I love a good tea party, especially for Galentine’s Day, which is ironic, considering I don’t even like tea. What I adore is the tradition itself. Everything about it feels delightful, from dressing up and using antique china to enjoying the dainty, crustless sandwiches, especially ones with cucumber and cream cheese, to eating chocolate-covered treats of every kind. Over the years, I have attended many elegant and exciting tea parties, including a few at the now-closed Hallie Rose Tea Room at the East Hills Mall, as well as one at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, which provided the perfect setting for my best friend’s daughter’s bridal shower, thanks to its artful ambiance and menu. Last summer, I visited the OG tea party in England at The Orangery, located in the royal greenhouse overlooking Kensington Palace’s gardens. For the full experience, I even sipped Earl Grey tea.

One of my all-time favorite tea parties was one we hosted for KCMF in 2012, when we invited some of my children’s friends over and featured them in the magazine.  All those adorable six-year-old girls were dressed in their best, frilly dresses and drank pink lemonade as “tea.”  Seeing this tradition through the eyes of children who had never experienced it before was pure magic. With this being the month of love and romance, it’s the perfect time to host tea time for yourself, for your littles, or for a charming party with friends for Galentine’s Day.

Traditions are a huge part of life, especially for Gen Xers, who remember what life was like before the internet and social media. In Julie Willis’s Humor at Home article, “Tech-Challenged and Totally Fine: Confessions of a Gen Xer,” she spills the proverbial “tea” on life in a tech desert as a mom of a certain age. As a fellow Gen Xer, I can relate to her examples in every way. To read about all her media mishaps and how her children really feel about her tech skills, turn to page 20.

Special thanks to this month’s mama for her strength and compassion during her own and others’ grief journeys. In the article, “Hello, Happy (DEVOTED) Mama: Becky Cruz,” on page 14, Callie Collins writes about how Becky turned her loss of her daughter, due to an accidental overdose, into a way to help people in the community who are grieving. A retired hairdresser who is now a pistachio-selling entrepreneur under the company Citygirl Loves Farmboy, she received her certification in Death and Grief Studies, and now facilitates support groups through Hoffman Hospice for moms like her. Becky keeps her daughter’s legacy alive through her business and roles as wife, mother, and grandmother.

Andrea Rose’s book recommendations for this month showcase local authors who have written a variety of books for all kinds of interests. In the article, “Locally Grown Stories for Little Minds,” on page 16, she features books ranging from fun, whimsical children’s tales to a Kern Kaper mystery series to historical nonfiction. Check out the titles, and you might find out your favorite author is also your neighbor.

This month, as we celebrate all things Valentine’s Day, whether you are having a romantic dinner with your significant other or sipping tea with your pinky extended while you spill “tea” with your friends, the important thing to remember is to cherish those in your life! They are the true meaning of love and connection. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day!