Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day

love letters, 2013

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love letters, 2013

(source)

 

Just a few little notes to the people and things that make me l-o-v-e life…feel free to leave your own little love note below (I want to hear what makes you guys all warm and fuzzy). Happy Valentine’s Day!! xo

 

To “my people”: You are the best girls (and guys) I know. Thank you each for bringing something unbelievably special to my life. You’re there for me when I’m a stress-case, put up with me when I sing obnoxiously off-key at the top of my lungs, happily oblige when I make you taste-test countless desserts for this blog (OK–you probably don’t hate that part), and always, always build me up. Thank you for making me a better me.

 

To my family: I love you for your constant support, for telling me what I need to hear (like, “No, Alyssa, that is correct. You won’t pay your loans off for another 10 years.”), for believing in me in the times when I hardly do, for laughing at my really corny jokes and for always making home feel like home.

 

To my sometimes-crazy job: I’m really happy I have you. You’re challenging, exciting and sometimes stressful, but I’m constantly left thinking it’s just a little bit magical that I have the privilege to go into work and do what I love every day. See ya in a few hours.

 

To Smartfood popcorn: I really (like, really) love you. Thanks for always being there for me in my time of need–like when I’ve had one drink too many or a tough day a work. You’re a special kind of delicious (and like I tell everyone, you’re better crushed).

 

To Alias, the best show on television: Did you catch me the first time? No? OK, I’ll say it again–you’re the best show on television. Or I guess I should say were, considering you’re not on anymore, but trust me when I tell you our weekly Netflix dates are going to continue on through 2013. Things are about to get real saucy, Sydney Bristow.

 

To you, the best readers ever: It still pretty hard for me to believe that anyone besides my mom and a few close friends read this blog, but I’m constantly overwhelmed by the amount of support I get from each and every one of you. You are the sweetest, most thoughtful and amazing women I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you for making this so fun xo

be a date night beauty

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be a date night beauty

source: Liz Von Hoene for Nordstroms 

 

We’re going to talk about date looks, but trust me when I say we’re not going to talk about the whole “here are beauty looks guys like so do this” thing. I’m a firm believer in wearing and rocking what you like–trust me when I tell you the guy you like will love it either way.

 

We are, however, going to talk about not overdoing it on Valentine’s Day–or any other date night. It hurts my heart when I see otherwise gorgeous girls caking on the foundation and piling on the bronzer for a night out with their guy, only to find that the cute-in-the-movies head on the shoulder moment turns not so cute when your guy’s shirt becomes orange. This Valentine’s Day, opt for a little sumthin’ sumthin’ like this:

 

romantichair be a date night beauty

Romantic, Retro Waves: These pretty curls are a step up from a normal straight or tousled look, but they stay out of that “too dolled up” territory. Keep ‘em soft and simple, and please–go easy on the hairspray. No guy wants to hear a distinct crunch when they go in for a hug! If you’re looking for a simple, easy tutorial, The Beauty Department has a great one. I plan on trying it myself for the blog once my hair grows a few inches (sigh!).

 

beautyromantic be a date night beauty

Soft, Pretty Makeup: When in doubt, go natural. A guy is out on a date with you to see you, not you and your entire Sephora collection. Choose a glow-y foundation (I love Make Up Forever’s Invisible Cover Foundation), a touch of blush and a good dose of mascara and you’re set. If you’re a perfume girl, spritz it on, don’t soak in it. And because I’ve never met a guy who looks good with a red lip (unless it’s from a 7-Eleven slushy), don’t rock a serious shade if you plan on a little kissing (which uh, you should). Go natural with a light cream lipstick or tint–something like Revlon’s Just Bitten Stain in Sweetheart is perfect!

 

What are your date beauty do’s and don’ts? Do share!

 

a valentine’s day playlist: for the lovers and the lonely

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a valentines day playlist: for the lovers and the lonely

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I alluded to it last month, and truth be told, this is the Valentine’s Day post I’ve been looking forward to the most! There’s not a broken heart or a budding romance that music doesn’t help, so why not make a playlist for both sets this Valentine’s Day? Honestly, I’m not above belting out a great version of Since You’ve Been Gone in the shower (very out of tune, I might add) and one of the love songs is my absolute favorite karaoke tune–see if you can guess which one! Single, taken, or hanging with the girls this February 14th, I hope you enjoy both of these playlists!

For the lovers:

 

Valentine's Day 2 by abucco10 on Grooveshark
 

 

For the lonely (but not really…): 

Valentine's Day 1 by abucco10 on Grooveshark
 

a little valentine’s day sugar

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vcookiesopen a little valentines day sugar

 

If there’s ever a time for a little sugar, it’s Valentine’s Day. I had an idea as to how I wanted these babies to turn out, but truth be told, I totally messed up these cookies–twice. The first time, the batter was so watery, it could never be a cookie. The second time–well let’s just say there was a fire alarm involved (yeah, it was an off day). But you know what they say, after a few recipes tweaks, third time’s a charm! I plan on handing these out to spread a little love this Valentine’s Day.

 

vcookies1 a little valentines day sugar

 

You’ll need:

 

  • 2 1/2 sticks butter, unsalted
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sugar
  • a pinch of salt
  • 5 cups of flour

 

vcookies2 a little valentines day sugar

 

Cream together the butter and the sugar until smooth, but don’t over mix. Add eggs and vanilla and mix again on low. Add the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated, for no longer than 30 seconds.

 

vcookies3 a little valentines day sugar

vcookies4 a little valentines day sugar

 

Put the dough on a tray, sandwiched between two pieces of parchment paper. Roll out flat (or, if you’re like me and can’t seem to find your rolling pin, sandwich between two trays and lay on it with your body weight). Put in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes.

 

vcookies6 a little valentines day sugar

vcookies7 a little valentines day sugar

 

Cut out cookie shapes using the cutters of your choice (naturally, I chose hearts for the occasion). Make sure you give the cookies room on the sheet–they will spread a little bit!

 

vcookies8 a little valentines day sugar

 

For the frosting:

 

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons half and half
  • red and pink food coloring (optional)

 

vcookies5 a little valentines day sugar

 

Dye the frosting a variety of pinks and red, and go crazy! I did a few different designs, added some sprinkles and sparkles (naturally) and generally went all out.

 

vcookies9 a little valentines day sugar

vcookies10 a little valentines day sugar

 

Wrap them up in red cellophane and hand out to all of your Valentines! If you need, you can store them in an air tight container for up to five days.