5 Friday Favorites: May 1, 2020

It's time for my Friday link up with A Little Bit of Everything and Momfessionals. 

On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote or Bible verse, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him in a tube of lipstick.

Yay! It's May! It's gonna be SOOOOOOOOO fun! 

We have big plans over here to finish painting the garage which we started earlier this week. The big boys are almost finished with their college exams, so it's going to be #forcedfamilyfun the likes of which we have never seen. Perhaps you're asking why a husband and wife and three boys who have spent every day together for seven weeks would embark on such a family project when we are already on each other's nerves? 

The answer is, "I have no idea. Everything is weird and we're really dumb."

I can tell you that during the priming the walls portion of this event, I turned around to see that Kyle was practicing his technique on Drew.

If there is a family therapist that might be suffering a lack of business at this time, the Skinners got you. No worries.

Here are some of my favorite things from this week that do not involve painting the garage.

1. Reading, Reading, Reading

Both my sister and my mom read this book recently and they loved it. I felt super jealous because now they have something to talk about on the phone. I had to order it so I could get in on those conversations since pretty soon all I'll have to share will be topics like "Do you think I should I organize the bags of chips in the pantry in alphabetical order?"

I also am just about to start reading Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Adam Hamilton. The Bible Study group I lead usually winds down by this time of the year because most of us are crazy-busy in May. Since we're all stuck at home still we decided to continue our Zoom meetings for several weeks and study this book. Seems like it just might resonate with us quite a bit these days. I'm looking forward to it.

Making a hard left turn here, I also ordered Open Book by Jessica Simpson. I have heard a lot of people mention this book. From what I understand, it isn't only celebrity gossip (although you can sign me up for that alone any ol' time). Apparently, it is also a real honest look at her struggles with fame and her image as a "dumb blonde." I think I'll likely read right through this one quickly.

2. Vuori Joggers

I know. How many pairs of joggers can one girl talk about? Apparently, it's a whole lot. I have mentioned these. I have mentioned these. I have mentioned these. All are great and clear evidence that I have a jogger problem. However, my sister just sent me the Holy Grail of joggers for my birthday. (We both have birthdays in January, but we don't send each other gifts until the spring.) They are legitimately the softest, most comfortable joggers I have ever worn. I know you don't believe me because I say that all the time, but it's the truth. They keep their shape all day long (or day after day after day, as the case my be.) They are pricey, but worth every penny - especially if you get them as a gift. ;-) (Hello, Mother's Day.) 

3. Uncle Jo's Spicy Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

The Washington Post

My husband reads The Washington Post every single morning. These days he apparently has time to read it cover to cover because he keeps leaving me all manner of articles to read every day. This week he picked out two recipes from the Food section that he thought it would be "fun" for us (us?) to cook. Last night I made this Uncle Jo's Spicy Sausage and Shrimp Pasta. Honestly it was really easy and was so good.

Ingredients

• Salt

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for tossing with pasta

• 6 ounces andouille sausage, or other smoked sausage, sliced 1/4-inch thick

• 6 ounces peeled, deveined medium (41-50 count) shrimp, tail shell off, thawed if frozen

• 1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn, thawed if frozen

• 2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning blend

• 2 tablespoons sliced scallions (1 large), plus more for garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, or 1 teaspoon dried

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 medium cloves)

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1/4 cup (about 1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

• Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook at a boil for about 2 minutes, just until pasta is soft and pliable. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.

• In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, heat the 2 teaspoons of oil until shimmering. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until just turning pink at the edges, about 1 minute. Add the corn, seasoning, scallions, parsley and garlic and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally until the scallions begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

• Add the cream and bring just to l a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta, red pepper flakes and cumin. Stir to combine and simmer about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, add the Parmesan and stir to combine. The sauce will be thick.

• Spoon the pasta into four shall low bowls. Sprinkle with sliced scallions, if desired.

(Warning: My people are fine with spicy, but I cut the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and it was still really, really spicy.)

4. Masks from Pony Tails Candy, Chincoteaque, VA

I have a friend from high school who manages a candy shop in Chincoteague, Virginia. Unfortunately, they have had to close their doors as many small businesses have during this pandemic. Recently, my friend advertised that they are selling these fun masks online. I ordered a navy and light blue two pack and they arrived yesterday. But, then. THEN. I noticed this taco print!! 

Come on! How cute???

They are so comfortable and I don't feel like I'm being suffocated when I wear them which is a plus. They have so many options with adorable patterns or solid colors. 

Check out this leopard print. 

Or just about any pattern or color in the rainbow that you can think of. 

If we've gotta wear them, why not make it fun and support a small business? Bonus: add some candy to your cart. You deserve it. Go get yours here.

5. Funny Internet For the Win

El Arroyo is hands-down my very favorite restaurant in Austin. Their signs are legendary and I'm pretty sure the Lord has created them for such a time as this. 

Ya'll have a great weekend and remember:

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