Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

Free (Or REALLY Low Cost} Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Because there are plenty of Valentine’s Day Gift Guides out there designed to get you to part with your hard-earned cash, I decided to do something a bit different and offer your guys a list of free Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Each idea is based on one of the Five Love Languages, a book that my husband and I both read before we got married and one that I highly recommend to other couples.

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THE LANGUAGE: Words of Affirmation
THE TRANSLATION: A Homemade Valentine’s Day Card

For some folks, receiving compliments and praise are what they value most. So forget Hallmark, and break out the construction paper and lace doilies to write down those sweet little nothings and profess your love! My husband and I started dating when we were a pair of broke college students. We’ve come a long way since then, but some of my most treasured possessions are a box of handmade notes and cards that he gave to me in the early days of our courtship. The one I’m holding above is probably circa 2001’ish, and it still melts my heart to this day!

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THE LANGUAGE: Receiving Gifts
THE TRANSLATION: Make a Personalized Scrapbook

Now most of us love gifts – but for some folks, gifts can carry a LOT of weight.  Just remember that gifts don’t have to be expensive or over-the-top, so long as they’re meaningful. And what could be more meaningful than a personalized scrapbook filled with your favorite photographs and memories?! And if you want to start planning for next year’s V-Day, how about journaling just one thought each day for an entire year about why you love the other person? It’ll be a guaranteed page-turner – not to mention a potential tear-jerker.

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THE LANGUAGE: Physical Touch
THE TRANSLATION: Give a Candlelit Massage

The physical touch language doesn’t have to be exclusive to the bedroom. As a precursor to other, ahem, extra-curricular activities, spend an extra 30-minutes or so giving an amazing candlelit massage. Better yet, brush up on your technique beforehand by perusing a massage therapy handbook to make sure you’ve got your moves down pat.

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THE LANGUAGE: Acts of Service
THE TRANSLATION: Get Out of Chores Free Card

Sometimes the best way to show how much you care is to lend a helping hand. Since offering to take out the trash or sweep the garage doesn’t really scream romantic, a more pleasant way to extend the offer would be to print up a DIY coupon book custom-tailored with your special one’s least favorite chores.

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THE LANGUAGE: Quality Time
THE TRANSLATION: Do I really have to explain?!

Ok, this one’s a little toungue-in-cheek, but hear me out. Block out an entire evening with NO distractions… yes, that includes cell phones and computers! Dim the lights, pour some wine, lay out your significant other’s favorite snacks, and fire up an old, romantic movie. What happens next is up to you…

And there you have it folks! Five free or low-cost ways to express how much you care this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!

Everyday Outfits

All the Best Shackets for Fall & Winter at Every Price Point

I’ve never been one to blindly follow trends, but even I couldn’t help but be smitten with this season’s hottest item: the shacket. To be honest, it definitely wasn’t love at first sight. My style tends to veer towards the feminine and classic, and I initially didn’t think the masculine utilitarian vibes of a shacket would fit well with the rest of my wardrobe. But oh boy was I wrong!

This longline wool-blend shacket from H&M was the one that finally changed my mind. I tried it on a whim, and as soon as I slipped it on and felt it’s warm, cozy embrace – I was SOLD! A popped collar and rolled up sleeves give it a chic look, and I already know I’ll be reaching for this one all season long.

Once I dipped my toe in the water, it wasn’t long until I dived right in with this faux leather shacket from Zara. The belt at the waist is what keeps it looking more feminine and less truck driver.

I’m already plotting to add a few more shackets to my collection, and below are a few of the ones I’ve got my eye on right now. The best part is that most retailers have hopped aboard the bandwagon, so it’s eay to find one at any price point. Let me know your favorite in the comments, and happy shopping.

THE BEST SHACKETS FOR FALL & WINTER

Click each image below to shop

My Style Product Reviews Video

My Holiday Fashion Tips & Outfit Ideas

In this video I share my top 10 holiday fashion tips and outfit ideas. The holidays are officially upon us – so get ready to break out your sequins and sparkles. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

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