Happy Valentine's Day.

Five years ago today, I had a grim Valentine's Day. There was a huge blizzard in New York, and I was trudging home from work in the dark, feeling very lonely. As I dodged slush puddles, I wondered if I'd ever meet my soulmate. Didn't seem likely. Little did I know that two weeks later (just two weeks!) I would find the love of my life. As I've said before, it goes to show that you never know what's around the corner.

What are you doing today? Remember how lovely and wonderful you always are. xoxo

(Illustration by Ellen Van Engelen)

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How to feel gorgeous on a date

With Valentine's Day (and mating season:) fast approaching, let's chat about our beauty secrets when going on dates! Here's my little routine...
First, Bare Escentuals foundation with SPF has changed my life. It makes your skin look clean, pretty and glowing. Honestly, I've felt a little self-conscious about my skin as I've gotten older, but this foundation is a miracle. It covers everything beautifully, without looking like you're wearing makeup. It's my holy grail foundation, and I highly recommend it.
Second, I wear this Fresh Sugar Passion lip treatment when I'm on a dinner date or bike ride with Alex. The hint of bee-stung color brightens up your face, while the hydrating treatment makes your lips soft for kissing.

What makes you feel naturally beautiful? Please share your secrets...

(Photo of Gemma Arterton by Elle Magazine, via W&D)

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10 Valentine's Day gifts for men

The Sisters Brothers. All my guy friends are obsessed with this page-turning thriller, which is described as a Coen Brothers film in novel form. Spooky. $16.
A John Derian tray for his desk, for keys, change and reminding him how lucky he is, $66.
In this 9-minute film, Rendezvous, a man gets into a sports car and drives at terrifying speeds around Paris. He actually runs red lights, dodges pedestrians and screeches around corners, then finally stops the car and meets a beautiful woman. The 1970s film is taken from the driver's viewpoint and was shot illegally early one morning; the director Claude Lelouch was rumored to have been arrested when it first aired. Trust me, you will be the coolest girlfriend ever if you give him this gift. $29.95.

If he's a foodie, get him something crazy obscure and awesome from Gilt Taste, like basil-fed snails or scotch and stout truffles.
A stinky cheese class for you to take together. New York or San Francisco, $75/person.
I Could Eat a Horse pasta measuring tool, plus a homemade pasta feast. $15.
Silver frame with a photo of when you first started dating, so you'll both remember falling in love and getting butterflies. (You can upload a photo and get the frame here.)
Temporary tattoos to wear on your shoulder when you go out to dinner that evening. $5/each.
A sweet love note and a kiss.

P.S. 10 Valentine's Day gifts for women, and many more gifts for guys.

(Car in Paris photo via Yanidel)

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Valentine's Day card

Sweet. :)

What's your relationship status these days? Single? Dating? New relationship? Old relationship? xoxo

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Valentines print

What a sweet print.

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Valentine stickers

Twig & Thistle made these adorable downloadable fruit stickers for Valentine's Day. Alex has a banana for breakfast everyday; I might sneak one on there and see if he notices. :)

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Venn diagram posters

So sweet.

(Via the hilarious Nerd Valentine)

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Valentine's Day countdown

This February, I'd like to share love-themed posts every day until the fourteenth. Anyone with or without a Valentine can come here for some heartfelt Valentiney wishes. :) First up, how sweet is this print, below?
(Photo by Corey Arnold)

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