can we talk about...

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...Lent?

I certainly don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by overly discussing this Christian season, but just a quick discussion as today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I'd just like to say that Lent is my favorite season in the Christian calendar. I love Christmas, but Lent, I feel, is when I'm at my best. It's the season that corresponds to the 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter, and it is a time of contemplation and preparation for Christ's passion and resurrection. It makes me take a step back and re-evaulate my life and the roles I occupy - as a Christian, a friend, a co-worker, a sister, a fiancee, a daughter, etc. It helps set me back on the right course and to re-prioritize. 

This is why I want to talk about it, because I think we all need a regular re-evaluation. Life gets so busy that a lot of things get pushed to the wayside, and we all need the opportunity to step back and remember the things we've pushed aside and re-engage in the effort to become better. 

Today is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. It's customary in some traditions to "give up" some kind of luxury for Lent. In the spirit of becoming more appreciative of what I have and to cherish them, I am giving up unnecessary shopping - shopping for clothing, accessories, beauty, decor, etc. Groceries and emergency supplies don't count (like, a car battery). It's my personal take on "fasting", which we often forget can be done with every thing, not just food. I'm fasting on the endless cycle of always wanting more, more, and more in order that I appreciate having enough (or more than enough) when so many don't.

I think this "ban" will be hard for me, which is definitely a reason to institute it. I'm pretty good about not making big purchases hastily, but my downfall is the endless little purchases - a shirt on sale here, a pair of shoes on clearance there, etc. I want to get back to the mindset when I considered shopping a luxury I treasured, as opposed to a luxury I'd gotten accustomed to. I grew up shopping Salvation Army where I was allowed just one item every time we went. It was all we could afford. I remember a suede skirt and a simple, cloth necklace that I picked out on two trips. I loved them. I wore them to death and took care of them like they were the latest fashion and made out of precious metal. They were incredibly treasured. I want to feel that way again about every little thing, and I think that will be easier by opting out of adding anything new. 

Please don't get me wrong! I love fashion and glitter and baubles as much as anyone else, and my shoe collection makes me smile every time I open my closet. Luxury is wonderful; everyone deserves a little luxury. I just want to revel in the luxuries I already have without continually desiring for more. Everything in moderation, right?

Thanks for reading along. 

I'd love to hear: what do you do when you want to take a step back and re-evaluate?

shoe love

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What's more classic than a Sperry boat shoe? I love shoes that are no-brainers - put these on and suddenly, you've got just the right mix of casual and put-together. Great with everything, comfy, and practical. You'll wear these to death.

Find them here in a rainbow of J. Crew colors.

valentine's day for him: under $100

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And now for the gents:

a shirt proclaiming his favorite day + a basic shirt for all the other days :: silver cuff links ::
a book to encourage his inner photographer :: a super classy notebook :: 
winter accessories: comfy beanie (ok, this is at $100, but we'll let it slide, ;)), cashmere scarf, two-tone gloves ::
 a tobacco and leather scented candle + matches to light it :: a sleek dopp kit :: 
a fresh scent :: classic deck shoes :: neoprene iPad case :: a sophisticated umbrella

valentine's day for her: under $100

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I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. There. I said it. Am I the only one? Sometimes it feels so silly to have to set aside a day specifically to show/tell someone you love them; we should do that every day. On the other hand, having that specific day also serves as a good reminder to pick up your game if you haven't been as loving or as attentive as you should be (it happens to all of us). My fiance tends to want to pull out all the stops on Valentine's Day: dinner, presents, flowers, chocolate. I love it because I love that he would do that for me (the presents are nice, too, but they come in second to his effort!). Even if he didn't pull out all the stops and just bought me a card or a little cute something, I'd still love it because it really is the thought and not the amount that counts.  

For the lovely ladies in your life, here are some gift ideas, all for under $100:

a candle that smells as good as it looks :: red lips and tips :: a cheery card case:: a whimsical bangle ::
 a ring that says "eat your heart out" :: an elegant case to store all those baubles :: owl and flower ear candy :: 
flowers to make her smile :: cheeky china :: a shirt that spells out exactly how she makes you feel :: 
a sweater that says it all with one image ::a scarf that shows off her love of shoes :: a subtle, feminine scent :: 
fun notebooks + awesome pens 


 Coming right up: gift ideas for him under $100.

this weekend

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James and I are dining at Girl & the Goat this Friday for our Valentine's Day dinner. I know Valentine's Day isn't until next week, but we've learned that food is never good on any big day/night (think New Year's Eve, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc.) and eat out the week before or after (or stay in and cook our own delicious meal!). James will be away on business until 7 p.m. on the 14th this year anyway. I'll let you know how it goes, but I've heard so many good things from so many friends, and I'm so excited!

Aside from our night out on Friday, we'll probably keep it pretty low key the rest of the weekend. We're really trying to take the opportunity to stay in, enjoy each other's time and company and the things we're lucky enough to be able to enjoy at home.

Here are some things to see/check out this weekend:

If you did love Beyonce's half time show and wanted more, tickets for her upcoming world tour are now available for LiveNation app users (all tickets available on Monday).

Read about the Emanuel Brothers: Ezekiel, Rahm, and Ari.

Channel your inner baker and make these awesome Nutella treats (and stay awhile at A Cup of Jo ...you'll be hooked!).

Go see Silver Linings Playbook to see how romantic comedies are done.

 Have you ever wondered what your signature says about you? Find out here.

Have a good weekend!

bag love

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I love a great minimalistic tote in rich, supple leather, and I love it even more when it comes with just a slight touch of edge - like these rose gold metal corners on this Alexander Wang tote. Super clean but super rock and roll, all in one. What's not to love?

Find it here or here in animal print.

can we talk about...

Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show? 

If you haven't seen it, here it is:



I thought her performance was insanely good. I loved it. I was in complete awe of her choreography and dance skills, her amazingly fit body, her confidence, and her voice. She was working hard and working it! While most of my friends loved it, too, I've heard others comment on how they wished she'd sang more or had more clothes on. Now, I'm always up for more of Beyonce singing, but I thought considering how much cardio she was doing, she sang well and for an impressive amount of time. I personally wasn't bothered by her outfit - I thought it was sexy and revealing but not distasteful. You can read what an article in The Atlantic thinks here.

But what about you?

What did you think of the show? I'd love to hear what you think!

shoe love

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I recently bought these from The Outnet at 60% off. Even so, these are easily the most expensive shoes I've ever purchased. I'm half hoping they'll fit and my wedding shoe search will come to an end, but I'm also half hoping that they won't fit or they'll be ugly or massively uncomfortable so my credit card balance looks smaller, ;). 

Would you keep them or return them?

routine

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One of my goals at the start of the year was to develop a routine to take care of my face and stick to it. After spending some time in Sephora trying out an entire range of products, I think I've found a set of products that work for me. I use this cleanser day and night; it's super gentle and has a very mild scent. When I want extra cleaning, I use this 2-3 times a week. I've used these makeup remover wipes for years and buy them in bulk at Costco (good for a quick or heavy-duty clean, or when you're traveling), and I recently discovered this toner (this cleansing water is great, too). This moisturizer with SPF from Sephora's line has become a favorite  for day- it keeps my skin moisturized without feeling like I put a ton of stuff on it. For night, I turn to this night masque for ultimate hydration. I wake up in the morning and my skin feels so soft. It's definitely a splurge, but a little goes a long way.

I also wanted to develop a "fail-safe" makeup routine that was easy to do yet still pretty, for those days when I've hit the snooze button too many times and I've only got 5 minutes. I have to say, taking care of your skin goes a long way to making 5-minute makeup effortless. In addition to products just applying more easily, adding all the extra stuff is just not necessary since your skin is lovely the way it is. For the most part, the only makeup I use throughout the week is five things: eyeliner (brown for day, purple or black for night), mascara (a favorite since high school; this is an equal favorite), neutral eyeshadow, lip balm/lipgloss/lipstick (always/often/sometimes), and a blush if I want more color. I leave the heavy stuff for the weekends for dates or nights on the town when I want a little bit more oomph and drama than my M-F look. 

* The specific shades in the collage are MAC lipstick in lickable, NARS eyeshadow in cordura, and NARS blush in orgasm.

What's your daily beauty routine? I'd love to hear some beauty product recommendations!

this weekend

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I love football, so I will most definitely be tuning in to the Super Bowl on Sunday night.

Whether you can't wait for the big day or can't wait for it to be over, here are some things to do/check out this weekend.

 

Find out why President Obama is not pleased.

Football treats to make and eat.

Late to Downton Abbey? Check out Maggie Smith's Lady Grantham.

Need a new lipstick? Ends on Saturday: 20% off at Ulta.

Say goodbye to Liz Lemon as Tina Fey signs off.

Lust after Dannijo's newest baubles. 

Preview and earmark the Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook. The collection will be available in stores and online February 10.

Read about the man behind Tod's. 



Have a lovely weekend!