My husband and I recently reached empty on the bottles of our favorite fragrances.

So we bought some more.

His purchase, a recommendation from me (and a Sephora sample that didn’t disappoint).

My purchase, a recommendation from a female co-worker who complimented my scent one day and suggested it for my next purchase. (Women can be cool like that).

Shown above is a picture of our brand new roommates in all of their glory.

I use the word love a lot.

I love coffee. I love audiobooks. I love the ocean. I love hearing my son’s laugh. I love holding my husband’s hand.

Love labels these, and so many other things I hold dear, from my favorite foods to my favorite movies to my favorite cities, books and songs.

The first official family dinner of the new year at my house is now in the books.

Lamb stew was on the menu, if you’re wondering. And what a special lamb stew it was.

I just looked at the calendar and realized we’re about a week out from the anniversary of my dad’s… well, the day he died.

I never know quite what to call it, really.

Oh, I know there have been phrases coined around it long before I came along, heavenly birthdays and what have you.

But I haven’t been able to write my elevator speech for it.