5 (or so) Friday Favorites: October 27, 2017

Happy Friday!

I have to say that for me this was an A+ week. The weather was spectacular - probably too warm for some, but I'm a fan of warm Octobers. I started off Sunday with a brunch with some of my favorite girlfriends who haven't been able to sit around a table for a long while together. We talked for hours and it was a great way to start the week. Monday we were able to sleep late because there was a teacher work day. On Wednesday I hopped in the car to take mid-week trek to State College, Pennsylvania to spend 24 hours with Joe, my freshman at Penn State University. I stayed right on campus at the beautiful Nittany Lion Inn and I learned how to make coffee in a Keurig like an honest to goodness grown-up. Unfortunately, however, when in Rome, I decided to eat like an 18 year old freshman boy. Yikes.

And I can't even tell you how many times I whispered thanks to God for leading my boy to that school. So many times, I'm pretty sure He was all, "Dude. Give it a rest. You're welcome already."

Later in the week, there was an answer to a prayer I've been praying for a long while. Trust and patience are hard for us, but when He comes through in just the way we hoped? Man, do I love it when that happens. I also had some long conversations with a friend or two that reminded me again of how faithful is a God who does not leave us alone and confused in the seasons of life when we feel we have exactly zero idea of what in the world is the right thing to do. This week I was so grateful for His presence and the way He has put people in my life to be His hands and feet and ears. My life is not remotely perfect. I have a boatload of worries as many of us at this stage of life do. Kelly Corrigan calls it the middle place - that place when we are caught between concern for our parents and our children, all the while trying to figure out what in the world is to become of us as each season continues to pummel us with change. I hate change. But God doesn't change. Ever. It's perhaps my favorite thing about Him.

It was a good one, friends and it's not because it was all ease and dance parties. It was because I chose to look for Him and He was right there giving me hope for each day. Anyway, here are some other random bits of happy from the week.

1. Kate's Hair Bow Nail Color

Go here. Right now. Read about Kate. Look at her sweet face and her pretty bow. Order this. That's all.

2. RX Bars

When I was doing the Whole30, I was always looking for something to have when I was away from home (which meant I was at a baseball field) and needed to eat, but couldn't find anything that was compliant. I read about these RX Bars and found some at Trader Joe's. I will tell you they're not easy on the teeth, but they are really yummy. Later, I read an article that said Whole30 was removing them from the compliant list because people were misusing them as a way to curb sugar addiction as opposed to being used as in an emergency situation when food is unavailable. And to that I say, "What part of "IF I HAVE TO EAT ONE MORE PIECE OF CAULIFLOWER I WILL HARM SOMEBODY." is not an emergency? Don't be such a jerk, man."

3. The Mothers by Brit Bennett

I know I mentioned that I bought Gabrielle Union's book last week, but I've read so many memoirs and non-fiction lately that I wanted to read a fiction book or two next. I've had this book on my list for a long time. Here's part of the synopsis from Amazon:

Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, Brit Bennett's mesmerizing first novel is an emotionally perceptive story about community, love, and ambition. It begins with a secret.

"All good secrets have a taste before you tell them, and if we'd taken a moment to swish this one around our mouths, we might have noticed the sourness of an unripe secret, plucked too soon, stolen and passed around before its season."

The central character is a 17 year old girl who has just lost her mother to suicide and has started a secret relationship with the pastor's son. I'm only 30% in - thanks for that info, Kindle - and the characters are all people that feel so real that you want to sit down, have a chat, and get to know them better. I don't know which way the plot will turn next, but so far I'm a fan.

4. Dirty John Podcast

I know. This seems really "sketch" and also "sus". That's "sketchy" and "suspect" for you who might not have had the enlightening experience of driving a car full of teenagers around. This six episode true crime podcast is both of those things. It's not porn though, I promise. Think what we used to watch on Dateline/PrimeTime/20/20 every week. I heard about it on The PopCast with Knox and Jamie and decided to download it before I took my road trip to State College. I finished it on my way back. OH MY WORD. So creepy and so good.

5. Gap Luxe Tees

During part of the day while I was visiting Joe, he had to go record a sports podcast and for some reason I guess the hosts weren't looking to have someone's mom join them as a special guest. Whatever. Anyway, I took that opportunity to go to a few outlets near the university. These tees were 50% off and I bought them in two different colors. I actually went in to get a short sleeve tee to wear with these pajama pants because I am a weirdo who can only sleep in long pants and short sleeves. No shorts. No long sleeves. Anyway, these tees are so soft and fit so well that they can be worn for sleeping or for waking. Any time a piece of apparel can go from my bed to outside in the real world, I'm in.

6. Aldie General Store & Cafe

If you are in my area, I would suggest gathering up your girlfriends - or your husband and kids - and finding your way to this adorable Aldie General Store & Cafe right down Route 50 West. There is outdoor and indoor seating and the atmosphere is so fun and unique. (All I'm saying to my local peeps is this: It's not Panera. Yay! ) It has an amazing menu and the brunch was great. The sweet gal who took our order has a fabulous Australian accent, so be sure to ask her lots of questions so you can listen to it. Highly recommend this precious place.

That's all, folks. Have a wonderful weekend!