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

Made in America lyrics © DO Write Music LLC, ME Gusta Music

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.

Camping Food

June 25, 2018

Not a title I EVER imagined using (as I don’t camp).

Today The Blended Blog is focusing on

Camping Food

A quick look at the post will cause you to begin craving S’MORES.

Let me help you.

I must confess that I have no interest in camping because:

I do not like snakes and avoid them at all costs.

Nor do I want to sleep on the ground, in a tent, in the woods, or with any creatures other than my cat.

That said, I do like to cook out, and LB and I cook out often:

At the beach

At the park

In our backyard

My favorite cookout food (which could also be categorized as camping food) is

Hot Dogs

Although they are high in calories, Johnsonville Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage are the best!

These are best enjoyed on a toasted bun with grilled peppers, onions, and doused in yellow mustard!

If a low calorie option is preferred, Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks is 45 calories per dog, is kosher, and contain no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or by-products.

(Now I sound like a commercial)

Some other easily portable items that grill nicely are:

Corn on the Cob

(an LB Favorite)

Kabobs

Fish

marinated in Ponzu sauce which looks very weird, but tastes good.

And believe it or not

Peaches

Cut in half, remove the pit and brush each cut side with oil. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook undisturbed until grill marks appear, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the peaches and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

Grilled peaches are Very Tasty!

According to this week’s author of the Blended Blog Camping Food post, you haven’t lived if you haven’t cooked Jiffy Pop popcorn over a fire.

I’m thinking LB and I will have to try this.

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

Summer Plans

June 18, 2018

What are my plans for the summer?

They have already been put into motion.

Fortunately, I don’t have to engage in summer planning.

LB is a Master Planner. He enjoys

GOING

and likes to keep the road hot.

He is always planning events to keep us entertained and this summer will be no exception.

Going to the Beach

is a summer weekend activity that LB enjoys. Having seen more than one horrific shark movie, I intend to avoid venturing into the ocean. Nevertheless I delight in having a tan on my legs, collecting shells and being by his side, so I am happy to accompany him.

Going to Concerts

especially outdoors, is a favorite summer activity.

Although we have yet to attend a concert at the new Jacksonville amphitheater, LB and I enjoy attending concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.

Plans have been made to attend an upcoming concert in July. I’m looking forward to seeing Donny and Marie!

In addition to concert performances by celebrity musicians, the concert fascination extends to other musical events. Each Wednesday night throughout the summer there is the Music by the Sea event at the St. Johns County Pier. The Little Light Music Concerts are on Sunday evenings on the oceanfront lawn beneath the St. Simons Lighthouse. These are great opportunities to get outside and have a good time. If we happen to be in Daytona Beach for the weekend, we will go to the Bandshell to see what tribute band is featured. The Summer Concert Series happens every Friday night and occasionally on Saturday.

Speaking of Daytona Beach

Going to a Pool Party

is another summertime event to attend when visiting Daytona Beach for the weekend. For the past several years there has been a weekend pool party every Saturday [beginning on Memorial Day through Labor Day] at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn, complete with a cookout and karaoke. It has always been a fun weekend getaway during the summer.

Going on Vacation

is a given every June.

Although summer hasn’t officially arrived, we have already taken a summer trip. The plan was to begin with the aforementioned pool party, take in a few concerts, relax, shop, then head to Orlando.

As usual we stayed at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn. This year we found out the hard way, that management decided to forego the regular weekend pool party and feature the event only occasionally. It was a little bit of a disappointment and planning trips to Daytona Beach will now require extra research in the future.

Not to be undone, LB arranged an afternoon on the beach.Under a blue and yellow umbrella!

He always recovers nicely.

Both LB and I agree that there should be a summer trip do over. We also agree that a cruise would be nice.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

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

Friday Favorites

June 15, 2018

As always

I’m grateful that

The Workweek is Over

And I’m feeling blessed that I have so many favorites to share!

Favorite # ONE

Getting Caught in the Rain

Well that’s not entirely true, but I don’t mind getting caught in the rain when I’m at the beach and safely positioned under a picnic pavilion.

LB thought it would be fun to pull out our mini grill and take it to the beach for a cookout. While LB and I engaged in flipping hot dogs and enjoying oldies music, the radar app displayed a RED mass directly over our blue dot.

Translation: there was a heavy, side-blowing rain that came over our location. Happily, we had the beach umbrella to shelter us and our gear.

Favorite # TWO

A Cool Breeze

I’m not hard to please.

Much.

LB enjoys attending the annual Summer Jazz Series at the beach.

Be that as it may, I am unable to enjoy jazz music (or anything else) when it is so hot that my makeup is melting off of my face.

After relocating 3 times in an attempt to find shade, relief was experienced only in an occasional ocean breeze. And each time a cool waft blew by, I got a peaceful, easy feeling.

Momentarily.

Favorite # THREE

Birthday Shopping at EXPRESS

I fell for it.

Express sent me a $20 Happy Birthday coupon so I went shopping!

Favorite # FOUR

Little Visitors

Lydia came home with Glammy Tuesday afternoon. We had a sweet visit.

Later when her Mommy and Daddy came to pick her up, they brought with them another little visitor. Rory celebrated 4 months this week. Lydia will be celebrating 3 years in July.What a pretty face!

When asked what she would like for her birthday, she replied

MERMAIDS!

Favorite # FIVE

Shopping for MERMAIDS

If your name is Lydia and you mention that you would like to have mermaids for your birthday, it is highly likely that Glammy will make sure it happens.

This week I began scouring the internet for gifts that fall under the mermaid category.

There are so many options to choose from:

Jewelry

Barbie Dolls

Dress up Dolls

Bath Toys

The mermaid search has only just begun.

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

Summers of the Past

June 11, 2018

Hoping to link up with the Blended Blog, I’ve taken a trip down memory lane to reflect on

Summers of the Past

I remember bits and pieces of summers of the distant past. Although I can’t recall specific events, I do remember that my little sister and I would go to work with Mama and spend the summer days exploring (snooping) and enjoying the coffee.

Also I remember spending weeks at the lake house my grandparents owned. It was at Lake Hewitt in Interlachen, Florida that I learned to swim and water-ski.

As I entered my teenage years there were some summer activities with my church youth group, such as camp at Lake Yale and choir tours to other churches in the Southeast.

These days my summers are jam packed with activities.

I barely have time to catch my breath from one event before taking off on another

ADVENTURE WITH LB!

In this AWESOME photo we spent a summer day biking on the beach

and later grilling out in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

We often find ourselves at the beach during the summer and it is safe to say that LB will typically plan a vacation to a beach or someplace tropical every summer.

LB and I have enjoyed three summer vacations on

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Each time some bizarre event occurs. On our first trip to Sanibel, while we were “beach combing” one afternoon, a fisherman staggered over to where we had set up camp and took a seat in one of our beach chairs. He had managed to HOOK HIMSELF through his boot and into his foot.

The fisherman managed to stay calm, took out his multi-functional tool, and began to operate, while LB stood by for moral support.

Being that I am likely to faint on such occasions, I snapped a couple of pictures and quickly excused myself.

Happily all ended well.

Then there was that time while enjoying a birthday/summer vacation in Captiva that LB rushed me to the ER at 6AM to learn that my heart is in excellent condition. Apparently I’m prone to panic attacks when I have a birthday. Those photos are locked away in my photo vault [for never sharing].

Recently we have found that

Taking a Cruise

is a great way to enjoy summer vacation.

There are so many things to do on the shipand on excursions to the shore

and engaging in other things that you know better than

there’s never a dull summer moment!

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