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Brighton Collectibles

I love Brighton’s jewelry and other accessories.  But I also love a good deal!

A recent mailing from Brighton included a delightful little handbag that caused me to fall in love immediately.  Maybe it was the puppy dog.  Maybe it was the “K”.  Maybe because the blue and yellow work so nicely together and are both prevalent in the 2017 spring/summer color trends.  I’m not sure what drove the yearning, but I wanted this little handbag as soon as I laid eyes on it.

Since I always appreciate direction when looking to purchase gifts for others, right away I called it to LB’s attention.  I knew he would be looking for something to give me for my birthday and since he loves to go to Brighton, I thought this would help.

After receiving this cute Minibag for my birthday, I couldn’t help but do some research.

Brighton’s website states “this ready-to-wear Ginger Snappy Minibag adds a dash of glamour to her look, with a metallic leather insert under its flap. Bonus points for versatility: she can personalize it as many times as she likes, adding new straps and leather inserts. She can also add different flaps. Wow!”

Wow indeed! I would have thought it through had I known this item is À la carte.

This is the actual Ginger Snappy Minibag

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If you’d like to have the snappy flap, there will be an additional cost.

Brighton Your Bag Vienna Snappy Flap

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The birthday gift included the insert and a tassel.  The “K” is on backorder and should be arriving soon.  I still love this Brighton Minibag, I just can’t get past the idea of selling the top of it separately.  The mistake I made was not doing my research before proclaiming my love for this little bag.  Although it is a wonderful accessory, it comes with a wonderfully incomparable price tag.

But it is totally cute!

I’m sorry for loving expensive things LB!

 

 

 

Clara Sunwoo

It all began during a day trip to St. Augustine early in April.  At the time, I didn’t realize I was admiring a Clara Sunwoo blouse in the display window at H.W. Davis.  Visit their Facebook page Here.  All I knew was… I want that blouse!  LB took note…

When I was finally presented with the opportunity to try on this item, I realized that it was a product I had heard about while watching Hoda and Kathie Lee.  I was impressed by this interview and hope that you will take a moment to watch this If you aren’t able to tell by the way I am admiring this top in the dressing room… I LOVE IT!  It is adorable!  No question.  Aside from that, it is wrinkle-free and SO comfortable!

When presented with the opportunity to purchase a second blouse… how could I say no?

I feel an obsession coming on!

Happy Birthday to Me

My birthday celebration actually began on May 31st at the St. John’s county pier.

Every Wednesday night beginning in May and continuing through September at Music by the Sea, there is a catered dinner and musical entertainment event at the pier.  LB and I attend every chance we get.  This particular event was catered by Amici’s Italian Restaurant and entertainment provided by one of our favorite local groups The Committee Band.  We split an entree that included eggplant parmesan and penne pasta while relaxing in the pavillion prior to the concert.  While waiting for the concert, the resident DJ “DJ Dan”, honored us with tee shirts including us in The Danighan Gang. 

As is customary, my birthday began with a phone call at 7:52 AM from my sweet Mama.  Because I was in a hotel that rendered my cell phone useless [No Service] I missed her call.  She went right to my voicemail.  When we left the hotel this is the message I retrieved:

“(singing) Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you (laughs) Happy birthday Dear Kim… it’s too early in the morning, but I wanted you to know I love you.  God bless you. You’re such a joy to have Kim.  I love you with all my heart.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday, spendin’ it with the one you love.  When you get back we need to have cake.  And biscuits.  I’ll talk to you later.  God bless you Darlin’.  I’m so thankful there’s you.  Bye.”

I am blessed beyond measure to have such a precious Mama who loves me so much.

I listened to that message several times.

LB had other surprises planned.  He brought me to Cathedral Drive and let me pick a restaurant for brunch.  I thought the Greek restaurant would be a nice treat.  We walked into Athena Restaurant and I immediately noticed the specials posted.  One special was Salmon Eggs Benedict.  Yes please!

Those are grits on the side.

LB had hashbrowns

After brunch we strolled [it is a vacation day, after all] down to St. George Street and visited one of my favorite St. Augustine shops, H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes.  LB was recalling a post from April when I mentioned a blouse that I loved.  He brought me to H.W. Davis and found that blouse

along with another that was just as cute

He bought both of them for me! Oh Happy Day!  Not one, but TWO Clara Sunwoo blouses!  LOVE these!  This has definitely been a day to remember thus far.

The birthday gifts continued

These bracelets were purchase by LB more than a month ago from a Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry party hosted by my coworker Geraldine.  LB logged onto the website that was assigned to her party and selected the Silver Star Fish Bracelet and the Two Tone Silver Razzmatazz Bracelet.  I was not at all surprised at his GOOD TASTE!  But very surprised by the presentation as I had completely forgotten he participated in this event.

There was also an adorable little bracelet that I picked out myself on April 2nd that LB decided I could wait till my birthday to have.  This pearl bracelet with starfish and sanddollar charms is from Fresh Produce and I shared it on this post. 

So cute!

Believe it or not there was ONE MORE!  I absolutely loved it and feel it deserves a post of it’s own.  I’ll be presenting this particular birthday gift from LB soon.  Stay tuned.

Obviously a birthday is Not all about gifts.  LB knows I love pretty things, but he also knows how to make me happy in ways that do not get filed under Material Girl.  So he took me to the beach and let me put my toes in the sand

Afterward

We split smokin’ Carnitas Fajitas at a delightful Mexican Restaurant

To all of my FaceBook friends who wished me a happy birthday… I Had a GREAT day.  Thank You!

 

Vacation Planning

Summer is on the way and with it comes VACATION planning. Luckily for me, LB does all the general trip planning, making travel arrangements and hotel reservations.  All I have to do is take time off from work (no need to twist my arm).  images time vacation GIF

Then comes wardrobe planning.  Although this sounds fairly simple, I start thinking about it at least a week in advance to be sure I don’t forget anything and can fit it all into one suitcase.  Actually fitting everything into one suitcase shouldn’t be an issue as mine is big enough to throw out your back.  LB knows.

If you do a google search for tropical/beach vacation packing, you’ll likely find a strategy that involves a list of items that you can mix and match.  It looks something like this:

· 2 swimsuits, and if they are 2-pieces, make sure the bottoms coordinate with the tops so you have even more options
· 2 tunics and/or 2 sundresses (to total 2) that will serve as cover-ups by day and going out pieces by night
· 3-7 pairs panties and 2-3 bras, depending on washer/dryer availability
· PJ’s
· 2-3 pairs of gym shorts (if you plan to work out), depending on washer/dryer availability (remember, you can rinse in the sink!)
· 2 t-shirts and 3 tank tops
· 2 going out tops, like a sparkly tank and a linen camp shirt
· One pair shorts, preferably white
· One fun skirt, preferably white
· White jeans
· Light sweater or jacket
· Pashmina
· 1 pair flip flops
· 1 pair trainers or athleisure shoes + socks
· 1 pair wedges
· A colorful statement necklace
· Gold hoop earrings
· A floppy hat that folds in your suitcase
· Toiletries & incidentals (Make travel size toiletries from drug store containers.)
· Make sure to pack electronic chargers.
· Assume a hairdryer is at your hotel/rental house, but you may want to check!
(source)

That is a nice list, and I can use it after I plan like this:

Day 1 (travel): white shorts/orange shirt/tan wedges
Evening 1: same
Day 2: orange swimsuit/Marilyn Tee shirt/orange shorts/orange sandals
Evening 2: white maxi dress/tan wedges
Day 3: black swimsuit/black wrap/black tank/black sandals
Evening 3: navy sundress/tan wedges
Day 4: black/white swimsuit/pom-pom top/denim shorts/flip-flops
Evening 4: multi-colored off the shoulder dress/black sandals
Day 5 (travel): multi-colored romper/orange sandals

 

I like my way better.

 

These are some of the lovely items I included in my packing list

Shein / Light in the Box / Light in the Box / Shein

Kohl’s / Light in the Box / Shein / Kohl’s

 

I had to google Pashmina.

I still don’t get it.

Dancin in the Street 2017

Every spring at Jacksonville’s Beaches Town Center is the one day event Dancin’ in the Street

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The event begins at 11:00 AM; LB and I headed out around 4:30

There were PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!

And there is always a new band to discover.  BayStreet is by no means a new band, but we first heard them here today.     Visit their Face Book page for an excerpt and pictures of their performance.

In addition to all the vendors lining the streets, there are shops that beckon me like the Bali Cargo Company

After walking up and down streets, in and out of shops, through crowds, and around people, you may get lucky enough to find a couple of chairs to set up close enough to catch another band perform

and discuss where you want to go out to dinner

How about Culhane’s Irish Pub… since it is right up the road

OMG Delish!

All in all, it was a pretty good day

What are they doing back there?

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Pretty is: Friday Date Night

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: Nautical

Is a starfish considered nautical?

Hmm…

I confess that I had to google this question because I figured anything having to do with the ocean must fall under the nautical category.  According to Wikipedia a starfish is not included in the nautical category, but the civilized world seems to think it should be.

When I decided to wear my navy top with white stripes today, I felt a nautical vibe.  So I added my Brighton Starfish collection to the mix and called my outfit nautical.  I don’t have any sailboats or sailor paraphernalia and that’s okay… this is nautical my way

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