5 on Friday: Great Blogs

Can you believe it, 3 posts in a day? I am on a roll! haha I am going to (hopefully) type this up quickly so I can get off the computer. Been looking at it too much today! Some of it has been productive and the other has been messin' around. I follow several blogs and enjoy reading them... and then just finding other ways to distract myself.

Anyway- to stop my rambling, I am going to highlight 5 blogs that I am crazy about right now. I love all the blogs I follow and will feature them over time.

Pretty Petal Studio on Etsy

These wonderful blogs are listed in no particular order, fyi:

• Flower Patch Farmgirl (visit her here)~ I can't get enough of this gal, Shannan! She is so witty, honest and hilarious. She lives in a "geek chic farmhouse" (as described on Apartment Therapy, her house is featured on there right now) with her husband and three adopted children. I love her stories about her children and all of their adventures. Though she lives far away from me in Indiana, I feel like she's next door. Last night she wrote a great post about blogging, you can read it here.
• Going Home to Roost (visit her here) ~ Bonnie is the author of this fabulous eco-friendly, creative (she's an amazing DYI-er), and simplicity blog. She often features great photographers, similar to that of Pretty Petal Studio (she may have even featured PPS at some point, not sure). Whenever I read Bonnie's blog, I feel like I step into a world full of possibilities. She makes me get excited about decorating inexpensively- within the past year and half she has moved twice... she went from her long-time home of North Carolina to Colorado Springs, CO and now she's in Solvang, CA (lucky girl). Each time she's moved she has created wonderfully 'nested' (as she likes to say) homes.
• This Chick's Got Style (visit her here) ~ Yara, from Amsterdam is about my age and is quite the fashion stylist. This blog is quite different than others that I follow -- in that it's all about clothing and styling. I love it though! It's just fun to follow her lifestyle and she has great pictures. 
• What Kate Wore (visit here) ~ Okay, this is a mini-confession, but I seriously love Kate "Middleton" (no longer that now) 's style. I have been quite intrigued with following her lately, as she and Prince William are on their big tour right now. I know everyone has their opinions of them, but I am impressed with them as a couple in the royal family. I love how Kate recycles pieces of clothing (though of course all of it is highly expensive), they seem to be sincere in their philanthropic causes, and what is so nice to see is that they look genuinely happy together. Oh, I must note- I do like this blog a lot because the author often has a more personal piece in a lot of the posts. She features some touching stories- like the one about this lady, Mrs. Miller, read it here (you'll have to scroll down). I also love the story about this precious little girl with Stage IV cancer getting to meet Kate- you can read it here (scroll down too).
• Kate Middleton Style (visit here) ~ Again, another blog about her style. I prefer the layout of the one listed above, but this is still a fun one to read. Yes, I am a nerd ;-)

And there you have it folks! HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

5 on Friday: Beach Quotes

Since I am heading to the beach today I think it is appropriate to keep with that theme for my "5 on Friday" post. :) With that said... here are some good beach quotes. Enjoy!

Pretty Petal Studio

• "At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by currents, plan by tides and follow the sun." - Anonymous
• "Why does the ocean rock the moon to sleep every night? So the sun will wake and kiss the beach." -- Anonymous
• "The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. " -- Jacques Cousteau
• "In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is a story of the earth." -- Rachel Carson
• "I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm." -- Anonymous

Happy July 1st and Happy Friday!

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The picture above was taken from an Etsy photographer, Pretty Petal Studio. This photographer has some incredible pictures, I'm glad I came upon her site! Thank you Google. ;-) Here's the website to see this picture & the rest of her shop

5 on Friday: Lush Products

Earlier this week I went Lush (website) to get a few gifts for a friend's birthday. I enjoyed taking a little trip to NW Portland (23rd)-- I could have spent the whole day down there but I didn't have the time. So many great stores!

While I was shopping for the birthday gift, I had an opportunity to look at the products more closely. To this end, my "5 on Friday" is going to feature the 5 products I would like to try.

• Each Peach (And Two's a Pair) -- Massage Bar
• Vanilla Fountain  -- Bath Bomb 
• You've Been Mangoed -- Bath Melt
• Whoosh -- Shower Jelly (so cool!)
• Orange Blossom -- Perfume (forgot to smell this one but it sounds delightful)

Okay so there are a lot more products than this that I would like to try! This is a good start though! I will have to go back again soon and pick one or two of these out to "test." 

5 on Friday: 4 + 1 (Belated!)

I could have written my "5 on Friday" post yesterday but never got around to it. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write in the afternoon and was far too distracted with updating my blog layout. Then I went out in the evening and didn't get back until late so I didn't bother to write. Oh well! ;-)

So here it is... This week I am writing about 4 blessings and I have 1 big announcement!

Blessings

• Ironically after venting my frustrations on Monday, I got a little break on Tuesday. Work didn't need me on Tuesday evening due to so many cancellations (last day of school for one of the big districts). So I enjoyed the evening and loved that I didn't have to go anywhere. Not great for money purposes but it's alright-- I'm thankful for the breather. :)
• Had time this week to finish the amazing, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Wow! I love this book so much. I'm sad that my journey with the characters is over. I will admit, I did get a little choked up at the end. I love how Stockett described the setting in such detail, I got lost in the deep Southern world back in the 60's. My heart ached many times though- so sad what colored women (and men- this story is focused on women) experienced in those days. Yes, the book is fiction but it is based on history- the author did lots of research and also grew up during those times. She took a huge risk in writing in a black woman's voice but did an excellent job and know it was done respectfully. In addition to the difficult subject she wrote about, she also did a marvelous job showing the strength of the bonds between the women-- their friendship and how their connections helped them to overcome difficult challenges. It's amazing book and I highly suggest that you read it!
• Went to my sister's boyfriend's graduation ceremony on Wednesday evening. I enjoyed hearing "Pomp & Circumstance" and seeing him in his cap and gown. Great ceremony and inspirational too. The principal at my alma mater is a wonderful individual- he was a teacher of mine when I attended there (6 years ago!). The motto for his class is, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." --Henry David Thoreau. I really like that and liked how the speeches were centered around that theme. Of course, who is going to remember that, I don't know. I know I don't remember much from my high school graduation besides feeling antsy for it to be over. I'm more appreciative of these events now, however.
• Lil moments to myself when I'm out and about. Sometimes there is nothing like some good country music and driving around. I got Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" CD (yes an actual CD!) and I love it!

One Big Announcement

• I recently received my passport and guess what I'm doing with it?!?! GOING TO COSTA RICA!!! Yes! This chick is going out of the country for the first time. :) In August, Mom and I will be going back with her exchange sister, Leonor (she stayed with my mom's family in high school). Leonor is coming here at the end of July for my Granny's 100th birthday party and then we'll be flying back with her on August 10th. We'll be in Costa Rica 10th-21st. I can't wait! 

Hope everyone had a delightful Friday! I had a great one! haha Happy Weekend!

P.S. Yes there are 5 items in this picture- one is more "symbolic"... the colorful pillow. I decided to use it to represent rest & relaxation. Plus, it provided a nice background for the other items!

5 on Friday: Seasonal Cold Survival Kit

Since I am almost over my little June cold, I thought it might be appropriate to write about the five "remedies" things that helped me get better. I tried making a collage with the pictures with a few different programs but they didn't turn out... so I'm just going to list them with a brief note. I'll try and get crafty later on! If only I was a Photoshop genius. *sigh*

• Chicken Noodle Soup.. mmm... 

• Tea-- at one point I almost lost my voice (due to subbing one afternoon) but thankfully the warm liquids did their trick.

• Good quality tissues. Thank you Kleenex! When you have to blow your nose 9 million times (which I'm still not over this nasal stuff quite yet, darn it!), you need good tissues. Don't want to be blowing your nose with sandpaper, which ironically, is how the kleenex feels at the doctor's office. Oh, and technically this isn't really a "remedy" but it helped get me through this lovely experience...

• Unnatural but oh so helpful, Alka Seltzer. Seriously did wonders for me at night- cleared up my sinuses and made me very sleepy. The drowsiness probably made me turn over less from side to side- I'm sure Cheese Puff appreciated that. ;-)

• Now, for my favorite remedy: Cold Eeze! I started to feel questionable Friday (2nd) night and took one of these things. Then I had several of them throughout Saturday and know they made it so my cold didn't get any worse. Hey, it could be a placebo but it works. At least I know I'm not sucking on sugar cubes (even though they are not too bad for taste- the tropical fruit flavor is my favorite). :)

In addition to these big five, drinking plenty of fluids (water) and getting rest (don't think I did very well in that department- was fairly busy) are also important. Here's to hoping the cold bugs go away and you all stay healthy! Happy Friday too! Enjoy your weekend :-)

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Note: I do not own any of these pictures nor take credit for them- I was lazy today and took them from the Internet. I Googled for each of these items. I don't remember all the websites I went to so hopefully this disclaimer is sufficient! 

5 on Friday: Summary of Week

Well, here it is... Friday already. It is also June! What a crazy, crazy week. For this week's "5 on Friday" I am going to just summarize what happened in these past few days.

• Substituted on Wednesday (1st) and Thursday (2nd) in the 2nd grade class at my favorite school. I have subbed for this class several times this year so I know the routine well. I'm so happy to say that these were the best two days I have had with them all year. I give them credit as well as myself ;-) I intend to write a post soon about substituting and will explain more about why these were two good days.
• In addition to subbing, I tutored at Sylvan in the evenings on Wednesday and Thursday. Whew! That means I worked a total of 21 hours in two days. Very exhausting but lucrative.
• Bad news: Mom broke her right wrist on Wednesday. She was walking with a friend during their break at work and were in a crosswalk. Some truck cut in front of them (something like that) and Mom was trying to get the driver's attention-- so she was waving at them. In the process of avoiding getting hit and yelling at the driver, my mom fell down hard and literally broke the fall with her wrist. Thankfully the break isn't in need of surgery. Needless to say, it is interesting around here! That was crazy to come home to after a long day of working. Whew, again.
• I woke up today with a stuffed nose and sore/swollen tonsils. So many sick bugs going around! My sister is close to being done with her cold. I feel thankful that I don't have the flu-like bug that's out there. Hope to avoid that!
• Seriously loving the sunshine & blue skies today. Praise God! I wish I could be out on some adventure but I'm still enjoying it. :)

Happy Friday to all of you!! 

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Because I'm paranoid, I want to note that I do not take credit for the picture used in this post. While I strongly prefer to use my own pictures, I found this one through Google Images and wanted to use it. The full res picture is on Flickr - photographer is Rune T. You can see it here.

5 on Friday: Random Tid Bits

So I've been thinking of ways to keep me blogging consistently. I love the "Multiple Blessing Mondays," "Imperfect Prose Thursdays*," and "Wordless Wednesdays" blogging themes. In the future, I hope to do a whole week that uses those specific writing themes- think it would be kind of fun. Anyway, I've been mulling over what I would like to do and I came up with "5 on Friday." This is where I might write a summary of the week or five thoughts, five tid bits of some kind, or even a specific/related list of five things. I will also include a picture that has five items/things in it to go along with each post. Sometimes the picture will be directly related to what I'm blogging about or sometimes it will just be a picture of five things. If you would like to do this too, feel free to join me! With that said, here is my first "5 on Friday" list: 

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My painted nails :)

1. One of my favorite country songs right now is "What Do You Want" by Jerrod Niemann. I really love the lyrics and beat of this song. Plus, Jerrod sings it with such an achy emotional tone. I love country music... so good! You can listen to it here (it will take you to his YouTube video).
2. Confession (one of many!): I've been painting my nails lately... 
3. Today I signed up for two exercise classes at the studio near my house. I signed up for belly dancing and Zumba (both for beginners). So excited to get into shape!
4. Sunday is my last day at Hallmark.
5. Baby cat and Cheese Puff have had three official meetings in these past few evenings. The first two meetings were pretty successful though both ended in them hissing at each other. Last night Baby cat (no not her real name- we haven't decided yet!) looked like she was submitting to Cheese, which is a good thing. He's been a great boy too! He hasn't gotten very defensive, only reacted when she's gotten too overconfident. I suppose when you're his size little kittens don't bother you the least bit. Still though, it is impressive how calm he's been. He can be rather touchy at times so it's great to see him be okay when the Lil Miss comes out for some exploring. I love my kitties!

And there ya have it folks, that's "5 on Friday." :)

*Here's a link to a the blog, Canvas Child/Imperfect Prose. This neat lady came up with this great writing idea for Thursdays.