Dirty Lace

This is me, over 20 years ago with my pet owl.

Today is my birthday and I am now 26 years old. It’s bittersweet because although I am excited that I am old enough to have the means of doing things for myself and for people I care about, I also can’t help but remember how 10-15 years ago I imagined myself at 26 owning a sick loft, working for some amazing design firm, making more than enough money to help my entire immediate family with anything they wanted, having funded a furniture company in my grandfather’s name and probably popped at least one child by now. But then again, 10-15 years I also thought 26 years old was sooo…old. So what did I know, right?

Still, remembering those goals I had envisioned for myself when I was a child brings me a little bit of sadness. It’s almost like I let my younger self down. Like promising a child you’ll take them to go see Disney World, but you never quite get around to it. And before you know it, that child is now 26 and too old for the kiddie rides.

But although I am too big for kiddie rides now, I’ve still been on on a hell of a ride.

So let’s raise a glass to the little girl in Brasil playing with wild owls and in the dirt with the boys, the little girl convinced she was one of the Power Rangers and that dreamt of becoming a super woman who can help everyone at home.

Here’s to my younger self.

Happy birthday. I promise not to disappoint you.

-DLace

DIY : VALENTINE’S DAY PART 1 

So my birthday is on actual Valentine’s Day. 

Before you go “omg no way aww” let me kindly interrupt you and say that it’s really not that great. At least for me personally, because it’s my actual birthday and I much rather do something completely non-Valentines related for my birthday I.e. take me shark cage diving or race me swimming to the shores of some beautiful Caribbean island and I’d say “damn that was an awesome birthday!” 

But at the end of the day, my birthday still falls on valentine’s day, so I’ve gotten quite a few interesting Valentine’s day gifts from boyfriends and valentines (it IS kinda hard to forget plus it was kind of like killing two birds with one stone for them). Some have been sweet but bit cliche like chocolate dipped strawberries, to some extremely romantic ones like hundreds of paper hearts hanging from the ceiling, to even some creative ones (I once got a cabbage bouquet instead of roses, which I quite frankly loved because it was just so..different). But mostly all had some Valentine relation to them. 

With that said, I feel pretty confident in dubbing myself as one of the best people to come to if you’re in need of some ideas for valentine’s day gift giving. Also because I have always given my valentine, or significant other, something for the lover’s holiday, even if it is my birthday. I believe Valentines’s day is a couple’s appreciation day, not Women’s day [although such a holiday should definitely exist!].

So ladies this year instead of just waiting around for a gift, why not take some time to get creative in showing your significant other your love? Believe it or not, just because some men may not know what to do when handed flowers, doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it.

But you know I am all about Do It Yourself and if you’re up for it, I got some romantic yet creative ideas for you to try ! 

OH and fellas if you’re reading this, take notes because this will be the gift that gives back ;)

• FOR THOSE CELEBRATING IN COLDER CLIMATES : Think warm thoughts 

Sure you can rent out a cabin somewhere, but tenting out at their place is much more unexpected. DesignSponge featured this great DIY with step by step instructions. But if it seems a bit overwhelming to create, think back to your childhood when you got creative with your bed sheets!

DECOR : Get them out of the house somehow for few hours, and create your own little romantic nook filled with flowers, candles, fur blankets, and comfortable pillows. Up the romance level with a lit fireplace. 

FOOD : If you’re not an expert cook, no worries. Pasta is always fast, easy and equally romantic (hello Lady And The Tramp?)

BEVERAGE : Who doesn’t drink on Valentine’s day! But let’s remember that we are Dirty but still classy (so put the whiskey down). Try hot cocoa spiked with Smirnoff’s Marshmallow Flavored Vodka (trust me, it is DELICIOUS).

DESERT : Are you ready for this? S’MORES CUPCAKES. I almost passed out when I came across this recipe. If you can’t really bake, that’s okay, cause neither can I. You can always purchase some Pre-made chocolate cupcakes and make your own s’mores topping with your hottie by the fireplace.

EXTRA TOUCHES : Since you’re already home, why not keep the warmth going with a hot bubble bath covered in rose petals. 

CREATIVE BONUS : Homegirl Martha Stewart has the cutest DIY ; fortune cookies made of red and pink felt fabric, stuffed with hershey kisses and your own personal love (or naughty) messages. Genius. No wonder she gets paid the big bucks.

There you have it, Valentine’s Day DIY Part 1. 

If you’re thinking “But I live in a warmer climate dammit” don’t worry, I got you covered too! Stay tuned for Part 2.

Love, DLace