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! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 552

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I post the questions every Tuesday, you answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What are you currently juggling in your life? 

2. How often do you buy new clothes? What was the last piece of clothing you purchased? 

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you need help here are links to some of the bigger and more popular food events around the world-

Ten Food Festivals Worth Traveling To Find

2024 Best Food And Drink Festivals And Events In The US

20 Popular Food Festivals Around The World In 2024 For Your Unconditional Love Of Food

4. May is the 5th month of the year. Tell us something you remember about your 5th grade year. 

5. What are your favorite five words right now? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Hodgepodge Blues

Welcome to December and this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for your neighbor there. Here we go-

1. What's one fun thing on your December calendar? 

We won't be with our girls this Christmas as this is an 'in-law' year, but we are going to see sweet baby J in a couple of weeks and that's always fun. 

2. Sherwin William's Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, described as 'a hint of silver lining', 'a breezy blissful blue' (see sample here). Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2024 is Blue Nova, where 'violet and blue come together in a sumptuous hue'. (see sample here) Valspar's Color of the Year for 2024 is Renew Blue, a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea -green' (see sample here). 

Seems like the design world is keen on the color blue for the new year. Do you have a lot of blue in your home decor currently? What shade? Of the three colors listed which one's your favorite? Do you need to paint? How likely is it you'd select one of these shades for your home? Which one? 

I do not have a lot of blue in my home decor, and what I do have is more navy. We live on a lake so lots of blues and greens outside my window.  Because we have a lot of windows the landscape is almost like art, so the interior needs to complement that. Generally I prefer dark woods and warmer tones. 

Yes we need to paint, but the task feels daunting. It's hard to paint just one room isn't it? I mean one room leads to another then another and you know what I mean I'm sure. I feel like none of those blues would work very well in my house currently. Upward is too 'baby blue' with my furnishings, Blue Nova a little too purple, and Renew blue a little too aqua. I do have a small stripe of a very soft blue in my bedroom and master bathroom window treatments that works with my color scheme. 

3. Do you struggle with 'the seasonal blues'? What are some things you do to try to beat the blues? 

Not particularly. Not saying I never get the blues, but I don't think they're related specifically to fall or winter. I love the changing seasons and am not sure I'd want to live in a one season climate.

If I feel the blues coming on the best thing for me to do is get outside, literally out of doors, but also outside of myself. Doing something for someone else helps. Every once in a while I might give in, play all the sad songs, have a little cry, then dust myself off and carry on.  

4. Blue jeans...love 'em r no? How many pair do you own? Are you married to a particular brand? 

Love em. My favorite item of clothing and I'd wear them every day if I could. I own 'a few' pair, but am not married to a particular brand. 

5. In terms of holiday preparation (baking, shopping, wrapping, mailing, meal planning, etc) how far along are you? 1=haven't given it a second thought, 10=nothing left to do but wait. 

I have a little bit of shopping, but a lot of baking and wrapping still do do, so will give myself a 5. Eeek. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our Japanese maple wearing holiday red in December...

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 529

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then jump back here tomorrow to share answers with the rest of Santa's elves. See you there-

1. What's one fun thing on your December calendar? 

2. Sherwin William's Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, described as 'a hint of silver lining', 'a breezy blissful blue' (see sample here). Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2024 is Blue Nova, where 'violet and blue come together in a sumptuous hue'. (see sample here) Valspar's Color of the Year for 2024 is Renew Blue, a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea -green' (see sample here). 

Seems like the design world is keen on the color blue for the new year. Do you have a lot of blue in your home decor currently? What shade? Of the three colors listed which one's your favorite? Do you need to paint? How likely is it you'd select one of these shades for your home? Which one? 

3. Do you struggle with 'the seasonal blues'? What are some things you do to try to beat the blues? 

4. Blue jeans...love 'em or no? How many pair do you own? Are you married to a particular brand? 

5. In terms of holiday preparation (baking, shopping, wrapping, mailing, meal planning, etc) how far along are you? 1=haven't given it a second thought, 10=nothing left to do but wait. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Let's Get This Hodgepodge Party Started

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. Sum up your November in ten words or less. 

So much to be thankful for. 

2. Are you hosting any holiday parties this year? Attending any? Party pooper, party animal, or life of the party...where do you land when it comes to parties? 

We're not hosting, but we are attending. Several in fact and they're all happening the first two weeks of the month. I enjoy a party but prefer smaller gatherings. A dinner party with two or three other couples is my favorite. 

Where do I land on that party list? Hmm...I'm a happy party guest who's married to the life of the party. 

3. Do you purchase holiday clothing of any sort (sparkly tops, Christmas jammies, Santa suit, etc). 

Some years I buy holiday clothing. We typically attend a few holiday fetes and I like to have something new and maybe sparkly to wear if the occasion calls for it. We're going to a Santa Pub Crawl again this year, and everyone dresses up like Santa or some other Christmas related character for that. Hubs and I bought something new to wear and if it's as cute as the catalog I'll share a picture. 

Here we are with friends at last year's event-

I always buy Christmas jams for my girls and this year I got all the grands matching pjs too. Hubs usually gets me pjs and we all open these gifts (and only these gifts!) on Christmas Eve. 

4. What's your go-to recipe when you're asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre to a party? 

Depends on my mood, but pomodori al forno is always a favorite. The tomatoes have to roast for several hours so it's not a last minute option. I also like to make a layered greek dip with hummus, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives served with pita chips. It's yummy too. 

5. December 3rd is National Play Outside Day...what might you do to celebrate? 

There's a chance of rain here on Saturday, but I'm sure we'll get out for a walk with the pup no matter the weather. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Definitely on the nice list this year...

Also, I'm pretty sure this is the real Santa. 

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Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 486

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. Sum up your November in ten words or less. 

2. Are you hosting any holiday parties this year? Attending any? Party pooper, party animal, or life of the party...where do you land when it comes to parties? 

3. Do you purchase holiday clothing of any sort (sparkly tops, Christmas jammies, Santa suit, etc). 

4. What's your go-to recipe when you're asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre to a party? 

5. December 3rd is National Play Outside Day...what might you do to celebrate? 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Coming Up Roses In The Wednesday Hodgepodge

When I restarted the Hodgepodge we were mid-pandemic with a little too much time on our hands. The pace has for sure picked up here and I'm once again back to being somewhat busy. Fun busy, but busy all the same. 

I am going to continue the HP because I enjoy the mid-week motivation to blog, and also keeping up with my favorite reads, but it's likely I will take a break now and then too. There are weeks where something has to give, and this is often that something. I'll try to give you a heads up and appreciate you rolling along with the current here. 

It's on today so if you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post. Be sure to leave a comment for the blogger before you, because everybody loves company. In blogland anyway! Here we go- 

1. What's something that reminds you of your grandmother? Tell us why. 

Many things, but one of the first that comes to mind is iced tea. My grandma made the best iced tea, each glass hand-crafted with care. No big pitcher in the frig,  instead there were pretty tall glasses on the counter with just the right amount of ice, lots of sugar, and the perfect squeeze of lemon. 

She stirred each serving with a long iced tea spoon and we never drank iced tea in the winter months. I live in the south so it's a year round beverage here, but no matter the season I always think of my Gigi when I pour a glass. 

2. Is your life currently more 'moonlight and roses' or a little more 'every rose has it's thorn'? Elaborate. 

I'm pretty much a moonlight and roses girl, even when life feels thorny. 

3. June 23rd is National Pink Day...favorite thing you own in any shade of pink? Favorite thing found in nature in any shade of pink? Your favorite pink food or beverage? Your favorite shade of pink? 

I don't own a lot of pink but I love it in nature. Our mandevilla, dogwoods in bloom, the evening sky just after sunset...

My favorite would probably be a peony painted in a soft shade of blush, which is also my favorite shade. I have some bright pink sandals that are fun to wear. 

4. Last thing that had you 'tickled pink'? 

The cutest big and little brothers in the world sharing an ice cream cone...

photo credit: Sincerely-Shannon 

Be still my heart. 

5. What are two or three words that describe your style. 

Classic and relaxed most days, but I can do fancy too. I love dressing up, but fancy dress is not often required when you live the lake life. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Two of my nephews have birthdays the first week of May and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself this year for getting their cards and gift cards mailed more than a week before the dates. Postmark April 24th for the record.

The cards were traveling just a couple of states over but days went by and nothing. 

They waited and waited and waited some more and I texted with my sister-in-law a number of times but still no cards. Mothers Day came and went and another week went by and not a word. We debated about what to do, but then her Mother's Day card to me postmarked April 22nd arrived on May 21st. We decided maybe we should wait a bit longer and yes, her card arrived here 29 days after mailing.

Finally, convinced the cards had been swiped somewhere along the way I did the very impersonal thing known as Venmo-ing birthday money into my nephews accounts. 

And then- on Saturday June 12th, my sister-in-law texts me a picture...they got the cards. 

49 days later. 

What in the world is happening with the mail??

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 424

We're back! And here are the questions for this brand new week. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something that reminds you of your grandmother? Tell us why. 

2. Is your life currently more 'moonlight and roses' or a little more 'every rose has it's thorn'? Elaborate. 

3. June 23rd is National Pink Day...favorite thing you own in any shade of pink? Favorite thing found in nature in any shade of pink? Your favorite pink food or beverage? Your favorite shade of pink? 

4. Last thing that had you 'tickled pink'? 

5. What are two or three words that describe your style. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hot Fun In The Summertime Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. We've had a few new faces join the party in recent weeks, so welcome especially to the newbies. I don't ask a lot here, just three little things-

• Please only link if you've answered today's questions (I delete non-Hodgepodge links)
• Add a link back here so anyone visiting your blog can play along too. The button code is in my sidebar so you can easily copy and paste. 
• And finally, leave a comment for the blogger who linked before you because that's the neighborly thing to do. 

Now on with the show!

1.July 15th is National Give Something Away Day.  What can you give away? Will you?

From my vantage point mid-move I will tell you there is always something we can do without. In the past six months we've given away clothes, furniture, and assorted miscellany by the pound. I'm sure there will be plenty more once we're in our still-to-be built house, but for now I guess a smile or kind word will have to do. 

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so.

My mantra is simple...'Every little thing is gonna be okay.' 
Because it is. 

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle?

I used to do all the grocery shopping, but in our temporary digs here with my mom we're all sharing the load. I'm sure once we're re-settled I'll go back to my weekly menu planning and list making. Grocery shopping is a chore I kind of enjoy. 

My preferred way is to plan meals for the week, and I definitely shop from a list, a) because I love making lists, and b) I'm over 50. Without a list you don't remember what you came for when you're over 50. Truth. 

4. Is there a TV show you're embarrassed to say you watch? You're going to tell us what it is, right?

Once upon a time I watched The Real Housewives of Orange County and later The Real Housewives of NJ. When it comes to 'reality' shows I might tune in for the early days, but I've never been a loyal fan of this sort of programming. The combination of too much yelling and ridiculously bad behavior wears me down. 

Probably my most recent embarrassment would be Sister Wives. I used to record it and watch while I ate my lunch, but once hubs retired he was not on board so I gave it up. 

I have to add as I was proofing this to publish my daughter mentioned The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I'm not watching the current season, and I didn't watch last season either, but I've seen more than a few of this one. 

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter-

that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused?

I'm going with 'that'. When I edit my writing I find a lot of thats. Yes, believe it or not I start out with more words than you see here-ha! I try reading the sentence without the word, and 9 times out of 10 I don't need it. I know I also use the word 'just' a little too often, but I like it so will probably continue in my overuse. 

I might reduce the occurrence, but won't completely eliminate any on the list except irregardless. That word is mostly misused, and makes me twitch.  

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It's called 'The Granny Hair' trend. Your thoughts?

Why???? I don't get this trend at all. Perhaps if all the strands of my brunette self were brunette down to their roots, then gray would be a novelty? I have to say I don't get it, and I'm not a fan. 

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they've read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let's try. What's one of the most beautiful sentences you've ever read in a piece of literature?

"Dear old world,' she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."

~L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We move into our rental in less than three weeks. Between now and then we will log over 3200 miles in the car driving south then north then south then further south. We do complicated well. Or crazy? Maybe it's crazy we do well. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 159

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

2.   Should sports stars be role models?

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Pin.ter.vention

If you're looking for the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge you'll find them here.

A couple of bloggers are hosting a pin.ter.vention today. The idea behind the party is to post some of the things you've seen on Pinterest that you've actually made.

Some folks on Pinterest are what you might call serial pinners. That is, they pin for the sake of pinning, pretty much eveything they see. And that's okay but my pinning philosophy is a little bit different. I use Pinterest as a bulletin board/file cabinet for things I definitely want to try or that provide inspiration. You can follow me there by clicking here.

I've actually made quite a few things courtesy of Pinterest. I'm adding photos here but you'll need to visit my Pinerest site to get the actual links. That's one of the things I love most about Pinterest. You add the photo and the original website link just magically appears...no more wracking my brain to remember where I'd seen a decorating idea or recipe. Here are a few of my favorites-

This adorable cake I made for Daughter2's 21st birthday in September...I wrote about it here.

Super cute shark cupcakes, also for Daughter2's birthday celebration since she is a bit of shark expert.

My birthday is just a week after hers and my Daughter1 very cleverly looked at my style board on Pinterest and bought me a sweater and scarf I'd pinned there. She even included the picture from my board so I'd know where she got the idea. It was at that moment I decided I needed to start pinning great purses and jewelry in case hubs needs shopping inspiration.

I have three food boards-one for appetizers (Let's Get This Party Started), one for mains and sides (Cook's Corner) and one for sweet treats (My Sweet Tooth). I won't post pictures of everything I've made but here's a sampling-

Oven baked ham and cheese sliders for a book club party-definitely a keeper!

Banana cupcakes with peanut butter icing and butterfinger sprinkles-yes please.

A wonderful autumn-y apple cake with apples we'd picked from a local orchard-

Two appetizers for two different tailgates-both were well received-

Pretty champagne cupcakes with champagne icing for a sorority reunion weekend...our colors just happen to be pink and white and these were so light and delicious

I've also made homemade granola, a honey mustard dip, a coconut chicken main with apricot sauce, fabulous buttercream icing, and the veggie pinwheels. All were recipes I'd make again.

I especially loved these apple tea lights I used as part of a fall gathering and I've tweaked some of the centerpieces and front porch decorating ideas I've seen to fit my home and style. All this to say I think Pinterest is one of the more useful things on the internet. I find inspiration and motivation to try new things in so many areas of my life plus a way to organize a lot of what just floats around inside my head.

If you're not there yet and need an invite please don't hesitate to email me. I'm happy to share the pinning love.