Valentine’s Date Night Ideas

prettypacificLeave a comment

Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot cuter with these fun at-home ideas.

This Valentine’s Day, show your special someone how much they mean to you with a romantic and cozy night in. Whether you’re celebrating with your long-time partner or just started dating someone new, these unique at-home date ideas are sure to make it a memorable evening. So put away the takeout menus and get creative—you’ll be surprised at what an amazing time you can have without leaving the house! 

Create Your Own Chocolate Tasting 

Chocolate is a classic gift for Valentine’s Day, but why not take it one step further? Set up a chocolate tasting experience right in your own home. Buy several different types of chocolates, such as dark, milk, white and even flavored ones like chili pepper or lavender. Prepare some tiny dishes or plates to serve them on and get out the champagne glasses. Enjoy each chocolate while discussing its flavor notes with each other—it’s fun and educational! 

At-Home Spa Night 

Go all out this Valentine’s Day by treating yourself and your boo to an at-home spa night. Fill up the bathtub with warm water and add soothing bubble bath or essential oils for extra relaxation. Get ready for a night of pampering by setting out plush towels, candles, massage oils and slippers for each of you. Afterward, don’t forget to give each other massages! 

DIY Dessert Bar 

Take dessert to another level this year by creating your own DIY dessert bar! Choose delicious treats like brownies, cookies, cake pops or cupcakes from your favorite bakery (or make them from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!). Set up a tray full of festive decorations such as sprinkles, chocolate chips or nuts so that each of you can customize their own desserts however they like. Enjoy them while watching one of your favorite movies together—a perfect way to end the evening! 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day together doesn’t have to involve expensive gifts or fancy dinners out; sometimes the best memories are made right at home. With these cute date ideas, it’s easy to create a romantic atmosphere without spending too much money or time planning. So grab some snacks and turn up the music—your cozy night in awaits!

Gifts for the Hostess with the Mostest!

prettypacificLeave a comment

Okay, so mostest isn’t really a word. That doesn’t stop me from wracking my brain each year for gifts to thank a holiday hostess! This year, I decided to gather up a few of my favorites to share with you. I’ve linked each gift for easy shopping ❤

1 (18)

A. Diptyque Baies Candle – There are plenty of smell-a-likes to this ever popular candle, but in my opinion there’s nothing like the real thing. This Diptyque candle has notes of blackcurrant and rose, and is sure to please any hostess!

B. Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set – While you definitely don’t need cocktails to have a good party, it never hurts. This gift is perfect for the aspiring mixologist among your girlfriends!

C. Antica Famacista Diffuser – Growing up I remember my mother always kept a diffuser on her vanity and the image has stuck with me ever since. This Prosecco diffuser has a crisp scent and includes white birch reeds.

D. Champagne Gummy Bears – When it comes to holiday candies, Sugarfina knows best! I’ve been munching on these gummies for years, and it’s time the share the wealth. This cute gift set includes a set of champagne flutes.

E. Bee Bottle Opener – Perfect for your polished pal, this bejeweled bottle opener by Joanna Buchanan features crystal and enamel embellishments. All sparkle, no sting!

F. Amethyst Bottle Stopper – Sometimes the cork just won’t cut it. This stunning bottle stopper featuring genuine Amethyst is sure to stand out among hostess gifts!

G. Ceramic Hostess Set – This dish says it all. This dish is ideal for crackers and soft cheese, while the Happy Everything sentiment truly fits any occasion.

H. Flowering Tea Set – Perhaps the most unique on this year’s list is a flowering tea set. This gorgeous glass pot allows complete visibility of the brewing tea, which blooms into a flower when fully steeped!

 

Champagne & Sorbet Float

prettypacificLeave a comment

Perfect for a warm fall night, this Champagne Float is one part night cap and one part palate cleanser. Best of all, it’s simple to make! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of sorbet – I like raspberry best, but it would be wonderful with lemon or peach as well!

DSC01875

INGREDIENTS:

  1. Raspberry sorbet
  2. Chilled sparkling wine
  3. Garnish of your choice (optional)

RECIPE:

  1. Scoop a small helping of sorbet into a chilled glass. Take note that glassware fresh from the dishwasher may be too warm, and melt the sorbet prematurely!
  2. Add 2 teaspoons lavender simple syrup to glass
  3. Pour sparkling wine over the sorbet to the glass rim.
  4. Garnish if desired, and enjoy!

Gifting Made Simple with Succulents!

prettypacificLeave a comment

With Summer right around the corner, I’ve been mentally preparing for BBQs and pool parties galore. I hate showing up empty handed, so part of my prep has been keeping an eye out for easy table decor or thank you gifts I can contribute. I recently came across these adorable DIY succulent planters and thought I’d give them a try – I absolutely love the result!

DSC01836

If you’re interested in taking a whack at this yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

 – brown paper bags
– spray paint
– paint pen
– succulents/plants
DSC01844
Directions:
1. Gather materials (One trip to a craft store should have you covered on all fronts!)
2. Spray paint the brown paper bag and let it dry. This will become your planter, so make sure you get even coverage!
3. Measure out how far down you need to fold the bag. It will depend on the height of the pot your succulent came in! You’ll need to keep your plant in it’s original pot (usually the disposable plastic ones), and the bag will be your covering. To measure, unfold your bag and stand it up as if you’re going to pack a lunch. Place your succulent next to it, and mark the height of the pot on the bag with a pencil.
** If you don’t have time to wait for the paint to dry fully, reverse steps 2 and 3! You can measure the height of your pot, and then paint only to that line. It’s less drying time and easier to move onto steps 4 and 5 even if your paint is still SLIGHTLY wet in places. **
4. Pick a cute phrase (I chose a succulent pun) and write it out with a paint pen.
5. Fold/roll the top of your bag down to your measured line.
6. Place your plant in your “planter” – you should be able to see a bit of the edge of the original pot once it’s placed. Succulents are really easy to water by spray bottle, and if you leave too much paper above the lip of the pot you might end up watering your planter instead of your plant (and you definitely don’t want a wet paper planter!)
DSC01833
VOILA!! You now have the means to create an entire garden’s worth of gifts that don’t succ 😉

CALM Bath Salts

prettypacificLeave a comment

TKS_8250

As you might have guessed from my blog name, I’ve always found comfort in water. Oceans, pools, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and, maybe not surprisingly…baths! I’ve been in the market for new spa accessories for awhile so when I came across these bath salts from HERBIVORE I knew I had to try them

HERBIVORE has long been a favorite brand of mine, so I check in every few months to see what products should be next on my test list. I own several of the clay soaps, so I thought it would be a good idea to branch out into a new product. After reading reviews for a few different products, I decided to try out the CALM Bath Salts.

TKS_8258

One of my favorite things about HERBIVORE is their packaging. The brand has a very streamlined aesthetic and let’s the product speak for itself. I loved that the gorgeous hue of the crystals are visible through the bottle and add color to my bathroom without clashing with my other products.

TKS_8235

After a particularly stressful day, I decided to give the bath salts a try. I didn’t expect to be so impressed, but I can honestly say you should run to buy these bath salts. The scent is absolutely incredible, and my skin felt so soft after I toweled off! I used about a quarter of the bottle, and spent about 25 minutes soaking. By the time I was ready to get out, all the crystals had dissolved and the room was filled with relaxing steam. What more can you ask for?

Do you have a favorite spa product you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments below!

Jasmine Aroma Diffuser

prettypacificLeave a comment

TKS_6035

For me, one of the best parts about visiting a spa is aromatherapy. Even if I don’t incorporate it into my treatment, there’s just something about the air in spas that instantly relaxes me. I’ve been trying to recreate that feeling in my own home and I think I’ve found the answer!

TKS_6033

Growing up, my mom was a big fan of reed diffusers and our house always smelled like oranges. I wanted to find something similar that could permeate my space but didn’t smell as strongly. I finally settled on an essential oil diffuser! After reading a few different reviews on Amazon, I decided to go with the Jasmine Aroma Diffuser. The diffuser can run for up to 24 hours, works well with larger rooms, and has a setting that lets you manage scent levels by automatically switching between on and off modes.

TKS_6028

When it comes to aromatherapy, I love the idea of using essential oils because you can avoid the chemicals found in other scented products (like candles and sprays). I’ve always liked eucalyptus, but after reading a few different reviews about the effects of different scents, I decided to start with lavender and peppermint. I use peppermint in the mornings to start my day and re-energize, and lavender at nights to unwind! I’ve noticed a huge difference in my ability to transition from my busy days into more restful nights and I really think the diffuser is to thank. If you struggle leaving work at the office, or winding down at the end of the day, I’d highly recommend trying the Jasmine Aroma Diffuser. The brand sells several different products to fit a variety of spaces, which makes it easy to find the perfect diffuser for your home!

Have you ever tried bringing aromatherapy into your home? I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave your thoughts in the comments below and let me know what should be next on my “to try” list!

Bumble and Bumble

prettypacificLeave a comment

NSM_4245_LR

I’m all for hair of the dog, but not when it comes to the top of my head. After a month of summer sand and sun, I noticed my mane was looking a little worse for the wear. I’ve always loved Bumble and Bumble products so I decided to browse for a few pick me ups. I’m super picky when it comes to hair products so I never buy full sized until I’ve tested out the product first. That means first time use is restricted to generous friends and sample sizes! In this case, I went with the sample sizes.

I settled on a few products from the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s line (all invisible oil products). I chose the Balm-to-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque, the shampoo, and the conditioner. It seemed like a perfect trifecta!

NSM_4249_LR

I started with the masque. When it comes to this product, a little goes a long way! You just need enough to fully coat the strands of hair. I squeezed out the suggested amount and warmed it in my palms before applying it to my dry hair (since dry hair absorbs more product than wet hair will). I’ve read reviews where people leave this product in their hair overnight, but I just left it in for about 30 mins.

Once the masque had had time to work it’s magic, I used the shampoo to wash out the product and the conditioner to seal the moisture. I’m not a huge fan of blow drying (especially not when I’m trying to reverse damage) so I towel dried my hair and waited for it to air dry. I have to say I was impressed! My hair felt SO soft, the way it does right after you leave the salon. I’ve already ordered the full size products, and can’t wait to make them part of my regular routine.

Why I Love My Jade Facial Roller

prettypacificLeave a comment

nsm_0487

Ok so I did it, I fell for the newest beauty craze, the jade roller. I know it looks like some weird alien instrument, but I’m going to tell you why I’m completely in love with it.

Have you ever been to a spa where they put the cucumber slices over your eyes? Lo and behold, there’s actually a reason for this—the coldness of the cucumbers is supposed to have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect. A jade roller is basically the non-edible equivalent of cucumber slices, for your whole face (and neck).

nsm_0476

Jade rolling has been practiced by Chinese royalty for centuries, in order to draw out negative chi, but has just recently gained widespread popularity.

Benefits include:

  • Increase blood circulation
  • Reduce redness & inflammation
  • Assist lymphatic drainage
  • Diminish the appearance of fine lines

Jade is a naturally cold stone, but I heard that storing your jade roller in the fridge could amplify its effects. I tried out my jade roller for a few weeks without putting it in the fridge, then switched over to the fridge, and I definitely prefer it colder.

Read More »

Healthy Herbs For A Healthy Soul

prettypacificLeave a comment

Healthy herbs to try and their benefits

If you’re like me, then you’re always looking for ways to improve your health. One easy way to do that is by incorporating healthy herbs into your diet. Not only do they add flavor to your food, but they also have many amazing health benefits. Here are a few of my favorite herbs and their benefits:

Parsley- This herb is full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and iron. It’s also a good source of antioxidants

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to add more vitamins and nutrients to your diet, then parsley is the answer. This bright green herb packs a huge vitamin punch with a generous dose of vitamins A, C, and K as well as folic acid and iron. The best part? It’s not just a nutritional powerhouse – it’s also bursting with antioxidants. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top of your favorite dish or make a nourishing sunshine soup using fresh parsley leaves; either way you can enjoy cooking knowing you’re adding superfood-level goodness to your meals!

Basil- This herb can help improve circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties

Basil is a flavorful addition to all kinds of dishes, but did you know it also has some health benefits? This herb can help improve circulation, thanks to its high levels of magnesium. It’s rich in antioxidants, too, making it a great anti-inflammatory agent. Add it to your recipes and watch as your dishes take on some serious nutrition vibes! Not sure where to start? Basil goes well with Italian pasta sauces and adds a hint of freshness when sprinkled onto salads. Try adding it to smoothies or even using it as a salad dressing for something truly unique. Have fun getting creative with this powerful plant-based ingredient – your body will thank you!

Oregano- Oregano is a good source of fiber and has been shown to have antimicrobial properties

Oregano is a really versatile herb with lots of potential when it comes to spicing up your favourite dishes. Not only does oregano add an amazing flavour, but it’s also great for overall health! Studies have shown that oregano contains a lot of fiber and can even help fight bacteria with its antimicrobial properties. For vegans in particular, the added fiber from oregano can be a great way to stay healthy and get all of the essential nutrients they need. Don’t let this healthful herb pass you by – invite oregano into your kitchen and reap the many benefits it has to offer!

Thyme- Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium

Assuming you’re looking to use thyme in cooking:

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a hard time deciding what spices to put in your dishes. Well, I’m here to help with that! I think one spice that is often overlooked is thyme. Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as chicken, fish, soups, and stews. Give it a try next time you’re in the kitchen!

Rosemary- Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can also help improve cognitive function

Rosemary is more than just a delicious herb to add flavor to your favorite dishes. This wonderful plant has some powerful benefits thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that rosemary can even help improve cognitive function, quickly bringing clarity of thought and improvement in concentration, perfect for those days when you need a mental boost! So the next time you season up your chicken or salmon, do yourself a favor and throw in some rosemary – it may well help you be the best version of yourself!

Mint- Mint can help with digestion and can also act as a natural breath freshener

Refresh and revamp your digestive health with a sprig of mint! Not only will this natural herb help ease your stomach, it can do wonders as a breath freshener. Most known as a refreshing flavor to enjoy in tea, smoothies and cocktails, mint is easy to add into your day-to-day routine. By drinking mint tea or adding fresh leaves to your dishes, you can help stimulate bile flow — which helps break down food more easily. Oh and don’t forget about those social occasions — that freshly picked minty taste is the perfect way to wow your friends! So the next time you’re looking for some health benefits with a pleasant flavor to top it off, grab yourself some mint.