Dear February,

Dear February,

When I think of you, I remember Valentine’s Day parties with classmates and cards with silly sayings and lots of homemade sugary treats.

I think of heart-shaped boxes—the (now considered) vintage ones covered in lace and satin—boxes that were typically more exciting than the candies inside. I poked my finger into the bottom of each chocolate piece until I found one filled with caramel or nougat or the rare smooth milk chocolate one. Over time I came to realize oval-shaped chocolates were to be avoided at all cost. Oval chocolates were always filled with orange cream and butter fudge and other “old people” flavors.

Flavors that taste good to me now.

February, you are the time for unpredictable weather. Frigid snow days followed by a string of mild afternoons to remind me that spring is around the corner. I wonder if my tulip bulbs are stirring beneath the soil yet.

I think of Nana who was born on Valentine’s Day. Nana, who was always laughing about something and had a brilliant smile.

I think of hearts and how we only have one and we should protect it and nurture it and open it to good things.

It’s gonna be a great month!

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

VALENTINE SURPRISE
for GRACE GRITS READERS!

To help kickoff February, my generous friends at Southern Girl Soapery are offering Grace Grits and Gardening readers a 10% off discount with the coupon code “Gracie”. How fun and just in time for Valentine’s Day. Seriously, you’ll want to take advantage of this special offer from one of my favorite Little Rock companies. Southern Girl Soapery embraces the South with lip balm colors named Blush and Bashful, Heels & Pearls bath grits(!), and Mint Julep soap among other southern bath and body offerings.

(Limit 1 use per customer. Cannot be combined with another coupon code. Valid for regular or sale priced items. Expires 02/14/2016 11:59 pm CST. Not good on OOS. Exclusions may apply.)

Only 13 sleeps! ❤ ❤ ❤

[tweetthis]Dear February, my love letter to you… with 10% #discount @SGSoapery @arwomenbloggers #ValentinesDay [/tweetthis]

“My colors are blush and bashful, I have chosen two shades of pink, one is much deeper than the other.” Shelby, Steel Magnolias

Musical Pairing:
Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love