Friday's Five Faves

Whew, it's been a loooong week since last Friday.  Here's are some things that help put a smile on my face:

1.  The return of So You Think You Can Dance - I just love the stories and routines.  Mary is a little much sometimes, but I love Cat Deeley.  I don't have a favorite contestant at this point, but I'll keep you posted.

2.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer - when you've been shedding as many tears and losing as much sleep as I have, concealer is a must.  I've always struggled with concealer - either not applying it correctly or not having the right color.  Concealer is tricky.  My friend, Leanne, blogged about this concealer and let me try hers.  It was love at first hidden dark circle.  The cream comes up through a sponge and you just dab it on.  I use only the slightest amount, but it does an amazing job.  I didn't get a "color" and went with the "Brightener" like Leanne was using.  It has an illuminating-type effect.  I love it....and, it's a drug store/wal-mart buy - even better!

3.  Jesus Calling - I got this devotional book that a friend recommended.  I've never really done a daily devotional and I must confess that I sometimes get a day or two behind, but I'm really enjoying it.  There is a brief passage and two or three bible verses.  Somehow, it always says the right thing on the right day.  For example, last Friday's passage said "Thank Me for the very things that are troubling you......It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time." 

4.  Fly by OPI - Yes, my toenails are this color.  Yes, it's a little out of place at the office.  Yes, I feel super cool wearing it.

5.  Friends & Family - last Friday, when I got slapped in the face by life, I ran home to my family.  This week, when I wanted to go out to lunch or I haven't wanted to be alone in the evenings, my friends are there.  I am truly blessed.  The love and support that I have received is amazing.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, thank you to those who are there for me when I need you.  Thank you guys, too, for the prayers.

Everyone stay cool this weekend....triple digit heat!  You can find me in the A/C, shade, or pool!

Filling the Void

When life leaves you feeling down and there are empty spaces that need to be filled.......

 ......what better way than with new shoes!

Yes, I splurged on a pair of Tory Burch flip flops.  I absolutely love them!  I still want to contact my health insurance provider to see if they cover retail therapy since actual therapy didn't really help.  Fingers crossed!

Fun Weekend!

The nap that I took yesterday afternoon was very well deserved!  I spent last week working (of course) and preparing to host a dear friend's baby shower.  My weekend actually started on Thursday night with my company outing to a Birmingham Barons game.  There was a threat of rain, but we had a very nice evening for hanging out, eating, and chatting baseball.  Some of us went out for a drink after the game to Wine'd Down.  It's a great, relaxed place that sometimes has live music. 

After work on Friday, I met up with Dana for an evening of BBQ and music.  We had Saw's BBQ in Homewood and it was delicious.  We were even able to get a table outside.  There were a lot of people out and about so we had some good people watching.  I followed my BBQ meal with some banana pudding gelato (and I wish I had some more right now).  I only tested about 5 flavors before deciding on half chocolate, half banana pudding.  Then, Dana and I headed over to Railroad Park to hear the Alabama Symphony Orchestra perform.  We had our folding chairs ready for an evening of music under the stars.  Though we had both dressed "warmly" (me in a maxi dress with a cardigan, Dana in pants with knit shirt and denim jacket), it was still pretty cool.  Luckily, Dana had a quilt in the trunk of her car that we used to stay warm.  Red wine helped, too.  Who knew it could be so cold in Alabama on June 1st? 

On Saturday, I helped host a baby shower for my friend Cammie.  She is going to have a baby girl this August.  I'm hoping to have more pictures to add late, but this was the cake, which matched the invitations.  The cake tasted as good as it looks.  I'm thrilled with how it turned out and definitely recommend the baker, Whitney.  I gave her a few details, a copy of the invitation, and told her to do whatever she wanted.  Beautiful and tasty! 

I made a diaper cake, tissue paper balls, punch and homemade cream cheese mints.  The other hostesses brought fruit and chicken salad sandwiches.  We also had a fun "Price is Right" type game.  I'll post more pictures when I get them from the other girls.  Cammie got lots of good stuff and I think everyone had a nice time.  I love celebrating with my friends.  Chris and Cammie will be amazing parents. 

After being at church on Sunday morning from 8 am till noon, I rested yesterday afternoon - with just a little laundry, cleaning, and dish-washing thrown in so as not to feel completely lazy.  Now, I have a busy week followed by another busy weekend.  It's summertime and I intend to enjoy every minute of it!