Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Our first few years of marriage, Valentine’s Day always caused tension between Ted and I because he felt pressured to get me a gift. Inevitably, he’d ask what I wanted and I would say nothing since we just had Christmas and my birthday is around the corner. I would say to just pick up some flowers from the grocery store if he felt he really needed to do something. Rather than believing me, he would assume that I was “setting a trap” when I said not to get me anything, but really expected him to go find something on his own. That really wasn’t the case, but he’d get so worried about it that we’d usually get in a fight about something silly.

One year, I just so happened to spot a pair of sparkly pink earrings at J. Crew. I ended up getting them myself, but told Ted about them first we agreed that they could be for Valentine’s Day. Problem solved…Until the next year when he told me that he knows I like to shop for myself, but that he wanted to get something for me. That’s about the year that I started putting together a “gift guide” that he’s been able to use for Valentine’s Day and birthday ideas since. Last year the theme tended towards a cozy night in, but it seems that this year I’m in the mood for travel!

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Do you usually exchange gifts for Valentine’s Day? If so, what’s topping your wish list?

xoxo,

Kristen

Valentine’s Inspired

Despite the cold weather we typically have in Alexandria in February, I always think of feminine fabrics like lace and tulle when planning an outfit for Valentine’s Day. I also thinks it’s fun to incorporate pink and red hues, but favor blush and burgundy to typical bright reds and pinks. A flirty dress in a bold color would have been an outfit of choice in my younger days, but now that I’m in my thirties I look for more refined pieces that can be part of my everyday wardrobe and not just for special occasions. A well made neutral lace top can be a great investment and is easily styled with skirts or jeans.

What are some of your favorite finds for a Valentine’s Day date night?

valentines-outfit-ideas

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