Day 14: The Story of Us Part 2

STORY CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST

All summer long, Alvi and I remained close friends but we couldn't hide the fact that it was slightly awkward now. He and our entire friend group were aware of my feelings. I started to question my choice of  telling him. In fact, telling him did exactly what we were scared would happen: it started to tear us apart. Alvi had never been the type to have a girlfriend and I think the thought of it really freaked him out. He started to distance himself because he didn't want to hurt my feelings. I started to distance myself because it was hard to be around him when I thought that he "didn't want to be with me". It was tough, really tough. I thought for sure that I just ruined one of the best friendships I had ever had. 

Finally, in August, while spending the weekend at a friend's cabin up north Alvi and I had a very serious and necessary talk. He admitted to me his fears and why he had been acting so different. I completely understood and told him that no matter what my heart might be feeling at that moment that it will never affect our friendship. I told him that eventually my feelings would fade and we would be back to normal. It definitely helped to get us back to where we were before. Now that we were back at school (in separate cities), we continued on as if nothing had happened. We talked on the phone, visited each other, blah blah blah.

Now fast forward the entire semester to Christmas Break. A group of us spent an entire week at a friend's cabin for New Years Eve. By now, Alvi and I no longer had weird tension between us. In fact, I felt like somehow our friendship was even stronger! One night, we were enjoying some adult beverages and he spilled his heart out. I won't go into big detail but basically the talk was about how he felt the same feelings I had but was too scared to admit it. Not wanting to ruin our friendship, he had been hiding his feelings this entire time. Honestly, I was upset by this. I had been embarrassingly wearing my heart on my sleeve for over 6 months, thinking that I was alone in this. I told him that I needed to continue focusing on myself and maybe we really weren't meant to be at all.

Well, long story short, we couldn't avoid what our hearts were telling us. From that moment on we were together 24/7 and a month later, we were official. BEST. DECISION. OF. MY. LIFE. We've been happily in love now for 3 years. I know in my heart that Alvi and I are, and always were, meant to be together. I would be nowhere without him. He has been my rock through so many hardships and I owe him a lifetime of thank-yous because of it. I now know what people mean when they say "you'll know when you're really in love." I thought I "loved" all of my exes.. but now? this relationship? THIS is true, unconditional love. This is what people search their entire life for and I'm lucky enough to have found it early. I will never, ever, ever let him slip away. I'm so happy that I took the chance to admit my feelings to him back in freshman year. Had I never done that? I wouldn't know what it's like to be this happy.

Day 14: The Story Of Us Part 1

Happy Valentine's Day, love bugs! Today is a slightly sad day because this is the conclusion to our 14 Days of Love feature. It's been so much fun sharing all love-related posts with you guys. I just want to thank anyone who participated in this feature, as well as all of you readers :) I hope you enjoyed at least some of the information I threw atchya.

Today's post is supposed to be about my plans for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, Alvi and I are currently in a long-distance relationship. Being that today is a Tuesday, we are unable to make it work for some Valentine's loving. School is much more important! SO, instead I thought I would share with you guys a little bit about us.

WE LOOK LIKE BABIES! (we pretty much were babies)

Alvi and I met while we were both attending separate junior highs in the same city. We had mutual friends and would often see each other on the weekend or at school events, such as football games. It wasn't until high school when both junior highs combined that our friendship really... flourished. We instantly became best friends. He would be the guy I would call when I needed advice and vice versa. We were such good friends that the thought of a relationship never really crossed my mind. I was always with a boyfriend and he was also that "I'm never getting girlfriend or married" friend.

During our senior year of high school and into freshman year of college, I found myself in a relationship that was slowly becoming very toxic. I was constantly getting my heart stomped on and it was Alvi who was there for me through it all. To be honest, I talked to Alvi so much that my girlfriends in college actually thought I was dating him instead of my boyfriend at the time. Once that relationship ended that fall, I told myself that I was going to be boyfriend- free for awhile. After being used, cheated on, and losing all of my trust and confidence, I vowed to focus on myself and no one else.

Alvi and I continued to talk on a weekly-basis and I even went to go visit him at college a few times. That spring break I was sitting poolside in Orlanda, Florida (rough life) reflecting back on my choices, mistakes, and regrets about past relationships. And it hit me: it's always been Alvi. How could I have been so blind? This amazing man right in front of me was exactly what/who I've been looking for. But, since I didn't want to get caught up in another relationship (or ruin my extremely close friendship with Alvi) I pushed it to the back of my mind.

Before I knew it, my feelings (and Alv) were ALL I could think about. So, impulsively, I contacted one of our mutual friends (who has also been Alvi's best friend since childhood). I told him that I thought I was falling for Alvi and his exact response was "Well, duh. We've been waiting for this to happen." WHAT? I was seriously so oblivious to the fact that our entire friend group thought that Alvi and I were eventually going to end up together.

I couldn't ignore this... I HAD to tell Alvi how I felt. I finally mustered up the courage after a couple days and spilled my heart out to him. His response was.... not what I was looking for. Naturally, he was worried about it ruining our friendship. We were such good friends that if "we" didn't work out both of us would be lost without each other. I, although sad and disappointed, agreed with him and dropped it.

But, my feelings never changed.

STORY CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

Day 13: Valentine's Inspired Home Decor

source one

source 2

source 3 (more pictures)

source 4

source 5

source 6

Day 12: Outfit Ideas for Singles on Valentine's Day

single on valentines? by stellacharlie featuring a striped sweater

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel striped sweater, €120
Cotton shirt, $60
Paul Smith cream blazer, $1,070
Miu Miu pencil skirt, $1,195
Super skinny jeans, £30
Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flat, $230
Diane von Fürstenberg high heels, $280
Banana Republic cross body handbag, $120
Armani Beauty Holiday Eyes To Kill Intense Eye Shadow Madreperla -1:..., $32

Day 12: Single on Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day Single's Guide

Day 11: Love Quotes

I could spend all day quoting love song and quotes. There are so many good ones that can relate to all different memories and moments. The above quote is a lyrics from Atmosphere. It's a lyrics that I've allllllways loved. Have you ever been so infatuated with someone that you could just sit there and stare at their beautiful face? Been there.

This next quote is another favorite of mine from Dr. Seuss. I love this quote because it is SO true. I'm a self-proclaimed weird-o and there's no way I could be with someone who doesn't accept this about me. It's a definite plus if their weirdness compliments mine. (Do I sound crazy or do you feel the same way?) It's so nice being able to be so comfortable around them that you don't have to hide these quirky qualities about yourself.

All of the above were made by myself. What are some of your favorites quotes or lyrics?

Day 10: Valentine's Card Ideas

What would Valentine's Day be without hand-made cards filled with love? Remember when we were younger and we got to decorate a shoe box and then pass out valentine's? Ah, those were the glory days. I always had SO much fun decorating my shoebox and now I have even more fun making cards for all of my loved ones. I'm constantly looking for new and creative ways to make cards and my jaw literally dropped when I saw those beautiful cards made with paint strips! AH, someone was using the right side of their brain that day. 

sources: Paper Source and  Pinterest

More to inspire you:

Discover Paper's 2012 Valentine's Guide

Pretty Paper Things Valentine's Round-Up 2

Pretty Paper Things Valentine's Round-Up 1

Quill & Fox

Etsy's Valentine's Day Cards

One Plus One

Paper Crave

Paper Crave 2

Paper Crave 3

Paper Crave 4

Day 9: Date Ideas That Channel Your Inner Child

Here is Southern Living's 20 Best Homemade Ice Cream Recipes. 

What kind of dates speak to your inner child?

For some more inspiration check out:

Ways to Create a Romantic Evening

Romantic Winter Date Ideas

Day 8: Baked Egg Boats

Today's post is about what to eat for Valentine's Day. To be honest, I have only had ONE Valentine's Day where I went out on the town for dinner. It's usually such a hassle to make reservations and then find parking in the crazy-busy city. Valentine's Day usually to me means making a unique meal for my man and I to enjoy. I typically pick a recipe that I wouldn't make an any ol' day. I mean, it's a special day so why not get a little creative? Last year, I made Alvi and I mini meatball subs. Another year I made apple stuffed chicken. This year I'm thinking, BREAKFAST FOR DINNER. Because, who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?

I came across this recipe while searching Pinterest. My mouth immediately starting drooling. How fantastic (and cute) do these little Egg Boats look? Come to momma.

Now, of course, these would also be so perfect to make and surprise your man with breakfast in bed. That is, if you're able to wake up early enough (not this girl). 

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM. 

Check out the recipe and more from Spoon Fork Bacon, a fantastic blog for foodies of all kinds. 

What are your eating plans for Valentine's Day? Dinner in the city or at home cooking?

More Inspiration:

7 Takes on Roasted Chicken

10 Festive Cocktails

Romantic Desserts

6 Meatless Meals for Meat Lovers

Food Network's Valentine's Day Guide

Gluten Free Shirley Temple Cupcakes

Strawberry Whoopi Pies

Day 7: Love Songs

There are so many great love songs out there. It's so hard to pick just one all-time favorite. There is one song, though, that is very dear to my heart. That is Groovin' Slowly by John Butler Trio. Alvi got me into JBT before we started dating and we decided that it was very fitting to have this as "our song". We even saw him in concert in Denver, Colorado! It's cute, it's funky, it's ours... so to me it's perfect.

What are some of your favorite love songs? Do you and your significant other have a song?

Maybe some of these songs will spark the love inside:

Day 6: The Perfect Makeup

 Valentine's Day means that winter is soon coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. Unfortunately, those of us in the midwest are painfully pale. So pale, most of us avoid mirrors and cameras. One thing I love to do with my makeup is magically fake a summertime glow. The way I achieve this is by using makeup that has a hint of shimmer - just a hint though, don't want to look like a 13 year old girl who just discovered makeup and glitter. Also, I focus most of my time and energy on my CHEEKS.

1. I start off with a face primer. I cover my entire face with this.

2. Use this Liquid foundation with a foundation brush for a flawless finish. 

3. If you like a lot of color on my cheeks, swipe this NARS blush on the apples of your cheeks.

4. Big Lash make your eyes pop

5. I use this Shimmer Facial Whip on my cheeks. I start at the apples and swoop in an upward motion towards my temples. I use a foundation brush, because it has that texture. 

6. This Tarte eyeliner gives you that perfect smoldering look. For something new and unexpected? Use this eyeliner in "Navy" instead of traditional "Black".

7. I use this Golden Bronzer which mixes the perfect combination of colors and shimmer. It finishes off my look giving me a perfect glow. I make a "T" down my face with this bronzer and make one quick swipe on my cheeks. 

8. MAC's eyeshadow in taupe is a great color on all skin tones. 

More Makeup Inspiration:
Red Carpet Makeup & Hair by Lauren Conrad
Drew Barrymore's Glowy Eyes
The Perfect Cateye
Evening Makeup Ideas
Color Combos For Your Eyes
Fabulous Evening Makeup

Day 5: Something to Wear pt 2

valentine's pt 2 by stellacharlie featuring slim leg jeans

Pocket shirt, $275
Isabel Marant linen top, £245
H&M slim leg jeans, £30
Floral print shorts, £10
Isabel Marant genuine leather boots, $580
ASOS flat heel shoes, €53
Ten Thousand Things dangling jewelry, $1,585
Marc by Marc Jacobs stackable jewelry, $118
Oversized jewelry, $30
Nars Highlighting Blush Powder, $28
Stargazer - Lipstick (Bright Red) - Make-up - Stargazer, £2.99
essie nail polish - need a vacation

Day 5: Something To Wear

valentine's day 1 by stellacharlie featuring summer shirts

Dress, $370
Mulberry summer shirt, $310
Brian Atwood platform shoes, $595
ASOS high heel shoes, $116
Givenchy flap handbag, $1,280
Club Manhattan yellow gold jewelry, €18
Cacharel floral belt, 1 148 SEK
stila cosmetics - eye shadow pans in compact
Lancome Cosmetics and Skin Care Official Site: Make up, Skincare,..., $29
Essie Blue And Green Nail Polish Shades, $8




For more inspiration check out:
8 Fabulous Online Stores
Biggest Trends of 2012
Celebrity Style Inspirations

Day 4: Perfect Hairdo

source: imgfave.com

When it comes to hair- I usually go for my usual curls or loose waves. I'm so boring! I feel as if the only time I do something fun or different with my hair is for special occasions (or if my mom is willing to help me out). To get into the mood for Valentine's Day, I feel like there is nothing more perfect than some romantic up-dos. Side ponys, revamped braids, loose buns, etc. Here are some example of adorable hairstyles:

 both pictures (and more fantastic examples) can be found here

More Hair-spiration:

8 Hair Trends for Fall/Winter 2011

Hairstyles That Don't Require Heat

Creative Ways to Wear Ponytails

Hair Romance
Curly Nikki
Hairdresser on Fire

Day 3: Romantic Movies

I struggled on today's post. There are so, so, so many romantic movies out there! I could name about 10 of them that I enjoy but I decided to not bore you (as much). One romantic movie that I absolutely love is Brigadoon. My mom showed it to me when I was younger ( I had a slight obsession with old classics) and I immediately fell in love. Mainly because I want to find myself in some magical world, like the characters in this movie. 

Of course, I couldn't go without mentioning the three movies that come to most peoples' minds when talking about romantic movies. That is: The Notebook (Um, marry me Ryan Gosling), Titanic, and Dirty Dancing (because NO body puts Baby in the corner). 

What are your favorite romantic movies? Do you like feel-good comedies or ones that make you cry?

Here are the 60 Most Romantic Movies

10 Movie Tips for Picking Up Women

Top Sexiest Movie Scenes

Day 2: Gifts For Her

Day Twooooo. Feeling the love, yet? I know I am. Valentine's Day is always a special day to me, whether I'm single at the time or not. This is because it's also my mom's birthday! Pretty cool, right? My dad likes it because it a). makes it that much easier to remember and b). like killing two birds with one stone. Alvi and I normally don't spoil each other on Valentine's Day. To be honest, we usually go without presents. We instead spend the night making dinner together and then either going to see a movie, or just watching one at home. Lazy, cozy, perfect. BUT, if he just so happens to be reading this I wouldn't mind any of the above ;)

I'd also be completely happy with a small box of chocolates and a kiss. How about you? 

1. nail polish that is not only festive, but spring ready, $2 each

2. extremely pricy but worth these professional brushes, $245

3. I would do the rain dance every day if I had this Betsey Johnson umbrella, $42

4. beautiful journals, $18.95 for set of 3

5. stylish, timeless and small enough for your purse, a Mini Diana Camera, $69.95

6. Share Some Love Headphones, that allow both of you to listen to the same iPod. Cute, huh? $14.99

7. cute, classy Fossil watch, $95

8. fun yoga mats, $17

9. Personalized stationary that is almost too cute to write on, $35 for all 3

Still not enough? Check out Beauty Gifts Your Friends Will Love

Day 1: Gifts For Him

I'm so excited that it is FINALLY Day 1 of my 14 Days of Love feature. I have some fantastic stuff to share with you guys. Today's feature is all about gifts for that special man in your life. Whether that might be a boyfriend, brother, father, yadda yadda. All of these above presents are quite reasonable, because I know how hard it can be to work presents into an already tight budget. Hope some of these help you out. What are you giving the main man in your life this year?

1 a vintage alarm clock , $30

2 Dining Table Ping Pong that for only $29.95, is much more affordable but just as fun

3 NCAA Head covers for his clubs, $39.99

4 a golf ball coat rack , $18, that 

5 Whiskey Stones that help keep your drink cold without watering it down. Genius. $24.95

6 want to splurge on your man? check out J Crew's Shoe Selection

7 the most amazing mustache mug, only $12.95

8 stylish watch, $145

A Post a Day: 14 Days of Love

I love Valentine's Day! It's an excuse to go on a date with my bearded-beau and it makes me feel all nostalgic (remember decorating shoe boxes?). I know most people are not fans of cupid and his holiday but it's not just for couples. Who says you can't dress up, go out and celebrate with your girlfriends? Trust me, being single doesn't mean you have to sit at home with take-out chinese. In honor of this heart-filled holiday, I thought I would make a post accordingly starting February 1st leading up to the 14th. 

I would love if you joined in and shared your ideas and inspiration! If you do, comment on this post with your blog so I (and others) can go check out what you're posting!

Happy Love Month :)