Friday Favorites

TGIF!  Is it just me or does this week feel like its been a decade long?  Nothing happened in particular that made it a "long" week, but I just feel like we've been in the same week for a long time.  This weekend's forecast calls for another cold and snowy one here in St. Louis, which I'm not looking forward to.  Can it just be spring already!?  Well, anyways, here's a roundup of my 5 favorite things I found this week.

Who doesn't love Trader Joe's?  And who wouldn't want Valentine's treats from Trader Joe's?  Honestly,  won't pass judgment if you keep these treats for yourself...I'm planning to get all the cupcakes!

17 Trader Joe's Valentine's Day Treats That You'll Want to Keep for Yourself

Love the idea of a girls' party to celebrate the women in your life.  This Galentine's Day Pizza Party (complete with HEART-SHAPED PIZZA) is honestly what Galentine Goals are made of.

How to Recreate This Galentine's Day Pizza Party at Home

Well...let's be honest here...the dog can't really talk back ;)

This adorable and funny Valentine's Day card is available by Unblushing on Etsy!

Etsy Valentine's Day Card by Unblushig

No green thumb?  No problem!

Yesterday while I was in Target, I came across these leaf stems that are so incredibly perfect and realistic looking, I fell in love.  I had to come home to figure out if there's a spot or large vase/basket for me to use them but fully intend on purchasing a few during my next Target run.  They definitely *spark joy*   :)

Target Faux Stem Split Leaf Philodendron

Another Target run find.  These marbleized mugs!  SO CUTE and a great Valentine's Day gift idea as well!  Pictured here is the pink but they're also available in orange, green, and purple!

Target 10.3oz Stoneware Marbleized Mug, Project 62

Have a great weekend!

♥ always

Allison

Image Sources:  Refinery29, Etsy, Target, Rue Daily

Non-Cheesy Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day...one of those days that people either love or they love to hate.  It's totally filled with all of those gimmicky "Hallmark" things and February 14th can be a painful reminder that one is more single than single this year but this holiday is also totally sweet with all the cutesy heart-shaped decorations, candy and let's not forget wine!  Valentine's Day doesn't require a significant other to be celebrated.  Celebrate the best girls in your life, your family, pets, or even yourself!  Of course, it's easy to run by Walgreens and grab a stuffed bear holding a heart (it is the thought that counts), but if you're searching for a more thoughtful gift for your S/O (or treating yo-self), here's some non-cheesy gifts that they will LOVE.

Personally, my boyfriend and I prefer experiences over gifts for this holiday.  Last year, we went to a concert at an intimate venue here in STL and it was hands down the best Valentine's Date.  Tickets to a concert, sporting event, play, movie, or any experience (cooking class, pottery making), the list could go on always make a great gift.

You've seen them drop their phone more than once.  The roses on this phone case will last much longer than the Valentine's bouquet and the case will help protect from any mishaps.

Casetify - Red Roses Phone Case

It's all in the signs.  Zodiac rings that are cool, minimal, and she'll want to wear every day.

Mejuri - Zodiac Ring

Men often have a hard time shopping and spending money on themselves so why not treat him to some new shoes so he can toss the old, worn out ones away?

Nordstrom - Vans 'Authentic' Sneakers

What's Valentine's Day without a little poetry?

This Valentine Taco shirt (plus many, many more tees) are available at Gabriel Clothing Co.

Gabriel Clothing Co. - Roses are Red Tee

Nobody prints off photos nearly as much as they should these days.  This small, portable photo printer is perfect for girls nights, parties, and of course date nights.

Amazon - HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer

A charming coffee table book for romantics who are crushing, committed, or anywhere in between.

Amazon - I Like You, I Love You

Heart-shaped glitter earrings will have her all heart-eyes.

Macy's - kate spade new york Gold-Tone Heart Glitter Square Stud Earrings

This mug says it all, "You're my person".

Target - 15oz Porcelain You're My Person Stackable Mug

Because home is where the heart is...how adorable is this heart print welcome mat!?

Etsy - Black & Wheat Co Heart Doormat

♥ always

Allison

Photo Sources:  Casetify, Mejuri, Nordstrom, Amazon, Gabriel Clothing Co., Macy's, Target, Etsy

What to Wear for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day...you either love it or you love to hate it.  It'll be here before you know it, regardless of what your plans are or your relationship status is.  I put together a few favorite outfit ideas for different things you may have going on for February 14th...a surprise date, casual evening ordering in, girls night out, or Galentine's get together.

1.  Surprise date night.  He made the reservations and just informed you a few hours before.  Instead of frantically searching the closed, just know that you can't go wrong with a ruffled LBD, velvet bootie, and red lip.

2.  Girls night out.  Flirty floral with badass leather is one of my favorite combinations for wherever the night may take you!

3.  Night in.  Fancy dinner reservations?  No, thanks...Cozy up in a cute sweater and comfortable denim for watching chick flicks with your SO or ordering pizza with your best girls.

4.  Galentine's get together.  This casual outfit could be worn for weekend brunch, bowling, hitting up the dive bars, seeing your favorite band, or out for Mexican food with the girls.

♥ always
Allison

Cooler than Corny Valentine's Day Gifts

Can you believe it's already February 1st?  January somehow seemed to fly by while also being 1,000 days long.  If you haven't started thinking about Valentine's Day gifts yet, here's a guide to gift ideas she'll love.  These presents will definitely earn you major cool points over the same corny, cliche items.

Drugstore chocolates are nice but how amazingly nice is this adorable 6 piece set of Be Mine chocolates by Christopher Elbow Chocolates?  They're almost too cute to eat...almost.  There's others sizes and options available!

Christopher Elbow Chocolates:  6 PIECE BE MINE SINGLE ORIGIN CHOCOLATES

Who wouldn't love to feel pampered and relax in a luxurious bath?  A bath bomb gift set is almost as nice as a trip to the spa, right!?

Lizush:  11 Bath Bomb Set with Gift Ready Box

Is minimalist more her style?  This geometric print from TheInspiringType on Etsy is surely the way to her heart.  Their shop is full of black and white minimal prints that can be downloaded right away.

TheInspiringType:  Geometric Heart Print

Okay, admit it...you've seen her saving all these hanging terrariums on Pinterest.  Air plants last much longer than roses so why not surprise her with a Hanging Terrarium Air Plant Kit by BirdAndFeatherCo?  She'll love the fact that she can build it immediately instead of running out to the store for all the necessities and will be left wondering how you just knew she wanted one.

BirdAndFeatherCo: Hanging Terrarium Air Plant, Amethyst Crystal Point, and Pyrite

She'll be feeling warm and fuzzy when you gift her this plush heart-shaped accent pillow!

Nordstrom at Home:  'Cuddle Up' Faux Fur Heart Accent Pillow

Cuddles and movie night in?  This so-soft snuggly faux-fur oversized jacket will be an absolute favorite to get through the rest of winter.

Soft Surroundings:  Hug-me Cardi

Insert heart eyes emoji!  Supersoft and lightweight tee that's all googly eyes on the front and tells it like it is on the back with "c'est la vie" written across it.

Topshop: C'est la Vie Motif Tee 

"Girl next door" meets flirtatious and a side of sexy with this ruffle tee showing off one shoulder.  The essential piece to throw on with a pair of jeans or dress up for a date night out.

1. State:  Ruffle Cutout Tee

Shimmy shimmy with these playful and trendy tassel earrings.  Since this pair features Ultra Violet, 2018's Color of the Year, she'll definitely be accessorizing with these spring, summer, fall, and winter.

LovelyHeartThings:  Ombre Violet Tassel Earrings

Has she been holding up her resolutions to hit the gym more often this year?  Treat her to this sporty, stylish and functional backpack to tote her essentials to the gym!

adidas:  Originals Tote Pack II Backpack

What gifts would you love to receive this Valentine's Day?

♥ always
Allison

8 Things to do for Valentine's Day

Don't get me wrong, I love love, but Valentine's Day has never been especially special to me.  If you love someone, you love them 365 days a year not just that one day, February 14th to be exact, that Hallmark threw out there for everyone to be all lovey dovey gushy about their significant other.  I guess there's some religious history to it, but we have a tendency to forget that part.  Cutesy hearts, love notes, and the day after Valentine's Day when all the candy goes on sale are all great things.  I've just never felt it to be necessary to get all dressed up, go out to an over priced restaurant and pay an arm and a leg for a dozen roses on a specific day.  Well, also partly because I don't even like roses, but if fancy dinners and roses are your thing, that's awesome.  Ignore the rest of this post.  If you're more anti-Valentine's Day like me, here are 8 things to do for Valentine's Day that aren't the average "Valentine's Day" dates.  Whether you're with a significant other, single, or celebrating with Galenine's, there's an option for everyone

1.  Go to a museum
2.  Buy wines.  Buy cheeses.  Make the ultimate cheese board and have a date night in.
3.  Binge watch classic love movies - Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Gone with the Wind
4.  Get creative in the kitchen.  That saved recipe you've been dying to try?  Create it.  If it fails, pizza delivery is only a phone call away.
5.  Single(s)?  Treat yourselves to manicures and pedicures.
6.  Map out your next travel adventure.
7.  Go the old school game night route with board and card games.
8.  Fuel your artistic side with a craft or coloring night.

This year, I'm planning on going with option #2.  I'm curious, what are your Valentine's plans?

{whatever wednesday}

This week's {whatever wednesday} 5 picks include stress relief and creativity for adults, a Super Bowl favorite, a hoppy Valentine DIY, a real gem of a clutch (that's currently 75% off), and the Mexican food lovers ideal tank.

{Pre-Order Now:  Vogue Coloring Book}

{Favorite Part of Super Bowl Sunday:  #SB50 #PepsiHalftime Show}

Image courtesy of Coldplay's Facebook

{Valentine's Day DIY for him:  I <3 You Beery Much}

{Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend:  Wishlisted Clutch from by Charlotte Olympia}

{Must Have Tank:  Burritos and Beer}

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for galentines }

What exactly is Galentine's Day?  Well, it's an event created by Leslie Knope on Parks & Recreation, typically celebrated on February 13th as a pre-Valentine's Day get together for you and your gal pals.  BFFs, Sister, Moms, favorite barista, co-workers.  Ladies celebrating ladies.  Leave the men at home and celebrate by hosting a brunch, dance party blasting Taylor, Katy, Selena, and Queen B, or get all the girls together at your favorite wine bar.  Don't forget pink everything and sweet treats!

Of course you want to show love for your bestie who always supports all your crazy endeavors, won't sugar coat anything, is always there, and loves you for you...because friendships are EVERYTHING.  Here's a gift guide featuring nail polish, cat mugs, a selfie remote, tees that tell it like it is, and more that'll tell your soul sister how much she means to you (or treat yo self).  Are you into Galentine's?  What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate?

Missguided polka dot sleepwear / ASOS cotton jersey / Talbots heart socks / Clava bag / Glenda López red ring, $57 / Monsoon gold tone jewelry / Chiara Ferragni tech accessory, $44 / Full Tilt metal frame sunglasses / Missguided iphone cover case / Essie nail polish / Black and white mug / Natural life / The Selfie Remote Control

'Thanks for being my unbiological sister' Initial Necklace from poweandjade on Etsy

Here's a great how to on throwing a Galentine's Day Party.  Everything from the photo booth to decor and drinks to dessert!  How to Host a Galentine's Day Party

If you happen to be in the St. Louis area, please join us for our Galentine's Day Celebration at Style Your Space on Saturday, February 13th from 11 am - 4 pm.  Sweet treats, Rosé all day, discounts, and great gifts to surprise your Galentine or treat yo self!  See more details at our Facebook events page:  Celebrate Galentine's Day at Style Your Space

Image source:  Galentine's Cards

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for her }

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  I'm starting off the gift series with a gift guide for her. Featuring a little fur, a little lace, floral, techie accessories, jewelry, and lots of love to help inspire ideas for that lucky lady in your life.  Don't be afraid to send your boyfriend or husband this list as a subtle hint!

peace, love, sparkles and flamingos
Allison