I am pretty excited to bring you this week’s “Ten” with Alex! Alex is the blogger behind Things That Sparkle and has one of the most gorgeous apartments in Chicago I’ve seen! Definitely check it out after you’ve read her ten.

Considering I am the world’s most offensive dancer… the answer should be no music. But sadly, if I’ve had a couple cocktails I’ll get up and dance to any fun oldies or Motown music!

My absolute favorite books are by Nelson Demille. They are exciting, and even somewhat educational. Or at least they seem like they are.

Love Actually. I am such a sucker for romance. And the holidays. Love every single bit of it all!

Pizza. Except, I am willing to admit it. Its just a little out of control. There is nothing that will stop me. I am recently lactose intolerant, so now my pizza is usually cheese-less or with goat cheese. I am happy as long as there is crust and toppings. I am shameless.

I actually really love this one. You are able to connect with so many amazing people through new technologies like blogs and Twitter. There is a lot of nostalgia for times that have past. And we are able to learn from the mistakes before us, and take inspiration from the successes.

This is really out there, but its the first thing that came to me. Abe Lincoln. He’s from my home state and got to be president during a period of time where so much was changing. He would have so much insight on politics today.

Something fabulous. I don’t even know what it would be. I am already known for my chicken sausage/pasta speciality and its one I am ok with for now!

Make sure to check out Things That Sparkle

The Glamourai

And have a wonderful Friday!

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In college my roommate organized a Valentine’s weekend that made this attached girl annoyed she had to go to dinner with her boyfriend.

{Ok, not too annoyed, but I was still bummed I missed out on this!}

She arranged an open house for any girls who wanted to stop by throughout the weekend, where they would find her with plenty of wine, snacks, & episodes of Sex & The City.

That’s right: she spent the whole weekend in pajamas, on the couch, getting takeout, & hanging out with Carrie & company.

So. Jealous.

I married that boyfriend (so I guess that worked out!) but have always thought  that this was an amazing way to spend Valentine’s Day. Friends came & went the whole weekend, dropping by for an episode (or seven), whenever it worked for them.

So who needs a Valentine when you’ve got comfy slippers, your girls, some wine, & a phone that will get you food without ever leaving your living room.

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It’s time to start prepping for Valentine’s Day festivities, so clearly this color combination is all over the place.

And while I normally would never put these two colors together, I loved the look on Emma Stone:

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Perhaps this may be too much on February 14 but would still look great for cocktails or brunch with girlfriends the weekend before!

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Anyone else brave enough to put these two colors together?

{I kind of love the striped skirt!}

Valentine’s Day has always been fun for me, mainly because I was guaranteed at least one box of chocolates from my parents.

And while I was not pining away for a boyfriend every year, I was looking forward to having romantic dates every February 14.

Fast forward to 2012, where I will be spending my 10th Valentine’s Day with my lovely husband. In the most romantic way possible- drinking too much with our friends & watching a terrible movie.

Somehow we have established traditions that have little to do with love and romance, but that is still very “us”.

Our group of friends has been going on a wine tour for the past 3 years and although numbers are dropping (apparently winery hopping is not fun for pregnant ladies) we’re still going strong. For a few more years at least!

Our other tradition is one that I can only credit to my husband. For some unknown reason he came up with the idea that our Valentine’s date would be to see a movie. But the last one we would ever imagine the two of us going to watch.

I don’t know how this happened either.

But I’ve spent the last 4 Valentine’s watching Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, The Wolfman, Pink Panther 2, and Never Say Never.

Its at least become a good conversation topic!

We don’t know yet what this year’s winner will be but we do have some good early contenders.

{I usually make him take me out to dinner anyways to make up for these terrible movies!}

So while we’re researching movies and prepping for the wine tour (cake pops will clearly be involved), I thought it might be time to get our house a bit more festive.

A Thoughtful Place posted her gorgeous mantel and I am beyond envious. Using it as inspiration here is what I came up with:

All of these were things I already owned, which was a big plus.

Since I don’t have a fireplace my piano (which faces the front door) substitutes. There’s a lot going on with two wedding photos on the wall above it, so I tried to simplify the decor.

The amazing subway print is from The Bonjour Family and is free to print!

The vase with berries is leftover from Christmas but I like how the branches look with the sweet pink and white theme.

I do think I need to tweak it a bit but for scrounging up items from the house, I’m pretty happy with it.

So at least part of our house is all set for the romantic side of Valentine’s Day!

What traditions do you have?

And do you have any recommendations for our 2012 movie?

A very exciting night for this Giants fan makes for a very tired morning!

I’m armed with my Dr.Pepper but still think a nap may be in order when I get home. Overall we spent a relaxing weekend at home, then geared up for the big game yesterday.

We went all out with the nachos at Ragtime for the first half (and got suckered into buying a Bud Light Platinum. Those commercials get ya!) then went over to our fellow Giants fans to finish the game with friends.

I also impressed everyone with my sports gear- high fashion for the game! Though I think its time I get a jersey & think I informed my husband of that a few times last night.

{I’ve got a birthday coming up, so its a reasonable request, right?}

A great conclusion to the weekend but now I’m back at work & need to somehow get through the day without falling asleep at my desk

I think I’m too old to stay up this late on a school night!

Anyone have exciting plans last night, Super Bowl or other?

I may be a Virginia girl but am married to a Jersey boy.

And with no allegiance to the Redskins, I was an easy Giants convert.

(Which I also have to give credit to two of my favorite Jersey girls for making it their mission one year to get me into football).

Needless to say I’ll be rocking the blue tomorrow but if you need some options on what to wear for the big game, may I suggest checking out The Style Ref?

Having met the lovely Style Ref at the recent CapFABB event, I wanted to pass along her unique blog that combines a love of sports with fashion.

So get your Giants outfit ready for tomorrow (oh, ok, I suppose you can wear a Patriots outfit) to at least pretend to cheer on a team, even if you’re only there for the snacks & commercials.

{Don’t make Eli cry- root for the Giants!}

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I’m so thrilled to be kicking off a new series today!

I’ve asked some of my favorite bloggers ten questions to get to know them in a way that might not come through on their blogs.

And to get us started we have the fabulous Sarah from Fairy Tales Are True.

Not only has this woman recently started her own business, runs a gorgeous blog, makes time for her husband & adorable puppy, but she has also been through a lot that makes it so inspiring to read her blog.

So head on over to check her out after reading her Ten.

Beyonce. I have a slight obsession.

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.

Jo March from Little Women.

I love ABC family tv shows. Or any teen drama. I am 28. I’m not sure I’ll ever grow out of it.

That’s tough. I love the 20′s and the 60′s. I think I could fit into either.

Cleopatra!

Vegetable lasagna.

I wish I could snap my fingers and everything be organized and clean (:

Tuula

Photo Credits: 1/2/3