Friday Yayday!!!!

Literally my child called me this week and asked about going somewhere that evening.  I was quick to remind her that she already had plans for Wednesday night.  She reminded me it was Tuesday.  To which I replied....you are kidding it cannot still be Tuesday!!!!

I've had a long week.....and evidently a particularly long Tuesday.  So double Yay to Friday!!!!

But then I realized that next week is July.  I am totally confused as to how the days seem so long yet the months feel so short.  I have got to get motoring on my summer bucket list.  If you missed that post, you can read it here.  I am working hard on 3 of them.....and I have got to get some energy going on the other two.  Like you couldn't guess......I am way behind on the exercise one. Did you make a summer bucket list?  If so, here's to us getting one of our items completely checked off - like this weekend.  We can do it.  I believe in us.

Oh, but the good thing about next week being July is that it is time for QVC's Christmas in July.  It will actually start this weekend. Click here to take a peek at some of this year's Chistmas offerings. And if you want to sit back and enjoy,  just tune in to QVC on Saturday night at 9:00pm CST and enjoy the Christmas shows all weekend.

If you are not quite ready to think Christmas, enjoy these summer finds that are all on sale:

Kut fron the Kloth White Jeans

Floral dress

Lounge Romper

Lerth Pants

Have a great weekend.  See you back on Monday!

Recalculating and that's ok

Have you ever been using your GPS in your car and either decided not to follow the exact directions or missed a turn.....of course, it will immediately tell you RECALCULATING......It realizes something just happened that was not according to plan. It realizes there is a need to adjust the plans and seek another way. It is not that our final destination has changed.  It is just that we may need to go a little different route than we originally planned.

Some of us need to activate our life GPS.  Look, most of us have some life plans.  Most of us have a few goals we want to hit.  But here's the thing we may need to give ourselves a little flexibility on how we get there. We need to give ourselves the ok to recalculate.

I was talking with a friend the other day and they were lamenting about the pressure and stress they were feeling trying to accomplish a particular goal.  They weren't even enjoying the pursuit of the goal anymore.  They were so fixated on this possible achievement, they were sacrificing some other things that quite frankly couldn't be recouped.  We had a long conversation about accepting a change in their course, re-prioritizing, paying attention to where God was leading.

Where was I when I needed to give myself this very advice?  I'll tell you where I was.....  I was working 9 hour days, commuting over an hour a day, going home and sterilizing every single thing my children might touch, while making baby food in a blender and freezing it in ice cube trays so my sterilized children could have some pristine food.  I was literally running myself ragged.

That was a long time ago.....but I can still create some work for myself.  I am sometimes so involved in something that I don't even realize the self-induced stress.

If you've been thinking of quitting school, your job, your marriage, your whatever....please don't take this as confirmation that you should do this.  Remember, recalculating doesn't necessarily change your destination.....I am just saying pay attention to your body, your health, your family and what you are requiring of yourself.  Maybe there's a better way.  It may take more time. It may be slower to accomplish what you are going for.  Maybe it is not the shortest route.  Maybe it is not the most ideal route. But you may need to slow down and look around.  Take a breath today and allow yourself to recalculate.

See you back on Friday.

Nordstrom Sale Prep

It is time to stretch, limber up and get yourself ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I talk about this every year because it is a BIG SALE!!!! But here is the thing.  You have to be proactive.  You have to plan ahead.  You have to get ready!!!

The Sale this year is:
July 9th and 10th - Nordstrom Icon Card Holders
July 11th - 18th - all Nordstrom cardholders
July 19th - August 4th - everyone has access

So to be an Icon Card Holder you have to spend let's just say.....approximately.....somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000 the previous year.  It is a little late to start on that goal

But

It is not too late to become a regular cardholder.  I say this every year.  I am NOT an advocate for credit cards, however, I do advocate for early sale access.  If you know you can shop and quickly pay off your bill, then go for it.  If you think you might let it ride a few months before paying it off, then maybe not.  Because you know what ruins a good sale - credit card interest.  But if you can handle it GO FOR IT!!! Apply now and get your credit card in place so you can shop the early access dates.

I have been saving up for this sale since last July.  Here is a quick reminder of how we did last year

We also did a little, ok a lot, of online shopping.  The sale has tons of fall stuff in it.  Think boots, booties, sweaters, handbags, jewelry, coats, etc, etc.  

If you want to get an idea of the type of things we bought last year, you can click here to see last year's detailed post.

I will buy a few things for myself plus a few Christmas gifts to finish up this year's list.  

This year we are taking a team....yes, there are nine of us.  We are devoted to bringing you the best the sale has to offer.  We are all ages, shapes, sizes and styles.  We will be posting our best finds and leading you to the things you don't want to miss.  

I am so excited.  We are marking the calendar counting down the days.  Whether you join the cardholder early access on the 11th or wait for public access on the 19th, you will love this sale.

Ok, that's this year's pep talk.  Hydrate, girls, the sale is just around the corner.

Make it a great week!

Welcome Summer

It is the first day of summer.....yep.....just so you know all those 90 degree temperatures, that 100 degree heat index, and that high humidity, well that was Spring.  So buckle in and get ready for summer.

Check your local Dairy Queen and see if they are participating in the free ice cream cone day!

Courtesy of Dairy Queen

Participating restaurants are giving a free regular cone or dipped cone with any purchase.  So grab a friend and buy a cone and get a cone to welcome in our old friend Summer.

Here are a few things I am looking forward to this summer

My kids think I am crazy when I say it is Popsicle season.  Well it is and these Outshine fruit bars are my favorite.

I am for sure going to have to make my banana split pie soon.  I shared the recipe here.

It has a great filling, bananas, pineapple.....delicious!  Go ahead and make yourself one to start the summer and then make you several more all summer long.

I've also got to get moving on my summer bucket list which I shared here.  I have completed one of my five items and working hard on two of the others.  It is still early.  Go ahead and make a summer bucket list and let's get busy checking things off.

And don't forget this is the last week of June.  Join us in praying this month's verses.

Happy first day of Summer.  Have a great weekend and I will meet you back here on Monday!

Daydream.....again

When I was young I could spend hours daydreaming.  Hours.  I am fairly certain I went to sleep every night daydreaming.  Sometimes about hanging out with my friends.  Sometimes about having pancakes for breakfast the next morning.  Sometimes about an upcoming pep-rally.  As I got older I would daydream about boys, going to college, getting married, Once I was married, I pulled him into the habit of daydreaming too.  We would ride around and look at houses, talk about what we wanted one day, even how we wanted to landscape it.  We moved on to daydreaming about vacations, children and growing old together. I will admit I still daydream about big sales.  I do love a sale eve.

Here's what all those stages of daydreaming had in common....hope.  Thinking about what the future can hold, how things might be.....hope.

I want to be hopeful again.  I still have a lot to dream about.

You still have a lot to dream about.

A little pause today to remind us all to keep dreaming, keep hoping, keep expecting great things to come.

What are three things you are hoping for?

Spend some time thinking about them. Spend some time daydreaming about them.

Hope Canvas

Hope Arrow Canvas

Here's hoping you are filled with hopeful, promising thoughts.....and that you take a little time to daydream.

See you back on Friday.

Retail workers.....just a thought

Have you ever worked in a retail store?  I know.....it is not for the faint of heart.  The hours are long, the public is interesting to deal with and it can be a tough job.  I get it.  I did it for over 11 years myself.  But here's the thing ....it is so easy to buy just about everything you need on line.  Now we pretty much don't have to actually go to a store to buy anything.  So when customers go to the trouble of driving to your store, finding a parking place and perusing your merchandise....maybe you could graciously even happily check them out.

This weekend I was in a local store and I had two items I wanted to buy.  Mind you I had searched the racks on my own and found these two items.....and I just wanted to pay for them! Like I just need you to put in your employee number and honestly I can probably take it from there.  I have done enough self checkout to scan them, hit total and swipe my card.  But on Saturday, I was the only one in line and literally the clerk told me to find another register.  She then put a "This Register is Closed" sign on the counter.  Really? You couldn't scan these two items and then close your register? Really?????

I could possibly have overlooked this poor customer service because maybe she had an emergency.....maybe she needed to hurry to the restroom.....maybe she needed to call home and check on her kids.....she could have had a true emergency.  But no.....she just caught up with a couple of her friends and enjoyed a little laugh and conversation with them.....all while I was searching for an open register.

So I just wanted to mention, if you are working retail maybe you could actually appreciate the customers coming in.

Now you all know I don't like to talk bad about anyone or particular businesses so allow me to end today with places I usually get GREAT customer service.  Shout out to those who do it well

Publix
The Sweet Pineapple
Nordstom
Chick Fil A
Anthropologie
Valley Sole
Vintage West
Bath and Body Works
Lululemon
Kendra Scott

Focusing on the good today!  Anyone you want to give a shout out to for making it worth your while to shop with them?

Make it a good week. See you back on Wednesday.

Flag Day Fashion

It is Flag Day so I have some red, white and blue fashion for you.  Just consider it an early start for your July 4th apparel

Dotted Wrap Dress

I think you can wear this little wrap dress anywhere.  You could go to a BBQ or church in this ......now that is versatile.  It is well under $30

Steve Madden Slide

Who doesn't need a cute little slide?  I talked to two people this week who were shopping for a red shoe for the summer.  Well here you go.  I am a big fan of Steve Madden shoes so I consider these a winner.

Caslon Short

I consider this a basic short.  It has a 5 inch inseam which is respectable.

Jag Bermuda Short

However, if you want something a little longer, try these bermunda shorts.

Navy White Striped Top

We can't have those cute white shorts without a fun top. This one is under $20.

Square Earring

I like these earrings because they are an unusual shape.  If you don't want to buy new clothing pieces, you could just add a fun navy earring to a pair of jeans and white top you already own.

Beaded Hoop

However, if you are really feeling daring, go for these larger red hoops.  They are fun textured hoops that are super cute.


And you all know how I enjoy a good themed P.J.  so check out these two options

Popsicle Pajamas

Striped Nightgown

Happy Flag Day!

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will see you back here on Monday.

Travel Ready

So do you have any trips planned for this summer?  I have read about travel cubes all over social media for the last year.  I wasn't sure what I thought, but I did give them a try when we went to the beach a couple of weeks ago.

I purchased this set

Packing Cubes

They come in seven different color options: blue (pictured), black, lime green, pink, lavender, silver and teal. This was perfect for us so I could get everyone their own color.  That way you can combine suitcases but easily be able to sort to the right person upon arrival.

The good thing we found about these is that we all organize and think differently.  I sorted by clothing type.  So all my shirts in one, shorts, skirts and pants in one, and pj's in another, etc.  My mom was in Europe while we were at the beach.  She was going to different countries every three days so she had to change hotels.  She was able to pack total outfits so she could easily find her London stuff, her Paris stuff, her Spain stuff, etc.

These totally keep you from having to topsy turvy your whole bag every time you need to grab something

And I gotta say I think I was able to pack more due to the organization....which is always a good thing.

If you have a vacation planned, you might consider making this small investment in your packing sanity. I am pretty sure I can never go back to packing any other way.

See you back here on Friday

May Book Review

Y'all, I don't want to jinx myself but I am on a bit of a good book streak.  Listen, I am relishing in it.  There have been months when I didn't love anything I read but NOT this month.  I liked them all!!!

I hope you can find one or two that you might enjoy,  I know several of you are preparing for vacations and I would say all of these are good vacay reads.

First up, one of my favorite authors



Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman.  I have enjoyed everything I have read by Fredrik....see now we are on a first name basis.  If you read A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie was a character in that book.  You do not need to read that one to understand and enjoy this one.  They are stand alone stories but just wanted to mention that in case the name Britt-Marie sounds familiar. To be honest, I was not a fan of hers in the other book but I came to love her in this one.  She is quirky for sure.  But her heart comes through in this one.  She is faced with a downturn in her marriage which leads her to a job that she could not be less suited for.....until.....well just read it and see.  I loved this book.  It wonderfully told.  It is the kind of book that I think you could recommend to most anyone and they would enjoy it.  I hope you do!

Next up, another favorite of mine





Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin. This story has all the Charles Martin trademarks.....tragic life events, heroism and love.  A man who has taken up residence in a cabin to purposefully isolate himself from the world is plunged into the world of others and the results could not have been predicted.  If you want to be reminded that good can prevail, this is the book for you.  This is one of those books that you will be begging your bestie to read so you guys can talk about it.  In fact, if you read it call me and let's talk about it.

This next one has been all over social media. My friend Stayce told me I should read it and I did.




The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. It is suspense at its best. I did not figure out what was going on until the end.  Basically, a patient who was involved in a tragic event has not spoken a word since.  Her therapist is obsessed with getting her to talk and helping her out.  You will often wonder who is the patient and who is the therapist.  It is well told and enjoyable to read.  In fact, you can call me after you read this one too.


Lastly, I needed just a super light fun summer read so I chose



The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews. The cover looks super light and summery, right? Well don't judge a book by its cover.....that is a real saying for a reason.  It was not suspenseful or scary but it wasn't what I would call light reading.  It had a couple of hard topics in it.  But it was covered beautifully and I enjoyed the book.  I still say it is a good summer read.  Essentially, a group of friends are reunited when they are well into their old age.  There are secrets and deceptions and all the things that come with a group of girlfriends.  I recommend this one too.....Enjoy!

Remember if you are ever looking for a good book, you can see all my book reviews by clicking on the Book label on the far right of the blog page or just click here for all the ones to date.

I hope you are reading some good stuff too.  I was gifted some very good books for my birthday so those are coming soon.

Make it a great week.  See you back here on Wednesday!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Hey if you are like me and still trying to finish up Father's Day shopping, I have a few ideas for you today.
First up, this umbrella

Blunt Metro Umbrella

First, I don't know that I have ever held a more well constructed umbrella.  I know it sounds crazy but when you hold this thing, you know it is going to shelter you from some wind and rain.  Both of my girls were given these by our good friends John and Patsy for graduation.  High five to them.  It comes in great colors - black, aqua, charcoal, gray, mint, navy, orange and red.  Also they come in super cute packaging 

which is absolutely perfect for gift giving.  Listen if you don't need a Father's Day gift, grab one for yourself.  This is a great umbrella.

Next up, an old favorite

Crocs

Yep, these things are back with a vengeance.  And if you think about it they are a great car washing, lawn watering, gardening shoe.  Plus, there are 4000 color options....ok, that might be a slight exagerration but there are probably over 40 colors.

Now if he doesn't want to wash the car in his crocs, maybe he would enjoy doing a little grilling in them.  This grill brush seems like a great idea, especially if he is grilling for you.  

Grill Brush

This one is bristless which means there are no chances of little metal pieces getting stuck to the grill and ending up in your food.  It comes in red and blue and is under $30....and it is dishwasher safe.....double plus!

And if you are buying for a dapper guy

Filigree Cuff Links

I do love a good cuff link.  Maybe you know someone who loves them too.

If your guy needs a little something for his recliner or man cave, grab him this

Accent Pillow

Hope there is something there to help you out or maybe something that sparks a thought for a great gift idea.

Have a wonderful weekend!

June Girls and those with upcoming birthdays

Just a reminder to go to Kendra Scott during your birthday month.  All you do is show your driver's license to prove it is indeed the month of your birthday and you get an item 50% off.

If you do not need/want an item for yourself, it is a great opportunity to grab a gift for someone.  I know people think that Kendra Scott is pricey for costume jewelry, but I must say it is some good quality stuff.  We have several pieces like this classic

Elisa

and this long pendant version

Reid

When you go into the store you can go to the Color Bar and choose what color metal you want and what stone you want (there are well over 30 stones).

You can also customize rings, earrings and bracelets.

Here's what I chose this year.

This is the Deena Earring.  There was gold, rhodium (silver) and rose metals and, of course, the plethora of stones to select from.  Mine is the silver metal with the white pearl stone.

It was happy birthday from me to me at 50% off.  I have already worn them and loved them.  They are lightweight and I think rather pretty.

So set a reminder on your phone to go to Kendra Scott during your birthday month.  If you have a girl on your list that you are just not sure what to get her as a gift......give her a Kendra Scott gift card then tell her to spend it getting her 50% off item.

I wish every store gave us 50% off for our birthdays.  Thanks, Kendra!

See you back here on Friday.

Surrendering - A Year of Prayer June Edition

Before I get to today's topic I want to say a BIG thanks for all the birthday wishes and entries for the Gift Cards.  So far it was the biggest number of entries we have ever had.  You girls love these three stores as much as I do.  So our two winners are

S. Erdner! 

and 

Olda P.!

I hope you enjoy your shopping experience.  I may have gone to all three stores on Saturday just to scope out a few things you might buy......there's lots of good stuff out there so Enjoy!!!!

Now onto our topic of the day.....So far I would say May wins the fastest month of the year.  It zoomed right out of here.  So we are now onto our June Prayer Focus.

Here is a reminder of our prayer plan for the year

If you still need to print the yearly plan, click here.

Our focus for the month of June is No Worries. Raise your hand if you need this one. If you didn't raise your hand, feel free to pray it for me. For a long time I have had several hobbies.....shopping, reading, worrying. While I am much better than I have been in the past, I can still jump down the worry rabbit hole with the best of them. This is going to be a great reminder for me to trust God and who I KNOW He is.

Here are our focus verses for June

If you want to print a copy of this month's verses, click here.

Thanks for joining in on this collective prayer

Here's to a worry free June!

Make it a great week, ladies!