Love Notes For Valentines Day & Beyond

{ Via Dear Annabelle }

I just couldn't let the day go by without sending love, kisses, and many thanks to all of you. It is because of you, that I look forward to every new day and post. My wish for you is that you feel loved, today. Get inspired with this little love note from me to you. Feel free to use the quotes to your own Valentine.

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”

– Judy Garland

“One words frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” 

– Sophocles

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” – George Sand

“You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.”

– Oscar Wilde 

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get–only with what you are expecting to give–which is everything."
–Katharine Hepburn

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

— Oprah Winfrey

~ Valentines Day Sales ~

Annmarie Skincare: Save 20% on clean beauty sitewide. Use Code: SWEET20

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Beekman 1802: Save up to 68% during their Valentines Day Sale. I stocked up on the $5.00 Hand & Body Wash.

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Dear Annabelle: Save 15% on the best stationery, place cards and more. Through tonight.

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Philosophy: Save 30% on Bath, Body & Skincare Use Code: VDAY. Ends 02/15 3:00 AM Eastern 

My Gift To You

Click the photo above for over 90 minutes of love songs guaranteed to make a romantic Valentines Day or Night for you. I made it on Amazon Music, which is my absolute favorite part of being a prime member! Click the image to listen or download, Click here to find out more. I have a playlist for every event of any day.

XOXOX

Deb

Saturdays At Shop This

 So, are you ready for some football? I have actually watched all of the playoff games (if you can't beat them, join them).  The above image of Madonna is from a good Vogue article about the best fashion moments from past Super Bowl performers.  Enough about football. Now for this week's links worth sharing.

Pottery Barn is bringing back a favorite 90's Organizational Brand called Hold Everything. Remember them?  These closet systems may be just what you need to start the year off organized.

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10 Skin (and Sex) Secrets from an Ex–Pastry Chef Lots of interesting products and advice

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Anthropologie is offering an extra 40% off on Sale items this weekend. On my radar: this Maeve Pearl-Embellished Shirt (with discount it will be only $60), these marble throw pillows are lovely, and I am loving this Sequined Fringe Headband reduced for a song!

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20 Exceptional Candle Shops with Glowing Reviews at Etsy. The scents are natural and the prices are really good!

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Spring’s Top 5 Beauty Trends. Saks shows us how to recreate these looks for ourselves. I love the saturated blush trend! 

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I am not a "bag lady" though I have plenty of them. I don't have an olive green bag, however Do you? I am loving Staud's new Cory Ruched Bag. It can be worn two ways. It's so chic and half way affordable at $295.

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Valentines Flowers: There is still time to order from Urban Stems. You will find their selections a notch above 1-800-Flowers. They also offer plants and gifts like candles. I have never been disappointed. Order by 2pm EST on February 13th to get your flowers in time for Valentine's Day.

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Speaking of flowers, Our landscaper has been here this week, prepping the gardens for Spring. Has anyone ever ordered from Roberta's Gardens on QVC? I have for my Mom a while back. The Hostas were fabulous. I am thinking of ordering for myself. Among many other varieties, they have White Casa Blanca Lilies (my favorite) and Gardenias. Take a look for yourself at QVC.

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Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing: Those Three Kings must have known something! I have used Frankincense for many purposes over the years. It has healed a gum infection, helped the side effects of Covid, and when administered to my legs, it stops severe leg cramps.  This is a really helpful article. I buy my organic oils from Dr. Axe on his website or Amazon.

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I know that your hearts must be hurting as much as mine for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Here's how you can help. Click HERE.

If football isn't your thing, there's always the Puppy Bowl before the game. Have a fun weekend, my friends. May the cutest puppy and best team win.

XOXOX

Deb

Level Up Your Football Fare

{ Spoon Fork Bacon }

 Part of the fun of watching football is the food and drink.  Maybe you are entertaining or going to a Super Bowl Party. It's very easy to level up the normal chip and dip. You just have to know where to look. This recipe roundup features next level  dishes like a Sushi Bake, Lobster Guac, Moscow Mule Cupcakes, and Chocolate Chili, to name just a few. Get scrolling and start cooking. 

Nacho Snack Dinner with Sweet Potato Queso

What you have here is a deconstructed nacho situation. Everyone loves a nacho, but one has to admit that this tray is a bit more sophisticated.

Food & Wine

Margarita Pizza Dip With Burrata

Oh Burrata! One of my favorite cheeses. It's so creamy and decadent. The Crostini is the perfect dipper.

Half Baked Harvest

Football Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

I usually don't go for anything "cutesy" when it comes to entertaining. But these bite size treats  are both fun and fancy. They are sure to look good on the spread you put together.

Sprinkle Some Fun

Sushi Bake

This recipe intrigues me so. I am up for making it to snack on for The Super Bowl. It's a deconstructed California Roll, and super easy to make. You scoop the warm casserole up with crispy roasted seaweed wrappers. Yum! 

I Am A Food Blog

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Sure there will be beer drinkers at your party. But these beautiful cocktails will class up your event. Make them your house drink. It's Prosecco, Blood Orange Juice, and Aperol. 

How Sweet Eats

Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

A healthy bite, but they won't realize it is good for them. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Sweet As Honey

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Boia De's Crispy Potato Skins

These skins are stylishly topped with creamy burrata, caviar, and grated hard boiled egg. If taste begins with they eyes, these must be fabulous.

Parade

Lobster Guacamole

Not sure how big of a crowd you want to prepare this for, but it sure is special. If lobster is too rich for the budget, try shrimp or crabmeat.

How Sweet Eats

Moscow Mule Cupcakes

This recipe is so tasty and moist! Your guests will get a big kick out of them. And if you serve them in these copper mugs, they are show stoppers. By the way, Amazon can get them to you in time for the game. Buy the set of four HERE

Life Love & Sugar

Thai Shrimp Cakes

Much like a crab cake but a little less costly. Ohhh! These look fab. I think that if you are serving a crowd, I would make them smaller. A one or two bite appetizer is much easier to eat.

Dishing Out Health

Herby Avocado Hummus

Add a little color to your table. I can only imagine how creamy this version of hummus is.

Bon Appétit

Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese and Bourbon Caramel

Well! Just the title sounds elevated, doesn't it? It's the perfect blend of sweet, salty and tangy. Your guests will be impressed.

Host The Toast

Smoked Salmon Dip

This is one irresistible dipping experience. My Mother made a salmon dip back in the day. Even as kids, we all loved it. Using toasted bread for dipping instead of chips takes it to another level.

Platings & Pairings

Chocolate Chili

You might be wondering, "what in the world?" But I have put cocoa powder in my chili for many years. This one pot meal builds layers of flavors, This recipe is rich, full bodied, and divine. For more chili recipes, scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Fool Proof Living

Mini Baked Potatoes

Who doesn't like bite size snacks? These perfect potatoes feature gooey melted brie and sweet, sticky caramelized onions. Killer.

Brit + Co

Margarita Cookies With Tequila Lime Glaze

Here's a great and sweet way to enjoy your favorite cocktail. "Think a buttery and soft shortbread cookie infused with lime, dripping with a sweet and smooth tequila lime glaze." Everyone has room for a cookie!

Marleys Menu

Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders

Loving the idea of a sweet and savory sandwich! These are made with chicken thighs but I would switch it up to breasts,

Taste of Home

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Game Day Chili and Cornbread

 

Beauty With Benefits

As Valentine's Day inches closer, it is a good time to treat yourself to a new lipstick, fragrance, or facial mask. I mean, if we don't love ourself, who will? This pretty post features discounts and gifts with purchase from brands you love, like Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Lancome, and more. Afterall, what price beauty? Get shopping while the price is less.

Beautycounter

 20% Back in Product Credit on all purchases through Thursday. That's an unique deal from this small clean beauty company. I happen to like their tinted mineral sunscreen. 

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

When it comes to freebies, Bobbi Brown is generous. Choose a free makeup or skincare gift with $75 orders. I adore the Face Base & Primer!

Clinique

Save up to 25% sitewide. Plus get a Glow Getting 6 piece set with $45 orders. Use Code: BEMINE

Dermstore

Browse the latest deals from your favorite brands like Coola Organic Sunscreen, Jane Iredale, Somme Institute  Tarte Cosmetics and more. And if you are a new customer, save 15% on everything with Code: WELCOME15

Kate Somerville

Free ExfoliKate Mini Duo with $75 purchases. Use Code: VALENTINE

Lancome

Take 25% off sitewide. Plus get a Mystery Gift when you spend $125. Use Code: MYSTERY

MAC Cosmetics

Save 30% on Select Lip Products. Ends 02/14

Macy's

They have several sales going on. My fave is the MAC Sale. Select products are really marked down including foundation, eyeshadow paint pots (love these) and several sets and bundles.

Also Macy's is offering a Free Lancome 8 Piece Gift with a $39 Lancome purchase.

Net-a- Porter

Lots of great savings on luxury brands like, Slip, Perricone MD, French Girl Organics, Grown Alchemist, and so much more.

QVC

Shop these Beauty IQ Steals. You save at least 30% on everything in this section. My favorite beauty buy is Peter Thomas Roth's Rose Stem  Gel Mask Duo. You save over 50%. I have used this product and it is the loveliest mask! But you will also find Bare Minerals, Lancome, Tarte & More.

Sephora

Did you know that Sephora always had makeup, skincare, and fragrance on sale? It's worth looking once a week. This week there are over 350 products on sale from Tarte, Too Faced, YSL, Tom Ford, Urban Decay & more.

Smashbox Cosmetics

Save 25% sitewide. Prices are marked.

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Love is in The Air