St. Valentine’s Day, while a sweet notion in theory, is one of those holidays that seems a little overrated to me. It may be that, like New Year’s Eve, there’s too much pressure to outdo the previous celebration. I know this perspective will irritate some, but my take is we should treat the significant other(s) in our life (Mr. B, for me) with thoughtfulness, love, and the occasional unexpected treat, almost every day!
{Can you guess what year we were married? Check the flowers in my hair}
That’s not to say I don’t enjoy bringing out a few hearts during the first 2 weeks of February and buying those darling pink, white and red m&m’s every year! Don’t get me started on other sweets that are symbolic of the holiday…I’m really trying to eat healthy food in 2015. 🙂
So, since my passion (aside from my passion for Mr. B) runs in the home decor arena most of the time, I thought I’d share rooms that exude a romantic vibe (at least to me).
Candlelight is romantic. I love the glow and use it all the time, even when it’s just the two of us.
{for the love of a house ~ Joan recently did a post on using candles}
Lighting certainly plays a part in the romantic feel of a home, mood lighting as it’s referred to, can evoke a sense of comfort and what’s romance without comfort?!
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A fire in the fireplace is always romantic with the added bonus of keeping you toasty if you live in a part of the world that is experiencing winter right now!
A nice meal, whether it’s just the two of you or you’ve invited a few good friends to join the fun, can be romantic. We’ve been invited to a small (4 couples) dinner party on the big day and we’re really looking forward to it. {Thank you Barry and Carol}
In conclusion, one of the most romantic, charming cottages I’ve ever found gracing the pages of a magazine, Randy Boyd’s Laguna Beach home…
Will you be romancing the one you love at home this year?
laney said:
…lovely lovely lovely…at anytime of the year…or heart…blessings laney
Karen B. said:
Laney, Enjoy your Valentine’s Day—the the U.S. this year, it’s a 3-day weekend due to President’s Day holiday on Monday. [?] Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 3:26 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Rebecca said:
Definitely a Hallmark holiday…like Sweetest Day etc…not my fav.
Karen B. said:
Rebecca, At least this year (in the U.S.) it will be a 3-day holiday due to President’s Day. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 4:54 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Rebecca said:
I did love your pictures though!…meant to say that before
Karen B. said:
[?] Thanks so much.
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 7:35 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jeannine said:
What a sweet picture of the two of you. I’d say you were married in the early to mid-70s.
Karen B. said:
Jeannine, Yes, we were flower-child era bride and groom! Hahaha. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 4:56 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
Karen…I’m with you…valentines day is a little over rated…but enjoy you time with your hubby and that picture is adorable.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Julie. Clearly, the flowers and wedding gown give away the whole flower-child era we were in! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 7:11 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Donnamae said:
Great pics…especially the first one! We were married in ’74…I’m guessing you about the same time? Romance should be year round in my opinion. We will be at home! 😉
Karen B. said:
Hi Donnamae,
Hahaha. Yes we were married in ’73, right smack dab in the middle of the flower-child era. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen
Marilee Friedrich said:
Love these photos, and your commentary, as alway! Xxoo
Karen B. said:
Hi Marilee, Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 7:26 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
as a corgi mom, i found the last image the most “heartfelt”!
karen are you a twin that i did not know about? everything you say/write/think is a mirror image. ditto on valentine’s day/sweetest day…. seems so contrived with expectations. my husband will be out of town and that is just fine on this end. he is also off the hook for flowers & candy.
great images!
debra
Karen B. said:
Hello Sister! 🙂 My bff has a corgi too. I knew you and I were meant to be friends when you shared pics of your corgi and your love of England! It’s you, me, my bff, and the Queen! Hahaha. The good news this VD is that President’s Day is Monday and I’m free to do whatever I want, best Valentine’s present as these things go. Enjoy your upcoming weekend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 8:11 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
I don’t care much about Valentine’s Day either… Other than it promises the eventual arrival of spring. I guess it does not have the same connotations for you West Coast lovely-weather people!!
My favorite of the above is the neutral room with dark floors and the glass french doors. I LOVE THOSE DOORS. I’ve been looking for a place to tack a pair on in our house…
Karen B. said:
I like the See’s candy and the cute m&ms but otherwise it seems contrived. I’m looking forward to celebrating with friends. Yes, I confess, after seeing parts of New England and the mid-west I promise not to gripe anymore at the West Coast warm all the time weather. It’s supposed to be 85+ degrees this week, who moved me to Florida?! Karen P.S. The french doors would look great at the end of your kitchen area.
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 9:53 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
I did such a double-take with your wedding photo! What memories came flooding back to me. I remember your dress (and mine) so well. You and Lyn were a lovely couple then, and you are now. Happy Valentine’s Day to you both.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. We were all so young then! Hahaha. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, my friend. Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 11:37 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Lyn Bunch said:
Mr. B concurs with all of the editorial comments from above…Happy Valentine’s Day Sweety!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Mr. B. We have had fun! xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 2:07 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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kristywharvey said:
I love this, Karen! So adorable and such a sweet sentiment. I just love this precious photo. Happy Valentine’s to you and your love — and good for you for making every day special! xo Kristy
Karen B. said:
Well, most days! Hahaha. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day…can’t wait to see the s’mores idea. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 2:41 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
What a sweet photo- love the daisies in your hair. Great ideas about candles, flowers, and a good meal. And yes, Randy Boyd’s home is romantic perfection!
Isn’t it fun that it’s a 3 day weekend? We’re spending part of it in San Diego with friends. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Mr. B.!
Karen B. said:
Vicki, As you know, the weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. Have fun in San Diego and thank you for always joining the conversation and for your always kind words. Happy Valentine’s Day weekend, and President’s Day. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 5:54 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
I know a ’70s wedding dress when I see one! What a great photo! (Seems wedding dresses now are all about how much skin you can show or how tight they can fit.)
Alas, I don’t get Monday off, and I don’t care much about Valentine’s Day, BUT the Northwest Flower and Garden Show is this weekend, and that’s a special occasion!!
Have a great weekend and have fun with your friends. –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, As a fellow flower-child era person, I figured some of my friends/readers would know the time period (1973). Our wedding was in February and it was quite cool so that turtle neck dress was dual purpose dress…had the look of the style for the time, and kept me warm. 🙂
I’ve only been to the Bainbridge Flower Show (and loved it) but it’s in July I believe. Is this flower and garden show indoors? Enjoy, I envy your plans. I love the inspiration I usually gain from a flower show.
xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 7:53 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
This one’s indoors and one of the biggest in the nation! Can’t wait till tomorrow!!
Leslie Harris aka Gwen Moss said:
Karen you guys looks so sweet together. I love looking at wedding photos, and I guessed the seventies. I hope you have fun on Saturday night, we’re having dinner with three other couples too, old friends and we’re looking forward to it. And I agree, that Laguna Beach cottage is so lovely.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Leslie. Can you believe the summer like weather we’re experiencing? It will be a nice evening for good food, conversation and friends! xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 9:47 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslie@prettypetals said:
Karen, You look so pretty with flowers in your hair! I remember those days:) Regarding Valentine’s Day, I agree that we should express love to our significant other daily .. and not take each other for granted. I also enjoy making my home look romantic for this holiday. Flowers, a candle, having a romantic dinner in – or out is a bonus. If one feels obligated to buy cards, flowers, etc.. then it’s just not the way the person wants to express their affection and that’s okay too 🙂
Have a wonderful time with your family and friends. Sounds like a wonderful evening you have planned. (I have no plans as of yet so you are way ahead of me!)
xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I agree, I love the extra flowers that seem to be available around this holiday and it’s always fun to have a few heart items out. Enjoy your day, I know you’ll come up with something lovely. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 11, 2015 at 9:48 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
What an adorable picture – so cute and love the daisies!! Hope it’s a great day with family and friends!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Kristy and Beth. My favorite flowers now are so much different, hydrangea, peonies, roses, but I guess those blossoms would have been too large for my hair! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Thu, Feb 12, 2015 at 4:53 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
That is a charming photograph, circa 1977 perhaps? I wholeheartedly agree about VD – overrated – but I’m glad you are celebrating with good friends this year over home cooked food – the very best way, especially as Mr. B. will be right there by your side.
Karen B. said:
CD, Close, 1973. And yes, I was a child bride. Hahaha. I know from your posts you enjoy dinner in-house, with good friends as well. Major holidays seem to force restaurants to book too many reservations and make errors with their menu items. Give me a relaxing evening with good friends in a home any day. Enjoy your weekend. Karen
On Thu, Feb 12, 2015 at 8:06 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Teresa @ Splendid Sass said:
Karen,
This is such a beautiful post. Pinning time for me.
I love every room here, for any time of year.
Love your wedding picture.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Teresa
xoxo
Karen B. said:
Thank you, Teresa. Enjoy your Valentine’s/President’s Day weekend. xo, Karen
On Fri, Feb 13, 2015 at 7:54 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Dear Karen all oft these images evoke romance and yes I am a romantic at heart!! Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you will visit soon!
Happy Valentine’s weekend!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Karen B. said:
Karena, You’re such an artist, it’s no surprise to me you’re a romantic. I’m headed over right now for a visit. I do enjoy your site and the introduction to so many worthwhile artists. Happy Valentine’s Day. xo, Karen
On Sat, Feb 14, 2015 at 8:00 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, how many years have I know you and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that wedding photo – so sweet!
I think our wonderful group of friends found the very best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Aren’t we luckily to be a part of that?
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, I agree, I count our NYE group of friends as one of life’s little treasures. This past Valentine’s dinner was so much fun. Hahaha, yeah the hippie in the dress with flowers in her hair is me! xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 18, 2015 at 9:24 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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LibbyJo said:
Daisy hair and cake has to be 60’s. We were married in a similar time frame, 1967, tails and formal attire and I was told that daisies were informal and did not go. I balked at that notion, declared daisies the flowers of the 60’s and did it anyway. Love the spirit of the flower.
Karen B. said:
Hi Libby,
1973, but still the same flower child era. 🙂 My mom pretty much let me dictate the details of our wedding. I was an only child, possibly spoiled. Ha,ha,ha.
Thanks for stopping by.
Karen