This week starts the next phase of training. The runs during the week get a little longer and we reach 10 miles on the long run. There is no looking back from here. I am excited. I am pumped. I feel stronger than ever. I owe so much of that to my dear friends Carrie and Erin. They are my running buddies. I run every run with them. My last marathon I trained by myself and I liked it. It was empowering, but this time I feel like I needed the support. These ladies are truly amazing. They make me look forward to running. We are doing this together to help raise money for Love 146. We are unstoppable.
Look how cute they are on our snowy 8 mile run last Saturday.

I have gotten emails about what I eat as a vegetarian and about eating for running. Here are a few things that I eat the morning of runs. I try to eat simple foods that don’t hurt my stomach at all. It could be different for every person but this is what keeps me full and fueled with energy.

Toast with peanut butter. Morning Star Maple Favored Sausage. Pineapple Chobani Yogurt.
Lots of protein!

Hey Everyone! Happy Monday. I am off to Georgia this morning! I am probably on a plain right now. Eeek I am flying alone with Rowan and I am freakin’ out a little tonight as I pack up and go over everything I will need. Luckily it is not a very long flight. Plus on the other end is my bestest friend http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4603402627/ and her adorable little kiddos. I haven’t seen her in forever and in that time her little baby is now a little kid, there is a new little baby and Rowan was born too. Yay for a week of catching up!!

Just a short little post today letting you know I did a guest post over on one of my most favorite blogs! James from Bleubird Vintage was kind enough to ask me to participate in her Momma Style Posts. I have to say the pictures Kev took for it might be some of my favorites. Kev is so talented. Here is a sneak peak but you can see more pictures and read my style tips over on Bleubird Vintage.

Because I Love You Dress: c/o Modcloth
Blouse: Vintage
Sweater: J.Crew (old)
Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Flats: Target
Belt: Thrifted

We will be kicking off the start to the new Delightful Dozen! We will each be posting frequently on the blog with DD remixes, reader spotlights, ways to remix items, things we love, D.I.Y’s, tutorials, giveaways and so much more! We’re so excited! It is going to be a lot of fun and I just can’t wait. I hope you will join along with us! Follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Bloglovin’ Subscribe via Google Reader!

Aaaack how do I have a baby old enough to have 2 tiny teeth poking thru? Time is going by way, way to fast!!

And yes she has been miserable all week. Come on teeth make your way up already! Poor little baby.

This is the outfit I wore last Sunday. We went to church and then I headed out to Western Mass to visit some girlfriends. Don’t you love good afternoons with friends. I sure do. I wasn’t really sure what to wear Sunday morning. I was walking around my closet pulling things out and then putting them back. Nothing really was catching my attention. I saw this sweater and I have not worn it for a very long time. I never know what to wear with it, but its just so darn pretty. I ended up matching it with this skirt. I really liked the contrasting colors together.

Do you like pairing together odd color schemes or do you usually play it safe?




Cardigan: c/o Modcloth
Pencil Skirt: J.Crew
Tights: Target
Shoes: Forever 21

I guess I can’t consider this a real Last Nights Dinner Post, although I am A Ok with eating cupcakes for dinner. We had a Mexican Fiesta Birthday party last weekend and oh man I ate so much. Mexican food is by far my favorite. Anyways, my lady friends and I were looking for an interesting cupcake recipe to make and Erin came across this one. It was perfect. We knew the boys at the party would love them.

We handmade all the tiny mustache picks for them and used some left over cupcake liners from our baby shower. They really weren’t all that hard to make and they came out super delicious.

Ingredients for the cupcakes:
1 cup Guinness
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup sour cream

Ingredients for the frosting:
2-3 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup room-temperature, unsalted butter
3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream

Make the cupcakes:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the butter into chunks. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, bring the butter and Guinness to a simmer.
3. While the butter melts, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. When the butter and Guinness start simmering remove from heat, add the cocoa and whisk together until smooth. Allow this mixture to cool for a few minutes.
4. While you wait for the butter, Guinness, chocolate mixture to cool, mix the eggs and sour cream with an electric beater until smooth. Pour in the butter, Guinness, chocolate mixture, and mix until just combined.
5. Pour this into the previously whisked flour mixture. Stir until combined.
6. Put paper liners in a cupcake tray. Fill the cups 3/4 full of batter and bake for 20 mins or until a clean toothpick comes out.
7. Cool

Frosting:
1. Put butter into a bowl.
2. With an electric beater, whip the butter until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Slowly add 3 cups of the powdered sugar, a little bit at a time.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of the Baileys.
5. Add more powdered sugar if the Baileys made it too runny
6. Frost

Are you ready for something very exciting ( I mean super awkward?) Well, it’s a first here on jenloveskev. The first ever video blog post! It is something I plan on doing way more often. I think it will be really fun and can see it fitting in well with what I already post about. I hope to do a lot more “how to put an outfit together” posts based off of outfits that get photographed for style files and will def. take suggestions on videos of things you would like to see. Maybe even Last Nights Dinner video posts?? This is the first one so it can only get better from here! I need a better camera and better editing skills and maybe better bow hunting skills too. (napoleon dynamite anyone?)

So in this first video I share a little of my closet and the makings of the style file that was just posted. Eeek Here goes nothing….

Hey are we friends on twitter yet? I hope so!

I was totally psyched the other day when I found this vintage Pendleton plaid blazer at Savers. Score. I love finding treasures. When I put this whole outfit together I was feeling sort of school girl, so a handful of books seemed appropriate for the picture. Why are props so fun?

I have a lot of fun putting together outfits from start to finish. What tights, what jewelry, etc… so I decided to make a video about this outfit. I will be posting it in about an hour. Make sure you check back to watch and to hear my baby voice.

Vintage Pendleton Blazer: Savers
Victoria Secret Sweater: c/o Lucky
Blouse: Vintage
Tulle Skirt: c/o Modcloth
Tights: Forever 21
Through the Woods Boot: c/o Spotted Moth
Paving Studs Handbag: c/o Le Mode Accessoires

p.s. Want to know what books are in my hands? Night by Elie Wiesel and Teach Yourself Post Moderism by Glenn Ward. haha I have shelves and shelves of art history books. I am super nerdy.

I really can’t seem to get enough of scalloped edge bottoms and peter pan collars. The combo I think it super cute and I am pretty sure this is one of my new favorite outfits. The detailing in the 2 pieces give enough character that I don’t even think any jewelry needs to be worn. I like that. I like simple outfits.

Happy Monday everyone! Did you have a good weekend? Rowan has a tooth popping thru and she has been one sad little baby all day. She is anxiously awaiting daddy to come home for more cuddles and kisses. I just may be waiting for the same thing!

oh yeah. Dear Spring Temperatures of last week: Please come back soon!





Velvet Peter Pan Collar Blouse: Urban Outfitters
Kimchi Black Scalloped Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Tights: H&M
Splendid Heels: Jeffrey Campbell (via lulus.com)

the skirt & blouse are new to my wardrobe but i’ve worn these shoes plenty of times before.
Previously Seen…

          Style File | 06.23.10                         Style File | WIW GP                       Style File | 10.04.10

I am training for the Marathon with 2 of my closest friends. When we started training we said we would always do our long runs outside. We thought as the weeks went by and the miles got longer we would get closer and closer to warmer weather so it wouldn’t be bad. We thought we would never have to run in anything lower than 30degrees. Then this weekend came around. Saturday it was suppose to be 24 and Sunday was suppose to 18. Not much to pick from. We decided to run Saturday because we were having a bday party Saturday night with Margaritas and knew no one would want to run the next day after that and a gut filling mexican feast. The temp was not our only obstacle… there were also 50mph winds. It was the run from HELL!! Oh man we wanted to stop so many times. I tried to stay positive and keep everyone motivated to continue but its hard when the wind it seriously pushing you backwards for 7 miles. I am really hoping that will be the last run of that kind of craziness. The miles aren’t bad. I can run them but the cold and the wind just kill you.

Are you training for a race this year? Have you emailed me yet to be a part of our LOVE 146 running team? We are setting up everyones donation page on the website this week. It’s not too late to run for something bigger than yourself and to make a difference in a child’s life! If you are interested email me at jenloveskev(at)gmail.com

This is my running schedule for this week:

I got a question a little bit ago about what I wear when I run and if I try to stay fashionable. I definitely pick things that I like but is running gear fashionable? I really just focus more on comfort, fit, and if it suits what I need it to be when running. Running gear can be expensive, but I think it is well worth it. When you our outfitted in new awesome gear it is a great confidence booster. Spend the extra money if you can and get items that will last, work good and make you feel like a pro athlete. Here is what I wear (or similar) in these cold days of winter…

1. Under Armor ColdGear Fitted Crew | $49.99

2. Nike Cyclone Vapor Running Jacket | $100 (keeps the wind out!)

3. Nike Pro Thermal Training Tights | $50 (built in insulation layer)

4. Champion Double Dry Full- Support Sports Bra | $29.99 (a good sports bra is a must!)

5. Forever 21 Pom Pom Hat | $6.80

6. Columbia Sportswear Glacial Fleece Mittens | $12

7. Asics GEL Turbulent | $75 (a good pair of runnings shoes is where it’s at! I am a die hard asics fan!)

What are you guys up to this weekend? We have a big birthday party bash for 2 of our friends tomorrow. I am pretty excited for margaritas and tacos. Hopefully this warmer weather will last a little while. I leave you with some cute pictures as I sign off and say “Have a fabulous weekend!”

* would you just look at how darn cute she is!

p.s to kev, dave, jon, erin and carrie “would you look at that, just look at it…”
p.p.s to julie and punky. rowan is trying to be cool, she has a bird on her bib.

This week has flown by! I can’t believe it. It is suppose to be 50 here today and I really can’t wait for the snow to melt and the sidewalks to clear. This momma needs to get outside! We are getting a little stir crazy around here.

I am trying to prep myself for our 7 mile run tomorrow. I know it will be fine but I always like to make sure I eat extra healthy and a good amount of protein the day before the long run. It’s time to start looking for a fun 1/2 marathon to run in. A good midway point achievement!

Ok, on to the outfit. Isn’t this dress super cute? When I saw it in Annie’s shop I knew it was suppose to be mine. Kev said he liked it but that I looked like a flight attendant. hehe. I’ll take that. I would like to be traveling around to new places all the time. I could never be a flight attendant though. I hate flying. I get so nervous. I am flying to GA with Rowan by myself in a week. Yikes. I am getting a little nervous.




Vintage Dress: Etsy via Little Ocean Annie
Belt: Thrifted
TIghts: Forever 21
Bracelets: Forever 21
Vintage boots: Beacon’s Closet

I went with the skirt and blouse combo for the Lucky Fabb Conference so I wanted to try something a little different for the IFB Conference. It was a little menswear inspired, a little less feminine, but super comfortable. I wore some leather shorts, a corduroy jacket and a thrifted Lands End button up.






Cord Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Lands End Oxford Button up: Thrifted
VIntage Bow Belt: Borrowed from Julie
Leather Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Black Tights: c/o We Love Colors
Matiko Boots: LF
Purse: Thrifted

* Thanks to Julie and Punky for taking these photos!

One of the main reason Punky, Julie and I headed to NYC was to go to the IFB evolving Influence Conference. It is something I always look forward too. I will be honest and say my favorite part is getting to see my blogging friends all in one place but Jennine always does a fantastic job with the entire conference. I usually leave inspired with lots of ideas to move my blog forward. If I had one suggestion I would say it would be great if there was a little more variety in expertise of the panelists. Everyone that speaks is at the top of their field and sometimes its hard to relate too because such a small amount of bloggers will ever reach the point of working with luxury brands or needing a pr firm. I loved hearing some of my favorite bloggers up there though. Rebecca from The Clothes Horse and Keiko from Keiko Lynn both were fantastic. They sounded confident, well spoken and offered real and useful advice.
We had a blast!

*Last few photos taken by Punky.

I am going to be posting some recaps of my trip to nyc between today and tomorrow but first I have to say that it was so awesome to finally meet the Lovely Pamela of Market Publique!!

She is seriously the most charming, sweet and easy to talk to person ever! We first met up at the Lucky FABB conference. It was great chit chatting with her through out the conference. Then the next day we crossed the bridge and headed into brooklyn for some shopping at Beacons Closet and then an awesome tour/dress up session at the Market Publique Studio. Umm hello dream come true! I was pretty giddy to be in a room full of rolling racks of beautiful vintage clothing. We had so much fun. It was probably one of my favorite things we did on the trip. You can bet there will be a special style file coming up soon with a very pretty dress! Umm how amazing does Julie look in blue velvet pants? haha only she could pull that off and look so good. We ended the day with BBQ and beer and some great conversation. Pamela you better watch out because I might be coming to visit you… A LOT!









*all photos taken by Punkystyle.

It took me forever to even get just these few photos to use. This is one wiggly baby! You turn your back for 2 seconds and she’s wiggled, rolled and inched her way to some other new place. Usually it’s to grab something in view to put in her mouth. Anything that she can see is grabbed and instantly shoved into her mouth. She even reaches and wiggles her little fingers trying to get things that are way out of reach. It’s really funny to watch. Today she was trying to eat the mail as I walked downstairs to put some envelopes in the mailbox.

Rowan has become super aware of our cats. She loves them! As soon as she sees one of them, she stares them down and usually is stretching out her hand to try to pet them. It is super cute, but I don’t think the cats are thrilled by her yet. They aren’t aggressive or anything. They just don’t want to be anywhere near her.


We have been struggling with sleeping thru the night again. It’s hard when you went almost 5 months of thru the night sleeping, to now waking up at 4:00am every morning on the dot. It just started last week, so I am hoping it will be short lived. We’ll see though.

This stage is so much fun. She is so interactive and funny, she makes me laugh all day long. We are still waiting on that belly laugh. She does this short kinda laugh thing but I am dying to know what it will be that makes her full on laugh one day. Please let it be soon!!


I was away last week and I have to say it was really weird feeling. I totally enjoyed my time with my dear friends but I felt like something was missing all week. Like I was in some weird reality that was slightly off. I would wake up thinking I heard Rowan, but of course I was just hearing things. I love the little routine Kev, Rowan and I have. I love the way our lives have changed and molded together with her and the love that is shared each day. It makes me feel whole.

Rowans Sweet Valentine’s Day outfit:
Vintage Dress: Etsy via Teacher Girl Designs
Heart Headband: Made by me
Sparkly Shoes: Babies R Us
Diapers: Bum Genius 4.0

Maybe, just maybe you won’t mind voting for me one more time today? I promise to stop bothering you soon.

Happy Valentine’s Day! (I know I am a little late here, whoops)
Did you enjoy your day? Did you eat lots of chocolate? Did you proclaim your love to someone?

I spent most of the day off the internet which was lovely. I hung out and cuddled with Rowan and finished my gifts for Kev. Our friends offered to watch Rowan for us last night, so Kev and I actually had a little date night. Nothing fancy but it did include a delicious dinner, pastries and some chai tea. Mmmmm!

For our first anniversary he wrote me a fictional-ish (haha. not a word) short story about “our story.” The story of how we meet. He has continued to add to the story as different special occasions go by. They are always made into a book and bound. Today he gave me one that was talking about the birth of Rowan from his perspective. Let’s just say I was crying on the couch for a good 20 mins as I opened and read the story. It was very touching. What a good man he is.

This is the outfit I wore to dinner tonight. Like my new boots? I LOVE THEM!!! It felt like the friends episode when I brought them home and told Kev about them. You know that episode where Monica gets the expensive boots and tells Chandler how they will go with everything. haha. That was me the other night. They were super expensive (for me anyways) but I got them for 60%, so I think it was a good buy. Kev needed some convincing. Anyways, unlike Monica’s boots mine are super comfortable. They have a hidden wedge which is awesome and I could wear these things all day. I got them in NYC and have worn them everyday since.





Moto Jacket: Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted
Shuffleboard Sweetheart Dress: c/o Modcloth
Tights: target
Matiko Boots: LF

Previously Seen…

          Style File | 12.28.09                        Style File | 11.01.10                       Style File | 11.21.10

Want to win a $25 gift certificate to buy yourself some accessories? Who doesn’t right? Le Mode has a great selection of purses, clutches and jewelry. They are giving away a $25 gift certificate that you can use on whatever you would like.

You can enter 3 times…

1. Leave a comment telling us what your favorite item from the site is. Take a look around!

2. Leave a second comment letting us know you “like” them on facebook

3. Leave a third comment letting us know you follow them on twitter.

Contest is open from now until next Monday. Winner will be randomly chosen and contacted Tuesday Morning.
Good luck!!

Hi Friends. I hate to beg for votes but they reset the votes over on topbabyblogs and I need some help getting back to where I was. I know this isn’t a competition but I have met so many mommies and wonderful people thru topbabyblogs and I would like to keep that up. I love the community it builds.

If you have a spare 2 clicks could you please vote for us! It would make my entire day! (p.s you can vote once everyday)

New items have been added to my shop. Head over and see if anything from my closet would fit in to yours!

First to email me at jenloveskev(at)gmail.com reserves the item.
jenloveskevscloset.tumblr.com

If there is one thing that has made a big impact on who I am as a person it would be music. Music was such a huge influence on me in high school and college. I hate to say it, but it is what I let define me. It defined the art I made, the clothes I wore and the friends I had. Kev and I might have met in book making class like I wrote the other day, but we bonded over music first. He asked me if I wanted to drive with him to a show like the 1st week I met him. Haha. Totally weirded out, I said no but that I would see him there because I already had tickets. Too funny.

When I think of Kev there is lots of music that reminds me of him, but one band in particular will always be Kev and I’s Band. Did you ever listen to Silent Drive? Well, this band was made up of mostly Bane members (also a favorite in younger years) and Kev took me to see them on our very first date in 2004. Silent Drive is awesome. It may not be everyones taste, but it became the anthem of our last weeks of college and our first summer of dating. When I hear it I can’t help but think about how much I love Kev. It’s not the most romantic music, haha. It’s not sweet Valentine’s music at all but to me it is filled with memories with the man I love more than anything. It just seems fitting the their album title was called “Love it Worth it.”

*this is us from that very summer in 2004

You know what color I love, love love? Hot pink. It’s super fun to wear. You can’t help but be in a good mood when you wear it. I kind of feel like a circus in this outfit but at the same time I kinda love it. The whole point of fashion is to have fun right?

Well, today is the last outfit for Valentine’s week. Now, I just need to figure out what we are actually doing on Monday and what I am going to wear.

What was your favorite from the week?





Popscile Pink Retro Tank: J.Crew
Bow Belt: Forever 21
Stripped Skirt: ASOS
Heels: Chinese Laundry

When we lived in Hawaii, Kev got me a very furry Valentine’s present. 2 Kitties!! They were the most beautifully colored kitties ever. We named them Big Surf and Kamehameha. We loved those cats and have some very funny stories from having them but when we left Hawaii we had to find them a new home. I love cats so it was definitely one of my favorite Vday gifts.



p.s no we didn’t bring the cats home in bags, haha as most cat owners know cats just like bags! (and important papers)

Don’t you love full skirts? They are so much fun! This little skirt makes me feel like I am going to prom or somewhere fancy where there is dancing and I can twirl around. Why is spinning around in skirts so fun?

Anyways, Guess what? We saw Lady Gaga today in the Chanel Store in soho. It was crazy awesome. We were pretty excited. Punky got some awesome pictures of her. I can’t wait to share them all with you. I am off to bed though. Tomorrow we are up bright and early to head over to IFB. yay!!



Hey Kev- I am screaming “I Love you” all the way from NYC can you hear me?

Polka Dot Blouse: c/o Haberdash Vintage
Skirt: ASOS
Canvas Wedge Boots: ASOS

As much as it is awesome to be here in NYC with everyone I miss my family very much. My days are not complete with out Kev & Rowan.

No, this really doesn’t have to do with Valentine’s Day, but I do have a very special little Valentine this year and I miss her so much right now. Ahhh it’s been 1 day and I am going crazy with out her. Sniff sniff.

I just wanted to share a few super cute photos of our little game we play called “figure skater.” When you hold her up she stiffens up and stays perfectly straight. It’s so cute. Oh gosh I love this little baby.

Isn’t this dress so neat? I don’t think I have ever owned a dress like this before. It is very unique. I grabbed it at one of the Clothing Swaps I was at in September. I love the muted nude color of it.

Anyways, I am here in NYC and we are having a great time. The Lucky FABB conference yesterday was fan-freakin’tastic!! I got to meet and talk with Jenna Lyons. Gosh, I have a girl crush on that girl!! I will share pictures and outfit pics sometime soon! I also was just so happy to see more of my blogging friends. Ahh it makes me so glad to be part of such a fun, creative and awesome community.

Dress: Swapped (visit The Swapaholics for a clothing swap near you!)
Necklaces: NY&Co.
Purse: Thrifted
Peep Toe Wedges: Thrifted

This is a recipe I have actually posted before. But, since I was just talking about fondue. I thought I would re-post it. If you can’t make it out of the house for a Valentine’s Day dinner, it doesn’t mean your meal at home can’t be special. I think fondue is a great way to have a romantic dinner at home. This Brie Fondue is Mmmm delicious!!!


Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/8 cup sherry
1 pound Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pinch of nutmeg
salt and white pepper to taste

Stuff: Apple slices, Pear slices, Bread cubes, Roasted Potatoes, Radishes, Carrots, cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts.

Directions:
1. Add garlic to fondue pot, then add wine and sherry. Cook on medium-low heat.
2.Toss the cheese cubes in cornstarch to coat. When the wine is hot, add the cheese. Stir slowly. Stir constantly to keep it from scorching on the bottom of the pot. When the cheese has melted, remove it from the heat and in a little nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The fondue should be smooth. If it seems to runny, add more cheese. If it is too thick, add a splash more wine -but be careful not to add to much. It gets liquidy real fast.

Dip Away!

In 2008 I decided I wanted to just stay in for dinner and made a special fondue dinner for Kev. We love fondue, it’s such a fun way to eat a meal. I feel like it leads to such good conversation. I bought a electric fondue pot that year as well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/5427580848/
My present to Kev though was a hand made chess board. I made all the pieces out of clay, fired them and glazed them. I cut the game board out of wood and painted all the squares on it to match the pieces. It was super cute. Kev and I love to play chess together. Our first anniversary was spent laying on a blanket surrounded by hawaiian mountains having a picnic and playing chess.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/5427580966/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/5427581024/

Day 2 of Valentine’s Day outfits. I bought this dress in Canada one year. I have only worn it a handful of times, well 2 to be exact. I think to a christmas party and once to the prom. Not my prom. The prom I chaperoned one year. I think it works exceptionally well for Valentine’s Day though.

It is very late right now. It’s 1:28am. I am trying to get some posts scheduled before I go to bed. Julie, Punky and I are off to NYC tomorrow. I am super excited to see all my blogging friends out there. Lots of hugs are about to happen. I have narrowed my clothes down and have fit everything into a tiny suitcase. Let’s hope I don’t regret any of my choices. I am not a good packer. Happy Tuesday Everyone!



Red Dress: Jacob (Canada)
Blouse: Vintage
Tights: H&M
Wedges: Jessica Simpson Collection

Kev and I like to say we fell in love in Book Making class. Nerdy I know. Well, I fell in love with more than just Kev in that class. I LOVE making books. Just like Mary Katherine Gallagher would say “I love it, I love it, I love it!” I have made some sort of book for Kev for almost all of our special anniversaries and holidays over the past 6 (almost 7) years of being together. I think this was one of the very first for him. I made it for Valentine’s Day for him in I think 2005.

I love a book covered in book cloth. Especially when it is screen printed. I was so proud of how it came out. The binding, screen printing and construction came out so good. The pages were filled with art, inside jokes, some of our screen printing projects and doodles that we had made each other. I save everything, so I was able to scan in some drawings that Kev had made me to use in the book as well.

Yay! Welcome to Valentine’s Week. Valentine’s day is one of my favorite holidays. I know lots of people think it’s stupid by why not have fun with it? Any day that is made to spend with your loved one is ok in my book. Kev and I always try to make it special for each other. We use to go out to dinner a lot on Valentines Day, I am not sure if we will be doing that this year with Rowan, but even if we have a nice dinner at home all together I will definitely still want to get dolled up.

I played dress up for this weeks outfit posts. Each day I will be showing an outfit I think would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! I have had this dress for a while. Since I was pregnant. I guess I have been waiting to wear it for a special occasion. It’s so pretty and feminine. It has coral colored polka dots on it and a skirt that makes you want to twirl around in. I decided to pair it with a peach colored cardigan and my bright coral belt.





Dot Couture Dress: c/o Modcloth
Cardigan: c/o Modcloth
Heart Necklace: Forever 21
Belt: J.Crew
Glitter Socks: Forever 21
Heels: T.J Maxx

I’ll be back later this afternoon with a post about a Valentine’s present I made for Kev when I was in College.

Guess what? Next week is going to be all Valentine’s themed!! I will have a new Valentine’s styled outfit each day and will be sharing some of my favorite Valentine’s day gifts I have made and received over the years. Kev and I always make gifts for each other and I am excited to share some of them with you all.

It might get all mushy over here for a few days, but I will try to keep it to a minimum. Haha. Then again my blog name is jen loves kev….

And with that I wish you all a very Happy Weekend! I will be away most of next week for Fashion Week, but I will have scheduled post all week long. You wont even know I am gone.

Make sure you follow along with my fun all week on twitter!

Hey Everyone!!
I have some exciting news to share! Have you heard about the Texas Style Council Conference that is going on during South by Southwest? Well guess who is going to speak at the conference?? Yep, thats right. Me!! I will be going and speaking with Lulu’s on a panel called “GOING PRO: Both sides of affiliates, sponsorships, and barters- what’s in it for you/ what’s in it for them.” I am beyond excited and pretty darn nervous, but I know it will be a lot of fun!

I hope if you live in the Austin area or even if you have some extra air miles lying around you will join us for a weekend of fun. I am honored to be a speaker with some other amazing people like keynote speaker Jennine Jacob from The Coveted, Pamela Castillo founder of Market Publique and Susan Gregg Koger co-founder and CCO of ModCloth. I am also excited to meet some favorite blogging buddies for the first time who are also speaking. Oh man March can not come fast enough!!

You can learn more about the conference & scheduled events & speakers by visiting the Texas Style Council Conference’s website.

*all travel and accommodations generously provided by Lulu’s

Ever have one of those days where you are just feeling down on yourself? ugh. I have been feeling like that since last night. I hate it. I want to shake the feeling but can’t seem to very easily. So, I am going to make this outfit post short and sweet and go back to putting the internet aside and enjoying cuddles from Rowan and kisses from Kev.

I have been really loving longer skirts this winter. They are perfect for colder weather. I am excited to see how I transition them into summer as the weather gets warmers. I scored this wool plaid skirt the last time I was at the goodwill. It’s pretty perfect. I love it to pieces. I do feel like when I wear longer skirts I need to wear heels. I am afraid of looking too matronly if I wear flats. I will have to work on that. I think the skirt would have to hit the floor if I was going to wear flats. Anyways, these Calvin Klein heels seemed to fit seamlessly with the outfit.






Hat: Forever 21
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Lace Top: Forever 21
Vintage Skirt: Thrifted
Belt: Thrifted
Tights: Forever 21
Calvin Klein Heels: Thrifted

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

The other week I was reading thru my google reader and I came across this recipe on off of broadway. I thought it looked delicious and just had to try it out for myself. Thanks Amanda!

Ingredients:
1/2 red onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
1.5 tsp fresh ginger
olive oil
3 tbs curry paste
14 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 c water
14 oz can of chickpeas
1 lb of fresh baby spinach leaves
fresh cilantro chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a skillet heat oil and saute onion, garlic and ginger until golden
2. Add curry paste and mix all together. Cook a few more mins.
3. Add diced tomatoes, water and chickpeas and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer letting sauce thicken up a little about 10 mins.
4. Right at the end add spinach and cilantro. Cook just till wilted. 1 to 2 mins.
Serve over some Jasmine Rice with some Naan.

MMMMMmmmm so delicious and simple!

Are you getting hit with tons of snow? We sure are. It’s been snowing for days. I don’t mind though. It means Kev works from home and I like having him around. It makes my day at home much better. Rowan likes it too. She gets so excited when she sees him.

Good thing we have a garage to take some pictures in. I actually wore this outfit on Sunday. My sister was visiting and we went out for lunch. When I was getting dressed I wandered around the house asking everyones opinion on what color tights to wear. This is my normal routine. I usually have one color on one leg and a different one on the other. This is where Kev helps me out a lot. He helps pick tight colors. I do the same thing with shoes. Sometimes I take his advice, sometimes I chose the opposite, but I still like his opinion. In this case my sister picked the mustard and Kev picked the brown I had on the other leg. Both went good but I thought the brown was a little too safe. I wanted a little more fun that day. I went with the mustard colored tights.

Do you have someone that helps you make outfit decisions?





Vintage Fur Collar: Thrfited
Lace Top: Forever 21
Green Wool Jumper: Thrifted
Belt: Target. I got this belt when I was pregnant and it is way, way to long for me now. I took a page from the belt knot master herself, Ms. Orchid Grey.
Tights: Forever 21
Loafers: Forever 21
Purse: Thrifted

Want to win an amazingly beautiful necklace and a super cute ring? Who doesn’t, right? Ruche is definetly one of my favorite online shops and they are kindly giving away this Heirloom indie flower necklace and Wealth of Wisdom Owl Ring.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/5407714921/
You can have up to 3 enteries. All you need to do is…
1. Leave a comment = 1 entry

2. Visit Ruche and leave an additional comment telling us what your favorite item is = 2nd entry

3. Visit Ruche’s Facebook and “like” their page. Then leave an additional comment telling us you’ve done so= 3rd entry

Yay! 3 Chances to win. Giveaway will be open from now until Monday February 7th. Winner will be randomly chosen and contacted.

Well I have 2 full weeks of training under my belt and I am feeling good. The treadmill is a constant bummer but I am dreaming of the mild spring air approaching. It hit the 30 degree mark on Saturday, so I did get to run my 4 mile long run outside. I ran with my 2 friends who are also training for the marathon and I have to say we had a great time! Running buddies really make the time go by fast. I will be doing a dedicated post to running attire in the next few weeks but here is what scrounged up from around my house to run outside the other day.

I wore a pom pom hat. A Lands End rain jacket. Underneath I wore a running tank and a running long sleeve to wick moisture away. Then I had on a pair of lined nike running pants. They are super warm. I just wore a pair of target finger/mitten combo gloves and a pair of warm boot socks. It did work good for being outside but I would like to get some actual running outdoor gear.

Training this week is still relatively easy. I got my new Runners World in the mail and here are some tips that I thought were helpful:
4 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
1. SIGN UP, ALREADY
Don’t wait to enter a race until you think you’re fit enough. Register early so you have a goal to work toward and a guaranteed spot in the event.

* I always have to register for the race way before hand. It is what gives me the motivation to train.

2. GO THE DISTANCE
Afraid you won’t finish? Aim to complete three runs one or two miles longer than your race distance. Marathoners may stop at 22.

3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Tell yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals- and say it out loud if that helps. It may sound corny, but if you think you can’t do something, you probably won’t.

4. FOLLOW A ROUTINE
Do you always race in the same shorts or do the same warmup? Good. Experts say following prerace routines can make you feel more confident and physically prepared to run your best.

*agreed. When I ran my last marathon there was something very comforting about getting up and wearing the same thing I wore for every other long run in training and eating my same Luna bar. You know what to expect and that makes you less stressed.