Wish List, Day 4

Lately I'm very in love with stackable rings. This gorgeous pearl one is just perfect for a sweet little gift.

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5 Things I've Learned about Relationships

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This is a bit of a departure from previous 5 Things posts, but today I'm listing 5 things I've learned about relationships.  I almost didn't post this because I generally shy away from posts that are overly personal or revealing, but I really wanted to do this.  I know this list isn't perfect and I'm so excited to learn more and fall even more in love.

1. I've learned that not every problem is a crisis.  Sometimes you need to relax and do something else for a while until you're in a better mood to talk.

2. It's nice to have different interests.  Don't tell Jordan this, but one of my favorite things is when we're driving and he sees some piece of machinery, he tells me all about it and how it works.  Granted, most of what he says doesn't mean much to me because I'm clueless when it comes to machines, but I'm always so impressed by how smart and practical he is.  Likewise, I tell him about new books I read that he wouldn't otherwise care about or have time to read.  He knows about as much as I do about Greg Mortenson's books just because I tell him all about them.

3.  Things won't be perfect all the time and that's OK.  It doesn't mean anything is wrong with the relationship.

4.  The little things truly are what mean the most.  Sweet, unexpected, thoughtful gifts, Friday nights spent snuggled up on the couch watching movies together, calls just to make sure you made it home safely after a long drive...those are the things you remember.

5.  There is never a need to rush into anything.  Take your time, learn all about yourself and your partner at your own speed.  I remember hearing this quote a few years ago and I think it's perfect for all stages of a relationship, not just marriage:

"You'll never hear someone say 'I wish I got married sooner.'"

P.S. My blog sponsor, Bridget, just stopped by.  She's so sweet and wonderful, please go check out her site full of amazing skincare products!

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Wish List, Day 3

I just bought myself a little espresso machine, but this classic Francis Francis espresso machine would make an excellent Christmas present for someone who loves their morning lattes.

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Under the Weather and a Collage

Items in this set:
Chandra Suede Scuff Slippers - Tan : Target, $12
toast | tundra snood, 69 GBP
toast | cashmere roll neck, 325 GBP
toast | braemer blanket, 155 GBP
toast | cashmere bedsocks, 39 GBP

I've had a cold the last few days that has left me exhausted and miserable. As a result, I've been working half days and spending lots of time on my couch with a hot rice bag and my new book. I'm a big fan of hot tea with honey and lemon to feel better.  I also made some minestrone the evening I started feeling a bit under the weather, so I've got to eat my favorite soup often lately!

I put together a little collage of all my favorite things when I'm sick.  Unfortunately, I don't think I look quite as nice as my collage does right now. :)
 

What do you do when you're sick? Do you have any special home remedies I should try?

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Christmas List, Day 2

Things I want for Christmas, day two!

I'm obsessed with this bag from Anthropologie.  It's name, the Chocolate Pie Bag, makes it even better!

Expect one of these posts daily until Christmas, since I've found about a million things I think would be fantastic Christmas gifts.

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Things I Want for Christmas

This print is at the very top of my Christmas wish list.

Maybe in a deep purple, if possible.

(hint, hint, boyfriend)

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Stones into Schools

 (photo source)

I think it's appropriate that on the day our president is announcing his plans to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, Greg Mortenson's new book is available in bookstore.  I don't know if you read Three Cups of Tea, but if not, I highly recommend it.  Mortenson's new book, Stones into Schools, is out today and I'm going to the bookstore down the street during my lunch break to pick it up.  Lucky for me, Greg Mortenson lives here in Bozeman and left 300 signed copies of his book at the local store I'm planning to visit!

I think this is one of my favorite book reviews, it shows just how touching Mortenson's work is:

“ This week . . . I watched Greg Mortenson, the famed author of Three Cups of Tea, open one of his schools for girls in this remote Afghan village in the Hindu Kush mountains. I must say, after witnessing the delight in the faces of those little Afghan girls crowded three to a desk waiting to learn, I found it very hard to write, ‘Let’s just get out of here.’”  

-Thomas L. Friedman, The New York Times

Did anyone else find Three Cups of Tea to be insanely inspirational?

If so, are you planning to read Stones into Schools?

I know some of you are teachers, have you done anything involving Pennies for Peace in your school?

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