For My Valentine: Gift Guide

For My Valentine: Gift Guide by oykristen // 1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case // 2. John Mark Comer's Loveology // 3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace // 4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud // 5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card // 6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon // 7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe // 8. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank // 9. Aeri Silky Chiffon Boxer // 10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother //

Happy Valentines, Valentine.

Oh Valentines Day. Some years I think that this is such a silly holiday. But this year, I am thankful for a frivolous reason to celebrate, especially with the weather being so dreary. (I haven't complained enough about the weather, have I??) There's just something nice about all that fluffyness and flowers and the relentless red and pink. And I think it's especially fun to love on people around you - your grandmother, your nieces and nephews, your in-laws. It's a grand affection fest! So dip your toes in this ocean of loving potion and have some fun with it.

These are some fun gift ideas for that special someone. PS, that can be YOU! You're worth celebrating, my friend.

1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case

Adorable, who wouldn't want their phone decked out in such whimsy?

2. John Mark Comer's Loveology

Great read. This is one Seattle pastor's take on the theology of love, sex, and marriage. Woo hoo, getting crazy!

3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace

A bit pricey, but oh so unique. A worthy splurge, if I could :-)

4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud

Does Kate Spade ever get it wrong? These are the peppiest way to perk up the ears. A little sparkle thrown in for good measure.

5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card

All cards should be this awesome. And bright. And foiled.

6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon

This one makes me giggle. I would really like to whip this out on an unexpected day for a heaping of baking bliss.

7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe

Oh, I'm lusting. I want this with a fiery passion. The photo doesn't do it justice. I took at peek at it in-store and it is just sooooo decadent and soft. Such a pretty way to lounge, yes?

8. & 9. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank & Boxer

How adorable is this set? Again, I'm not one for a fancy night out on Valentines. Just a good movie and comfy, semi-frilly home clothes.

10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother

This is the big kahuna. If you've ever had a Nespresso espresso beverage, you've officially died and gone to Heaven. When we were in Paris this summer, the couple we stayed with (via airbnb) had one of these delicious contraptions. I made like, 2 espressos every day. And I've been craving it every since. If this were a Valentine gift, ooh baby... I don't know what I would do. Other than stay hopped up on lattes 24/7.

Ladies, just send your guy this link and (hopefully!) he will snag something good for your Valentine celebration this year.

Happy Gifting!

Alice's Teacup, Upper West Side

"'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves, did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe." - Except from Jabberwocky, by Lewis Carrol from Through the Looking Glass*

Fancy A Scone.

My lovely cousin Amber came into town last week. We traipsed around 5th Avenue and did all sort of girlish things, but one of my most favorites was the dreamy afternoon we spent over tea. As an early birthday surprise, she treated me to an Upper West Side high tea service at the famed Alice's Teacup.

Let me just say. It was quite the delight.

Alice's Offering.

Alice's Teacup is a fondly-known establishment in my hood, though I hadn't been there before. After stepping inside and letting our eyes adjust for a moment, we realized we were in a haven of fantastical fun. Teapots danced across the walls, charming silver spoons posed on the shelves. There was Alice in Wonderland paraphernalia everywhere and, for a gal with a deep-seated love for Alice and her posse of goof-off friends, I couldn't think of a happier place to be. We settled into our enormously overstuffed chairs and scoured the menu. And it was decided. The Madhatter's Delight it is. Which grandly included cucumber and watercress sandwiches, pumpkin and white chocolate scones, fragrant black tea and rich chocolate mousse. Oh, and tea cookies. Can't forget the petite, pretty little cookies that you can nibble with the tips of your teeth. The interior of Alice's is warm & intimate, set off by jeweled colors and topsy-turvy furnishings. It's was so comfortable, you could sit there for hours and get lost in deep conversation. And that's just what we did. Although, it was often interrupted by our deep-bellied howls of laughter that shook the room (and the teacups) and maybe caused a few annoyed glares in our direction. We are both quite the storyteller. And we are both rather loud.

Lets Talk.

This wonderful place made me realize why I am so enchanted by the fancifulness of tea time. It's a frilly event that is really masquerading as quality connection time, enjoying delectable treats over real conversation. Finding out what's running deep along the inner landscape of the magnificent person sitting across from you; taking the time to understand their perspective, look in their eyes and grow with them. It's an enriching, enlightening experience

that somehow always takes place over a hazy, heady cup of tea. I want to note that this is different than coffee time, people. Coffee time is also a sacred time, but in a completely different way. We will discuss that another day.

My day with this girl, ah, I'll never forget it. She's a treasured one.

* Also, this is the first poem I ever memorized. 3rd Grade poetry competition and I can still remember it, can still recite every word by heart. Nonsensical fun really does run deep.