I haven’t always been a fan of Valentine’s Day. I’m not into red hearts or pink carnations, though I never tire of chocolate or kisses! But, what I really appreciate about Valentine’s Day is the opportunity it provides to give thanks for the love I have in my life. I am in love with LOVE and am blessed to be showered with much of it in my life!

I have an incredible husband, who demonstrates his love daily in the little things….like making me dinner when I’ve had a long day, giving me a simple hug or kiss or a kind word of encouragement, or having my toothbrush buttered when I come into the bathroom first thing in the morning and again at the end of the day. (Buttered, by the way, is our little code for putting toothpaste on the brush.) Andy is the kindest, most considerate, sincere, generous and deeply loving person I have ever met. He enriches my life in countless ways and I can’t imagine my life with out him. He is THE greatest love of my life.

I also have an incredible family – two sisters, who I adore and with whom I have shared much happiness and sadness, but without them, I wouldn’t have made it through the hard times and the good times wouldn’t be nearly as sweet. I have two nephews and a niece who have stretched my capacity for love in ways I couldn’t have imagined AND a father who has always been my rock, my biggest cheerleader, a truly good man, and one of my best friends.

As if all of this love isn’t enough, I also have amazing friends, who accept me and all my imperfections, and who love and support me, even when I all but disappear from their lives during the busy summer months. And, during the past six years, since starting Bello, our circle of friends has grown, leaving Andy & I dumbstruck by the outpouring of love and support we get from our wonderful couples and their families, who every day give me new reasons to believe in LOVE.

So, today, this Valentine’s Day, I celebrate all this love in my life – grateful, humbled and excited to see what next year will bring.

Andy & I started our Valentine’s Day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast with our friends, Lauren & Johnny, followed by a group walk in the woods. We sat on a dock, overlooking the water, soaking in the warm late winter sun (I actually got a little suntan), chatting and laughing. It was a perfect start to a wonderful day!!!

And, let’s face it….Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without chocolate. I admit…I’m a chocolate freak. So, I thought I’d end this love-filled day by sharing a photo of some truffles we made in honor of Valentine’s Day this year. Mmmmmm! (PS…that’s our new logo, which we’re working on announcing soon with our new website & blog…stay tuned…although I guess I just announced it! whoops.)

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!! Keep spreading the love!!!! xoxo Chris & Andy