Lifestyle: DIY - Thoughtful Valentines' Day Gift Ideas

February 14th is just around the corner and for those of you who are celebrating, please keep in mind that this day can also be about all of the relationships that you have, not just with your special loved ones.

Therefore I wanted to put together a list of ideas that would work for anyone who is single or in a relationship. The ideas are simple, DIY and will not break the bank. I think that it's important to share how you feel about someone not by spend level but rather how you can show them they mean something to you and matter in your life.

1. PHOTO SLIDE SHOW - Walk down memory lane

This is one of the easiest ones to put together. You don't have to make it fancy or complicated. Choose the best pics of yourself and the loved one.  Put them into a folder.  On Valentines day, send the photos to the special someone and caption each photo.  Rename your pics by Numbers and then in the body of the email, make a numbered list and write your thoughts about the photo.  If you are skilled, you can always create a PowerPoint slide show that includes the text.  A walk down memory lane will always put a smile on anyone's face. 
Switch Up: You can send this to your best girlfriend, cousins or any loved one!

2. LOVE NOTES/LETTERS

Stock Photo.

The art of writing letters is fading, but nothing feels more special than finding an envelope with your name hand written on the front of it.  Be creative, slip these notes or letters in his/her bag or wallet, in her car under the sun visor, in the lunch bag, coat pocket etc.  Pretty much any place the person would naturally reach for their day to day things, to find a surprise love note.  With social media and technology, send the person texts on where to find the next love note.  Nothing is more romantic than having a secret scavenger hunt of love notes. 

Switch Up: Send your parent or grand parent a loving note on how much they mean to you. This gesture is timeless and will mean more to them than you can imagine.

3. COOKING DINNER... with a twist

If you are the one that is the main chef or not, either way this idea warms the heart! Pick a date or a memorable event that is special for you and a loved one and recreate the meal that you had. A nostalgic twist will be very appreciated and the thoughtfulness of cooking the dinner vs. going out will be romantic.  If you want more togetherness, opt to cook parts of the meal together as you reminiscence about that particular night or event together.  
Switch Up: Taking a good friend out for a lunch or a brunch to a favourite place from your past will make for good laughs and new memories.

All of these should hopefully get you to think past the $ value of the day and rather what this day and any day of the year should be about:  LOVE!  Never stop telling people you love them and pay attention to the small details.  Also, who says Feb.14th is just about the ladies, be sure to show love to the special man in your life. 

Happy Valentines Day!

Always Smile :) - Sand

New Collection: Spring 2014 - EFFETTO NUDO by Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani has launched a beautiful collection for Spring 2014 called Effetto Nudo. The collection offers beautiful shades that are luminous, romantic, sheer and translucent - perfect for Spring!  I recently picked up two products from this easy-to-wear collection!

Belladonna Highlighting Palette

Belladonna Highlighting Palette

I am obsessed with this palette! Adding any sort of highlighting to the skin can be tricky if the product has too much sparkle but you don't have to worry with this product. This is a gorgeous palette that offers the following:

• Illumination
• Universally flattering on all skin tones
• A soft focus sheen & highlight
• Powdery Smooth texture
• Incredible feel
• Includes a soft brush

Belladonna Highlighting Palette

You can apply this powder as your accessory finish to your foundation routine for that added glow. Apply to the upper cheek bones, forehead and down the nose or you can use it as a soft highlight for under the brow or in the inner corner of the eyes. Whatever you decide, the effect will be subtle and natural.

Rouge D'Armani Sheers - Hydrating Lipcolour #514 Ivy

#514 Rouge D'Armani Sheers - Shade IVY

There are 3 new Lip Sheers in this collection. Shade 514 (Ivy) is a cool pink toned nude that is flattering on its own, or added after on the lips for additional dimension. The lipstick texture is smooth and moisturizing. This colour may be too cool for deeper skin tones but adding it to warmer lipsticks would work well. A great addition to your makeup bag!

#514 Rouge D'Armani Sheers - Shade IVY

Be sure to check out this collection which is now available at Holt Renfrew Sherway Gardens. Whatever you choose from this collection, you will not be disappointed and you will be ready for Spring 2014!

Always Smile :)  - Sand