December 27, 2005, a man named Marcus Moore asked me to be his wife by heart-shaped fireworks as we watched them from my house. Today is our 12 year engagement anniversary. Many don’t know the whole story, but if you read my book A Story of Faith, you will be able to read in detail how we ended up together. Today is about saying thank you to a man that allowed me in 12 years to become who I am today. In 12 years I completed my bachelors, masters and I am also almost finished with my doctorate of nurse practice. We started a successful wedding business 27 Miracles, a non-profit organization called The Gift of Life, expanded my love of dance to a point where I could go to a competition in a group and win 1st place with my group, performed in ballets, Christmas shows, and musicals. We have traveled to places I have never been before, learned to laugh, and care about others, write books, and become a legal nurse. We had a beautiful baby boy that although born prematurely was the inspiration to start a non-profit to help other premature babies and their families.
I was able to achieve a Master Bridal Consultant designation. My latest accomplishment was the designation of Mrs. Windermere International, through this title I am able to reach audiences I would never have dreamed of reaching for my platform The Gift of Life.
To think he manages all this in my life. I am sure there is so much more …but first of all, I thank God for placing Marcus in my path many years ago and then I thank Marcus for being there for me through the ups and downs of life. Happy 12 year engagement anniversary! A serendipity moment that neither of us will ever forget.
If today you are looking for that serendipity moment in your life, do not worry it will come. I waited almost 8 years for it.
Most recently I asked people what they considered the best Valentine’s Day Gifts they ever received or would like to have. The girls answers and the guys answers you think would be different , but at the end of the questions asked, they all had the same answer and that was to spend quality time with the person that they loved and to be told that they were loved. Everyone wants to feel like they are appreciated and loved by someone.
Here are ten ways to make someone feel loved:
Write a little note saying “I love you” and tape it to the bathroom mirror the night before so that when they wake up in the morning they find it
Make your significant other lunch and pack it for them and place a note in it to say “I am thinking about you.”
Make a book about all the reasons that you love your significant other and give it to them
Take a long walk around the park or in your neighborhood and pick one topic to talk about, “the day you met and how each of you felt”
Watch a romantic movie at home and afterwards sit out on the patio or porch and reminisce about the first time that you kissed and what each of you thought about.
Cook dinner together and surprise each other with a massage afterwards
Take the day off from work and surprise her with lunch at a romantic cafe and avoid the rush crowds at night then take a walk to the park and enjoy a nature walk together holding hands
Plan a weekend getaway to a cabin or bed and breakfast and just rekindle moments together
Write a love poem for your wife/husband even if does not rhyme. Write from your heart.
Get a dozen roses and on each one place a note telling her 12 things you love about her
Valentine’s day comes around every year on February 14th and this is the day that some men cringe at. The reason they cringe is not because they are not romantic, it is because Valentine’s day has become such a pardon the expression, marketing holiday, that no sooner than December 26th is here, Valentine’s cards and items show up at the stores. It has become on the ranks of holidays next to Christmas one of the most expensive holidays there is.
The women want romance and the men would love nothing more than to provide it, but the problem is that restaurants have increased their price on eating out to an almost $150 per couple meal ( with alcohol extra) and with that, getting a gift or entertainment, the gentleman has spent at the very least $500 dollars for one day. Don’t get me wrong, I like the fancy dinner just as anyone else would, but when you think about it, you can save a bit and enjoy this very same place on a non holiday and still have romance.
Today let me take you on a virtual trip to Morroco. Yes ladies, let’s get creative. Gentlemen, don’t worry this won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you will have some money left over in your wallet. First of all if you want the beautiful romantic restaurant overlooking the water, downtown, fireworks, or anything like that, reserve that location the week before Valentine’s or after or a different month when it is not twice the price to eat there , you will enjoy it more and also you will not have as crowded a restaurant.
So let’s get in the kitchen, relax ladies and gents too, because gone is the old style that the woman is the only one in the kitchen. If you think that, you shall have to check out a couples cooking class and see for yourself. This gives couples the opportunity to bond and do some cooking together in the kitchen, that may lead to some cooking elsewhere! I will leave that to your own imagination 🙂
But getting back to the table. Setting an informal table for 2 is simple. First of all, remember it is your romantic dinner and anything you do, will be great as long as your sweetie is with you. Have fun with it. It does not have to be so formal that you do not enjoy the meal. I had the opportunity to be on the Newlywed Guru show and help her talk a little bit about the setting up of an informal dinner table. She decided that she loved the Moroccan culture and that she would set up a table using their typical style. It was fun, creative and full of color.
Watch the video below, this will give you some tips on setting up an informal table.
This was so much fun setting up. I thought about it and said what a great way to set up a romantic dinner for two. It is different, easy, and very informal. Most of all it is economical, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money because you are cooking at home. I am sure you will have leftovers that you can take the next day to work for lunch (and if you add a little love note in your spouse’s lunch bag, you will be carrying the love longer as he remembers the romance of the night before). Many of the dishes that you can prepare can be found on google for recipes from Morrocco.
And if you want to shop for some beautiful trendy Moroccan pieces to add to your home, visit this shop :
Enjoy your dinner it is a great one for Valentine’s Day if you want something exotic and fun with lots of reds and oranges for your decor.
