Valentine's Recap//Fabulous Finds Friday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I have to say, this year may have actually been my best yet. I joined in on a Valentine's gift swap through The Megnificent Life and exchanged gifts with the lovely Brooke from Wide Open Spaces, so I was fortunate enough to enjoy a care package from her on Wednesday night. Then starting at midnight, I was humbled and moved by everyone's texts and presents, especially since I've been having such a hard time with my health lately. It was truly touching, so thank you! On Thursday night, Sarah and I met up with two friends at Kres downtown for dinner, which was amazing (highly recommend-- fabulous food, gorgeous atmosphere!). The second half of our holiday involved an evening spent frolicking around downtown Orlando, complete with Hello Kitty temporary tattoos, karaoke (yes, I sang an emotional rendition of  "Alone" by Heart), and obviously way too much champagne. 

 .:My lovely Valentine's present from Brooke from Wide Open Spaces...how did she know I collect coffee mugs?!:.

.:Essie Bachelorette Bash Pink Nails:. 

.:Morning coffee in my adorable new mug:.

.:Biggest mistake of the year? Handing out ring pops. I received approximately 17 ring pop proposals. But let's get real... you're never too old to enjoy a ring pop:. 

.:S&S at Fifth downtown after Kres... pink//red for love//power:. 

.:Prepping for some showstopping karaoke during an unexpected cold front:.

.:Now for Fabulous Finds Friday!:.

{Black and White} You can never go wrong with black and white. The combo is classic, chic, and appropriate for any occasion. As the manager of a financial planning firm, professionalism is of the highest concern in my wardrobe. Stripes, houndstooth, polka dots... they all work as a career chic look for any businesswoman, whether you're mingling at a social or hanging around the office.

1. Stripe Criss Cross Halter Top from The Limited, $46.90

2. Black Multi (BKMU) Houndstooth Skirt Dress from Venus, $34

3. Honeycomb Sweater Skirt from Banana Republic, $98

4. Black and White Super Floppy Hat from Nine West, $46

5. Glass Pearl/Jet Bib Necklace from White House Black Market, $78
6. Jacobs Pillow Polka Dot Peplum Dress, $86
7. Hully-Gully Polka Dot Bow Skirt, $58

{What Time Is It?} One of my all-time biggest pet peeves, specifically when interviewing job applicants and during meetings, is pulling out your phone to check the time. Wear a watch. It's professional and can be a integral accessory for sparkling up an outfit, and I'm really feeling white for the coming season. Here are my top 4 {affordable} favorites:

1. Michael Kors Women's Chronograph Parker White Leather Strap 39mm MK2277, $225

2. Fossil Women's Retro Traveler White Silicone Strap 36mm AM4462, $105

3. Kate Spade Women's Carousel White Enamel and Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bangle Bracelet, $250

4. Lacoste Women's Advantage White Rubber Strap, $225

{Turn Off the TV} I used to read all the time, but some of the medication I've been prescribed makes it extremely difficult to focus on small print. Now that my eyesight is finally coming back, it's time for me (and you) to turn off the TV and start reading again. Plus, certain books just offer a profound source of motivation, which I need particularly at the moment. Here are the books on my immediate reading list:

1. "Secrets of Six-Figure Women" by Barbara Stanny

2. "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office" by Lois P. Frankel 

3. "The Black Swan" by Nassim N. Taleb*

4. "The Introvert Advantage" by Marti Olsen Laney

5. "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer** 

*No, not like the movie

**Recommendation from the beloved MF2011

Lastly, don't forget to enter in my #ACraftersDream Giveaway for a chance to win a full-size Valentine's Scentsy burner and scent bar of your choice! Contest ends in 6 days! 

Have a wonderful//fabulous//relaxing weekend, everyone! I know I need it, and I'm assuming all of you hard-working ladies out there do, too. Much love to you all!