Friday 5+1

Happy Friday!

Hope you’ve had a great week!  I’ve been busy working on the client kitchen that I discussed here, and it’s really taking shape.  I can’t wait to see it all pulled together.

I had my first 5+1 post (5 things I love + 1 thing I don’t) a few weeks ago, and I’m thinking about making this a more regular series.  It’s kind of fun to think about and pull together, and makes me stop and pay attention to the things around me.  So, here we go.

Old Photos
This weekend is my daughter’s first communion, and I had to share my grandma’s first communion photo.  She’s 92 years old, and I am lucky to still have her in my life.  I don’t know why she looks so ticked off, but I adore this photo and look at it every day.  If only we still had this gorgeous dress and veil!

Self-Tanner
As a former sun worshipper, I scorn myself for the way I treated my skin as a teen.  This is back in the days of baby oil, friends.  Anyone else in that generation?  While I don’t bake myself in the sun anymore, I still love the look of a nice tan.  Enter St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse.  This stuff is fantastic!  I picked up a trial bottle at Sephora for $10, and it really gives a great, natural color.

Another self-tanner fave of mine is Norvell’s Amber Sun Sunless Tanning Spray.  This is the same brand of spray tanner that is used at the salon where I have gotten a “professional” spray tan.  Great color right away, so you can see where you’ve sprayed, and it deepens as the day goes on.  Good stuff!

Hidden Hinges
I talked earlier this week about switching out exposed hinges for hidden ones.  I got the cabinet doors back from the woodworker who installed them for me, and I can tell already what a difference it’s going to make.

Navy Blue
I have always been a fan of navy blue (my bridesmaids dresses were even navy blue).  I think it’s such a classic color, and find myself drawn to it in so many ways – clothes, design, and of course, paint colors.  This navy exterior is so crisp, I can’t help but love it.  This exterior is Naval Blue by Sherwin Williams.

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Therapy Dogs
We have a giant, 120 pound black lab rescue dog named Martin, who is about as mild and gentle as a dog can be.  (He was literally rescued from Doggie Death Row, within hours of being euthanized – I think he knows how good he has it).  Last weekend was opening day for my daughter’s softball season, and they had a huge ceremony with literally, 900+ kids in the league, along with parents, other kids and families participating.  It was a gorgeous day, so I brought Martin with me.  Can I just tell you what a people magnet this dog is?  

People just loved him, and he is as sweet and patient as can be with kids and adults alike.  A sweet little girl, about 3 years old, with Downs Syndrome came over to pet him, was holding his face and nose, and he just took it all in.  I’ve been thinking about getting him trained to be a therapy dog, and I think this outing sealed the deal for me.  I think he would love it as much as those he visits.

Now for the one thing I don’t like right now – the last day of school.  

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer and how fun and relaxing it is.  But lately, I’m noticing a bit of a sadness that comes over me as my kids complete another year of school.  Especially my oldest, who is finishing his freshman year of high school.  I’ve become acutely aware that our time with him at home is dwindling, and I get a lump in my throat just thinking about him leaving the nest.  I knew the high school years would go by at warp speed, but someone please slow down this ride.  I’m not ready to get off just yet!  

I’m all ears with any suggestions from those of you who have been there, done that!