William Taber Salon

July 8, 2018

On the afternoon of Friday, June 29th I left work one hour early and drove to the

William Taber Salon

in Fleming Island, Florida.

When I arrived I was greeted by a receptionist clad in black and given a form to complete.

While seated in a waiting area, a ‘Junior Stylist’ approached me and asked if I would come with her to tour the salon. She showed me the Paul Mitchell products for sale, the clothing boutique, and the ladies room [complete with smocks].

She explained that there was an area for color: and an area for styling:and my Stylist would be with me soon.

Then I met

Demetra

She was exuberant and personable.

Demetra analyzed my skin tone [she does makeup, too] and although she gave me a choice of hair color, she recommended what she thought would look best. Demetra made quick work of my color application. Fast forward to the end of my visit… She was SPOT ON! Not a sparkle (GREY) in sight!

But before my beautiful color was revealed, I was invited to accompany a young lady who reminded me of Ginger Spice to [what I’m going to name] the Zen Room for an after color shampoo. The young lady’s name was Velvet and she had been instructed to give me the shampoo of my life. I followed Velvet into the ‘Shampoo [Zen] Room’ and took a seat in the most comfortable salon chair I’ve ever experienced. No neck pain while I reclined into the sink where Velvet would remove my foils, shampoo my hair with a color follow-up shampoo, massage my head, shampoo my hair again with the shampoo my ‘Senior Stylist’ had recommended, then conditioned. OMG. I’ve never had a shampoo worthy of discussion before this day. This is a gift… Velvet is by far, the BEST!

Demetra took over from there. She and I discussed my style and length again, then she began to cut, but wouldn’t let me see her work. Next she went on to blow dry my hair, while explaining the proper way to style. She also gave me tips for adding volume and taming a front and center cowlick.

Then came the big reveal.

I loved it.

Although my hair is much shorter than it has been in years, it is stylish and easy to manage. My color is beautiful!

And my next William Taber Salon appointment is in September!

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

Friday Favorites

July 6, 2018

I’m not sure if having a holiday on Wednesday is wonderful because I have a midweek day off… or troubling because I get to deal with two Mondays.

Regardless, it has been a tiring workweek and I’m happy to say hello to

FRIDAY!

As I mentioned, this week included a holiday… one of my favorites!

Favorite # ONE

#IndependenceDay #July4th #4thOfJuly #FourthOfJuly

To celebrate the day, some of my family came over for a cookout and pool party.

LB did a great job overseeing the grillAnd finished up just before a brief rain shower.

After a few early showers, it turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day… perfect for a swim in the poolAmanda got the party started!

Favorite # TWO

Having My Hands Full

Although Lydia left her swimsuit and had to wear a Glammy shirt, she still had a good time in the pool.

Favorite #THREE

Baking Skills

Last week in my Friday Favorites I mentioned that Stephanie requested this

Marbled 4th of July ‘Box’ Cake

…so I shifted into baking gear and delivered!There is a story.

Favorite # FOUR

Last Sunday, LB and I saw Donny and Marie Osmond in concert. That post can be found here.

Before we left the venue, LB purchased Donny Osmond’s 60th album for me.

I have been enjoying it all week!It has traveled in my car with me this week and I’ve listened to one particular song over and over again…

Favorite # FIVE

Moon River

Moon river, wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way.

Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see.
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.

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

Marbled Cake Massacre

July 4, 2018

This may be the saddest cake story ever.

On June 27th my daughter Stephanie tagged me in a Tasty video Facebook post:

“This gorgeous 4th of July Marbled Cake will add a spark to your Independence Day! “

I loved it and shared the video as one of my Friday Favorites. You can find the recipe here.

The following Sunday I baked the three marbled layers. After they cooled, I wrapped them in clear plastic wrap to store until July 3rd when I would put the cake together and add the finishing touches.

On that fateful Tuesday evening [while I worked to complete my masterpiece] as I put the final layer in place, I noticed a rather larger crack. Nevertheless I continued and began frosting the cake, hoping the frosting would help to hold it together. It did not. One third of my top layer fell off of my cake. My first inclination was to throw it across the room in the trash.

At that point my brain disengaged and my insanity accelerated: I decided I would smash the broken layer together, invert the cake and frost the bottom.

So I did.

And I turned the entire cake over.

It wasn’t meant to be.

LB and I discussed it at length. He suggested there may be a problem with the egg substitute that I used. I thought it may be the way I stored the layers. Or maybe because I used the wrong size cake pans. I know better than to tamper with a recipe. But alas, I did tamper.

Unable to bear the thought of disappointing Stephanie, LB and I headed to Winn Dixie for the ingredients necessary to begin again.

And I began again.

I imagined the Jolly Rancher fireworks would be the most difficult part of the cake creation. Strangely enough it was the easiest part.

There was no do-over involved.

And because I did not plan on adding sparklers to the finished product [as is shown in the Tasty video], I made extra fireworks.

Not too shabby for a second attempt.

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

July ~ Vacation Edition

July 2, 2018

Today is about one of my favorite events:

VACATION!

TBB ASKS ~ July ~ Vacation Edition

Will you go on a summer vacation this year?

Yes, LB and I take a vacation on or around my Birthday in June. That vacation is over. You can read about it here.

Do nothing but relax or a pack it all in vacation?

Both. I think. I’m not entirely sure what pack it all in means.

What month do you like to vacation?

I’d like to go on vacation every month, but it typically only happens in June, October, and November.

Cruise: YES or NO?

YES! I love to cruise!

It would be great if we could take a cruise now, however LB likes to avoid cruising during hurricane season and has recommended a May 2019 alternative!

Favorite Vacation Tradition?

While I thoroughly enjoy visits to the ocean, the autumn trip to see the leaves change is my favorite. I must be getting old.

Most Memorable Vacation?

The most memorable one was the first. LB and I went to Asheville and toured the Biltmore Estate while it was decorated in Christmas splendor! Other memorable vacations were:

The Captiva Island adventure which included a day in the ER.

Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

And all of the cruises.

Pack Light or Pack it ALL?

Although I attempt to pack light, I always pack way too much. And I’ll still manage to forget something.

Hotel, Condo or House?

Hotel.

My favorite is the Residence Inn.

Favorite Thing(s) to Eat on Vacation?

Each vacation includes a visit to a local Mexican restaurant. At least once.

Warm or Cold Destination?

Both. I enjoy relaxing on the beach with LB or collecting shells.

However I also enjoy a scary hike in the woods to find a waterfall. The complete story on that can be read if you click here.

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

Donny & Marie

July 1, 2018

Concert Time!

I have been looking forward to this for several weeks:

Donny and Marie Osmond

performing at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on Sunday night July 1^st. LB and I have attended many concerts. Among our favorites have been Garth Brooks and The Eagles. Although LB may have a different opinion, I believe Donny and Marie were the best thus far!

Celebrity siblings Donny and Marie Osmond have been in show business since they were babies. Donny was only 5 years old when he appeared on the Andy Williams show.

During the concert, many photos were displayed from early in his music career, which took me strolling down Memory Lane.

Hearing him sing songs like Go Away Little Girl and Puppy Love reminded me why he was such a heartthrob!

Donny would continuously grace the cover of Tiger Beat when he was a teen idol.

At 60 years old, he is still as handsome as ever… and Marie is just as beautiful!

Donny and Marie Osmond have been performing in Vegas since 2008 and a chat with a friend gave me reason to believe the concert I was seeing was very similar to their Vegas production. Although they have always been entertaining on television, nothing compares to their live performance.

More Memory Lane: I can remember the Donny and Marie variety show on television in the 70’s and when they co-hosted a talk show in the 90’s.

At one point during the concert, Donny asked that the audience like his Facebook page and send a message to win a prize.

I managed to NOT pull this off as intended

and posted on my own Facebook wall/page instead.

A lucky woman with Facebook skills got to walk to the stage and accept Donny’s latest CD.

That was fine… she didn’t get to go home with LB and I Did! (Also LB bought the CD!)

One of my Donny favorites:

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

Friday Favorites

June 29, 2018

RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition

We are celebrating our Independence next week and we’re practicing for that party today with a celebration of

FRIDAY

Kicking it off with my Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

After repeated attempts to make an appointment to have my quarterly cut and color, I decided to try something new

William Taber Salon

in Fleming Island was more than happy to accommodate my wishes. You can read about my experience here.

While this Favorite has nothing to do with a RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition, one of the NEW DO photos is pertinent

This is the

Bob on Fire

This is a beautiful color and was a photo in my Hair Do list of contemplation(s).

And then I remembered Mama telling me how she had once wished that I wouldn’t be born a red head.

So never mind.

Favorite # TWO

Marinara Sauce

It is red after all.

On Saturday mornings, Elvis and I watch the Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond). LB doesn’t mind as long as he is permitted to rewind the show to review exceptional camera shots and various technical things.

Last Saturday Ree was talking about a trip to the market to stock up on staples, but was VERY careful to avoid sharing the brand of “good quality marinara sauce” she purchased. This prompted me to unleash LB and his google search skills to find this marinara sauce.

Yesterday he surprised me with this:

Favorite # THREE

Stephanie’s Cake

This week I my attention was driven to a

Marbled 4th Of July ‘Box’ Cake

I’m already on it Steph!

Favorite # FOUR

Shopping for a patriotic

Swimsuit

Since it provides a slimming effect, black is typically the go-to color.

HOWEVER, wearing a red, white, and/or blue swimsuit for the Fourth of July pool party is festive! I have just about every color [swimsuit] in the rainbow collected in my swimsuit drawer, but I’m always looking for another.

Here are some favorites:

1 / 2 / 3

4 / 5 / 6

Favorite # FIVE

This one needs no commentary

Enjoy…

Made in America

by Toby Keith

My old man’s that old man,

Spent his life livin’ off the land

Dirty hands, and a clean soul

It breaks his heart seein’ foreign cars

Filled with fuel that isn’t ours

And wearin’ cotton we didn’t grow

He’s got the red, white,

And blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Loves his wife, she’s that wife

That decorates on the fourth of July

But says, “Every day’s Independence Day”

She’s golden rule, teaches school

Some folks say it isn’t cool

But she says the Pledge of Allegiance anyway

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Born in the heartland, raised up a family

King James and Uncle Sam

Got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more at the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

Won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Made in America, made in America

Yeah my old man’s that old man,

Made in America

Songwriters: Bobby Pinson / Gregory Scott Reeves / Toby Keith

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

thredUP Thursday

June 28, 2018

The first blog I followed was

J’s Everyday Fashion

Recently in her post “My Office Style Secret” I read that she prefers to purchase office attire secondhand. In this post about office attire, J explains that shopping secondhand is cheaper and good for the environment.

The item she shared in this post was a Cynthia Rowley floral pencil skirt c/o thredUP.

It set her back a mere $14 and I was impressed.

Since I like to try something new every now and then, I decided to check out thredUP.

thredUP

is an online consignment and thrift store.

I logged on, created a profile, and answered a few style and size questions.

A few days later a

Goody Box Just For You (me)

was on the way!

Today I received an email:

Hooray, your Goody Box℠ has arrived!

In that Goody Box was a custom mix of 15 items, handpicked by my stylist:

Club Monaco Shorts, alice + olivia Khaki Shorts, Lilly Pulitzer Casual Skirt, Paige Jeans, Lilly Pulitzer Tank Top, French Connection Sleeveless Silk Top, DL1961 Jeans, Paige Denim Shorts, Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Juicy Couture 3/4 Sleeve Silk Top, Kate Spade New York Casual Skirt, Broome Street Kate Spade New York Long Sleeve Top, True Religion Jeans, and a New York & Company Denim Jacket (similar).

When I retrieved it from my front door, I took it into the house and opened the box. I then proceeded to try on all 15 items starting with this

Juicy Couture Silk Top.This was my favorite top in the collection. I thought it was cute, comfortable, and one of my favorite apparel colors: black. It is difficult to see the detail from this photo, but it is very feminine and I’m close to talking myself into keeping it.

My next favorite was this

Banana Republic pink 3/4 sleeve top

I tried it on with these Paige denim shorts which LB liked, but I didn’t like them enough to invest $32.

Then things took a downward turn.

Although I love Kate Spade, this top did nothing for me.

Broome Street Kate Spade long sleeve top

And when paired with this

Kate Spade New York casual black skirt…I began to shed tears.

The outcome was not much better when paired with these

black alice + olivia Khaki Shorts

I tried on everything and was not compelled to keep any of the clothes.

In my welcome letter, I was advised:

“Items you’re not keeping need to be postmarked by Tuesday, July 03 to avoid additional charges. If you keep over $100 in item value (excluding taxes), you will receive a $10 shopping credit for a future Goody Box℠ or thredUP purchase. Shopping credit is good for 1 year and excludes future Goody Box℠ deposit fees.”

Today Everything Went Back

…with the exception of the denim jacket.

What do I think about thredup?

Like any thrift/consignment shop, there will be a search involved for items that appear to be not very used.

In my Goody Box℠ of 15 items, I chose 1 item…A denim jacket from New York & Company.

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