1 :: Saint Valentines Day – The holiday of love letters looms on the horizon at the end of this week. I’ve always been partial to Valentines day… not because of the lovey dovey aspect…. but because of all the classic things the holiday is associated with. Hand calligraphy-ed letters, boxes of chocolate covered caramels, fresh flowers, and an all around feeling of being in a classic Victorian novel. I think it’s the photographer in me that wants to shake this holiday’s hand and thank it for all of the lovely props it provides for fantastic shapshots. I’ve always been a girlie-girl and therefore reveled in a holiday where everything has a certain sweetness to it! This Monday is written in celebration of my favorite Valentines Day odds & ends.
2 :: Pretty Sweet Blog Platform – Once upon a time I used to follow every blog I read on a daily basis using Google Reader. I was saddened and devastated when I learned their platform was being discontinued. Dun da DA!!! Enter Bloglovin‘. If you follow any more than two blogs on a weekly basis, this snazzy new platform is for you! This site allows you to keep track of every blog you follow on a daily, weekly, monthly basis! They will send you updates when your favorite blogs post, or if you hate all the emails, they can simply email you once a day. You can even categorize the blogs you follow, and for this organizational freak it’s a dream come true!!! So if you haven’t discovered Bloglovin’, head on over and open your own profile. My morning reading just got a serious dose of awesome! {Don’t forget to follow Kirsten Ashley Photography’s Blog on Bloglovin‘ and never miss a post!}
3 :: Shoes to get your Sweetie {or yourself!} – In my fairytale life in my head, my prince charming was a shoe designer. He would slave all hours of the day to make me the most perfect sparkly glamorous shoes known to man for every holiday. Enter real life and the sound of a turntable needle being ripped from a vinyl. These days I just settle for admiring the greats. If you wife/girlfriend/sig. other is a shoe lover, here are some fantastic finds that any Cinderella is bound to adore, particularly for the upcoming cupid’s holiday! Click on a shoe image to take you shopping at DSW! 1) BCBG – Paris Jaze d’Orsay Pump – $59.95 2) Ted Baker – Svana Platform Pump – $129.96 3) Zigi Soho – Chantel Pump – $49.95 4) Diba – Blossom Pump$49.95 5) Mix No. 6 – Honey Sandal – $59.95 6) Zigi Soho – Blur Sandal – $74.95
4 :: Sweets for the Sweet – I don’t know what it is about holiday themed sweets that makes my heart so happy. Probably something to do with the color schemes, fancy decor, and the fact that people go all out if it’s a holiday. So if you’re a V-Day enthusiast, here are some recipe’s that will delight a bakers fancy. Click on an image to take you to the recipe and don’t forget to follow my Yummay Board and others on Pinterest! 1) Two-Toned Heart Cookies 2) Red Velvet Macarons 3) Grapefruit Curd Ice Cream 4) Easy Valentines Day Patties {Gluten Free!} 5) Vanilla Bean Cookie Bars 6) Overnight French Toast with Strawberry Syrup
5 :: Instagram Find of the Week – MOIRAInk Calligraphy and Lettering. Do you love fancy scripted letters and beautiful mail? Then MOIRAInk is for you. Owned by a dynamic duo Jessica and Jenny, their about page was MORE than enough to have me hooked. I was in AWE of the work they do here. Each piece is SO lovely and their calligraphy is downright some of the best I’ve ever seen. They have 14 different font styles. FOURTEEN!!! They have two locations in San Diego, California and Scottsdale, Arizona. They also create custom suites for weddings and soiree’s from MOIRADesignStudio {Curiosities & Paper}. MOIRAInk teaches classes too so if you’re interested in learning make sure to check out their workshops and sign up!!! Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram {User: moirainkcalligraphy} as their posts will add a seriously bright spot to your day!
6 :: Oh My Valentine – Of course I couldn’t post on Valentines week without a little holiday cheer of my own. I’ve been mixing my own calligraphy inks lately and am delighted with gouache and it’s results. Here’s hoping you’re inspired to create valentines for the ones you love!
Thanks for coming back this week! It’s my hope that MIAM brightens the beginning of your week so you can power through to the end!
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