Hello February...

I like to think of February as the month of all kinds of love - love for our friends, families, partners if we have them, our pets and fellow humans. There is so much going on in the world that is unsettling or even downright alarming, but if we focus on love, it can change our perspective and bring us hope.

Even if you have mixed feelings about Valentine's Day or think of it as a bit of a "Hallmark holiday", looking at it as inspiration for a month of love can make Valentine's Day feel more worth celebrating - and I have lots of great ways for you to do that!

Fun Things To Do In February

Why not dress up your home a little for the month of love? You could put a pretty wreath like this one from Emma at Green Parlour on your door, or make your own with Emma's Instagram Tutorial. You could also create a heart garland with these instructions from London's Liberty department store.

Whether you are thinking of a large scale decorating project or just adding a few seasonal accents, give your home a little love with my Spring Decorating Ideas.

Bake some heart shaped cookies using my Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie recipe. Or make some other heart-shaped food to celebrate the month of love.

You could also take a little treat to elderly neighbours or anyone who you think could use a little extra love in their lives right now. A small box of tea and some shortbread tied with a ribbon could really brighten someone's day. A friend might enjoy a small posy of flowers or a pretty hand towel paired with a beautiful bar of homemade soap.

Add A Little Romance

Celebrate yourself during this month of love! Self love is just as important as romantic love. Spend some time doing something you really enjoy whether it's taking a long walk, reading a great book or doing something creative.

Our busy lives mean can be hard to keep the romance alive in a relationship, but time together relaxing over a delicious meal can help. Check out these Date Night Dinner Ideas and Recipes. They are perfect all year round, not just on Valentine's Day. And don't forget dessert!

Delicious Month of Love Dessert Ideas

St Clement's Custards

This delicious recipe forhas a light and creamy citrus flavour and makes an elegant finish to a meal.

Get the recipe

Raspberry Snow Bars

These delectable treats are perfect for Valentine's Day. Don't like raspberry? You can use any flavour jam you like!

Get the recipe

Raspberry & Rose Jelly & Cream

If you fancy a lighter dessert, try this light, easy to make dessert.

Get the recipe

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. Your purchase price is unaffected.

Behind the scenes...

I am in Bermuda on vacation with my husband. It is so nice to see the sunshine! Here we are tempting fate, standing on the top of one of corners of the Bermuda Triangle. Apparently the legend of the triangle has actually been confirmed as a myth, but here in Bermuda they are still making the most of it!

Reading - Just finished - the delightful Rewitched* by Lucy Jane Wood and I highly recommend this cosy read. Currently reading - The Botanist's Daughter* by Kayte Nunn. (affiliate links)

Watching - Miss Austen - the BBC adaptation of Gill Hornby's book Miss Austen* which is such a great read! (affiliate link)

Listening to - The London Writers Salon Podcast Episode 121 Kate Mosse - From Aspiring Writer to Literary Game-Changer

That's all for now. Here's to a month full of love for all of us!

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.

Warmly,

April x