Pretty is

...My Life and Style

You are here: Home / Home

Friday Favorites ~ Birthday Edition

June brings with it another birthday for myself and several others in my family (subject for another post).

Because this week has pretty much been all about birthdays, I’m sharing a special edition of my Friday Favorites!

Favorite # ONE

Babies and Birthday Cake

Although my birthday falls on June 1st, the party begins on the evening of May 31st.  This year Mama made good on her promise and prepared biscuits and gravy (as only she can) for a special birthday dinner.

Followed by dessert…Several family members joined us at her home to celebrate.Two sweet babies were among the group.

LB snapped these photos with Rory and Lydia while I opened the gifts that were so graciously given to me.

While Lydia enjoyed seeing Glammy’s Birthday cards and gifts, Rory wasn’t quite as excited.I LOVE that face!

 

 

Favorite # TWO

A Birthday Outfit

(not to be confused with a Birthday Suit)

handpicked by a Fashion Diva.

Stephanie and Amanda will sometimes join forces to give gifts on special occasions.  Stephanie has a particular flair for putting cute outfits together and for taking selfies.

She mentioned that she had picked several outfits and narrowed the prospects down to three.

This one was the winner

Favorite # THREE

A Fancy Birthday Gift

LB took a trip to the St. Johns Town Center this week where he visited the Coach store.

He has such good taste.And he even knows what colors are trending this season.

Favorite # FOUR

A Birthday Vacation

with LB

Beginning with a Friday night concert in the rain and ending with a sunny day on the beach.  Every trip with LB is an adventure!

 

Favorite # FIVE

A Happy Together Birthday Surprise

Since we enjoyed it so much last year, LB made arrangements for us to attend this year’s Happy Together Tour at the Florida Theater.

The concert began with  the Cowsills who are a family of singers that were the inspiration for the Partridge Family.  Just as was the case last year, one of my favorites last night was “I Love the Flower Girl“.

(I knew I knew I knew I knew stuck in my head again).

Next up was Mark Lindsay (the voice of Paul Revere and the Raiders).  I didn’t recognize any of his songs, but I was very familiar with the group that followed.  The Association took the stage and sang quite a few favorites.

Another favorite for the evening was Gary Puckett (the Union Gap) hence the uniform.

Gary Puckett was not part of the tour last year, but such a great addition.  Everyone enjoyed singing along with Gary as he shared a few of his 1967 hits.

Another fun singalong was a former member of Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, who ended his set with “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog”.

And last but not least, one of the original Turtles, Mark Volman took the stage along with friend Ron Dante (from the Archie’s music).  Ron was standing in for Turtle member Howard Kaylan who was unable to be a part of the tour this year.

The event wrapped up with  all of the artists coming to the stage to share a short clip of one of their previously performed songs and together wishing the audience good night.  It was an evening of great music!

Still stuck in my head today:

 

 

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

Summer Lovin’

The Blended Blog is at it again…

asking those probing questions that will make for fun summertime conversation:

Summer Lovin’ Q & A.

Here goes:

 

Walk or Bike Ride?

Although my Fitbit and I endeavor to reach at least 10,000 steps per day, it depends on where I’m going. 

If forced to choose between walking or biking for a long distance,

I’ll take the bike.

Okay… maybe not.

Yes, I really fell just like that (it was a graceful fall).  And yes, I was asked to maintain the position for a photo.

 

 

Favorite Picnic Food?

A good old fashioned picnic is best savored with a good old fashioned sandwich. 

Or a Subway Sandwich. 

Or a Bucket of Chicken.

 

Pool or Lake?

Pool.  No Question.

 

 

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream?

Butter Pecan is my all time favorite full fat ice cream indulgence. 

But lately my ice cream of choice has been Halo Top because I can enjoy the entire pint without much guilt.

 

 

Ice Cream Cone or in a Dish?

There is no discrimination when it comes to the ice cream vehicle. 

And the carton works just fine.

 

 

Flip Flops or Slides?

Both.

I have many flip flops to choose from.

This season I’ve incorporated some slides into my wardrobe. 

These are from Express:

Knot Sandals

and

Knot Slide Sandals

knot sandals

which are really flip flops.

 

 

Jean Shorts or Jean Capris?

Shorts. 

Although I have three pairs of capri pants, when I wear them it appears that I have something wrong with me…

which may be the case, but why advertise it?

 

 

Favorite Summer Fruit?

Watermelon!

 

Corn on the Cob or Cut Off the Cob?

Neither.

Corn is a CARB!

 

 

Favorite Summertime Song?

Summer Nights

 

What is your Favorite Summertime Activity?

Anything outdoors.

 

 

Favorite Berry? Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry or Blackberry?

Blueberries are currently my favorite berry.  However, I may change my mind tomorrow.

 

 

Bikinis, Tankinis or One Piece?

Because my swimsuit hates me this season, I don’t want to talk about it.

 

 

 

Dresses or Skirts?

Both dresses and skirts are so much more comfortable than pants, especially for work in a hot office.

 

 

One Word to Describe Summer?

Rainy

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2018 Long Range Weather forecast is:

“Rainfall will be above normal, especially in the south.” (source)

Dates                    Weather Conditions

Jun 1-11               Several t-storms, hot

Jun 12-19             A few t-storms, cool

Jun 20-27             Sunny north, a few t-storms south; warm

Jun 28-30             T-storms, warm

June                      temperature 83° (1° above avg.) precipitation 7″ (0.5″ above avg.)

 

 

 

 

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

 


Filed Under: TBB

Fifty Two Facts

About ME!

No I didn’t just pull the number fifty-two out of the air.

I remember when I turned 30, my mother-in-law joyfully told me “in 20 years you’ll be fifty!”  Apparently I didn’t think it was possible.  It must have been that I was still in the invincibility stage that most people experience during youth.

Today I am going to engage in an exercise of self-awareness and share…

52 Very Random Facts About Kim

Here goes…

  1. I’ve lived on the Westside of Jacksonville all of my life.
  2. I was born on the same day as Marilyn Monroe, different year, of course.
  3. I used to have a problem with sleepwalking.
  4. My tonsils are long gone.
  5. Mexican cuisine is my favorite…
  6. However I could live on rotisserie chicken and diet orange soda.
  7. I fainted when I got my ears pierced.
  8. My Aunt Linda pierced my ears with two giant needles.
  9. Autumn is my favorite season.

  10. Peanut M&Ms is my favorite candy.

  11. I graduated from Edward H. White high school in 1984.
  12. As a senior in high school, I joined the girls Cross country team.
  13. I have successfully completed a half marathon.
  14. With just a few credits short of my bachelor’s degree, I stopped taking classes.
  15. I have an Associates degree in Interior Design Technology.
  16. When my son broke his arm, I fainted in the ER.
  17. I auditioned for and joined the Chancel Choir at First Baptist Church Jacksonville.
  18. At one time I was a bank teller.
  19. My first job was a proof operator at the bank where my Daddy was the Executive Vice President.

  20. The first time I took my drivers test, I failed.

  21. Red-orange is my favorite color.
  22. I’m terrified of reptiles, and sticks that look like reptiles.
  23. I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover, excluding the index.
  24. Although I took lessons for many years, I cannot play the piano.  Much.
  25. As a little girl, I signed my Mama up for piano lessons.
  26. I was the first one in my family to beat BOWSER [Super Mario World]!  When it happened, everyone screamed.
  27. I’d love to manage my own bakery.
  28. One of my favorite activities is baking.
  29. Every morning I drink a cup of warm lemon water with cayenne pepper.

  30. I have a giraffe collection.

  31. My house was built on property that has been in my family since 1912.
  32. I DO NOT LIKE water chestnuts.
  33. At one time, rollerblading was a favorite past-time.
  34. I home-schooled my children.
  35. When I was young I wanted to be Marcia Brady.
  36. I played softball positions pitcher, catcher, and second base for my church softball team.
  37. I’m a shopaholic.  It is bad.
  38. I eat vegetables for breakfast.
  39. As a victim of the Backmasking era in the eighties, I burned all of my records.

  40. I’m obsessed with my cat.

  41. I’ve maintained an exercise regimen since 1983.
  42.  I believe I can do anything that I put my mind to.
  43. I polish my nails just before I board the treadmill.
  44. While engaging in regular treadmill time, I watch the TODAY show with Hoda and Kathie Lee.
  45. I have worked as technical support resolving DSL connectivity troubles.
  46. The first movie I attended was a showing of “Bambi”.  I was six months old.
  47. Eighties music is my favorite.
  48. My worst habit is grinding and tapping my teeth.
  49. I’ve owned three white Nissan Altimas (2004, 2007, 2014).
  50. My eyes are green.  My Daddy used to call me Green Eyes.
  51. I do not have any tattoos.  You wouldn’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.

  52. Today is my birthday.  I was born on a Wednesday in 1966 at 7:52 AM.

One day I’ll look back at this post, and will hopefully still be able to remember most of these things.

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

Party Animals

Memorial Day

is a federal holiday in the United States set aside to remember the people who died while serving in our country’s armed forces.

Most Americans, including myself, use this holiday as an opportunity to gather with family or friends and celebrate the unofficial start of summer.  I took a poll of members of my family last week to see who might be interested in a pool party and cookout.

Crickets.

Nevertheless, I prepared.

On the menu was pulled pork, Cole slaw, rolls, potato salad, deviled eggs, and

Desserts

This is my pre-baked version of an American Pie also known as a Berry Cobbler.I neglected to take a post-baked photo.

You can find the recipe HERE

… however I made my own pie crust.

This is called Strawberry Shortcake Lasagna.  It is extremely tasty, although oddly named.  We will have to come up with another name for it.

And

(for a splash of healthy)

green beans.just in case Lydia was able to join us.

All of the recipes I used are pinned on my “Bring to the BBQ” Board on Pinterest.

I didn’t realize that the Jacksonville forecast called for thunderstorms and rain for the entire weekend, which would not have been good for a pool party.

But later in the day Mama came over and she, LB and I enjoyed a Memorial Day cookout… inside.

There we are…

Party Animals

enjoying BOTH desserts

engaged in deep conversation

and having a lovely time!

We talked about the Vietnam War, President Lyndon Johnson’s draft, and the marriage of Richard Reid and Mary Duckworth.  Then we discussed Grandpa Joe, the land he owned, a trip to Pennsylvania, Grandma Perrins, her recipes and the book she pasted them into.  It was a walk back in time and a precious moment in time that I was able to enjoy with my Mama.

 

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

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

The 2018 Jacksonville Jazz Festival on Memorial Day weekend was a great opportunity to experience the sounds of jazz!  Although the weather in Jacksonville did not cooperate with the city’s plans [for the most part], the Jazz Festival went on as planned on May 24-27.  Several blocks of downtown Jacksonville featured the festival and included live music, food, drinks and shopping.

And admission was free!

(source)

If ever an opportunity presents itself, bring a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs (recommended), find a clear spot on the lawn (if you can) and enjoy the jazz music of the annual festival.

This year the big stage was on the lawn in front of the new courthouse.This is an LB panorama pic from Saturday night.

LB and I had the opportunity to attend on that night when the weather was cooperating the the breeze was wonderful.

We enjoyed the sounds of

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Although I enjoy a wide variety of music, LB has a much broader range of music appreciation than I do.  That said,  he knows how much I can tolerate and is always thoughtful to expose me to what I can handle.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is okay by me.

One of the selections performed by the swing band Saturday evening was a song featured in the film(s)

The Jungle Book.

This brought a smile to my face.

 

I love that song probably because it evokes memories of one of my favorite childhood movie soundtracks!  Disney’s 1967 version of The Jungle Book features the song by the exuberant orangutan King Louie, voiced by Louis Prima.  It is featured again in the 2016 remake and stars Christopher Walken as the voice of King Louie.

Although Walken gives an excellent vocal performance, my favorite will always be…

 

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

Friday Favorites

You Can’t See John Cena

john cena nickelodeon GIF by Kids Choice Sports 2017

But the weekend is in sight!

And it is once again, time to share my

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Making the best of Monday

Might as well.

Ashley was on my “team” at work before I moved to a new position.  Still she “messages”  hello every morning.

This past Monday morning I sent this as a reply hoping to make her laugh:

She messaged “LOL” (so I’m assuming she did).

And this little guy made ME laugh every time I looked at him!

Favorite # TWO

Amazon Prime

Priming on Amazon this week is the newest addition to my collection of Glambaby paraphernalia.

Since Lydia enjoys having tea parties, I thought it would be a good idea to make sure she has a Lydia sized table and chairs to use when she comes to Glammy’s house.

I purchased it on Sunday.  The package was delivered on Tuesday.  LB and I (mostly LB) assembled it that evening.  It is all set up and ready for Lydia’s next visit… which I am looking forward to.

Favorite # THREE

Music by the Sea

began again this week.

LB and I were able to make it there by 5:30 and secure a spot in the pavilion.  Entertainment was provided by the 80’s Party Band SLANG.  Dinner was catered by Scooby Q BBQ.  This was their first time catering the event and apparently they were not prepared for the number of customers as they ran out of pulled pork in 30 minutes.

LB was able to partake of their smoked wings, a bag of chips and a cup of banana pudding.  I snapped this picture of him while he was enjoying his wings (without his blessing).  Since it reminded me of John Cena’s ‘You Can’t See Me‘, he let me post it.

Favorite # FOUR

Long Weekends

Monday I posted about things to do on Long Weekend Celebrations to link up with TBB and I offered suggestions for what to do on long weekends…

The truth is, what I do with an extra day off doesn’t matter to me one bit.  I am a homebody and content to stay home. LB is the adventurer who won’t go without me.  So we compromise and are happy either way.

Favorite # FIVE

Lifelong Friends

There was a time when LB was a BellSouth phone tech and many of the fellas that started out as his co-workers became his good friends.  Many of those same good friends have remained friends for the past 30+ years.  LB, Randy, Dave, Bruce

Today was a sad day as we met to remember and say goodbye to Randy.

Last October Randy began expressing concern over some discomfort he experienced while breathing.  It was determined to be cancer.

LB continued to meet him for “break” to have coffee.  He would tell me how Randy would always have an optimistic perspective.  From what LB shared of their conversations, and from the texts that Randy sent, it was apparent that he was an optimist and a fighter.

Today his friends and family gathered to remember him.  There were many great stories shared and I’ve heard many personal stories myself.

Randy and his wife Evelyn were avid RV’ers and would invite LB and I to join them at cookouts and biking when they camped nearby and specifically to the Festival of Lights at the Stephen Foster State Park during the Christmas season each year.

Randy will be sorely missed.

His Lifelong Friends who met in his honor today agree.David, Bruce, Tim, Mickey, LB

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

 

In Loving Memory of

Randolph Scott Speakman

Date of Birth

December 9, 1948

Date of Death

May 10, 2018

Long Weekend Celebrations

This weekend was nothing remotely close to being long.  As a matter of fact, it seemed shorter than usual.

With clouds and rain as the weekend theme, I encountered only a few minutes of clear sky on Saturday to get outside.I needed to dispose of some weeds and put out four more bags of mulch.  Afterward a visit to the treadmill was in order (sorry no treadmill picture).

It was, for the most part, a stay at home weekend with the exception of an excursion to Downtown Jacksonville.  On the way there was an opportunity to appreciate some of the art that reflects the local culture.  This work of art should be titled “Multi-colored Beaked Mortals Mingling”.

The musical Chicago was playing Saturday night at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.   LB and I met some friends there and enjoyed the show together.

 

Then all of a sudden…

It is Monday Again!

This month for Monday Link-ups, The Blended Blog is focusing on an Entertainment Theme.

Today the theme is

Long Weekend Celebrations

 

What do you do when you have a long weekend?  There are several ways I can think of to best use my upcoming long weekend.  Here are a few:

Tackle a Big Project

I have multiple scrapbooks to work on, closets to clean out, a back yard to landscape, and a kitchen to paint.  Where to begin?

Throw a Party

Because a long weekend is an ideal time to invite friends or family over to celebrate something.

Fast approaching is the Memorial Day weekend which is a great reason to have a party.  I took a poll from members of my family and have received only one positive response.  If a Memorial Day party is in my long weekend future, it looks to be a small party.

Also important to note: if the long weekend includes a Monday, this is in itself a reason to party.

 Catch Up on Sleep

My Fitbit tells me that I don’t get enough sleep… and I concur.  Most nights I sleep 6 hours.  I NEED 7 hours, and sometimes more.  A long weekend is a happy opportunity to turn the alarm clock OFF and sleep in for several lovely mornings.  This option brings me to the next which is

Do Nothing

My house is a great place for a staycation.  I have the pool to lay out by with the hot tub that’s not hot.  In the evenings there is the TV room to escape to for a good movie with surround sound or light the torches around the patio and listen to some Eighties music under the stars.

That said, the most important thing to do is make sure to take some time to

Relax GIF

 

 

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

Connect