Back in my days working for Anthropologie I grew to really love designer Ella Moss. At the time, I only saw her clothes in anthro, but I didn't know you could get them online as well! Until now...

Then I became an affiliate for her company and the store is now a partner with the blog! So for the month of February, offered on the blog, if you spend $200.00 you get free shipping and a free lingerie set sent to your door! (Which would be perfect for a Valentines treat).

I found a few really cute sale items I wanted, and I love their ella baby collection.

I just LOVE those feminine little baby clothes!

This looks fun for the summer... especially if I were pregnant again.

Today I'm inspired by,

Things that make me feel a little romantic.

So I told you I would share some of my Valentine stories... well here's a funny one.

When I lived in a dorm as a college freshmen, I was determined not to be lonely on Valentines Day and spread cheer to the masses.

So what did I do? I baked a lot of double chocolate cupcakes, iced and ready to give to the lonely campus dwellers.

If you've been in a dorm you know space is limited and you don't have a kitchen to yourself. So I began stacking cupcakes on the window seals and desktops of me and my poor roommate's room.

Well Valentines came and went while I unraveled a cupcake or two and ate them on my bunk bed. I got too nervous and thought about how people might think it was weird to give them a cupcake when I didn't know them... so they sat on the window seals until they were hardened and eventually thrown away!

Can you believe that! My timidity caused such a waste, and how nice is it to get a cupcake from a stranger (in the right circumstances).

So this year, don't be afraid, Give a cupcake!

Some other beautiful treats to inspire the baker in you!

Enjoy!

I have a distinct memory, sitting at the table in my preschool on Valentines Day. We were making "glitter heart" cards. The teachers and helpers walked around the tables pouring glue in perfect heart shapes and then we sprinkled glitter on them. Silver, Pink and Red. We weren't aloud to touch the glue, only sprinkle glitter. I remember pouting and thinking, "when I get older, I'm going to pour the glue," and that very thought sealed my fate. I have never stopped loving crafts and now it's my turn to use hot glue guns, sequins and sewing machines.

So Valentines Day, for the most part, reminds me of my four year old self... dreaming of crafting. Just the site of those terrible-tasting chalkie heart candies and little valentine cards brings the fondest of memories...

Here are some really cute grown-up Valentines from Rifle Paper Co a really cute online paper shop!

... and I love this little Valentine wall.... if I were a teacher.... or had 10 children.

It's Valentines Week.... I know what you're thinking. Ugghhh, who cares about this Hallmark-made holiday. Or you might be excited to make paper hearts and cupcakes!!!

Well, I promise you will either be inspired to enjoy V-Day this year or at least go eat a lot of chocolate. Don't miss out... I'll even tell you my Valentine stories...

I didn't forget Monday's list.

I just thought I'd warm you up with some hearts and a stellar red dress.

1. Break up with someone

2. Eat a pint of anything alone

3. Watch depressing movies

4. buy fake roses for anyone...

5. Take the opportunity to ponder all the loss in your life

1. Give a gift to an unsuspecting individual

2. make something hand made

3. forgive someone

4. bake

5. send a love note

Can you tell I've had a lot of bad Valentines days?

You don't have to be in love to do something special for someone.

Here's a story about that...

One time I was at the fresh market, feeling depressed in college and I saw all these delightful little treats beaming behind the delicatessen case. I felt really inclined in my heart to purchase them for a gift for someone, but I didn't really know who... So in faith, I made a little pastry box and marveled at it on my drive to my tiny little apartment.

Previous to this drive, I had taken notice of an adorable, toothless old man who used to roam the streets of Greensboro in the same plaid shirt and overalls. He collected cans in a bag all day long to recycle for money. I always wanted to talk to him but he seemed to be so far from me every time I tried.

Back to the story, I was driving to my apartment, feeling lonely but also a little inspired by the glow of cherry tarts and chocolate eclairs riding in the passenger side. And suddenly I saw him, the sweet old can-man hobbling with his bag of metal delight. And immediately I pulled over- feeling the rush of knowing- and I said, "Hey, would you like some treats?" And he looked at the little box and I will never forget his little eyes, he said, "oooooooo" with his little mouth. And smiled and then he kept walking down the sidewalk staring into the box of goodies with a half-moon smile.

And I felt satisfied with kindness, enough to not notice my loneliness, knowing there was Someone whispering in my ear to inspire good deeds all over the earth... and we could do that one eclair at a time.