Date Night: Be my Valentine

I should start by saying M and I do not do typical valentines day. We try to make the day about us as a couple, and who we are and what we mean to each other. We don't like the idea of big gifts or fancy dinner reservations "because it's what you do on Valentine's Day." We try to make it about doing something new or special to us. Last year that was ordering take-out sushi from our favorite restaurant and having a Disney movie marathon in pajamas.

{source}

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Valentine's Day. I love the hearts everywhere. I usually wear an outfit with about 3 different shades of pink. I love the crafts and little notes to tell friends you're thinking of them. I love the Valentine's Day we used to have in Elementary School, where it's not about dates and spending tons of money, but about friends and crafts and candy. I'll post more on that part of Valentine's Day soon.

But for now, if we do go on an outing this year here is some inspiration.

1. Dress- Modcloth
2. Clutch- Modcloth
3. Necklace- Moorea Seal
4. Shoes- Modcloth

Currently Craving: Totes

I'm in my last semester of grad school. About half of my classes have been online and half have been on campus. Until now, I've been carrying my books to and from class in a World Market Reusable Shopping bag. I'm well aware this does not scream "working professional," and I know for a fact it doesn't even hint at "stylish adult."

While I might be almost finished my degree, I'm pretty sure I will need a stylish looking bag to tote important items around in the future (ahem), so here's my current roundup of possible replacements.

The Kent Reversible Tote from Francesca's. Professional and classy, but not too stuffy. It doesn't zipper, which is usually a requirement for me, but it does come with a zippered pouch, so I may make an exception.

The Rochester Studded Tote, again from Francesca's. I love that this gives a little bit of edge and it has a really cute lining, plus it zippers, PLUS it also comes with a removable pouch AND a wristlet.

The Camp Director Tote from Modcloth in Day Camp. This has sat on my wishlist for half a year. It might be time.

The Ottowa Jersey Backpack, also from Francesca's. I wasn't looking for a backpack, but my mouse kept clicking on this one, so I thought I'd add it to the list.

The Posy Potpourri Backpack from Modcloth. Again, I couldn't help myself. Oh well, a backpack would be useful when M and I go to Disney World this summer.

January 2014: Moments

My favorite memories of each month. I often feel like there are moments I know I don't want to forget, but then life happens and they slip by. This is my way of remembering the little moments of each month (and maybe some big moments, too).

1. Going to see Frozen for the 2nd time, and listening to the little boy next to us retell the whole movie to his mom during the end credits. It was the most adorable thing. 

2. Spur of the moment dates at our favorite pho restaurant (2 this month!). 

3. Snowy days spent in PJs.

4. Making our reservations for dinner at the Be Our Guest Restaurant for when we go to DisneyWorld in June. It's finally real. 

5. Purchasing Teddy, and going forward with our plans to make our house a home.

6. Card games and hot cocoa with our neighbors. 

7. Thrift shopping with my parents and hanging out with my dog (who lives with them). 

8. Wearing my new red boots from Modcloth. It's amazing how happy looking down at the bright pop of color on my feet could make me. 

Etsy Window Shopping: Craft Space

We live in a 1 bedroom apartment. By "craft space" I really mean "corner of living room I keep my junk in."
But a girl can dream, can't she?

One day I'll have a beautiful craft room, with white walls, lots of light, and perfect organization.

Right.

For now, though, I can look to decorate my corner with items that give me a touch of inspiration.

I love this pyramid garland from the Society of National Industry. 

I always need to be reminded of this. Live Simply print from Awake and Away. 

These birds are perfect. From BeautiSHE.

A wonderful Jane Austen quote from Lit101.

Another gorgeous garland from EverlyLaneDesign. 

Glass Bottle Vases from Pineknobs and Crickets.

Etsy Window Shopping: Living Room

M and I are trying to spruce up our place this year. We've lived in our little apartment for over a year now, and while it feels comfortable, it doesn't quite feel ours yet. So I've been on the lookout for little things to add to our space to bring out our personalities and make it feel like home.

We already bought "The Theodore" from White Faux Taxidermy. (or Teddy, as we've been calling him.)

I'm loving Kantha Quilts, and I really like this one by CraftAuraHome.

These hummingbird prints by AdamsAleArtPrints are so dainty.

I love the look of this Record Storage Cabinet from OrWaDesigns.

These prints from The Educated Owl make me smile.