Friday, February 26, 2016

Here & There 2.26

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Well hi, I'm just over here crying at the wonderful conversation taking place over this post. It's incredible to suddenly feel such kinship with so many people, from so many backgrounds - non-mothers and mothers alike - and frankly it's a relief to talk about. So thank you. And happy Friday. What are you up to this weekend? I have... no plans. Lately I've been feeling the pull to go elsewhere, it's been a few months since I've gone on any sort of trip and a month since I've gone anywhere beyond the confines of Philly, so I think it's time. Maybe I'll at least head out to New Hope, see something different. Breathe different air. Happy weekend, friends, i hope it's a good one.

Pretty botanical gifts for spring

Love this pretty white lace vintage top 

Oh hey, feel like crying today? Watch this

Etsy faves: this gorgeous ring (and this one!), these pretty moon phase earrings, this beautiful fringe bag, this rad skull planter, this cute cactus print

The power of boundaries

Love this perfect hat

In or around Philly? You've got to see this art show

I'd love to hang this in our apartment

The perfect affordable spring wedding dress (and it comes in sizes 2 - 26!) and some cute bridesmaids dresses too

How to watch the Oscars online

These embroidered jeans are so perfect

Catcalls women would rather hear (hello fellow and equal human)

Wow wow wow this HAMMOCK!

'Fuller House' just found its new Michelle Tanner- I actually heard the show is awful

This dress!

100 year old wedding night advice (blarf)

The world's first sustainable highway

The jacket you need for spring

Stop eating lunch at your desk. Seriously. 

Have you tried this cleanser? It's supposed to be amazing

10 lady podcasts to start listening to

Just started reading this book

Why is the media turning Kesha's rape case into a girl fight?

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

When Did You Know You Wanted Children?

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Do you want children? Lately it seems nearly every one of my friends and acquaintances has either just had a baby or just announced a pregnancy. I’m not kidding, it’s been one or two per day for the past few weeks. Now, I know this is to be expected and can at least be partially attributed to the nature of Facebook, but what’s surprising is… well the surprising fact that I’m, seemingly, now in the minority. To be clear, I love my friends who are parents and I love (or at least like) their children. I’m thankful to have known almost all of them before they became parents because it’s incredible to see how they’ve translated their passions and skills into parenthood. Friends who love Star Wars now have little girls who hum the Imperial March while playing with toys (this is a true and amazing fact), friends who love snowboarding now have daughters who just signed up for lessons, and friends who never thought they’d ever have kids have just fallen head over heels for their new baby girl who’s already been introduced to the magic of drone on vinyl. But, this is also strange new territory. After the early converts of our mid-twenties, this second wave of new parents and second (or third) time parents puts in to stark relief the fact that I am 32 and have no inclination towards motherhood. Like me, most of my friends are now in their early to mid thirties, a time when one might normally be thinking of parenthood, some even craving it. But I’m not. I'm thinking about my career and planning a road trip and where we should go out this weekend and other things that have nothing to do with reproducing. And I’m often left to wonder, while yet another girlfriend confides in me just how much she wants to become a mother or how much she just loves babies, if I’ll ever have that feeling? A few years ago when I first announced my engagement to Chris on this blog, many were quick to congratulate and say what cute babies we’d have, and while I’m appreciative of that sentiment and understand the thought behind it, who’s to say parenthood is a goal of ours as a couple? And yet, as ages 27 and 30 came to pass – the age my mother was when she had me and then my sister, and as 35 looms in the future (when she had my brother), I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever have the intense desire for children like so many of my friends describe.

I understand that this ‘feeling’ doesn’t necessarily hold bearing on whether or not you’ll ever have children, or that you won't become a great parent regardless, but I believe women are primed, by everyone from their mothers to the media, for the expectation of feeling some inclination towards motherhood at some point. We’d constantly being fed messages about how we should feel the desire to have a baby, about raging hormones and dreams of motherhood. So, what happens if you don’t feel any of that? When do you know it's the right time, or any time? On the other end of the media spectrum is the crazy, single, childless wild women, the spinster, the cold-hearted bitch. With cats. And a career.

The internet is chock full of essays and articles profiling those who choose not to have children, who make the conscious decision and grand declaration with their partners to steer clear. Conversely, there are more than enough articles extolling the virtues of motherhood and children. I’m not into any of it. I want to read about those in my shoes, who have no fucking idea. Who feel like they should want children by now, right? Who have a partner they know would make an amazing parent, but are left doubting their own ability to care deeply for something other than their spouse/partner... and cats. What about those of us in the middle who just don’t know? Chris is far more comfortable around kids than I am. He’ll easily drop to the floor to play with a friend’s kid, while I’m left rigid, offering a stiff “hello there” and maybe a handshake or a painfully awkward hug. It’s embarrassing and I immediately become self-conscious about my behavior. Our families are, thankfully, not pushy on the matter.

The one thing that’s given me pause lately is this image and caption from Humans of New York. “The full human experience.” I love this. I loved reading even just a small excerpt from someone who wasn’t sure but consciously decided to do it anyway, simply for the experience of having done it.

So, that’s where I’m at. I’m curious, do you have kids? Have you always known you were destined for parenthood? Are you unsure and caught in the middle like me? Do you not give a fuck and just own it?

Image of us and out "baby" by Mandy Fierens

Monday, February 22, 2016

WORN: Black Lace-Up Top + Vintage Levi's

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I spent most of college shrouded in a sea of black. My uniform? Black turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans, black converse sneakers. It sounds good in theory, but really I was a mess. Ill fitting jeans, because skinnies were hard to come by at the time; pilled thrift store sweater with a ratty tee thrown underneath. Lately I've been rediscovering my love for black, this time in a bit more of an intentional way.

This past weekend, when the weather warmed and the sun finally peeked out, I threw on this top -- a new favorite -- with my best cropped Levi's, a lucky thrift store find from my Pittsburgh days that cost me no more than three bucks. It's serendipitous that this cropped length is now everywhere, making me feel suddenly, if unintentionally, in the know. Also, can we all take a moment to appreciate the glorious magic that classic Levi's imparts on literally anyone's ass? If you ever need a reason to invest in a pair (if you can call $3 an investment... I think you can), this is it. They will make you feel amazing and super powerful. Or at least super confident about your bum.

Get the look: Free People lace-up layering top // Vintage jeans - options here & here // B-Low the Belt... belt // Vintage Coach bag // SUN + GLORY earrings //  Vintage ring


Sunday, February 21, 2016

Here & There 2.21

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How was your weekend, friends? Mine was great and frankly, I'm not ready for it to be over. The weather this weekend was, in a word, incredible. A little hint of spring after the strangest winter. On Saturday after working on a few recipes for work in the morning and early afternoon, I headed up to center city along with the rest of Philadelphia it seemed. Everyone was out shopping, window browsing, celebrating the high-50s temps. Besides just getting out of the house, my mission was to pick up this simple bodysuit from Free People. I've been carefully collecting a few little items for spring, and this piece with it's dramatic scoop back will look great with all my vintage skirts. Spring has always seemed like a funny season to shop for, and usually I just focus on summer, but I'm just so excited for warm weather this year and to get out more. I always feel a stronger connection to living in the city in warm weather. Where cold weather (and hot weather) makes me yearn for the woods, spring in the city really is nice, plus everyone's a little friendlier. Today wasn't much different weather-wise, except for the absence of sun, which made for the perfect excuse to stay in and get myself somewhat organized.

This vintage peasant blouse would look gorgeous with a black bra layered underneath

A flower pendant perfect for the nature lover in your life

How pretty are these swimsuits? Love this one too

To men I love, about men who scare me

This perfume sounds dreamy

Love these simple ceramic mugs

How to be a friendlier person

Um, have you seen this adorable calendar?! All proceeds benefit the local shelter here in Philly!

Love these hilarious pins -- especially this set

People in prison drawing people who should be

These handmade fringe bags are SO. GORGEOUS. (love this one too)

How fun is this cake?

Obsessed with this whole shop

Love these summery heels

How incredible is this 1930's art deco alien yearbook? (Yes, all those words go together)

The perfect (affordable!) spring wedding dress and the shoes, too

Sweet essentials from Moorea Seal: Heart sunglasses, 'Till Death card

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

HAIR: How I Wash My Hair Only Once A Week

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It started with scissors. And bleach. Bent over the kitchen sink at a boy's house, I watched the slightly soapy water circle the drain as he rinsed the Manic Panic bleach kit from my hair, freshly shorn by my own two hands into a short, choppy Courtney Love-inspired mess (here's your proof). After years of experimenting with over-dyes and coloring random chunks of my hair, I'd finally taken the plunge and bleached the whole thing after hacking it all off. It was exhilarating, ridding myself of all that hair and transforming the color into something completely different, but I never expected that kitchen sink metamorphosis to lay the foundation for one of the main beauty secrets that I still swear by more than a decade later...

I only wash my hair once a week...every five to seven days or so.

Back then the short length, dye job, and fact that I preferred the Buzzcocks and Bikini Kill over boy bands and Coldplay was excuse enough to forego regular shampooing. I quickly learned that "dirty" hair equaled perfectly messy hair. Hair that didn't require much attention beyond the occasional root touch-up and baby bang trim. And when it came to caring for my dry, bleached ends, allowing my hair to relax a little between shampoos made it softer and less prone to breakage. Time passed, and I eventually grew my hair out, changed it from blonde to jet black to half & half to brown and back to blonde again, let it grow some more, chopped it off again...and throughout these subsequent transformations and lengths, it never occurred to me to change up my shampoo routine. Why mess with imperfection? All these years later, I still only wash it about once per week, sometimes more, sometimes less. This is a fact that, when divulged, is often met with shock, questions and, admittedly, sometimes disgust (turns out, people really like to wash their hair). Now, in the interest of self-preservation and lest you think my habits are truly horrific, I assure you I do shower daily. But I've found that with less frequent washing my hair is healthier, grows faster, has fewer split ends, and is more resilient to chemical processes (though I haven't colored it in quite awhile). Oh, and I don't use dry shampoo and I hit the gym 3 to 4 times per week. I know... how?

Here's how:

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Sunday night, shampoo night: Before washing my hair, I brush through it thoroughly starting at the ends and working my way up using a natural bristle brush. Once in the shower, I wash my hair with a sulphate-free shampoo (my favorite is Living Proof PHD), concentrating only on my scalp and roots (the suds will run down and clean the remainder of my hair without causing extra drying and damage). I lather-rinse-repeat twice to clear away any buildup, giving my scalp a good massage at the same time. After rinsing, I apply conditioner to the mid-length of my hair to the ends and leave in for a few minutes before rinsing. Opposite of my only-wash-the-roots rule, I only condition the ends because they don't receive as many natural oils and moisture as the uppermost part of my hair. After patting dry with an Aquis hair towel, which helps absorb more water and dry my hair faster, I work a little oil into the ends -- either jojoba, sweet almond, or some balancing hair oil -- and allow my hair to air dry overnight.
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Monday: My hair is usually still a little damp in the morning so, after brushing it back out I'll apply a little more oil to the ends (and maybe some styling cream) before drying it the rest of the way with a blow drier. If I have time, I'll use a curling wand and some dry texture spray to add a little texture to my otherwise pin-straight hair. If not, it's a messy bun day (truth: it's almost always messy bun day).

Tuesday: Since no blow drying is needed, after brushing out any major snags I add some loose waves in the front, spritz on some hairspray for hold and I'm out the door. If I can get away with it, this is my daily style. After work, I throw it in a ponytail for my workout. I don't mind a little sweat, and my head doesn't sweat that much anyway. When it comes to showering, I just put it in a bun and don't allow my hair to touch the stream of water.

Wednesday: I'm in a rush, so I play around with my part, parting it on the side and pulling it into a low ponytail. No brushing today, I like the mess.
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Thursday: My hair is finally (finally!!!) long enough to pull into milkmaid braids. It's grown about seven inches since my last major (awful) haircut in October 2014. Short hair was fun but a surprising amount of work without the help of bleach this time around, so I'm excited to see it getting long again. After brushing it out, I braid both sides and criss-cross it over my head, securing with some bobby pins. Out of my face and easy.
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Friday: Hat day. Brush it out, braid it up, slap a hat on top of it all. Hats fix many transgressions and today a large-brim western is hiding my roots. Pro tip: placement is everything when it comes to braided pigtails. Braid them close to the back of your head, instead of next to your ears, to avoid looking like a child. After my HIIT workout tonight, I brush it out and toss it up in a messy bun. If I'm going out, I'll probably wear a different hat or braid it again.

Saturday: I'm feeling lazy and I like how my hair looks after my weekend workout, so I decide to keep it in a high ponytail.
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Sunday bun-day: The final countdown. Bun day. I usually just hang at home on Sundays, so I'm not worried if my hair doesn't look its greatest. Tonight, I'll repeat the process of washing it and, if my ends feel dry, I'll use a hair mask to deep condition and add in some much-needed moisture.

While this schedule doesn't necessarily ring true for every week, and there are definitely circumstances that warrant more frequent shampooing, this is the routine I generally find myself falling into and will probably stick to. Faster growth, no split ends, quick and easy...my hair has never felt better or looked healthier and I'm not gonna argue with that! At this point, the thought of washing and drying my hair daily, even every other day, is enough to make me cringe. As I've evolved over the years -- from the lowest of low-maintenance to loving hair and beauty -- I'm still not willing to spend more than a few minutes on it daily, which is something I believe my current and former selves would agree on.

I'm curious, what routine do you swear by? Are there habits you made when you were younger that you just never strayed from? Please share!
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This post originally appeared here as part of my work with Free People. Images by Jana Kirn

Monday, February 15, 2016

WORN: What to Wear When It's 20 Degrees

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I'll tell you what to wear: More than one jacket, that's what. This weekend, winter was all, "hey, remember me?" Rearing it's ugly head with negative temps and some pretty nasty wind. After Chris got out of work on Sunday, we bundled up and made our way to Fishtown Tavern for a little afternoon warm up after spending most of the weekend hibernating. While I can be extremely practical when life calls for it, I've also discovered some tricks for secret winter layering when I want to just wear what I want (i.e. not bulky winter boots). Chris and I work very different schedules -- he often leaves for work at 5:30 am, I come home after I've gone to the gym still wearing my gym clothes -- which means it's surprisingly rare that we actually see each other in anything besides pajamas, his "work clothes" which are basically anything that can get dirty, and gym clothes, so I like to dress up a bit more when we are actually together during daylight hours (a rarity!), just to prove I wear things other than running tights and pajamas. On this day, I layered some SmartWool running socks under my ankle boots (life savers for running and life in general), and doubled up on jackets so I'd still be warm once I took off my winter coat indoors. To add a little interest to what is quickly becoming a uniform (all black), I looped this block-printed scarf from Moorea Seal around my purse and threw these heart sunnies in my bag to shield my eyes from the late afternoon winter sun. It was the perfect look for leaving the house for exactly an hour and half, just long enough to really appreciate the power of a radiator once we got home!

Get the look: Free People coat (similar) // Schott NYC leather jacket (similar) // B-Low The Belt (shop here) // Free People sweater // J. Brand jeans // Frye boots // vintage Coach purse // Ich Cha scarf and heart sunglasses from Moorea Seal // Vintage hat (shop similar)

Edited to note: So now it's 56 degrees? And it was in the negatives two days ago? So confused...

Friday, February 12, 2016

Here & There 2.12

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Happy Friday, guys. What do you have planned this weekend? Last weekend was a total bust for me, so I'm looking forward to a re-do over the next couple of days. Winter temperatures have finally befallen Philadelphia -- it's supposed to be 19 tomorrow! -- so on Saturday I'm planning on spending some time updating my Poshmark closet, doing our taxes, and reading. Chris was called in to work on Sunday, so our Tattoo Convention plans were dashed, but we're hoping for an afternoon Star Wars date (still haven't seen it and it's imperative that we see it on a big screen) and then planning to make a nice dinner at home. Avoiding all restaurants on Valentine's Day -- except I wouldn't mind a diner breakfast... February is such a crazy month, I can't believe we're already halfway through. It's been so cold lately I feel as though I've been spending more time hibernating than I did in January, when I really intended for this moth to be more active. I've been dying to get out and start running again.

This vintage hooded sweater would be perfect for these freezing cold days

How pretty are these branch hoop earrings?

The best wine bar in every state. I've actually been to the one in Pittsburgh... and here I didn't think I was fancy

Those harem pants up there are pretty much the best ever

Moorea Seal is having a pretty epic sale - love this dainty ring and this gorgeous handmade bag

More sale goodness: Save an extra 25% off sale items at Free People, including this perfect spring sweater and these perfect boots

You can buy books read by famous people... like, the actual books

This dress would be perfect for a casual beach wedding

How gorgeous is this epic woven wall hanging?

Can't get enough of these perfect jeans

Romance after 10 years

Have you tried this brand? I'm curious...

What is "cool girl" beauty?

Some really exciting workout pants (love these sneakers too)

My new favorite Etsy shop

Well... this dress is gorgeous

I loved these candles as a teenager... I think I need to get them again!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

3 Easy Vegan Cheesecake Recipes (That Don't Taste Vegan, Promise)

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Personally, I have a lot of love for February 14th. While, yes, one would hope we're expressing our love for friends, family, and maybe a special someone all year round, there's something to be said for a day crafted expressly for saying those three little words. Think of it as a bright pink heart-shaped reminder in the middle of an often cold, bleak season to slow down and do something sweet for the ones you care about most.

I come from a long line of people -- men and women alike -- who show their love through cooking. A special meal, a favorite dessert -- the time taken to nourish the ones you love with whole, real ingredients - a simple, quiet and meaningful way to wear your heart on your sleeve. An action that speaks so much louder than any material gift, especially when material gifts are sparse. While I'm quick to write myself off as the most basic of cooks, without totally realizing it, I picked up on this tradition through my love of baking. I love dreaming up which treats I'll give out for holidays and special occasions, and begin planning out my husband's birthday cake (or pie, or tart) months before I've even celebrated my own. If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate love this Sunday, why not take a page from my family tradition and find your way straight to your Valentine's heart with something sweet, beautiful and secretly healthy.

Something like cheesecake.

Have you ever met a dessert quite so indulgent as cheesecake? Dense, deeply flavored, easily customized, it's long been a favorite of mine for special occasions, especially Valentine's Day. I have fond memories of the variety my mother makes, studded with candied ginger and lemon rind, towering at three inches tall. However, traditional cheesecake -- while undeniably delicious (I could go on and on about it, clearly) -- isn't what you'd call "nourishing" in any sense of the word. But after getting my hands on some raw chocolate goodness from Rawmio, I felt inspired to whip up a raw vegan version of my favorite treat -- actually, I love you so much I made three versions. Chock full of antioxidants, thanks to the raw chocolate and berries, and filled with essential vitamins and minerals, thanks to the activated nuts, dates and seeds, the vegan cheesecake recipe below is sure to convey your fondness for the lucky ones you present it to.

Use the base as a jumping off point, then decide which version you'd like to make. Or, split up the batter into three bowls and make all three at once. Because there's no oven involved, it's easy to take this in whichever direction you'd like! Note: this makes one large cheesecake or three to four small ones.
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For the crust:

1 1/2 cups raw dates, pits removed

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup walnuts (or any other nut)

3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

For the double chocolate crust: Mix 2 tbsp raw cacao or cocoa powder into the crust before pressing into pan.
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For the vanilla base:

1 cup raw cashews, soaked at least 4 hours (this softens the cashews, so they can be pureed and activates the nuts, drawing out their nutrition)

2 packages silken tofu

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup brown rice syrup

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp lemon zest
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Tools:

9-inch springform pan OR 3-4 small 4-inch springform pans

Large food processor or high speed blender

Parchment paper

Raspberry Raw Chocolate Cheesecake:
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Line the bottom of the pan or pans with parchment paper by tracing the bottom of the pan onto the paper and cutting out the shape.

Place all crust ingredients in the food processor and pulse until crumbed. Press into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.

Rinse out the processor. Place all filling ingredients + 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries in the processor and blend until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and place in the freezer until completely set, about 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped raw chocolate (I used Rawmio's Simply Hemp Raw Chocolate Bark) and fresh raspberries.
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Chocolate Mint Cheesecake:
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Line the bottom of the pan or pans with parchment paper by tracing the bottom of the pan onto the paper and cutting out the shape.

Place all crust ingredients + 2 tbsp chopped raw chocolate or raw cacao in the food processor and pulse until crumbed. Press into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.

Rinse out the processor. Place all filling ingredients + 3 tbsp raw cacao and 1 tsp peppermint extract in the processor and blend until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust (to make the swirl, reserve 1/4 cup of plain filling and swirl with a toothpick into the top of the chocolate mixture) and place in the freezer until completely set, about 4 hours or overnight.
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Remove from the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped raw chocolate or Rawmio's Mint Chocolate Hearts and fresh mint.
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Ginger Blueberry Cheesecake:
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Line the bottom of the pan or pans with parchment paper by tracing the bottom of the pan onto the paper and cutting out the shape.

Place all crust ingredients + 1 tsp grated ginger in the food processor and pulse until crumbed. Press into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.

Rinse out the processor. Place all filling ingredients + 1 tbsp chopped fresh or candied ginger in the processor and blend until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and place in the freezer until completely set, about 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh blueberries.
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This post originally ran here as part of my full-time work with Free People

+ All of the Rawmio treats mentioned in this post are on sale for 25% off on www.rawguru.com through 2/14!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Here & There 2.8

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Sunday night already, where did this weekend go?  Just kidding, it's Monday now. This was sort of a 'non weekend' for me, to be honest. I started off with high hopes of doing my taxes and getting some other stuff done, but I ended up having to work for most of it. Ugh. I did manage to get out for a coffee date with a friend on Saturday, and met up for more coffee with more friends this afternoon. After January's quiet weekends, I can already tell February is going to be just the opposite. This month is always about action for me, I started my 3rd Whole 30 last Tuesday and am feeling really wonderful about being more mindful with my food, even in busy times like this weekend, it forces me to slow down and prepare a meal for myself, rather than just grabbing fistfuls of granola and dried fruit (I think I need to reread my post about balance already...) I also finally picked up a library card last weekend and have blown through two novels in the past week (this one and this one), and am excited to start this one tonight. The weather has been so mild here, and even though I know in the back of my mind it's still winter, I'm feeling so expectant and excited towards spring. I received Home Made Winter in the mail from my mom and picked up My New Roots this weekend and have been making long lists of new recipes to try and new ingredients to pick up. My cookbook collection has been growing more and more lately, and I'm not mad about it.

These butterfly earrings would be so pretty for spring

A most gorgeous vintage dress for Valentine's Day

Etsy loves: this cotton candy pin, this Fleetwood Mac belt buckle (!!!), this beautiful silk ribbon, this Morrissey print, this moon necklace

A world without Black History Month

The dress to wear to all those spring weddings (this one too)

The best Super Bowl commercials (in case you didn't watch... I definitely didn't)

A pretty Valentine's gift for yourself (love this one too)

Definitely making this pie for Chris's birthday

Cheeky bags for your essentials (and some cute patches to put on them)

Basically my life (I drive and take the train, it's a one-two punch)

Loving these shoes for spring

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

7 Dresses for Valentines Day (+ A Few Date Ideas That Don't Suck)

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Pictured: For Love & Lemons mini dress (shop here) / Asos pink lace crop set / Red eyelet dress / Asos flutter back dress / Asos crochet midi dress / Red crochet dress / Free People white lace mini dress (shop here) / Enamel pins (options here) / Heart sunglasses / Valentine's cards / 'Girls' handbag / iPhone case (options here) / Playing card clutch

My favorite Valentine's Day date of all time took place at a monster truck rally in Pittsburgh. No dinner, no movie, no romantic candles, just giant trucks crushing other trucks shooting flames. Also nachos. It was awesome, and ever since, Chris and I have made a point to seek out something different to do on February 14th. This year, we're thinking of checking out the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention.

Now, just because I choose to eschew the typical doesn't mean I consider myself to be one of those Valentine's cynics grumbling about the holiday being invented by Hallmark -- frankly I don't care -- I actually really love it. In the middle of an otherwise blustery, cold month, I'll take any reason to celebrate, dress in pink and red, and proclaim my love for friends and family. And it's not that I have anything against dinner and a movie, or any other strain of "traditional" dates, it's just that I'd rather not be surrounded by a bunch of other couples, cloaked in a cloud of expectations and pressures of ROMANCE. I'd much rather seek out something beyond the ordinary, something we haven't done yet or seen yet, that we'll continue to talk about long after the day passes ("Hey, remember the time we finally got to see Gravedigger? Yeah, that was awesome.") Plus, there's the whole process of simply discovering the out of the box events and things to do happening around you. Who knows where the day will take you -- a demolition derby? A unique museum? Whatever you plan, you're sure to leave with a story and some new friends (after that demolition derby we went out for dinner -- and by "dinner" I mean hotdogs... -- only to realize mid-way through how absolutely, laughably, horrifically filthy we were. Completely covered in dust.)

Even though I might shy away from the traditionally romantic, I still love dressing up for the occasion. A little lace, a new dress... really, deep down I'm just looking for an excuse to add something pretty and heart-shaped to my closet. Another way to brighten up an otherwise gloomy month (love Valentines Day, not such a fan of February). I've had my eye on a few pretty things lately, and today I'm sharing a few of my favorites. Heart shaped glasses, a sweet card, a little lace, maybe add a funny bag... and you'll be sure to steal hearts.

XO