Friday, (sigh)

Wishing you a happy, cozy, don't-forget-to-sleep-in kind of weekend!

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Shopping Fever

I want this bag...

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Congrats Erin

Congrats to my good friend Erin who just got engaged! Erin and her man have been dating since college, and have been the go-to couple for our group of friends on how to make a long-distance relationship thrive!

He proposed by in the sweetest way, by giving her a brand new black lab puppy...After playing with the puppy, she noticed an engagement ring on her collar! Too cute! Congrats E, can't wait for the wedding!

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Nerd Alert

Feelin' some chemistry? Bond covalently with your special someone by giving them a nerdy love note. I'm sure a smart guy will appreciate the gesture.

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Debut

News Flash! The newest babies to join Brad & Angelina's brood are on display. Spotted at the Tokyo airport with matching baby bjorns, were Knox & Viv Jolie-Pitt, decked out in some snazzy headgear. A cap to match dad for Knox and a headwrap for Vivienne, even as infants this fam has an eye for style.

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Happy

Subscribe to this motto, and let everyday be a happy day!

P.S. If you are familiar with children's literature, does this poster also remind you of Mo Willems work?

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Love is Everywhere

Literally! Want to impress your special someone, take them on a helicopter tour over one of these LOVE-ly natural wonders!

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YES

After spending yesterday celebrating my grandma's 90th birthday, I found myself thinking about time. How quickly it flies, how precious every moment is, and how many memories can be acquired and experienced in 90 years of living. It really is quite amazing if you think about it. One of my silent new years resolutions this year was to say YES to more things. To say YES to more opportunities and YES when people ask me to go somewhere or do something. After just turning 26 and realizing I've been alive a quarter-century-plus, I'm realizing how MUCH I want to accomplish in my life, and saying YES - now more than ever - simply seems like a better choice than making an excuse. YES! image/ffffound

You vs. The Snooze Button...

Thanks to my friend Sarah for introducing me to these cards from Banana Blossom Press. They are simple and to-the-point, fun, and refreshingly honest. Perfect for that less-than-motivated running buddy, or that extra nudge needed to sway a new friend to sign up with you!

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via sarah

Friday Fun

Happy weekend! I've got a low key Friday night planned, and then headed to LA on Saturday for 24 hours to celebrate my Grandma's 90th Birthday! Looking forward to hanging out with family and soaking in some much needed sun. Have a lovely weekend!

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Oscar Season

Ladies and gentlemen, the Oscar nominees for best picture are..

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
2. Frost/Nixon
3. Milk
4. The Reader
5. Slumdog Millionaire
I find that usually I've only seen one or two, never heard of at least one, and been wanting to see the rest. Well, this year is no different than the rest. Thus far, I've seen Benjamin Button, which in my opinion was excellent, very Forrest Gump-esque...never heard of The Reader, heard of Frost/Nixon but didn't strike me as "my kind of movie," and have been itching to see both Milk and especially fan favorite, Slumdog Millionaire.

Anyone seen the nominees? Thoughts??

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Back in the Game

Day 1 of my exercise regime...starts today. I just signed up with a few friends and co-workers for my first half marathon, and now that I've paid my $80, I'm committed! My fellow teachers and I are trying to organize a 2-3 runs together after school every a week, and stick to it. Wish me luck!

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It's Back Tonight...

So excited...can't wait!!

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Woot!

Love these antique alphabet blocks with a fun, cheer-you-on message. Perfect for that bookshelf you glance back at as you dash out your front door. Carpe Diem! Woot Woot!

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Hide Out

I wish I had had this teepee in my bedroom when I was growing up! My sisters and I were what you might call "fort-enthusiasts." We used to waste away the afternoons constructing all kinds of intricate hideouts using everything our den had to offer, the backs of chairs, overstuffed pillows and thick blankets to block out the light. A memorable pastime.

via blackeiffel

I Love Birthdays

I had the best birthday weekend, thanks to all of my friends for their kind words and well wishes! My actual b-day was yesterday, and thanks to Martin Luther King, Jr. I had the day off. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday; got to sleep in, and woke up with the sun to blue skies, went out to brunch with friends, and my wonderful boyfriend treated me to a relaxing afternoon at the spa. Today, I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle another year! image/lupinshideaway

I Love You More Than...

These are my hearts... What would your hearts read? images/iloveyoumorethanblank via cup of jo

Birthday Weekend!

Hooray!!! The weekend is finally here...this has felt like the longest week ever! I'm excited because this is my birthday weekend, and I get the day off! I've always been especially thankful for Martin Luther King Day!

On the agenda:
- Going to a fancy dinner with my boyfriend tonight
- Out to dinner with my family on Saturday, then painting the town red with my best girls
- wine-ing and dining with my sorority gals on Sunday
- and brunching and relaxing with my fellow teachers on Monday!

Should be an fantabulous weekend!

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Let's Take A Staycation

If my birthday wasn't in January, I think it would be my least favorite month of the year. It follows in the wake of the joyous holiday festivities, and is typically cold, dark, and gloomy. Even more reason to break out the bubbly and host a "Staycation Party," a virtual transport to a preferred destination.

A few ideas are...A London Escape! You may not escape the rain, but you'll be bombarded with eccentric accents, scenic sights, and a royal sense of style. People magazine recommends "ignore clichés about British food: hearty roast beef suppers and rich desserts are where this cuisine shines. And the music can't be beat. Create a mix of the Beatles, the Who, Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield," and you've got yourself a swinging shindig!

London Escape Menu:

• Yorkshire Pudding
• Peppercorn-Crusted Standing Rib Roast
• Marinated Brussels Sprouts
• Sticky Pudding
• Mulled Wine

Or if you're feeling particularly sunny...Staycation to an Island Fantasy!

Forget the chill outside, decorate your digs with a beachy theme and blast the luau music. Bring out the palm trees, pineapple and coconuts, and get prepare for a smashing night at the beach.

Menu:

• Grilled Pork and Pineapple Skewers with Achiote Sauce
• Shrimp and Mango Adobado Skewers
• Snappy Scallop Ceviche
• Banana Bites with Toasted Coconut

Or if you can't escape to the slopes, pretend with an Aspen Retreat...

Enforce sweater and scarf attire, and cozy up with friends before a crackling fire. As a nod to Aspen's celebrity scene, pair champagne with comfort food for the best of both worlds. Decorate your lodge with natural decor like branches of birch and pine.

Menu:

• Iceberg Lettuce Wedges with Blue Cheese Dressing
• Sliders with Shallot-Dijon Relish
• Creamy Mac and Cheese
• Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
• Coconut Cake
• Juice Snow Cones
• Champagne Cocktails

images+recipes/people

Twilight Addiction

I vowed I wouldn't get sucked in...and I managed to in spite of my best efforts. I've even managed to convert a few friends who also claimed they'd never ever pick read a vampire story. Just about to start Book 4, Breaking Dawn, I'll let you know how it goes!

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Viva La France

As a way to promote French art, history, and culture, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has just declared that entry to ALL French museums is now free to persons under 25 and teachers! This decree comes from a nation-wide effort to "reinforce France's identify...refocus and promote excellence in the arts."

As a teacher AND an art history major, I am majorly excited! Now all I need is a plane ticket to France...

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via yahoonews

Sign Me Up

Thanks to yellowbucket for blogging about this newsworthy job post! Do you like spending your days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, snorkeling, and strolling the sand? Uh...Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES! This might be the job for you...an island caretaker! Australian news called this "the best job in the world." The details: In exchange for a salary of $105,000 USD and free flights to your home country all you'll need to do is keep an eye on a gorgeous, tropical Australian island. Yes, you heard me correct. Stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy. Of course, as you might have expected, there are are a few criteria you must meet in order to be considered. 1. Must be a good swimmer 2. Excellent communicator 3. Be able to speak and write English. Interested? image via wallcoo via yellowbucket story via yahoonews

Almost A Triple Threat

It seems like more and more these days actresses are proclaiming themselves to be more than they appear - triple threats (actress/singer/dancer). Well Zooey Deschanel hasn't debuted as a dancer yet, but she's definitely added "singer" to her resume.

Deschanel is half of the folky duo She & Him, alongside former one-man-band M. Ward. Their songs are not exactly my style, but twangy and catchy, worth a listen. Or for a visual, check out their quirky music video for their single "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here."

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The Little Things

There's something to be said about attention to detail. I love getting letters, there is something classic and lovely about receiving mail, and out of respect for this dying art, I refuse to call it "snail mail." In my book, that expression is right up there with "24/7" and "LOL."

The mailbox in my apartment is teeny-tiny, but somehow the mail carrier manages to sandwich in envelopes of all sizes, giving me a bicep workout every afternoon as I attempt to wrench free the few envelopes I've received. Typically the drill is bill, bill, ad, junk, bill...but every now and then is a different shaped envelope, complete with return address label and pretty stamp. MAIL!

I love the small details of this stationary, the delicate pink pattern of birds inside the envelope. I'm sure many people open envelopes without a second thought, tossing the thing before you even have a chance to peek inside. I on the other hand am a fool for correspondence (can you tell?). I relish in these little details. Seriously, it's all about the little things.

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Dress Up The Pooch

The holidays may be over, but these photos were too cute to pass up! Personally, I know if I tried to pin a ribbon or Rudolph nose on my dog, she probably would have rubbed her head against the fireplace until she shredded the bow off her neck...but I give mad props to Sharon Montrose, for her candid pet photography. I love her work! I definitely want to indulge in pet portraits once I get a pooch of my own.

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Queen Anne

Miss Anne Hathaway is the latest Vogue covergirl. She always seems to look effortlessly fresh and exuberant. Seriously, every photo shoot I've seen her in is graceful and elegant, and never appears overdone. Hmm...maybe I just like her because she's somehow made being pale "cool" again, gotta admit, it's nice to see a celebrity that doesn't fake-n-bake. I am pretty much repellant to tanning. When the sun decides to show its lovely face in Seattle, a sprinkle of freckles is usually all I get, while my friends all turn golden and bronze without trying. Ah, the joys of Irish skin! images/vogue

Useful Furnishings

After a tough day, this would be a lovely reminder to come home to. When in doubt, take a deep breath, keep calm, and carry on. Good advice.

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via nadiashea

Happy Weekend

Hope your weekend is sweet and spectacular!

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Sugar and Spice

Something about the new year makes me want to clean house. My "winter cleaning" over my holiday break from school has included cleaning my fridge, vigorous scrubbing my stove top, reorganizing bookshelves, deep-cleaning the bathroom, dusting a plenty, and attempting to organize my desk. I love the look of this clean kitchen workspace, unified with the silver magnetic theme, very clean and simple.
One of my best friends recently moved into her own condo and her sleek metallic fridge boasted a nifty magnetic spice rack, similar to this one below. I loved the concept, and found the design to be oh-so-chic, and convenient, in addition to having a certain aesthetic appeal. Something to keep in mind for my future dream house...image1/stephmodo
image2/thepeachtreebrooklyn

Happy Birthday Blog!

My blog is one year old today! Amazing how time flies...this time last year I was in a very different place in my life. I was finishing my last semester of my teaching program, without a paying job and therefore broke...my long-term relationship was rapidly unraveling, and quite honestly my life just felt like it was crashing down around me. My blog kind of began as a writing outlet, a way to order my then seemingly orderless life. Along with my family and friends, this blog ended up being a saving grace, giving me an outlet to voice some of my thoughts, creative energy, frustration, and a welcome distraction from everything else that was going on. It's amazing to me looking back how much your life can change in a year. This year I feel like I am in a much better, healthier place. I am the proud teacher of a classroom full of 21 darling little 2nd graders, I am in a new and exciting relationship, and I just feel better...overall. I guess you really do have to wade through the tough times to make the good times shine that much more. Thanks to everyone who has read, commented, and become my imaginary blog friends along the way. image/photobucket

Cha Cha Cha

Tired of your typical bride-groom, his and hers, bridesmaid/groomsens all in a row pictures? Well spice it up! Add a little cha-cha-cha to make your special day flamboyantly flamenco inspired. It really is all about the details, these jewel-toned accessories really add a vibrant energy to this beautiful affair.
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Wind Me Up

Yesterday was my first day back to teaching after the 2-week long winter break vacation. I'm excited to be back with my wonderful students, but utterly EXHAUSTED after my first day. My legs were aching, and my mind fuzzy from extreme tiredness by the time I stumbled into my apartment. My couch never looked so good, as I happily collapsed into it for a fabulous, mindless hour of Gossip Girl. Rest, finally...ahh...

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Sparkle

A friend of mine just purchased these snazzy Miu Miu heels on sale at Barney's. Sparkles, sequins, all I could say was...WOW!

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Get Your Own Boarding Pass

This wine is fit for 10,000 feet. Who wouldn't pass up "Boarding Pass Shiraz," stylish packaging, an exotic destination, and play-by-play directions on how to consume. Wonderful.

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City Chic

Love this look from the Sartorialist. Since the debut of my new TV addiction, The City, I'm feeling everything in my wardrobe looks a little blah in comparison to the glitz and glamor of New York's elite. Maybe I'll add "try and dress more stylish" to my list of New Years goals/resolutions... image/thesartorialist