Take Time to Honor and Appreciate the Ones We Love
By Susie Coelho
Valentines Day has been getting a bit of a bad rap lately. Recently the naysayers have been complaining that it's a superficial holiday promoted by the florist and greeting card industry.
I beg to differ. Any day designed to remind us to take time to honor and appreciate the ones we love, is a very worthwhile holiday in my book! Also, one does not need to run out and buy a $50.00 bouquet of roses just to show their love. One red rose with a beautiful card and thought out sentiment is often more meaningful. Any time you take your personal precious time to do something for someone else, that can be more valuable than a store bought gift.
This month's project is not just about Valentine's Day, but any special day. It’s something you can share with the ones you love to help nourish and grow that appreciation for each other. I used a Manzanita tree, as it is an elegant symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. We should always look at the relationships in our lives with new eyes, to truly appreciate them.
If you have children, use this project as a game that you play with them throughout the month. Each day, hang a new heart or note on the tree that says something to show love or appreciation for those that you love for just being who they are!
This month's recipe is something that my daughter absolutely loves, so I wanted to share it with everyone because it is sweet and elegant, like her.
Throw a party for your loved ones with home baked goodies and use your Valentine Manzanita tree project as a centerpiece on the dessert table. Let them add their sentiments to the tree. This can turn into a whole new Valentine's Day tradition that carries substance and is also kind on the wallet.
