TRUE LOVE FOR VALENTINE´S DAY

  I´m a do-it-yourself gal. I apply the approach to love also. A true, deep love comes from within, but it has to be kept alive, as life keeps changing.
  I´m no romantic, but I´ve been fortunate to experience a genuine love that conquers all for the past 19 1/2 years. And it´s still growing stronger. How the heck is that possible?! I never dreamed of a husband, kids, or family life, let alone everlasting love.
  As we approach our 20th anniversary, I´ve done some summing up on how to keep love flourishing through thick and thin.

Check it out on my column Nelland Living!

  Love is precious, cherish and pamper it for the sake of yourself! Happy and love-filled Valentine´s Day weekend!

VALENTINE´S DAY GIFT TIP

  Valentine´s Day is practically just around the corner, and it´s time to start thinking about how to show love and appreciation for that special someone (or yourself!).
  I´ll be darned if these brand new aromatherapy earrings I made don´t do the trick, along with some sensual ylang-ylang essential oil! You can get them from my little shop Nelland Boutique for only 20 e/pair.

Sweet pink hearts are for the younger generation of lovely women.

And these beautiful classic red ones for the more experienced chicks.

  Love is the greatest power in the world, so let´s celebrate it to the fullest!
  Have a love-filled and most romantic upcoming Valentine´s Day! 

IMBOLC FASHION: COTTON CANDY PRINCESS

  Sounds just as overly sweet and syrupy as it is, my new outfit to celebrate the princess within me:

The name "cotton candy" comes from the fuzzy & furry material of the shirt (the same fabric I made a shirt for my daughter and a couple of hats of). Very warm for this cold season. Most little girls go through the pink phase, and I believe a tiny spark is left glowing inside us. Imbolc is the time of year to let that spark fire up into flames. Pink on pink: soft and furry pink shirt combined with another pink as skirt, topped off with pink jewelry and makeup. But when done subtly enough, I can pull it off as workwear. The grey and black tone the whole down nicely.

Cute is a rising style in Japan, and they say it is gaining common popularity there. I don´t think that´s ever going to happen where I live, but I´m not interested in that. I care about doing my thing, with thought and style. This look is a majorly toned down version of the awesome, genuine, Japanese Lolita-style. I was inspired by cute anime and Lolita, but made my own modern version of it by streamlining and simplifying.

I´ve always adored striped pantyhose, whether seen them on a random person on the street or a movie character. But never until now have I made a pair for myself. I was positively surprised; they do not make me look like a whale after all. Striped leggings definitely fall into the cute category, even in this murky color.

This was my starting point. Reality does not always match with my imagination, and once again I had to improvise. But none the less, I´m so happy with the end result!

Makeup, cute enough? Pink on the cheeks, lips, and inner lid of the eyes. But all are subtle tones, I do not want to look like a Barbie doll (which still seems to be the "it" look for many)!  Less is often more.

A close-up of the skirt fabric. Coincidentally it is made in Japan, so no wonder it suits the look.

  This is the outfit I wore to our princess weekend, and it worked well. It is more made up than what I usually would wear, and that makes it special. I like variety in my wardrobe, and hate dull and unimaginative looks. Can you tell...?  =)

  Hmm... perhaps I should wear this for Valentine´s Day too?

SOFT VALENTINE´S BREAKFAST (RAW)

  I´ve totally fallen in love with sweet, yet 100% healthy, puddings for breakfast! This one goes well for Valentine´s Day:

Along with pampering our loved ones, we deserve to pamper ourselves too! This breakfast does just the trick, so indulge with a passion!

Forget it´s healthy, just enjoy!

  The recipe:

1 banana
1/2 avocado
3-4 dried figs
1/2 - 3/4 cup cranberries
vanilla (sugar)
little water

+ Blend all ingredients until soft and silky. Adjust water to your liking.

  This is so lovely, I´m going to make this again tomorrow morning!

VALENTINE´S DAY MAKEUP

  Charm your Valentine with a fresh, new, make up look!
  Valentine´s day justifies the use of pink. Pink can be a tricky color to use in make up, but in my Valentine´s day look it is used very subtly. Pale hues are used to maintain the cool spirit Imbolc is all about.

Love is in the air, and I wanted to create a look that emphasizes that tingling feeling of having butterflies in your stomach when you first fall in love with someone.

With that special sparkle in your eye, and rosy cheeks, you can look and feel like a teenager all over again! 

  The recipe:

1. Eyes: apply light pink onto the inner two thirds of the moving eyelids. Medium grey onto the remaining outer third of the lids, blending carefully towards the edges to make it look natural. Curl lashes and apply one or two coats of mascara. No eyeliner is needed for this look. The idea is to look soft, natural and rosy-cheeked.

2. Cheeks: use pale pink blush, preferably with some shimmer, onto the apples of the cheeks. You will want to achieve the look of fresh, young, and loveable.

3. Lips: Moisten lips well with lip balm, then apply a thin coat of cool pink lipstick. Or use lipgloss. The lips should look fresh and luscious, but not too made up. The overall focus should still be in the eyes.

  It is a good idea to add one or two pink accessories to your outfit to make the whole look well-put-together. As much or as little as suits your personal style.

  Voilá! You´re all set to sweep your loved one off his feet! I´m sure he will appreciate the effort, and a little change from the ordinary is always refreshing. Enjoy!

A big kiss to my Valentine!