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The Best Valentine’s Gifts to show You Care

Some may argue that Valentine’s Day is a capitalist marketing scheme created to stifle the mid-winter retail slump and give restaurants an excuse to overcharge. Others may relish in the dark history of the day. Me? I’ll take any excuse to shower the ones I love (and enjoy our pizza + champagne on the couch tradition).

While many may opt for flowers and chocolate I’ve put together a list of unique gifts to show the one/S you love just how much you care. Flowers and chocolates can still be added as a sweet bonus!

Adopt an animal.
Okay, maybe you can’t have pets in your apartment or maybe your fiancé has said “no more” after the last stray you brought home. Thankfully, this gift won’t poop on your floor or hog the bed. I recommend the following rescues that allow you to symbolically adopt a cutie.

1. David Sheldrick Wildlife allows you to adopt elephants that have been orphaned. You get monthly updates and photos as well as heart warming stories of other rescues.
2. World Wildlife Fund has a wide range of animals you can “adopt” and they give you a plush stuffed animal to commemorate your new family member!
3. The Sierra Club is known for their conservation efforts, and now you can be too!

Take a Class
In the age of materialism it’s good to get hands on. I love the idea of taking a class together; pottery, painting, bee keeping, a new language…no matter your vibe there’s something you two can do together!

Experiences
Massages are a quintessential v-day gift but this year up the ante. Check out your local Groupon and find something fun to get your S/O’s heart pumping just like it did on your first dates. I recommend sky diving, bungee jumping, growlers and a tour at a local brewery, a concert/show, or a relaxing weekend staycation.

Classic Upgrades
Some classics are around for a reason. Grab a Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair (Spanish and English Edition)“>book of love poems for your love but up the ante by writing a personal inscription in the beginning, drawing hearts on the pages of your favorite poems, or leaving a note of a memory next to one that reminds you of a piece of your relationship. Or, upgrade the scent of your s/o to something that will make them feel special and a new.

What do you think you’ll be getting your significant other for Valentine’s Day? How will you be celebrating?

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Stripes + Silk Bomber

Weekends are for casual wear. I’ve been upgrading my wardrobe basics lately and this Everlane top is a cozy favorite. Taking a nod from the “Franco-files” I paired my stripes with a silk printed bomber, high waisted jeans, and casual sneakers to get me feeling bright and fun and ready to take on the weekend!

Everlane crew neck (get it here for $20!)
Philosophy Silk Jacket (similar here, here)
ASOS jeans
Adidas Originals sneakers
lips: ColourPop Ultra Matte in “Mars”

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2016 Holiday Cards

The holidays are such a joyous time, a reflection upon the past year and a time to celebrate and share. This is our third year sending out photo holiday cards and when it comes time to send them out we always go running to TinyPrints. Our cards have always come out beautifully, and we love the foil options and to choose a fun envelope insert (chevron is our go to!) Choosing a quality non-denominational card is always important as well and their selection is beautiful and festive.

Have you ordered your holiday cards yet? If not, order here to receive 10 free cards with your order!

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Monthly Musings Vol. 7

Good Morning to you all, and welcome to November. I hope your Halloween hangovers are mild and your memories are plentiful. Now, for some inspiration of my favorite things from the past month to ease you into the workday, and the new month.

1. With the cooler temperatures on the way I am dreaming of these fireplaces; #6 is totally #housegoals! And #11 speaks to my wordly style goals.
2. I’m hoping this shirt is on everyone’s wishlist now, for hilarity and for charity.
3. “Uber for Millennials Who Want an Orchestra” – I’m hoping this start up explodes within the next year so I can use it for my wedding!
4. Making my home less-cluttered is a constant goal of mine, but the rest of these 10 ways to make your home more sophisticated seem a little more feasible.
5. Looking ahead to a month of freshness (and hopefully updating the blog more than I did in October) with these inspos for the chilling weather in style and minimalism.
6. Also perfect for the chilly weather? This round up of delicious recipes!
7. Being cold has me dreaming up warm weather vacations, with my best friends in tow.

Wishlisting: (1) This sweater is ruffled bell-sleeved perfection. (2) a Corduroy and faux shearling jacket in the perfect wine color is a MUST for fall! (3) The perfect layering piece for cold days that doesn’t feel bulky (I will never NOT shamelessly plug HeatTech). (4) I cannot stop dreaming over this Gucci belt…the perfect accoutrement to a jeans and a tee shirt look. (5) I want literally all of these pins and patches from this site.

 

Like what you see?

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Monthly Musings Vol. 4

It’s August! The summer is in full swing. I’m currently on vacation (though this post was obviously written over the course of July in it’s entirety) and I gotta say I’m super stoked to get in some beach reads and soak up ALL the sun I can for the week!

Whether you’re enjoying summer or stuck at work, here’s something to give you a little break: my favorite finds and reads from the internet this month!

1. Part of my 2016 bucket list is to go on a trip alone. With my growing love of yoga and my forever love of the ocean I’m totally thinking this Yoga and Surf retreat might be just what I need.
2. I can’t believe I’m only JUST hearing about REI’s United Outside summer series of events (to celebrate their first location in DC!). Campfire s’mores and a wine and photo tour? SIGN ME UP! Anyone else outdoorsy want to go!?
3. Keeping on with this theme of adventure…these under $500 vacas are screaming my name for weekend getaways.
4. to get politically topical…this is how to get white people to stop being racist (scientifically).
5. Since I’m at the beach, why not enjoy these vintage beach photos! How glam was beach going back in the day, sans SnapChat and Selfies? I’m hoping my squad and I can be as glam as the one above.
6. Now looking ahead and out of summery goodness into some prefall date nights, I really need a fire pit in my yard or on my porch. What about you? I legit can’t get over the copper metal one!

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My New Custom Phone Case

When CaseApp approached me about designing my own skin or case for one of my devices I was ecstatic, and a little overwhelmed. In today’s world there are already so many choices; options to “customize” and make your device your own. But with summer looming towards us and a few tropical trips planned, I knew what I had to do. I had to get creative and let my artiste flag fly.

I found an image of a palm print background and played around with my own as well as their software. I ended up creating a case for my iPhone; a fun case that when I look at it everyday will remind me of the warm weather that is to come.

custom case c/o CaseApp
get your own for 20% off with code “LART20”

What do you think of my new case? What fun prints are YOU most looking forward to this summer?!

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5 Things I Read Daily

Everyone is always talking about routines, especially at the beginning of a new season or year. Part of my routine when I wake up (after grabbing a cup of coffee and lazily scrolling through InstaGram) is to catch up on the daily news in multiple forms, not just fashion. Here’s a peak at what I read!

1. I start my morning with Washington Post’s Morning Mix; it’s a collection of the top news stories from around the country and world. You can read it online, but I love that it goes straight to my inbox in an easy to read format.
2. While I’m in my inbox I read the Daily Skimm, which is also available online but like I said #easyaccess. It’s a humorously written account of the biggest news in the world. Do yourself a solid and sign up now here!
3. Next up, Refinery29.com is entered into the browser. I honestly really really wish they would put their “8 things to Know” into an email blast form (they just launched it as an app but TBH I think it’s a waste of iPhone storage) but once I get on the site it makes me click into other stories and fun reads that are less news-y.
4. After all the celeb gossip and lifestyle tips I head to ApartmentTherapy for some décor inspiration. I love being inspired by other people’s homes and the before and afters always give me such home for my own home!
5. Lastly, I check out PopVille, which is a must for any DCer. It has news about road closures, traffic, safety, and events… My favorite is checking between 3:30 and 4:00pm for the Afternoon Animal Fix!

 

I try to get all my reading done before I start work for the day, but if it’s a slow day I’ll recheck these or check out a few others.

Do you have any daily readings in your life? What do you suggest I add to my list!?

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Girl Crush: Olivia Palermo

I know this isn’t breaking news; Olivia Palermo is a Street Style Star. She’s been on my radar ever since her The City days where she battled it out with Whitney Port. Back then while I appreciated her style, it wasn’t me. It didn’t resonate with the still punk-y college girl on a college girl budget. Now that I’m a big girl and both of our styles have evolved I can definitely say that I look to Olivia for inspiration.

She’s feminine and flirty, but her cut throat attitude still shines through. She’s not afraid to make a bold statement or try something new, and I love that. It’s something old Sahra and new Sahra both appreciate her for. And lucky for me, and all the other girls who look to Olivia with #goals flashing in our minds, she has created a totally affordable collection for Nordstrom’s; and it’s full of gorgeous pieces that need to get in my closet STAT.

The End is Here…for 2015

Another year is coming to a close. I’m  usually big on reflection all throughout the year, but the last week of December I get especially ruminative. I make yearly goal lists and I’m proud to say that 2015 I checked off most of mine, including things like visiting a new state, visiting a new country, trying foods I don’t normally like, cooking at home more, and reading more.

2015 was AMAZING. I can’t stress that enough. It started by ringing in the New Year with my boyfriend and one of my best friends. We embraced snowstorms galore, traveled to not one but two new countries (the UK and South Africa!). I saw the wild animals of Africa and pet a leopard, I fed a bear in Maine. I hiked abroad and at home. I started a new job that has embraced me and given me so many more opportunities. We started to run an AirBnB out of our spare room. I tried out new beauty products, and even managed to get a face regimen down (finally). We tested cars, we bought a new car. I contributed guest posts to other blogs and websites. I finally joined SnapChat. I spent a few months volunteering my time with cats. We adopted a kitten of our own. I visited a new state, Louisiana, just in the nick of time. And while it doesn’t seem like much, 2015 was by far the best year of my life as of yet.

 

and 2016 is already looking promising…

We’re headed to Marfa, Texas in 3 weeks (kicking off with my New State early!)

Our big annual trip is in the works for March

I’m planning some minor changes to the blog…want to help curate them? Fill out this reader survey and help make 2016 the best year YET for QSS!

Have a wonderful New Year, my dear followers, and I’ll see you in 2016!

XO Sahra