Friday Weekly Recap

I'm excited Friday and the weekend are here but I have to say this week was a pretty good one. You don't hear me say that too often because I'm, more often than not, overwhelmed and stressed out about work. But things this week just went smoothly and my stress-level had a chance to run normally.

The best part about this week was celebrating Kerri's birthday yesterday with the ladies after work. We met up at Parkview to have some wine flights and catch up. Fun times as always with Kate, Pamela and the birthday beauty Kerri!

Some other happenings for this week:

Tried:
I went to check it out a new Asian Boba Tea place on my lunch break. The coffee boba (which has fruit jellies at the bottom) was so amazing and I'm not kidding when I say it's better than Starbucks.

Accomplished:

The second best part about this week: passing my photography exam and becoming a certified photographer!!

Now, I just need to practice, practice, practice and learn my camera's settings 100% before I feel fully confident with my skills. 

Watched:

On Wednesday our team got to leave a little early for Back to the Future Day and head to the movies to watch the trilogy. We also had a work costume contest. Of course, I forgot to dress up. 

Ate:

I just discovered the Teriyaki Chicken bowl from Publix which is made fresh on the spot and, for only $6.99, it's a nice and affordable lunch or dinner. 

Feeling:

Loving:
Dog treats from Chewy.com have been a life saver for helping to train Lola. When she's doing something naughty like jumping on top our patio table. I just say "treats" and she'll go running to the pantry where I store them. It's probably the only way to get her to stop what she's doing because #spoiledbulldog.

Browsed:

The Loft has 50% off this week online and up to 60% in the store. Who doesn't love a good sale, especially for good quality clothing? 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Faves

 

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We made it to Friday! Now we just have to make it to 5 o'clock, well 5:30 for me. This week was fairly uneventful with the usual routine although I got zero modules of the online photography class done since we still have visitors. Oh well, everything should get back to normal next week.

I took Monday afternoon off of work so I could spend time with my parents and take them out shopping. Naturally, I had to pick up a few things for myself. Who knew high rise jeggings could be so comfortable? I'm slightly ashamed to admit that but seriously they fit me perfectly and it's not like I'll be wearing a short top to show off the high waist. The tunic blouse and peacock necklace also go perfectly together and have already been worn to work this week.

 

For anyone with a backyard or garden, I love these cute DIY Garden Ideas to spruce it up a bit depending on your style.

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This One Pan Balsamic Chicken & Veggies recipe not only looks healthy and amazing but of course the one pan aspect helps to cut down the clean up time. Who likes washing dishes?

In case you missed it, I reviewed some of my favorite beauty/hair/skin products on Wednesday. Some of these products will probably stay in my rotation for the rest of my life because they're just that good.

This meme reminded how thankful I am no social media existed while growing up (Not sure why the bear looks so sad). It's crazy how social media has changed the transfer of information/gossip/embarrassing photos etc. which I can't even imagine how it affects the younger generations.

Who remembers ICQ? That was my jam.

Joining my fellow Floridan blogger Amanda for her weekly Friday linkup.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Friday

Friday is here and I'm thankful this week has come to an end. A fairly relaxing weekend ahead with some plans on Saturday if the weather holds up and I also hope to get a bunch done with my online photography class. I got a couple modules done this week but I'm usually too tired in the evenings to really get into it plus that's when I try to focus on writing my blog posts. It's always a struggle to find balance so I'll probably need to take blog breaks on Wednesdays or Thursdays until I complete the photography course.

I took a girl friend out for lunch on Wednesday for her birthday at a new Thai restaurant in town called Pop Thai which was amazing! It was nice catching up with her over an amazing lunch.

Yesterday afternoon work threw a tailgating party. Everyone wore their team jerseys/shirts and we mingled over some beers, tailgating games, and the typical non-healthy football party food. I didn't manage to take any fun photos.

Since it's (finally) Friday, it's time to join Amanda for some weekly favorites and funnies.

These Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sliders look perfect for Football Sunday dinner. Planning to make them this weekend.

For those who cook often, wouldn't it be nice to have a live growing spice rack in your kitchen? I would need to pay someone to keep them alive but one can dream.

I saw this T-shirt in New Orleans and was tempted to buy it but then I remembered kids do exist in public and their parents would probably hate me for promoting bad words.

Thank the Man above for spell check! That is all.

 Because it's Fall...Seriously, what next?

The older I get, the more this becomes a reality. At least it's the weekend and bras and responsibilities aren't always required.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Get Happy, Be Happy

I'm always happy when Friday makes her appearance.

I don't mean to sound like a broken record but we had another extremely rainy week which seems to be continuing into the weekend to interrupt any fun outdoor plans. The lightning storm last night had me seriously scared our house was going to get torched. I'm an outdoor person and really in need of a beach break or something!

On Monday, some awesome news came my way when I found out I was the winner of Amanda's giveaway with some awesome goodies. The Gigi NY clutch is gorgeous (love the color) and I've been eying those Kate Spade glitter stud earrings since the Nordstrom sale was trending all over the blog world but I've had to limit my shopping since my goal at the moment is to save for two upcoming trips. I love that the earrings match the purse perfectly!

I hardly ever get to eat ceviche and never attempted to make it but this Ceviche recipe looks fantastic for a light and healthy summer treat.

I really like this quote for motivation considering the career I've fallen into. #alwaysneedmotivation



My only purchase for the month arrived in the mail last night - Mac's Flat Out Fabulous lipstick. The raspberry color is gorgeous! Of course I had to try it on right away and since I had no where to go, I walked around the house in my PJs with bright raspberry lips for the rest of the night like a crazy person. K even asked "why are your lips so pink?" haha

Since I've been full on planning our trip to New Orleans, I ran cross this article about Unbelievable Dishes Found Only In NOLA. I've spoken to a few other bloggers who are also going to New Orleans in the near future so thought it might be helpful for planning your trip.

And let's end the week with some funnies...

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Amanda for Friday Favorites.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

If you read my post on Tuesday you might have seen there's a new link party on the block called Share The Love hosted by Pamela from A Little Glitter which takes place every other Tuesday. I think it's a great way to feature other bloggers and share their posts that are worth reading. This week I posted about some Selfie Tips from Kerri at Cheshire Kat.



Speaking of Kerri, we met up for happy hour yesterday at Marlow's Tavern. Marlow's was throwing their 2nd anniversary celebration with some great happy hour deals. They gave us some cotton candy (cotton is the tradition for 2nd year anniversaries), we had some drinks and appetizers, won some door prizes, and also managed to walk away with some free cupcakes too. Fun times but blogger fail for not taking a selfie with the pro herself!

Favorite Jewelry & Accessories Shop: 
I just stumbled upon Earrings Nation jewelry this week on Etsy and they have some gorgeous pieces along with beautiful earrings and such for brides and bridesmaid gifts.

 

Favorite Recipe:
This Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe sounds amazing. I'm a fan of anything with peanut sauce.

Cutest Social Media Post:
I've been following Boo for a while now and I still can't get over how cute he is.

Free Money!
Love getting paid to shop from Ebates. I've made a total of $235 since signing up a couple years ago. This check isn't as big since I haven't done much shopping recently but it pays off nicely around the holidays when I do most of my shopping online. Who doesn't love free money?

Joining Amanda for her weekly Friday linkup and hoping she's having a blast in Charleston with two of my other favorite bloggers.

Enjoy your weekend pretties!

Wedding Anniversary & Friday Favorites

Hope the week treated everyone well! I'm so looking forward to hopefully binge watching Orange is the New Black this weekend so I can finally get caught up but we'll see how that goes...

K and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on Tuesday (our wedding recap). Nothing special was planned because we have much bigger things in store for 4th of July weekend but I got home from work to some roses, a card, and dinner cooked. Chicken Cordon Bleu was on the menu...That was a nice treat and relaxing way to spend it on a week night.

Joining the lovely Amanda today for Friday Favorites.

I'm excited that another trip has been booked and confirmed for later this year. I know, I know we haven't even accomplished the Vegas trip yet but when a Southwest sale has cheap tickets we have to make quick decisions soooo we're heading to New Orleans for K's birthday in September!

Favorite Shopping Finds:
 Stocked up from Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale. Got all of this for $50 which is a steal considering one 3-wick candle is regularly $22.

 

Love this Beaded Bangle Bracelet set I purchased over the weekend. They're inexpensive but so pretty to dress up any outfit. 

Favorite Recipe:
I'm always looking for new smoothie recipe and next Im planning to try this Coconut, Milk and Almond Butter Smoothie from The Housewife in Training Files.

Favorite Fashion Find:

I tried on and almost bought this black Vera Wang jumpsuit over the weekend and now I'm thinking I need to go back to get it. I would have never thought jumpers would look good on me but I was surprised plus its super comfy and loose fitting.

Favorite Funny:

Have a great weekend everyone!