Let Me Call You Sweetheart: Romantic Gifts

Oh Valentine's Day! It can be a hard day for some, For those that have a sweetheart, or at least someone they care for, it is a good idea to make it special. A little thoughtfulness can go a long way. Forgetting the day, is never a good idea! Your gift doesn't have to be grand, as long as the thought behind it is. Here's some gifting inspiration, and a great source for the best cards. Come on, let's celebrate love!

HERE: 10 Ways To Say I Love You

Preserved Rose Gift Box

A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose until it dies. That's always so sad.  Avoid fading roses and give a gift that will last five years. I think it is ever so more special than a dozen generic roses from FTD. Pick your color and let love bloom!

AHAlife

NYC Valentine's Dessert Tour

Oh just be sweet...to each other. take a Sugartooth Tour that benefits the Edible Schoolyard Project. You'll stroll through quaint Chelsea hand in hand with cookies from Chelsea Market, down The High Line, into The Meat Packing District, winding up in the West Village. You'll warm up with hot cocoa, and leave with a sugar high after taste testing donuts, cupcakes and more.  You''ll visit off the beaten path shops and bakeries that even the locals will be surprised to learn of. 

IfOnly

Indulgence Kit

Sometimes the best gift is a little special "me time" just for her. Thoughtfulness is always a great prelude to romance. She will love the luxurious silk pajamas to stay cozy all day (and night). The Oui/Non silk sleep mask will let her intentions be known. A little self care goes a long way with the addition of some pampering beauty products like a massage candle and perhaps some Calm soaking salts. All found at 

Journelle

Heart Cubes

Your place or mine? In romance, it's all about the details...big and small. Why not chill their drink while you warm their heart with a romantic cocktail? They will melt with delight.

Williams Sonoma

Love Coupon Book

Here's is DIY idea that you actually print yourself. 12 cute coupons that bring laughter to the romance. Darling messages that you pick and check the boxes like Dancing on the table, a chance to win an argument, picking the movie and more. Fun that makes a big statement for a small price to pay.

Crossbow Printables

Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses

Make beautiful music together! The two of you can perform a sweet symphony on the tabletop. These will add romance to a romantic dinner, or a million laughs to a dinner party.

Uncommon Goods

Faux Mink Throw

These are beautiful. I know first hand, owning the dark brown faux mink lined in velvet. Very luxurious! Present your special someone this cozy throw along with a note that says "Let's Stay In."

Neiman Marcus

Date Night Cooking Classes

Have you heard about the couple that cooks together? This is a very fun date night activity that takes place at your nearest Sur La Table store. Experience an evening of good taste together, then take your skills home at get cook'n in your own kitchen.

Sur La Table

Valentine's For The Real World
February 14th may be a Hallmark Holiday, but Emily McDowell says it better. Sometimes irreverent, cheeky and ever so clever. These cards says it like it really is!
Emily McDowell Studio at Etsy

Spoonk Acupressure Mats

Give the gift that keeps on giving.....a better night's sleep, less back pain, better digestion, and more. This prickly present, like love, is a mix of pleasure and a tiny bit of pain, but only until your body gets use to it. It even made the "O" list a few years ago. I am so intrigued. Buy two of them, and you both can experience the pleasure principal of acupressure together. See a video here and then get them on sale at

Amazon

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Saturday's At Shop This

( Via: Vogue )

This week we said goodbye to the girl "who could turn the world on with her smile," Mary Tyler Moore. I so loved her in those form fitting capris and turtlenecks on the Dick Van Dyke Show. But it was Mary Richards who I really wanted to be, once she had her own Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Here's to Mary and all of the independent and strong women in this world! I have some links to share with you as we wrap up this week.

I'm loving the new shirting look for Spring. It's no longer all buttoned up, but rather off kilter and off the shoulder. Neiman Marcus has a good edit with lots of chic choices.

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Looking for a gift for a little girl? I have just found the best whimsical and creative jewelry for tiny trendsetters. Think tassels, unicorns, mermaids and hearts. Check out Gemma and Filo at Etsy. 

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It's that time of year when so many people are under the weather. Soup always seems to help. Food52 offers 27 Recipes to Make For Those With The Flu and then here's my roundup, Beat The Cold With Hot Soup Recipes

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If you want to brighten someone's dreary day, these Spring Garden Seed Kits in scents of Lavender, Forget Me Knot, and Poppy are too cute. I love the packaging and they are perfect for indoor gardens. At $12, they are a great little gift.

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Gym Skin: Here's how working out can boost more than just your biceps, plus a great little exercise for your face. Net-a-Porter

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Loving the minimal BOHO comfy chic look of the Josie Natori Collection  Great loungewear!

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Here's a lovely deal from Gilt: Get 25% Off Your 1st Purchase with Code CYBER25. They have a stylish sale going on now from Kim Seybert Table Linens and vintage Louis Vuitton.

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I'd love to introduce you to a new affiliate, Vinely Market. It's an inspired (and very attractive) online artisinal wine boutique and wine club. You will find a highly curated selection of fine wine at affordable prices. AND they have a Bubbles & Rosé Wine Club. I'll take Rosé  all day! 

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Do you know what an Adaptogen is? I didn't either, at least not by name.  It's a group of traditional and natural ingredients known to boost your health. I am so a believer. AHAlife has a guide to Adaptogens that I found very educational. Get informed!

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And finally, a product recommendation: Living Proof Full Body Boosting Thickening Cream. It makes a world of difference in my fine hair. Trust me on this one. 

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May You All Have a Weekend Worthy of A Hat Toss and a Twirl!

XOXO

Deb

Shop This

Foodie Friday: Recipes That Celebrate Chinese New Year

( Via: Vogue )

The Lunar New Year begins tomorrow. It's a colorful and happy time of year that is celebrated with food, family and friends. It is the year of The Rooster, which would not be my favorite animal! A run in with a rooster as a child, has given me a life long phobia of birds. But I do enjoy Chinese food, and a good Dragon Dance.  Take out - not so much. Here's a roundup that promises to be celebration worthy!

HERE: 20 Recipes For The New Year

Kung Pao Chicken

This recipe promises to be lighter and fresher than your local Chinese joint. There are many ingredients, but it is simple to put it together.

Heather Christo 

Chinese Salad Spring Rolls

How is this for a light lunch? Easy to make, healthy and oh so colorful.

Bakers Royale 

Pomegranate Sesame Chicken with Ginger Rice Pilaf

The flavors of pomegranate, soy, and sesame are simple yet bright. The addition of fresh ginger to the rice adds depth. What a beautiful celebratory dish!

Half Baked Harvest

Char Siu

This recipe surprised me. At first glance I thought it was barbecue "something." In fact it is pork shoulder cooked with honey and wine. 

Gourmet Traveller

Quick and Easy Kimchi Ramen
A nostalgic dish that just happens to use a package of instant noodles! Clean out the pantry, or send this recipe to your college coed. It's quick, easy and said to be delish.
The Woks Of Life 

Homemade Spicy Ramen With Tofu
And for the adventurous cook, this recipe calls for making your own noodles! If your local store does not carry Asian food, Amazon does! Get your Miso here and the Sambel Chili Paste here.
Pinch Of Yum

Chocolate Covered Toasted Sesame Fortune Cookies
Don't you just love the fun of a Fortune Cookie? Even the bad ones are good. How thoughtful it would be to make up your own fortunes!!
Half Baked Harvest

Shiitake-and-Scallion Lo Mein
Asian street food is often served in Banana leaves, to make it easier to eat on the go. Aren't these beautiful? They would make a pretty platter for a crowd.
Food and Wine

Ginger Soy Red Snapper In Papillote
If there is one good luck food to be found on every Chinese table, it's fish. My friend, Sara prepared a fish dish in Papillote for New Years Eve.  It is quite a special preparation. Just add steamed rice!
Williams Sonoma 

You can find Parchment Fish Bags at Food52

 Chinese Chicken Salad With Sesame Garlic Vinaigrette
What a beautiful and colorful dish, right? Mandarin oranges compliment all of the green.
How Sweet Eats  

Clementine Cakes
Aren't these the cutest? The recipe had me at orange liquor! The perfect treat with a cup of oolong tea.
The Woks Of life

Fried Rice with Shrimp and Broccolini
I happen to love to make fried rice, but I haven't tried a recipe that looks this fresh and yummy!
Williams Sonoma Taste

Pork WonTon Soup
I feel a little flu-like today. I just want a big bowl of this now!
Gourmet Traveller  

Spring Rolls
Made with Asian mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, toasted peanuts, and more, these look delicious. I think they would be fun to make, too!
Jamie Oliver 

Date Night Falling Off The Bone Chinese Spare Ribs
I have a feeling if you make your date this for dinner, there will be another date in your future!
Recipe This

Siu Mai With Sticky Rice
These are actually steamed dumplings, and said to be a Chinese Dim Sum Desert. They look good, but would never be a substitute for cake to me!
China Sichuan Food  

Chinese Sesame Peanut Brittle
I just love Peanut Brittle, but haven't had it in years. This recipe, with only 4 ingredients, seems simple to make.
The Woks Of life  

Lotus and Ginger Salad
Isn't this gorgeous? Though I have never heard of lotus, it looks as if it would be so worth the effort. How unique!
Food52  

Caramelized Scallop Miang
What a beautiful and sophisticated appetizer! The trimmings like shredded coconut and roasted peanut pieces, are impressive. 
Taste AU 

Color Dipped Chopsticks

Some of the best looking and colorful chopsticks I have seen. Sold in sets of four, you will find every color under the sun. I loved the sophisticated tones of grey at...
Storie Brook at Etsy



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Cool Factor: Eight Things That Have It!

( Spinners )

As a blogger, I get around the Internet more than most. In doing so, I run across some fabulous finds, standout styles, and some things that just have that "cool factor." They have that certain "something" that makes you stop and look again. Today I share some of my latest finds with you. 

Wear Repair Lucky Back
Meet your everyday solution to support and improved posture. This shapewear top gently pulls shoulders back throughout the day. Best yet, it is made with skin enhancing copper fabric. You may have heard of the benefits of copper for our bodies and skin. This top seems to win on all levels. Read about it at
AHAlife

Until Dawn Screen
Bring nature into your home with Tord Boontje's panel of flora and fauna. This screen plays with light and can be used as a curtain, screen or wall hanging. Lovely in the nursery, the dorm room, or anywhere you want a little stylish statement of separation.
Generate Design

FORNASETTI 
Flora Diffusing Sphere
Candles are lovely, but they aren't art. A Diffuser scents the air like a candle can, but they do it without the danger of fire. This hand decorated ceramic sphere is decorated with the painting (and eyes) of opera singer, Lina Cavalieri. The scent was created by perfumer Emmanuel Philip. This is a sophisticated piece that makes me smile, and so will the person that receives this scented piece of art. P.S. It is priced less here than anywhere I could find it.
Matches Fashion 

Nurse Jamie Beauty Bar Age Delay Pillow

 What the heck is it? That was my thought when I saw it featured on The Zoe Report yesterday. It's a way to fight wrinkles and puffiness while you sleep. Can you believe that you can actually dream your way into more restful skin?  It all makes sense to me. The unique shape and cutouts of the pillow makes sure that your delicate facial skin is not compressed by the pillow. I want to try it, because lines and puffy eyes are NOT cool!

Neiman Marcus

Emilio Pucci Pre Fall 2017
Cool colors. Cool Design. Cool Bucket Bag, and super cool trend of wearing two different shoes! Everything about this  takes my breath away. We can all pre-order this look and the entire Pucci Collection now at
Moda Operandi

Astronaut Duvet Set

Orbit your little one into sleepyland with this playful cotton set. There are very few people more cool than an astronaut!

YOOX

Flavor Infusing Grilling Wraps

Infuse your favorite food with the smoky flavor of these wooden wraps. Call it a forest infusion for the grill or the oven.

Uncommon Goods

French Press

This glass French Press is a marriage of function and beauty. I have never seen anything like it before. I want all three colors. Who knew that hot coffee could be so cool?

Yield Design Co. at Etsy



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