Photo Wednesday: Fresh Flowers

While traveling in Russia there were many things that were new and different, but there was something that really surprised me! The fresh flowers! Not only were they HUGE, and so inexpensive for us to buy, but they were everywhere. In the metro station, at the kiosks, and on the tables of those we lived with.

I was only 18 when I went to Russia for the summer, way back in 1993, but I made a promise to myself that when I was "grown up" and had my own home I would make sure that it always had fresh flowers in it.

In the summer we cut flowers from our garden, but in the winter when the garden is sleeping, we have to purchase our fresh flowers. Luckily beautiful flowers are available all year long.

What about your home? Do you enjoy having fresh flowers on your table?

"The Homies"

Apartment Therapy is once again hosting The Homies, an award for all things awesome in the world of home blogs. There are so many favorites up for nomination right now, so if you have a moment head on over to The Homies and check it out!

Some of our favorites? DIY Diva, The Art of Doing Stuff, and I Still Love You. Also, if you know of a great blog that should be on the list, there is time to nominate until March 2nd.

Update: HOLY MOLY!  I just found out that this blog is nominated in the DIY category! Wow! If you would like to cast a vote that would be awesome. We are so excited just to be there at all! Woohoo!

A super SWEET giveaway!

There is a really amazing giveaway happening right now thanks to Simply the Sweet Life Magazine. The giveaway is taking place on their Facebook page, and features some great prizes. They are giving away everything from cooking goods, clothing, jewelry, home security systems, and even a trip!

Entry is simple, just give a like and fill out the form. Even if you choose not to enter the giveaway, would you all do me a favor and "like" Simply the Sweet Life's Facebook page anyway? They are a lovely magazine and I think you will really enjoy the fun ideas they share. They are also a great local company that I am proud to spread the word for!

Hurry though, the giveaway ends on the 29th of this month! Enter here.

Simple Pleasures

February is a favorite month in our house. Not only is it Valentine's day, but we also celebrate our wedding anniversary. Simple pleasures are our favorite pleasures. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate LOVE.

• Heart shaped pizza dinner.
• Heart shaped cinnamon rolls for breakfast (found on Pinch My Salt).
• Specialty flavored hot chocolates. So simple, just add your favorite Toranni syrup to your basic hot chocolate recipe.
• Themed movie nights (we have been on a Pirates of the Caribbean kick this month).
• Snuggling up in front of the fireplace, or in our case, the fireplace DVD.
• Bundling up to stargaze on the clear, cold nights.
• Playing favorite video games together.
• Creating new recipes together.

This year we had fun making Rice Krispie treats with Valentine's Day M&Ms. Such a fun addition to an old favorite, and they were tasty with the chocolate added in too! And for our upcoming anniversary I want to recreate this idea that I found on Pinterest:

Source: pinterest.com via Aimee on Pinterest

Isn't that just darling? What are your favorite simple pleasures?