Heart Day Recap

Hello sweet friends!

How were y'all's weekends?  Mine was good--lots of relaxing (I even started reading Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin and am hooked) and time spent with family.  Finally, the cherry on top this weekend was a beautiful snow Sunday night--check out the Sundresses and Smiles Facebook page, here, to see a picture!

Additionally, my aunt is continuing to recover very well.  I appreciate all of your kind words over the weekend.  As a blogger, it can be scary to open yourself up in such an honest way, particularly about something that is tough.  I was nervous to post what my family has been struggling with, but, all of your support and kind words showed me that the blog really is a place for me to be my whole self.

Today I thought I would give you a recap of my Valentine's Day with Bryce.  WOW!  Can't believe it was already a whole week ago.

Bryce and I decided that we wanted to stay in and cook dinner together rather than going out.  For me personally, going out to a fancy restaurant surrounded by other couples celebrating Valentine's Day, takes away from a bit of the romance and intimacy of the holiday, so I was glad to be staying home.  When I arrived at Bryce's he had the table set up!

lit candles, wine we bought together at Rosemont, and a beautiful bouquet

When I arrived we quickly got to work on dinner:  A mixed greens salad, Halibut, and Risotto.

It all turned out so good that I even went for seconds!

Knowing that a way to a man's heart is his stomach, I worked all afternoon on a special dessert for Bryce.  Bryce is a HUGE chocolate fan, so I knew something decadent and chocolate would be necessary.  I ended up opting for a chocolate mousse layered cake (recipe coming soon!)

Garnished with red lip sprinkles and mini chocolate chips!

It was delicious, but a little too rich for my tastes (perfect for Bryce's)!

After dinner, I presented Bryce with his two presents.  We both had agreed not to get each other extravagant gifts, but I did want to do something special to show him how much he means to me. 

First on the list were these chocolate covered pretzels I made!

Next was the big gift--"52 things I love about YOU!"

"52 things I love about YOU!"

Rather than bore you with ALL 52, I'll just share a few of my favorites.  I tried to keep the list a mix of serious and silly things.

"I love your cute TUSH!"

"I love when you SING to me!!"

"I love that you're a true Southern gentleman."

"I love that you're kind and friendly to everyone you meet."

"I love that you ALWAYS make me feel beautiful!"

"I love that you give without expecting anything in return."

"I love that you put up with my whining."

Guilty...I can be a whiner!

"I love that you never give up on US!"

Bryce really loved this gift and snickered when I admitted the idea was from none other than Pinterest!

Bryce gave me the most beautiful bouquet of pink roses and stargazer lillies (lillies are my favorite flower), which I mentioned in Friday's post.  As promised here is an updated picture since the lillies have begun to open up more--they are SO gorgeous!

isn't that stunning?

Additionally, he got me this cute card that couldn't be more perfect...

Bryce can't stand when I rub my "ice cubes" on him to try and warm them up!

All in all, it was a wonderful Valentine's Day and a really special time to celebrate our love!  

How did you celebrate?

Did you have a good weekend?