The Mani-Cam

It's been a rough two weeks. I've been sick and then better and then sick again, and we've had a death in the family. It's been a lot to deal with... But I am back now and playing catch-up with my work and my blog. Just wanted you to know why I was an absentee blogger.

Did you catch the 2013 Oscars on Sunday night? I thought the presence of the 'mani-cam' was a nod to just how BIG the whole nail trend is. Ryan Seacrest asked celebs to show off their manicures in the little mani-cam booth as they stopped on the red carpet to chat with him. The obvious questions were asked, Who are you wearing? Tell us about your jewelry... But then the ladies were asked to let their fingers be shot in the mani-cam. Below are trendy nails of Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Chastain, and Kelly Osbourne.

Happy LOVE Day

Happy LOVE Day! I wish I could say I have a big day planned, but I don't. I was really sick all last week, missing work from Monday afternoon to Thursday. I didn't even come back to work until Friday. This week has been spent playing catch-up on all the things I missed while laying on my couch at home. Every single day I have continued to 'lightly' cough. Not a contagious cough, but a lingering bothersome cough, residue of last week's illness. My cube mates finally told me I should go to the doctor. Really? I sound that bad? Yep! I went to the doctor today and he fixed me up with some meds that should have me up and running at full speed again soon. Good to hear, especially since I plan to be in Las Vegas early next week for the Sourcing At MAGIC show.

XOXOXO

Show Your Love Valentine's Day Ideas

Here are some great ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day for you or your special someone. If you love to show your love by making gifts, here are two perfect projects for you -- the embellished iPhone case and the  fabric painted pillows.

Have you heard of this new magazine called EMMA? It's for

 city mamas, nesting newlyweds, and budding entrepreneurs. Chalk full of easy DIYs, free dinner party printables, and design advice from crafty business owners. A how-to guide for the modern domestic.

 I love how it is described - If Martha were a twenty-something... 

I recently purchased this little book, One Good Deed A Day journal, for a favorite college graduate. Designed by Ayako Akazawa and illustrated by Katie Daisy, this petite companion is packed with 365 thoughtful acts that are sure to delight others and inspire them to do the same. Just choose a magnanimous mission for the day, move the silky ribbon to mark the page, and set off to spread some joy! 

I love this idea for commemorating a special day. The Calendar Bracelet by Dalla Nonna.

Valentine's Day Picks

I don't know about you, but I personally am not drawn to or  inspired by stuff at most retail stores. Here are some different options for telling your Honey how much you love him/her:

Place something special for your lover in this diamond box made from recycled glass found on Etsy.

Say I LOVE YOU with Love To Love You nail stickers by Essie

This luscious lip pillow found at Urban Outfitters would be 'lovely' on your favorite snuggle spot.

Show your love that you are 'Love Struck' with one of these handmade arrows with personalized messages and your choice of tumbled colored glass tips, also on Etsy.

The LOVE Month

It is officially the 'Love' month, February. I love February for several reasons. My family celebrates multiple birthdays this month, including mine and my husband's. My niece was born on Valentine's Day--very romantic! I love amethysts - the birthstone for February, although I just realized I don't even have a single piece of amethyst jewelry. Huh....I'm gonna have to do something about that! And believe it or not, I love the chilly cold weather of February. Of course, I do live in California, with a high temp today of 68 degrees - so my definition of 'chilly cold' may be vastly different from yours. I love that February is the only month that has an extra day every four years, and it's the month for quirky themes.
Just take a look:  

An Affair to Remember Month

Canned Food Month

Creative Romance Month

Great American Pie Month

National Cherry Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Grapefruit Month

National Weddings Month

February can be serious, too, with American Heart Month and Black History Month. And don't forget that tomorrow is Ground Hog Day (love that movie, too!), another quirky holiday to celebrate this month.

For your inspiration, here are some objects that J'aime....

I absolutely adore this jewel mirror.

 

Write a super secret love note inside this easy to make origami heart - DIY instructions here.

 

And what girl wouldn't want these beautiful paper roses to keep and display long after the day of love ends?