My 2011 List

This is not a resolutions post.  There are of course things I hope to improve or change, but that is not for this post. 

I have an incredibly long list of books I want to read on my IPhone, a stack of free paperbacks picked up from a local warehouse under my coffee table, two unread titles on my reader and lots of recommendations from other bloggers' 2011 reviews. 

Since I have so many titles I would love to dive into, but it won't be possible to to read them all (this year) unless I quit my job to do so (an option I don't think would be warmly received by my husband) I figured I should to narrow down THE LIST.  Here a few I want to check off my list in the first few months of 2012. 
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The Necklace.  This is a true story about  thirteen women who go in together to buy an expensive necklace and share its beauty.  Each chapter is told by a different woman, sharing their experience while wearing the necklace.  I call it the grown up version of  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  It is short, should be a quick read. 

 

  Venus Fixers An art/historical fiction mix.  During WW II the Allied forces appoint Monument Officers (a hodge podge group of people with varying background in art and history) to make sure that European masterpieces are not damaged or stolen.  The story chronicles the group's struggles to protect the art.  I picked this up when I was visiting my grandparents in Florida.  Their local library sells books for a $1, this one looked too god not grab.   

Winter Garden-I have been told to read this by several people.  A story about two sisters who return home to help care for their dying father.  The sisters have lived very different lives and their mother is distant.  Before the father passes he asks his wife to share a story with the sisters.  A story that bridges the past and present, and supposedly changes who the women considered themselves to be.  The reviews on the back include words like, "gripping", "powerful story" and "breathtaking" so I am very excited about this one. 

Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman -Years after giving her all to her job, kids and husband Rose Lloyd is suddenly starting over.   This book chronicles Rose's journey with her new found freedom.

 The Good Wife Strikes Back-this one is by the same author as the book above, Elizabeth Buchan.  In this story Fanny Savage considers leaving her current life to pursue the one she gave up years ago (a partner in her father's wine business in Italy).  Both of these look like fluff reads, but still should be entertaining. 

 A Year in Provence-This is a true story of what the author, Peter Mayle experienced when he and his wife moved into a 200 year old farmhouse in a little country called Luberon.  I can't wait to read this one, I think it's going to be quite the story.

Do you have some "to reads" for 2012?  Anything I should add to my ever growing list?

Birthday Celebration

December 27th marked the start of my 31st year! 

Wow, it's almost hard to believe!  Thirty seemed like such a big milestone but I almost feel as if this is where the REAL journey begins.  I have lots of hopes of what the next few years will have have in store. 

I started off the day by putting on a new tunic top from H&M and my favorite scarf.  I made a quick run to Starbucks for a Gingerbread Latte (yum!) and then curled up on the couch with my current book.  By the way, this book is great!  If you have the opportunity to read the Piano Teacher (and enjoy historical fiction) you will not be disappointed. 

I went out to breakfast with a great friend, she gifted me these adorable owl salt and pepper shakers! Then, we did some shopping at Kohls.  I scored this pretty necklace with my Kohls cash :)



I had lunch with my mom, dad and brother.  Obviously the theme of this birthday was eat as much as possible ;)  My dad, brother and myself were all lucky enough to be off work. My mom wasn't, so we met her there.  When I looked down at my phone to see what time it was I happened to catch the time and date on my phone (12:27 on 12/27).  This coincidence made me smile (then laugh at my silliness). 

We had a family picture, but it was less than flattering, such a shame :(  The owners of the pizza place we went to know (and love) my parents, so they gave me a cannoli at the end of our meal, so sweet!  It was delicious! 

Later on I read birthday mail from my extended family and opened gifts from my parents and brother.  I was more than spoiled and am so grateful for all of my nice gifts!  I fell in love with Le Mer watches after reading about them on http://www.keepingupwithkellyandco.com The Coach purse was from my brother (my mom helped him pick it out). 

  The birthday celebration ended with a dinner out on Friday night with the family, hubby and a good family friend.  We went to a fondue restaurant called The Melting Pot.  I had never been before and I was so amazed!  The service, the food, the presentation; it was all fabulous!



Birthdays are always a big deal in my family.  My mom always planned fun parties and made sure we had special dinners.  I love that even though we are older and busy with our individual lives, we still make time to celebrate all of birthdays together in a fun way.