by Sonia Lovett | Feb 14, 2021 | Fashion
Is love really in the air? Dare I even ask on an iconic holiday like this one? But I will. Do you catch yourself or your significant other dreading Valentine’s Day? Do we feel pressured to top last year’s celebration? Keep reading to discover how to have a happy Valentine’s Day with your significant other! Chocolate Cake recipe included!
The History of Valentine’s Day
During the 3rd century, in Rome, Emperor Claudius II created strict laws about what Christians were allowed to do. He had passed a law preventing Roman soldiers from marrying so that they could stay devoted to Rome. To help the Roman Soldiers, a Catholic priest named St. Valentine began marrying these soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies. He was jailed for breaking the law. He still cared for people while being imprisoned and legend has it that he even cured the jailor’s daughter’s blindness. St. Valentine was set to be executed on February 14. According to the legend, before his execution he wrote a love letter for her signed ‘from your Valentine.’
It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that people began linking St. Valentine with romantic love thanks to Chaucer’s poetry about Valentine’s Day. In 1400, February 14 was marked as an annual celebration of love by a charter that was issued by Charles VI of France. People would take part in lavish festivities, feasts, dancing, singing, and poetry competitions.
Why do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Americans began celebrating Valentine’s Day in the early 1700’s. People were exchanging handwritten letters and notes known as ‘valentines’ with their partners. Commercially, the very first mass-produced valentines were made in the 1840s by Ether A. Howland. She made elaborate ones with lace and hearts on them. Since then, it has become wildly popular to buy your loved ones valentines and other gifts to express your admiration for them.
Often in films and television we see new couples excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Since it is a day to honour one another, there are usually expectations of gifts, flowers and chocolates. But when the honeymoon phase is over, couples don’t make an effort to celebrate it the way they used to and the once happy occasion becomes distressing for some. Usually women don’t see men trying to celebrate it like they used to. Does the love fade? Why do some men start dreading Valentine’s Day?
Why Do Men Think It’s a Hallmark Holiday?
Some people call Valentine’s day a Hallmark ‘Holiday’ – they believe it’s artificial and has no real purpose. You may have found some men using that as an excuse to not celebrate the happy occasion. Men might even complain that the holiday forces people to buy cards, chocolates and flowers. But why do they stop trying to impress their significant other? Perhaps they feel pressure to top the previous celebrations. Usually when expectations are placed upon you, you simply dread putting in the work to meet them. So should we just stop expecting the flowers and start asking for what we really want?
Taking Control of the Happy Occasion
Ladies, it is time to take control of Valentine’s day. If you truly want to have a happy Valentine’s day be transparent with what you want. Let the love of your life know exactly how you want to celebrate it! If you want a bouquet of roses, just ask for it. If you want a weekend getaway let him know where you’d like him to whisk you away. Not only will it take the pressure off of him, it will also make you look forward to the big day. But remember it’s also good to flip the script. Why don’t you make the plan and take all the pressure off. You might consider taking turns every year deciding what to do. To keep a relationship alive some mystery and mutual responsibility works wonders. You might find out you both get what you want!
How To Have A Happy Valentine’s Day
To have a happy Valentine’s day, dress up! Red is a classic color to wear on Valentine’s Day, it makes you appear more attractive than usual. So, put on that little red dress that makes you feel oh so confident. Wear your favorite jewelry, lately I’ve been obsessed with the bonbon ring from @pharaouncocktailrings. Make sure to indulge in some chocolates from @fameschocolates. Additionally, getting a card or a gift for your partner will express your love and appreciation for them. You can even plan a special dinner or bake a cake for your valentine!
Lastly, take a lot of pictures to commemorate the day and enjoy that wonderful gift of time you gave each other.
If you are taking a short trip, here is a way to pack light. One red jumpsuit with an evening blazer or bomber jacket for an evening out. Great accessories mandatory. The morning after, pop a sweater over the jumpsuit and you are good to go. Being “low maintenance” is also a gift.
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cake Recipe
An added bonus to make your Valentine’s Day even better!
My oh so simple cake for two!
Ingredients for the Cake
- 4 oz. butter
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
- 3 whole eggs
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cake flour
Topping Ideas
- rose petal ice cream
- whipped cream
- health bar
- cocoa nib
- rainbow spinkles
- caramel sauce
- chocolate sauce
- candied rose petals
- raspberries
- blackberries
- marshmallows
Directions:
- melt butter and chocolate together
- whisk eggs and sugar together
- whisk melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture
- whisk in cake flour
Pour cake mixture into a small round tin can, bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes until outside of the cake is set and the center is still soft. Please note: baking times may vary. Top cake with your choice of toppings while still hot and enjoy!
by Sonia Lovett | Feb 7, 2021 | Fashion, Sustainability
How a luxury brand made sustainable fashion the latest trend:
One game changing company that has joined the sustainable fashion movement is The RealReal. This luxury consignment retailer asserts that “the future of fashion is circular.” Through its sustainability initiative, @TheRealReal allows people to sell and buy authenticated second hand luxury goods.
What is ‘Circular Fashion?’
Circular fashion refers to designing durable products meant to be used for as long as possible while limiting pollution and waste during the manufacturing process. When they can no longer be used, they are regenerated into new products.
This design process makes fashion incredibly sustainable and promotes guilt-free consumption. We all may like buying new products but at the same time, we dislike being wasteful. Through its sustainability initiative, The RealReal has made it very easy for consumers to participate in the sustainable fashion movement.
Rise of The RealReal
The RealReal was founded by Julie Wayne Wright as a small startup. It came into fruition because Julie believed that luxury consumers would jump at an easy and discreet way to unload last season’s looks. It opened a whole new avenue for mainstream shoppers to pick high-end items at a discount.
Now it’s been in business for 10 years and has turned into an authenticated luxury consignment venue, currently valued at over $300 million on the stock exchange.
The RealReal allows people to sell second hand luxury goods from handbags to fine jewelry, designer clothing to home decor and fine art. All available at a fraction of the price and all authenticated.
The excitement of in-store shopping has now also come to The RealReal with seven retail stores across the country. These stores allow people to drop off their consignment and shop the The RealReal’s most coveted pieces.
With commission structures higher than anywhere else and authentication being the benchmark, this female owned company has made it to the big time.
How The RealReal Promotes Sustainable Fashion
The RealReal has brought awareness to sustainability in the fashion industry with nearly half of its shoppers citing sustainability as a key motivation to consign. Most consumers are shopping The RealReal as a replacement for fast fashion.
The RealReal has shown its commitment to sustainability by creating a truly innovative ‘First-Of-Its-Kind’ Sustainability calculator. This calculator measures the total energy (greenhouse gas) and water saved by extending the life of a clothing item instead of creating a similar new piece. This powerful company encourages its consignors and shoppers to extend the life cycle of luxury goods. As a result, people would be less likely to harm the environment since the demand for fast fashion would decrease.
From easily wearable fashion to over-the-top pieces, this sustainable brand has something for everyone.
Sustainability being a key component of how we choose to shop going forward, there is nothing but an upside to The RealReal.
by Sonia Lovett | Feb 3, 2021 | Fashion
Knit dresses are a great option to dress up a casual look. Freed from the constraints of the ubiquitous joggers or leggings you can dress them up or down to your heart’s content. Here are a few ideas:
Formal and Stylish
Details of this look: My blazer from @T.ba which my sister brought me from Spain and a chic vintage belt from @celine doll up this V neck knit midi dress by @ralphlauren. But the real secret here are my @canopisleeves. They add a collar and cuffs with no bulk under this lightweight cashmere dress. Oversize faux tortoiseshell glasses and an of the moment bag #shopthelook @thequeenbumblee add to the look. Don’t forget coordinating jewelry, (I still have trouble mixing metals) and perhaps a watch for just the right touch of Lady Boss My comfortably heeled boots from years ago @colehaan take me through the day.
Casual and Comfortable
Details: This casual but appropriate for so many occasions look shows off the on trend Shacket purchased from @amazon that comes in many color combinations and is under $40. The @Valentino belt (a great find from @saks50off) cinches the look over a knit turtleneck dress again from @poloralphlauren. Wooden heeled booties from @frye and a @chanel shopper bag purchased from @therealreal compliment this wear anywhere cost effective look. Don’t forget your jewelry! For great statement rings I go to @pharaouncoctailrings silver hoops and some bracelets add just the right touch.
Chic and Casual
Details: A color block knit dress from @armoirestyle goes great with @goldengoose sneakers (or any you have handy) and you can literally run through the day. A casual but iconic @chanel over the shoulder bag always kicks things up a notch without seeming over done. I wear long necklaces @proudpearls to elongate my torso and give the look that extra touch. Rent the colorblock dress from @armoirestyle – a sustainable option!
@solebliss A British company that has been making comfortable shoes for the monarchy for ages now designing shoes for all of us. especially if you have a foot condition. Made in Italy of beautiful leather here is my present favorite.
Take some risks with that knit dress you’ve got and dress it up!
by Sonia Lovett | Jan 31, 2021 | Wellness
Since beauty starts from within, let’s take a look at how we can manage our gut health.
What is Gut Health?
Gut health is described by the function and balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. The bacteria located there help you to breakdown food and transform nutrients into energy your body can use. There’s good bacteria and bad bacteria, the good bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check so you won’t develop a digestive illness. Which is why it’s crucial to manage your gut health.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
When the bad bacteria exponentially multiples, it becomes difficult for the good bacteria to keep it under control. Some signs of an unhealthy gut are gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to keep those symptoms under control and manage your gut health.
How to Manage Your Gut Health
Here are some of the ways in which you can balance your gut health:
- Drink more Water
Drinking more water can promote the balance of the good bacteria in the gut and fight bloating. Water also protects the intestines and helps you to digest food better.
- Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Processed food and foods high in sugar and fat can really disrupt the microorganisms in your digestive tract. Adding some more veggies and other plant-based foods in your diet can help to promote a healthy gut. Additionally, fiber is one nutrient that we sometimes forget about. Getting enough of fiber in your diet can lead to a healthy gut microbiome.
- Stop Stressing!
Stress can impact your health negatively in many ways but in the gut, stress can increase sensitivity, cause an imbalance of the bacteria, and reduce blood flow. To reduce your stress, try meditating, working out and doing some deep breathing exercises.
- Support the Good Bacteria in Your Gut
Since probiotics are made up of good bacteria, taking a probiotic supplement can really help balance your gut’s microorganisms and improve your overall health.
Ancient Nutrition’s SBO Probiotics Ultimate
The best probiotic I’ve come across is Ancient Nutrition’s SBO Probiotics Ultimate by Dr. Axe. I have always said beauty starts from within so I decided to take the gut type quiz on Ancient Nutrition’s website and found out I had a ‘yeasty gut.’ I knew it was true since I was craving sugar over the holidays. Ancient Nutrition sent me a concrete action plan for what I should be eating (and avoiding). Since I started following the recommendations and taking the probiotics my cravings have diminished and I’m feeling a lot better.
This wonderful product is a soil-based probiotic which means that it’s hardy and more resistant to harsh environments. These probiotics do not have to be refrigerated and can survive the high heat of your digestive tract. The SBO Probiotics Ultimate even have prebiotics in them for the probiotics to survive and thrive in your gut. With 2 capsules daily and following a healthy diet, you will get all you need to feel great inside out! Take Ancient Nutrition’s gut check quiz to find out your gut type!
A healthy gut can process food better and eliminate waste with less difficulty. So, learning to manage your gut health is vital to living a long and healthy life!
by Sonia Lovett | Jan 27, 2021 | Fashion, Wellness
Should you be dressing for the job you want even in lockdown? Can what we choose to wear while working at home affect our mood, behavior, and productivity?
The adage “dress for the job you want not the job you have” encourages people to look their best in order to project a persona of confidence on the people around them. However, due to coronavirus a lot of people don’t feel the need to dress up or make an effort to look presentable since they won’t be leaving the house.
I believe in looking your best at all times. The act of dressing up itself, is an act of self-love and appreciation. Looking presentable should not just be reserved for impressing those around us or posting on Instagram. Dressing for success boosts your confidence and helps you to be productive as well so why not do it for ourselves?
How the Lockdown Affected Our Dressing Sense
As the pandemic hit us hard, the government mandated lockdowns across the nation. Everyone had 
to transition from going to the workplace every day to working at home – a unique situation for most of us. As there was no need to look well-dressed to others due to all of the virtual meetings, a lot of people began dressing more informally and some even stayed in their pajamas. Perhaps to cope with all of the changes the pandemic brought on, most people sought comfort.
With comfort in mind, loungewear and activewear were the two types of clothing styles being marketed to the public. Although, those styles of clothing make us feel cozy, do they inspire us to work hard? Or does dressing down affect our mental-health?
How Your Attitude is Affected by What You Wear
Ever notice whenever you try to look your absolute best you feel so good about yourself? When we wear what makes us look and feel beautiful, the act instantly enhances our mood. My maroon coat paired with black dress pants and a pair of leopard-print shoes make me feel chic, trendy, powerful and ready to take on the world. Even if I have nowhere to go, how I feel when I dress well motivates me to accomplish even more.
The clothes we choose to wear can definitely influence our mental health. Since people have not been able to leave the house for a while now, it’s easy to feel miserable and just live in sweatpants. But that does not have to be the case. We can take steps to feeling better just by trying to look put-together. Psychologists suggest sticking to your pre-pandemic routine during lockdown to help cope with all of the changes. So, try wearing a professional trendy attire to breakfast with your family and your zoom meetings. Your mood will instantly improve and might even make you want to work harder during those virtual meetings.
Why You Should Dress Up
Setting aside an outfit and your favorite accessories the night before can boost your self-esteem in the morning. As you start dressing up for the job you want even in lockdown, you will begin to feel empowered and confident. This can propel you to work towards your full potential and say yes to more opportunities. So, when you dress up every day like it’s a special day, you feel better and when you feel better you do better.
What do you think? Do you feel inspired to dress up now?
