Ooo La La! Valentine Ensemble

 In 1947 my paternal grandparents went to New Orleans.  It was the era of full cut slacks, form fitting cashmere sweaters and beautiful silk neck scarves - perfect attire for being seen eating beignets at Cafe du Monde.  And there she was, my grandmother, holding her cup of steaming black coffee, turning her head in a bashful manner.  With love in her eyes she looks into the lens of my grandfather's camera as he calls her name.  Her image framed forever.

"Quand il me prend dans les bras,
Il me parle tout bas,
Je vois la vie en rose." ~ Edith Piaf.

"When he takes me in his arms,
and speaks to me softly,
I see the world through rose-colored glasses." 
 
I pause the tape and gaze into the face of the woman I loved so deeply.  Etching her image again in my memory. Touching it gently in my mind.  The way you touch the signature of those you love on a letter of long ago - a connection felt through time and space.  This post is dedicated to her memory.  She was my first Valentine.

My ensemble today includes a number of items I hope will speak to the hearts of all my special Valentines. A vintage tin filled with fragrant lavender bath salts, a lovely box with home made lavender soaps, and, a romantic birdcage tea light decorated with baby Prismaflowers, ribbons and a delicate glittered butterfly -- Ooo La La I'm in love!   What a wonderful treat for someone special.  The inspiration for the lavender soap came from Lisa Tutman-Oglesby.  Her crafting ideas, tutorials and photography really resonate with me.   And the beautiful paper crafting flowers and art of Jerri Kay keep me coming back for more.  Her lovely Bridal collection was the inspiration for my Valentine tea light.

And, the perfect dessert after a lovely fragrant bath?    Beautifully decorated Valentine cookies packaged in a set of four so we don't feel guilty after our indulgence *smiling*.   Ahhh, tea and cookies, I feel like I'm sitting next to my grandmother at  Cafe du Monde.  Je souleve ma tasse de vous grand-mere!

I didn't forget to give you, my readers, a Valentine card either.  I hope you've enjoyed this Valentine Ensemble.  And to my special Valentines, VE, RE, Aimee, and Lauren: Happy Valentines Day!

And to my husband, my favorite Valentine of all:  Que mes baisers soient les mots d'amour que je ne te dis pas.

Bonne Saint Valentin!