TresSugar

10 Valentine's Day Experience Gifts You'll Both Enjoy

TresSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:01:17 PST

Rather than buying your guy a new watch or wallet for Valentine's Day, try something different and give him an experience that you can enjoy together. Skip the standard candlelit dinner routine and spice things up with a fun adventure. He'll love the thoughtful surprise, and you'll have a shared memory that can last forever. Here are 10 great experiences for you to gift your guy on February 14!

Heavenly Massage Technique to Try on Your Valentine - or Yourself!

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:21 PST

Not sure how to express your love this year come Feb. 14? We say go for an experiential, hands-on gift and give your valentine the ultimate tension-relieving neck rub this year. Watch this video to learn the pin and stretch method to lengthen overworked muscles in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. This quick and easy massage is perfect for after a hard workout, a long day at the office, or to simply unwind and get in the mood.

Link Time: Modern Mexico Style, an Austin House Tour, and Valentine's Day Flower DIYs

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:42 PST

Inspiration for cultivating a modern Mexico-inspired home. - Houzz
These paint colors will chase away depression. - Real Simple
Find the most unique Valentine's Day gifts here. - Stylelist Home
Tour this fun, fresh Austin home. - Apartment Therapy
Tour Highlight Store & Gallery - it's so cool. - California Home + Design
Use scraps of Marimekko fabric to customize low-budget curtains. - Shelterrific
Learn how to make Valentine's Day poesies and small bouquets. - Garden Design

25 Heart-Melting Decorating DIYs For a Last-Minute Valentine's Day Bash

Angela Swinderman Elias — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:53:15 PST

Maybe it stems from early memories of classroom-wide Valentine's Day card-exchanging sessions, but I've never pigeon-holed the holiday as a day for lovers. I like to think of it as a day to indulge the people that you care about, and what better way to indulge them than with a small soiree to celebrate the occasion? With the abundance of hearts, sweets, and the color pink associated with this time of year, I feel like it's a shame not to take advantage of a little girl time. If you're still toying with the idea of inviting your girlfriends over for a last-minute celebration this weekend, see if this roundup of super-stylish Valentine's Day DIY decorations is the deciding factor. I know I'm considering it!

Toast to Valentine's Day With a Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail

Michele Foley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:50:49 PST

Fruits and veggies can be slim pickings during the Winter, but not when it comes to blood oranges. Since the crimson color of the fruit's flesh makes it a perfect pairing for Valentine's Day, putting it in a celebratory cocktail makes total sense. It's full of nutritional goodness, too: blood oranges are a great source of vitamin C, and also contains a good amount of vitamin B1 and folic acid. If you're not a drinker, substitute the champagne for soda water in this recipe.

Check out this citrus twist on the champagne cocktail when you

12 Sexy Little Valentine's Day Accessories We Love!

Allison McNamara — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:05:10 PST

We've already showed you some sexy Valentine's Day dresses to wear on a hot date, and now we have some fun accessories to add a little love to your life year-round. Whether you want something subtle like a pretty ring or earrings, or you're on the market for a hot pink clutch, spruce up your style with these festive accessories. On Allison McNamara: Topshop blouse, Stella & Dot necklace.

Pink Leather Heart Purse - $24.00	Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini MAC' Croc Embossed Clutch - $195.00
Diament Jewelry for Urban Renewal Arrow Post Earring - $12.00	Heart Post Earring - Set of 3 - $16.00
Jacquie Aiche Jewelry Love Ring Vermeil - $150.00	Cosabella Satin & Lace Low-Rise Thong - $36.00
Free People Crop Underwire Bra - $14.99	Heart Print Lace Trim Boy Shorts - $4.99
Burgundy Dotty Heart Tights - $24.00

Oyster Lovers: Make These!

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:11 PST

Although you can essentially enjoy the briny bivalve all year round, it's widely known that oysters are best eaten in months that have a letter "R." Oysters are delicious on the half shell, but my favorite way to prepare them is casino-style. Bacon and butter make everything taste better! The best thing about this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. The herb butter will keep for a couple of days in the fridge, and the bacon can be crisped the night before you plan to serve the oysters. Bake them just before eating. Offer the oysters with sparkling wine and you've got the perfect appetizer. Here's the uncomplicated recipe.

Cards to Say I Love You

Annie Scudder — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:19:14 PST

Often, a heartfelt card makes a more memorable gift than any expensive product you can find. For Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just because, track down a creative card you can fill with your feelings. Click through for a stationery selection that will help you get your love across. Links to buy each card included!

Show True Love: Make Chocolate-Covered Chicharrones

Susannah Chen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:42:37 PST

Of all the crazy chocolates I've seen - among them, wasabi pea chocolate and soy-sauce-flavored Kit Kat - the most intriguing I tried was Xocolatl de David's Chicharrón Chocolate Bar. I loved the concept of crunchy mixed into smooth, savory blended with sweet, and yet I found myself wishing for more pork rind.

That's when I dreamt up my perfect chocolate snack: Chicharrónes, or deep-fried pig skins, halfway hand-dipped into semisweet chocolate. The result is simple perfection. Smoky, porky, cheese puff-like awesomeness commingled with just the right amount of smooth chocolate. Any omnivorous man (or woman) would be crazy not to love this. Get the recipe now.

11 DIY Valentine's Day Cards Perfect For the Classroom Party

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:03:16 PST

Planning to do your lil one's Valentine's Day cards this weekend? Before heading to the store, consider simply firing up your printer! With a few clicks of the mouse and a little crafting glue, you and your tot can create beautifully handmade cards that will stand out from the crowd come Tuesday. Best of all, most of our fabulous finds don't require candy additions - moving mom and tot straight to the head of the class for following the teachers' directions.