Valentine’s Day was pretty low-key around these parts. Ev wore a bow tie to school, we ate heart-shaped pizza for dinner and Fitz was a heart breaker. Love you guys!
[the cutest Gap Kids sweater that I snagged at T.J.Maxx!]
[the cutest heart socks from Madewell]
[my gift to myself – fun new J.Crew earrings (similar)]
I have been wanting to host a favorite things party for quite some time, and since 2018 is all about checking things off of my to-do list, I decided to put my plan into motion. And what better timing than around Valentine’s Day to have a little ‘treat yo self’ moment with friends?!
Originally I was going to host, but when I got word that one of my favorite local restaurants was closing soon, we made an early reservation and picked a date.
The wine was flowing and our orders had been placed, then the real fun began! Here are what the other lovely ladies brought to share:
matches + figuring from a fave local store, Boxwoods Fine Furnishings
original piece from local artist, Emily Stumpf
tote made of recycled saris from Mahima Creations
J.Crew sunglasses (similar)
Chef’n stem gem + mini Capri Blue Jar Candle
Chef’n Veggichop vegetable chopper
Vasanti BrightenUp! face rejuvenator + que bella eye masks + MojaWorks face towels
local goodies that can all be purchased at Dogpatch Urban Gardens
Heartland Burrito + Clear Creek Orchard jam + Pickle Creek oil + Zaza’s artisan pasta + Juan O’Sullivan’s salsa
So much good stuff here that I forgot to take photos of what I gave out as my favorite things!
First up, my ‘wear every single freaking day” eye shadow – Nude Glow by Maybelline. The second thing I gifted was a must-have for Iowa’s long winter months – Kiehl’s ultimate strength hand salve. And finally, a new fave for me – this absolutely darling tissue box cover shaped like a house from Umbra!
The nice thing about having a 4:15 dinner reservation? Having time to pop next door to Bubba for a night cap! Oh yeah, and another new favorite of mine are these jeans from Madewell. I don’t think I took them off all weekend!
Mondays can be the worst, so why not celebrate with a cocktail tonight?!
With all this sickness and cold weather around here, it’s nice to have a little bubbly to help me think of warmer times ahead. This bevie would also be perfect to enjoy with your Valentine this Wednesday.
Two To Tango
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
In a large pitcher, combine Sparkling Ice Pomegranate Blueberry, pear nectar, and orange-flavored liqueur. Slowly add Champagne. Serve over ice. Garnish with mint and blueberries.
This post was created in collaboration with Sparkling Ice.
Thank you for supporting the brands we love at Tomorrow’s To Do’s!
[nothing gets past these two]
Spring break is right around the corner and so I decided to do some searching for a new swimsuit. I ordered these gingham high-waisted bottoms to go with this matching top and I can’t wait to try them on and see if they will work for me. TBD, but I’ll let you know!
My online shopping skills were on fire this week (sorry, Marcus) and Target has been killing it lately with the most recent releases. En route to me: these darling blush suede fold-down flats and a striped jumpsuit from their new line, Universal Thread.
The Winter Olympics are underway in Pyeongchang and I don’t know about you, but I am stoked to get sucked into all the hype. #TEAMUSA all the way. Need a little help getting up to speed? Check out this cheat sheet.
Anyone else craving a vacation to a warm locale right about now? Winter starts to feel really long this time of year for us Iowans and I really just need a reprieve. February is a short month, which means spring break is right around the corner and my family will be spending it together in California this year and I am so flippin’ excited.
It’s been quite awhile since I have had a real spring break vacay to look forward to, and since it is so cold here in the midwest I’ve been living vicariously through all the amazing warm weather vacay styles popping up lately.
Here are a few of my faves for your next getaway:
tassel earrings // panama hat // off-the-shoulder dress
cross-back bandeau swimsuit // denim jacket
striped tee // jumpsuit // gingham slides
boyfriend jean shorts // tassel straw bag
[celebrating his half birthday by eating us out of house + home]
So, who’s watching the big game this weekend? I don’t tend to get into the Super Bowl, but I do love me some good commercials and a halftime show. I’m usually doing other things while the game is on, so I check out AdWeek beforehand to get a glimpse at what will be shown. #cheating (Note: Really digging Budweiser’s spot so far.)
I swear if I had more free time I would spend it in beautiful coffee shops. There are so many great options here in Des Moines, and Architectural Digest just came out with their list of the most beautiful coffee shops in every state. Guess who won in Iowa?
One of my favorite wooden toy companies, Bannor Toys, is having a Valentine’s sale right now. Their goodies are perfect for baby shower gifts, a little V-day treat for your littles or to tuck away to put into Easter baskets.
I like to work ahead when I can, so it should come as no surprise that Everett’s valentines for school are already done. Over achiever, party of one.
But that means that I can now help you out! I created these dino-mite valentines and I want to share the file for you to download for free!
I just printed them off on card stock and purchased these rubber dinosaurs from Amazon to attach with baker’s twine. Have your little one sign their name or do it yourself and you are done!
I hope these can help a few of you out if you are in a jam!
Living in a house of boys has its perks, one of them being all the extra attention I get on Valentine’s Day.
My boys are the sweetest and I am constantly getting kisses, but this day seems extra special to me. So in honor of all things lovey-dovey, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Valentine’s gifts.
[PRO TIP: Go ahead and forward this link to your hunny…]
necklace // heart pouch // earrings // pajamas set
suitcase // socks // leather backpack
[Ev celebrated his 100th day of school this week by dressing like an old man]
I knew that this collab stamp with Rifle Paper Co. was coming out last week. So I proceeded to call my local post office on Saturday morning to confirm they had these on hand and then immediately knocked down their doors upon opening. #sendmoremail (Rifle also has another fun collaboration going on right now with L’occitane!)
I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so when I saw this collection of wine bottles from 19 Crimes and their use of augmented reality via a downloadable app, I kind of freaked out. Such a neat marketing tactic. As for how the wine tastes, the verdict is still out. I just picked up some bottles, The Warden and Hard Chard, at the local grocery store last night.
I came across Camp Climb last week and I can’t seem to get the notion of going out of my head. Via their site: “Camp Climb is a unique retreat for women creative entrepreneurs in the heart of the Midwest – a weekend to grow in life and your business with a schedule of super-curated speakers, mentored group sessions, a night time pool party and lots of bonfires and camping out at a renowned midwestern Girl Scout Camp.” I haven’t signed up to be a camper yet, but it looks like it could be exactly what I need.
Yes, I’m already thinking about what my kids will wear for Valentine’s Day this year. No one should be surprised by this!
Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday – actually, Ash Wednesday – this year, and my guess is that we will spend it at home continuing our tradition of enjoying a heart-shaped pizza. Each boy is getting a treat (Pez for Ev and Nilla Wafers for Fitzie) and a new DVD – The Sandlot and Ratatouille.
How do you celebrate V-day? Do you or your kids don red or heart-themed gear? If so, I have a little round up of cute + festive items perfect for this love-filled holiday!
one // two // three // four // five
six // seven // eight // nine // ten
Tomorrow's To Dos 