LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Fourteen Days of Love - Day 4 - Straight to the Heart


What is Valentine's Day without hearts? By far, this one symbol outshines them all as a representation of love and devotion.


As I planned out this party–months ago–I thought of all the symbols one associates with Valentine's Day. I listed as many as I could think of and, from that list, chose fourteen to be the topics of the
Fourteen Days of Love.

I didn't give a great deal of thought to the fact that as the hostess of this little affair, I would have to have things to share for each day's topic.

Now, don't misunderstand. I knew I would be publishing a post
each day–hopefully, one filled with fun and creativity. I just had not taken stock of how many things I actually had around the cottage, or in my personal photo files, that would actually match those topics.


So…bear with me as I share what I could find related to hearts!

The day I was in Marshalls, I was a camera-clicking machine. After all, I figured I was already there–and they had lots of pretties–so, why not take lots of pictures.


I really liked this heart-shaped wire basket filled with roses. I even contemplated purchasing it and using the roses in my tablescape here.


They also had the basket in a different finish with solid pink roses. I liked the silver basket better, but preferred the other roses…so, I just passed on both of them.

I did think seriously about that cute serving set though. Then I decided that I wanted to go in a different direction with the look of my tablescape, so I nixed it as well. Hey, a girl can change her mind–right?!


But, I was very happy with the Valentine's dishes I was able to get–with all their pretty hearts and sweet pinkness! ; )


Though these ramekins were terribly cute additions to the dishes Marshalls had on display, I wanted something that would play well with all the crystal and glass that I would be using on my Valentine's table.


When I found these sweet little votive holders, I knew they would be perfect! I used them as salt cellars in the tablescape, and will later use them for their intended purpose.


After reading a lot of blogs, I've made a discovery.  Many of you love, love, love red! So…you should really shine tomorrow for the day's topic–Seeing Red.


I use very little red in my decorating–even at Christmas–but, Marshalls dedicated as much space to red Valentine items as they did pink.


Want to know why I'm such a fan of that chain of retail stores? They have a fabulous selection–at least in my area–at phenomenal prices. Their original prices are great, but their clearance section is awesome!

Honestly, that's the first place I check in each department. And they always have great bargains there!


These crystal napkin rings were reduced to $7.00. Can you make out the shape? Yep, hearts!


And this sweet little teapot was only $5.00–because it had blown its lid.


These whimsical Annalee mice would have been something I would have snapped up for my children when they were younger. Since our darling little granddaughter, Lana Lexie, is a bit too young for them right now,  I just took in all their cuteness and passed on by.




When I think of this holiday dedicated to love, I think of all those near and dear to me who have captured my heart.


This little blessing is at the top of the list!


OK...your turn to show your heart(s)!


Do you recall my tale of woe here, over those wonderful Valentine's dishes,
and how I was only able to find a few
when I returned to make my purchase?

I really wanted a number
of those cute heart-shaped ones. Alas, I could find but one!

Guess what the prize of the day is
that will be added to this week's giveaway?

You guessed right! 


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!

1. Marilyn
2. Jenn Raley
3. http://tinandsparkle.blogspot.com/
4. http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-love-this-time-of-year.html
5. Tammy
6. Debbie
7. http://donna-sugarspicesouthernlife.blogspot.com/
8. barbara jean

10 comments:

  1. I just linked up w/you but have to tend to something else before I can read your post. I'll be back - it looks good just in scrolling down! Jenn

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  2. I so fell in love with the peony plates that you found at Marshall, could you tell me the name of them if possible. I would love to buy some, however the closest Marsall's store from me is an 8 hour drive away. I was hoping I could find them on line. I love your blog - I just ran onto it last week and fell in love. Thanks for all your eye candy and wonderful commentaries.

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  3. Okay - well - what I needed to do first didn't take as long as I thought it would. Who knew? I love what you had to say about being hostess and photos and all that. I was hesitant to take on following the party b/c I wasn't sure I could come up with anything much for any of it. It's been a challenge and that's tapping creativity that I've let go over the years. Uh, that might explain the having and not using the rubber stamps? :) Anyway, so glad I signed up and just enjoying it-- a little afraid of a few of the upcoming posts....I'll have to work harder! Thanks, Jenn.

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  4. Glad to see I'm not the only one who went around snapping pics in the store this week! That's what you do when you can't have it all. Take a picture!

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  5. I LOVE those Annalee mice! I have several Christmas mice and lots of elves that I decorate with in December. You certainly have done a lot of work for this project. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  6. Those plates are so cute. I wish I could find a set of them around here. There is a Marshall's about 30 minutes from my house.
    I always have my camera in my purse. You never know when you need to take a picture of something. Love all the Valentine pretties you have shown us.
    Little Lana Lexie is the cutest! Give her a big hug and kiss from me!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  7. Oh my gosh, there is a Marshall's about 5 minutes from my house. You showcased several wonderful pieces. Peonies are my FAV flower-I'll be seeing if I can add any to my house. Like the pink ramekins. Great post.
    Ann-Tin and Sparkle

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  8. Oh dear.. Did I get my days mixed up? I thought Friday was Day 5??.. So I have posted my reds today... Will try to keep up with you, and am sorry I missed the starting line.. I don't know how I got sidetracked.. I have to write a note for EVERYTHING! I could try to blame it on age, but I was ALWAYS like that! (0; LOVE your valentine teapot, and those pink ramekins!!! ~tina

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  9. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my post the other day! I think those pink ramekis are so cute! And that topless tea pot could be a vase or hold heart shaped cookie's on stick! oh the ideas.... I'm a fellow SITsa too ;)

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  10. I featured the wire basket with roses in it at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com Grab my 'featured' button. I also mentioned your 14 days of Valentines! I hope it drives some traffic your way!

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to comment.