Put it in Ink for Valentines Day?

Would you? Is your love eternal enough for a tattoo? Or do you imagine your arm with a bunch of names crossed off? These tattoos wisely avoid names and would continue to work even if the relationship didn't.

I'm fascinated by tattoos, but really can't imagine ever getting one. I'm wise enough to know I'm too indecisive for this type of commitment. And old enough too worry about sagging ink. But I do enjoy seeing them on the young and brave.

Images from Favim.com

Little Casanovas

February for obvious reasons is a good month to contemplate love. It is hard not to think of the topic when little Cupids are pasted every where and store shelves are stacked with flashy hearts stuffed full of chocolates.

Valentine's Day is certainly one ginormous commercialized nod to romantic love, and I suppose depending on whether or not Cupid has set his sights on you, a cause for celebration or an opportunity to feel left out in the cold. One could certainly look at all the dozens of roses waiting to be delivered and wonder "Where's my price charming?"

Personally, I think the grade school version of Valentine's Day from my childhood was a lot more fun and inclusive. I remember buying a book full of Valentines and carefully removing them from their perforated pages? Assembling the flimsy little envelopes and addressing one to every member of my class. Maybe I saved the best one for a special friend but everyone got a token of my friendship. And I in turn collected my own stash of Valentines back. What a bunch of little Casanovas we all were.

Vintage Valentines (Press Out Book) available here.

Happy Mardi Gras in the Year of the Tiger, Mr. President

I felt a bit pulled in all directions by the confluence of holidays this past week. Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, President's Day and Mardi Gras have me whirling in a strange mix of holiday imagery and on a bit of a sugar high. I certainly feel like I have made the most of Fat Tuesday and had my fill of chocolates, cookies and King's Cake. I'm actually looking forward to Lent.

I have yet to decide what to give up for Lent. I'm considering trying to do something healthy or creative instead for the next forty six days but feel a bit too time constrained lately to make the commitment. Oddly, the thought of giving up butter or shopping or soda seems easier than making sure I take a daily vitamin for the next month and a half. I guess that means I'm going to have to go the self denial route.

Love Nests

I think bird's nests are such amazing creations and lucky. I keep a nest (man made) with two opal colored marble eggs and and butterflies in the family section (Feng Shui) of my bedroom for good luck. So I was delighted to find Sharon Beals photographic exploration of all manner of nests. There are over 50 photographs in the series which are available as editioned prints. I think a pair of these photos would make a lovely Valentine's Day or wedding gift. I could see feathering my own nest with a couple too.

In the Mood for Love

Yes, I know it isn't even February yet, but I'm in need of a holiday and coming across lot's of great ways to get in the mood for Valentine's Day. I'm setting aside my disdain for the manufactured aspect of the holiday and embracing the spirit of celebrating love and friendship.

I think the messaging of this Love Candy print from Bodie and Fou is pretty clear. Who wouldn't be flattered to receive this sentiment?

Window Shopping #1: For the Love of Polka Dots

I really love this Dot Print Blouse from 45rpm's fall and winter 2008 collection. It makes me think of Valentine's Day and red roses. Their 2008 collection look-book is full of great pieces, beautiful photography and clever styling. Sadly the price of the blouse puts it in my window shopping category and not my closet. In the meantime I'm going to keep my eyes out for an affordable look-a-like.