SB's Sweatshop of Love: Love: Conversations and Hearts

During the month of February, I've decided to create a series of posts based on the different real life love stories that inspire me. I'll be featuring friends and family, and their different types of love.

My whole life. I've been exceptionally lucky in finding wonderful friends. When I moved to Chicago, I found these women.

Lindsay, Lizzy, Casey, and I

Last night, we celebrated Casey's 30th birthday. While we were all excited to dress up and celebrate with Casey's closest friends and family, the real anticipation came from knowing we would be meeting someone very special to Casey.

This summer, Casey was set up on a blind date by a co-worker and her husband. The mystery man was the husband's work friend.

Casey and Eric hit it off. They began spending time together nearly every day. When they couldn't be together, they spoke on the phone for hours each evening.

Casey spoke to us about Eric. Lizzy, Lindsay, and I couldn't believe how happy she sounded. Casey seemed so at ease with him and he sounded so wonderful.

As the months progressed, they have continued to spend more time discussing everything from their days, to their families, to their future.

Lindsay, Lizzy, and I continued to be amazed and thrilled with how happy Casey was and how great Eric was.

Through the past six months, we have seen Casey be as happy as we had ever seen her. And all this has happened because of Casey and Eric's inspiring commitment to each other.

The commitment is even more inspiring because Eric lives right outside of Paris. As in France.

Casey and Eric met this summer when Eric was in Chicago on business for a few weeks. They dated for about two weeks while on the same continent.

Since then, they have spoken almost daily, via phone or Skype. They wake up early or stay up late to speak to one another.

Casey travelled to see Eric over New Year's and they had a wonderful time being together and exploring Paris.

Last night, we all met Eric. He was charming and sweet. He made a slideshow celebrating Casey. He made a scrapbook of the slideshow so we could all sign it, so Casey would have a memory of her birthday.

As great as Eric is, the best part of the evening was watching them interact.

Cheers to you, Casey and Eric. Enjoy this month together.

Inspired by Casey and Eric, I made a wreath with conversation hearts. (Get it?!? Conversations, ha)

Here's what I did.

Start with a 12 inch wreath, 3 bags of conversation hearts, and hot glue.