Bake sugar cookies.

{Curious?}

Invite someone over.

{Curious?}

Personally, I think any day that gives you an excuse to tell someone you love them, is a good day indeed.

So let’s start planning–to show a little kindness; bake a hint of sweetness; leave a little note.

And thanks to a thoughtful person or two, that last bit need not cost you a thing {other than, you know, some paper & ink–maybe a brain cell or two} . . .

{chocolate bar courtesy of Jeanne Winters}

{courtesy of A Fanciful Twist}

{courtesy of The Black Apple}

PS–Looking for more Valentine’s for the wee ones in your life? Check out these Valentine Freebies from We Love to Illustrate!

Tango!

Don’t know how? Then today’s your day to learn to tango.

{Curious?}

Strong bindings, first editions, and leather bound boards make me giddy; original illustrations, gilt edges, and fanciful end papers make me swoon. A bad day? No problem, so long as a bookstore is nearby.

Given the choice between a fabulous set of heels and a beautifully bound book, I’d be hard pressed to make a decision. There are many a book in my library that should have been Salmon fillets, or maybe a new skirt.

It’s not my fault, mind you. Much of the blame rests with my parents. My mom long encouraged imagination and books often found their way to me via gifts; and my dad . . . . well, my dad simply led by example. He’ll read anything and everything. I still remember him reading the tables at Wendy’s (they were designed in vintage newspapers). And don’t expect much when he’s reading. If you happen to choke on a chicken bone while my dad has his nose in a book, good luck. It’s not that he wouldn’t want to help; he’ll just be unaware of any pandemonium outside the covers of that book.

Despite my upbringing, however, I try to blend in . . . I try to appear normal. When speaking, I try to talk about the world, at large; when at a gathering where I’d much rather be reading, I rarely let on.

Still, every once in awhile something comes along that gives it all away. Something like tissues, nestled in a book designed box . . .

One glance, that’s all it takes, and I cave like Superman lounging on a settee of Kryptonite. My eyes grow wide and try as I might I just can’t stifle that squeal.

It’s over. I’m done.

And there it is, for the whole word to see: my nerd card.

Of course, lucky for me, I’m usually much too happy to care. So there’s that . . .

Read a genre you’d normally avoid.

{Curious?}

Snuggle in.

{Curious?}

Make the most of Nutella. 

Editor’s Note: Lest you non-nutters be left out, you can substitute Nutella for the likes of Biscoff Spread.

{Curious?}

Wednesday, my friend Manders came over for a birthday dinner.

Her birthday was the 7th of January. 

The crate paper ran amok, the Happy Birthday banner hung cattywompus, the gift box poked through the paper on one corner. And the photos were pitiful, at best. 

Apparently, I’m not getting back in the game any time soon. Good thing it doesn’t matter when it comes to time spent with friends.

Sure, there may come a day when my decorations are flawless, my gifts refined, and my photos are gallery quality {why are you laughing?}. I’ll just keep celebrating like I mean it, until the rest of it catches up.

And that’s my hope for you, dear friends: days filled with festivity–even if things are far from perfect, and you haven’t a true reason to celebrate. Despite it all, I hope you’ll take some time to toast, share a meal, laugh, and otherwise celebrate. With all your heart. 

. . . the happiest of weekend wishes to you!

Learn your geography. 

Bonus points if you can differentiate between Idaho, Iowa, and Ohio.

{Curious?}