Okay, here we go!
[1.0] I am obsessed with the "question a day" journals. I have been working through this one for 4 years (my bff Caitlin gave it to her bridesmaids for gifts), and I love seeing how I have grown over time. I fill it out every morning as I eat breakfast. It is so neat to see how I have accomplished a lot of what I set out to do over the past 4 years (get married, buy a home, secure a full-time English teaching position at a school I love so much, buy a car, get dogs (!), make friends in the burbs, etc.). It's so fun to see the milestones! There is also one for couples! I have this one, too, but I wanted to finish my personal one before starting one with Mike hahah #typeA. I just found this kid version, too! You could ask your toddler the questions until he or she began writing!
[2.0] The longitude and latitude/coordinates jewelry is some of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received! Mike got me a rose gold cuff for Valentine's Day two years ago with the location of our first date-- The Geneva Ale House! (Which, btw, is amazing!!!). Then, I had a coupon and bought myself a gold bar necklace of the coordinates of our first home-- our apartment in downtown Geneva. On the front is the coordinates (longitude and latitude) and on the back, you can inscribe anything! You get $5 off your first order, too! Also, the owners of Lat & Lo. are seriously so kind! I love shopping their site. I have gotten gifts for my girlfriends with the coordinates of where we met (Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, elementary school addresses, etc.).
[3.0] Fun workout leggings!! No girl wants to spend $100 on workout gear. Seriously. We don't. We love it, and we always save and buy them for ourselves, but $100 for leggings suckssssss. However, you get what you pay for when it comes to workout gear, and the best of the best is going to last for YEARS. I wear Lululemon leggings that I bought in 2012. I am not even exaggerating. Also, who wants their undies to be shown mid-downward dog or plank because your leggings are not thick enough or good enough quality? Not me!!!!! So, we splurge. But, what's better than being treated to something you really want, but you don't want to purchase yourself? Besides, if your gal is anything like me, I wear leggings 90% of the time I am not teaching. LOL. The Alo Goddess leggings are amazing. I have size smalls and mediums from pre-pregnancy. The Moto leggings are my favorites, too, and I have sizes small through large, and the large fit for 30 weeks pregnant. These are my absolute new obsession. In blush. If you have any questions about sizing, ask me! I can help for sure!
The Align pants from Lululemon are absolutely buttery soft and amazing. Loving this gorgeous new hue! They run big, so size down for your Valentine. They also work over baby bumps because they're high-waisted!
[4.0] I know some people are opposed to gift cards, but in my opinion, bring them on! I LOVE getting a manicure/pedicure, but it's not a practical use of my money, especially with a baby on the way and a mortgage/all of the billzzzz. However, when I get a gift card for my favorite nail salon, bring it on!!!! Find a nearby nail place, swing by and pick her up a gift certificate that will cover a pedicure and a no-chip manicure (trust me on that!). My favorite? Pamper Nails in St. Charles with Emily! Follow her on Insta, while you're at it: @emznailedit for nail inspo! Also, is your Valentine into a certain workout regime right now? A gift card to Pure Barre or Orange Theory or the new Club Pilates in St. Charles would be an awesome idea!
[5.0] Statement earrings are ALWAYS a good idea for a lady in your life! Wearing jewelry that has been given to you as a gift has so much meaning. It's so special! I am a huge fan of Baublebar. They sell BB at Nordies, too, and a less expensive, equally adorable line at Target, called Sugarfix. Obsessed with these pearl stunners for $12.99 and these multicolored fringey beauties for $12.99, too!
[6.0] Fancy S'well water bottles!
Perfect for taking to work because they stay cold for 12 hours. I have two -- both Lilly Pulitzer-- that are just the ideal amount of water for Pure Barre classes. They come in a ton of fun colors and patterns, and they also keep hot bevs hot for 12 hours. Again, fancy water bottles are something we want, but we don't necessarily want to purchase for ourselves.
[7.0] Rose gold tennies!
You guys: rose gold is THE COLOR right now. Give me allllll of the rose gold. These tennis shoes are so fabulous; they are light weight and comfy, too.
[3.0] Fun workout leggings!! No girl wants to spend $100 on workout gear. Seriously. We don't. We love it, and we always save and buy them for ourselves, but $100 for leggings suckssssss. However, you get what you pay for when it comes to workout gear, and the best of the best is going to last for YEARS. I wear Lululemon leggings that I bought in 2012. I am not even exaggerating. Also, who wants their undies to be shown mid-downward dog or plank because your leggings are not thick enough or good enough quality? Not me!!!!! So, we splurge. But, what's better than being treated to something you really want, but you don't want to purchase yourself? Besides, if your gal is anything like me, I wear leggings 90% of the time I am not teaching. LOL. The Alo Goddess leggings are amazing. I have size smalls and mediums from pre-pregnancy. The Moto leggings are my favorites, too, and I have sizes small through large, and the large fit for 30 weeks pregnant. These are my absolute new obsession. In blush. If you have any questions about sizing, ask me! I can help for sure!
The Align pants from Lululemon are absolutely buttery soft and amazing. Loving this gorgeous new hue! They run big, so size down for your Valentine. They also work over baby bumps because they're high-waisted!
[4.0] I know some people are opposed to gift cards, but in my opinion, bring them on! I LOVE getting a manicure/pedicure, but it's not a practical use of my money, especially with a baby on the way and a mortgage/all of the billzzzz. However, when I get a gift card for my favorite nail salon, bring it on!!!! Find a nearby nail place, swing by and pick her up a gift certificate that will cover a pedicure and a no-chip manicure (trust me on that!). My favorite? Pamper Nails in St. Charles with Emily! Follow her on Insta, while you're at it: @emznailedit for nail inspo! Also, is your Valentine into a certain workout regime right now? A gift card to Pure Barre or Orange Theory or the new Club Pilates in St. Charles would be an awesome idea!
^^ My nails after 2 weeks! Still going strong!
[5.0] Statement earrings are ALWAYS a good idea for a lady in your life! Wearing jewelry that has been given to you as a gift has so much meaning. It's so special! I am a huge fan of Baublebar. They sell BB at Nordies, too, and a less expensive, equally adorable line at Target, called Sugarfix. Obsessed with these pearl stunners for $12.99 and these multicolored fringey beauties for $12.99, too!
[6.0] Fancy S'well water bottles!
Perfect for taking to work because they stay cold for 12 hours. I have two -- both Lilly Pulitzer-- that are just the ideal amount of water for Pure Barre classes. They come in a ton of fun colors and patterns, and they also keep hot bevs hot for 12 hours. Again, fancy water bottles are something we want, but we don't necessarily want to purchase for ourselves.
[7.0] Rose gold tennies!
You guys: rose gold is THE COLOR right now. Give me allllll of the rose gold. These tennis shoes are so fabulous; they are light weight and comfy, too.
