Friday, October 11, 2024

Five Things On A Friday

 Linking with Erika and Andrea today and sharing a few favorites from the week that was...

1. My sister was going through some of my mom's boxes (my mom lives with her) and she sent me this-

A Father's day card I made when I was in elementary school. Here's what I wrote inside...

Comparing him to the father of our country and the patriarch of Israel. Not bad for a ten year old. 

My dad was not a man who gushed and the fact that he saved this makes it feel extra special to me. 

2. Luggage. Go big or go home. I bought the world's biggest suitcase before our trip and I'm not even kidding. A stranger in an elevator even commented on the size, and hubs had a lot to say about it too lol. 

Also, I loved it. Empty it weighed just 8 lb, which given it's size wasn't much, and it rolled like a dream. I wore every single item of clothing I brought with me and I had a jacket for hubs and his shaving bag in there too. The brand is Travel Pro Maxlite 5 Breakaway (I chose slate green) and I bought these cute luggage tags (Amazon) to go with-

It's the little things, right? 

3. These shoes-

They're the Skechers Virtue Show Runners and I got them in navy. They came in my last Stitch Fix box and I love them. 

I told the stylist I would be traveling and doing a lot of walking and the comfort factor with these is five star. They're light weight and run true to size. I'm thinking about getting a second pair. 

4. This coat-

True story...I lived in this coat the second week of our trip. I paid 25 pounds (roughly 32$) for it at the Super Tesco near my daughter's home. Yes, I bought a coat at the grocery store. It's got a fleece lining, a hood, is water resistant, and the pockets are perfect. 

I brought my Barbour coat with me but forgot the hood and I also inadvertently left my rain jacket at home (still filled that giant suitcase though lol). It wasn't a problem week one because the weather was amazing, but the Sunday before hubs and I were to head to York I could see there was rain in the forecast.

I was kicking myself for leaving my rain jacket behind, and my daughter suggested I try the local grocery store (this one also has clothing, etc so more like a Walmart). Voila! 

It's so cozy comfy and definitely saved the day. 

5. Our outdoor project. It's mostly done. Not 100% which is the goal, but we plan to break in the BBQ bar this weekend. 

The project was basically three pieces-the waterfall, the BBQ bar, and the outdoor dining space under the screened porch. This is the view looking down from the porch above. 

Prior to the project we had riverstone underneath the screened porch. Almost as soon as we built the house hubs was wishing we'd made this area a patio. Until we took the riverstone away I didn't realize how big the space was. 

We added pavers in their place and we're waiting on a fan and some twinkle lights to be installed in that section. This is the lower level of our house and we mainly use these garages for storage and a little car hubs gets out from time to time. Mostly we use this driveway for cornhole so it will be nice to have the grilling bar right there. There's room for some bar stools but add that to the list of things we need to buy. 

I don't have a picture of the actual dining space but once we get the fan and the lights and some furniture in there I'll share. I have family coming for dinner on Sunday and we'll probably use the space with our current table and a folding table and that will be fun too. 

Have a nice weekend everyone! 

13 comments:

  1. The space looks amazing! Those shoes would have helped me in Spain. Sorry about the jacket situation but looks like you scored and it is also a souvenir that will make you smile.

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  2. That space looks great! Your new jacket sounds perfect. I've been struggling to find something waterproof that isn't just a rain jacket but not a winter weight jacket either. I need something for those cool, rainy hiking days in fall.

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  3. I like buying practical things on vacation in addition to traditional souvenirs (sometimes in lieu of traditional souvenirs). The coat brand you mentioned reminded me of Burberry. Is Burberry popular over there? I like the classic plaid motif and have been tempted to purchase something from the brand- a handbag or coat- though I would probably buy something pre-owned to see how I liked it and then maybe splurge on something new.
    Your new outdoor space looks amazing! It is hard to imagine you not loving the space- when you get a chance to use it a couple of times, please report back to the internet what you think of it and with more pictures (like when you get your furniture in place) :). Enjoy using it this weekend!!

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  4. I love a pretty luggage tag :). The shoes look stylish and comfortable! I love your outdoor space and how great that will be to enjoy. Enjoy your weekend!

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  5. I love going to different stores when I'm out of town, and if it's something like the one by your daughter's house that you described, even better! Your outdoor area is beautiful! I can't wait to see it all once you're done. It'll be a good weekend to break it in weather wise, hopefully!

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  6. Tesco for the win! Cute and practical coat. Your outdoor space is amazing. So timely to get it mostly done before Helene. Enjoy your time this weekend testing it out with family!

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  7. Aww! That card to your dad is just adorable.
    I really rate the coats and jackets from supermarkets here. Tesco do some great one's.
    Oh wow! Your bar looks brilliant! Have a great weekend trying it out.

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  8. The outdoor area looks so inviting! I'm sure you needed that big suitcase to bring little goodies over to the grandkids. We bought so many clothes at Tesco (and Sainsbury and Asda believe it or not) when we lived there. Hope you have a good weekend!

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  9. OMG, that card is so darn cute. What a treasure. Love the weight on the luggage and those tags are so cute. I am in need of new shoes. I have like 30 pairs of Toms and suddenly my feet changed. Nice jacket. Your yard is absolutely fabulous. Enjoy!

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  10. Sometimes what our parents keep surprises us, that looks like a warm jacket and wow what a yard

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  11. LOVE your new outdoor space! Wow. What a great imagination you two have. It looks wonderful!

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  12. Your new spaces flow together so well. Beautiful!! A kingdom for your hubs!! I think y'all will be spending many great hours there with family and friends! The waterfall is amazing. xo

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  13. Yay on the coat. My mom's favorite pair of jean were also bought at a grocery store. Lol.

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