Spread the Valentine’s Love…

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

Valentine’s day is a little bit like Marmite. People either love it or hate it but that appears to be a uniquely British attitude propagated by a combination of stiff upper lip and abject scorn at those who want to wear their hearts on their sleeves. I definitely fall into the love it camp, although only when it’s done the right way. I don’t believe in celebrating your relationship once a year but everyday. I can take or leave the over priced restaurant tables and tacky black and red V-day paraphernalia, but for once I think our friends across the pond have got it right and I love the idea of celebrating all of those people you love and telling them so. My Mum often sends me parcels for Valentines day with cute presents and notes. I think it’s a shame we don’t embrace that side of it more.

Should the fancy take you, I’ve been collecting a selection of treats and DIY’s to inspire you. Even if you don’t make them, they’re pretty sweet for a Monday 🙂

Date Night Valentine Arrows // Valentines garland mailer DIY // DIY Heart gift wrap // Rock Sugar Cookies // Heart topped fruit tart // Sweet Pea Valentine gifts // Heart Tree installation // Chocolate Pomegranate tart // Make heart shaped cinnamon rolls // Pink lemonade cake.

So, now it’s over to you. Do you celebrate V-day with your beloved, or less traditionally with family and friends? I’d love to hear what you’re doing and if you’ve made anything. For us this year it’ll be some QT at home with M&S food 😉

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Must-Do Monday: I Give it a Year

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Rebecca@florencefinds

In a departure from the norm but in total synchrony with what this slot is all about, this is something I don’t want anybody reading to go without seeing. Pete and I love going to the flicks and this weekend when we were at a loose end and not really that keen on leaving the house at all, we decided to try the new Brit rom-com I Give it a Year.

If I were to say I haven’t laughed this hard at a film in my entire memory, I wouldn’t be exaggerating. Fortunately the cinema was pretty empty because Pete and I were actually rolling around in our seats, unable to catch our breath, with tears rolling down our cheeks. The humour ranges from cringe worthy (that Best Man’s speech) to inevitable but all-the-funnier-for-it. If you laughed at Bridesmaids then this is waaay funnier. It’s a great anti-valentine film if you don’t buy into all the hype, but also one your husband or boyfriend won’t demand favours as a reward for watching, (largely thanks to Stephen Merchant’s Gervais-esque turn.) Minnie Driver is priceless and Rose Byrne who I tend to find annoying pulls off a great comedic performance in one of the best scenes of the film.

Go see it, unless this type of film (Love Actually, Four Weddings,*) really isn’t your thing, you will love it. Do leave a comment if you have seen it already or if you do go, come back and let me know what you thought!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

*There is actually a lot less ‘love’ and romance than in either of these – much more Four Weddings than Love Actually 🙂

Changing faces…

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Rebecca@florencefinds

So today is St Valentines day and I have to say, I gave serious consideration to what I would be posting on what can be an emotional minefield of a day 😉

We’ve already talked gifts, but I’m going to make the assumption that the majority of you do something low key if you’re in a relationship, like Pete and I do. In the Norris household, it’s pretty much like any other day really, with a card and perhaps a slightly lingered over, nicer-than-usual meal. I haven’t given V-day as much thought for several years in fact as I think it’s really a celebration for new relationships.

Credit unknown, found via Pinterest

Believe it or not, I also think it’s kind of lovely to share it with friends, or at least the sentiment. I kind of like the old fashioned sentiment and wish I was organised enough to send a pretty card or small sweet thing to all of my girl friends. V-day texts it is then 😉 Nearly every year my Mum sends my sister and I cards and little presents too, which never fails to make you feel happy and loved.

Etsy.com

This week when I was ski-ing, I spent a lot of time observing Pete and his enthusiasm. Anyone of you reading who knows him will know he is possibly the most enthusiastic person in history and that is doubled when it comes to snow sports. So trips like last weeks involve never ending early mornings and carrying on ski-ing until the last lift is closed. It’s hard to object because he enjoys it so much.

This holiday more than ever before, I let him ski late, wake me early and tried not to complain. I realise that sounds a little bit ridiculous, given that I was enjoying amazing snow and a week off work – what’s to complain about? But honestly, he has to be seen to be believed. You see, enthusiasm is infectious, I love his positivity, and of course I’m not averse to ski-ing too. But it lead me to thinking how I had changed since I met Pete.

Image

I definitely count my blessings more, but over the ten years we have been together he has taught me so much about the kind of person I want to be. I swallow my moaning when it’s cold or my legs are aching and keep going, just because I enjoy seeing how happy it makes him and I love experiencing life alongside him. They say you should never try to change a (wo)man, but I reckon when things are right, you change naturally as you grow together and try to make someone happy. So although I am at times ridiculously indulged by him, I try to give back as much as I take, without making a big song and dance about it.

Image: Simply Bloom Photography

And that fleeting train of thought brought me back here as it often does, to wondering… how have you changed because of your relationship? It doesn’t have to be a boyfriend or husband, but maybe someone else like your Mum or a friend have taught you a valuable lesson that you’ve noticed over time.

So to celebrate V-day FF style, get a little slushy and tell me how your personality or outlook on life has changed because of someone special.

With Valentines Love,
Rebecca
xo