Showing posts with label valentine's day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label valentine's day. Show all posts

Today's guest post comes from someone I greatly admire and am inspired by here in the Twin Cities. Brittany Chaffee uses words in such a beautiful, romantic and poetic way that I figured she'd be the perfect person to create a story for what self-love means and how love can come into your life when you least expect it. Please read on and enjoy her melodic musings on romance.

 

typography by cannedsorbet

We envision love, in the beginning, to be a striking and complicated muscle. But when we fall in love, the movement feels a lot like slipping. The looseness, expansive. Right before I found my now husband, when I was angry and twenty-three years old and tired of dating bad men, my mom told me: “Brittany, love is effortless. You’ll be surprised by it.” 

But something else happens when we fall in love. When we come to know people; slip under the looseness of their open hearts, we come to know them as intimately as ourselves. That part is scary. It takes vulnerability. Because, in turn, we have to reach deeper into the pockets of ourselves. If the love is right, we wade deeper into self.

My favorite line in the entire book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, is this: 

“We don’t need other people’s love in order to love ourselves; we don’t need a romantic partner to be ‘complete.’ But we need other people to teach us how to love ourselves best.”

A month before I fell in love with my husband, I finally found peace with being alone. I thought: you are beautiful and twenty-four. Your world has only recently spread open. The minute I felt myself slipping, falling in love, I thought: oh, shit. There’s more. Because loving is the damn truth. Loving him reminded me that I did, in fact, love myself.

Love is beyond dual coverage and picking up takeout because you’re hungry and being an emergency contact and meeting family and Thanksgiving. Love is finding new ways to love ourselves because there’s another human involved. They become our mirror; our reminder that we get what we give. Loving is, at its root, selfless. But, the act of it says so much about what we’re capable of offering. We offer what we need, what we desire. For the first time, we realize our hearts are available for big moments, big affirmations. And realize we deserve all of them. That is self-love.

Love is showing someone else why you care about them because you care about yourself. Love is self-love flipped on its head, the equal give and take of human-defining togetherness. It is beyond what we ever imagined and above what either of us originally believed.

"Love is effortless because it helps define who we are. It’s as beautiful and simple as that."


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Always,
Mostly Lisa

 

Because who doesn't buy Valentine's Day gifts until the last minute? At this point, I don't really know any other adult who doesn't procrastinate at finding something that their significant other, themselves or even a furry friend will truly love. I am ahead of the game this year as I will be buying something for myself AND something for my very first Valentine! 😍 That being said, I figured I would put together a few items that will be easy to pick up if you're really waiting until the last minute. Enjoy!

A heart-shaped vase that can stand perfectly on its own or be filled with your favorite flowers to create a stunningly sweet home decor piece!

Have him look and feel good with this face wash that invigorates and cleans skin thoroughly. 
 
The idea is in the name from Omi Woods on Etsy, simply choose two types of coins made of Gold Vermeil and you'll be able to put together something super special.

 
Get a beanie that can keep you warm, be versatile with any outfit and be for both women and men! 

Gotta go wireless someday...

A great idea if you're the person who sends snail mail!

Be confident knowing that you'll be purchasing a bra that will be comfortable for her, have a great message and have proceeds donated to a fantastic organization called GirlTrek! 

This isn't too cheeky, right? 
A gift set that will literally feel like a giant hug when you use it. SIGN ME UP!

 Seriously though, for whoever needs it! 

Wear your heart on your purse, less chance of it getting too badly hurt.

Get that nose un-stuffed and breathe right while making out with that special someone..

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Always,
Mostly Lisa


This was originally going to be a Valentine's Day Gift Guide for everyone - women, men, children - but I decided to say "screw it" at the last moment and make this a Galentine's Day Gift Guide. I'm all about making this holiday an empowering one, I truly believe that it doesn't have to be superficial and be filled with pressure from yourself to get the perfect gift. Let's make this holiday relaxing and fun, because we definitely need that right now. Here are few items that will let you show your appreciation, love and support for the gals in your life. It was so hard to narrow it down to just these!
1. Fight Pretty Glossy Box ($40)
2. Saucy Jack Nail Lacquer ($11)
3. Piece of My Heart Postcard Set ($10)
4. Kiss Me Sugar Lips
5. Jo Malone™ 'Red Roses' Cologne ($130)
6. Love You, Love You Lots Body Soap ($8)
7. XOXO Paper Pad ($8)
8. Valentine's Day Tassel Garland ($5)
9. Ovaries Before Brovaries Enamel Pin ($7)
10. Jsuzzana Fringe Clutch ($65)
11. Sleeping Beauty Ring ($438)
12. Pin-Up Pout Lipstick ($8)
13. SIP SIP TUMBLER WITH STRAW - WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS ROSE? ($14)

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Always,
Mostly Lisa

If any of you remember Mostly Lisa around this time last year, you may recall a series that I did named "Week of Love", an entire week devoted to all things Valentine's Day. There was one post I did during that week that was a lot of fun to put together - ten ways to wear red - so I decided to return to that theme but change the color for this year. It was pretty easy to decide on what color to choose for 2017, pink, but it was actually pretty difficult to find items that I would want to wear in that shade. I was successfully able to find ten, so please enjoy and shop all these vibrant links below!
1. Plus pink badge knit sweater ($80): A sweater with patches already adorned on it? That's okay with me!
2. pink skies ahead bomber jacket ($180): I feel like wearing this ban.do bomber jacket around would instantly make me part of a bad ass girl gang, so I had to include it.
3. Paneled appliquéd cotton-blend lace midi dress ($9900): Let's just think of this as a dream item, but what an absolutely stunning dress. It's the perfect mash of colors and it instantly reminded me of spring!
4. Priya Bonded Velvet Pleat Front A Line Skirt ($14): ATTN: Bargain velvet steal for only $14!
5. Vans Authentic Neon Splatter ($55): Go find your own "Sk8er Boi" in these comfortable, clean and classic sneakers.
6. whimsies t-rex crossbody ($378): Does anyone else feel like Valentine's Day and Kate Spade New York just kind-of go hand-in-hand? I include them so much in various gift guides, but it's always a little bit more fun when it's for something romantic + girly like this holiday.
7. Banana Socks ($10): The title says it all for me. Wear these with your new Vans - it'll be a perfect match.
8. Girls Pennant Pin ($10): Come on now...
9. Roses de Chloé Eau de Toilette ($122): This new fragrance from Chloe is absolutely stunning. It's very light, but it definitely lasts throughout the day. Not overwhelming either, so you won't get anyone sneezing on you if you're in close quarters.
10. Rose Quartz Amulet Pendant ($32): Rose quartz is currently my gemstone of choice, mostly since it exudes self-love. I'll be for sure wearing one of my own rose quartz crystals next Tuesday.

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Always,
Mostly Lisa
ICYMI: Sigma Beauty recently launched two new Lip Vex sets called Glaze & Dazzle back in January and they are absolutely perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of shine or glitter to complete their beauty look. What's even better about these sets is that they are a complete steal if you buy them together - $28 all together. If you follow me on Snapchat or Instagram, you may have seen me swatch both sets after receiving them in the mail and the fun that ensued afterwards. I figured since Valentine's Day is approaching us quickly it would be great to share just a few of my favorite hues from either. All of these long-lasting colors will go perfectly for a date night out with your significant other, a pizza + wine date with your gal pals or while you're spoiling yourself all day with flowers and chocolate. 
1. Vivid Glaze Lip Vex ($10): Shine bright in this coral pink gloss! It's my favorite shade out of both sets since it glides on so easily and leaves lips feeling smooth. I'd highly recommend wearing this with a sleek black ensemble, make your date really focus on the gorgeous color of your lips. Maybe you'll get a kiss at the end of the night.

2. Sheila Dazzle Lip Vex ($10): This Sheila won't take crap from any man, especially while wearing such a vibrant, satin gloss. I'd recommend wearing this color with a more classic ensemble that could translate from day to night, which is perfect for a night with gal friends. Think blazer, white blouse, a pair of denim and a chic pair of booties. 
3. Slip Glaze Lip Vex ($10): Oh-so-romantic! This baby pink shade has me falling in love with its peachy undertones and shimmer residue. I'd recommend wearing something a little more 'sweet' with this, maybe an outfit that will have you feeling like going to a malt shop and listening to oldies on the jukebox. A fit-and-flare dress, strappy flats and a cardigan that your sweetheart will admire you in.

4. Steady Glow Dazzle Lip Vex ($10): Hey peach, you're ready to shimmer. This vibrant shade slowly fades into a more subtle gloss that will last the entire day. I'd highly recommend wearing this with something red or pink, to celebrate the actual holiday, it will compliment the neutrality of your lip color. Take a chance and wear your heart on your sleeve this year. 

P.S. Pick up any of these Lip Vex sets at a very special Valentine's Day party that I'm hosting THIS FRIDAY at the Sigma Beauty Mall of America Boutique - it's the only brick and mortar store where you can purchase items in person. It's your turn to spoil yourself, beauties!
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope your day is filled with love from the people around you, or just love for yourself like you deserve. I am ending my WEEK OF LOVE series on a sweet note, with some delicious Strawberry Jam Linzer Cookies! These are super easy to make and you more than likely have all the ingredients already in your cupboard and refrigerator. I went the easy route and bought a pre-made dough mix from the grocery store, it just was a lot faster than making my own.

 WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

  • (1 Bag) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
  • (1/2 Cup) Softened Butter or Margarine
  • (1 TBSP) All-Purpose Flour
  • (1) Egg
  • (2) Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters - 1 large, 1 small
  • (1) Rolling Pin
  • (1/3 Cup) Strawberry Jam
  • (1/4 Cup) Confectioner's Sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 375°F 
  2. Stir Cookie Mix, Softened Butter, Egg and Flour in Medium Bowl until soft dough forms
  3. Shape dough into round ball, and cut in half.
  4. On a floured surface, roll out one half of dough to about 1/4 or 1/8th thickness. Cut out cookies with large heart-shaped cookie cutter. Use small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a window out of half of cookies. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets.
  5. Repeat with remaining dough.
  6. Bake cookies in batches for 7-8 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. 
  7. Cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet. Cool completely on a wire wrack.
  8. Spread 3/4 tsp of jam on flat side of each cookie that does not have a window. Top with remaining cookies, flat side down, so jam is showing. Carefully sift Confectioner's Sugar over the top of each cookie. 
  9. ENJOY!
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Mostly Lisa

"Say that you love me."
It's finally Friday, and my WEEK OF LOVE series is almost over. It's crazy how quickly this week has passed by, and if you've missed any of my other posts in this series, make sure to check out here, here, here and here! There's still time to shop my Gift Guide from yesterday, and even plan what you're going to wear with your date or gal pals. That brings me to today's Fashion Friday post, with another outfit option that has more than one use!

If you're working on Sunday, like I am, this blouse and pencil skirt combo would be the perfect way to transition from day to night! For this Valentine's Day inspired look, I went straight into my wardrobe (besides the new bra) and pulled out items that have been in it for awhile. These are all classic pieces that any girl should have; whether it's a white blouse, black pencil skirt or a comfortable pair of flats, these are staples. Not only will you impress your date or your gal pals, you'll feel fabulous knowing that you look good in everything you're wearing. Just an FYI though, if you're going to be working in this outfit make sure to button every button on your blouse, but feel free to let loose when you're going out. 
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Mostly Lisa

We are now only four days away from the big celebration, and today's WEEK OF LOVE post is something I love to do during the holidays. What is better than creating a gift guide for those special people in your life, and obviously yourself? It's one of my favorite things to do here on Mostly Lisa and it always seems to be among the posts that generate the most viewers. For this year's Valentine's Day Gift Guide, I've decided to combine everyone into one general guide, instead of several throughout the week. The goal was to find three items that would be special for each person, and that would be unique to a holiday filled with romance. As you can see in my section, I'm a pretty basic chick and I don't require too much to be surprised with. Just give me some flowers and chocolate and I'll love you forever!
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Mostly Lisa


We're now officially halfway through the WEEK OF LOVE and today I'm talking about my beauty essentials for Feb. 14th. Since I'm slowly getting into more ways of applying makeup, I thought this would be perfect to show what I've been using on a day-to-day basis. These are some of the more basic ways to use makeup, I'm no makeup artist, and products that I truly enjoy using. You have to look good for yourself, or on your date, right?!

  • Purse - Betsey Johnson Cheetah Print Crossbody Bag (Similar): First things first, you're going to need something to keep all your beauty essentials in check! What better way than to find the a purse that not only does that, but is also going to look great with what you'll wear on the day of. It should be fun + flirty at the same time, and this cheetah print is the perfect way to bring both with complete ease. 
  • Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer - Bath & Body Works London Tea Time Shortbread: Keep your hands germ-free on your date while smelling delicious! This version is extra sweet and based off my favorite city.
  • Mascara - almay one coat lengthening mascara: It's always helpful to have a tube of mascara handy throughout the night, even if it is long-lasting version. Get those lashes plump!
  • Lip Balm - Kiehl's Lip Balm #1: Make sure to keep your lips hydrated throughout the night, with a soothing lip balm that will protect you from the drying effects of the weather.
  • Lipsticks - Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Siren in Scarlet + Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom in Blushing Bud: Having two types of lipsticks in your bag can be really helpful when trying to decide what look you're going for. I tend to opt towards the Siren in Scarlet shade, as it is this great pop of red and I instantly feel sexy in it.
  • Eye Brushes - e.l.f. Essentials Eye Shadow Brush + e.l.f. Essentials Defining Eye Brush: While you might apply your eye shadow at home, it doesn't hurt to have a pair of brushes in your purse to help reapply or fix throughout the night. 
  • Concealer - Ideal Flawless Cream Concealer in Fair: For another way to refresh throughout the night, this concealer is lightweight and will continue even coverage with a silky finish.
  • Primer - Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer: This has been my favorite primer to use for the past year or so! It makes my skin feel super smooth and helps keep my makeup stay on longer than it ever has before. 8 hours of coverage!
  • Finishing Spray - NYX Makeup Setting Spray - I had never had a finishing spray in my makeup routine, but using this Matte version has really improved how long my makeup stays on. It keeps everything in place and gives you an extra boost of freshness. I highly recommend using this brand!
  • Towelettes - Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes: Finally, you're at the end of the night and need to remove all the makeup you've applied. These towelettes are refreshing and are super effective at removing all the dirt and grime leftover. They're super soft and they're even gentle enough to use on the eyes.
  • Candy - BB-8 Valentine's Heart Tin Lollipops in Strawberry (similar): Treat yourself to some tasty candy, you deserve it! HOW CUTE IS THIS TIN?! 
Most of all, just make sure to enjoy yourself and make the night something to remember. Thank you to everyone who has been joining in on this series, and I hope you enjoy what else is to come! Tomorrow I will be sharing some gifts to get your Valentine's, and make sure to check out my Instagram for posts that coincide with each day on here. 
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Mostly Lisa

Today is officially the launch of my WEEK OF LOVE, all leading up to to February 14th. This week is going to be full of the color red, ways to make the special day unique to what you want it to be, recommendations for movies and so much more. I no longer want to call the day Valentine's Day, and I really like the idea of it being called Galentine's Day instead! Thank you to Leslie Knope for making it ladies celebrating ladies! Having never been in a relationship, I've grown used to spoiling myself on the day of and this year is no different. So let's get this party started.
Red has always been one of my favorite colors, as it evokes a lot of different emotions. When wearing it, I feel sexy and empowered. There's nothing better than that, right?! This inspiration board is going to make you feel lovey dovey, extra sweet and maybe even sexy yourself! Think of red paired with blacks, whites and pinks and you've got yourself a beautiful palette of colors. Throw in some runway looks, retro motifs, some decorating tips and you've got yourself the start of a beautiful week ahead. Stay tuned tomorrow for a few tips on what to wear on Galentine's Day!
(PHOTOS VIA: Je T'aime Card | Viva Luxury | Kero | The Happy Tulip | Sartorial Obsession | Bewitching Beauty | Deathtouch | Martha Stewart | Dreams in HD

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Mostly Lisa





Because you can't forget those little loves of your lives! I've compiled a list of some items that would be super unique and fun for them to open. I'm positive my two nephews would adore any of these, especially the heart crayons!
 
 
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
Because you can't forget the men, right? I may not be in a relationship, but at least I know I'd be ready to pick out these great ideas. This might also reveal what I look for in a guy.... so there's that too. All of these are under $100 too!

 
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Always,
Mostly Lisa


Another year, another Valentine's Day. It's also another year where I'll be my own special someone, and I'm actually okay with it. Who doesn't want to spoil themselves and feel empowered to love themselves on such a sappy day? My second-annual Valentine's Day Gift Guide series is starting off with that special person in your life, yourself... or if you do have a significant other in your life, this one is also for you! These items above are all things that I would not mind receiving next week, so here's a huge hint to all of you in my life. I've already gifted myself the bath bubbler, but I'm down for anything else.
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Always,
Mostly Lisa
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUTFIT: Top: H&M+ | Tank: Old Navy | Pants: Gap | Flats: Torrid | Purse: Betsey Johnson
 
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I have found this holiday to be a great time to reflect on the love you have for yourself and for others. I think it's important to love yourself first before committing to a relationship and it's taken me a long time to accept that. I think it's beautiful to be happy in your skin first and then I think it will rub off on the people around you. So there's my little piece of advice for today.

For those of us who are single, I give you a big high five and super big hug. For those of you who are in a relationship, I hope you have a lovely day with your significant other and just spend time with eachother. Enjoy your mutual love for one another. I am going to be spoiling MYSELF today and am going to be curled up watching Pride and Prejudice in bed, while eating a delicious dinner and some good chocolate. This is kind-of my tradition each year, and I am not ashamed to say it. I have to work before I can do any pampering for myself, so I decided on wearing this outfit to work. I don't think it's too much or too little. This top by H&M+ is so flattering and really can be worn to work or out on the town. The rose details on it are so perfect and you don't have to accessorize with it. My pop of color in this outfit are my nails and then my flats from Torrid. These Valentino-inspired studded flats are my favorite and I love that they make a statement on their own. They're not around anymore since I got them for like $3, but you can find different versions everywhere. Hope you can find some if you can't afford the real version.

I also want to thank each and every one of you for reading Mostly Lisa, I love all of you!
 
 
**Graphic done by the lovely vevelicious intern, Kelsey Gvesrude! Thank you lady!