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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Sweet Ideas


 Just in case you're still in a panic for the perfect V-Day outfit, or still searching for the perfect Galentine's Day gift for your bestie, here are some of my favorite picks this holiday. I used to not really put much thought into this particular day, but this year I'm really feeling it. I love that all the stores are decorated in red + pink, the candy I feel I can eat as an excuse for celebrating, and having an excuse to eat at my favorite restaurant (which is only reserved for special occasions because of how expensive it is).

For you...


Kate Spade has the cutest array of Valentine's Day clothing and accessories right now, including this dress that's on sale! Link is here


I'm so in love with the latest clutches being sold over at Hello Holiday! Hurry before they're all sold out! Clutch can be found here



I have a number of red lipstick favorites, but lately I've been loving L'Oreal's British Red. It's a great color and consistency, and feels super moisturizing. And you can't beat the price! You can find it here


I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for molten chocolate lava cakes. The recipe for this one is super simple, and would be the perfect thing to bake together after a romantic meal at your favorite restaurant. Recipe can be found here


If I had been a smarter planner, I would've booked a room at the most romantic b&b in Palm Springs (the Korakia Pensione, shown above). Sometimes it's nice to just be somewhere different for a night. If you live in a big city and have always wanted to stay at a certain hotel but never found a reason before, now's a perfect time! If you live in a small town, head into the city! Link to the Korakia can be found here 

For your guy... 




  Ever since I discovered this amazing company (thanks Alison!), I've been convinced this is the best invention ever created. This website has curated artisan chocolates, alcoholic beverages and snacks that you can send to yourself or as a gift to a friend (or lover). Brilliant! I know my guy likes to makes drinks so this is the perfect gift for him, but there is something for everyone here! I particularly love their beef jerky sticks, bacon chocolate bar, and honey + sea salt almond butter! Link to MOUTH can be found here


And finally, for the bestie...

Can't go wrong with the cutest Heart Tumbler ever! Your bestie can take it to work, on a jog around the neighborhood, or even at home. It can be found here

Monday, February 9, 2015

Date Night Outfit

Whenever Valentine's Day comes around, I never know what to wear for our traditional "date night" where we go to our favorite local restaurant and indulge on homemade pasta and glasses of wine. I recently picked up the sweetest red dress from Anthropologie for a friend's 30th birthday and was thinking of wearing that, but I was looking in my closet and re-discovered a dress I wore as a bridesmaid to a dear friend's wedding two years ago. I picked it up at Nordstrom, and the back detail is what made me choose the dress for that occasion. It's so sweet and edgy at the same time with the low cut. There's also a really sweet laser cut detail and pleats in the skirt that I adore. I paired this dress with a bold pair of scalloped heels that I also wore to the wedding (for a pop of color), and curled my hair a little. Sadly this dress is long gone from Nordstrom stores, but there are similar styles - here, here and here.

  



Ahh this bow detail in the back just kills me! And the laser cuts are actually tiny hearts!

Shoe pictures are always awkward, but I loved that there were flowers all over the ground, so I had to take advantage.


Saturday, February 7, 2015

I Heart You



 Now that we're exactly week away from Valentine's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to share the cutest cakes ever. And the best part is - I got everything at Target so the whole shebang was super easy to put together. Target the best one-stop-shop for all things holiday. I love that the cake pans made the cakes so thick and the batter made them so moist! I'm all about baking from scratch, but sometimes it's nice to cut corners, don't you think? Bake up some of these little guys and give them to your guy, lady pals, parents, siblings, or random person on the street. They're sure to be a crowd pleaser!

The supplies, courtesy of Target, except for the tablecloth which I picked up at Party City last year, and the LOVE Sparklers which I bought from Lolli and Pops from yesterday's post):

 
The cake is a regular box cake mix, and the frosting is cream cheese blended up with some powdered sugar and a little almond milk to make it a little less thick. It's the perfect combination!

 


What's better than a champagne cocktail to go with the delicious chocolate cake? I paired my favorite Sofia champagne with a little grenadine to give it a red coloring, and dropped a raspberry into it for a little extra red. And it's delicious!

 

If you're not into the champagne & grenadine route, I also put together my favorite drink of them all: a French 75! If you're never had one, it's an absolute must. It's a mix of champagne, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. I poured it into my favorite wine goblet that I purchased at the Madonna Inn.


And no Valentine's Day cocktail + desserts hour can be complete without a little cat fluff



Friday, February 6, 2015

Candy Shop(ping)

Yesterday, I decided to take myself on a little date to the mall. I had my mind set on buying some Valentine's Day goodies, but wasn't sure where to start.. that is until I stumbled into Lolli and Pops, the best candy shop ever (well, maybe not ever, but the best local shop for sure). They're not just your regular candy shop - they sell candy from all over the world, have a milkshake bar (pictured below), a section for your favorite international treats, a photobooth (!!), cute fake tattoos, party supplies, and more. I was in HEAVEN! I would highly suggest making a trip into Glendale to check this place out. And if you happen to live in L.A., this would be a great activity to do with your Valentine, galentine, or just with yourself!

I think the gummy room was my favorite of them all. From the rainbow colored floors, to the rainbow colored walls, and the giant gold gummy bear to greet you when you walk in! They had really interesting gummies as well in all different shapes and flavors. My personal favorites were the ice cream cones and sharks.

The "french" room was my personal favorites. Leone Candy has the most beautiful packaging! I couldn't help but stop and stare for a while.

They also had the cutest Japanese candy including donuts! I still don't know what these things are, but they win for cutest packaging.


 Also: Chocolates that look like little croissants! LOVE <3


I had so much fun exploring this little gem at the Glendale Galleria. I hope you enjoyed my little tour! Tell me: What is your favorite kind of candy?