Love Yourself On Valentine's Day & Beyond

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The truth is, until we learn to love ourselves, we can not really expect others to love us. Valentine's Day can be wonderful for some, and a non starter for others. For those without a significant other in their life, it even can be a bit depressing. I am here to say that we all have our own lovable qualities. Today is a great day to nurture ourselves. Celebrate you, because you are worth it. 

HERE: Many Wonderful Ways To Love Yourself 

Something Pretty
Don't you love it when something feels like buttah? Now you can, too. Here's a little something that is made with 100% natural ingredients like Sweet Orange Peel Oil, Coconut Oil and more.
Free People

Talk The Talk and Walk The Walk!

We all do too much negative talking to ourselves. This Valentine's Day and beyond, start your day looking into the mirror. Tell yourself what is good about you. Be your own cheerleader. Nothing good ever comes out of negativity.

Kate Spade  

A New Lip Color
A new lip color always makes me feel good. Whether you have someone to kiss goodnight or not, feel kissable with a new shade. I've just ordered Hot Lips, Kim K.W., The formula gives a fuller, kissable pout. It's the perfect pinky nude. I have Charlotte's Pillow Talk, which is lovely and feels fab. Find your perfect shade with this clever Lip Color Finder
Charlotte Tilbury  

Send Yourself Flowers
Unlike a man or significant other, this Lady Orchid is long-lasting and low-maintenance. Isn't it just lovely? Having something to care for always feels good!
Shop Terrain 

Take A Bubble Bath
We all deserve some "Me Time" A bubble bath perfect for that. Close the door, fill the tub, light a candle, pour a glass, and put on some chill out music. Some of my favorite Bath products: Antica Farmacista Prosecco Bubble Bath, it's enriched with honey, aloe vera, green tea and jojoba oil for the ultimate calming bath experience. And that bottle is a keeper! Vitabath Moisturizing Bath Gelee, Original Spring Green. It's old school but fabulous. You will think that you are bathing in a forest of evergreen trees. Men love it, too. Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Honey Bath. I discovered this product first at The Lanesborough Hotel in London. It smells like the end of a five star meal. 

Bake Some Cookies
Baking is therapy for me. Sugar cures all. If you aren't a baker, you can order these chic little cookies for any day of the week at 
Merci Bakery 

Moving on From Adult Friendship Breakups

In case you missed this article last Saturday, today is is an appropriate day to think about our "ride or die" friends. Specifically, when those friendships crack or dissolve. This article will help you "forgive others every day, forgive yourself every hour; and not hold resentment too tightly." 

Goop  

Retail Therapy
Nothing makes us feel better than a little retail therapy. Here are a two special sales that are good for today only. Save 20% on all Full Priced items at Henri Bendel.  No Code needed. Their candles are a wonderful little treat. Do something good for your skin and save   28% on the #1 selling moisturizer at Juice Beauty. And what about this dress above? The Maquino by Fame & Partners, is equal parts elegant and easy to wear. Available in ravishing red or navy.

Learn To Enjoy Your Own Company

Even though Carrie was busy looking for Mr. Big, I do think that she learned to enjoy herself. If you love alfresco dining, take yourself out. Don't miss out. 

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Saturdays At Shop This
 Let's Get Healthy

Americana Spirit: Olympics & Spring 2018

{ Via: WWD }

Are you like so many of us and burning the midnight oil watching the Winter Olympics and cheering on team USA? It's always fun when your own team wins, but I'm all about enjoying the talented young athletes whatever country they represent. Ralph Lauren designed Team USA'S uniforms, and you can purchase some of the collection HERE:  Coincidentally, one of Spring's fashion trends is "Americana Spirit."It is a cheerful, spirited rally of stripes and stars that somehow looks fresh and fun. I thought now was the time to think Spring while we root for our stylish athletes in PyeongChang.

HERE: 15 Looks Striped With Style

Diane Von Furstenberg

Seems to me that this style icon only gets better with each new season. I love the bold lines she has drawn for us this Spring. Americana at its' best.

Moda Operandi

Veronica Beard Luz Sequined Jacket

If your denim game needs a redux, this is a chic choice. Veronica's Americana has always been a brand that strikes a blend between cool and classic. This is a good look!

Neiman Marcus

Givenchy Star Square Scarf

Americana styled stars - one of Givenchy's most distinctive motifs. Crafted in Italy.

Nordstrom

Tent Circle Skirt
Straight from the runway, look # 35 is made from crisp cotton panama. The inspired skirt features vintage styling. Love how it was accessorized with an unexpected gold shoe. 
Calvin Klein

Silk Trousers
Paper London's terrific trousers are just fabulous. They could be worn dressed up or not.
Shopbop 

Seasonal Stripe Jean
Scotch & Soda's star jeans will show your spirit during any season of the year.
Free People 

Gucci Sylvie Mini Shoulder Bag
One of my favorite bags of the season.
Neiman Marcus 

Maggie Marilyn 
"Buzzy New Zealand-based label, Maggie Marilyn clothing is known for its' modern-luxe aesthetic and commitment to ethical production." Add in bold details like stripes and ruffles, and you have a real style statement.
Shopbop

Aime Tie Sleeve Knit
Sometimes all that you need is a touch of trend. This marvelous mini comes in at less than $100.
Pixie Market

Zero + Maria Cornejo
If you aren't afraid of playing with patterns, these separates may be perfect for you. The design team added a fresh approach to Americana with a touch of pink.
Barney's New York

Diane Von Furstenberg Emilyn
So striped with style! These shoes are great no matter what trend you are following.
Zappos Luxury

Striped Ponte Knit Jacket
A little buttoned up but never boring. This jacket is perfect for work or play.
Kate Spade New York  

Rag & Bone Pearson Shirt
A sheer sensation that is star studded with style! Don't worry about the sheerness, a body suit or camisole will take care of that.
Nordstrom 

The Farrar

Love the playful twist to these everyday leather booties. Also fab in black and ivory.

Katy Perry Collections

Striped Shirtdress
From his Michael Michael Kors collection. This entire look is a lot of style for the money. Just add red earrings.
Michael Kors



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Saturdays At Shop This: Let's Get Out Of Here!

Oh my goodness! As I type this post, Mother Nature is blanketing Chicago with about 9 inches of snow, and more to come. Are you as done with Winter as I am? I would love to escape, but that's not in the plan until early April. So here are some good links to sales, fab finds, and inspiration, to distract us all from 

this Winter weather. 

Gray Malin's Escape book (shown above ) features awe-inspiring images of exotic locales from around the world are a celebration of light, shadow, and absolute bliss. It's the perfect gift to yourself or someone that enjoys arm chair travel. Get it in time for Valentine's with Amazon Prime.
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If you are planning a warm weather getaway, click over to the Vacation Shop at Moda Operandi for some serious style for fun in the sun.

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Speaking of sunshine.... Spring's Box Of Style by Rachel Zoe pays homage by featuring all California-founded brands to put you in the golden state of mind. Over $400 worth of style for $99. It's a good one!

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This Valentine's and #Galatine week,  is suppose to be all about love and roses. Of course that isn't realistic for everyone. No relationship is perfect—and even our very closest, best-of-best-friends-forever bonds can deeply disappoint us, or, worse, break apart. I really enjoyed Goop's article: "Moving on From Adult Friendship Breakups." Maybe you will, too.

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It's too darn snowy to head to the mall for some of us. Macy's is having a sweet one day Valentine's Day Sale. I found Hue's denim leggings at $14 off. They are having a great sale on beauty, too. Urban Decay's Vice Lip Color is now only $8.50, and I found beauty bargains on Benefit Cosmetics, StriVectin, Laura Geller & more. It all ends Saturday night.

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Feathers and Fringe. They are "a thing" for Spring. I loved the edit at Bergdorf Goodman. Some of it is wearable right now, like The Row's Clutch Bag and Marchesa Notte's  Fringe Column Dress

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Do you want to send something sweet across the miles this Valentine's Day? The cakes at Neiman Marcus are some of my faves. We have ordered many over the years. Now tell me, how chic is the MacKenzie-Childs Check Cake?

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Speaking of Valentine's Day. Look to the blog for last minute inspo:  Valentine's Day Gifts For Your Littlest Sweethearts,  Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts To Give & To Get,  Valentine’s Day Baubles for $500 or Less,  and In The Mood For Love

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Dress of the day: Just a little eye candy that one could wear now and all thru Spring. Sachin & Babi's Amendola Knit Dress is pretty fab.

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If you are stuck inside, you might as well be comfy cozy. Shop the White Sale at The Company Store this weekend. 

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It even snows in Paris. Remember to see the beauty in every day, 
my friends!
XOXOX
Deb
Shop This 

For The Love Of Food: Romantic Recipes & Cook's Tools

{ Via: Carolyne Roehm }

However you are celebrating the most romantic day of the year, these food and cocktail recipes are easy to fall in love with. Start the day with breakfast in bed and Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes. Enjoy a pre dinner kiss with a little Love Potion #9 cocktail complete with dry ice. And who could resist a Cabernet Chocolate Latte, to end the day on a sweet and creamy note? It's all so lover-ly!

HERE: 21 Recipes To Love

Love Potion #9 Martini
How cute is this cocktail? The magic is in the dry ice. There might be time for a little romance, as you must wait 5 - 10 minutes for the
 dry ice to dissolve!
The Cookie Rookie 

Breakfast: Strawberry Cheesecake Flapjacks
Why not start the day off in a romantic way? Or in the case of my household, breakfast for dinner is always a winning idea.
Good Housekeeping 

Rose Lemon Spritzer
There's no better aphrodisiac than the perfect Apéritif. This recipe could be it, roses and all. Rosewater adds a subtle flavor that is floral. Blood orange or pomegranate juice adds the soft pink color.  Vodka is for your Valentine. You can get the rosewater HERE. 
The beautiful recipe is from
Half Baked Harvest   

French Cookware
There's plenty to love at the Le Creuset Valentine's Day shop. Imagine serving your stew in a heart Cocoette, or dipping strawberries in a chocolate heart shaped fondue pot. Find the perfect accessory for your Valentine dinner!
Le Creuset 

Appetizer: Roasted Beet Hummus
I have never made my own hummus, but with a recipe this gorgeous, it may be 
worth the effort.
Le Passe Vite 

Grilled Oysters With Proscuitto & Mignonette
You know what they say about Oysters! Serve me this, and I'm yours. This fabulous recipe is from Michael Chiarello's Live Fire book which you can buy HERE. Recipe can be found at
Adventures In Cooking

Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
If you want to impress your Valentine, make this. I mean, who doesn't love Mascarpone Cheese, Strawberries, and Whipped Cream?
Taste Of Home

Spaghetti With Crab
This meal would not make me crabby! Thank goodness that it calls for a cup of parsley because it also calls for 8 cloves of garlic. 
Gourmet Traveller  

Five Ingredient Raspberry 
Marble Fudge
The combo of white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate fudge with swirls of raspberry puree is delicious. This recipe only takes 10 minutes.
Sugar and Charm 

Wild Jonah Crab Claws
No time to cook? Or maybe you just want to send a little love across the miles. This delicacy comes pre cooked, scored, and frozen. These would put me in a romantic mood. 
How about you?
Dean and Deluca

Pappardelle Pasta Two Ways
Truth be known, I have never made homemade pasta, but it looks fun to do. And how nice would it be to create something without the preservatives that your normal box has in it? This dough is tinted with beet puree giving it that naturally pink color.
A Beautiful Plate  

Imperia Pasta Machine
A great gift for the cook or pasta lover! Sold exclusively at 
Williams-Sonoma

Valentine's Day Pink & Red Salad
Oh how lovely! "Here, the familiar rich red and pink tones of the holiday come through from the vegetables, which get an exotic deep purple background of black rice plus a snowy-white dab of goat cheese."
Foodnetwork  

Table for Two
Cooking and Entertaining For You and Your +1
A beautiful book to celebrate romance at home. My friend, Marc, sets the scene for kitchen island soirees, breakfast in bed, or a just a casual catch up for you and your significant other. There are useful guides, inspired stories, and terrific tablescapes that all feature fresh ingredients and fabulous flavors. Purchase a hand signed book by Marc HERE or if you prefer, Amazon also carries the book, not autographed.

Filet Mignon with Porcini Mushroom Compound Butter
For some, like my friend, Sharon, a filet is the perfect entree. Simple and delicious. Then there are those like myself that think there is something lacking in flavor in the filet. Oh I know! It's lacking the fat content. This recipe adds the fat and then some. Looks divine!
Foodie Crush

Cacio e Pepe Soufflé
I love the simplicity of this dish. It is sturdier than most Soufflés with oodles of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. A stylish side dish. Yum!
Food and Wine 

Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel
A dish that is both sweet and savory can serve two purposes. This creative recipe can be used as an appetizer or as an after dinner cheese course. Any way you serve it, this culinary creation will be unexpected.
Food and Wine

Caramel Pot De Creme
A simple three ingredient Valentine’s dessert that will knock your socks off.
Bakers Royale  

Valentine's Day Cocktails
My Instagram friend, Kara, has created the cutest cocktail ever for Valentine's Day. She styles the prettiest parties. The flutes are rimmed with raw agave sugar, and then dipped again into pomegranate sugar rimmer. Sugarfina's Hot Lips Candies were stacked on a stylish bamboo pick for
the perfect added touch!
Style Meets Soiree  

Blackberry No-Bake Cheesecake

Loving this recipe because you can make it the day before. Why get heated up before the romantic dinner?

Cooking Melangery

Cabernet Chocolate Lattes
And to top the evening off, something warm and creamy! The perfect nightcap to a 
romantic day.
How Sweet Eats



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