Pretty is: The Weekend continues

May 28, 2017

It is ALWAYS a challenge for LB to find something new and fun for us to do on the weekend. Since this weekend is one day longer than normal [and last night was about the Cellar Upstairs. again], LB found an opportunity to visit a new restaurant with the purpose of supporting a band that we’ve heard only once before during a visit to Tom and Betty’s. The band is named for the talented performer Chris Thomas who has launched a fund raiser to help him on his quest to visit Europe. The cover charge was $20/person, but we discovered the event after it was sold out. Our only option was to find a table in the bar area (first come first served). Which we did.We were starving (as usual) and enjoyed two appetizers… hot wings

and crab & artichoke dip on grilled pita points

Then the entertainment

This performer is SO talented. He engages the audience [who love him]. He begins his set with songs recently made popular by Michael Buble and continues into the evening with songs that were popularized in the 80’s and beyond. On occasion he has a 16 piece band. Tonight was an abbreviated band, but still very impressive. The Chris Thomas Band is great

It was a great show, and something different for a Sunday night… but the best news is… tomorrow is Weekend Day 3!

Pretty is: Friday Date Night

May 19, 2017

Once in a while on Friday, LB and I set our regular pizza night schedule aside to enjoy a date night. Because of my current schedule, my work outfit has to be date night ready when I leave the office. Fortunately I can go from day to night with only a few simple tweaks.
One of my favorite day to night items is this scuba skirt. There are three of these in my wardrobe arsenal and they are a go-to item since they pair nicely with so many of my blouses.
The scuba skirt can be dressed up or down depending on your plans and is oh so comfortable.
My black split back top is a perfect date night item. But it is also good for layering since it is so thin and practically calls for a cardigan or jacket/blazer.

Jacket: Venus
Sweater: Target
Blouse: Express
Skirt: Forever21 (similar)
Date Night Shoes: Amazon, XOXO
Handbag: Michael Kors
Earrings: Brighton

Date night ready: lose the cardigan, untuck the blouse, and change the shoes

Date Night Destination: Tom and Betty’s
A 40+ year old Jacksonville landmark, formerly located on Cassat Avenue, until a devasting fire. Now relocated at Roosevelt Square, Tom & Betty’s is a favorite spot for dinner and a band on an occasional Friday Date Night.

The Bronco Burger the BEST burger in town! A half pound of ground chuck, cooked to order and served on a grilled Kaiser with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo, and spicy deli mustard and shown below with a side salad. YUM!

To limit daily caloric intake, LB and I will SHARE THIS

Happy Friday! Welcome to the WEEKEND!

Pretty is: Celebrating Mothers

May 15, 2017

Yesterday was Mother’s Day and it was fabulous. For me, the day started with a “made from scratch” sour cream pound cake.

Since my mother loves a warm pound cake, I made sure she got some. I followed a recipe that I found on Pinterest posted by Call Me PMc which I have used before and will used again.

LB and I hand delivered it early Sunday afternoon. That’s Mama

We visited for a while, had a nice talk, then I had to head home to get ready for the evening festivities.

Amanda is my younger daughter and the celebrated middle child of my three. She likes to treat me to a pedicure on Mother’s Day, and that has been our practice for several years now. While waiting for her to pick me up, and getting everything ready for company, LB discovered a plumbing problem. Sparing the details, let me just say, it was bad enough to cause a change in our evening plans. Instead of having the kids come to our house to visit, enjoy sliders, and maybe take a swim, LB suggesting we reschedule. I broke the news to the kids but my brilliant first born decided we should all go out instead.
So we did.
To my favorite restaurant (it is Mother’s Day after all)… La Nopalera.
So we met at the Roosevelt location and enjoyed Fajitas for Mother’s Day. As expected, I carried on to excess and am back on the diet today. But it was thoroughly wonderful and I am richer for the experience to spend time with my delightful children, glam baby and for all the lovely Mother’s day gifts they presented.

Photography by LB

Happy Anniversary

May 3, 2017

Our sweet friends Laurie and Wayne celebrated their 20 year wedding anniversary this year on May 1st.

To enjoy this momentous occasion [i.e. party on], we and another couple (Debbie and Ray) joined them for a dining experience at

III Forks Best Prime Steakhouse

Our waiter, Brandon was very attentive and did a wonderful job as our server and also as our photographer

It was unlike our typical casual restaurant; very classy and quite an elaborate dining experience. The beef croustades appetizer was AMAZING and even more amazing was the price… free. Dinner was À la carte and sides served family style. We each ordered a different entree and enjoyed a taste of fish, rib-eye, ravioli, fried Brussels sprouts, potatoes Au gratin (with another name that I can’t remember), snow peas… and of course the blue cheese and bacon stuffed olives. Leave it to me to bring the place down a notch