“There’s a special on flowers for Valentine’s Day!” said the local florist. We were walking by his shop, going home from the subway, and he was standing in the doorway. “$65 for a dozen roses!” he crowed, as if that was a great bargain. “Maybe I’ll see him in here for Valentine’s.”

Rob smiled and said, “Maybe,” and then when we were out of earshot, “You would kill me if I came home with $65 flowers!”

“I really would.” I said, and I wrapped my arm around him. I’m so glad he “gets it”.

Even if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn’t be down with spending that kind of money on something that will die in a week, and besides, roses are way too easy. I do love flowers, but not roses, really; I’ll take my flowers quirky, unique, wild and un-sprayed with pesticides.  Cellophane-free.  Real, natural grown, and not given out of obligation.  Inexpensive, always, and presented with love.  Like these.

photo by abby. $11  buy a print of this and other beautiful photo prints by her here.

photo by sarah norris, $30 for a set of four mini-prints. buy here.

The most common cause of death in women in the United States is heart disease. There’s no close second, either; it’s number one by a large margin. With this in mind, I present you with my Valentine’s Day gift suggestion: a popcorn maker.

I know: giving your girl a gift that says, “Git in that kitchen, woman!” is kind of dangerous. But air popped popcorn is a heart healthy snack, and you can tell her that, rather than worry about the figurative heart, you’re helping to take care of her real one (hey, it would work on me! But I also married the least romantic man in the world, so I take what I can get.)

I use mine several times a week, instead of turning to less healthful snacks. With a little salt and olive oil instead of butter, it’s delicious and not so bad for you.

The one I have, that I can vouch for, is here at amazon, for $25.

photo by my buddy Chad, who loves popcorn, too!

p.s. Just because now it’s stuck in my head…

I want to make a handful of these darling Valentine’s Day themed pins from Purl Bee while catching up on my podcasts and sipping tea. Maybe Thursday.

Directions here.