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!

image/rubypress

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!

image/joblo

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...

image/perezhilton
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."

image/she&him