Family, Friends and Fondue

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Planning events has always been a no brainer for me. I love to decorate, plan unique games and make sure everyone or that person experiences a day to remember. It truly is all about the small details. When Valentine's Day started to roll around I had the perfect plan in mind.

My bestie is currently preggo with her first child and her birthday is this week so I decided to include her and her husband in on the festivities. The more the merrier right?!?!

I decided on a three course menu and my oh my it was the best ever! Who doesn't love cheese, marinated meat and dessert? Although it is not the healthiest of menus I just wanted everyone's taste buds to be satisfied and I can proudly say this occasion was a hit!

The best part about fondue is the quality time spent together while devouring a yummy meal. It is a slow process but well worth the wait. Each course is mouth watering and of course the chocolate covered fruit and marshmallows is saved for last because it truly is the best part.

How was your Valentine's Day weekend? Have you ever had a fondue experience?

Keep Loving And Never Stop

You might think life is going by fast but the moment you bring a little one into the world the time goes by at lightening speed. I still can't believe this will be our fifth Valentine's Day spent spoiling our love bug.

I'm just so grateful knowing I get to spend every day enjoying the little things. What are those little things you might wonder....

Snuggle Time: Whether it's cuddling up under a blanket watching cartoons, spending Saturday morning in my bed talking about our fun weekend ahead or enjoying a movie at the theatre with Madison in my lap it makes me smile.

Smooches and Hugs: I call them smooches because that's what Madison refers to them as. She grabs the sides of my face touches her nose to mine and gives me eskimo kisses and squeezes me tight.

Outbursts Of Giggles: We have this ongoing joke that all the ladies in our family share the same laugh or what we like to call the giggle and long pause as we gasp for air. Madison has inherited this laugh and it's the cutest thing. She and I lately have been driving down the road, stopping at a stop light, looking at the driver next to us and saying "Good Day" in our most ridiculous British accent. It's hilarious because they never seem to look our way but her and I crack up for five minutes straight.

Night Night Time: After I put Madison to bed I always peek in on her to make sure she's tucked in tight and sound asleep. I love sitting on the side of her bed and watching her sleep. Everything about her is so perfect to me. She truly is a blessing and miracle.

Whether you are single, in a relationship, have a child or children or even none at all focus on what makes you happy. What makes you smile? What makes you giggle inside? Love yourself, love the people who surround you and spoil yourself and them with gratitude, love and respect.

Love is what makes the world go round!

A Fail Proof List: Valentine's Edition

Sometimes I find myself feeling sorry for the male species. Other times I feel a sense of frustration. This all stems from the upcoming holiday. I hear some men go above and beyond to make their girl happy. Showing their love and appreciation and making her feel special. Others use the excuse I didn't know what to get so I got nothing at all. Some guys are insecure themselves and feel like nothing they do will be good enough so they take the easy route and settle on something with little to no meaning.

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For me, it's always been the thought that counts. I'm happy knowing time and effort was spent into purchasing or making whatever it is. I've experienced a lot of these scenarios. The nothing, the little and the everything.

I'm thinking that if all of us ladies make it a little easier on the fellas that we will end up as winners as well. For me, gift buying has always been easy. I find the item that person wants the most. If it's a little unreasonable then I simply listen. What is their current hobby? Is there an item used daily that might need upgrading? Etc... I find it just paying attention to that person. Shouldn't be that hard really.

So as a woman who has a lot of girlfriends and pays attention to what is trending I find it would be very hard to fail if a man was to purchase one of these items. Not only for Valentine's Day but any holiday.

1. Starbucks: gift pack, mug or gift card

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2. Victoria's Secret: lingerie, perfume, beauty products or gift card

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3. Chocolate and wine

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4. Spa day: manicure, pedicure or massage package

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5. Bath and Body Works: candles, plug ins, beauty products, body spray or perfume

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6. Magazines and nail polish

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These simple gift ideas will bring a smile to any girls face. It takes time and effort tracking down these items and will brighten anyone's day. Every girl hopes that their man will spend this one day making them feel special. If buying gifts isn't your thing, plan a date and spend the day and night together. Whatever makes you feel good in your heart, share that with the one you love!!