Shades of Red and Pink

You know it's Valentine's Day when it's raining outside and there are swoons of people lining up in front of the flower shop. This picture might not be as sharp as I would like it to be (I took it with my Android) but it gives you a feel for how many people are buying flowers today.

I’m guilty. I was the recipient of a BEAUTIFUL display of flowers this afternoon. They were delivered to my office and everything! The best part was the enthusiasm from the delivery man. A grumpy looking man walks into my office, looks around and says, “Who’s Natalie?” I jump out of my seat with an unusually peppy, “I am!” and proceed to walk over to him. He basically shoves the flowers in my face and says, “These are for you.” He turns around and walks out the door. I could tell that today is NOT his favorite day of the year. It’s ok though, because his delivery made my day and he made me laugh! So, as for me not liking Valentine’s Day or being impartial? Maybe I gave in. What girl doesn’t love roses and carnations?

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's the one day of year that your supposed to be loving and what not... As I said earlier about Valentine's Day, I don't hate it, but I also don't love it. However, I guess that means that I'll celebrate it? So, this year it's  my boyfriend and I's 6th Valentine's Day together (well, actually 7th, this is the day that we met)!! Ahh! We are approaching our 7 year anniversary, that's crazy. Anyways, we decided to keep it low key this year. He's going to make me dinner this evening and I made him cupcakes!

I figured it's Valentine's Day, so I should make red velvet cupcakes, right? Well, I searched tons of blogs looking for a good recipe and I finally found one that I was sold on. First I found a recipe on The Way the Cookie Crumbles for the actual cake part (I used the "Red Cake from My Grandmother" recipe) and then I found a simple cream cheese frosting from Confections of a Foodie Bride. Let me tell you, the combination is TO DIE FOR!! The results are mouth watering..

Best girlfriend ever???!!?! I think so. I HIGHLY suggest you make these. They are BY FAR the best red velvet cupcakes I've ever tasted. Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!

Love or Hate for Valentines Day

valentines day, originally uploaded by *omnia*.

I’m an avid reader of all things San Francisco. I read SFGate.com, Fun Cheap SF, SFist and 7x7 on a daily basis. I’ve had Valentine’s Day on my mind for awhile now and I came across this article on 7x7 and could NOT get over how funny this is. I’m not big on Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a made up holiday to sell flowers and chocolate, but for some reason this year I feel the need to do something fun/new/different. Clearly all the pressure for Valentine’s Day is on the male in the relationship. What he buys his girlfriend, what he plans out, how much he plans, how much money does he spend, etc. But what about every other day of the year? Shouldn’t he show his love for you daily? Why Valentine’s Day? I wonder who decided that you have to show affection just this one day a year.

Maybe I’m the type of women that’s been disappointed on Valentine’s Day so many times that I know better than to expect a parade in my honor, but I think it’s also unrealistic to expect so much from men. I’d rather have my man give me flowers “just because” rather than because he feels pressured to do so on Valentine’s day. Maybe I’m a rare breed of woman in my Valentine’s Day thinking, but I doubt it. Don’t get me wrong, if I was smothered with flowers, candies, card and a perfect date I’d be ecstatic, but I don’t think there needs to be so much pressure. How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you embrace it or want to burn every box of chocolates at Walgreens?