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Nighttime Browsing

While waiting for the sun to set, and Nights of Lights to begin, I perused through a few of the shops on Saint George Street.

As I’ve mentioned before, H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes never disappoints.  I can always find something pretty at this shop.

On this particular trip, I discovered a few places that may not be new, but are new to me.

Colonial Oaks Music Park mentioned in yesterday’s post.

A performance and event venue, with an oak in the center of the park, and a nice place to relax and enjoy a band or a show.  The old live oak’s branches are spread over the the park offering shade in the summer and a place to hang lanterns and lights.

29 Olives

There were several pretty blouses and a wall of jewelry.

And this store has a website you can find here.

After the sun set, and I had enjoyed the holiday display, LB and I took a walk on King Street, along the Plaza de la Constitucion.  Just past the Ale House is a cute little shop called

Mod Mari

The window display made it impossible to pass by without further investigation.I wandered through the shop examining all of the accessories and potential gift items.Some of the items in Mod Mari:

LB mentioned that my daughters would probably like this store.  I believe they would.

At last I found the dress in the display window.

And LB encouraged me to try it on.

I look like a PEASANT!

Uh… yeah…

No

LB and I left St. Augustine with no shopping bags (for LB to hide from me until Christmas).  However we both took home sweet memories of the evening that will remain with us forever.

Nights of Lights

LB and I headed to St. Augustine yesterday afternoon in hope of seeing the city lit up with holiday lights later that evening.    As I’ve mentioned time and time again, St. Augustine is a favorite place I frequently visit.  Beginning November 18th and continuing through January 31st it is an especially lovely place to visit.

  The 24th Annual

Nights of Lights

dazzles the city of St. Augustine as approximately three million lights adorn the Plaza de la Constitucion and other areas of the historic district.

However, until the sun goes down, it is nice to find something to do to pass the time.

Did someone say SHOPPING?

If I have already passed the St. Augustine Premium Outlet, the shops on Saint George Street are my next choice.  There aren’t as many stores to chose from, but H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes never disappoints.  Recently a few other shops have become worth exploring as well.

On this particular trip, there was less shopping, and more sightseeing.  I discovered a couple of buildings under construction in the Saint George street vicinity that are likely new restaurants or shops coming to the area.  In addition, I discovered a few places that may not be new, but are new to me.  For example the

Colonial Oaks Music Park

a rustic performance and event venue complete with a stage and picnic tables.  There is an oak, as the name suggests, in the center of the park.  Its branches are spread over the picnic tables offering shade in the summer and a place to hang lanterns and lights.

 Obviously there is no one on stage, but it looks to be a nice place to relax and enjoy a band or a show.  I’m sure LB and I will be back.

Once the sun set, it was time to check out the holiday display.

The Plaza de la ConstitucionFlagler CollegeThe Discoverer of Florida…

Juan Ponce de Leon landed near this spot 1513. This festive fellow…And a photo op in Santa’s sleigh…

Nights of Lights is a great opportunity to grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the dazzling display with someone you love.

Thank you for the holiday cheer LB!

I’m looking forward to another Christmas season with you (on your left arm).

 

 

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

Kim

St. Simons Shopping

LB and I enjoyed our Saturday visit to Jekyll Island’s Merry Shrimpmas.

We visit the island often, but will typically stay at the Hampton on St. Simons Island.  Sunday morning started with a quick Hampton breakfast.

Mixed fruit.

  Then onto a quick shopping trip.

Last spring I published a post about how a shopping excursion in the Golden Isles ended with a stop at

White House Black Market

This time it began with a shopping excursion at White House Black Market…

which turned out to be a good idea!Thanks LB!

This pretty sweater caught my eye before I walked through the door.

So I headed straight for it; and Yes, it is very pretty.  An on trend blush colored, at-the-shoulder sweater featuring a  velvet bow in the back.

You can see it online here.  It is officially on my wish list along with a perfectly matching pair of jeans that look like this…

Sadly, they aren’t to be found online in my size, but if you wear a 16W + check them out… they are so cute!  I’m not a fan of destructed jeans, but these have rose gold sequins peeking through.  I’ll probably be heading to WHBM to find my size soon.  While I’m there I’ll be looking for this blouse.

It was on the sale rack… a lonely size ZERO.  As you can see, it is too tight.  I’m hoping another store will have one in a more comfortable size.

There were many treasures to be found in the sale section.  One of my favorites was this pretty little outfit…The jeans that were paired with the floral top were not quite as cute as another pair I came across.

These floral embroidered cuffed jeans…

And I thought this blouse would also pair nicely with those jeans..

This one is a keeper!

Unfortunately it is not to be found online…

but this Ruffle-Sleeve blouse can be found here.

(Can’t help myself, I have to touch everything)

This St. Simons shopping trip ended well for me.  I walked out with a pretty little package.And I was a happy girl!

Until LB took that pretty little package away from me and told me we were saving it for Christmas.

 

 

Here’s looking forward to Christmas!

 

 

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

Kim

 

 

An Eventful Thanksgiving Weekend

It may have started slowly, but it turned out to be an eventful Thanksgiving weekend.

When I left the office on Wednesday night, I drove straight home, closed the door behind me, and didn’t go out again until

Black Friday

Since there were plenty of leftovers from my Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner, which we had been enjoying ALL week, we stayed in on Thanksgiving Day.  After 48 hours, cabin fever had set in and we were ready to get out of the house.

I could barely stand the light.

LB and I went to Whiskey Jax Beaches location to hear Sidewalk 65 and enjoy something besides turkey and dressing.

Shrimpmas Saturday

In September 2017, due to hurricane Irma, the 12th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival was cancelled.  In an effort to bring the festival to their community before year end, Jekyll Island merged the Shrimp & Grits Festival and the Tree Lighting celebration into a new, two-day event they called Merry Shrimpmas.  On Saturday afternoon, LB and I packed up and headed to the Golden Isles to spend the remainder of our weekend.

And it was cool enough to wear my new furry vest!

We arrived at the airport just before sunset then set out to walk the 1.5 miles to the festival.  My FitBit loved it!  We ended the day with 22,745 steps.

It was a beautiful evening for a walk.  I enjoyed it.  LB enjoyed it.  The gnats enjoyed it.

Despite the insect assault, we stopped to enjoy the sunset.

My cameraman likes to capture every moment.


There were many potential souvenirs and possible Christmas gifts in the artists’ market.

And everything was lit up and decorated beautifully for the Merry Shrimpmas festival.

It was a lovely ending to an eventful Thanksgiving weekend.

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

Kim

 

 

 

 

Date Night Outfit :: Blouse (similar), Faux Leather Leggings, Shoes (similar)

Festival Outfit :: Furry Vest (similar), Knit Top, Jeans, Shoes

 

Sunday Thanksgiving Dinner

Each year since 2012 I have been preparing a traditional thanksgiving dinner at my house on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day.

I call it

“Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner”

Which I mentioned briefly in my recent Pecan Pie Bars post here.
As I mentioned in that post, when I was growing up my family would visit either my maternal grandparents (Mema and Papa Duck’s house)
or paternal grandparents (Mema and Grandpa Reid’s house) each year.

In an effort to have the undivided attention of those closest to me

I began my own tradition of hosting Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time.

At this family event, I take responsibility for providing the dinner

so I can enjoy the holiday early with my Mama and my kids.

In 2015 a new member joined us

She likes the idea of the turkey, but has yet to try it.

This year our menu included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato soufflé, Brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon, green bean casserole, English pea salad, cranberry/orange salad…
pumpkin roll, pecan pie bars, and, of course, pumpkin pie.

And I wouldn’t be able to do it without LB!

It was delicious, if I do say so myself!

After dinner chillin’ early on would typically resemble this…But nowadays resembles this…And chocolate milk is the main entree while entertainment is watching The Little Mermaid all cozy on the vintage Beauty and the Beast sleeping bags.

Whatever makes that baby happy is just fine with Glammy.

Let the Holiday Festivities BEGIN!

Things You’re Thankful For

Earlier this month The Blended Blog offered a Linkup to post the following

I missed the linkup that day, but thought it would be appropriate to share my “Things You’re Thankful For” answers today.

Here they are:

1. A New Friend

One particular person that I am thankful to have befriended this year comes to mind…

WendyI’ve got your back… Buddy!

2. Something Shiny

While I am thankful to own a car for all the practical reasons, this particular car has been exceptionally fun to own. Because he has not been the one to enjoy driving the new family car in the past, I encouraged LB to buy it for himself last year. He has thoroughly loved cruising in this beautiful vehicle, and I have enjoyed it too.

3. Someone Unexpected

Three years ago, at the Thanksgiving dinner table, it was announced that we would have a new family member join us the following July. This little girl tugs at my heart strings in a way that I didn’t know possible.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to love her.

4. Something Ordinary

Well.

Driving to work, I see these little guys everyday. They’re about as ordinary as it gets.  I’m thankful when I see them make it safely across the street.

5. A Person you’ve known for a long time

GinaThis picture was taken a long time ago, but I’ve known Gina even longer.  She is my younger sister and the first friend I ever had.  Every girl needs a sister who is a friend.  I’m thankful for mine.

6. Somewhere you go every day

Work

Despite the fact that I do not relish the commute to work, it is the one place that I go every weekday.  My motivation is the paycheck I receive and I can truthfully say that I am thankful for that!

7. Someone who has taught you something

MamaShe has taught me more than anyone else.  I am thankful to have been raised by such a sweet, generous, loving, godly example.

8. A faraway place

VermontMy Daddy loved Vermont in the winter.  He taught me to ski on the Toll Road in Vermont.  I hope to get back there someday.

9. Something that is saving your life right now

The WeekendBecause  beginning Friday night until Monday morning…

I DON’T HAVE TO TALK ON THE PHONE!

10. Someone you see every day

 LB

And I am extremely thankful for him!

He is especially handsome in the fall!

11. Something you enjoy doing

shopping

Daytona Beach Tanger Outlets Gallery 1And I do it every chance it get!

12. A Special Lady

LaurieShe is a precious lady with a kind heart.  I’m thankful that I can call her my friend.

13. A Special Place

Home

This is where I like to be!  SO Thankful for home!

14. A Special Gentleman

My nephew ClayWhile I am thankful for each member of my family, Clay (center) told my Mama that he promised my Daddy that he would take care of her.  He does a wonderful job, and I’m thankful for him.

15. Something warm

ElvisMy lap cat keeps me warm while we sit in the living room every night.  He is very patient with me when I want to snuggle and he welcomes me home when he greets me at the door.   I am thankful to have such a sweet little kitty.

I am Thankful to have SO MUCH to be Thankful for!

Pecan Pie Bars

The time has come to prepare for America’s favorite holiday…

Thanksgiving!

When I was a growing up, I remember spending Thanksgiving day with either my Daddy’s side of the family or my Mama’s side of the family.  Christmas would be spent with the other side of the family.  This would flip flop on the following year.  It continued this way for years… until my grandparents were no longer able to play host on holidays.  Now that I’m the Mama/Mom/Ma (depending on who is calling on me), I have created my own tradition.

I call it

The Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner.

I’ll be sharing more about that later.

It goes without saying that desserts are a significantly important part of this event.  Today I began preparing for my Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner by making

Pecan Pie Bars

The instructions say to line the pan with foil.  I line the pan with foil AND spray with non-stick cooking spray.  One can’t be too careful.

The Pecan Pie Bars begin with a delicious crust.  Beginning with brown sugar and butter, how could it be anything but delicious?

Once the crust has baked, the pecan topping is added.  And baked again. These are DANG good!

No one will even miss the pecan pie!

This is how they are made…

Pecan Pie Bars

  • Servings: 16-24
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving enough for a 2-inch overhang on all sides.

  2. First make the crust by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add in the flour and salt and mix until crumbly.

  3. Press the crust into the foil-lined pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by combining the butter, brown sugar, honey and heavy cream in a saucepan and stirring it over medium heat. Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, then stir in the chopped pecans.

  5. Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust spreading it to cover the entire surface.

  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes.

  7. Remove the pan and allow the bars to fully cool in the pan.

  8. Use the foil overhang to lift out the bars and transfer them to a cutting board. Peel off the foil, slice into bars and serve.

    prettyis.me

 

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

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