen!
xx
Luphia’s last blog post..Hooked on: Hôtel Vernet Paris
Looking forward to your movie review. Just seeing the commercials made me wonder how well they stuck to the book.
Holly’s last blog post..Going Green
Happy Valentines Day, Julia.
No special plans for the day here.
I enjoyed the rose story, so much!
Pat’s last blog post..~Blue Platters & Bunnies~
What a wonderful post, and blog!
I posted a charming Valentine video from Paris, as well as a photo story on things to do for Valentine’s Day inspired by Paris. Enjoy!
xoxo
Julia,
You will NEVER believe this, but the first rose I got from MY HUBBY (prior to him being my hubby) was a BLACK ROSE! I am not kidding. What a coincidence!
Thanks for linking to my Blissdom post…:-)
happy day,
melissa
melissa @ the inspired room’s last blog post..When Life & Blog Collide: Your Life Purpose & Measuring Success
LOL about the rose!
I’m hooked on sewing for my house this month and have been making Anthropologie-type bedding and kitchen linens. Come on over and see!
Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star’s Fault
Thanks for linking up with Finer Things Friday! Our memes go well together!
Amy @ Finer Things’s last blog post..Finer Things Friday: Sharing My Valentine
The black rose story is so cute – hope you have a great v-day!
Ms.Tee’s last blog post..Valentine’s Day with a Twist
happy valentines day! You have inspired me today as always!
I am soooo hooked on flowers it’s crazy! Happy Valentines everyone
Tamara’s last blog post..What?! Roses?! For Me?! I’m Hooked on Roses
Happy Valentine’s Day, Julia.
I loved the story of your first Valentine’s day!
Steve took me to a horror movie on our first Valentine’s day.
Do you remember “The Fly” with Jeff Goldblum?
How romantic! Fortunately, our Valentine’s celebrations have gotten a
lot better since then.
xo
Brooke
velvet and linen’s last blog post..romantic chaises
I’m hooked on having a dinner party tonight!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Julia!
sandy’s last blog post..Valentine’s Table – in Less than ONE HOUR!
Hi Julia,
I’ve been enjoying these Hooked on Friday posts so much! I just need to get with the program and join in a little more!
Love – Love – Love this post today! Hey, Rachel Ray had the actress Isla Fisher from Confessions of a Shopaholic as her guest today!
Anywhoo, Hubby told me a while back that he’s taking me to dinner and the movies for valentines and that I get to pick whatever movie I want. I think you know what movie we’re going to see tomorrow evening as well!
Happy Valentines Day Julia! May your day be as beautiful as you!
Blessings – Debbie
Debbie’s last blog post..Week Ended On A Good Note
Wow, I barely got my link in before Friday was over! Phew.
I’ve read every single Shopaholic book too. I’m jealous you got to see Sophie Kinsella!
Ira Glass was in D.C. on Wednesday and I did. not. go. Am so mad at myself, as I am such a fan. I would definitely have been stalking him with my camera too!
Off to see what everyone else is hooked on this week…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Gigi’s last blog post..Saturday Shopping Trip
I finally got my link here…it wouldn’t work all day!
Went to see the Shopaholic with my daughter today, we loved it! My sweet husband and I went to our favorite Tapa’s place for an early Valentine dinner tonight and then took advantage of our warmer weather and took a little after dinner stroll through downtown. Happy Valentine’s Day!
coco’s last blog post..outdoor living…
Love the black rose! I am just thankful my husband got his flat tire fixed to get home to me for Valentine’s day. He works out of town now, so we are very happy to have him home for a short weekend stay.
Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
~Misti
Misti @ Studio M Designs’s last blog post..Design Inspiration: Just for Kids
I love the black rose story and I love that first picture! I want that table
We’re going to stay in and cook a feast, drink wine and lay low. A nice end to a very crazy and way too busy week.
Happy Valentines Day – I love your blog!
xo Isa
Isa’s last blog post..Southern Charm
Oh my…I tried to walk away from the computer for the last day and a half, and I can’t believe I missed this great post and link up. How fun. Too funny about the black rose. I love that. Isn’t it so fun to read each other’s posts now and actually “see” the person behind it. Love it!!
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s last blog post..Shopping the house with a little spray paint
Happy Valentine’s Day Julia…loved the black rose story….my hubby took the day off yesterday and we went to the ocean (cold but we love it) and had lunch at our fave place….tonight we are grilling steaks and just hanging out…low key.
All the best,
Kathy
Wow, Julia, I am in AWE of your website and blog. I have been Hooked On Houses since I was a little girl, and just this year bought a 176 year old house; it’s my dream come true.
I will be back to your blog over, and over, and over again! Many thanks for such an amazing resource. You are a role model for sure!
Love the black rose story. How sweet. As I like to say to my husband, it’s a good thing we think the men in our lives are cute! My husband brought me a single yellow rose on our first date — all he could afford — but he brought it to the neighbors by mistake!
For Valentine’s Day, it’s filet mignon, asparagus, and some good aged Scotch in front of the parlor fireplace. One of the benefits of the empty nest!
Best wishes, Cass
Cass’s last blog post..If It Weren’t For The Hand-Washing. . .
I smiled while reading about the black rose! What immediately stands out is that he wanted you to have the perfect red rose so he put it outside to keep it fresh! How many young men do that? It’s sweet and oh so romantic! My husband proposed to me on Valentine’s Day and 16 years later he always makes that day beyond special for me. Our daughter was born on the 06th of February so we have lots to celebrate around this time of year.
Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for sharing your romantic real-life story!
Charlie’s last blog post..Happy Holidays…
Oh Julia, I am drooling over this kitchen. Hope you had a very sweet and lovely Valentines Day:)
Oh I adore that kitchen!! I had to pass this week on ‘Hooked on’ as I had to help my parents with their summerhouse. But I’ll be checking out those links later
Liz@VioletPosy’s last blog post..Facebook Change of Terms and Conditions
I love the black rose story…sounds like something that would happen to me…via the man in my life.
That kitchen picture is making me want to paint my cabinets white. One of these days…now that the kitchen is as “done” as it’s going to be at the shore house for a while…I need to take pictures and solicit some bloggerific feedback.
laura @ the shore house’s last blog post..Real friends, real estate, real good times.
How about a post-Valentine’s Day breakfast…. xoxox <3 Üdo
We never used to bother with Valentines day, thought of it as commercialism gone mad. This year we did celebrate it, I think 11 years of marriage means you need to find excuses to get romantic LOL!
Anyway it was a heap of fun so I definately plan to go all out next year – thanks for the ideas.
Madeleine’s last blog post..Top MandM 10 NZ Christian Blogs January 08
well i say i dont bother with it but i am a lyer. my valentines days in the past were pretty jacked up. had an operation on one. my father was buried on another. had an ex that only showed love on the ones from 87 to 90. and 91 was sitting in the desert. sooooooooo…. normally its a jacked up day. but, a few years ago my very best friends mom had a stroke. and he was stressed. it happened in march. well my mom died from heart problems. and i told him he needed to give her some flowers and tell her how much he loved her. he was confused and i told him that valentines day should be 365 days a year. not just that one day. so at lunch he went and sent his mom some roses. that night she sat there and hugged his hand and was thrilled to death. and of course that made that over 50 year old man thrilled too. so we celebrate 365. but, i personally throw in home baked goods for him and he acts like a teenager around me. lol… made my 16 year old kid sick of us. hope you had a good day.