Friday, February 7, 2014

In Celebration of Love

Photo Credit Con Poulos/Martha Stewart Living February 2009
Hello Dear Friends!
 
I know its been some time since you've heard from me, but with the holiday season came shorter and busier days, more baked goods than my mixer or oven could count, memorable moments shared with good friends and family, and the enjoyment of much-needed reprieve from the monotony of daily life.
 
That being said, with the new year comes renewed zeal to share and begin from scratch, here at HMH! 
And what a wonderful time of year to get back into the swing of things...
Valentine's Day is upon us!

I've always enjoyed Valentine's Day, a day when lovers and friends, alike, can profess the love they have for one another.  Be the Valentine's sentiments shared and gifts given, cliché, I've always been such a sucker for all things lacey, pink, and love-themed! Valentine's day is a great excuse to get comfortable with the most wonderfully-girly accents and vices!
 
So in preparation for the big day, I've assembled a few of my favorite finds that inspire love and can help you celebrate those you love most, even if you're celebrating love for yourself! 
 
So while I'd refer to myself a Valentine's day "purist", ever-reveling in the standard pink/red/fuschia hearts and irresistible scalloped edges, there's something to be said for celebrating the day with a little something different, a break from the norm, here are a few quirky options, that still denote the look of love:
 
http://www.westelm.com/products/pad-printed-bowls-heart-e699/?pkey=e%7Cheart%2Bbowls%7C56%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=NLASEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Dinnerware%20Shipping-_-
Could you die over these adorable little bowls from West Elm!? Reminiscent of every little girl's ideal tea party set, these lovely little bowls will equally spruce up even the most adult of tablescapes! 
And at $8 each, go crazy, grab some for you and for the best friend you couldn't live without! 
 
 
http://www.shopterrain.com/product/flowering-oregano-plant
I'm absolutely in love with Terrain's new Flowering variety of Oregano, classic green leaves topped with subtly salmon blooms, this deviation from traditional flowers is Valentine's Day perfection!
 
 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174043176/valentine-candy-box-vintage-tin-green?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=valentine&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage%2Fhome_decor
For a unique option and the vintage-lover in your life, I'm positively giddy over this 1930's vintage tin candy box. Equal parts beautiful and functional, a gift like this would surely be used for years to come and look stunning on a vanity or the most lady-like of desks. 
 
 
 
http://www.shopterrain.com/new-valentines-day/apple-of-my-eye-tea-towel/searchString/apple/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
With just the right amount of kitsch and whimsy, these screen-printed tea towels would make even the most hardened chef cook up a smile. 
 
 
Although its a holiday, there's nothing wrong with encouraging a little functionality in the gifts one chooses to give, so if something to delight the culinary enthusiast in your life is what you're seeking, these fine options are just the ticket for fine Valentine's fun:
 
 
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/dualit-new-generation-classic-4-slice-toaster_1/?pkey=cvalentines-day-gifts&cm_src=valentines-day-gifts||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-
I've been coveting this gorgeous Dualit toaster for quite some time now.  But its Valentine's Day, you say...why would anyone want a TOASTER, you ask?  Featuring the iconic Dualit shape, superior toasting abilities, and a deliciously gorgeous pink hue, why WOULDN'T a toaster be the perfect option for the one you love?! 
 
 
http://www.amazon.com/New-Midwestern-Table-Heartland-Recipes/dp/0307954870/ref=la_B00E60T7LS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391696782&sr=1-1
Touted as being Amy Thielen's "love letter to the Midwest,"  The New Midwestern Table is a collection of delicious recipes that pay homage to Thielen's Midwestern roots.  After a successful stint in NYC, Thielen returned to the Midwest in an attempt to revive the culinary traditions of her youth. Sound like exactly the sort of thing you love? Check out Thielen's show on Food Network, you'll come away as envious as I, for the beautifully authentic life she leads.
 

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-stoneware-12-piece-bakeware-set/?pkey=e%7Cle%2Bcreuset%2Bstoneware%2Bset%7C10%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-
The perfect cooking vessels to denote love and adoration.  Nothing says "I love you" or "I love me," like Le Creuset's Stoneware baking set in classic red!
 
 
And of course because the old adage rings so true, and home truly is where the heart is, should some Valentine's day décor be the gift you hope to give, here are a few holiday appropriate options:
 
http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Eloquence-One-of-a-Kind-Vintage-Settee-Louis-XVI-Dusty-Rose__FESV52A10.aspx
As soon as I came upon Layla Grayce's Eloquence Vintage Settee, I was in love. Beautiful dusty rose and creamy stripes accent this gorgeous piece and encourage daydreams filled with the sounds of Edith Piaf, the romance of billowy cream linen curtains, and the wafting aroma of fresh Madeleines in the mid-day air.
Just lovely!
 
 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/151748737/28-x-40-chunky-knit-blanket-throw-or?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=blanket
Cozy feelings of warmth beneath Loopy Mango's Chunky Knit Throw are all I'd need to get me through a chilly Valentine's evening. I'm crazy about the oversized texture and soft and durable merino wool.  Truly a piece that only gets better with age.
 
 
http://www.wisteria.com/Peony-Wall-Art/productinfo/W8913/
A great alternative to fresh flowers, Wisteria's Peony Wall Art is the gift that keeps on giving.  Effortlessly showcasing the beauty of botanical subjects against crisp white backdrops, Wisteria's collection of botanical photographs are always in style and bloom!
 
 
http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/XOXO-Needlepoint-Pillow__PH30JSS472C22OB.aspx
A beautiful blend of contemporary and traditional, this amazing little needlepoint pillow does all the talking for you.  I'm loving the bright and happy, citrus-inspired colors!

 
And last but certainly not least, if Valentine's treats are what you have in mind, here are a few of my very favorites:
 
 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/122403459/24-assorted-regular-french-macarons?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=macaron&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fplants_and_edibles
As a fun alternative to traditional chocolates and berries, the delicate crunch and soft ganache of classic French macarons, is always sure to please.  Having ordered Sparkles Macarons myself, I'm always thrilled with the quality, freshness and variety of flavors they offer.
 
 
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/french-cheese-collection/?pkey=cvalentines-day-gifts&cm_src=valentines-day-gifts||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-
And lastly, nothing says love quite like the delectable pungency of fromage!  What could be better than sharing this incredible French collection of Cremeux de Citeaux, Fourme d’Ambert, and Jeune Autize with that special someone?  Paired with a bottle of your favorite wine, you'd have a wonderful night on your hands!
 
So with these ideas in mind, my wish for you is a beautiful and loving holiday with the one you love most! 
I'll be back soon with pictures and stories from Chicago, where I'll celebrate my Valentine's holiday!
 
 
Until we meet again!
 
xo,
Britt
 
 

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