There may be one or a hundred and one loves in your life. But this day, Valentine's Day, should be dedicated to that special someone who can make your heart sing!
I'm a person who loves easily. By that I mean, caring for and about people seems to come naturally for me.
And those I love, I love deeply.
I am blessed with two wonderful parents, four very special sisters and their husbands and children, two terrific children of my own, and one super, incredibly cutegranddaughter…all of whom I love dearly!
But the person who can make my heart sing with the greatest passion is my Yankee sweetheart!
Yet, you've most likely realized, from my previous posts, that he and I are two distinctly different personalities, with unique and sometimes ofttimes opposing takes on life.
We actually more closely resemble the couples portrayed in these magazine ads.
Over the years, the Yankee has summed up who we are as a couple with some very familiar metaphors, and I'll just let you guess whose who in these images. ; )
There are times when we all dream of escaping to some sweet retreat. Perhaps that romantic getaway involves traveling to a far away land. Then again, your escape could be but a stone's throw away.
When I was much younger, I dreamed of travel to distant lands. Thoughts of Greece, Italy, or France easily conjured up romantic images in my mind.
As I got older, I began to appreciate the simple splendor closer to home.
From the time I was a very small child, my parents, siblings, and I would vacation during the fall in the mountains of North Carolina–my home state. While I enjoyed the time spent with loved ones, I didn't fully appreciate the beauty of my surroundings.
But those early days of family memory making obviously left their imprint, because, eventually, fall became my favorite time of year and the mountains my favorite getaway spot.
It just so happens that those two points are where the Yankee and I connect completely. So much so, that the mountains are where we honeymooned and continue to venture to as often as time permits.
We have spent a number of wonderful, fun-filled weeks over the years vacationing at the Leatherwood Mountains Resort. Each visit there has provided the opportunity to stay in a unique, secluded cabin high atop a mountain.
This particular quaint cabin, called Horseshoe Knoll, was one of our favorites.
While the décor was a bit rustic for my everyday tastes, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable place to spend some time.
But the real treat was this hot tub–situated on one of the decks–that offered a panoramic view of the mountains…while you soaked!
We've also had the pleasure of staying in various Bed and Breakfasts in the mountains of North Carolina. So far, The Red Rocker Inn has been the one we've preferred most.
Not only is it a quaint little inn that serves delicious food, it's situated very near some wonderful shopping locations.
I'm sad to say that due to the economy this year, we will not be taking any trips this Valentine's weekend. But I've planned the perfect escape…
Can you imagine anything more romantic than floating in a sea of rose petals?!!!
For your next sweet home escape, I'll supply the scented candles–today's addition to the week's giveaway–you supply the rose petals! ; )
Reminder: Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
Discovering the perfect location for a quiet, romantic dinner can make that special occasion even more memorable. Whether dining out or at home, the proper setting will set the stage.
Over the years, the Yankee and I have been fortunate to discover a handful of romantic dining spots. But there is one in particular that we love to visit more frequently than the others–for the delicious food and the memories.
The same year that I surprised the Yankee for Valentine's Day with the bouquet of heartballoons, I also surprised him with a romantic gourmet dinner. Want to know something that made it a special treat for us both? Someone else did the cooking! ; )
If you recall the year I'm referring to, the Yankee was in school in the mountains of North Carolina. I had been told about a wonderful restaurant located within reasonable driving distance of his school. So, site unseen, I made reservations and hoped for the best.
This particular restaurant is nestled within the gorgeous 26 acres known as the Highland Lake Inn.
Not only do the peaceful surroundings there quiet the soul, but the incredible landscape delights the eye.
When I made the reservations that very first year, I was quite unaware of all the advantages of dining during Valentine's weekend. Not only do they add special fare to their menu, but they also serve up live music and a free glass of champagne per guest.
It was one of the loveliest and most enjoyable evenings we've ever had…listening to the beautiful harp music, dining by candlelight, and feasting on some of the most delicious food either of our palates had experienced. If only every day could be so memorable!
Should you ever get the opportunity to dine at the Season's Restaurant, you will not be disappointed.
And should you be fortunate enough to dine during Valentine's weekend, you will be presented exquisite fare on the order of...
Valentine Weekend Treats for your Sweet
Friday, February 12, 2010
Classic Menu plus Festive Specials like:
Herb Crusted Lamb Loin
Roasted All Natural Lamb Loin, filled with a Wild Mushroom Melange
Accompanied by a Blueberry-Sage Risotto and an assortment of
Ginger Poached Vegetable Batons
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Four Course Dinner
Romantic Overture
Puree of Carrot and Ginger Soup
Garnished with Herbed Goat Cheese Quenelle
Mint and Berry Salad
Mint, Spinach and shaved Fennel tossed with Berries and
Goat Cheese, with a Honey-Lavender Dressing
Enharmonic Interval
Trio of Oysters
Oysters with Passion Fruit Coulis and Ginger Leeks,
Fried Oysters on creamed Corn and the
classic Oyster Rockefeller take this trio to the top
Phyllo Wrapped Baked Brie
Baked Brie set on a mantle of velvety Cherry Coulis and
Cracked Pepper Leek Fondant
Smoked Duck Carpaccio
Tender Slices of Organic Duck set over
Blueberry Risotto and Candied Rose Petals
Fantasia in Cuccina
Grilled All Natural Beef Tenderloin
Accompanied by Ballotine of Smoked Pecorino mashed potato with
Wild local mushrooms and glazed Baby Carrots
Served with Rosemary Demiglace
Wild-Caught Alaskan Copper River Salmon
Seared to perfection and graced with Lobster Ravioli on a Bed of Saffron
Fumet
Spinach, Grape Tomato and Chorizo Iberico
Escabeche of Pheasant Confit
Tender Breast and Pheasant Drum marinated in Vegetable Escabeche
Set over Season’s interpretation of a Spanish Potato Tortilla
Prelude to a Kiss
Trio of Chocolate Petite Fours
Served with Warm Raspberry Compote, Toasted Macadamia Nut Brittle,
Blackberry Coulis and Candied Orange Rind
Be sure to visit the Season's site, with the link above, for a look at the delicious offerings for Valentine's Day.
Bon Appetit!
To help create your own mouth-watering dishes, today's addition to the giveaway is this trio of exotic gourmet seasonings.
Reminder: Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
don't forget to mention the Brambleberry Cottage
in your post.
Remember to leave a comment to be entered in this week's drawing for the giveaway!
What is your idea of the perfect gift? If someone special in your life were to ask you to describe in detail what you would like as confirmation of their love and devotion toward you, could you do it?
Take note over the next several days of the flurry of activity in retail stores, as shoppers scramble to find the perfect gift for Valentine's Day to say I LOVE YOU.
Some will purchase boxes of delicious chocolates.
Some will choose to surprise that special person in their life with beautiful flowers.
There will be multitudes of adorable stuffed animals given.
Some with chocolates!
Others will surprise their sweethearts with balloon bouquets. ; )
And some will even give fine jewels to express their love.
Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy receiving gifts?
Would you believe me if I told you that not everyone prefers material gifts?
Every year, for as long as I can remember, each member of my family has asked what I would like as a gift for holidays such as Valentine's Day, my birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas.
And each year I have basically said the same thing. Just write a note of how you feel.
While I thoroughly enjoy every material gift I'm given, the truth is…
the gift I cherish most is their sentiments towards me.
Do you find that odd?
According to Dr. Gary Chapman, there are five primary means of expressing and interpreting love–the love languages. Each of us will identify with one or two of these languages more than all the others. The five languages are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.
I've learned that Words of Affirmation is my primary love language.
I do so enjoy words…written or spoken. Could that be a factor in why I've enjoyed blogging so much?!
For that reason, every card and letter that my husband and children have ever given me–whether store-bought or handmade–resides in a very special keepsake box.
This rather large card (16 ½" x 24") was given to me by my children almost nine years ago. It still brings tears to my eyes and is one of my most cherished possessions!
For me, the heartfelt words of love expressed–written or spoken–by those I hold most dear is without a doubt the perfect gift!
Though this trio of beautiful gift bags will not reach the winner in time for Valentine's giving this year, they will provide a head start on holiday shopping for next year!
Reminder: Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
There's lots of lovely pink prettiness in this post from the past. I think I'll share it at Beverly'sPink Saturday event.
Who doesn't love flowers? They are one sure way to win a girl's heart. Especially this girl's!
For me, almost any kind of flower will do. But those of the cottage variety are my favorites–roses, hollyhocks, delphiniums, etc. There is just something about their quaint beauty that always makes me smile.
When it comes to floral arrangements, I tend to prefer simplicity over fussiness–like the two simple roses I displayed with this vintage bride's basket.
And when you see flowers around the inside of my cottage–or on my porches–they will most likely be something I've gleaned from my own flower gardens, shrubs, or trees.
The large ornamental flowering cherry tree near my master bedroom porch is one of my favorite places from which to cut blooms. The profuse pink blossoms that cover it every spring provide weeks of fresh flowers to grace both the inside and outside of the cottage–like here on my front porch.
Now…all ye faux flower nay-sayers, look away–lest ye be offended!
I have no problem using silks and do so often–if they have a realistic appearance. Silks fill in quite well for the real deal during the colder months, when there is nothing in bloom around here.
I thought the pink silk roses looked great in my Valentine tablescape. And even the silks in this rusty metal basket–part of one of my tabletop vignettes–look pretty to me.
So…until my lovely cottage flowers have been coaxed from their winter slumber by the warmth of the spring sun–silks will suit me just fine! ; )
Either silk or real flowers would exude cottage sweetness in this adorable wire carrier and four clay pots. And...it just so happens to be today's addition to the giveaway!
And what about yesterday's prize you ask? Well, do you think you would enjoy a delicious cake...like this?
You can...along with ninety-nine others you can make from the recipes in this lovely cookbook!
Just can't wait for the treats to bake to get that chocolate fix (Donna)? I have just the remedy.
This "emergency chocolate" bar will accompany the cookbook, so you can satisfy your craving while you bake! ; )
Reminder: Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
The place I call home is a cozy little cottage farmhouse tucked amid the beautiful rolling hills of North Carolina. I'm from a family of five girls raised in the South (G.R.I.T.S.), married to a born and bred New Englander...aka The Yankee. Follow along as I share the blending of our two distinct styles & personalities—the rustic and the refined, the prissy and the primitive—creating a home filled with the romantic union of Yankee ingenuity and Southern charm.
Copyright 2010-2014, The Brambleberry Cottage. The content on these pages, including text and photo images, is the sole property of the author, and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent. All Rights Reserved.
THE FABULOUS GIVEAWAYS HOSTED AT THE COTTAGE:
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