5 Friday Favorites: September 22, 2023

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, 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. 

Good morning. The Texas Longhorns are 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Let's just carry on as if everything is totally normal.

It was the most beautiful week here. Virginia is her best self in September. I don't think the sky is ever as blue as it is during this month. I don't think the air smells as good. And despite every imperfect, worriesome thing that might happen, despite all manner of news or burdens that might show up during a week to threaten peace and joy, I am always able to tap into hope more quickly when I walk outside in September. 

Here are some other favorite things from this week.

1. Queen Charlotte

This show might be my very favorite I have watched since Bad Sisters. FYI: it's pretty spicy. Lots easier to watch when your three sons live out of the house and won't walk in. The acting is brilliant. The storyline is really interesting and keeps you on  your toes. I watched the whole thing in three days. I never watched Bridgerton, so that is not a requirement. Queen Charlotte is perfection.

2. The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

I almost closed this book within the first few chapters when I realized that it was the story of a girl grieving the death of her mother. In March. Suddenly. No, thank you. Too close for comfort. But, in the end it was good for me and I liked it. It is a sweet story of the way a father and daughter deal with past misunderstandings and how they process such a significant loss. I'm not shouting about it from the rooftops, but I liked it.

3. Trying to Imitate a Cava Bowl

Note:  This is a legit Cava Bowl from Cava. Mine is not this pretty

Steve and I love Cava and this week we were so excited to try to recreate one of the bowls we get there.

Please stay tuned for more examples of lame things to get really excited about when your kids are gone. 

Anyway this is what we did. We found the Cava Hummus and the Cava Tzatziki at our local grocery store. I found a copycat recipe for their Lemon Herb Tahini dressing and for their Crazy Feta. Then we bought this Garlic Herb Right Rice blend at our local grocery store and I could eat it all by itself. I like olives and tomatoes but Steve isn't having any of that. I baked some chicken thighs and chopped them up and then we added all the stuff to a bowl and now I feel a little bit sad that this is one of my Friday Favorites.

Everything's fine. We totally have a handle on this empty nest thing. We're killin' it. 

4. Hope Necklace 

As we get closer to October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Park Lane Jewelry is donating proceeds from the sale of this sweet pink stone "Hope" necklace with a tiny awareness ribbon on the chain to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. It's $20 with any purchase. Might make a nice gift for someone in treatment right now or for someone in memory of a loved one. (FYI: photo below shown with Roo and Prayer Necklaces)

5. My Siblings

There is absolutely no chance I could have gotten through the last six months without these people. We are on the phone together countless times a day. We make each other laugh in the midst of worry and uncertainty. My parents gave me many gifts. Far and away, above anything, the greatest gift they gave me was these two. They top the list as my very favorite today. I cannot thank God enough for them. Two of the most solid people I know and they are mine.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends.

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