Scenes from the weekend.

This past weekend everything caught up with me. The move, the unpacking, the report writing, and hours upon hours of family teacher conferences... I was absolutely exhausted. So, I decided to stay in my pajamas for as many hours as possible. I enjoyed several small naps on Saturday as the snow flurried outside. And despite my enthusiasm and plans for a movie date night in with Brian, I was asleep by 10 pm before the DVD was even loaded into the Blue Ray player. On Sunday, I somehow found the energy to change from my pajamas into more appropriate gym sweats, stop at the Gap to check out the Friends and Family sale (I found a dress I love!), and read an US Weekly on a bike work out. But as soon as I was home and showered, back into my pajamas I went.

Sometimes weekends spent curled up on the couch are just necessary.

Twelve dates of Christmas: On our tenth date of Christmas...

... we stayed in and watched another favorite holiday movie, Home Alone. 

(image)

Keep the change, ya filthy animal. 

Twelve dates of Christmas: On our eighth date of Christmas...

...we baked milk chocolate chip gingersnap cookies and watched Christmas Vacation (again). I may have fallen asleep about thirty minutes in the first time we watched it last week... 

Sometimes there's nothing better than a comfy, cozy night in with the one you love. 

Tulips, Snickerdoodles, and cat love. It's all about the little things.

Last weekend, I cherished every relaxing minute spent at home. My week off of school was coming to an end, and I knew that once March hit my life would spiral out of control with reports, parent teacher conferences, my class' transportation study culmination, and our school's first staff-led fundraiser. As predicted, I am now buried up to my ears in work, but these pictures from my quiet weekend make me smile and remember to breathe. 

Cheers to the little things in life... 

Tulips. I can't wait for spring to officially arrive. Until then, tulips might be my new flower of choice for my desk. 

Snickerdoodles. There is nothing more comforting than a plate of fresh baked Snickerdoodles and a glass of ice cold milk. 

Cat love. Boo may not be much of a cuddler, but she is always right by my side. Or on top of my laptop. I love her. 

Afternoon naps. There is really nothing better.

Love. This mug will forever make me smile and think of my beautiful nieces who helped me make it. Who knew so much love could be put into one little mug.

Hope your week was full of little things that made you smile. Happy Friday!

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Well, at least the cupcakes were good.

I could barely contain my excitement all day last Sunday. Brian and I had plans to watch the Super Bowl together that night, and for the first time I was truly eager to watch the game. For years, I have been a passive football fan, tuning out the plays, passes, and touchdowns and devouting my attention to the ever-important sports snacks and catchy commercials. But, this year, Brian's devotion to his home team was instilled in me. I could not wait to watch the Pats battle the Giants for the Superbowl title. I spent the morning cutting out little Patriots for my cupcake toppers, which eventually were stuck into my best batch of red velvet cupcakes yet. Hours later nachos were layered, buffalo chicken dip was made, and pigs in a blanket were wrapped with care. We were so ready for the game...

And then that painful fourth quarter happened. Balls were dropped and our team unfortunately lost, but it was still a great night. It was so fun to watch the game with Brian. And man were the cupcakes good.

Buongiorno

Yesterday morning I had my Italy girls over for brunch. I lived with these beautiful ladies seven years ago in Florence, and we have been great friends ever since. Once we sat down with our plates of french toast, eggs, and fresh strawberries, we realized that we had not all gotten together in months upon months. But, the wonderful thing is, it didn't even matter. We picked up where we left off and had hours of conversation about everything from engagements to jobs to our next shopping trip together. I am so grateful for my Via Cavour girls. Our brunch at home was the perfect start to my weekend.

Joys of a Saturday

Slowly waking up with no alarms set...

Phone calls with family...

Bottomless cups of coffee throughout the morning and afternoon...

Matthew and the Atlas, Guster, Beirut, and Ben Harper...


Lounging in the sun...

Tidying up a week's worth of clutter...

Slippers, pajamas, and 500 Days of Summer...

Updating calendars and starting a new countdown for my next trip to Florida...


Wearing sweatpants instead of jeans...


Iced skinny peppermint mochas... 


Planning my next baking endeavors...

Freshly painted nails... 


Thai food ordered in and a much needed movie date... 


Thankful for feeling refreshed, relaxed, and happy. 

Twelve dates of Christmas: On our sixth date of Christmas...

... we ordered in, watched The Sopranos, and baked and frosted ginger cookies. It was so relaxing and perfect. I am grateful to be with a man who will happily cut out cookies with me, not because he especially likes to, but because he knows how happy it makes me. I am a lucky girl.