This Birdy has finally "got it" when it comes to the power of flowers. I always loved fresh-cut blooms and bouquets but they were never a thing I sought out, as they felt like such a short-lived gift. Flowers fade, the blooms wilt, and you're left with something that needs to be cleaned up and swept away. But over the last few years, I finally appreciate the gift that fresh flowers bring to a household. It's a bit of colorful light and life that suddenly makes a room pleasant, and it's definitely a gift worth giving to others, as it's the thing we so rarely treat ourselves with.

Is it possible to wear your heart on your sleeve (or anywhere else) all year round? As you know, Valentine's Day is this week, although we've been inundated with heart-shaped Everything since January. Is there a way to celebrate the love without everything looking like a heart-shaped mess? The Magpie is here to save the day with some sweet, smart heart-themed jewelry that makes you feel like a Valentine 365 days a year.

So.... the Birdy's going to get all sentimental and mushy for a moment, but I became the very happy owner of a beautiful piece of jewelry. No, no, don't start the wedding bells chiming, I was just very surprised by a heartfelt gift by Mister Magpie, and best of all, it wasn't for any reason, it was simply Just Because. And we're not into big-gesture gifts, so this was especially heartfelt, and he picked a piece from one of my favorite Seattle jewelry designers, Erin Jane.