They Aren't Always Happy

Valentine's Day Reflections + Book Recs

Valentine’s Day Musings

I’ve definitely had many not happy Valentine’s Days… when I was single in my 20s wondering if I would ever find my person… when all my high school friends got roses during school one year except me (why that tradition??)… when I was older, but, well, lonely.

But this one is a good year (at least, love-wise, forget the world), so I’m spreading my warmth and good cheer — not to rub my current happiness with my husband and kids in anyone’s face, but to say some years are better than others.

I’ve been there. And here. You just never know what’s coming around the corner.

Also, life is short so why not make every holiday a big celebration?! Valentine’s Day breakfast? But of course.

My kids and Kyle got me the perfect gifts today: a pink Lego typewriter with “Once upon a time” on the paper… and a Minnie Rose sweater. Minnie Rose is one of the brands that jumped to say yes when I asked for donations to our clothing drive and sent the best collection of sweaters for those who lost their homes in the LA fire. I’m actually doing a collab special sweater with them — stay tuned.

Check out all the brands who donated to the clothing drive here. We ended up “dressing” 870 families after the L.A. fire.

Today, I got everyone jammies, including a set for Kyle from Petite Plume, another brand that donated to our clothing drive. I told you: I’m loyal!!! There’s still time if you want to copy us.

Spread the Love

Suggestion: If you want to give back and spread the LOVE of reading this Valentine’s Day, consider giving the gift of books to four Palisades elementary schools destroyed in the LA fire: Marquez Elementary, the Village School, Seven Arrows, and St. Matthew’s Parish School.

I’m raising all the funds to re-order their custom wishlists of books. If you haven’t given, please reconsider. Together, we can rebuild these collections and delight children, many who have also lost their homes. There are various giving levels with associated perks from $25 to $15,000. If you ALL donate, we’ll reach the goal of $800,000!

Here’s to celebrating the good chapters and getting through the bad ones — together.

What to Read

If you’re looking for some Valentine’s Day reads, here are a few suggestions from my Most Anticipated List!

Taylor Hutton, Strike and Burn. Podcast airing soon.

Jane Costello, It’s Getting Hot in Here. Listen to our podcast here.

Jessica Soffer, This is A Love Story. Listen to our podcast here.

Ada Calhoun, Crush. Podcast airing soon.

Kareem Rosser, When You’re Ready: A Love Story. Listen to our podcast here.

Emma Grey, Pictures of You. Listen to our podcast here.

Podcast

Speaking of my daily podcast (yes, daily) Totally Booked with Zibby, don’t miss the latest five episodes!

Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones’s Diary!!! Mad About the Boy)

Alexandra Sowa (The Ozempic Revolution)

Kareem Rosser (When You’re Ready: A Love Story)

Jojo Moyes (Me Before You!! We Live Here Now)

Josh Plasse (Dust, actor in “Wildflower”)

Upcoming Events

Also, a quick plug for my next five events in Florida and New York.

Monday, February 24th: 3 events. 1 day!

11 am: Miami Beach, FL. The Miami Beach JCC hosts Zibby Owens in conversation with artist Zoe Buckman, moderated by Mindy Solomon. Register HERE.

5 pm: Bal Harbor, FL. Veronica Beard Bal Harbor hosts Zibby Owens, Rochelle Weinstein, Dara Levan, Talia Carner, and Debbie Reed Fischer. Rsvp: balharbourRSVP@veronicabeard.com.

8 pm: Coral Gables, FL. Books & Books Coral Gables hosts Zibby Owens, Rochelle Weinstein, Dara Levan, Talia Carner, and Debbie Reed Fischer. Register HERE.

Tuesday, February 25th:

10:30 am: Palm Beach, FL. The Mandel JCC hosts Zibby Owens, Dara Levan, and Debbie Reed Fischer. Register HERE.

Thursday, February 27th:

11:00 am: New York, NY. Screening of Rabbi Raphael Shore’s 56-minute documentary “Tragic Awakening” followed by a conversation with Shirin Yadegar and Zibby Owens. Register HERE. Note: doors open at 10:30 am. Screening starts promptly at 11:00 am.

I think that’s it.

HAPPY Valentine’s Day to all of you who make every day of mine better with every heart you press on Instagram and every comment you leave here!