Valentine's Day Guide

1. Young and In Love Pullover / Love this, and the "not with you" part is hilarious!
2. Never Ending Key Bracelet /  I love keys and this bracelet is beautiful! 
3. Karen Walker Sunnies / I love huge sunglasses, and KW is my favorite. The bigger the better!
4. Kat Von D Lipstick /  I want to start trying new lip colors out, and this color is gorgeous.
5. Rag And Bone Fedora /  This hat is a serious splurge, but it's beautiful and the color goes with everything!
6. So Kate Pumps / Nothing says VDay like a pair of red bottoms, am I right? 
7. Hunter Boots / Not only fashionable, but so useful for any inclement weather coming our way!
8. Tarteist Lip Paint /  I love this nude color, perfect for an every day look.
9. Tory Burch Handbag / I love this color, and TB makes the best bags, great quality and texture.
10. Initial Bag Charm / Love this little charm keychain, so adorable and perfect for every bag.

Valentine's Day is the perfect day to add some color into your wardrobe! I love pops of red and pink paired with black or neutral colors. I think my favorite thing about Valentine's Day is how much love people share on that day. Yes, it's a hallmark holiday, and yes it's overrated, but overall the true meaning behind it (for me personally) is showing the people in your life that they're special, and loved. What are your plans for this upcoming Valentine's Day? 

Recipes : Raspberry Stout Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love raspberry flavored everything. It's my favorite kind of cheesecake, my favorite filling in chocolate, and now it's become my favorite flavor stout! I am so excited to team up with DuClaw to share this easy & delicious recipe with you today. It's perfect for Valentine's Day, or any day really, and the cookies taste delicious! For this recipe I used their Naked Fish chocolate raspberry stout.

Directions:  
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
First mix the cake mix with the baking soda in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl whisk your eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
Mix together in the large bowl (it's going to be super sticky-be prepared!).
Once all the dry pockets of the mixture are gone, you are ready to add your stout!
Mix in the stout with your hands, and once you are finished spoon 1 inch balls onto your pan.
(I sprayed my non-stick pan prior, just incase).
Bake for 10 minutes (they will brown faster because of the stout) and let them cool for 3 minutes.

I hope you enjoyed this easy delicious recipe, and let me know if you try it out for yourself! It's the perfect amount of sweetness, and there is a hint of raspberry that makes it even more delicious! To locate where you can purchase DuClaw Naked Fish near you, visit their site locator.

Product and compensation was provided to me by DuClaw Brewing Company, but recipe and thoughts are my own. 
Thank you for supporting companies that help keep Little Tree thriving!

Multiple Patterns // Flower Queen

I fell in love with this shirt as soon as I saw it online. When I found out they made it in petite I feel even more in love with it! I don't own a ton of red clothing, so anything with flowers seems pretty romantic to me. This is not something I would normally pick out for myself, but I have been trying to branch out and try different patterns. That's what lead me to purchase this sweater- and I am so glad I did! It's a little on the looser side- which I love because it can be worn dressy or casual.

This is a perfect outfit for a date night. I love the booties because they're super comfy, and then of course a flower crown is always appropriate. I love this whole outfit, and can't wait to wear this weekend for my special Valentine's date :)

Details: Sweater Top (comes in petite!) via Anthro , Necklace via Bauble Bar , Flower Crown (similar) via Lulus c/o , Booties (love these backless ones - similar) via DSW c/o , Rings are vintage & UO  , Leggings via Nordstrom

A Very Special Valentine's Day & Giveaway With Marshalls

I have decided that this week is going to be a big week for celebrating love and Valentine's Day on the blog. I have recipes lined up, and some fun outfit posts that I can't wait to share. To kick off this week of love I have an awesome giveaway for a $25 gift card from Marshalls!Because who doesn't love shopping, and who doesn't love Marshalls? Am I right?

I also wanted to share a little Valentine's Day gift I got for my Mom. Her birthday falls right before Valentine's Day so I love to use this week to shower her with her favorite things. She loves Marshalls as much as I do, so it's always a win-win when I shop there for her. I picked out some things that remind me of her style, but also some things she uses daily. I put together this basket full of some of her favorite things.

This includes her favorite chocolate, a pair of Italian leather booties, soap, cozy socks, note cards, a beautiful scarf, and an equestrian vest (Isn't it adorable?)  Included in here are some other snapshots of her birthday presents, that are also from Marshalls. I found this gorgeous wallet, and knew she'd love it. I also got a big photo album to fill with photos from our summer vacation.

I think Valentine's Day can be about anyone in your life. A lot of my single girlfriends dread at the thought of the day being a lonely-singles-awareness day. I think of it as a chance to love those that mean the most to you. That can be a friend, a pet, a family member, etc. The great thing about a place like Marshalls is you can get anything for anyone in your life. There's no limits to the gift giving. I can shop for anyone at the same time-while getting the best prices possible.

Shop similar wallets below: 

Now, onto the giveaway, which I know you guys are all anticipating! Enter below, and good luck! Follow me more on instagram to see my daily picks and fab finds!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Your Sweetheart

I know most people think that Valentine's Day is a tacky-hallmark holiday (and maybe it is) but there's always a reason to make the ones in our lives feel special, and any day that stands for LOVE is good in my book. I put together a cute little red & pink gift guide for those hunting for their loved ones. I'll be making a gift guide for the fellas as well (so no one feels left out!) Just hover, and click on the little squares for direct links to these products!

I am excited to celebrate my first Valentine's Day with my man this year and I think what is most important about this day is that it serves as a reminder to tell people in our lives how much we love them. To buy a special card and write a little something for them. It may after all be a hallmark holiday, but it can still be great for those who aren't in a relationship. Think of it as a time to go out with your favorite girlfriends, or to send a family member a little bit of happiness and love. Who are you going to be celebrating with this year?

Little Valentine: Thoughts On Love

I was thinking a lot about love for the past few weeks. What it means, why we tell people we love them, why Valentine's day carries such high expectations, etc. I couldn't come up with much, except some personal experience of why I think love is extremely important in our lives. I think people put a lot of emphasis on this day (mainly women) because we want to feel important, and we want to feel loved. I think what most of us fail to realize is that love is everywhere. It's in every single thing that we do. It stays wrapped up in your little pocket when you do things, or spend time with the people that mean the most to you. I think most of the time we spend our times looking for "love" like it's something that is to be found. Love can't be bought, it can't be taught, and it definitely cannot be searched for. It lingers all around us, and if you're lucky enough to notice it, it can make your life a much happier, and brighter place.

We all carry different parts of love in our lives, and for me I finally feel what it's like to love the things I am doing. I guess what I am getting at is that sometimes we miss the little stuff. We miss the blessings in our lives, and we miss all the love that surrounds us every day. It could be anything from a hug, to a big wet puppy kiss, to a boyfriend or girlfriend, and even just a friend. You have the opportunity to show love and compassion every single day of the year. So why pick just one?

This year has changed me, I have found a new love in the simple things, and I feel content in knowing that I am doing the best that I can in this moment. I really do love the people I have in my life, and how they've all been a huge part of my success in some way, shape or form. We are all strong motivating forces that have a lot of love to share, so with that in mind, let's all do something nice today. Not because it's Valentine's Day, but because love is just as important as the air we breathe. It pulls us out of bed in the morning, it helps us keep our goals in order, it provides us with the opportunity to share with others, and most of all, it brings us all closer together on one big even platform. In the words of the Beatles, all you need is love.

Details: Dress & Tights / Modcloth, Black Ring & Earrings / Courtesy of T&J Designs , Other ring / Lucky Brand, Ash boots / Courtesy of Style-Passport , Striped Top / Gift , Amour Necklace / UE Jewelry

Wanna Be My Shmalentine?

Don't ask about the title, there's no real reason for that. I just felt it, so I'm going with it. I've been wanting to do a post on Valentine's Day for a little while now, I had some ideas running through my head and after being asked by a lot of my guy friends what they should do for the ladies in their lives I thought, why not make a little gift guide + thoughtful ideas post. This isn't only for men either, women can definitely get some ideas on what to do for their special guy. First, we'll start with the gift guide. Since I am a woman, I am speaking for all of us(I hope) when I say, NO STUFFED ANIMALS. The thought of receiving a stuffed bear makes me cringe. I'm sorry if that disappoints some of you, but I just can't. Unless you're 15 and want to hold hands at the county fair, it's just way corny. Plus adults that collect stuffed animals can be pretty creepy. Here's a cute little list for him & her: 

iphone case // heart cutting board // ray ban wayfarers // swedish hasbeens
heart ring // red booties // earrings in a bottle

 camo messenger bag //vintage bike coasters // hello handsome cards 

 pocket watch // men's shaving kit

I think the most important part of Valentine's day is definitely the thought that goes into it, and not so much the candy, or flowers. I know all of those things, and even the little gift guide I made are all amazing, but for me Valentine's Day is a day that reminds us to appreciate the ones we love, and not take them for granted. I tend to lean towards handmade gifts or gifts with a special meaning, but if a date is planned, it's usually something intimate and personal. Here are some date ideas for you and your loved one this Valentine's.

Cook dinner together (or cook dinner for them- nothing is 

better than your man making you a delicious dinner- ITS TRUE)

*Also, breakfast is a definite plus as well...

Get a couples massage

Watch your favorite movies together

Go somewhere you've never been 

Wine / Beer tasting

Spend the day at the museum

Book a special weekend

Relive your first date just for fun

Go ice skating

The most important part? Just be together. Enjoy each other. Nothing is better than that. Any other ideas for fun Valentine's dates?

Tugging On My Heartstrings.

 Happy Valentine's Day sweet friends! I have been so excited to wear this dress, and now finally a good reason, and perfect occasion for it! I think the great thing about the dress is the burst of color that the hearts provide, and how you can mix and match stockings & shoes depending on your mood...anything goes! I love these jelly heels, and Elsie actually wore the same pair to her wedding(in red). She helped me figure out where I could order them, so when I found them, I was soooo excited. I can't wait to wear them this summer, they are super cute, and extremely comfy. Can summer be here already? It's been a mild winter but I am still dreaming of warm weather already, soon enough I guess.

Do you guys have any plans today? Alex and I are spending Valentine's Day apart but we'll be seeing each other this weekend and celebrating then. I'm not crazy about the day itself, the buying of gifts and spending way too much money on flowers is not really my thing. It is after all a hallmark holiday, but definitely a nice reminder to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Sugar & Vitamin E Lip Scrub DIY

Hello everyone! I wanted to share a special DIY with you guys today! I haven't done one of these in a while, but I figured this is in perfect timing with Valentine's Day being a day away. I will be showing you guys how to make a sugar & vitamin E lip scrub! When I recently went into sephora, the people working there were trying to sell me all kinds of products and somehow when asking for a lip gloss one of the sales women lead me to a sugar lip scrub, and told me to take a sample home. When taking it home I felt like it was a bit too harsh on my lips, and I wasn't really interested in using it due to all of the added ingredients. I decided to do some research and this is what I came up with! If you like all natural face products, you'll love this! I hope you enjoy it , and let me know if you try it out! 

 I usually put the vaseline and vitamin e by testing the consistency, if it's too thick I add a little more vitamin e oil, if it's too loose I add a bit more vaseline..It's all about personal preference, and what you'd prefer, play with it, and figure out what works best for your skin!

Directions: 

Mix ingredients well to form a good consistency and blended look

 Put all over your lips and around your lips for about 10-15 minutes. 

When finished wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Follow up with your favorite chapstick/lip gloss.

This will take away all of the dead skin cells and add moisture to your lips! 

*Do not refrigerate because it will make ingredients stick together*

Use within a week of making, and enjoy! You will have the softest lips in all the land!