Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi, everyone! Happiest of Valentine's Day! I thought I'd share four festive links that I sent to some students this morning! Enjoy your sweet, sweet day and tell your friends, family, close ones that you love them.

1) Listen to these atypical love stories from This American Life.

2) The love story of Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Gardiner Hubbard.

3) If you're feeling dejected/cynical this holiday, check out Liz Prince's funny "Alone Forever" series. 

4) VIDEO: The Single Life: The Science of Love (SoulPancake)

P.S. Did you read the Love Letters series? They're sweet.

Photo via Hoopsy Daisy Etsy shop

{Weekend Update}...Vacation Farewell

So I'm back in Minnesota. It feels like ages since I've been in the city, and while everything is obviously the same, the streets look so different. Perhaps it's the half-melted snow littering the sidewalks...

For my final weekend home on break, I did lots of family stuff. Very specific, I know. My mom and I hauled ourselves out of bed at 5:30 am (yawn!) to drive to my grandma's house in Marshfield, WI. It was so lovely to see her, and the early morning was well worth it. Following out little ritual, mom and I stopped to grab huge coffees for our drive there-so delicious!

Even though dad was a little under the weather - poor guy - we had much fun chilling at home. It's been so long since our family actually went to the movies, and since it was so freezing, we stayed in and watched To Rome With Love, by Woody Allen. It was fantastic, and now I'm on a Woody-kick. I might watch this tonight with Abby.

How was your weekend? I hope you stayed warm and smiled!

Photo via my Instagram @sarahcarlsonetc

Home Again, Home Again

After a crazy semester and a week of finals (minus that surprise break!), it feels very nice to be home again. My own bed with flannel sheet, that homey smell you'll never be able to recreate in your apartment, the sound of neighbors shoveling in the morning. No matter how long or short it's been since going home, it's always, always good to be back. And I'm guessing things will stay this way for a very long time. Because that's just the way it is. 

I look forward to fresh coffee in the morning, the quiet residential streets, getting the mail from the slot instead of walking to another building, sitting in the big cushy chair (I'm doing that now), and snacking on cheese, clementines, and summer summersausage until our bellies are full in the evening. And my dear family, of course.

When you think of home, what come to mind?

P.S...I just finished wrapping Christmas gifts!

{Weekend Update}...Surprise!

Over the weekend, one of my best girl friends graduated from college, conveniently happening the same day as a final. So after many pouting sessions, Amanda accepted the fact that I wouldn't be there for her big day. But being sneaky, my family arranged to have Abby and me picked up directly after my exam so we could surprise her at our Christmas party / graduation celebration. Needless to say, the girl who is always talking was speechless. A good surprise, I think. 

Now I know it's true. It's the thought that counts. Saying multiple times, "the best graduation present would be for you to be here on Saturday," I actually agree. I didn't buy Amanda anything fancy, or commemorative of her graduation day. Our families simply surprised her with a loving gesture that probably meant more to all of us than anything we could buy. It's cheesy, but we created a really wonderful memory that will probably be retold for many years. 

This holiday season, what will you do for the special people in your life?

Photo via Flickr fireflythegreat

{The 2012 Christmas Gift Guide}...For Your Mom Who's Like Your Sister

Triangular Necklace that is chic and goes with everything.

Michael Kors Wristlet to hold all her odds and ends when migrating from purse to purse.

Bodum French Coffee Press for the days she feels decadent and demands french pressed cafe.

Nail Polish: a neutral for feeling refined, a shimmery crimson for parties.

Fossil Metallic Leather Travler Satchel that will fabulously carry all her belongings whether for work, day trips, or mega shopping sprees.

iPhone back up battery so she can text you, call you, and Facetime you for days. :)

Wake Me at Noon Eyemask letting everyone know she seriously deserves her sleeping in weekends.

The New York Times 36 Hours: 125 Weekends in Europe for her to read about fantastic travels on a relaxing weekend. 

NARS Lipstick Fire Down Below because you just know she'd look amazing with it, but she'll never buy it for herself.

Dyptique Gardenia Candle making the house smell like fresh flowers even in the dead of Midwest winter.

Three Little Pigs: her favorite animal; your favorite childhood rhyme. 

Made With Love Cheese Board because those midnight snacks she serves you are really made with love.

{The 2012 Christmas Gift Guide}...For Your Dad Who's More Indie Than You Thought

Do you find it difficult to shop for dads? I do! I can never figure out what he really wants and needs. I stay far away from clothing (he's much too picky), but I definitely don't fret when it comes to little touches. . . What are you getting your dad? Here are some ideas that I like. 

S'mores Caramel Corn: Because his sweet tooth will never go away.

Carhart Cap: Basic necessity is sometimes best when it comes to dads.

Ernest Hemingway, The Nick Adams Stories: Short, snappy, manly.

Cheeky Sock Monkey Beer Cozy: For those days when he needs to be silly again.

Herschel Travel Duffle: No frills, just navy and leather. Carry ons have never been cooler.

iPod Acoustic Dock: Technology just went old school. 

Burt's Bees: He'll never admit it, but he like to keep scraps, windburns, etc. protected from the cold too.

Tweed Tie: For the "Neat Guy"

Set of 12 Beer Glasses: Because dudes don't like accidentally sipping from each other's glasses. 

Signing Off

At noon today my vacation begins, and I couldn't be more ready for it! It's been a crazy few weeks, but extremely rewarding. I've been so lucky to see wonderful friends, try new things, and see my efforts pay off. But now I'm heading home to spend a relaxing few days with my family. I have to work for Black Friday (yikes!), but that just gives me a reason to drink obscene amount of coffee. What am I looking forward to? Spending the whole day eating sweets, drinking coffee and reading (preferably in a room like this)! I'm picking up some books today, possibly from this list. . . any suggestions? 

Have a cozy holiday with your family and friends! 

P.S Maybe I'll journal over break. 

Photo via