Treat Yourself this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day always sneaks up on me. I always say, “I’m going to do something this Valentine’s Day! A big pattern release, a give away, a sew along…” But it is also the busiest time of year for Made to Order Lingerie and I never seem to have the time…

But, I wanted to do something. After all, today is a day made for pretty lingerie. I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a day of self-care… and that’s kind of how I feel about lingerie at this time in my life. Lingerie that is beautiful and comfortable makes me feel great, whether anyone else knows I’m wearing it or not.

So, I’m having a Valentine’s Day sale. Sewing Patterns and Lingerie are all 15% off, plus get free shipping on Sleep Masks and Hair Accessories! The sale will be running throughout the weekend, so those of you who have a long weekend (Family Day here in Ontario) can take some self-care time to do some sewing or shopping. There is no need to use a coupon code if you are shopping on Etsy, but if you are shopping here, use coupon code LoveYou15 at checkout.

With all that has been happening around me these last few weeks, taking some time for me has been extra important. My dad has finally started to make some improvements and at least no longer has a fever and his sedation is being lowered day by day. He will still have a long way to go, but these are all positive signs.

Self-Care can take so many different forms. I’m a “do-er.” I have a hard time sitting still. This past weekend we decided to paint our stairwell and upstairs hallway, which was long overdue for a fresh coat of paint. Like most of our house, we painted it white to brighten and freshen things up. It’s nice to have a project that isn’t work related to let my mind wander on. I ordered a nice runner and am contemplating artwork and photo arrangements for the walls. It always feels good for me to do something productive like that.

Sewing is also a big form of self-care for me despite the fact that it’s also my job. Creating in general makes me feel good, but sewing is the area where I excel the most. Isabel had a few snow days this week, but luckily Dan was able to take some time off to entertain her. I got ahead of orders again and sewed a few new pieces. It felt good.

Otherwise, I’ve been spending my time hanging out with Isabel and my pups, Marie-Kondoing my house, and playing Stardew Valley. Oh, and shovelling snow. Lots and lots of snow!

I am eagerly anticipating my 20 week ultrasound at the end of the month. I really want to know whether we are having a boy or a girl so I can get the room done. Funny enough, I generally gravitate towards a more simple, neutral design so I’m not sure why it matters so much, but I just want to know.

I’m feeling lots of little kicks, punches and summersaults which is always an amazing and reassuring feeling at this stage. It is crazy how different pregnancies can be. When I was pregnant with Isabel, for the most part I felt great the whole time! I had some pretty bad sciatica but overall felt great. This time around I felt so sick the first three months and seem to have had a resurgence of sickness this week. But, I’m staying active and feel good for the most part, so I am lucky. I took the picture below at 16 weeks, and I’m already feeling quite a bit bigger.