Valentine's Day

Jedi really outdid himself for Valentine's Day. He set a standard that I think a lot of guys would have trouble beating. When I got home from work he was already in the kitchen preparing 2 different pasta dishes from an America's Test Kitchen episode we had seen earlier that week. Our roommate/friend, The Brown One, and two of our friends were joining us for dinner. Least anyone ask why we did not choose to be alone, I say that we are quite casual in our household and enjoy sharing holidays and most events with friends very much. Plus we spend a great deal of time together and are blessed to having many friends in common. I'm sure there will come a time when we are so busy we will need to schedule date nights, but that time is a bit in the future.

The pasta dishes were magnificent. He made Penne with Toated Nut and Parsley Pesto
and followed it up with Campanelli with Asparagus, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze. Neither of these are dishes I would have tried to prepare on my own, but as demonstrated by Jedi they are not only quick to prepare, but deceptively simple as well. Plus they are vegetarian which is great since The Brown One does not eat meat. Who knows, I might have to try making the Spaghetti with Olive Pesto this week.

On top of this amazing meal my wonderful boyfriend was preparing, he had also bought me 2 gifts that proved to be very insightful. I received a gorgeous cymbidium orchid in full bloom, it was sitting on his dresser in the new room we share. I am not a fan of cut flowers in the least and would always prefer something living instead. Green foliage and flora are something I take pride in watering, repotting, and making thrive. Orchids just happen to be my favorite flower, I am certain Jedi must know that considering how much time I devoted to looking at them in Hawaii. They are exotic and difficult (for me) to cultivate.

If the flowers and dinner were not enough, Jedi had got me one more gift. He gave me a gift certificate for the Nitespa in Venice, CA. This is a spa that specifically caters to people who want to pamper themselves after work. It is in a little house right off Abbot Kinney, it is adorable and personal. Two nights after our Valentine's Day celebration, I went to Nitespa for their AfterParty Antioxident Detox Facial. It was FANTASTIC!!! Not only did it address my current dry skin (it is desert out here people!) and moderate acne problem, but the women told me I had well hydrated skin. I tell you, I felt like a rockstar when I was finished there and have been drinking gallons of water to keep my skin as hydrated as possible so I can get more compliments like that.

Jedi knew I wanted to be pampered and feel relaxed and he took the time and trouble to make that happen. Of course, he tends to be very sensitive to my needs and wants most of the time, but it was pretty special having that happen on a Hallmark Holiday like Valentine's Day.