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."
SELF-LOVE WHEN YOU'RE FALLING IN LOVE
February 12, 2021 • brittany chaffee, falling in love, guest blogger, guest post, lifestyle blog, minneapolis blogger, minnesota blogger, mostly lisa, self-love, valentine's day
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."
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!









SOME *VERY* LAST MINUTE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS
February 10, 2021 • budget gifts, gift guide, gifts for her, gifts for him, mostly lisa, mostly lisa gift guide, romantic inspiration, valentine's day, valentines gift guide
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!










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)
Mostly Lisa
MOSTLY LISA'S GALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE
February 9, 2017 • gift guide, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, valentine's day, valentines gift guide

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)
Mostly Lisa

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.
Mostly Lisa
10 WAYS TO BE SOFT IN PINK
• color inspiration, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, pink, soft pink, top 10, twin cities blogger, valentine's day, week of love

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.
Mostly Lisa




THE PERFECT WAY TO GLOSS
February 8, 2017 • beauty blogger, beauty products, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, sigma beauty, twin cities blogger, valentine's day






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:
- Heat oven to 375°F
- Stir Cookie Mix, Softened Butter, Egg and Flour in Medium Bowl until soft dough forms
- Shape dough into round ball, and cut in half.
- 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.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake cookies in batches for 7-8 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet. Cool completely on a wire wrack.
- 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.
- ENJOY!




HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
February 14, 2016 • baking, holidays, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, recipes, valentine's day


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:
- Heat oven to 375°F
- Stir Cookie Mix, Softened Butter, Egg and Flour in Medium Bowl until soft dough forms
- Shape dough into round ball, and cut in half.
- 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.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake cookies in batches for 7-8 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet. Cool completely on a wire wrack.
- 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.
- ENJOY!








FASHION FRIDAY: LOVE ME, LOVE ME
February 12, 2016 • fashion friday, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, plus size fashion, plus size style, valentine's day, week of love





- for her: on purpose more than a pretty face beaded clutch | Rosaviola Scented Candle | Olvine Atelier Lotion
- for him: D.S. & Durga for J.Crew Homesteader's cologne | Herringbone Tweed Backpack | Beard Envy Kit
- for kids: Girls' embellished flower sweatshirt | Black Heart & Arrows Bow Tie | Darth Vader Water Bottle | Envelope-Neck Graphic Bodysuit
- for me: Lost Ocean Coloring Book | Roses | Daisy Dream - Marc Jacobs | Strawberry Milk Chocolate Biscuits
MOSTLY LISA'S VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE
February 11, 2016 • lifestyle blog, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, twin cities blogger, valentine's day, valentines gift guide, week of love

- for her: on purpose more than a pretty face beaded clutch | Rosaviola Scented Candle | Olvine Atelier Lotion
- for him: D.S. & Durga for J.Crew Homesteader's cologne | Herringbone Tweed Backpack | Beard Envy Kit
- for kids: Girls' embellished flower sweatshirt | Black Heart & Arrows Bow Tie | Darth Vader Water Bottle | Envelope-Neck Graphic Bodysuit
- for me: Lost Ocean Coloring Book | Roses | Daisy Dream - Marc Jacobs | Strawberry Milk Chocolate Biscuits
- 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?!
BEAUTY ESSENTIALS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
February 10, 2016 • beauty essentials, beauty products, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, twin cities blogger, valentine's day
- 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?!

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

COLOR INSPIRATION: PASSIONATE RED
February 8, 2016 • color inspiration, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, red, valentine's day, week of love

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


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!
Mostly Lisa
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE TINY TOTS
February 12, 2015 • for kids, holiday gift guide, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, twin cities blogger, valentine's day, valentines gift guide

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!
Mostly Lisa

Mostly Lisa
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE LAD
February 6, 2015 • for him, lifestyle blog, minneapolis, minneapolis fashion blogger, minnesota, minnesota fashion blogger, mostly lisa, twin cities blogger, valentine's day, valentines gift guide

Mostly Lisa





Social Icons