5 Friday Favorites: July 17, 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.

Happy Friday, Friends. 

My most favorite things in the world this week are a few gentlemen who might not be widely known. I know we are getting rid of some statues, so perhaps we need some new ones and I'd say these guys might qualify. 

First, it's been hot as fire here in Northern Virginia, so I'm feeling really grateful to whoever invented a/c. Google tells me that there is some debate about who is really responsible - John Gorrie and/or Willis Carrier. Apparently Gorrie created the ice machine (which eventually gave us Sonic Ice so I feel like that's someone to be celebrated) and then Carrier figured out how to turn the whole thing into a/c. Thank you, kind sirs.

Who knew that you'd come here today to find some interesting trivia you could share at your next dinner party?

Also, who knew that in 2020 we wouldn't be sure we'd ever be able to have a dinner party again?

Moving on. My hair has been a mess for the past few five months. When I realize I have watched three "Messy Bun Tutorials" on youtube/instagram, you know we've got a situation happening. This week I finally got my hair cut and highlighted for the first time since February 19th by Christopher Whitmore who has been doing my hair for over a decade. He is a hero I don't deserve. He works at Evolve Salon & Spa in Ashburn, but I don't really want to tell you that because I don't want you to take any future appointments from me. When he finally opened his place back up in late May, I hopped online to get an appointment and he was so in demand I had to wait until this week. WORTH IT. He's the best. 

Anyway, while we wait for statues to be erected for these guys, in the meantime I'll move on to sharing some other things that made me happy this week and I think hair stuff is a good place to start.

1. Hair Stuff

I will admit that some of this stuff is stupid expensive, but as previously mentioned I was in a desperate place. Also, let us recall that I am from Texas and the importance of our hair is up there with Jesus, Football, and quality Mexican food.

I bought this shampoo and this conditioner from my stylist because he suggested it since I have noticed my hair is breaking off more often than ever before and it is causing me great panic. Something tells me it's hormones or aging or even stress, but I think I'll just throw some cash at the issue first so that I don't have to think about those other things. Thank you for your understanding of my tendency to push facing reality away by purchasing beauty products. 

Moving on.

I really like these Sugar Bear Gummies that I got because they taste like candy and a few people (i.e. trusted Texans who believe in the importance of hair) told me they were worth it. They have folic acid, biotin, and vitamin c in there to help "support the strength and shine of your hair and nails." Yes, please.  

For days that I don't wash my hair which has happened more than I want to admit during the pandemic, I love this dry shampoo. The bottle will last awhile because you really don't need to use a lot of the product. 

I've mentioned these clear spiral hair ties before. They are great. I'm pretty sure I've had one of these either in my hair or on my wrist every single day since this shut down started.

2. Striped Swing Dress

This dress from Loft is adorable. I don't have it because I spent all my money on trying to fight the battle Satan is waging with my hair, but if that isn't your particular challenge right now,  it's 40% with the code LOVE. Edited this morning! Only $20 with the code SIZZLE!!!

Since the pandemic started, the shipping times are varying among stores and often the wait is super long. The only place that seems to have this figured out is Amazon. Here's a similar-ish dress I found there.

3. Timeless Vitamin C Serum

I have read over and over again about the benefits of Vitamin C serums. Apparently, they help prevent the formation of free radicals. I don't exactly know what a free radical is, but I'd say it sounds like an agent of the devil. Anyway, I have found that using Vitamin C serum consistently seems to help brighten my skin and lighten age spots.

For my birthday last year I got Sunday Riley's CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum which costs more than a bottle of anything that doesn't also contain magical gold dust in it should. I liked it a lot, but Ms. Riley needs to settle down with the $85/oz. Mercy.

I read a lot of online reviews for different Vitamin C serums when I was bored out of my mind one day and ended up ordering this Timeless 20% Vitamin C Ferulic Acid Vitamin E Serum. It's much less expensive and has really great reviews. I've been using it for awhile and I really like it.

4. Open Book by Jessica Simpson

I think I mentioned this book when I first ordered it, but maybe not since I read it. Listen to me, Ladies. This book is well written. It is deep and thoughtful. It is honest and vulnerable. I daresay, it is GOOD. We all need an escape right now. Jessica Simpson has handed it to us. She doesn't hold back and she has a lot to say. And if you read this and then want to meet me for socially-distanced coffee date to discuss the fascinating psychological behavior of John Mayer, I AM IN. 

5. This

My sister sent me this screenshot last week. I don't know where it came from or who wrote it or when. I just know that it changed my perspective for a little while. And a little while is better than nothing these days.

Sometimes I just want it to stop. Talk of Covid, protests, looting, brutality. I lose my way. Become convinced that this "new normal" is real life.

But then I meet an 87 year old who talks of living through polio, diptheria, Vietnam protests and yet is still enchanted with life. He seemed surprised when I said that 2020 must be especially challenging for him. 

"No," he said slowly, looking me straight in the eyes. "I learned a long time ago to not see the world through the printed headlines. I see the world through the people that surround me. I see the world with the realization that we love big. Therefore, I just choose to write my own headlines: 'Husband Loves Wife Today.' ; 'Family Drops Everything to Come to Grandma's Bedside.' " 

He patted my hand.

" 'Old Man Makes New Friend.' "

His words collide with my worries, freeing me from the tether I had been holding tight. They float away. I am left with a renewed spirit. My headline now reads, "Woman Overwhelmed by the Spirit of Kindness and the Reminder that Our Capacity to Love is Never Ending."

It's one of the most perfect things I've read in the past four months. Let's write a new headline today, friends. Happy Weekend. 

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