Leigha Ali - Snowy Valentine's Day

Lifestyle blogger Leigha Gardner of The Lilac Press in a blush pink Asos dress, red down puffer jacket heading down Commonweath Ave with Valentine's Day balloons and roses in tow.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Tuesday, and more importantly, happy Valentine’s Day! Even before I was in a committed relationship, I always loved Valentine’s Day! I love making Valentine cards for all of my friends and classmates and delivering them during school. Afterward, it was so much fun to go through my own “mailbox” to see what cards (and candy!!) I had received.

The tradition started when I was young. My mom always left out little treats for my brother and sister and I on Valentine’s Day morning, and it was something I really looked forward to – kind of like a mini-Christmas morning! It was never overboard – always just a card and some candy and a few little trinkets like heart shaped erasers for school, or pink nail polish, or a pretty hair clips (like this or these) – just a little something to remind us we are loved.

In preparation, we’d decorate with a few balloons and window stickers, and of course fresh flowers! Plus, I love to bake, and these glazed doughnuts were always a hit, as was my favorite easy white chocolate popcorn. It just felt like a great way to have fun with one another and liven up an otherwise gray winter day.

My parents always placed the emphasis on loving ourselves and loving each other, and to me, that is really special. I never felt like I had to have a significant other for the holiday. Besides, it is just as much fun to give little gifts and Valentines to all of your “galentines”!

Lifestyle blogger Leigha Gardner of The Lilac Press in a blush pink Asos dress, red down puffer jacket heading down Commonweath Ave with Valentine's Day balloons and roses in tow.

Celebrating Love

Now that I am in a long-term relationship (how has it been 4 years?!), you can bet I love the holiday even more. I’ll spare you sappiness, but I truly feel so lucky and so blessed to have someone who I care about strongly and who loves me to celebrate with.

I’ve always gone a little overboard with the fanfare (but can you blame me?), and this year, I wanted to create a fun date night look (with the balloons and flowers and all of my childhood in mind). When I saw this pretty blush pink dress from Asos, I knew it would be perfect for the occasion. Since I didn’t want to wait for tonight to try out the look, my sister helped me snap a few photos in the dress while we were out grabbing some flowers and decorations – despite the impending blizzard.

Lifestyle blogger Leigha Gardner of The Lilac Press in a blush pink Asos dress, red down puffer jacket heading down Commonweath Ave with Valentine's Day balloons and roses in tow.

^^Also, these doughnuts were a plus for Valentine’s Day morning! Although I’ve been trying to eat healthier in preparation for a spontaneous tropical vacation I’m headed on next week (bathing suit season came sooner than anticipated this year – not that I’m complaining), that effort when right out the window with I saw these doughnuts. Can you blame me?