Happy Anniversary

My Valentine

2e made me the best valentines gift this year. From scratch!

I love how creative and thoughtful it is.

And he came bearing a sweet paper bouquet card in his trunk to boot... awe.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year has had its battles, as do all, but amidst the hard days there were some bright shining stars. A few diamonds in the rough. Some silver linings in the clouds and even a couple small pots of gold.

My husband, our friends and the newest addition to my family, Milo.

Empiric! Growing and thriving in such hard times. Proving that hard work pays off when you put ego aside and give real value to your clients.

Our clients! The most loyal, kind customers. Making all the hard work worthwhile.

I am grateful to have this life, the love of so many, a sense of humor about it all and passion for a laundry list of things. And to all of you, who inspire me daily!

I look forward to this holiday season, slowing down and taking the time to appreciate it all!

A Celebration

This weekend we are toasting the 50th wedding anniversary of m in laws. So sweet. They look just as wonderful today as they do in their engagement photo here. Cheers to love and see you all next week!

Pictures from a Weekend in DC

My heart hurt a little to leave.......

Relishing Some Small Pleasures

A Rare and Beautiful Dorothy Thorpe Tea Cup and Saucer

La Tourterelle Blonde a Collier (male) from Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique [Natural History of the Birds of Africa]. Printed c. 1800.


My Husbands New Glasses

A Morning Visit from My Mother In-law and Sister In-Law

A Collection of Painted Duck Decoys


The unexpected arrival of Late Wedding Gifts

And of course..... My Milo

Happy Anniversary

One year.12 months. 365 days.

I love you.....

fffffound

Feeling Lovey Dovey

(*)

" Absence is to love what the wind is to fire. When it's a small fire the wind kills it but when it is a real fire it intensifies it. " - DVF

A year ago today I sat down at my dining table with a pad of paper and a pencil and scribbled lyrics, poems, and phrases until Relish Small Pleasures was born.

Big Bear Lake

The short drive is almost as special as the lake. This photo was shot on our way up, early Sunday morning. Last year when we took this trip we promised ourselves to do it more often but like most things - out of sight, out of mind.


The view from our room was, well, picture perfect. This shot is of the Observatory which is such a dramatic little dot on an otherwise dark coastline.


As it got dark (after 7pm which is such a nice change) the fog rolled in and we lit a fire and enjoyed the view with some wine.


I shot this as we dashed out the door on our way back to LA. It was such a peaceful place and a wonderful way to wake up. Big Bear this time we promise to be back (soon.....)

Have A Celebratory Weekend

This weekend we are celebrating 2e's birthday (its a big one!) and we are returning to Big Bear for a little skiing/snowboarding and possibly a snow ball fight. I am getting a little emotional writing this post because it is this very weekend last year that I wrote about in my first post. So much has happened! Yet hardly anything has changed. This blog is allowing me to bookmark my life and have time to reflect, compare, regroup, and enjoy. Thanks for listening..

Happy Valentines Day

L 0 V e

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return....."

photo credits:
1&2 katespade; 3 more Jane; 4&6 via Le Love; 5&9 rugcompany; 7 via Flickr; 8 via awomanofnoimportance

2E and I, on our first date, in London
We've come a long way Baby.
Happy Valentines Day

Happy Red Hot Weekend

Have a dreamy weekend Love Birds.....

photo credit: me

The theme continues

In keeping with the love theme I couldn't resist this cute little guy. His birth was timely (before V-day in the year of the Ox) so his heart shaped marking is getting him some extra special attention. Isn't he just the sweetest thing?

Hollywood Happy Couples

I've got love on the brain....


and these couples make it look so yummy!


What is everyone doing this weekend in the name of L-O-V-E?


And my single ladies, a word to the wise; this Saturday you get to get your groove on because every guy, man, and boy who is in even the most casual of relationships will be home with his girl which means all of the ones out on the town are yours for the taking. Me-owwww. I want details!

all pix google images

Empiric's Valentines Gift Guide

Yes, it is a ridiculous and over rated Hallmark holiday created by Corporate American to trick us into over consumption; both by cupcake and shopping. The only problem is, what girl doesn't want a special trinket in the name of love?! I am of the school to celebrate love all the days so fellas, feel free to use this guide a few times a year. Without further ado, I give you Empiric's 2009 Valentine' s Gift Guide....

I know, I have featured them before but that is because they are just that good! Douglas Little & Co. Signature Collection candles in a variety of scents to lust over. The candles themselves are to die for but the packaging.... I swoon. Each candle comes in a silk hat box, wrapped in pleated tissue, and tied with a bow. A gift that's already wrapped. Can we say bonus!

These hand pressed glass cake plates are adorable; alone or covered in sweets. A perfect pop of color in the cabinets or displayed on a shelf, you really can't go wrong. Available in a variety of sizes and colors you can mix and match to create your own unique, stackable, combination. (I personally love the Jadeite).


Give them your heart! Or A heart at least. This vintage plaster heart opens to reveal a perfect hiding place for a sparkly stunner or sweet love note. By itself, atop the before mentioned cake plate, or encased in a glass display dome, it would be a sincere gesture for the man or woman in your world.


We can offer you this vintage leather jewelry case but you have to supply the jewels....

Did anyone else go in search of the love letter book from Sex In The City only to discover it doesn't really exist?! Tragic. Well, I think I found the next best thing.. a 1890 book of love poems from three centuries. Get inspired and slip in a poem of your own. The absolutely priceless gifts are the ones from the heart that don't cost a thing.

Sure a globe isn't the most romantic gift but how about a globe and a note with the plans for next weekends surprise ski trip? Or better yet, a week in Europe next spring! Not in the position to travel anytime soon... What could be more romantic than a list of all the places you wouldn't want to visit with anybody else. There is no better feeling than being excited about the possibilities and looking forward to a future with the one you love. Your Valentine...