Tag: Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s Valentine’s Day. Yes it’s a Hallmark holiday, and it was a day I used to loathe as a single teen so desperate to be in love. But as a happily married adult, I think there’s something pretty sweet about a day designed to celebrate love.

My husband and I don’t make a big deal about Valentine’s Day. We buy a joint gift every year, a Wii game or a cookbook, something that will encourage us to spend some extra time together. Sometimes we eat out but with it falling mid-week I’m on cooking duty this year. Add a nice bottle of wine and you’ve got the recipe for a pretty special night in, Valentine’s Day or not.

And there’s likely to be music. I’m not sure whether it’ll make its way to the stereo tonight, but with love in the air I thought I’d post “Into My Arms” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. It’s one of those very honest love songs that doesn’t resort to cheesy lines or clichés. Whether you’re in love or still waiting for that special person, enjoy! And to my own darling boy, happy Valentine’s day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s Valentine’s Day folks, that time of year where the world gets a little bit sappier. I must admit, I’m not immune to this Hallmark holiday. We reject the way restaurants jack up their prices, so I’m preparing to spend the afternoon whipping up a three-course meal. Yep, entrée, main, and even dessert. I have no sweet tooth, yet I’m getting set to create something sugary just for him. If that doesn’t say “I love you,” I don’t know what does.

Given that love is in the air I figured I’d post an Aussie song with a bit of personal meaning for me, “You’re My Better Half” by Keith Urban. We actually cut the cake at our wedding to this song nearly five years ago. We’ve all heard that phrase “better half,” but unless you’ve really been in a good relationship you can’t fully understand what it means. I don’t buy into that idea of a person completing you, but I do think the right one can bring out your very best qualities. People who know me say I’ve blossomed since meeting my husband; I’m more confident and outgoing and generally happier. I like to think I’ve been just as much of an asset to him!

So to my husband Steve, you are my better half. You know how much I love you, but on days like this I get a license to make the public declarations. Here’s to many more Valentine’s Day together!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is here. If you’re attached, I hope that special someone is treating you right. And if you’re single, I hope you’re spoiling yourself and rejoicing in your singledom! Whichever side you stand, everyone loves a good love song (no matter how much they protest!) Aussie blokes have an image of being ocker kockabout blokes, but the truth is that local lads have penned some of my favourite love songs.

Here are three of my favourites to help you celebrate this special day!

I love Keith Urban’s “You’re My Better Half” so much I actually used it at my wedding reception. For me this one will forever remind me of cutting my cake and posing for cheesy photos. This acoustic version is my favourite take on the song.

Say what you want about Savage Garden, but Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones could craft a brilliant pop song. There’s a reason why “Truly Madly Deeply” was such a big hit; it’s just that good. When it was on high rotation you might have sworn you never wanted to hear it again, but trust me, it really is worth another spin.

“Message to My Girl” is an absolute classic, one of those love songs that is cool enough for even the lads to admit liking. It was released in 1983, a fact which just blows my mind. While so many early 80s stuff sounds stuck in the past, this Split Enz tune sounds as fresh as the time I first heard it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day

Sorry to all your cynics out there, but I really love Valentine’s Day. And so in honour of this romantic day I figured I’d bring you some of my favourite Aussie love songs. I hope they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Even When I’m Sleeping” by Leonardo’s Bride is one of those tracks I used to play a lot when my husband and I were doing the long-distance thing. It’s so gorgeous without being overly gooey and sentimental.

“Please Don’t Ask Me” is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I’m sure we’ve all been victims of unrequited love, that most painful love of all! So keep your tissues handy when Farnsy stops talking and starts singing!
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