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Wistful about the Weekend

It is a bittersweet thing to say goodbye to the weekend

And Hello to Monday.

But right now I am smiling as I reflect on the past two days and how I enjoyed myself.  Especially Saturday.

 

Saturday Morning I made my way to the kitchen to make coffee, then enjoyed a cup while watching the Cooking Channel.  I take pleasure in starting my day slowly and this is one of the reasons I love weekends, as most of my days begin by jumping out of bed, throwing myself together and rushing out the door. One of my happy places is in my living room chair with Elvis perched on my lap and a cup of coffee in my hand.  I love this part of my life.

But I’m a busy person and it wasn’t long before I was back in the kitchen being creative.  There has been a container of cinnamon rolls in my refrigerator for way too long.  It was time to get rid of them.  So I made cinnamon roll waffles.  LB was delighted and he ate two.

Saturday Afternoon

I showed some love to my front yard flowers, spending about 30 minutes weeding.  LB spent several hours in the yard mowing and edging.  I jumped in the pool.  Later in the day, after he came in and recharged, we decided to go out to dinner.  One of our regular places is Jerry’s Sports Grille which is LB’s favorite place for steak.  Jerry’s didn’t work out, so we headed back to Whiskey Jax.  LB and I shared a burger and a salad

The featured band was

Sidewalk 65

and they were very entertaining.

 

Also entertaining, as always, were the dancers showing off their moves

VERY ENTERTAINING.  We enjoyed the show.  There are some “extras” singing in this clip.  The band was actually pretty good.

 

As usual, it turned out to be a nice Saturday.  I’m looking forward to the next one!

Sunday Mornin’

Every Sunday I like to start the day by presenting LB with a special breakfast or brunch.  Typically I will fry shredded hash browns laced with red pepper flakes and serve them with a soft cooked egg and pumpernickel toast.  Today I decided to do something different.

My obsession with the Food Network and Cooking Channel has inspired me to try new things.  For brunch today LB and I enjoyed Eggs Benedict.  That’s right… I made it myself!

This is how I did it

Eggs Benedict for two

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces of bacon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 English muffins
  • Butter

for the Hollandaise sauce

  • 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Process

1 Slice the bacon

into 3 pieces.  Set bacon on a plate atop the toaster oven.

I used sliced, precooked bacon because it is less mess and much faster that frying bacon.  If I had smoked salmon in the house, I would have used it instead.

2 Bring water to a boil

in a large saucepan two-thirds-filled with water, then add the vinegar. Bring the water to a boil again, then lower the heat to a bare simmer.

3 Make the Hollandaise sauce

in a blender.  Melt 5 Tbsp unsalted butter and set aside.  Add 2 egg yolks, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender, blend on low for 20-30 seconds.  On lowest setting, slowly drizzle in the melted butter, while continuing to blend.

4 Poach the eggs

one egg at a time, obviously.  Crack an egg into a small bowl or cup and slide it into the simmering water. Once the white begins to envelope the yolk, add another egg, until all four are cooking.  Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let sit for 2, 3, or 4 minutes. The timing is dependent on how runny you like your eggs.  This typically calls for  experimentation until you figure out what to do to have the eggs exactly the way you like them.  Remove the poached eggs with a slotted spoon and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

5 Slice the English muffins and toast

until lightly crispy and golden brown.  Butter the English muffins and set them on a plate to assemble the Eggs Benedict.

6 To assemble

top buttered English muffins with bacon slices.  Place a poached egg on top of the bacon covered muffin.  Pour  Hollandaise over the top.  Garnish with parsley (or whatever greenery you like) and serve at once.

Happy Sunday Mornin’!

ENJOY!

7 Hit the treadmill

You may have just consumed 900 calories!

In honor of the late Glen Campbell

National Middle Child Day

“Each year on August 12th, National Middle Child Day is observed across the United States. This day gives special recognition to the middle child in the family” (source).

Amanda

is My Middle Childand she is a delight!

I searched google to find a National Day for the Oldest Child/First-Born and Youngest Child and I could not.  It is possible that Middle Children are given a special day because they sometimes experience

Middle Child Syndrome

There was no middle child in my family when I was growing up, only myself and my sister Gina.  Being the first-born in my family, it is difficult for me to imagine a disorder associated with birth order.  Therefore I am puzzled by the Middle Child Syndrome being a reality that some children experience.  The first-born is many times considered to be the leader, while the youngest, or “baby of the family” has his own special place.  Does this leave the middle child without a special place or role?  I have three children and happen to know that the middle child does in fact have a special role.

But research indicates that this syndrome is very real.  These children may feel they are given scant attention and that their siblings are recognized more than they.

Amanda

in my opinion, is an exception to the rule!Amanda is special for so many reasons.

For example:

she is a natural born leader and adventurer.This picture was taken during a tour of the United States Capitol in 2007.  Amanda was the tour guide.  She took the initiative to go to Washington D.C. and serve as an intern for Senator Mel Martinez while she was “just a baby”.  And isn’t she lovely?She also gave me a tour of the city, and obediently posed with the flowers for this picture.

Amanda is very imaginative and a lot of fun to be with.

But she also has a serious sideand beautiful blue-green eyes.

She has a Master’s Degree; graduating from UNF with honors.

I am very proud of her and hope that she is only teasing when she calls herself “the forgotten child”.

At this point she must know that she is anything but forgotten.   Maybe we should start referring to them as the “Central” as opposed to the “Middle”.

Happy Central Child Day Amanda!

Note to Stephanie and Richard: Be forewarned.  Even though there is no National First-Born Day or National Youngest Child Day… I’m a Blogger, and I’ll embarrass you too.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Everyone!

It’s my favorite day of the week and time for my favorite post…

Friday Favorites

Is it acceptable for a grown woman to like Marvel Comic movies?  I just can’t help myself.

Favorite # ONE

LB and I watched Guardians of the Galaxy early in the week and we both enjoyed it immensely.  This Sci-Fi  Superhero movie doesn’t disappoint!  The characters are an extraterrestrial team of misfits who each have their own agenda, but ban together to achieve a joint objective.  During the story, their appreciation for each other leads to a heartwarming friendship.  The interaction is amusing.  The plot is interesting.  The music is excellent!  I am looking forward to watching the sequel!

Click the links to watch the trailers

Favorite # TWO

Favorite # Two is a website… susanlucci.com

I’ve never watched the soap opera “All My Children”, but I KNOW who Susan Lucci is.  You know who she is too!

This woman is SEVENTY years old and drop dead gorgeous.  When I found her website, I discovered that she likes to do Pilates.  Well there you have it!  Pilates is the secret to lifelong beauty.

I searched online for her site after I happened to see her in an episode of The Kitchen.

Favorite # THREE

Speaking of the kitchen, I spent some time in My kitchen recently to prepare for the celebration of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.  Obviously I don’t need much of a reason to celebrate.

Tuesday, August 1st was National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.

Because I am easily distractedI didn’t read the ‘Cream Pie’ part and assumed it was a raspberry cake that was the subject of celebration.  Sadly, instead of a Raspberry Cream Pie, I made a Raspberry Cake.

Happily, it was a GOOD cake!

If a cake hangs around too long in my house, it gets cut into slices, wrapped individually, and stored in the freezer.  Pop a frozen slice into the microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy a warm dessert that is almost as good as it was right out of the oven.

Favorite # FOUR

The Venus catalog that came in the mail this week

The Paisley Boho Dress on the cover caught my eye right away.  Isn’t it cute?  Must have.

Favorite # FIVE

Saving the BEST for last… this picture of my son and his sweet little girlLydia broke her toe recently and spent some time wearing this boot.

Richard has recently started blogging.  His style is very different from mine, but I like it.  You can find his blog here.   I am very proud of him and his desire to complete that which he was called to do.

Color Crush on Blue

Pantone is the expert that sets the standard for color trends every year.  Earlier this year I shared the Pantone 2017 spring/summer colors in this Summer 2017 Trends post.

Here is a reminder of those top ten:

While many others may be looking forward to fall fashion, I have had a difficult time accepting the fact that summer is nearing its end, and the fall season will begin next month.  I’m still loving the colors that I’ve been finding while out on my shopping ventures.

The color I’m crushing on today is Island ParadiseThis cool blue green color reminds me of a summer vacation

When you wear Island Paradise it looks like this This pretty blouse was waiting for me to find it on a Sunday afternoon shopping trip with LB.  It was on sale for $12 at Nordstrom Rack, so I snatched it up right away.

The opened back with a criss-cross detail is pretty.  It would have been smart of me to put my hair up so it could be seen.  I wasn’t thinking too clearly at 6:00 this morning.  Word to the wise: check the care label before purchasing anything, even if it is only $12.

The label in this top reads: HAND WASH COLD. SEPARATELY. MILD DETERGENT. DO NOT BLEACH. RESHAPE. LAY FLAT TO DRY. COOL IRON IF NEEDED.GEEZ!

Since I am unable to find the link for this blouse online, here are a few others, in a bit of a bluer shade, that are similar and just as pretty:

 

And a few accessories to match:

 

Blouse // Blouse // Blouse // Blouse

Earrings // Earrings // Earrings

 

I mentioned earlier that I am not rushing summer out the door, however I have taken a peek at the upcoming color trends for fall.

Top 10 Pantone 2017 Fall Colors

Marina blue is especially pretty although difficult to find in the exact same shade at Nordstrom Rack.

Here are few items similar to Marina blue to get me in the mood for fall

Dress // Earrings // Blouse

Shoes // Jacket // Earrings

 

 

 Happy Shopping!

 

 

Patsy

Recently an adorable lady has become a member of my work family

Miss Patsy Brown

Patsy has been with our company for ten years and recently relocated from Louisiana to join us here in the Sunshine State. It was fun hearing her talk about setting up her new home after she made the big move to Florida. I remember her excitement the day she closed on her house; and again when her 50MB internet was installed.

She has been great fun to get to know.  She has a great sense of humor.  And I’ve learned that she likes to watch lifetime television in bed and enjoys participating in her collection of workout videos from the sofa.

Something we have in common is our love of shopping, especially for clothes and shoes.
Every morning Patsy comes into the office dressed SO CUTE. Most of the time I tell her what great fashion sense she has or how well she puts an outfit together. Today I asked her where she purchased the top she is wearing.

Dressbarn was the place.

I recently experienced Dressbarn for the first time on a trip to the new Tanger Outlet in Daytona.

It was at Dressbarn that I found my yellow capris and navy ankle pants in the clearance section.

Fun in the dressing room.
Patsy told me that her go-to shop is Dressbarn and most of her clothes have been purchased there.  At times she has forgotten what is in her closet and purchased the same item twice.  Since I love it, I tried to locate the top she is wearing online, with no success.  Patsy advised checking the Scarves & Wraps category under Accessories

Bingo!

Paisley-Print Cascade Vest

Only $25… thinking I might need one of those!

In addition to Dressbarn, Patsy enjoys purchasing shoes from JustFab and says she has been using the online company for years, not purchasing every month, but enjoying the benefits of the VIP membership when she does.

Looking forward to seeing her outfit ensemble tomorrow!

Show and Tell Tuesday

Show and Tell Tuesday

Because I had so much fun with my cell phone show and tell, I thought I would participate in another.  This is the Show and Tell Tuesday Dresser Drawer Edition

meaning, I am sharing the contents of one of my dresser drawers.
This is my dresser

It has been with me since I was 13 years old.  The style works well with my other bedroom furniture, which is part of the Accent’s Français collection by Drexel Heritage.

That’s another story for another day.  The middle drawer is the focus of my attention today.

This middle drawer is chock-full of memorabilia in the form of …

Tee Shirts!

You would be surprised at the memories associated with tee shirts.  Here are just a sample of mine:

This bright green Rethink Possible tee from AT&T is not a shirt I wear often… actually it is not a shirt I wear ever, but I like the color.  Also I have a propensity for Pack Rattery.  Yes, I made up that word.

My navy blue Boston Athletic Association tee is a reminder that I did go to Boston for the BIG Marathon and I did participate in one of the “little” races… the 5k.Thats me.  On the ground.  With the Hare.

From my first trip to Las Vegas:LB and I played the slot machines and the casino awarded us with this lovely never-worn-again Total Rewards tee.  It is kept for sentiment only. Did I mention the Pack Rat condition I suffer from?

Survivor Africa was one of the best Survivor seasons ever and boy was I a big fan! I have a buff too.  Probably in one of those other drawers.

One of my many Florida road race tees… this light blue one from Gate River Run 2008 is my favorite.

Two of my tee shirts

…and possibly three, were confiscated from two of my children.

One of those tees is this Nintendo Rehabilitation Clinic (the first step is admitting you have a problem) tee.At one point in my life I did have an obsession with Nintendo 2, specifically Super Mario World. This is a happy thought for me because it was a time I spent with my kids.  Richard was only 3 years old when I sat him in my lap on the floor, facing the television, and with our hands together on the controller, I taught him to play.  Eventually he was better than I… so I stole his shirt.

The Florida Virtual School shirt belonged to either Stephanie or Amanda. They were my homeschool graduates. When we began our homeschool adventure in 2000, chemistry was on the schedule.  We turned to FVS for assistance with this subject and somehow ended up with this shirt.  I like it, so I kept it.

The bright orange Staff FBC Jax Camp 2008 is probably my favorite as it is the one I wear the most.  In fact, I’m wearing it right now.I may have confiscated this one from Amanda.  It tackles the treadmill with me on a regular basis and occasionally when I engage in work that involves getting messy.  It has been through the washer more than anything else that I own.  I fully expect to see it disintegrate someday.

Part of the reason I like to wear the orange Staff tee is because it doesn’t feel stiff and scratchy.  So I searched for a way to make my other tee shirts feel the same.  Here is what I found:

How to make your tee shirt soft

InStyle calls this “fresh-out-of-the store tees vintage-y soft” and you can find that article here.

Step 1: Create a mix.
To make your tee shirt soft, first create a mix of water and salt, or water and vinegar in a large bucket. For one quart of water, you will need about 1/2 cup of salt or vinegar.  The salt and/or vinegar is supposed to open up the fibers.

Step 2: Soak your tee shirt.
Soak your shirt in the mixture for about seven minutes, (according to the article)

Step 3: Wash and dry as normal.
Next wash your tee shirt as your normally would with detergent.  Then toss it in the dryer, but take it out before it fully dries.  Hang it or lay it flat to finish drying naturally.

Step 4: Try again.
Because hope springs eternal, repeat all the steps that you just completed, since it didn’t work the first time.

 

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