Valentine’s Day – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Events February 12, 2015

Galentine’s Day

Last year, I participated in my very first ‘Galentine’s Day’ celebration. The hostess with the mostess, Christie of KiKiMac, had my friend, Danielle, and I over for a ‘crafternoon’ (see her post here and mine here). Last night, three other ladies and I went over to our sweet friend’s house for a night of ‘baking for our boys.’ It was seriously so much fun. I think all Valentine’s celebrations should happen with other females, as we get way more excited about the holiday than men do! But a romantic night with your man obviously cannot be replaced!

I brought over raw veggies and hummus, Chocolove bars, and some La Marca prosecco (our favorite), and the other ladies brought/made fruit, baked brie, red velvet cookies, vegan beet brownies, and sugar cookies which we spent the night decorating (this is not my calling in life, but it was a good laugh).

After cookie decorating, we moved to the craft table and made cards for our boys using all of the adorable supplies that Christina (of Christina Leigh Events) brought. I am seriously in love with her pink paper cutter! Mine is a terrible orange color, and I think I need an upgrade!

We had such a good night, and I am already looking forward to next year’s Galentine’s Day celebration. I’m convinced that all you need is delicious food, wine, baking and crafts… and of course, awesome friends.

Have you ever celebrated Valentine’s Day with your girl friends? If so, what did y’all do? Any recommendations for next year?

Beauty February 10, 2015

Valentine’s Day Style Guide

Valentine’s Day is upon us, as we now have only four days until we celebrate ‘the day of romance.’ I’m not a big cheesy Valentine’s person, as I think that you should express your love to each other on a daily basis and not just on a Hallmark holiday. With this said, why buck the trend? Sasha and I will be celebrating with a romantic dinner at home this year, as we’re going out to eat with another couple on Friday and then have a baby shower during the day.

I do plan on getting dolled up for our meal, as it’s fun to put on something that makes you feel pretty every now and then (they weren’t kidding when they said this would become a novelty as a new mom!). I will likely wear a red dress or black pants and red blazer, as well as my NARS heat wave lipstick (obsessed – linked below). I’ve got a few nude heels that I’ll choose between and am getting a pedicure on Friday. I’m pretty darn excited about it all.

Uncategorized January 22, 2015

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him

On Tuesday, I posted a Valentine’s Day gift guide for the ladies, and today, I’m sharing some suggestions for what to buy your man. When I asked Sasha what men want for Valentine’s Day, he replied, “Nothing.” Typical.

However, some men are not quite as frugal as my Mr. Romantic, and if the love of your life falls into this category, I’ve got some gift recommendations for you. They are all relatively inexpensive too!

For the well-groomed man, I would buy Chanel Allure After Shave Lotion ($55, and swoon… it smells like heaven) or the cheaper option – Prospector Co. Brummell Shave Creme from J. Crew ($18).

Gift Guide January 20, 2015

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Her

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and I’ve already started seeing splatterings of pink and red all over retail stores (and in our very festive neighbor’s yard). I even ordered Isla these adorable heart leggings and this crowd pleaser onesie from Les Petits Darlings. I cannot wait to get it in the mail!

My birthday is only four days after Valentine’s Day, so for my entire adult life, the two celebrations have been bundled together. I cannot complain, as this normally means one bigger lovefest versus two smaller ones. Last year, Sasha treated me to a romantic dinner at Haven (where we went after he proposed – sadly, it closed in the fall). We normally don’t exchange big Valentine’s Day gifts, but try to do something meaningful and sweet. I got him a number of small items last year, including personalized M&Ms, which were adorable but ugh, $70 for a bag of candy is excessive (lesson learned).

Décor February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sasha opened his little Valentine’s treats this morning, and we’re going out for dinner tonight – he won’t tell me where though! The suspense is killing me.

For some Valentine’s inspiration and to brighten your day, go to Style Me Pretty to see their gorgeous Love Notes shoot! None of the cards are quite as pretty as the beautiful one that my best friend, McKenzie, sent me!

Sasha’s little surprise: Customized M&Ms (ASPB Team – our family nickname due to us having the same initials ASP and our nickname for the dog – PB, Volim Te Puno – I love you lots in Serbian, and two pictures of us and Belle), banana Crave cupcake, personalized collar stays, ‘You Make My Heart Skip a Beet’ card, two Chocolove bars (have you tried these? You must), and of course, a single rose (ha, I had to).