Easter

St. Patrick’s Day!

As a grandchild of Irish immigrants and being 100% Irish, I LOVE St. Patrick’s Day more than any other day of the year! I grew up outside of New York City with my Irish family so I would always be allowed to skip school on March 17 and head into NYC to march in the big parade! It was always the best time, getting to be with my family and celebrating our heritage and of course finishing the whole day off with a glorious Irish meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage! But, finding green to wear was always troublesome, so here are some of the best St. Patrick’s Day outfit ideas!

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J. Crew Factory

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J. Crew Factory

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J. Crew Factory

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J. Crew FactoryImage

Express

Sláinte! Erin Go Bragh!

XOXO,

Caroline

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Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our readers!  I hope you have a great day (even if you are just looking forward to the half-price candy tomorrow!  I know I am!)

xoxo,
Rebecca

Happy Galentine’s Day!

galentine

I’ve been watching a lot of Parks and Recreation lately (seriously, you should check it out on Netflix!), and one thing that I really love is “Galentine’s Day”. For those of you not in the know, Galentine’s Day was created by the show’s main character, Leslie Knope, to celebrate all of the great ladies in her life. It’s celebrated on February 13th, and is an awesome excuse to tell all of your girlfriends why you love them.

Here are some ideas to help you celebrate with friends:

  • Treat your best friend to her favorite latte
  • Have an all girls pajama party and rent chick flicks from RedBox
  • Bake cookies!
  • Write a letter to your best lady friends telling them how much you appreciate them
  • Get them a new bottle of nail polish you know they’ll love
  • Host a cocktail night

Today I am definitely going to be spreading the love to all of the great women in my life!

xoxo, Karoline

Valentine’s Day Baking

As I’m sure you guys have figured out from my fast few posts…I am a huge romantic who absolutely LOVES Valentine’s Day—the decorations, colors, gifts, and the whole idea behind Valentine’s Day is simply wonderful to me. Even without a Valentine, February 14th is still a day to recognize and appreciate the people in your life, like your friends and family, who you love.

One thing that really gets me into the Valentine’s Day spirit is baking. There are thousands of “love” themed recipes out there, and today I’ve assembled a few Valentine’s Day treats that I think you will really enjoy baking!

 

1. Cupcakes and Cookies

Cookies and cupcakes are two very “go-to” choices when it comes down to figuring out what to bake. However, what people don’t always realize is that cookies and cupcakes that need to be decorated open the door to endless possibilities! Use sprinkles, dyed frosting, and Valentine’s Day candy to spruce up sugar cookies and cupcakes. If you’re making the classic chocolate chip cookie, why not add Valentine’s Day red, pink, and white M&Ms to the mix? If you are looking to get really fancy, try something different like the Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie (these are sooo good!) Get the how to here!

 

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TPC v day 2 Pictures courtesy of DropDeadGorgeousDaily, TheDecoratedCookie, StopLookinGetCookin, Wedding-Dress, FrugalTexasDiva, CupcakesGarden, and Unsophisticook.

 

2. Fruity Treats

Don’t forget about fruit! Valentine’s Day treats do not always need to be baked; Heart Shaped Fruit Kabobs and Chocolate Covered Strawberries are refreshing and just as festive, sweet and tasty as any cookies or cupcakes!

TPC VDay 3

 

Images courtesy of RecipeByPhoto, and WorkmanFamily.

 

3. Miscellaneous Treats

These I just had to throw in here. The Pretzel Kiss Candies and Marshmallow Pops look so delicious, and so easy to make.  Don’t be afraid to get creative, and non traditional with your baking!

TPC v day 4

 

Pictures courtesy of SavvyMom, and GriffithsRated.

What are you baking this Valentine’s Day?!

XO, Christine

Birthday Bash

Because my birthday is so close to Valentines Day (and I tend to celebrate Birthday month…) I skip right over Single’s Awareness (because let’s face it – I go to a womens’ college) and continue the birthday bash!  My birthday this year is on a Monday (the 11th!) so I’m planning on celebrating mostly the weekend before and then putting the celebrating on hold until SPRING BREAK (yes, like two months later) until I’ll see my parents again!

Now it’s my 20th birthday, so no wild parties with my first alcoholic purchases.  But it’s a perfectly great reason to have tons of fun with my friends?  Yes?

So Friday night (the 8th), I’m signed up to go skiing with the Outdoor Program at my school!  A few of my friends are coming and it should be a great night out on the slopes.  I went last weekend and it was super fun!

Saturday night, my friends are taking me out to dinner!  We haven’t decided where we’re going yet…but we have two favorite restaurants so I’m sure it will be one of those!

Sunday will be filled with homework and any other things that need to get done…not so fun.

But don’t fear!  Because on the big day, Monday, I’ll be promptly awoken at 6:43 am (the time of my birthday) by my bestfriend who is all the way in New York City.  This is a little tradition we’ve had since my tenth grade (and her eleventh grade) year.  We went to boarding school and the night before my 16th birthday I slept in her room.  She woke me up at 6:43 with a card that sang High School Musical…some things never change!

 I don’t know what else my big day has in store for me, but as long as I’m surrounded by my friends (and by my family from a distance), I’m sure it will be great!

How do you celebrate your birthday?

xoxo,
Rebecca

Save $$$ this Valentine’s Day!

Okay, so I am all for spoiling the ones we love on Valentine’s Day, but if you’re a college student, like me, you’re probably not made of money. I like to keep an eye out for deals and sales as much as the next person; here are a few of my tips on how to save money this Valentine’s Day:

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1. Decorations. Are you hosting a Valentine’s Day party or looking to make your dorm room a little more festive? A lot of people overlook stopping by Dollar Stores when it comes to buying decorations. You can get a lot of awesome decor (from themed table cloths, plates, and centerpieces, to window decals, bathroom hand towels, and plastic Champagne flutes) for very little cash! Check out other local vendors after Valentine’s Day is over, and you might be able to find some cool items on sale to decorate with next year.

2. Gifts. When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts, it really is the thought and effort that counts. Valentine’s Day is a day to show your special someone how much you love and appreciate them…not how much money you can drop on a fancy piece of jewelry. In my opinion, a great Valentine’s Day gift would be something handmade! Pair your gift with a sentimental card and you’re good to go!

3. Dinner. You know what is just as romantic as getting dressed up and going out on a Valentine’s Day dinner date? Cooking your sweetie’s favorite meal, getting dressed up and staying in to eat. Now I know that might seem like a lot of work, but hear me out! By staying in you get to create the perfect atmosphere for your at-home date: set the scene with candles, that special occasion dish set, and your favorite music. Plus, you will save money and avoid the Valentine’s Day rush at restaurants.

4. Flowers. Women love to get flowers…especially on Valentine’s Day. While roses and Valentine’s Day pretty much go hand in hand, a bouquet of red roses can be pretty pricy! If you plan on getting your Valentine flowers, find out what specific kind she likes. Maybe she prefers a cheaper type of flower or even a potted plant!

XO, Christine

Valentine’s Day Style

I’ll be honest, Valentine’s Day is not one of my favorite holidays, but I do love hearts on everything. Who doesn’t love pink, red, and heart-covered clothes, shoes, and accessories? And besides that, there is literally candy everywhere you turn, dangerous but also delicious. On that note, I have been browsing around for some really cute stuff with a Valentine’s motif that are perfect for February but are not too overwhelming for every other time of year as well.

Jewelry

C. Wonder Hearts Aflutter Cuff Bracelet- Adorable for any time of year and definitely an eye-catcher!

Kate Spade Be Mine Studs- These studs are the perfect neutral earrings to wear whenever but are even better for Valentine’s Day. They also come in silver and gold!

Sweaters

J. Crew Heartbreaker Sweater- Black and white are big for Spring and this sweater is perfect for these chilly but not freezing days.

J. Crew Factory classic crewneck cardigan in hearts- This is definitely more of a February sweater but I think if you pair it with a neutral shirt and skinny jeans, it could definitely transition into Spring as well.

Heartbreaker sweater

Shoes

C. Wonder Embroidered Heart Velvet Slipper Loafer- These loafers are perfect for Spring and I love that the black and red is neutral enough to wear with any outfit, but still stand out and make a statement.

Forever 21 Metal Heart Flats- I am obsessed with these flats and it is definitely possible that they will be added to my closet ASAP. They come in black, tan, and red, and at under $25 how can you resist?

Dresses

Old Navy Women’s Crepe Dresses in Hearts- This dress is super affordable and perfect to wear out for Valentine’s Day with your special someone or just for hanging out with you best friends.

Topshop Heart Print Skater Dress- So cute for Valentine’s Day or just a night out on the town. Love!

I hope this makes shopping for Valentine’s Day just a little bit easier for everyone. Good luck and let us know what you pick out!

xoxo,

kBp

Three Valentine’s Outfits!

Like I said last week, Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday to decorate for. But, the decorations don’t stop with your home and your phone, you can also dress for the occasion! I’m a sucker for all things pink and/or red, so these are some of my favorite looks of the year. I put together looks for three separate occasions you might have going on!

outfit three

Class time: Sweater, tank top, jeans, tote, shoes.

outfit two

Date night: Earrings, blazer, tee shirt, skirt, bracelet, shoes.

outfit one

Dinner with friends: Necklace, top, kakis, sneakers.

D.I.Y. Valentine’s Day Gifts

Can’t afford to splurge on your Valentine this February 14th? When it comes to gifts, it’s really the thought that counts! Why not make him/her something special? Here are a few of my favorite ‘Do It Yourself’ Valentine’s Day craft projects that double as super sweet gifts–

1. Valentine’s Day Baking

The simplest of my D.I.Y. ideas is to simply bake your sweetheart something special. Use his or her favorite cookie recipe or try out a new recipe from Pintrest!

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Get creative! Use heart-shaped cookie cutters, doilies, or red and pink sprinkles to make your treats more festive!

2. The “Man Bouquet”

This is a little spin off of a traditional flower bouquet for women. In the men’s version, replace flower buds with small gifts for your special guy to enjoy!

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Small Gift Ideas: Scratch Tickets, 5-Hour Energy, Candy, Gum, Mints, Small Snacks, Shot Glasses, Small Bottles of Alcohol, Cigars, Jack Knife, Golf Ball, Mouthwash, First Aid Kit, Keurig Coffee Cups, Small Tools, Gift Cards, Travel Size Toiletries, etc!

Materials Needed:

-       Small Basket or a Vase

-       Small Dowell Rods or Kabob Sticks

-       Styrofoam

-       Ribbon

-       Colored, Shredded Paper (the kind used in gift bags or Easter baskets)/Tissue Paper

-       Clear Tape or Hot Glue

-       Small Gifts

Steps:

  1. Take your vase or basket and put the styrofoam inside.
  2. Tape each of your small treats to their own respective kabob sticks or dowell rods.
  3. Gather the sticks into the form of a bouquet and place them in the styrofoam.
  4. Use colored shredded paper and ribbon to cover the visible styrofoam and add decoration.

Even though this “Man Bouquet “ is geared towards guys…with a little tweaking it makes a great gift for a girlfriend too!

3. Valentine’s Day Playing Card

Does your Valentine love card games or card tricks? Maybe this is the perfect gift for him/her!

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Materials Needed:

-Deck of Cards

-Computer (To type on) or Marker

-Glue

-Paintbrush

-Modge Podge

-Hole Punch

-Binder Rings

Steps:

  1. Get brainstorming! Think of 52 inside jokes or things you love or appreciate about your Valentine!
  2. Type up or write up your little love messages.
  3. Cut out your messages so that they fit nicely on the card
  4. Glue the messages to the playing cards.
  5. Using a paintbrush, paint Modge Podge on the cards and let them dry. (This seals the message to the card and gives the cards a shiny finish.)
  6. Once the Modge Podge has dried, hole punch the cards, line them up, and create a book out of them using the binder rings.

Your Valentine will love all the thought, time, and effort you put into this gift! Plus it doubles as a card ;-) !

There are tons of great ‘Do It Yourself’ Valentine’s Day gift ideas out there! Are you planning on making something special for your Valentine?!

XO, Christine

Images courtesy of Koyal Wholesale, Pinterest Pin, Heart-2-Home, and Scrappy Chick Designs  .

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