What I Wore: Valentine's Day Errands/Fistfight

I picked out a sweet little outfit for running Valentine's Day errands.

What you don't know is that I got into a not-so-sweet confrontation at Trader Joe's with a crazy lady. Matthew may or may not have had to hold me back.

Anyway, the outfit.

Outfit details: Flowered Shirt: Fun & Flirt; Undershirt, Bracelets: Forever 21; Heart Pin: Ban.Do; Jeans: Old Navy Flirt; Flats: American Eagle; Glasses: Thrifted

I've decided something. I shall now refer to Valentine's Day 2012 as The Day I Fought Snookie.

♥ Shannon

Valentine's Day: Not just for lovers!

There are a lot of people out there who hate on Valentine's Day, calling it a hallmark holiday, or feeling overwhelmed by their lack-of-significant-other. Well it just shouldn't be so! Allow me to illustrate why, via Instagram:

True, I was able to sneak in some cuddle time with my lover, but it was during a nap because he had class all day. Was I going to let that get me down? Never!

My sisters and I had a date. Bonnie had us over for dinner and a movie (she had never seen Love Actually, can you believe it?), Forest brought cherry Moscato and amazing vegan Red Velvet cupcakes & cake pops (eeep!). My mom sent us each a matching love shirt, as well as puppy love in the form of Doodles Weaver, Bonnie's little chihuahua-werewolf mix.

I think the most touching part of the day was when my dad surprised me with a Valentine card made out to his daughter and son-in-law.

Think of Valentine's Day as an excuse to have frilly fun just for the sake of it! Dote on friends, family, pets, and yes, if you have them, lovers. Who cares if it's a "Hallmark Holiday"--it's a chance to celebrate!

Now, if you missed your chance, fear not, for today is the Feast of Lupercalia! Now go offer your libations to the gods and have fun!

♥ Shannon

10 Dates Under 10 Dollars

Valentine's Day is coming up, but your date doesn't have to break the bank. Here are 10 great dates for under 10 bucks. Enjoy! 

1. If you want to go out, do it during happy hour. You can get drinks, enjoy the bar scene, and enjoy each other. Do some research to find the best happy hour and have fun! Spend the rest of the night walking around your town, or cozying up together back at home.

2. Coffee shop dates are trendy for a reason--they are so fun! There is nothing like a warm drink on a cool night, and February is a perfect time. Plus you can look into great deals to add in cute pastries or even free drinks.

3. Don't underestimate how sexy it is to stay in, drink some wine, and cook with each other. Seeing the ingredients in your food is an amazing way to connect with what you eat, and preparing the meal with your date gives you time to bond. Nourish yourselves, and your relationship.

4. Pack a picnic! If it's cold, pack a thermos of hot chocolate with oversized cookies. You can even stay indoors by a fire, just lay a blanket out on the floor and have fun eating somewhere new. It makes for an easy transition to laying together, cuddling, star-gazing, or whatever else might strike your fancy.

5. Go to a used bookstore. There is something terribly romantic about tomes of books and making great discoveries. See what you can find for under $10. Bonus points for vintage Shakespeare sonnets, fairy tales, or love poems.

6. Indoors or outdoors, go ice skating! The two of you will get flushed cheeks, exhilaration, and peals of laughter. There is nothing like endorphins to boost a date! Finish up with hot chocolate at home.

7. Create art together. One of the first things Matt and I did with each other was to pick a theme that we each had to paint. Choose a quick-drying medium like watercolor or acrylic, set up your canvas or pages so you can't see each others' work (but so you CAN see each other), and set a time limit. You'll have fun seeing how you each interpret the theme, and then you have art AND a great memory!

8. Go to your local library, find a great (or terrible) film, and stay in to watch it! Make popcorn ala Elsie, get oversized candy, and your favorite sparkling drink. Be a teen again and make-out during the film. There's nothing like a great love story to get you feeling lovey-dovey!

9. Go dancing! It can be a night club, or to mix things up, find a local country bar or lindy groove. Swing dance and two-stepping are oh so very romantic--and a blast.

10. Stay in, light some candles, pour some champagne, and take turns pampering each other. Massages--whether full body or just feet and hands--are so divine and lend themselves to intimacy.

The bottom line is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great date. All that matters is being with someone you are into. Have fun!

♥ Shannon

Original Image Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Valentine's DIY Round-Up

I adore Valentine's Day. During high school, my girlfriends and I would celebrate Girls' Night Out every year, no matter if we had boyfriends or not. I remember my mom giving pretty gifts to my sisters and me. And of course, celebrating with a special someone is fun too.

Here are a few fun crafts I've seen, just to set the mood!

These matchbook valentines made from Instagram photos! Adorable.

Framed wallpaper is such a sweet way to set a romantic mood in the home.

Decorate your own teacups for a romantic coffee date.

I love rotating pillow cases, and this one is so fun for the season! Plus the modern back makes it great in any season!

♥ Shannon

Etsy Crush

I love etsy, don't you? Here are a few things I've been loving.

one two three four five six seven eight nine

Black and white chevrons, cute love prints, fun Valentine cards, and more. So many adorable things!

I think I need chevron in my home. Also, I compiled this list whilst watching many episodes of Felicity. It's taking me back! Did you watch it?

♥ Shannon

Cyber Valentine

Dear Matthew,

♥ Shannon

French Toast & Flowers

A day (read: morning) in the life of a girl who loves Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day does not have to be celebrated between lovers. I like to think of Valentine's Day as an opportunity to express any kind of love. To begin, I decided to celebrate the love I have for my Self. I began the day thusly with heart-shaped French Toast (with just a hint of vanilla--mmmm) and some fresh flowers!

Sometimes it's very delightful to have a quiet breakfast for one (one human, that is--I had some furry and feathered company).

I set up a bouquet named "Rosy Outlook" (from Trader Joe's) in the kitchen--I adore the combination of pink and red!

I placed one little rose on my meditation table (isn't the little vase brilliant? The rose will pull water up through its stem over time! A gift from my lovely aunties).

I also chose to set up two pink bouquets in the bedroom. I'm so in love with mason jars as vases--they give the arrangement a very wholesome and textured look.

So far, this February 14th is off to a bright start! What are you up to?

♥ Shannon

"Naturally Sweet" via Twig & Thistle

I adore all of Kathleen's designs, but when she posted this project on her blog, Twig & Thistle, I just couldn't resist! What a perfect way to give a Valentine--especially when you're giving them to a yoga class!

Go here to get the template and instructions!

♥ Shannon

Finders Keepers

By now you may have heard about Finders Keepers; if so, you might also be finding yourself dreaming up ways to get to Vancouver! What a brilliant idea.

Jasna will be "hiding" up to 200 ceramic hearts throughout Vancouver--whoever finds them gets to keep them or give them to someone who might cherish them. The backs have her web address so she can find out where her little hearts have fluttered about. I L♥VE it!

♥ Shannon

Pinks

I've developed a recent crush on the color pink.

♥ Shannon

Making "Valentines"

Who says Valentines have to be cards or sweets? I'm thinking art this year. Here's my first try:

I need a calligraphy paintbrush...but it's fun anyway!

♥ Shannon

Wearing Lovely Things

I am feeling very inspired by a soft color pallete and flowing fabrics, so these hair pieces by Jennifer Wood are simply breathtaking.

Aren't they perfect for a romantic picnic? Is it still too cold for a picnic? Ah, well, a girl can dream...

Check out more of these handcrafted sensations in Jennifer's etsy shop, mignonne handmade.

♥ Shannon

Valentine's Week Continues

For Day Two I thought I'd show the yummy heart-shaped brownies I baked earlier. They were quite tasty (and made with applesauce instead of butter! Sneaky!).

I think next time I'll take a leaf out of Kathleen's book and hand them out to make friends. Isn't her packaging perfect:

I wonder if I could even get my printer to attempt it. Crafts and deliciousness--joy!

♥ Shannon

Happy Monday!

Valentine's Day? Oh no no. I say Valentine's Week! Here's some pink and red to get you in the mood!

Such soft colors! These Urban Outfitters curtains are dreamy.

This makes me want to go buy a butterfly punch and make a day of it! How precious for a nursery!

These cookies are perfection. Just...brilliant.

 Such a sweet etsy print. Love love love.

What a great door! Brought to you by honeytree.

I met Sara Richard at the Baltimore ComicCon last year; she knows how to make bad ass look lovely!

I can't quite get this lovely out of my mind. I *might* have to make one!!

Oh eighteen25, you can do no wrong!!!

Jenna's calligraphy is stunning. Always.

Heart picture garlands are such a precious way to personalize decorations! Love it!

I'll be posting Valentine's Day treats and projects all week, so stay tuned!

♥ Shannon