BAKE
If you’re feeling ambitious this weekend, try this almond cake outfitted with darling Valetine’s Day decorations.

LEARN
Have you ever wondered why humans kiss? Smithsonian Magazine has some insights.

LIGHT
I haven’t lit a stick of incense since high school when my friends and I would hole up in my room to summon spirits with the Ouija board. This Valentine is enough to make me run out and buy some.

STIR
#XOXO, Bae, and Swipe Right are just some of the cheeky phrases on these stir sticks.

KNOW
Study up on the history of Valentine’s Day before Sunday.

SIP
Single? This rose cocktail is perfect for a Galentine’s Day celebration.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Wore the softest striped shirt.
Bought a pair of oversize flower earrings.
Enjoyed a sunny day at one of Madison’s frozen lakes.
Linked up with a few ladies to share our Valentine’s ensembles.
Shared how you can snag $25 to The Laundress.
Coveted boho vibes.

earrings, $48 | iPhone case, $40 | pants, $35 | top, $34.50 (worn here) | lip color, $20

EXPLORE
I’ve never been to New Orleans, but this three-day guide is making a beignet-filled trip to Louisiana awfully tempting.

BAKE
The heart cutouts make this strawberry balsamic slab pie perfect for Valentine’s Day dessert. (Use a small heart cookie cutter to make the pie design easier.)

LOVE
Alissa’s recent post on looking stylish while gaining weight is a poignant reminder that we should all love our bodies no matter the size.

ADORN
These oversize earrings are ah-mazing. Take inspiration from ’60s sweatheart Twiggy and pair the mod flowers with a tent dress and low block heels. (Save 25% on your full-price purchase at BaubleBar with code HEART25.)

LEARN
Unfortunately, we live in a society where throwing away items that have reached the end of their life cycle is the norm. Ikea wants to change that. The retailer is exploring ways to extend the life of its furniture and recycle old pieces.

APPLAUD
Fifty-seven years after her debut, Barbie is getting a makeover.

 

umbrella, $34 (also comes in a flamingo print) | earrings, $8.40* | espadrilles, $55 | nail polish, $27 | dress, $30

*Be sure to check for Kohl’s discounts before you shop. There’s usually a coupon to help save money!

BUY
Jean Jullien is the creator of the Paris peace sign we all regrammed after the terrorist attack. He has released an adorable Valentine’s Day print available for just a few more days.

DECORATE
Learn to decorate your home like a pro with tips from the interior design maven Kelly Wearstler.

LEARN
With paintbrush in hand, Maria Sibylla Merian explored the relationship between insects and plant life through in the late 1600s.

NETWORK
Even though I’m an event planner by day, I’m not a natural networker. I get twinges of social anxiety when I’m forced to mingle with strangers. Here’s a guide to navigating the room with ease.

WATCH
A fleet of 20 ships will make their way across the Great Lakes this summer. The pilgrimage will include replicas of historic ships, including Viking longship and a 170-foot Spanish Galleon. (Honestly, I’m weirdly excited about this and totally plan to visit one of the ports they’re stopping in.)

MAKE
A handmade greeting will win your way into your Valentine’s heart. Get started with these 40 ideas.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Coveted a few neutral items — especially those sandals!
Bundled up in a navy faux fur coat, which is warm enough for subzero temps.
Shared how I really store necklaces I’m too lazy to put away.
Yearned for feminine Valentine gifts. (Gifts for the guys coming next week!)

tote, $32 | hand lotion, $28 | ring set, $35 | sandals, $23 | dress, $50

DISCOVER
New York’s Grand Central Terminal is home to a hidden bar and secret walkways. This article unveils some of the building’s mysteries, including why the constellation mural is backwards.

STICK
One simple change will help you achieve this year’s goals.

COVET
My style icon, Iris Apfel, has designed a wearable tech collection. Of course, she finds the collection’s bold bracelets “on the conservative side” and urges wearers to pair them with “more la-de-da pieces.” Love her.

BUY
This XOXO keychain, inspired by vintage motel fobs, makes for a uniquely whimsical Valentine.

ARRANGE
Dave gave me this Tory Burch pitcher for Christmas. It’s gorgeous, but I will admit that the mouth is awfully wide for my grocery store bouquets. I’ve been using this trick to space out the stems for a fuller arrangement.

EAT
I’m on week two of my diet and I’m getting tired of my yogurt and coffee combination. I’m planning to make a batch of oatmeal muffins for a quick and healthy breakfast on the go. I also came across this similar recipe.

 

tassel bracelet, $15 | lilac scarf, $10 | tunic, $25 | fringe t-shirt, $25 | striped flats, $50

 

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additional image via