Valentine's Blues... as in Berries :)

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I always start thinking about love. I think Valentine's Day might be one of my favorite holidays... I love expressing my affection for my friends and family, and I'm about as girly as it gets when it comes to hearts, flowers and some darn good chocolate. Add in a bubble bath and candles and I hardly even miss the fact that I don't have my honey to cuddle up with. I keep busy being cozy and lovey-dovey with my faithful cat.

Okay, so that's admittedly kind of sad, but my real point here is that I think Valentine's Day is great because it's all about expressing love and gratitude. I don't even care that it's commercialized. In my opinion, it's a fabulous opportunity to tell the people who are close to you just how important they are. I can usually be caught sending mass texts of amore on this particular day to do just that.

Love and gratitude are very powerful forces. Just think about it - how can you not feel great when someone expresses their unconditional affection for you, whether big or small? Love has the power to brighten your day in seconds, from a smile to a hug to a thoughtful act. This Valentine's Day, I hope you take the opportunity to call your parents, your grandparents, your sisters, brothers and friends just to let them know you care.

It's the people that care about me that keep me going, most especially when I get blue. I know just how powerful love and affection can be in getting through life's ups and downs, and it's a power we all have to share. I hope you do.

My Valentine's wish is that the people I love and miss know how much I truly feel for them.

xoxo from me to you :)

Blueberry Salmon Salad

Full of heart-healthy omega fatty acids and antioxidants, this salad is fun to eat and friendly to your frame. It's one of my favorite staples... It might become one of yours, too.

1 pre-cooked boneless salmon fillet (from the night before, from Whole Foods deli, etc)
4 cups baby salad greens
1/2 seedless cucumber
1 vine ripened tomato
1/2 avocado, chopped
1/2 cup to 2/3 cup fresh blueberries

Combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl and toss. The salmon should be flaked into pieces. Top with a tablespoon or two of your favorite dressing (I recommend an Italian vinagrette) and enjoy!