Valentine's Day? Try a 4 Day Valentine-extravaganza!! Jon took Thursday and Friday off to give me what I wanted most for Valentine's Day: quality time together. With my visit to Toledo and his trip to Florida, we haven't exactly spent a ton of time with each other.

Wednesday: our first night of trying out the Sarah advised method of shopping: actually picking out recipes beforehand, planning out our meals for the week, and THEN go grocery shopping. Previously my method was more the "Oh this Baguette dish looks cool to make!...we don't have any of the ingredients? ...Well, Spaghetti it is then!" After spending a solid half hour trying to figure out what Kale looks like, 2 phone calls to Sarah, and 2 full hours running aisle to aisle, we finally left Kroger's around 11pm.

Thursday: there is nothing like waking up to the low hum of the heater instead of the alarm clock. Since it was Jon's first day off, he played Aion while I read/watched tv/played with kitties. Our plan for the day involved checking out a local fine jewelry shop and cooking. A few weeks ago, I found an ad for The Village Jewel in Alive magazine and thought it looked like it may provide competition for Grandeview Mercantile's collection of engagement rings. Their website featured "Toby- the Closer", a cat that selected his favorite pieces from the shop to showcase. I found another section where Toby explained the pros and cons of different metals/alloys. Amazing. Needles to say I was sold.

Walking in the door of The Village Jewel, we were greeted by the most welcoming, cheerful man I've encountered on our engagement ring adventures. His name was Mitch. We explained that we were just looking and explained that we were open to all different types of antique rings but preferred art deco. Gina, Mitch's wife, came out and organized the platinum, white gold, and palladium rings into one case. From the back of the black velvet rectangle came a blinding sparkle...
:-)


( Actually it looks entirely different in person)

The ring is palladium with a transitional cut and 32 side stones. Close to 2 carats. Made in the 1940's.

We met Toby, talked about theatre in Columbus, about pushy sellers, and the merits of buying a valuable antique ring, etc. There's nothing better than having an experience where you actually want to do business with good people.

Later we went to Eddie George's and met Ryan for dinner and to watch the Cav's vs. Magic. Ryan's friend Steve and Matt ended up showing up too. All in all a good night.

Friday: Went to dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse with Matt, Ryan, and Ted. The dinner was delicious but the service sucked.

Got home and watched the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver Olympics.


Oh...and Jon took a trip to The Village Jewel :-)

Now before any preliminary excitement starts. He has not proposed officially yet and it still needs to be resized but...

Saturday: By far one of the best days I've ever had and completely reaffirming. In the morning we stopped by The Village Jewel to get the ring resized.

My only request was to check out the Clintonville area. By the end of the day, I had fallen completely in love with the entire region: one independent, unique shop after another.
First we visited The Curiosity Shop. They offered reworking and repair on everything jewelery related as well as a large assortment of interesting necklaces. A good place to keep in mind for when I have the funds to get the 1940's watch from my Great Aunt Annie fixed.
Then we headed to two antique shops...both names escape me now of course. The first store offered amazing finds but the prices were a little redic. The other shop was super cheap but didn't necessarily have great quality items.
By that time we were pretty hungry so we stopped at this delightful, cheerful hipster restaurant called Cornerstone Deli and Cafe. One of those relaxed, non-pretentious finds that makes my heart happy. Turkey for me and Philly Steak for Jon.
Headed to Mad 4 Mod where Jon found a 3 piece light wool suit. After mentioning how we would have to get it tailored, the boss knocked off $30.00 !!!! Needless to say, they will become a staple on our shopping rounds.
Next we went to a bookstore that I've always wanted to check out called Areopagitica Books. Though light on fiction, I found plenty of poetry and nonfiction for staggeringly low prices.I ended up getting a book of Keating's poetry and selected letters. The best part is that the previous owner has countless penciled musings. Only $2.50
Our final stop was Rags O' Rama for their $1 sale. My finds: an emerald green banana republic blouse and Ralph Lauren Jeans (I hate jeans but somehow there are times where they are necessary...unfortunately ). Jon found a tweed jacket...it's pretty sweet.
Once home we made a Crostini dish with spinach, garlic, and white beans- sooo yummy!

Sunday:
Sleep. Get up. Watch Olympics. Nap. Play with cats. Make dinner.

Valentine's Day extravaganza!