*Warning* Spoiler Alert Below:

My faith in the American public was tested this week. Perhaps, I shouldn’t be surprised. I mean the American public has of late elected Michele Bachmann, John Boehner and Rand Paul, so maybe they’re voting skills leave something to be desired, but really, they sent Paul McDonald home! Say what?! If you don’t watch the show, but take the time to read my blog, then spare less than two minutes to watch this…he’s good:

I could really use a week in the Dominican Republic, but that is not in my future. Luckily, five days in Phoenix is just a week away!

On the agenda – a trip to Frank Llod Wright’s Taliesin West, a visit to the University of Arizona’s Biospere 2, a round of golf, delicious Mexican food and some relaxation in the sun!

My packing list:

My latest favorite website? Fishs Eddy

Cute kitchenware at good prices. My three top favorites:

The Artist Palette Cheese Tray

The polka dot cereal bowls (my eggplant cereal bowls are seriously chipped and I’ve already posted on my latest obsession with polka dots)

And the vintage inspired glass storage bowl set

Anything catch your fancy?

GK and my family  threw me a surprise party at Old Ebbitt Grill. They even had an oyster raw bar as part of the menu…yum! I also had surprise visits from my parents, my MIL and my college roommate, ASW, and her fiance!

The weekend also included lots of incredible food, a trip to the portrait gallery, a game of trivial pursuit and a manicure – some of my favorite things all rolled into one very busy weekend. So busy in fact, that I didn’t get a chance to post the fourth, and final, “Never Gonna Get It,” in the Dream Birthday series. 

Reviewing them, I realized there actually is a theme…it’s all about classic luxuries. And what is more classic than a quilted Chanel bag? So, that’s my last pick:

The only thing is, I think I’d go with black. Non?

Hope you had fun dreaming along with me. What would be on your dream birthday wish list?

For those who don’t know about the history of the Hudson Bay Company or their iconic blankets, you can read about them here.

How perfect would this super warm, gorgeous blanket be to cuddle up in next to the fire in my imaginary cabin in the woods?

Mandi made her own zebra print rug for only $119 (right) and I think it looks even better than her $600 inspiration (left):

I have been on the hunt for a few good rugs, with not much luck, so this is definitely inspiring. Not sure I’d have the courage…it puts my little projects to shame! But still, very cool!

Who wouldn’t want a classic Cartier Tank Francaise Watch?

 Can you say le sigh?!

Penguin Books teamed up with designer Coralie Bickford-Smith to make just that:

 I get compliments on them all the time, so I thought I would share them with you.

Nevermind that they are too pretty to actually read!

You can get them on the Penguin Books website (don’t forget to Google for coupon codes!) or on  Amazon.

On my actual birthday wish list was the few I still need to complete my set. Fingers crossed!

Brace yourself, I’m not a cake person…I know, I know - insane!

Not that I don’t enjoy the occasional Costco cake or a cupcake from one of those gourmet cupcake stores, but I’m just not that into cake. I prefer my sugar in the form of doughnuts, pie, cookies and for all my midwesterners…bars!

So if you want me to be your best friend forever,

I am dreaming of lemon bars and raspberry bars:

Not that I would complain if you made me these:

Mmm…