Happy Valentine's Day

Every "first" holiday with our baby girl is going in the books as an instant fave and V-day was no exception. Aside from dressing Evelina up in the cheesiest, themey-est outfits I can find, (because you know I love a good theme party!) being on leave means I have time to do things like send Valentine's, make homemade treats, and personally deliver them. I've written about Valentine's Day a few times here on the blog and my feelings on the subject never waver - celebrate all kinds of love! I hope your heart day was happy!

For the Love of Rose

Roses are the flower of Valentine's Day, but I'm obsessed year round, and not just with the buds. Give me body oil over a bouquet any day! (Ok, maybe both. *wink*wink*)  Still stumped for your sweetie? Forgo the flowers, these will last a lot longer.

My five favorites:

Rose Nurturing Body Oil - Lightly scented, majorly moisturizing.
Rose Castille Soap - A natural, gentle cleanse. For so much more than just the shower!
Moroccan Rose Water Spritz- Hydrating and anti-aging. Yes, please!
Red Roses Cologne - I've sniffed many a rose scented perfume, and trust me, no one gets closer to the real thing than Jo.
Rosebud Salve - for a perfectly kissable pout!

Fun fact: did you know that it takes 60 roses to produce one drop of pure rose essential oil? 60!

You Are Loved

source unknown

Wanted to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day today! We've talked about how I feel about it here and here so there's no need to ramble on about the meaning behind this holiday. There are many strengths and doses of love, celebrate them all today and know that you are loved.

P.S. Last year's outfit.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Stole - Vintage  //  Top - Ann Taylor  //  Pants - Kimichi Blue  //  Gloves - Armani Exchange  
  Shoes - Kardashian Kollection (similar)

Happy Valentine's Day sweets!

Remember what I said about subdued holiday dressing?  Sometimes you just gotta scratch that. Here, I went for vintage glamour (my grandmother's mink stole), romance (lace high waisted cigarette pants), a touch of leopard and pops of red - the polar opposite of subdued. But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do...

Scratching off one my new year's resolutions, I made my first batch of macarons this weekend. Some of you followed along on Facebook - they turned out pretty swell for a first try! I'm handing some out with my MintedValentine's today. If you were here in real life we'd share a plate as my way as saying thanks for being such fabulous/wonderful/amazing readers and friends!

If you have any extra love to share, hubby and I are *thisclose* to winning free flowers for a year! Can you spare a vote for us (until noon)? Visit here and search for "Ashleigh" - mwah!

5 Valentine's Dresses (that aren't red!) for Under $50

Clockwise: Lace / Pleats / Chiffon / Draped / Peter Pan

I love a festive frock but sometimes it's fun to be subdued. Here's a little roundup of some flowy and flirty dresses that say (not scream) sweet, charming, and lovable each under fifty bones! And if you're looking for something a little more obvious and still on trend, well here's your girl! Curious, do you dress for the occasion or think it's cheesy?

Speaking of V.day...Did you know that in Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day"? It's what I've been saying all along!

Loving Lace

1. Onyx Cuff  /  2. Packing Tape  /  3. Polish Strips  /  4. Swimsuit   /  5. Tee

With the day of luv upon us what's more romantical than lace? It can be sweet, sexy or downright sultry. These days I'm loving it with casual undertones - a manicure, a tee shirt, even packing tape. Wouldn't you love to receive a box taped in lace??

P.S. Every time I proofread this post I thought sultry said slutty. Did you, too?? Ah!

Valentine's Part Deux

{Live. Laugh. Love.}

That is all.

Valentine's Means Love

Regardless of what Cupid says, I believe Valentine's should be about all kinds of love, not just the romantic kind. It's a chance to tell the people in your life who mean the most that you care and appreciate them. I often send handmade cards to friends and family and my Dad never fails to call on the day asking me to be his Valentine. The idea of Anti-valentine's parties make me sad, the world needs more love, why stop with couples? Whether you have a sweetheart or not, I hope you'll reach out to someone this year and express a little extra love - call your Grandpa, hug your best friend, write a sweet note to a child, give your boss a cupcake. Share the love people.

A few of my favorite Valentine projects this year:

Polaroid photo wall image via Little Blue Deer

A hidden heart cake!

Picture and tutorial by i am baker via alkeemi

Kevin Sharkey created a 'Sweet Dreams' package for friends using a flannel pillowcase, compilation of lullabies and a sleep mask.

Stitched Heart card by moi, tutorial here.

Mwwwwaah to all of you! I love love love reading about your lives and discovering wonderful sources through your blogs. And welcome to my newest readers and followers, I look forward to getting to know you!

Have a lovely weekend!

P.S. More thoughts on Valentine's Day and love.