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May Your Blessings Outnumber the Shamrocks that Grow

…And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

That is an Irish Blessing that I can appreciate!

For several years LB and I have been “dressing up” in observance of

St. Patrick’s Day

I’m not sure what started this practice, but it has become a tradition for us.

With the closing of O ’Brothers Irish Pub, the Margaret Street/Five Points St. Patrick’s Day street party is no longer happening (sad face).  The annual St. Patrick’s Day party became a major event, filling not just the restaurant, but Margaret Street with thousands of people.  We’ve been hoping to find a similar event.

This year, I thought I may have found a suitable replacement when this ad appeared:

Hyperion Brewing Company and Crispy’s Springfield Gallery are presenting Historic Springfield’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Block Party.

From 3pm – 9pm: Main Street, between 7th and 8th, would be closed and filled with live music, food, beer, vendors and other fun activities (i.e. Mario Cart).  This event was FREE to attend!  Woo Hoo!

In addition to the live music and food vendors, there were sites (historic buildings) to be seen.

LB and I walked up and down the street checking everything out, while everyone was checking us out.  Once it became apparent that LB and I had been voted King and Queen of the Green, it was time to go.

Next stop

Culhane’s Irish Pub

I [typically] love Culhane’s, but for the St. Patrick’s Day BASH, it was much like a zoo.  And I promise I won’t say another negative thing after this…. there was a long line, a long wait, and a cover charge.

The Tent:

The positives:  although there were way too many crazy people for my taste, the DJ Vito was good, the band Briteside was good, and the Reuben Sandwich was good.

You can check out some other photos from the Culhane’s BASH here.

I’m not completely positive if it will be next March 17th, but we will definitely be dining at Culhane’s again.

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

It Has Been One Year

March 10, 2018 marks one year since I began this blog.

Today is my

FIRST

BLOGIVERSARY!

With no idea how to begin, I presumed if other bloggers I’ve followed can do this, so can I.  My intention was to ease my way into fashion blogging because that’s what I like, so I registered with WordPress and came up with a name for my blog.

The title “Pretty is” came to me from a quote my Mama enjoyed repeating:

“Pretty is as Pretty does”

And apparently she heard it often from her mother.

Prettyis.me

was registered because pretty is dot net and pretty is dot com were already taken.

Also it sounds cute.

My first post was short and sweet and included nothing about women’s fashion.

It was a Friday, and I took the day off to keep my GlamBaby Lydia.  She was 20 months old at the time.  You can see that post by clicking here.

Ironically, I spent the day with her today, as well…happily pushing a Little Tikes car.

After beginning my blog, and as the weeks passed, I realized that fashion blogging isn’t as easy as it looks.

Although I enjoy reading fashion blogs,  I spend a good deal of my time working an office job and commuting to and from that office [which happens to be located in another city and makes for a lot of travel time].

Rather than posts about fashion, I found that I was posting more and more about what I do and the people in my life, which is okay.

That said, today is a special day for another reason.

In Buffalo New York, on March 10, 1925, Bettelou Ellen McCarty was born.

Much later she met George S. Duckworth and she loved him.

And so she would become Bette Duckworth

My Mema

a.k.a. Mema Duck

Today we spent the day at my Mama’s house and I enjoyed taking some time going through her old pictures.

Mema left us on January 14, 2010That is another sweet face that I look forward to seeing again.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Friday Favorites: Barbie Edition

Today is

FRIDAY

March 9th

and it is the anniversary of the day the Barbie doll made its debut in 1959.

 Therefore March 9th is National Barbie Day.

 

 

Created by Ruth Handler, Barbie’s full name is

Barbara Millicent Roberts

I know.

 

I have always been a Barbie FAN, along with my sister.  And if we weren’t outside playing in the dirt, we were in the house playing Barbies.

Today I’m dedicating my Friday Favorites to Barbie!

 

 

Favorite # ONE

Barbie’s Townhouse

(circa 1970)

Three levels of Barbie fun in the pink townhouse.

Complete with Barbie furniture and a personal elevator.  Barbie LOVED living in this townhouse!

 

Favorite # TWO

Shoes

once again, we’re talking about shoesspecifically the Buster Brown variety.

Back in the day, shoes were a means of transportation, not only for your feet, but for your Barbie doll.  Especially if she didn’t own a pink corvette.

Just bend her legs, set her inside, and VAROOOOM…

 

Favorite # THREE

Barbie’s Karosel KitchenThe Karosel came complete with an oven that roasted chicken, a refrigerator that would light up, a sink with a “modern” faucet, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a dryer with a built-in clothes basket.  The kitchen would rotate with the push of a button and made for hours of fun.

 

 

 

Favorite # FOUR

Sweet Sixteen Barbie

Sweet Sixteen Barbie came with her own compact and real makeup.

Barbie looked pretty in her pink party dress and even prettier once her makeup had been applied!

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

Barbie’s Peeps

And first on the list is Barbie’s littler sister

Skipper

The Skipper doll (Skipper Roberts) was created in 1964.

Although she wasn’t as cute as Barbie,  Mattel kept trying and in 1975 we were introduced to

Growing Up Skipper

Just turn her arm and

voilà

You could “make her grow from a young girl to a teenager in seconds”.

If you have never heard of this little doll, watch this commercial

watch closely

 

There was  also

Barbie’s dear friend

Midge

 Who was created in 1963 and looked rather plain compared to Barbie.  She was created to counteract criticism that Barbie was a sex symbol (source).

Good job Mattel!

Apparently Gina and I didn’t feel that she was plain enough.

When all was said and done, Midge looked like this:

Obviously there was a rogue hairdresser on site.

 

FYI to my little sister:

Tuesday Taylor

was not a true Barbie friend.

We always knew there was some sort of disharmony in the group, and assumed it to be the rogue hairdresser.

Alas, I imagine Tuesday Taylor was to blame!

The 1970’s Ideal Toy Company doll was released in an attempt to dislodge Mattel’s Barbie as the top fashion doll. (source)

Her hair do should have been our first clue.  Poor Midge.

 

 

 

 

We all know a little girl that loves Barbie dolls and has at least one doll, if not a whole collection of them.

Wish her a Happy Barbie Day!!

Use #NationalBarbieDay to post your pics on social media.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

All About Love

It’s All About Love today, although not quite All About LB.

Because there is a new one every month, the Blended Blog has issued a new questionnaire:

Kisses or Hugs?

Kisses.  Everyone likes to be covered with kisses!

Candy or Flowers?

Yes!

Baking or Cooking?

BakingI think I’ve mentioned baking is My Super Power.

Do you remember your first kiss?

I believe I do… but I’m not positive, so it doesn’t warrant discussion.

Favorite color Roses?

Red,

Conversation hearts, yes or no?

Of Course!Those little hearts say it all!

Do you leave love notes?

Yes.  In the shape of a heart, taped to LB’s coffee cup.  Just because.

Decor for Valentine’s Day?

No.  But I do dress for the occasion.  Does that count?

Red or Pink?

RedI’m loving my red sweater!  Red is always a favorite.

And now, we have a reason to wear red to work, twice a week.  On Thursdays in support of CWA and on Fridays during the month of February to support Women’s heart health (Go Red For Women).

Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

Dark would be my first choice…

M&M’s my second!

Do you believe in love at first site?

After quizzing LB about this… and getting a man’s opinion… I’ll have to say…

NO.

Are Your Valentine’s Day cards funny or serious?

I’d classify my cards as CUTE!

Favorite Chick Flick or Romantic Movie?

You’ve Got Mail is my all time favorite

… and if I happen to be “clicking” and see that it is on, I will stop and watch it from any point in the story.“Don’t cry Shop Girl”

 

The other “flick” that comes to mind is Pride and Prejudice (2005).  I’ll watch the entire movie to see one line that is delivered near the end by Matthew Macfadyen “You have bewitched me body and soul and I love… I love… I love you”

Stay In or Go Out?

I’m notorious for being a Home Body.  But if the event is worth it, I love to go out!  As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to two outings in the next week.  The Rockabilly Prom and the Alhambra Dinner Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Happy February!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

 

The LB Calendar

A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes.  This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months and years.

The Gregorian calendar is internationally the most widely used civil calendar.  It is named after Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in October 1582 (source).

The LB calendar is a system of classifying LB by each month of the year for appreciation purposes.

Today is LB’s birthday,

and what better day could there be

to share how special he is to me.

In

January

He is The Birthday Boy

Last January we celebrated LB’s birthday in one of our favorite places… St. Simon’s Island.  There was, as always, music, dancing, presents, and cake.  Bennie’s Red Barn featured the Traveling Riverside Band and an evening of celebration.    This year will be someplace different, but just as celebratory!

In

February

He is my ValentineIn February 2017 we enjoyed Valentine’s Day together with dinner at Culhanes Irish Pub.  There must be Irish in his blood… as the following month would later prove.

In

March

He is My Good Luck Charm

“May the luck of the Irish Lead to happiest heights

And the highway you travel Be lined with green lights”

…just like LB’s blinking tie.

In

April

LB became My very own Cameraman

and now

He is My InspirationIt was in March 2017 that I started my blog.

LB began to follow me with his camera snapping pictures of everything I do.

Within a few weeks of blogging, I realized how his photos influence my posts as they remind me of the fun we have had.

In

May

Though spring fever typically takes hold and all I want to do is stay home and chill…

LB is My MotivationHe keeps me going.

His delightfully cheerful ways, light up my dreary days.

In

June

of this past year,

LB added a new skill to his resume…

 

Superhero.

 

LB and I took a 3 day vacation to celebrate my birthday.

On the last day of our trip, I had an experience that I hope not to relive.

As if he were straight out of a DC comic, he whisked me to the ER.

LB is My Hero(his Mustang is his superpower)

 

In

July

no matter what the weather

LB is My SunshineMy only Sunshine.

(he makes me happy when skies are grey)

 

In

August

and throughout the year

LB is the Reason that I SmileHe is always doing something to put a smile on my face.

 

In

September

When vacation time rolls around, there are new places to go.

Whether it be an outdoor adventure or a new outlet or boutique…

LB is My Exploration Escortand

My Bag Boy

In

October

LB is My Sidekick

…or maybe I’m his.

Last October

LB was the Joker to my Harlequin

In

November

He is a reason to be Thankfuland he looks good in my favorite color.

I am thankful for the days, months, and years we have spent together and am looking forward to the ones yet to come.

In

December

  of 2017, he saw me to the close of an ordeal that few would likely overcome.

LB is My White Knightand I am forever grateful!

 

LB is my Calendar Boy

and if I were as talented as Neil Sedaka, I would compose a tune to commemorate him!

 

Now it is January again and on this 26th day we celebrate another LB birthday!

Congratulations on your many years

And here’s to many more!

 

Happy Birthday LB!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

My Aunt Debbie

Yesterday was her birthday.

She is the youngest of six and my Mama’s “baby sister”.

Mama spent a lot of time looking for a favorite picture that I have of Debbie and myself from back in the day.  Sadly, it has mysteriously disappeared.  Debbie was only 11 years old when I was born.  At the time, she didn’t like me much.  When I was in high school, she was one of my best friends.  I would call her early every morning and she would pray with me before I headed off to school.

Favorite # TWO

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Sunday the Jaguars delivered a game that even I couldn’t tear myself away from.

Despite playing in a hostile environment amongst fans [and referees] that wanted to see them lose and losing Myles Jack to a leg injury when they needed him most, the home team brought their A game to the AFC Championship.  I was proud of the Jaguars as they played hard against the Patriots last Sunday.  It was such a disappointment to see the outcome was not in their (our) favor.  Hopefully it will happen next season.

Favorite # THREE

Brownies

Since baking is my superpower, I pull out the cape [at least] every other week and bake up a sweet treat using a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest.  Last week I made brownies, but not just any brownies.

I made

Lunch Lady Brownies

You can find them in my Brownies, Blondies and Bars (Oh My) board on Pinterest

 

Favorite # FOUR

My

New Blouse

You can find it at venus.com

The comment was made that a picture of me wearing this blouse brought my Mema to mind.  My Mema Reid was vibrant, animated, and had a great sense of style.  I wish I had pictures of the great outfits she could pull together.

Favorite # FIVE

My Sweet LB

It’s his birthday today.You can read all about him here.

LB’s Spectacular Sunday Breakfast

As far as I am concerned

Breakfast

is the most important meal of the day!

Studies show that people who eat breakfast are more likely to lose weight and keep the weight off.  One reason could be because eating foods with protein and fiber in the morning keeps your appetite in check (source).  I believe it has more to do with when you eat than what you eat.  My belief comes from my own experience as a career Diet Diva. 

This article will explain how meal timing can affect the body’s internal clock, alter nutrient metabolism, and affect heart health (source).  If you’re interested.

Since one of the major factors that influence our health and weight is WHEN we eat, I do most of my noshing early in the day…

beginning with breakfast.

As a special treat, every Sunday I like to start the day by presenting LB with a special breakfast (or sometimes brunch).

While I have made Eggs Benedict, a variety of waffles, and other clever creations, typically I will fry

shredded hash browns laced with red pepper flakes

and serve them with a

fried egg

bacon

and

pumpernickel toastunless we’re out, then the toast will be Sunbeam white.

LB calls this

“LB’s Spectacular Sunday Breakfast”

While this type of high carbohydrate morning meal will not encourage weight loss, it is delicious (or so he tells me).And he loves it!

On this particular A.F.C. Championship Sunday, it would prove to be very important that EVERYONE have a hearty breakfast to help them perform their VERY BEST.

Oh If Only

I could have made breakfast for our beloved Jaguars…

I may not have found myself weeping at sunset.

It’s okay fellas… now that we know you have it in you, we’ll be pulling for you all the more next season!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

Yeah, that’s right… I’m a fair weather fan.

Don’t judge.

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