Love is in the Air

I spent my day in search of love... the love of Valentine's day that is! I was pretty surprised at the results.... 

My first stop was completely unexpected. I came across this gem of a boutique as I was cruising down to Dana Point. I couldn't help but notice it and went out of my way to double back and check it out. Thank goodness I did. I've seen many floral shops but none quite like this one. Lisa, aka The Flower Girl, has everything one could want for a romantic Valentine's date. From cookies, to decor, plants, delicious scented candles, and the most unique and gorgeous floral arrangements, this is your one-stop shop for love!

Two of the many exquisite floral arrangements at The Flower Girl.What is it about flowers and Valentine's Day you ask? Is it cliche? Overdone?I think not! Especially when your sweetie goes out of their way to find something as unique and special as you are. Flowers have a way of making us feel happy and special. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but the scent of flowers is naturally appealing. There's nothing quite like the relaxing smell of lavender or the sweet scent of roses. My personal favorite - tuberose and gardenia.



Everywhere I went today I found generous displays of love. It's hard not to feel uplifted when there are hearts floating in the air around you. But it wasn't just the displays that were shooting the cupid arrow, I found the people that worked around them were too. I have worked in the floral business in the past and let me tell you first hand, it's A LOT of work. You would think these people would be tired and somewhat grumpy, but no. I think they love what they do so much and they love having the ability to spread love around that despite the hard work and many hours they put in around V.D., they spread nothing but smiles :)





But let's face it, not everyone is into big bouquets of flowers. That's ok! Succulents have become very popular over this past year. They are easy to maintain and environmentally conscious. I love them and yet I've never seen any as adorable as these!! I only have one question, can I fit my wallet in one?




Still need ideas? Well who doesn't love chocolate? Especially the kind that wafts through the air and leaves you begging for more! I smelled this candle burning and it made me look around for an oven to see what was baking. Simply amazing, undeniably delicious!  And on that note, add this to a basket with some champagne or vino and you're golden.

 I had to venture away from the floral at some point and this window display at Anthropologie made my heart go pitter patter. How adorable for the chef in all of us! I'm sure there is more than one use for this little beauty, I'm just sayin'!!

And the cookie goes modern. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the incredibly creative statements on these treats from Suzy's Cupcakes. Clever doesn't begin to describe them. I bet if you were so inclined, they could make one that says "Marry Me" !!!

 
What about the love that nature gives us everyday? As I sat here on a bench above the Dana Point Harbor, I felt overjoyed by the beauty before me. If you look closely, you might just be able to make out a heart within this picture. Love comes in all shapes and sizes. All you have to do is open your eyes, it's right in front of you.






There is nothing quite like the love that comes from a union of two hearts. It doesn't take a marriage to share love though. Giving love to others is by far the "greatest love of all" (love you Whitney) I like to share love with my friends and family on Valentine's day. Any opportunity to tell the people I love how much they mean to me is one I will gladly embrace.






Does anyone recognize this cup? Admit it, we've all been here. In fact, many of us are addicts. A caffeine fix is one thing but are you addicted to love? If not, you should be! Love is contagious, it's the best drug in the world! All you need is love. There are probably more songs written about love than any other subject combined. Why? Because love is universal. It has no boundaries. Still not convinced? All I have to say is you might as well face it .... :)

I found this window on PCH in Laguna Beach. Much and Often. There is no such thing as giving too much love. Even the simplest things are acts of love. A wink, a smile, a hug, a phone call, a text. Where love is concerned, it's always the more, the merrier!

Big displays of love are everywhere. Driving by the Laguna Nursery on PCH can't help but put a smile on your face. Wherever you are this Valentine's day and whomever you choose to spend it with, enjoy the moment and share the love :) :) :)