I have to admit, before I had my husband I was not the biggest fan of V-Day. I saw it as a hokey gift-card holiday riddled with cheap candy, even cheaper trinkets, and over-priced flowers. It was still fun to celebrate the day of "love" with my loved ones though; all my single ladies! And we even had a "PINK" party the week after Valentine's Day when everything went on sale.
Since getting married I've found a new appreciation for Valentine's Day. Not the store-bought Valentine's Day, but the idea of having a day to really celebrate the love you have for those around you; to tell even those that you're not in a romantic relationship with that you love and care about them. I view Valentine's day as a day of generosity. A day to send out homemade cookies, and hand-made cards, and little "I'm thinking of you's". The more personal touches you introduce, the more valuable the day becomes.
We live in a world of senses. We're constantly seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling...experiencing things around us. And in my personal point of view, it's important to be open to be inspired by everything! For me, inspiration comes from wanting to create for others. Before I worked at Mottahedeh I had thought I'd be working with elementary children. Because I studied both studio art and education, I've always been drawn to picture books. I'll still often browse the children's section in Barnes and Nobles, and I don't even have kids yet!
It was by exploring here when my husband and I were first dating that I came across a book called "Your Personal Penguin" by Sandra Boynton. The book was written for toddlers, and it even came with a downloadable song sung by Davy Jones of the Monkees . The lyrics of which you can read here CLICK. or listen to in the YouTube video below.
I sent this book to my husband while he was stationed overseas in Japan before we were married. And often I'd sing, " Where-ever you go, I'll go there too. Here and there and everywhere and always with you! I want to be your personal penguin from now on."
When we got married his surprise to me was that he had engraved in both of our wedding rings "Personal Penguin" and from then on we referred to one another as Penguin.
Why is it that black and red have become the colors of valentine's day? Well, in our case, it couldn't be more perfect. Seeing as penguins are black and white - red seems to be the perfect pop of color to add to this special day. Penguins aren't the most graceful birds; they can't fly, and they don't make pretty sounds. But, they're so jam-packed with personality that it's no wonder they're so popular. Don't you just want to SQUEEEZE THEM!?!?
So the inspiration behind our V-Day display is dedicated to my loving husband, Mike. My Personal Penguin.
Using patterned paper is a quick and easy way to spice up any table. Cut it into place-settings, or cover the whole table. Use it as a runner, or cut it into shapes to add a different feel to the meal. You know those paper coasters they give you at restaurants? Swipe a handful and modge-podge the face with a patterned paper of your choosing. It's a cheap alternative to buying a whole new tablecloth and lends to dressing up which-ever china you might be using.
Seen above:
Black Lace Service Plate (S1705BK) - $115
Prosperity Dinner Plate (MV1601) - $60
Hugging Penguin Salt & Pepper Shakers - CLICK
