Cupid's Calling (+deals)

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my readers! As I said yesterday, we typically try to do Valentines moderately low-key.  No big gifts, steaks at home or dine out (at a place other than a bar).  This year has been no different.  We decided no gifts (writing of NYC as our Valentines), not even cards (although I did request that we exchange handwritten love letters.  When Ben balked, how romantic, I agreed to 5-10 sentences).

Well, that dirty dog loving hubby surprised me yesterday.  I received a package labeled as DuraTherm.  Being a mechanical engineer in Heating/Ventilating/Air Conditioning, I honestly thought it was some type of sample from a rep.

When I opened the box and realized it said the contents needed to be refrigerated immediately, I was still clueless. I figured maybe it was some odd Valentines gift from them like Harry and David Pears.  It wasn't until I opened the styrofoam cooler found in the box that I found this, along with a packing slip saying they were purchased by Ben:

Yes, that's right.  Macaroons!!! And they are straight from Paris (or so we thought, we're a bit confused because the shipping address is from KS), Pavillon Leydoyen, to be exact.  Ben and I sampled a few last night (and by that, I mean half of them because macaroons have a short shelf life) and he was disappointed in them, especially that the brown is cafe and not caramel.  I have to agree that they're not the most delicious macaroons we've ever had; yet this is one instance where it's the thought that counts and this was such a wonderful surprise!

Luckily I had a few minor (and boring) gifts up my sleeve.  So, to start off the day, I left this little note for Ben to find when he wakes up.

And that's the start of my Valentine's! I hope yours is off to a good start as well. 

 

Today's Deals and Steals:

• American Eagle: 25% off and free shipping; use code 21393551
• AT Loft: Extra 50% off sale items in store and online
• Banana Republic: 40% off two fulled priced items in store and online today with code BRLOVE (2% back via ebates.com)
• Barnes and Noble: 15% off one item through 2/18
• Caribou Coffee: Show this coupon today for BOGO (free); on all drinks
• Gap: Up to 40% off in store President's Day sale through 2/18
• H&M: Last day for 30% off one item; Mix and match basics: Buy 2, get 1 free
• J Crew Factory: President's Day Sale (prices marked) but take an extra 30% off online with code XOFACTORY (3% back via ebates.com)
• Juicy Couture: 30% off track and handbags and free shipping (5% back via ebates.com)
• Kate Spade Outlet: 40% off entire store, plus additional 20% off sale items
• Modcloth: Today only, 10% off with code FABFANS10 (3.5% back via ebates.com)
• Mixbook: 40% off everything through 2/18 with code LOVEMX
• Old Navy: All Jeans on sale; adults starting at $19 and kids/baby at $10 (2% back via ebates.com)
• Piperlime: 20% off sitewide ends tonight; use code XOXO (2% back via ebates.com)
• Sports Authority: Today and online only, 10% off your order
• Three Bird Nest Boutique: 40% off entire shop with code LOVE40
• I bought SIL this scarf for Christmas; they have some adorable stuff!

• Ulta: 20% off one item (exclusions apply) through 2/16
• West Elm: 20% off lighting sale