bringing sexy back.

The other day I was introduced to Jessica Gerard, the owner of Flirt Boutique. She is probably once of the sweetest lady's around and her store is just adorable!

Flirt is a sexy-sweet lingerie boutique inspired by Hollywood glamour and pin-up girls.  Voted "Best Lingerie" by Minnesota Monthly in 2008 and by City Pages in 2009, it is clear that Flirt aims to please her customers! 

Romantic decor right down to the "Marry Me Pink" paint on the walls and comfortable atmosphere add to the shopping experience both for women and men. 

Flirt also carries European hosiery, perfume, jewelry, bubble bath, travel lingerie bags for a special trip, and a naughty shelf or two for bachelorette parties to pick up a treat!

I, personally am a fan of her store and with my soon-to-come nuptials have been given many gifts and have purchased a few goodies of my own that my fiance will be thankful for.

I have also gotten word on a new lingerie boutique opening up THIS Friday, July 1st!

It's located at the corner of 50th and France in Edina, called Room No. 3 

The store will be in between  Bluepeg & Beaujos.

I cannot wait to check it out! 

So if you are looking for something to surprise your special someone or just a fun, unique gift for a bachelorette, make sure you check out either one of these shops. 

Flirt Boutique

177 N. Snelling Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55104

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-8

Room No. 3

4948 France Ave.

Edina, MN 55410

worth every penny.

Now, I understand that getting excited about such things like appliances, will qualify you to be down right-OLD! I'm can remember when my parent's bought themselves a new tile floor for Christmas and they couldn't have been more excited. I NEVER thought I would see that day. However, Jon and I just purchased a Dyson DC33 vacuum and let me tell you...

1. The thing glides across the floor like butter.
2. It weighs close to nothing. [compared to most vacuum's]
3. The suction is quite intense and picks up EVERYTHING on the first try. 

 If you are or have been thinking on spending the money to get a Dyson...I can promise you, it's worth EVERY penny.

* and on sale at Target [for a limited time only]

pioneer woman.

I haven't been posting much these last couple weeks due to my wedding being just about 2 weeks away. My focus has been making sure I am able to enjoy my 4th of July weekend...& we are SO in control!

I did want to share a blog that I try and read on a daily basis though. Her name is Ree and she's a city girl, turned country girl. She offers a broad spectrum of interests on her blog. Everything from cooking/baking recipes to photography contests, a section on home and garden and much more! 

Please check her out here at The Pioneer Woman!

What are some of your blogs you read daily?

blister block.

I Just wanted to share a fabulous product I've been a fan of for a while now, Band Aid Brand-Blister Block.

Now, after reading the reviews for this product, I don't know if I would be running out to buy it, but this blister block has worked wonders for me. Tried and true-I'm on my third one!

currently loving...

this AMAZING ring!

Aged Leaf Ring-$88, Anthropologie

On my last weeks trip to Anthro, I swear I'm there on a weekly basis, I came across this ring. I tried it on and of course it fit JUST right. It didn't end up coming home with me that day, but I have been thinking about it ever since. They have MANY other amazing rings on their site right now worth checking out.

color blocking.

Even these popsicle's are showing off how color blocking can look SO good this season. I know it's been a treat week over here at SimpleLove, but I found these while perusing pinterest and thought they were a perfect treat for the long weekend ahead. Memorial Day is the kick-off to summer isn't it? Let's hope we get ONE nice day outta the weekend. PA-LEEZE MN! 

 There really is no particular recipe for these. Feel free to use whatever juice, lemonade or yogurt you prefer. 

 Ingredients used shown above: 

Grape Juice

Pink Lemonade

Vanilla Greek Yogurt mix,

1 cup vanilla greek yogurt

2 tbsp. of sugar

1/2 tsp. of vanilla bean paste or extract

For the Raspberry Puree,

1 pint of raspberries

1tbsp. of sugar

1 tbsp of white wine (optional) 

add the raspberries, sugar and white wine into a blender or food processor & blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a sieve to remove the seeds.

To make the stripes, pour a layer into the mould and let set for at least an hour in the freezer, repeat after each layer. stick the popsicle stick in right away and it should stand upright. Once all the layers are completed, freeze the popsicles overnight.

Freeze time will differ depending on temp. of freezer.

Have a safe and great Memorial Day weekend!

heard it here first.

[Missoni Print]

I posted back on March 7th about the Italian designer, Missoni creating a line for Target. It's being released in stores September 13th and things are still hush hush, with the exception of filling us in on 2 select items being featured- bikes and patio furniture...Missoni bikes and patio furniture YES, please! Read the full article here!

NYC guide:

I've been to NYC quite a few times now and feel every time I visit, I'm learning & discovering  more and more great places in the city. I wanted to make a guide for anyone that is planning on taking a trip out to New York City with a few of MY favorite places for all of you to try.

Blush Nail Salon- located at 218 E. 5th St.

This place is BY FAR my favorite nail place hands down. I've had my nails done before in NYC and enjoyed it as well, but this place had me inspired and wanting to open my very own nail salon. The treatments were divine, the music was fun and the prices were incredibly reasonable. 

 Babycakes [nyc]- located at 248 Broome St.

I've had Magnolia Bakery cupcakes before and please don't hate me, but didn't think they were all that great. Ya, the bakery is adorable, but the frosting is a little too buttery & grainy for my liking. Babycakes is a different story folks. These cupcakes are amazing & "good" for you. 

"In a city dominated by cupcakes overflowing with sugar, flour and butter cream, it’s easy for those with persnickety diets to feel left out. BabyCakes offers all-natural, organic and delicious alternatives free from the common allergens: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and eggs. Rest assured, all sweeteners have been chosen responsibly and used sparingly. White sugar will never be found in our bakery, nor will we ever use toxic chemical sweeteners. Instead, most products are sweetened with agave nectar—a natural syrup from a cactus which is low on the glycemia index and often a safe alternative to most non-insulin dependent diabetics. Occasionally, unprocessed and unrefined sugar is used in certain goods, although sparingly."

 A must-have in my book!

Pinkberry- located all over the city, check the website for locations.

Since there are no locations in or even close to MN, It's always a delight whenever I find myself walking into a Pinkberry. My favorite is original yogurt with strawberries and chocolate chips. All of their yogurt flavors and toppings are always fresh and delicious. Cant make up your mind on what to get? They are very generous in the sample department. It's just a great treat-simple-as-that! 

Buddakan- located at 75 9th Ave.

I've been twice now and the food has never disappointed. I would say this restaurant could be compared to Chino Latino here in Minneapolis with it's modern Asian cuisine. The food is meant to be served family style, with individual portions plated. Plan on ordering a lot of choices off the menu and sharing tastes of all. The atmosphere is great and dress code is described as: downtown chic, fun & hip...everything this restaurant delivers!

Spice Market NYC- located at 403 W. 13th St. (& the corner of 9th)

Spice Market is a truly unique experience from the menu to the atmosphere. There is nothing that compares in my mind. They offer the most unique pairings for your pallet and an intimate atmosphere with dark lighting. The perfect place for a date! This place is always busy, so make sure you have a reservation set to get a guaranteed spot. You won't be disappointed!

I have MANY more places to share with you...and you can most definitely look forward to a NYC guide, part 2 to come soon.

outdoor living.

I found these pictures over at Sacramento Street and thought it was an appropriate second post for today. The weather outside is exactly what an outside deck/patio is perfect for and these outdoor pictures are dreamy!  I can't wait to head home and sit outside while enjoying the heat. 

mint sugar.

Sunday night I made dinner for my soon-to-be in-laws to celebrate Mother's Day. Yes, I spent the morning with my own mother-I'm not that mean! With the weather temps becoming increasingly warmer, I thought a bar-b-que style dinner was necessary. I made two yummy salads that night, but one really stood out to me.

[fruit salad with mint sugar]

This is actually not my picture-shh! don't tell, but I forgot to take a picture and wanted you guys to have an image in mind. I used green grapes (as shown), strawberries and blueberries. It was fabulous and SUPER easy! A great salad for any Summer pot-luck.

it's back!

The Mocha-Coconut Frappuccino from Starbucks is back! 

I remember this drink back in 2002 when they first created it & it became one of my favorites instantly.
I was told this drink has been the #1 requested drink since they discontinued it and it will remain available throughout the warm months-it's gonna be a good Summer folks! 

ps. Starbucks is having a Frappuccino HH (happy hour) starting May 6th-15th from 3-5 pm and all frapps are 1/2 off. 

polyvore.

{ YAY! This is my 100th Post!! }

If you like what you've been reading, make sure you become a "follower" of simple love.

Thank you!

How I've never know about this website until now really boggles my mind. I don't even want to admit how many hours of mine were spent yesterday exploring and putting together new outfits. It's like playing paper dolls for grown-ups!

This is such a great site to create your own personal style along with gaining inspiration from other fashion enthusiasts. See something you like? no problem, every "set" is tagged with the exact pieces used and links given for where/how to purchase.

 This is trouble ladies and gentleman...

I created the first look for more of a Summer, running around, everyday look & the second for more of a Summer night, evening-on-the-town look!

Enjoy!

current fave.

I purchased this bag right before I left for AZ and it is THE perfect Spring/Summer carry all! The straw is durable, yet not scratchy while against your skin. It's perfect for a day at the beach, a trip to the farmers market or even for daily use. I definitely recommend it!

a friend in need.

Have you ever been out on a shopping trip solo and really just needed a trusted friend to tell you if it's a yay or nay? Well there's an app for that!

I came across the application Pose (free for the I-phone).  This app allows you to take a picture of yourself or the item, (say it's an accessory) and send along to a friend or post to a board of fellow "posers" for feedback, or information on where to purchase the item.

Enjoy!

you and me.

While out shopping in Arizona, I came across this adorable plate with the sweetest saying...just you and me!

baby hummingbirds.

This past weekend was spent down in Arizona with my future in-laws (mother and sister) and my mom for a ladies weekend. Every morning was spent waking up to tasty breakfasts, a good cup of coffee and the warm sun. A day didn't go by that we didn't spent time hiking and with that comes the fabulous wildlife in the dessert. One of the coolest things we saw this trip was a hummingbird nest. I've never seen a hummingbird not flapping its wings flying around, so to see it sitting in a nest warming it's babies was so fun.

The nest couldn't have been bigger than a golf ball. We are making our way back down to AZ again in a week and a half and I can't wait to check back and see if the babies have hatched. (we researched it only takes 12-14 days)

need anything?

Sorry about not posting yesterday-the time got away from me!

Today I found out about a very cool website (through another blog) called Pinterest. This site lets you upload ANYTHING you are loving. What a great way to find things you need, yet never knew about! ha! This site is also great to create mood boards and store all inspiration into one place- a virtual pin board!

primp yourself.

This morning I stopped in one of my good friend Wesley's shop, Primp (also owned by her friend Michelle). I must say, it was SO nice to see bright colors line the walls and try on all the sleeveless tanks & dresses in store. I think we are all ready for Spring to arrive. Everything there is incredibly priced and oh-so-stylish. I can't imagine anyone leaving empty handed.

If your in the area of Selby and Dale, make sure you stop into Primp{cheap-chick}Boutique!

Become a fan on Facebook!

shhhh...

I've got a secret!

Living in Minnesota may have its perks (every once and a while) especially when you can find out exactly what one of the largest retailers is up to.

 

"GO International is an innovative program designed to provide affordable fashion created by emerging designers. GO International is an exciting way to deliver the latest style to our female guests at the prices they expect from Target."

Target's Go International line IS known for bringing great designers into their stores at affordable prices. The list of designers is impressive and this Summer is no different. They will be showcasing the work of Italian designer ? (click to find out) This line will have similarities to last summers designer: Liberty of London. The designs are being spread throughout Target stores.

Check back so I can let you know exactly when to mark your calender!

gawkers.

I don't know why I do this to myself, but at the end of my work day (I'm usually starving at this point) I search this blog to see what kind of recipes I can find for dinner. The pictures alone make you hungry!

They also have a wedding version-check it out!