Love...

Sean skipped his class today due to a killer migraine.  He gets these every so often and they really just put him on his ass...poor thing.  I've been lucky to never have one *knock on wood* so I feel terrible for him when they strike.  So since Sean is curled up in bed, I'm spending my Valentine's Eve curled up with the furball!  Is he not the cutest thing on four legs??

Louie

 Sean and I don't ever really go all out for Valentine's Day, even this year, a few cupcakes for him (even though the were AMAAAAZING) wasn't exactly romantic gesture of the year.  My sweetie surprised me with knitting classes!  (I have been wanting to learn forever and just haven't committed.  I know it's a weird thing, but it was just about the sweetest gift he could have gotten me).  

This year I'm just really feeling the love.  I think it's because I finally feel really wonderful about what is going on in in my relationships, my career, and myself.  (THE TRIFECTA!) So, just in time for Valentine's Day a few things that I love!

I love my little family.  Sean and Louie are more than I ever could have wished for.
I love my mom.  She is pretty crazy, but I notice more and more how similar we are and luckily I've only inherited her best traits.
I love my friends.  I have some truly amazing friends.  The kind that would drop everything in an instant to stand by me when I need them.  Some I have had since high school, others I met the first day of orientation in college, and others I've picked up along the way at work, tae kwon do class...but I really am lucky to know all of them.
I love good food, and more recently I love making good food...especially chocolate covered strawberries!

my weakness

I love my job.  Seriously.
I love my co-workers.  They are all great at what they do, passionate about working with students, and smart as hell.  I learn from them every day.
I love a good glass of red wine.
I love Philadelphia.  It is a remarkable city that is a perfect fit for me.
Finally, I love this blog.  It's something I have wanted to start for a long time and like so many other things it is the perfect time right now.  I'm looking forward to watching it grow and change and seeing what comes of it.

Leave me a love note on this post because I also love hearing from all of you!

xoxo

Valentine's Gifts for the Men

The guys really get the raw end of the deal on Valentine's Day, don't you think? We expect them to shower us with presents and flowers and chocolates and diamonds... no? just me? Anyway... this year show the special guy in your life that you appreciate him with a seriously awesome gift!  Here are some of my favorites:

Bacon + Chocolate = Heaven

Go to the Vosges website and order their Bacon Chocolate Bar---yes it's true chocolate and BACON in a candy bar.  Sean and I tried these when we were in Las Vegas last year and they show up at Whole Foods every once in a while.  You haven't lived until you've tried this chocolate bar, and the man in your life will think you are the most amazing person to walk the earth when he unwraps it.  That heart shaped box with the questionable candies in it ain't got nothin' on this bad boy.

Now, for the manliest soap around:


From Etsy Seller Simply Scents

 That's right...beer soap.  This Guinness version smells great and is actually made from the bubbly stuff.  Visit Etsy to find more options--if your man has a favorite brew this would be a great custom gift that won't cost you an arm and a leg.  And hey, now he has no excuse for being stinky after the gym.

For the guy who really is awesome:



Via rowboatpress

And finally, since Sean has found a love of straight razor shaving and so now has more face products than I do...

truefitt and hill

Bonus--this smells AMAZING!  Very manly

I'll be back tomorrow with gifts for the little ones, or maybe just the young at heart!