All sorts of people in all stages of relationships will be celebrating (or hibernating) on Valentine's Day this year. A syrupy, love-professing greeting card certainly won't work for all of them; a lot of us can't just handle the cheesiness of the holiday. So I decided to round up some cheekier Valentine's Day cards to lighten the mood, and in some cases, declare a little more distaste than affection. Check them out and let me know which one works for you!
2Jane is sharing the love this Valentine's Day with a special 20 percent off sale now through Feb. 13. The discount applies to all of the store's designer homewares in shop (even sale items), including these gorgeous contemporary Innermost Stem Vases ($20, already reduced from $30) and plenty of other things that will let your Valentine know you care. To snag the deal, just enter the coupon code 202010 at checkout.
Toni and Patrick, graduate students at the University of Florida, had both spent a lot of time in student housing. So when they began attending UF, they were looking for something special. Toni writes, "When we found this place with the wood floors, exposed brick, two fireplaces, front porch, great windows, and claw foot tub, we were thrilled."
Toni and Patrick live on the first floor of this 1920s house, which was originally a parsonage. The couple notes that they love living within walking distance of downtown Gainesville. She also notes that they are homebodies who love spending lots of time reading, watching movies, cooking, and playing with their dog.
When asked to describe their style, Toni explains, "Patrick and I both really enjoy looking for random stuff in thrift stores/ on Craigslist/ on the curb when we aren't too busy with school. I don't know how to define our style, since it's mostly dependent on what other people are getting rid of. Vintage, retro, kitschy, oddball... Nothing new in the blogosphere but our friends and family think it's pretty cool." I have to agree with Patrick and Toni's family and friends: their style is definitely pretty darn cool! Come along on this house tour to check out their charming house, cute pup Herman, and awesome style. Then, check out Toni's great blog to learn more about her Florida life.
Actor James Franco, whose latest role finds him portraying poet Allen Ginsberg in the movie Howl, has just sold his Sunset Strip home.
The house was listed in late September of 2009 for $3.7 million, and recently sold for $3.3 million. Franco originally purchased the house back in 2006 for $2.3 million, so, unlike some other stars, Franco managed to come out ahead on this transaction, although since the home required a major renovation, he may have sunk a lot of money into updates before it was sold.
The 4,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath Spanish-style villa was built in 1923. The home's beautiful open interior spaces and vaulted, beamed ceilings create an airy feel, and a master bedroom suite with city views features a bathroom with a 19th-century marble bathtub. Simply gorgeous. The property is walled and gated for maximum privacy, and also includes a pool and guest casita. Other coveted features include antique architectural details, which were installed during the renovation, and generous outdoor spaces, including lounge areas and an outdoor kitchen. The chef's kitchen, with its La Cornue stove in particular has drawn my eye. It's a beautiful design, and one that's perfectly suited for the home chef.
While the home has been staged to within an inch of its life (with animal hide rugs and sheepskins scattered copiously about each room), the house's handsome bones and beautiful indoor-outdoor California living floor plan speak for themselves. This is definitely a lovely house, and whomever snapped it up is lucky indeed.
When I was a little girl, I dreamed about having a vanity table on which to keep my jewelry, makeup, and perfume. It seemed like such a glamorous addition to a bedroom. Of course, a pretty mirror to check my reflection in was needed as well, and it wouldn't hurt to have a fab, feminine chair. In fact, now that I think about it, this image, from interior stylist Lucyina Moodie's portfolio, pretty much illustrates my girlhood dream.
With Valentine's Day less than a week away, I've been seeing hearts everywhere. One of my favorites is this Basotho Blanket ($250). A mix of wool and cotton, this blanket is inspired by the ace of spades in a playing card deck. While it's not the typical heart shape, it's close enough to sweetly relay the sentiment, without being too saccharine.
Are you looking to add some hearts to your home? Check out my other finds below.
When I was a little girl, I dreamed about having a vanity table on which to keep my jewelry, makeup, and perfume. It seemed like such a glamorous addition to a bedroom. Of course, a pretty mirror to check my reflection in was needed as well, and it wouldn't hurt to have a fab, feminine chair. In fact, now that I think about it, this image, from interior stylist 
No Romeo