Five Gratitudes

Ah, spring break. A magical time. A time when the frantic pace of the semester abruptly halts, and everyone gets a chance to breathe. This year, I'm especially ready.

1. I'm grateful for the chance to lay down, maybe stretch a little, and relax.

2. I'm grateful that I won't have to wake up until my body wants to.

3. I'm grateful that these books are the only things I'll have to read.

4. I'm grateful that I'll have time to shop for the ingredients and make this spicy dish.

5. I'm grateful that I can finally sit down and start planning our trip. (that's right, we're going to Spain and France this summer!!! I'll post the story soon:)

how does one celebrate?

Today is Monday, and thus, I would normally be contemplating meals to make this week, trying to decide on fun things to try. Today, though, I have no thought of cooking. I may very soon have *extremely* good tidings to share, tidings which deserve celebration--wine--twirly skirts--and definitely, definitely no cooking for oneself. 

So, what would I do to celebrate something great with myself, the hubs, and maybe some family and friends thrown in?

I'd drink a bottle of this delicious wine from 45 North vineyard, located directly on the 45th parallel on the Leelanau peninsula. 

I'd wear this dress. 

With these shoes (because, nerdily, I've always wondered if cole haans are comfier than your average shoe...)

...and, let's face it, since we're talking about the mitten in early "spring," this cardi as well. 

we'd eat at this little noshy place,

and see this movie at this historic theater. 

Or, maybe I'd just cajole the hubs to hop in the car and run away with me to this serene-looking, eco-friendly hotel. 

What about you? What are your ideas for the perfect celebratory evening/day/weekend?