Bow-dacious

Based on my previous shoe post and this post today, you might think I have an obsession with anything with a bow.  You would, in fact, be wrong, though I appreciate the dash of whimsy that a bow can give to an object.  For my birthday, I was the lucky recipient of this adorable Kate Spade bangle thanks to my awesome sister who thankfully can pick up on a well-placed hint!  Paired with several other gold bangles, the bow is sweet and unexpected.

Kate Spade is currently hosting a sample sale (amazing deals), and as part of my birthday present to myself, I bought this fabulous clutch that I've been wanting since I first laid eyes on it last fall.  Again, yes, it's in the shape of an over-sized bow, but it's fun and not nearly as boring as my other basic black clutches.  

Take a Bow

These Alexis Mabille Bow Heels from his Spring/Summer 2009 speak for themselves.  Not practical, perhaps, but I think they're stunning.



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Be My Valentine

I have a confession: Valentine's Day rivals the Fourth of July as one of my most favorite holidays. I'll tell you my secret--I was born on Valentine's Day 20-something years ago. Yes, that's right, regardless of whether I actually have a Valentine, I get flowers and presents. As much as some people think Valentine's Day is a cheesy holiday manufactured by greeting card companies in collusion with florists to sell more products, I think it's a day to remind your loved ones that you do, in fact, love them. Sometimes life gets busy and we forget these simple things!



Let Them Eat Cake

Can you imagine being served a slice of this beautiful work of art at a wedding or party?  I know that you can purchase edible gold dust or glitter for decorating cakes and other confections, but this cake is almost too pretty eat!

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And how adorable are these mini cakes also decorated with gold dust?  If anyone wants to test your baking skills, I'll happily serve as your guinea-pig!  Recipe here.

BHLDN

Y'all, you know (or maybe you don't, but you do now) that I love Anthropologie.  Well, on February 14 (Valentine's Day, aka MY BIRTHDAY!) Anthropologie will be launching its new bridal line, BHLDN.  BHLD.com and BHLDN retail stores will carry wedding dresses, event dresses (such as bridesmaid dresses), and accessories.  We won't be able to see the entire line until Monday when the site goes live, but until then, here's some eye candy.  All of these dresses are beautiful, and some are more traditional while others have more of the whimsical edge for which Anthropologie is known. What do you think?

Photos via Glamour.

Hearts

Update:  Thank you, each and every one of you, who have offered prayers and words of support and encouragement for me and for my family.  My uncle came through surgery with flying colors and is at home recuperating with family.  He has a long, long road to full recovery ahead of him, but due to his excellent health going into surgery, his prognosis is very good.  [My uncle has always had high blood pressure but low cholesterol.  He is a healthy eater, doesn't smoke, and may indulge in the occasional adult beverage.  He's been in his fair share of triathalons, and he takes spin classes five days a week.  This is why the sudden "walking time bomb" prognosis from the cardiologist was so difficult to comprehend.]

Since 1963, Congress has required the president to proclaim February as American Heart Month, since, you know, Valentine's Day (MY BIRTHDAY!) falls on the 14th.  As such, and since it directly relates to my previous post, I'm going to give you some interesting, and hopefully not too snooze-worthy, heart health tips.  Just humor me and go with it, ok?  Thanks!

• Floss daily!  Flossing can add up to five years to the average person's life expectancy.
• People that suffer from gum disease are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack.
• Stay hydrated – staying properly hydrated helps you feel (and look) better and water is a great alternative to high-calorie, sugar-sweetened drinks. Treat yourself to a fun new water bottle to encourage the habit – if it’s always handy, you’re more likely to drink up.
• Make a change – pick one small thing you can change about your daily diet – start buying skim milk, order the nonfat latte, skip the afternoon vending machine visit or add an extra veggie to your dinner plate.
• Try something new – dare yourself to try a new fruit or vegetable. Next time you’re at the store pick up something you’ve never made before. Many grocery stores have free recipe cards in the produce section or just type the food into your favorite search engine.
• Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat. Take a date to a local cooking class to practice your skills or learn a new technique.
• Every cigarette smoked cuts at least five minutes of life on average, which is roughly the time it takes to smoke one cigarette.
• Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day.

The facts were compiled from the Google and the American Heart Association.