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?

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

{whatever wednesday}

{Her Lovely Style:  Spring Style Inspiration}

{Happy Hours:  9 Easy Beer Equations That Solve All Your Problems}

{First Spiked Milkshake:  Peacock Loop Diner's Salted Caramel Corn}

Bourbon, Bailey's, Tuaca, Sea Salt, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce

{Adorable Overload:  Best Uncle Ever Wears Princess Dress to Movie so Niece Won't Be Alone}

{Beautiful, Heart Warming, Grab the Tissues:  Gratitude | Why I Adopted a 20 Year Old}

{whatever wednesday}

{Wednesday Wisdom:  Dr. Seuss}

{Little Bite of Happiness:  Sprinkle Cookie from Russell's on Macklind}

{Allisonism:  In Reference to Flo Rida - GDFR}

{Life Hacks:  21 Incredibly Important Diagrams To Help You Get Through Life}

{Must Watch:  Diversity & Inclusion - Love Has No Labels}

{whatever wednesday}

{Look of the week:  Taylor Swift absolutely killing it at the 2015 Grammy Awards}

{Happy Birthday, Jennifer:  23 Times We Liked Rachel Green's Outfit Even More Than Her Haircut}

{Sequin Hearts:  Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration}

{Vintage Style:  Week of Love}

{20 Signs You're Doing Better Than You Think You Are}

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Reminder guys:  Mother's Day is May 11th.  They say all moms really want for Mother's Day is to spend quality time with their children...(for some this could be true, others are probably just saying that to be nice)...Regardless of whether or not that is what she really wants, a little token of affection never hurt anyone.  After all, she taught us everything (from values to love, how to take care of yourself, beauty and bravery, happiness and laughter), not to mention gracefully handled any crazy shenanigans that were thrown her way...the saint she is.  We all must admit, we actually are the reason for a few of those grey hairs she curses.

We love mom and Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to a very special woman.  Take the time to sincerely show how much you appreciate all she's done and surprise her with a thoughtful gift that will make that beautiful being feel spoiled.

Please note:  This doesn't justify neglecting moms the other 364 days a year, but a little extra love on Mother's Day will go a long way.

For a Mom who needs a good laugh...

{Dirty Little Secrets from Otherwise Perfect Moms}

Show her how sweet she is.

{Chocolate Taster Set, $70}

The gift of discovery.
{Club W Wines, starting at $50}

A tea service set fit for her majesty.

{Regal Crown Teapot, $39}

Protect those tables in style.
{Gold Slate Coasters, $26/4}

A dazzling touch to a tabletop or a pretty resting place for a hot pot.

{Agate Trivet, $22}

Because she drinks tea.

{Teavana PerfecTea Maker, $30}

A coffee maker that's worth it's weight in gold.
{Chambord 8-Cup French Press, $70}

Make her morning egg-beating a more colorful routine.

{Colorful Whisk, $18}

Spoil her with a shiny statement piece.

{Chloe + Isabel: Morningtide Convertible Necklace, $128}

Give on the bright side with a heartfelt message.
{Stella and Dot:  You Are My Sunshine Necklace, $69}

Active moms deserve cool sneakers since they're always on the run.

{Nike Free Flyknit Running Shoes, $80-$300}

Send her to a retreat of much-needed relaxation.
{Bubble Bars and Bath Bombs: Lush Handmade Cosmetics}

A lip and nail set she'll obsess over.

{Sephora Favorites:  Meet Your Match, $25}

She will always put her best face forward.
{Sephora Collection:  Tools of the Trade Brush Set, $62}

{whatever wednesday}

{Spring Trend Alert:  Birkenstock-style Sandals}

Whoaaa.  Wait a minute.  Seriously serious breaking news.  Mary-Kate and Ashley spotted wearing matching socks over Birkenstock-looking sandals.  Many big designers showed Birkenstock-like sandals for spring, but being spotted on two of the biggest, if not smartest, trendsetters in the world proves this is actually happening...Paired with white sports socks just takes the sandals to another "Huh? WTFashion" level.  Yay or nay?  Either way, this fashionable duo will always be twinning in my book.

{7 Reasons Why You Don't Need Money To Be Stylish}

YES, YES, YES.

{Outfit of the Week}

Skirt: Forever 21

Top:  Gap (SUPER soft and thrifted for $1  :) x 1,000)

Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Ring:  Stella & Dot

Shoes (not pictured):  Target gold glitter loafers

{Love Them Even When They're Awful}

"Love isn't something you can pick and choose when it's convenient for you to do so.  Love isn't just the easy parts.  Love is every part."

{Having a bad day?  Press play}
"Dudes in Heels Dance to Spice Girls"  If this doesn't at least bring a smile to your face, I don't know what to tell you.

{whatever wednesday}

{The news that actually made my day:  Taco Bell's Breakfast Menu is going National in March}

HARK, what's that?!  The angels singing?!  Alright, so I don't eat much fast food, nor can I stomach much fast food...but I have an unashamed undying love for Taco Bell.  I've been known to drive-thru Taco Bell at 10 am (don't act like you haven't been there...) so, needless to say, I'm pretty stoked about the breakfast menu expansion.  You better believe I will be noshing on a waffle taco here and there...I mean, really, who the hell doesn't love waffles or a breakfast burrito?  Where has this option been all my life?!  I already know the Cinnabon Delights are to die for, so that's how I feel about that.

{Johnny and June:  Wise words on love}

{ 10 Questions to Ask Your Mother}

{Jennifer Lawrence, stumbling her way into our hearts since 2013}
She arrived, she waved, she tripped, she fell, she laughed it off again...and yet can still make falling in a ballgown look so cool.

{The photo that crashed the Twitterverse AKA the Best Selfie Ever}
By the way, I was totally supposed to be in this.  Damn you, Brad Pitt, for blocking me out.

{Chainsmokers: #Selfie}
Continuing with selfies, I received a message from a dear San Diego-based friend stating, "I found your edm song.  Selfie, look it up."...I followed his order and literally "#LOLed" through the entire song...it had to be shared.