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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!

 

Memorial Day

As I was searching for a words to capture the spirit of Memorial Day, I came across this article and could not decide which quote to use.  It is worth reading.

While Memorial Day is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, and I have no intention of undervaluing this, it is also a day that typically marks the beginning of Summer.  Although summer officially begins on Friday, June 21 of this year, we typically celebrate its start on Memorial Day.  This year I celebrated with my family.  Though I do this on many holidays with my Mama and kids, this year my sister Gina and her family joined in the fun

We had FOOD!

corn dog bites, sliders, kettle chips, Asian slaw, crudités, guacamole, corn chips, cupcakes, and there was more!

There was even an attempt to create a red, white, and blue punch that did not remain red, white, and blue for long.I tried!

however… Kyle liked my PURPLE PATRIOTIC PUNCH!

then there was the initial investigation of the hot ducks (thank you Lydia)… and Yes, they were hot.

I didn’t get many action shots of the family gathering, but I so enjoyed seeing everyone get together.  They played in the pool, enjoyed dessertthose are the sprinkle accessorized ice cream sandwiches you’ve all seen on Pinterest.  They are very tasty and cute.

then some came inside to watch Moana (which I didn’t get to finish watching), played various board games, ate again, and enjoyed being in the company of family.  Regardless of the takeaway from this event, I am happy that it occurred, and hopeful that it happens again.  LB and I thank you for coming Mama, Stephanie, Amanda, Richard, Emily, Lydia, Gina, Stuart, Kyle, Clay, Dillon, Sydney, Chynna, Levi, Thea… I love each and every one of you.

Pretty is: The Weekend continues

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!

Boutique Finds

Today as I retrieved this handbag from the back corner of my closet, I remembered my annual trip north to see the fall colors peaking.

It is a pretty little Coach look-a-like that was purchased in a cute little boutique in Dahlonega, Georgia.  Sadly, I can’t remember the name of the boutique.  Happily I do remember the trip to Dahlonega, Georgia on our trek through the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We enjoy this trip every year and Dahlonega is often a town that we visit.  What is captivating about this town is the Gold Rush Days event.

Gold Rush Days are always held the third full weekend in October.  It is a Festival when thousands come and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold.  There are over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gathering around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.  The Festival includes a Parade, a Festival King and Queen, and a Festival Grand Marshal.

It is a fun day of site seeing, people watching, and, of course, shopping.

The boutique had moved when I revisited, but there remain plenty of shops and places to dine in Dahlonega’s Historic Downtown Square.  The Dress Up boutique has a locations in Dahlonega and is another worthwhile shop to visit while at Gold Rush Days.

 

This year Gold Rush Days will take place on October 21, 2017 – October 22, 2017 in Dahloneha’s Historic Downtown Square.  Maybe we’ll see you there.

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

(source)

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!

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