Wishing you and your honey were heading to a quaint B&B for Valentine’s Day? Dreaming of boarding a plane to Paris for a romantic getaway? Needing a day of relaxation and pampering at a spa?
Yeah, me too, but most of us only dream about those kinds of experiences. Real life is usually not that romantic or dreamy. If you have kids at home or a shortage of funds (or both), any dream of a real Sweet Escape this Valentine’s Day will likely result in disappointment (or will at least require a lowering of expectations.)
Finding contentment and creative solutions in the life we have is part of finding beauty everyday. We can’t all pack our bags and head off on romantic getaways, but if we rev up our creativity, Valentine’s Day can be anything we imagine it to be! Need some inspiration? Check out The Inspired Room at CWO this month!
Your writings are always so inspiring! Have a great day!
Thank you for this Melissa. So much of enjoying a holiday is how we decide to participate. We can create wonder and fun without spending a dime or getting on an airplane. It’s fun to exercise an imagination!!
(deep sigh) I just love this month….the holiday that is filled with such sweetness that takes us through the dreary months of winter into the warm arms of spring! Now for a bit of that chocolate goodness
thank you Melissa..
julia
My mind is racing with ideas! Thanks for the suggestions here and at CWO. We’ve already decided to eat our Valentines’ dinner like a picnic outside on our land.
I read the link, and to quote you, “[W]ith a change in attitude and mindset, a focus on the blessings that God has given us, and a dose of creativity and fun, our lives can be every bit as rich and fulfilling as our neighbors’ who can just hop on a plane to spend Valentine’s Day in a romantic restaurant 3,000 miles away. Create a place that nurtures your spirit, rekindles your love, and renews your energy right under your own roof. That is a fairytale life!” This is so true — and NOT in a lower your expectations or this is reality so accept it, kind of way. Thank you for the needed reminder, Melissa! Indeed, if we’re more deliberate and proactive in what we do (and the thoughts surrounding our actions), aren’t we doubly blessed?!
…my favorite love poem…”him that i love i wish to be free, free even from me” anne morrow lindbergh
Melissa–
I really enjoyed your articles on CWO. Your writing is so refreshing. Thanks! -Julia K
Great article Melissa, I hae often had to resort to imagination in order to overcome a tight budget and you know what I have found? A little effort goes a long way and it isn’t where you are so much as who you’re with. Now if I could just get rid of the teenage girls for the night!
Very Well Said Melissa…I love the simplicity and yet the encouragement in it as well…you have such a beautiful gift of tying things up into such a beautiful package!
xoxo,
Melissa
Hi Melissa! Some great ideas in the article at CWO! Thanks….
Penny
I love, love, love your article on celebrating Valentine’s Day. The authenticy of your ideas appeal to me so much. My husabnd and I have been married for 11 years. I think that part of our romance is kept alive by reminiscing about the early years of our relationship. One of the most meaningful Valentine’s Days my husband and I had was one where we each picked three spots in our home town that were meaningful to us (where we first met, the hospital that my daughter was born, where we got married etc.). We went for a drive and visited each of these spots and it was so romantic to reminisce and celebrate our love for each other and the life that we share.
Hi Melissa, we enjoyed your articles in CWO, and all your wonderful Inspirational posts. Thank you
Anf that photo is making us peckish for a piece of chocolate! Jenn and Jacqui xo
Hi Melissa, we enjoyed your articles in CWO, and all your wonderful Inspirational posts. Thank you
And that photo is making us peckish for a piece of chocolate! Jenn and Jacqui xo
Well said, Melissa! And I so enjoyed your article at CWO. I think I’ll start cooking up a B & B at home for Valentine’s evening! Thank you for the inspiration!
Great CWO article, Melissa! A few years ago I spent a 3 day weekend in Provence…right in my own home. Shortly before my “trip”, I gathered videos, music, cookbooks, and ingredients for a wonderful, inexpensive, relaxing vacation…I spent lots of time outside at a little cafe table, surrounded by potted lavender plants, reading, relaxing, and listening to music. It was wonderfully restoring. Maybe Tuscany this year!
Thank you all for your encouraging words!
xo
Hey Melissa,
Yummy post! I will be heading over to check out your article now.
Love,
Deb
You have a wonderful inspiring blog, thank you for sharing your insights and beautiful photos.
Judith
Hi Melissa,
I just love all of your tips. It’s so true – we can’t always get out for an expensive dinner, pay a babysitter and then maybe not even have the greatest night out (we recently went out for our anniversary, nice restaurant, babysitter and needed to have our table moved just as our food was arriving to get away from the large table of drunk men that were so crude), it really ruined the night. It’s more fun and a lot less expensive to create that special night at home. You have such a great gift of writing too!
Twitter: thisisglamorous
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Hello Melissa–hope you’re enjoying a little blogging break–you certainly deserve it after such a wonderfully successful Inspiration Week!