5 Friday Favorites: October 13, 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. 

Long time no write, Friends! I've been trying to avoid the reality of Empty Nesting by traveling to all the places to see all my kids. We've visited Tennessee and Texas in the past couple of weeks where we cheered for two different teams who wear orange with some mixed results. In Knoxville, we partied like it was 1989 with some of the college kids, ate some amazing food, and watched the Vols take down the South Carolina Gamecocks. A few days later, we flew to Dallas to visit my dad. I spent a week in my hometown and three of my four guys plus Kyle's girlfriend, Merrill, were able to join for the weekend. The highlight was introducing my people to the heaven on Earth that is the State Fair of Texas. We ate Fletcher's Corny Dogs at 8 am, yelled Texas Fight with all of our fellow Longhorn Brethern and Sisteren, played Carnival Games and cheered our little lungs out until there was 0:00 on the clock. Sadly, we came up short and the Sooners handed us our first loss of the season.

As you might expect, I did not take the loss well and spent most of the car ride back to my Dad's house like this:

However, I rebounded and tried to remember that the universe was not actually out to make 2023 the dumpster fire I keep thinking it is and in the end found myself counting all of my blessings because most of them were sitting right there in the car with me - each of them wearing burnt orange and reminding me that the Big 12 Championship in December was still in play and that we would likely meet Oklahoma again to avenge the loss. They were trying so hard to bring me out of the pit, so I tried with all my might to look on the bright side.

It was a "Fake it 'til you make it" situation, if I'm being honest.

Here are some other favorite things from the last couple of weeks. Mostly these include the Game Day Outfit that took a lot of planning and ended up being super cute but also a giant bust because apparently it wasn't good luck. And for some reason it was freezing in Dallas, Texas on Saturday morning so I had to buy a sweatshirt as soon as I walked in to the State Fair grounds. I apologize for my part in the loss, Longhorn Nation. I am heartily sorry for these my misdoings. Perhaps I should have jumped on the field to tackle Dillion Gabriel instead of worrying about my "fit". I have regrets.

1. Denim Top

Up until the Oklahoma game, I wore this romper to watch every game. We won all five of those games. For this game, I decided to switch it up.

I wore this short sleeve button down denim top to the game. So cute and versatile. I love it. I can wear it again with shorts, joggers, jeans or a skirt. I will not, however, wear it to watch the Longhorns ever again.

2. Bandana Satin Scarf

I wore this scarf around my neck. I saw a silk scarf on an Instagram post of a boutique I follow and it was $78. So I said, "No. thanks" and went to Amazon and found this one for only $9.99. It's a bargain, super cute, can be worn with all manner of tops and comes in a bazillion colors. It is also, apparently, cursed.

3. Le Tigre Midtown Platform Sneakers

I found these at DSW. They were 25% off and I also had a $10 coupon. I thought all the stars were aligned. They're burnt orange and white. They fit perfectly. I love them. We lost so I can't wear them again on Game Day. This makes me sad. They also come in a version with Tennessee orange accents and one with Oregon/Baylor/George Mason/whatever other green school is out there green accents. Go forth and believe in your new shoes, friends. Perhaps they won't let you down.

4. Game Day Necklaces

Park Lane Jewelry came out with these Impression Necklaces that are only $32 and come in just about any color you might need for your Game Day jewelry (Sapphire Blue, Orange, Red, Green, Purple and Black) Also, if you need yellow, search "Camo" and for a dark blue, search "Indigo Blue". I wore the orange one to the Tennessee game and the Vols won. I did not wear it to the Texas game because of my dumb, cute scarf. Who knows if our QB might have thrown that Hail Mary in the last 15 seconds for the win if I would have worn the necklace. It will remain a mystery, won't it? 

5. All the Fun Times Before We Lost to Oklahoma

Me & The Kid Full of Idealism

Please enjoy the sparkle of hope in my eyes and the dreams of an undefeated season in my heart. It was the most fun experience with my people. And even after the time ran out on the clock, I knew I was the luckiest loser in the world.

About to cheer on the Vols to victory

Squished in Neyland Stadim 

Drew & College Friends Show up In Knoxville

Dinner with Dad at Culpepper's Steakhouse

Showing the kids the old Courthouse on the Square in Rockwall, TX

The Skinners have arrived at the State Fair of Texas

Don't mind if I do eat a Corny Dog at 8 am

. . .and a Bloody Mary, too.

Big Tex & My People

Y'all have a great weekend. The Horns are off this weekend, so your girl will play it fast and loose with her wardrobe tomorrow throwing all caution to the wind. If your team is playing, I wish you all the best. May your shoes be good luck and if things start going badly, don't be afraid to switch shirts with your neighbor.

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