Memories of past romances

Thanks to all of you who left such great comments on my last post. It's always nice to have your support. Wish I had known you all earlier in my life!

Tonight's post is about memories of past romances.

The first one is about a boyfriend I had in my teens. For our first date, he asked me if I wanted to go to the Red Sox home opener. Wow, I was very impressed! I asked him where our seats were located, thinking we would probably be in the bleachers. He said, "Oh, I don't have tickets! I thought we would climb the billboard and watch it from there. You can really see everything from up there". I politely declined but we did go out after that.

You might remember the subway guy from my Sweet Romance post from last February. We both worked at the movie theater. He was an usher and I was a candy girl. So on the first night we went out, he showed up at my house with masking tape down the sides of his jeans. He said he thought I might not recognize him without his usher's uniform. I cracked up, a great start to the evening. I love a man who makes me laugh!

Then there was the guy who only took me out to lunch. You guessed it! He was engaged, the snake!

Anything my readers would like to share? I'm listening!

I'm falling for you- Crazy Love Part 2

Those of you who were readers of my blog for some time may remember my crazy love post from last year. I wrote about the hunt or chase when trying to attract a guy. This time Crazy Love is about the crazy things that happen in a relationship.

One night, early in a relationship with this one guy, I had gone to his parents house to meet up with him. His parents were home. We had planned to go to a rather nice restaurant and I wore an ivory silk dress and high heels and a faux fur coat that looked like arctic fox. It was white and I thought the coat was really stunning.

Anyway, after we went to dinner we watched a little TV with his parents at their home. As the mother was saying good night to me, she turned and said to my boyfriend, "Don't forget to take the movie star home"! I was really insulted, it was not meant as a compliment. If you had heard her tone you would know it wasn't nice. She didn't know I had driven myself there.

I left shortly thereafter and I must admit I had an attitude towards my boyfriend after hearing his mother's comment.

As I was leaving, I expected my boyfriend to at least walk me to the car but no.
He said goodnight inside the house and I left to go home.

Well it had rained and gotten really cold while we were inside watching TV. I stepped onto the first step in my heels and did not realize the steps, and driveway were encased in ice. I slipped off the step and went sailing down the first set of stairs. I was airborne and missed several steps altogether and then when my feet hit the bottom of the stairs, of course I slid again. This time down a second set of stairs. I was sliding on my butt at such a fast pace that I slid under my car which was parked in the driveway. Really, I ended up under the car! I had to duck so I didn't smack my head on the bumper of the car.

Luckily, I escaped serious injury. Actually the only thing injured was my pride. I had plenty of bruises but no broken bones. I think the thickness of the coat saved me! And maybe the fact that I had taken figure skating lessons years earlier. Gosh I loved that coat!

I turned back to see if the beau was watching but the door was shut and the outside light was turned off. What a snake! Actually I would have been totally embarrassed if he had seen me, but still, my ego was bruised.

We did go out after that but I let him know that I was not impressed by his actions. As for his mother, we tolerated each other in those early days.

So, who's got some juicy or funny crazy love stories to share?

Gift ideas for Romeo

Ok Romeo, if you're out there, I know you are probably stumped on what to get me for Valentine's Day. So I created a blog post with a few little suggestions.

First, I love this necklace from Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics. I already own 3 of her designs but don't let that stop you. All her pieces are so unique and beautiful.



This scatter rug from Ballard Designs would look absolutely fabulous in my french inspired kitchen.




Well it looks like we're in for more snow and cold weather here in the Boston area so these boots will get a lot of use! And if you are the frugal type, these boots are on clearance at Eddie Bauer. Size 7 1/2 please.

What are you hoping for this Valentine's Day?

Valentine's, Snow and Followers

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. You know what that means? More posts about crazy love and sweet romance. Those of you who were with me last year said you enjoyed reading my posts on love and romance so let's do it again. I'll write and you can read.

Oscar and Percy are in the photo above and they are showing us some real brotherly love.

Anyway, I would really like to get off the subject of snow and shoveling and brutally cold weather. But it's hard to think of anything but the snow and weather when it snows all the time. And 2 more storms are headed this way. At least this time we'll have company and you know misery loves company! So anyone who lives in the Midwest or the East will be affected by the monster storm (the weatherman's word not mine). Maybe there are more areas in the snow zone, I wasn't totally listening to the forecast. It was so disheartening I tuned out after hearing that we could get another 18-24 inches.

Lastly, I lost a follower today. Some of you probably don't even know if you lose one because you have so many. All I know is I had 120 followers yesterday and 119 today. So it makes me wonder, did I offend someone? Or bore them death? Am I supposed to visit every follower's blog every day? Surely, I can't do that. Personally, I follow a number of blogs and many of them have never visited my blog. Anyway, I won't dwell on it too much. It's just a mystery to me.

Valentine's Tea

I took Friday off from work to prepare for Saturday's Valentine's Tea. I wanted the table to look elegant so I spent a lot of time on the selection of dishes. I knew which cups I would use, my new ones from Anthropologie. I actually had some of the Anthro teacups and I used them at Christmas. I wanted to buy more of them since I only had a few. I had the staff at my local store calling every store all the way down the East Coast looking for the Gellert Salon teacups. Anyway, two stores still had them in stock and so I was able to pick up five more.

I took a photo of the table before the guests arrived. It was a mish mash of new and old, some Home Goods, Anthropologie and a little vintage. The flowers were sent to me from customers, a lovely couple from Beijing now living in Massachusetts.

Most of the remaining photos were taken by my friend Don.



A fruit flan on a pedestal. I had been eyeing this stand for a while. Friday it was on sale at Home Goods and I had a gift card in my purse and so I bought it and a taller one too. Thank you Clara!



Vintage look valentines with just a bit of sparkle. The napkins were from Pier One.



Mary made her fabulous scones and I supplied the lemon curd and strawberry jam. My sister made the mock devonshire cream. It was sooo good!




There's one of the infamous Anthro cups and a vintage creamer in the background. I love the colors and pattern on it.



Yum! A chocoholics delight! Dainty petit fours and heart shaped Ghiardelli brownies.



Here's Sheila's mock devonshire cream. I put it in a candy dish which was on my desk just days earlier.



We had loose tea and tea in sachets. I like to use Harney tea and of course Harrod's No. 42 otherwise known as the best Earl Grey on earth.



When I have a scone I put lemon curd on one side and strawberry jam on the other. These scones were perfect!



Chocolate dipped strawberries, macarons, and pink shortbread hearts rounded out the dessert tray.



I couldn't believe that Molly slept on my bed the whole afternoon. Actually, she and I had a difference of opinion earlier in the day. She tried to jump on the table and eat the tulips. I screamed and stomped my feet to scare her. She retreated to the bedroom. Well, she shouldn't be eating tulips and she shouldn't be on the table!



Everyone went home with a favor of 2 sugar cookie hearts and hopefully a warm feeling of friendship and love for Valentine's Day. Hope you all have a wonderful
day too!

Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo?

It's almost Valentine's Day and I want all those would be secret admirers to know what really makes my heart go pitter patter. If you want to win my heart, here's
some suggestions.This 1940's style Champs Elysees dress is from J Peterman. I think this style dress is figure flattering and I do love polka dots.



I need some curtains for my bedroom and these from Anthropologie would look great. And the style is called Adorations, perfect for Valentine's Day.



How did you know I've been wanting a fireplace? This one is from Old House Parts in Kennebunk, Maine and it would look fabulous with the white mouldings throughout my condo.



And doesn't a fireplace look fabulous with a cool mirror over it? Again, this is from Anthropologie and made from recycled mirrors.



I don't know where I would put one of these doctors cabinets but I sure do like the look. They're from Mothology.



My old sofa has seen better days. The cats use it as a scratching post and it's an embarassment. This fainting sofa from Urban Outfitters would add a touch of style to my living room.



I realize some of those gifts are a bit extravagant for Valentine's Day so perhaps they can be a combination of Valentine's and early birthday gifts.

I've always wanted to go to the Daffodil weekend on Nantucket Island. The island is at it's prettiest during Daffodil season and there are so many fun activities to attend. I think I'm ready to make my reservations.




This is probably the best bargain of all. A chocolate trolley tour of Boston. This three hour event showcases Boston's landmarks and satisfies the sweet tooth.

If you read my prior perfect Valentine post, you'd know that Oscar is my Valentine. He's a little short on cash this year so looks like I'll be waiting a while longer for the couch, curtains, etc. Oh well, it's the thought that counts, right?

Wishing you all a perfect Valentine's Day.

Blog Love Giveaway

I was going to post about Crazy Love today but I decided to post about a blog giveaway instead. There's going to be a quick timeframe on this since I want the recipient to get it in time for Valentine's Day. Both items are handmade in Massachusetts.

I will post about Crazy love in my next post.



First of all, the winner will receive this cute paper heart. My friend Beth had a trunk show today and she was selling her handcrafted paper hearts along with her vintage paper jewelry. I picked one up for myself and one for you (if you win).




The second item in the giveaway is a bag of Harbor Sweets candy. An ex-boyfriend turned me on to Harbor Sweets. These handmade chocolates do have nuts in them. Fair warning.

Here's what you need to do if these items are your heart's desire. Leave a comment on either one of my prior Valentine's posts. So comment on either the Sweet Romance post or the Romance: The good, the bad, and the ugly post. If you already left a comment, good for you
because you are already entered.

I will draw the name at midnight eastern time on Sunday night. Good luck and thanks for the blog love.


Update: The random number generator picked Kayellen as the winner of the giveaway. Congratulations to Kayellen and thanks to all who entered. I loved reading your comments.

The perfect Valentine

Here's my man for Valentine's 2010. I know it's a little early to be thinking of Valentine's Day but the more I think about it the more I'm convinced that Oscar will be my best Valentine.

I mean just look at those soulful eyes! He is attentive. He knows how to relax. He's not a morning person and neither am I. He's a good cuddler.



He keeps himself in good shape, he's lean but muscular. And he's not afraid to show his sensitive side, I've heard him cry on occasion.

Oscar and I met on Valentine's night two years ago. So I think it was meant to be. He will be my perfect Valentine for 2010.

Valentine's Tea Party

I promised some photos from my Valentine's tea. Everything turned out really well!
I took this shot of the table before the guests arrived. Then I pretty much turned the photographic duties over to my friend Don.

I used one of my favorite pitchers. In the beginning I dressed it up with pearls. Later on it was filled with strawberry jam for the scones.

Don took this shot of the tablescape. It was later in the afternoon and the lighting

made the room look warm and inviting.

Harrod's No. 42 flowed freely. My friend Jan brought it back from London. No. 42 is

Harrod's brand of Earl Grey and it is fabulous. It's best in the loose leaf form, hence the strainer in the photo. Again, Don shot this one.

Another shot of the tablescape. The plates were a gift from Lisa.

No one was reading tea leaves on Saturday. This was my cup after I drank most of the Harney and Sons Valentine's Blend. It's a chocolate tea with rosebuds. Very pretty and a delightful fragrance!

Of course, Molly attended the tea! She posed for Don.

And her little brother Oscar was there too! He was interested in Don's camera.

Mary made a lemon cheesecake. We added blueberries to the top for color.

We had heart shaped petit fours for dessert. Now which one do I want?

Yet another shot of the petit fours. Don took this one from his side of the table.

My sister made chocolate panecotta. We thought it would look pretty in crystal glasses with a dollop of whipped cream. Decadent!

The tea tray held even more desserts. I made lemon squares and I also served Valentine

heart shortbread cookies.

Clara made an apple coffee cake. We added blackberries for a little color.

I should mention that we also had tea sandwiches, spinach puffs, and scones with

strawberry jam, lemon curd, and mock devonshire cream. Debbi brought a broccoli quiche and Ellie brought fruit salad with strawberry whipped topping.

It was a billion calorie day but no one seemed to mind too much. We can diet next week after all the leftovers are gone.

Steeped in Love*

Steeped in Love*

I hear him whistle

not a command, a come on

an invitation

Led by the scent of

forbidden fruit

infused by expectation

I breathe him in

caressed by steam

one taste an exultation

*an ode to Earl Grey

author- Sheila Foley (my sister)

To read other postings for the Romancing the Blog Valentine's Day Party click on the blog party button on the sidebar.