{I'm such a romantic at heart...}

...I love cheesy, predictable movies - I gushed at the Royal Wedding - and I feel that while you should do loving and kind things year-round, couples completely miss out by not celebrating Valentines Day. Yes it's a Hallmark holiday, but so what! So here I am, the single girl giving relationship advice saying that for the right one you should:

1. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve - I love this chiffon blouse by ModCloth. I called to see when it will be restocked, and they said within the next couple of weeks. You can sign up to get notified via email once it does - can't wait!

2. Snuggle - You are the cheese to my macaroni - I love this quote and need it print version.

3. Haiti Heart - Have a heart. Created by Haitian craftsmen through Aid to Artisans--an organization helping communities in developing countries build profitable businesses -each piece is sourced from stone purchased by local quarries. Artisans then hand-carve each heart using found materials. A beautiful complement to your desktop or office and a thoughtful choice for a worldly gift. Handmade in Haiti.

4. Make Breakfast In Bed - love this pancake plate and how the syrup strategically falls into a little dipping space for later. Too cute!

{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning Peeps! I thought I would share with you a few pics of my weekend:

1. Playing around with my glasses and sporting the nerdy-chic vibe.

2. I have experienced a weight loss plateau for about 5 weeks now, and last week I was almost in tears that I gained again - but short of quitting, I decided to switch things up by changing what I ate (tried the WW Simply Filling Program, instead of tracking points) and this week - I LOST 3.4lbs for a total of 31.6 lbs down! BOOM!

3. I rewarded myself by purchasing this dress at J.Crew - it will definitely help me through my transition. Thanks Andrea for the 20% discount coupon!!!

4. On Saturday, me and the girls went to see The Artist - and let me tell you, I haven't seen all of the Oscar-nominated films yet, but I want this movie to win. I was a little hestitant on going to see it because it's a silent film, but it was one of the most entertaining, lovely, and brilliant movies I've seen in a long time. Go see it!!! Another Oscar nominated movie you should see is Midnight in Paris (it's available via redbox now) - if you love the 20s, ah-mazing flapper dresses and vintage hats, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Woody Allen films - then you'll LOVE this movie.

5. After dinner we went to Calavera to chow down on some empanadas - and if you're in the Raleigh area (or plan to visit in the near future) I beg you to go! I had the black bean and sweet potato, and the Mexican picadillo with ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and green chili. Delicioso!

6. Sunday I did a little bit of work and then spent the whole day making your Valentine gifts, and then of course watched the Super Bowl: here are my favorite commercials : this (duh) and this (you didn't see nuthin)! If you didn't sign up for my Valentine giveaway....well there's always next year, lol! For those that did, I think you'll love everything (I do!) - I'll be Instagraming hints of the gifts this week.

PS. The most important thing that happened this weekend is my sister Kendra GOT ENGAGED while at the Taj Mahal in India. I'm sure she'll be blogging about it soon - but in the interim you can check out her travels, thus far, by clicking here! Sooo exciting!!!

Enjoy your day loves!

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- LO-VING fashion designer Rachel Roy's studio space!

- The new Matchbook Magazine is out.

- Was introduced to Girl With Curves yesterday - love her and her style.

- Fancy toast...yummmm.

- You've heard me talk about the Alt Summit conference that I'm dying to go to next year - here are several pics of this year's summit - can't you see why I want to go so badly? Blog friends - who wants to room with me?

- I want a bike and I love this one. All it needs is a bell and wicker basket.

- These neon heels are everything.

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{Weight Loss Journey: Transitioning Your Wardrobe}

I received an email from a reader earlier this week that is also trying to shed some lbs. She asked if I could do a post that would help her as her body is transitioning to her goal weight. As you know, I'm also going through this problem and I've found the solution to this issue: skirts and dresses. Unfortunately (well fortunately because that means the scale and the measuring tape are going in the right direction) none of my pants fit. While I would love to buy all new ones, I'm no where near my goal weight and I would have to end up buying all new clothes all over again. So I put together several pieces (and tips) that can help during this transition period:

[To shop these items - click here]

Tips:

Get a great belt, you may find that belting over the top of your shirts/dresses to define your newly emerging waist will get you a few extra months from some of your shirts and tops that are now too big for you. Additionally, belts can keep up your pants and skirts as they get loser around the waist. Plus moving your belt to the next hole is always a boost!

Focus on accessories, wearing a scarf or great necklace or earrings to draw attention up to your face and to dress up your basic clothes and create lots of different looks.

Check the sales racks first, look for stretch fabrics which will accommodate you more as you become slimmer. Buy only basics that are easy to mix and match so that nobody notices you’re wearing the same clothes over and over.

Get some alterations on your existing wardrobe. Taking in a waistband can make a garment wearable for another few months and is a much cheaper alternative than buying new all the time.

Check out thrift shops, consignment stores and ebay for well priced clothing items to get you through your transition.

Resell your larger clothes on ebay. If they’re not in your closet then you won’t be tempted to ever put back on the weight!

{February Picks = How Shall I Reward Myself?}

It's the beginning of the month and you know what that means - time for my February Picks:

1 - I tried this J.Crew necklace on last weekend and it laid on my neck like it belonged there. I ended up getting this rhinestone necklace, but the one above is currently on my wish list.

2 - I've been eyeing these stud earrings for quite some time now - is it time for me to purchase?

3 - I'm into the color mint like big time right now. This nail polish (mint candy apple) is currently on backorder, but I can't wait to get it!

4 - This skirt is everything! I tried it on at J.Crew last weekend, and as I mentioned above the rhinestone necklace won, but the outfit possibilities with this skirt are endless!

5 - I don't think I need to add a description for these. All I can say is - these will be on my feet this spring!

6 - Don't you love this tortoise shell iphone case? Yea, me too - lol!

As this is the season of tax returns and bonuses - we all deserve a little reward. Don't you agree? What's on your wish list lately?