Sometimes people will say that Valentine’s Day was created by greeting card companies just to make money. But the first mention of Valentine’s Day was actually in one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s poems from the 1380’s—over 500 years before Hallmark existed. In fact, way before manufactured cards and boxes of chocolate, people exchanged poems, love letters, and handmade cards for virtually no money at all. Read how to show your love on Valentine's Day for less than a dollar. Continue reading

Welcome to a month-long celebration of love, kindness, and the power of small gestures. This year I put together a 29 Days of Love and Kindness Calendar for us to do one kind thing each day for ourselves and others. Follow along with my calendar or get creative and make your own! The goal is to be as thoughtful and kind as possible for 29 days straight. Are you with me? Continue reading

If you’re single this year for Valentine’s Day, ditch the cheesy rom-coms where everyone falls in love, and join the birds in Chaucer's Parliament of Fowls poem as they hilariously navigate the complexities of love, courtship, and singlehood. Literature's earliest depiction of Valentine's Day is absurdly similar to The Bachelorette TV show except the bachelorette decides to stay single! Grab your favorite beverage and some popcorn and let’s break down the masterful wit of Geoffrey Chaucer... Continue reading

Life can be quite overwhelming at times, and our minds become cluttered with anxiety and stress. When this happens, it’s important to find ways to calm our nervous system and recenter. One powerful way to do this is through a meditation or visualization practice. By imagining ourselves in peaceful and tranquil surroundings, we can create a sense of peace within us. Here are six serene visualizations that can help you calm your mind and ease into a new season.

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Do you need a way to beat the winter blues like I do? Join me in my 28 Days of Love Challenge in February! The challenge is simple, yet powerful: in February, write a love note to someone different every day. The act of expressing love and gratitude will uplift our spirits and bring joy to those around us. I've created a calendar in this blog post with a different person to write to each day, and I'll be posting reminders on social media to keep you on track. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook at @alisonrosevintage.

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As one year comes to an end and another begins, many of us put forth our New Year’s resolutions. Although I once chose a resolution that lasted a solid 5 years (volunteering more!), data reveals that resolutions are short-lived. So instead of making a resolution full of pressure and guilt, choose a word that will help you live with better intentions for the year.

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As I lay here, two weeks into my foot surgery recovery, I’m thinking about the many types of recovery—post-surgery, cancer, addiction, mental health—and how each of them can result in a similar feeling: isolation. If we can’t be in person with our loved ones or coworkers who are recovering, there are gifts and gestures that can make them feel less alone, like a handwritten note or a care package. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to help prevent feelings of isolation.

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