Cupid and I hate to be pests, but there is no stopping the calendar.  February 14th is on it’s way and whether or not you are choosing to ignore it, time marches on with or without you, my friend.  Maybe you’ve just started dating someone potentially special (but how can one really be sure?) or perhaps you just want to trade gifts with girlfriends instead.  Whatever your Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be, there are some very sweet options so as not to appear completely crazy in love (or creepy).  Nothing worse than going all in without the slightest bit of reciprocity.  Awkward.

1. Alphabet Bags Heart Tote, $23, 2.Diptyque Roses Pink Candle, $32, 3. Kate Spade New York Say Yes Necklace (Ooh La La), $62.99, 4. Wildfox Couture Gold Sparkle Heart T, $107, 5. Lanvin Set of Envelopes and Colored Pencils, $115, 6. MARC by Marc Jacobs iPhone 4 Wild Hearts Case, $34, 7. Tory Burch Red Leopard Heart Scarf, $122.99, 8. Paw Me a Cup Tea Set, $45.99

xx,

WhyDid

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One day while chatting with one of my best gal pals, I went MIA (no, not like the middle finger wielding MIA).  I had to apologize and tell her that I had gone ahead and whipped up some lemon bars on a whim.  She laughed and asked when the mini van was coming.  I assured her NEVER and explained that it all started with this tree.  That, my fine friends, is a Meyer’s lemon tree and it’s happily growing in our back yard.  Not only does it look pretty, but it yields a very deliciously sweet version of a lemon.  Lately, it’s been yielding a lot of lemons and rather than just let them drop to the ground and rot, I figured I need to put these lovely lemons to work.

My mom mentioned that her best gal pal had a really delightful recipe from Barefoot Contessa and so I decided to give it a go.  Now, I must warn you… this recipe is a labor of love.  It is well worth all of the effort though.

Ingredients (Crust):

• 1/2 lb unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flower
• 1/8 tbs kosher salt

Ingredients (Filling):

• 6 extra large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tbs lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. For crust: cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 
3. Combine flour and salt and add to the butter until just mixed. 
4. Dump dough onto well floured board and gather into a ball, flatten the dough w/ floured hands and press into a 9x13x2 inch baking sheet, building up a ½ inch edge on all sides. 
5. Chill.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. 
7. Let cool on wire rack.
8. Leave oven on.
9. For the Filling: Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. 
10. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set. 
11. Let cool to room temp.
12. Cut into triangles and dust with confectioner’s sugar.
13. Store in the fridge.

Make lemon bars.

xx,
WhyDid

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In the off chance that you are (being forced) to watch the Super Bowl, I wanna know who you’re rooting for, what you’re eating… and most importantly what you’re wearing.

For the record, I’m in it for the queso.

xx,

WhyDid

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So, let’s say you’re not into the love fest that is Valentine’s Day.  Nothing wrong with that (and you are not alone, my friend).  Some of my most fun Valentine’s Days were not spent lamenting love, but cutting loose with friends instead.  Whether that included cupcakes and sappy rom-com’s at home or dancing on tables at Cipriani, a playlist was needed.  I found it much easier than expected to compile a list of songs that will have love as the furthest thing from your mind.

 ex ex,

WhyDid

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Shall we go ahead and acknowledge the upcoming calendar holiday (ahem, Valentine’s Day)?  Knowing you pretty (and smart) ladies, you’ve probably already got a handful (or more) of handsome suitors just willing you to be their Valentines.  As a matter of fact, they’re probably doodling your name as we speak.  Whether or not you oblige one of these lucky gentlemen on their offer or opt to hit the town with your favorite gal pals instead, it’s never too early to start planning your outfit.  Stick to traditional red, a splash of fuchsia, or spice things up with a playful pattern.  These frocks are sure to get all kinds of hearts aflutter.

1. DKNY Cutout Stretch Ponte Dress, $295, 2. Lipsy Lace Panel Dress, $63.56, 3. Herve Leger Colorblock Lola Dress, $1,590, 4. Kimberly Taylor Diana Dress, $193, 5. Mc Q Alexander McQueen Racer Dress, $365, 6. Lucca Couture Cutout Ponte Dress, $29.99, 7. Diane von Furstenberg Tamika Colorblock Dress, $345, 8. Juicy Couture Printed Ruffle Neck Dress, $178, 9. Matthew Williamson Rainbow Satin and Crochet Appliqued Lace Dress, $2,675, 10. Parker Ruffle Side Dress, $198

Looking fine, Valentine.

xx,

WhyDid

image via Jen and Ink

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