Happy "Heart" Day

Some "love"-ly sentiments to brighten your V-Day...

Her voice is literally as velvety as the dark chocolates I am about to consume.
P.S.  How great did she look the other night on the Grammy's?!  Way to lose the bouffant and cloak...and snag every award you were nominated for, girl.

Happy Valentine's, lovas...

Hope it's extra sweet for you!

;)

P.S.  Don't think I forgot those of you aren't fans of this Hallmark celebration...

Just remember...I LOVE YOU!!

~images via design*sponge, unknown, truly, unknown, truly, pinterest x 2, unknown by pablo neruda, this is not new & hip hip hostess~

Boob tube

Just thought I'd take a moment to comment on some of my favorites right now.

1.

Oscars.

Coming soon (2/26!).  I basically watch for the the fashion, seeing as I usually have never heard of any of the nominated movies until the Golden Globes air.

 How great would these drinks be for an Oscars party?!

Note to self:  Do this next year.
(Read:  When I'm not pregnant and can enjoy.)

2.

Bon Iver on SNL.
And fresh off a couple of Grammy wins!! Remember him?)

Mesmerizing.  Haunting.  (And I don't even go for blondes.)

Bon Iver: Holocene

3.

The Bachelor.

Holy cow.  This show is SO BAD.

I haven't watched a season since Trista was the Bachelorette and married that teddy bear of a fireman.  But I saw this season's first episode on a plane and like most reality shows of this nature, once you get sucked in, there's no turning back.

So many crazies, I just cannot get enough!  I mean, the crying exit scenes?  TOO MUCH FUN.  Don't they realize their contorted crying faces, running mascara, and taxi cab confessions are scaring off any potential suitors?!  Reeks of crazy.
And how ridiculously heinous is Ben's bowl cut?  That middle part reminds me of the boys in my 5th grade glass.  The 90's called and want that 'do back, Ben!!
If Courtney (the skanky bitchy model) makes it any further, I will personally be offended.

P.S.  My money/hope is on Kacie B. for the win.

4.

Gossip Girl.

Can Lonely Boy and BW just get together already?

I've been patiently waiting.

P.S.  If someone were to assassinate Prince Louis, I'd be totally okay with that.

5.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Why did this glorious season have to end?!?!

At least Paul sent it out on a truly spectacular moment, post-colonoscopy.
"It's coming out....Oh, no!"

Paul:  The only relatable human on this show.
(At least we have the return of the OC originals to keep us entertained.)


6.
The Pioneer Woman
On Saturday mornings on the Food Network.

She keeps it real and does basic comfort food REALLY well.
Tune in for some culinary inspiration!

What are you watching right now?

~image #1 via pinterest~

Valentines for the kiddies

Let's bring this blog down to a PG rating today, shall we?

Here are some cute little Valentine ideas for kids' party favors,
gifts for your nieces and nephews,

or to make for your little one to bring to school and/or send to the g'parents.

I love them ALL!

If your wee one is an artiste, check {THESE} out!
So fun!...and you could attached to any treat, edible or not.

Here are some more cutely packaged candies and sweets.

Friendship seeds.

Swedish fish for "school" celebrations.

Fingerprint "hearts" on cookie boxes.

Adorbs.
And now I'm craving chocolate...

~images via pinterest x 2, hip hostess, and unknown sources x 2~

Valentine négligé...and other sexy things

That's right, we all know V-day is all about the "sexy time".

Thus, here is the soundtrack for today's blog viewing:

P.S.  I LOVE this version of this song.  (And Ben.)
P.P.S.  With that being said, does anyone else under the age of 40 hear that ringing in the background?  Or do I have truly have worsening tinnitus?

I digress.
Let's get back to the sex.

All ladies would feel loved (and desirable) if her man gave her any of the following come this February 14th...

Starting with a sensual Valentine card to get her in the mood...
Example:

And if you're like me, humor hits me right in the loins.
So even this gum gets me revved up...

Ha!
Okay for realsies now...moving on to actual SEXY things.
Namely the négligé...

Ruffled pink + red PJ's
(by Juicy Couture...and sadly no longer available)

Pink + black lace & tulle bodysuit
(Does this come with a snap crotch?  I wonder...)

Mauve silk-satin romper
(perfect for a romp in the hay!)

Black lace mask
(Hey-oh!!)

A trio of Hanky Panky's
(every girl's favorite...practical and  alluring)

Black lacy stockings
(Hubba, hubba!)

Or, arrange for an intimate "breakfast" in bed...clothing optional!

Or, perhaps she'd prefer a champagne and candles bubble bath.
(I personally would take BOTH.)

But perhaps this year, given my state,
I will receive the SEXIEST lingerie gift of all....

NURSING BRAS!!

Peek-a-boo!!
(You could even toss in some bra pads to guard against leaking nipples.  Rarrrrrrr.  She'll really like that gesture!)

I've clearly come to terms with the fact my lady parts will never be the same.
;)

Regardless of your method,
be sure to spice up the romance this V-day!

~images via this is glamorous, hip hip hostess, elements of style, net-a-porter x 6,  pinterest, elements of style, & motherhood maternity~

Valentine golden baubles

I am normally more of a "silver" girl,
but perhaps since it's my golden birth year,
I shall open my mind to all things gold!


Read:  (Strongly) consider blinging out your lady friend in 2012.

We also might as well go ahead & list this blog entry as being priced

"High to Low" right now.

First up?

Lulu Frost monogram charm necklaces 

They are simply gorg.

And really expensive.  But still gorg.

$395-$410, {HERE} and {HERE}

  

2 Love Knot Pendant by Carla Caruso

$168 {HERE}

Arrow cuff bracelets by Odette New York
Aw, you could be her little cupid! How cute.
$150 and $98 {HERE}

"Loved" pendant necklace by Olive & Cocoa

(Bonus:  Free shipping!)

$124 {HERE}

"Heart" or "Alphabet" rings, in gold or silver, by Catbird.
Simple and adorable.

$92 each {HERE}

Last but not least,
Juliet & Company lace earrings
$34 {HERE} via shopbop

All stunning in their own way, no?
So treat your women right, gents.  They deserve it!

~images via lulu frost, the clay pot, odette new york, olive & cocoa, catbird & shopbop.com~

February link love

I just adore a good garland.
And the following one's no exception!
DIY tutorial via the chic line ~ {HERE}.

Or even simpler:  string patterned cardstock hearts together and hang.

This racy "bedroom art" made me laugh out loud.
I think it would be especially hilarious in a guest bedroom.
(Or bathroom. Ha!)

{HERE}

I often wonder what other ladies consider to be "purse essentials".
I think this all-inclusive list is perfect.
{HERE} via cupcakes & cashmere

Do you ever wish you could create the perfect "smoky eye"?
(Read:  without looking like a drunk raccoon?)
Me too, sister.
{HERE} is an easy, 2-step, video tutorial.
Perhaps you can try out your new sultry look on Valentine's Day!

Speaking of V-Day,
this "picture pillow" would sure make a cute homemade "Valentine," no?
{HERE}

And check out "8 Dresses to Wear this Valentine's Day" - some are super cute!
(I'm especially feeling that pale pink frock with the cowl neck!)


Likewise, because my husband is a true toffee nut,
I may try this version of "fool's toffee" to tuck in with his Valentines!
"Better Than Skor Bars" recipe {HERE}
(...or again, a gazillion others can be found on Pinterest.)

And why not a little love song from Flo to send you on your way?

Happy 'net surfing to you!

~images via the chic line, 20x200, cupcakes&cashmere, stitchtagram.com, & momontherun.net~

Weekender duffel perfection

Or, the perfect

"pack your shizz for the hospital because girl, you be in labor" bag.

;)

Loving this gorgeous combo of leather and glitz.

$137 {HERE}

It's even Oprah-approved!

Or what about an ever-popular (and slightly more affordable) Vera Bradley bag?
They have some super cute carry-on size duffels and totes....currently ON SALE!
Some of my faves....

XL Duffel in "Folkloric" or "Tea Garden"
$59.99 {HERE} or {HERE}

I'm also thinking one of these very roomy totes (with lots of inside pouches)
would triple as a baby bag for the hospital AND, yep you guessed it...
a tres fab DIAPER BAG!!

I'm especially in love with the Vera tote in "Twirly Birds Navy"
$60 {HERE}

Not as girly as the floral prints so that even Daddy can lug on his arm. ;)
And blue for the sweet little boy-to-be!
And for a great sale price...$65 less than the diaper bag currently on my registry:
Dwell Studio "Dots Chocolate Madison Bag", $125, {HERE}

What do you think, moms out there?
Is the Vera tote big enough for my diaper bag needs?
(Regardless, I'm thinking I need to scoop this up ASAP.)

As for the hospital,
I will probably end up resorting to my roller carry-on or decrepit UW duffel bag.

(With my breast pump in it's own discrete backpack!)

But a pregnant girl can dream, right?

~image via deux lux, vera bradley x 3, & dwell studio~