Valentine's Day Weekend
It's here again. Valentomb's Day and all its lovey-dovey glory. And for the first time, in a very long time, I must say that I'm pretty happy. (I will now allow you time to crawl back into your work chair. Don't be embarrassed, it's a perfectly normal reaction upon finding your most demented single friend sans anxiety attack/depression pangs on Valentine's eve.) I've outgrown my usual Valentomb's mantra of a) if not sure of boyfriend status - stressing over whether or not I'd get flowers; b) if with boyfriend - stressing over whether or not bouquet-on-the-way would be a tacky carnation mix or something more enviable; or c) if decidedly single - sending self tulips (the perfect bouquet - not too much, not too little) and watching co-workers turn green with envy. But no more. Now I'm just a regular person. A happy person. Even content.

This morning, I woke up early to go to the flower market to buy daisies for my co-workers and various girlfriends. I took the time to trim the leaves, cut the stems and arrange each bouquet with a cute card and a bow. (New me is very domesticated.) They are all neatly positioned on the appropriate desks just waiting to be gushed upon. And this afternoon, I'm heading out of town for a girls weekend. Actually, if you must know, all of my friends have plans this weekend, so the "girls'" weekend is really for me and myself and my other selves. But that really is not important. What is important is that it's a happy day.

And so, I bid you all happy days. Whether with boy or without, have fun, laugh lots, smile pretty and try not to break too many hearts along the way. And if you get sad, feel free to join me on a girls' weekend.

xoxo,

Me

Girls' Weekend Itinerary:

• Define spring look. Am meeting with Shop Girl next week to spring clean each other's closets and we agreed that we would each come equipped with Personal Look: An Upclose and Personal Definition of Self Style for Spring '04 so we'd know which existing wardrobe pieces would work and which would not. (She says I have to include documentation from magazines to support my looks as I sometimes get 'too creative'.)
• Make list of things to purchase/aspire to purchase to complete spring look. Thus far, I only want to wear skirts that twirl and grosgrain flipflops (mixing in the Dr. Scholl's from time to time) all summer. Have not addressed other wardrobe parts except that I must own this bag. Will give plasma to fund if necessary.
• Give self facial and manicure/pedicure.
• Watch Steel Magnolias and cry hysterically. (One of the top ten movie scenes of all time is when Olympia Dukakis tries to get Sally Field to punch Shirley MacLaine. And I love it when Dolly says, 'Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.')
• Read fetching novel.

Girls' Weekend Grocery List: French bread (2 loaves, one per day); Brie -- whole wheel, not just a wedge; enormous chocolate bar; bottle of wine; six pack Diet Mt. Dew.

she she me Sponsor: Bailey's Fine Jewelry
Just about everyone knows that diamonds (and jewelry in general) are a girl's best friend and that there's no time like Valentine's day to shower the one you love. To help make sure that all she she girls get exactly what their hearts desire, Bailey's Fine Jewelry is having a week-long sale. Starting Friday, Feb. 6 - Feb. 14, they are offering 20-25% off of their selection of beautiful jewelry (David Yurman, Mikimoto, John Hardy excluded). Diamonds, however, are included! In addition, they are offering 10% off of select gift items (some exclusions apply). Their unique gift department boasts everything from feminine handbags to darling home accessories.

And just to make sure your significant others get a significant hint you can stop by any of their stores and fill out a she she girl wish list. Just write down anything that you have your eye on and they will give your beau a ring. It's a Valentine's Day registry!

Be sure to bring in this ad to receive the she she discount. Bailey's Fine Jewelry has several locations throughout North Carolina. Their hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday thru Sat. (919).829.7337.

Happy Valentine's Day.