February 2026
ft. sweet treats for Valentine's day
HOWDY
Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re finding a way to celebrate love and joy this weekend, whether with a partner, family, friends, pets, or yourself! As Bad Bunny said, the only thing more powerful than hate is love 💗
FASHION
I’ve been having fun letting my accessories shine at the start of the year - a cool pair of shoes or earrings can really elevate an outfit!
I’m obsessed with these Vince Larose Loafers* I picked up during Black Friday! Something about the suede and a block heel is just chef’s kiss. I wore them to dinner recently styled with Citizens of Humanity Annina Jeans (darker wash*, similar wash but slightly different style*), a Lisa Yang cashmere sweater (older, but linking a beige version I found on TRR), and my L19 dupe.
I’ve never really been a ballet flats person, but when I saw these Le Monde Beryle flats*, I couldn’t stop thinking about them! The studs help balance out the femininity of the shoe and add interest to a “basic” style. I also love the subtle “v” above the toe box as it helps the shoe look more pointed and helps prevent my feet from looking too stubby.
These are quite expensive and I personally wouldn’t pay full price for them, but I got lucky during Black Friday to find them on sale! I’ve found two pairs on TRR (one, two) and will also link a few similar alternatives that are at a lower price point (Naturalizer and Schutz).
I paired these with my Sablyn Brynn silk pants* I found on the TRR, an Everlane cropped v neck sweater*, my Staud shoulder bag (old, similar*), and Lié Studio earrings in red* (yellow on sale*, green*), which are the perfect pop of color. The earrings go on sale often so wait until the color you want is discounted!
FOOD
It has been ages since we’ve tried a new restaurant in Austin that we thought was at least 4/5 stars! I’m happy to share that Casa Bianca’s “funky italian” finally checked the box. We ordered a couple of things, but the Lamb Cavatelli was our favorite. I’d highly recommend!
SWEET TREATS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
You don’t have to spend money to treat yourself on Valentine’s Day, but you can if you want to! Here are a couple of sweet treats that would brighten my day, all free or under $100. I forced Hubby to come to a pilates class with me this morning and then we got coffee after. Highly recommend the Black Sesame Latte from Paperboy! I want to know, how are you celebrating this weekend?
Bake a cake! I’m not a “baker” but this Carrot-Orange Olive Oil Cake recipe from NYT was so easy to follow and it tasted incredible.
Sephora goodies: There have been some fun releases from my favorite brands recently! You, of course, don’t need to buy anything new, but here are a couple of suggestions just in case you’re looking to pick up a little sweet treat :)
I’m still loving my Eadem lip balm in Fig Sauce* and the brand recently announced two new shades: Sakura Shaved Ice* (a “milky, translucent, neutral-toned pink”) and Château Rose* (a “cool, vintage rose with a golden-champagne pearl finish”). Both lip balms are showing up as “coming soon” on Sephora at the moment, but I think these are the perfect pinks for Valentine’s day!
Merit recently released a new shade in their Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Archival in Bespoke*, described as a pink brown. I had almost picked up their limited edition Archival Holiday set, but skipped it because it had a Lip Blush, a more matte formula, which I don’t love as much. I can’t wait to swatch this shade in stores soon!
Finally, the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo in Sable & Suede*. This isn’t a “new” recommendation per se, but it isn’t one I hear talked about as often, as the Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks* usually get all of the hype (well deserved, it’s one of the best cream blush formulas out there). If you’re looking for a “creamy” powder formula, I think this little palette is incredible. I love that it comes with a bronzy shade and that both shades are newer and not found in the blush or contour sticks. Sidenote, the Jam & Fizz shade is so so beautiful - it was ultimately a little too bold for me, but could be right up your alley if you like bright blushes!
Trader Joe’s flowers: I love flowers, but I usually don’t buy any from the grocery stores around me as bouquets are pricey! If you live near a Trader Joe’s, you can get the most beautiful flowers for under $10.
Cozy Movie Night ft. Devil Wear’s Prada: Are you guys as excited as I am for the sequel?? You may already have access to the original via a streaming service, but if not, you should be able to rent it from Amazon for $2.99!
Reread Vacation Notes: One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to start a shared note on my phone and jot down allllll the little details that happened that day, that I don’t want to forget about. Things like meeting cute pets, the taste of yummy bites, how it felt to see a breathtaking sight, and the small interactions with people that the passage of time could erode away. Then a few months or years later, I like to open up that note and reread it and all those faded details become clear and I get to experience a happy memory again. For example, on my shared note from a trip to Hawaii with my Hubby a few years ago (where he ended up proposing!!), I wrote down that we ate incredible poke at a food truck called Aji Limo. I specifically wanted to remember that the Hawaiian Sun Passion Orange soda tasted like skittles and the sounds of the chickens clucking around the cute food truck area. Boom - happy memory unlocked :) Obviously, you can’t do this one right away, but keep it in mind for a future vacation!
SEE Y’ALL SOON
Thanks for reading my little corner of the internet - this newsletter is usually focused on the happiest moments of my life and it reminds me of everything I have to be grateful for. I am hopeful it gives you a little joy 💗
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