ABSOLUTE BLISS!

Alexandra and Victoria just posted me their 'Top Ten Things to do in February'. I loved it! and want to share it with you below... Even though February is missing a few days and usually flies by, we can still pack in a punch or two! Gretchen Rubin in her 'Happiness Project' decided to focus on 'LOVE' for the month of February. Remember January was 'ENERGY' (exercise, more sleep, de-cluttering, etc.)

Now 'LOVE' that's another matter...Love thyself, others, your dog, cat, stranger, or even stranger again...an enemy! I agree with Jesus, The Beatles and Mother Theresa 'Love is all there is'.

So, without further ado...GET FIRED UP FOR FEBRUARY Y'ALL!

Choo Choo!

Polly P xxx

1. Welcome Spring

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/galanthus%20nivalis

In Ireland, the 1st of February (St Brigid's Day) is considered the first day of Spring. While it may seem a bit premature to some, we are all for welcoming the new season as early as possible, and what better way to do so than buying a bunch of fresh flowers to brighten up your living space?

2. Watch the Super Bowl

http://covington.mollymalonesirishpub.com/?p=3564

Ok, ok - this is something we felt obliged to include, as we realise that the Super Bowl is Kind Of A Big Deal for some people. But to be honest, we don't even know who's playing, and to be really honest, we don't care. What we will be doing, however, is keeping a beady eye on Beyonce's performance during the Halftime Show, on the look-out for any potential lip-syncing.

3. Celebrate Chinese New Year 

http://malaysiachefs.com/lyon-2013-vote-for-malaysia-pastry-team/

Sunday, the 10th of February ushers in the Chinese Year of the Snake. If, like Ali, you were born in a Snake Year (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001), then an extra special Gung Hay Fat Choy to you! (Sorry for that butchering of your language, any Cantonese speakers out there!)

4. Indulge in a Pancake Feast on Shrove Tuesday

http://clclt.com/eatmycharlotte/archives/2011/03/01/happy-national-pancake-day

This year, Pancake Day aka Shrove Tuesday, falls on the 12th. Whip up a batch of the ultimate comfort food and serve with as many decadent toppings as you please, especially if you'll be partaking in #5 on our list.

5. Give Up Something For Lent

http://talkwiththepreacher.org/2012/02/24/all-or-nothing-a-lenten-lie/

While Lent, the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, is observed by Christians as a time of abstaining from vices, you don't have to be religious to give something up in the time leading up to Easter. It'll make that chocolate binge all the sweeter if you've been deprived for over a month! (Although you're technically allowed "dispensations" on Sundays and feast days, ie. Valentine's Day, Paddy's Day, birthdays...at least in our books you are ;-)

6. Celebrate Valentine's Day

http://www.windsorhistoricalsociety.org/valentines_05.html

Whether you're loved-up or single, celebrate the day of love as you see fit, whether that involves a romantic candle-lit dinner or bingeing on heart-shaped chocolates. And no, we don't care if it's a cheesy, commercialised Hallmark Holiday. We like Hallmark Holidays. 

7. Partake in Random Acts of Kindness Day 

http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/2012/10/50-random-acts-of-kindness/

Sunday the 17th is the official Random Acts of Kindness day, though, obviously, every day should be one, right?! The url under the picture is a link to a fantastic list of 50 ideas for simple acts of kindness - definitely worth checking out.

8. Celebrate Family Day 

http://www.financefox.ca/family-day-blog-love/

Even though Family Day is officially a Canadian thing (taking place on the third Monday in February), there's no reason why you can't enjoy some time with your family wherever you are in the world. Whether you see a movie together, go for dinner, or simply have a Skype session, it's nice to spend time with your folks (even if they're as dysfunctional as the Griffin family). 

9. Watch the Oscars

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/oscars/9792998/Oscars-2013-full-nominations.html

Sunday the 24th is the 85th Annual Academy Awards, and, of course, our eyes will be glued to the screen. While we don't have any favourites we'd like to see win (of the movies nominated for Best Picture, we've only seen Les Misérables, which none of us particularly enjoyed), we're still looking forward to an evening of Hollywood glamour.

10. Have a Home Spa Day

http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/07/28/natural-post-partum-care-diy-herbal-sitz-bath/

Run the bath, light the candles, dig out the body lotions and face masks...this is the perfect time of year to indulge in a relaxing few hours of pampering in the comfort of your own home.