Happy FriYAY!! When I was in my teaching era - specifically for first grade I had these super cute earrings that said FRIYAY! I should pull those out again and wear them - because who doesn’t love a good FriYAY - I mean it’s the weekend after all! 

When thinking about what to write for my designated Friday 30 minutes this week (mondays post was a bonus lol) I remembered that I had recently seen an instagrammer do a “few things I’m liking - purse edition” - I was fascinated LOL - for several reasons - she had purse salt - who knew! Hilarious!! 

Anyway, if you are a female you know the purse/bag struggle is real. I think women go through many bag seasons.  I do think it needs to be stated there are actually women who have no bag struggles and care nothing about having a bag or a purse - let’s be clear that is not me whatsoever.  I LOVE a good bag and my season of purses/bags can definitely be defined. And I might have a purse and a bag - the possibilities are endless with me and its not one or the other its usually both and 😉 but most always I have a purse/clutch.  I have had a lot of bag eras complete in size and color and can probably be based on occasion.  If I sat long enough I could probably just dedicate this whole post to types of bags/purses based on what season of life I was in.  But that doesn’t really sound fun to me.  What sounds fun to me is telling you what I am liking/loving in my purse (also read -some of these things stay/are a staple for the most part no matter which one I am currently using) Even now as I am even thinking about this - what I do find interesting is that I could create another whole post of things I like/love - travel bag edition… ooh I might do that next week so stay tuned for that my fun inquiring mind friends. 

On to what’s in my purse currently 

1. Finger nail clippers - and not just any finger nail clippers - these are baby finger nail clippers and yes I have had them since my oldest was born.  I have several pair from when the kids were babies.  I think these are the best ones on the market.  You would not believe how many times I have been asked if I by chance have any nail clippers in my purse - the answer is always yes! 

2. Finger nail file - I might could have combined 1 and 2 but they are technically different products. I have only started carrying this around in the last few years but sometimes I find you need the file and not the clippers.  My favorite one is from Olive and June because it’s not too big but also not too small and bonus its pink.

3. AirPods - always in the purse - if you know me you know I love to talk on the phone and sometimes I have a nosy passenger riding along LOL.  Also great for listening to podcasts or audiobooks 

4. Mah Jongg playing card 2025 -this is a new edition to the purse but it has found its home.  Never know when the Maj will strike and I have not memorized all those plays yet LOL - in fact I am not even sure if people memorize them or not. Never know when you might need this. 

5. Kindle - no surprise here - I am reader and the kindle follows me where ever I go! I just finished Kate Strickler’s book I Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen - highly recommend. I am currently reading Leaving by Roxana Robinson recommended by the Annie B. Jones from The Bookshelf. 

6. Portable fan - this is just one of those if you know you know… my friend Kelly B (I have a few friends with this name hence the specifics) gave this to me it’s a fan, a flashlight, and phone charger all in one.  If you are a female in your late 30’s and up you need this in your life. 

7. Lotion - this is one of those staple items that I have in every purse.  I don’t know if it’s just me or what but I have to have lotion for my hands.  Sometimes they just get weird feeling and in my mind the lotion makes it all better. I really do love this one from Eminence -Mangosteeen Replenishing Cream.  It smells delightful and feels great! 

8. Summer Fridays lip gloss - I recently discovered this lip gloss and now want to buy it in all the colors and flavors.  The one pictured is guava but I also really like the cherry which I will problaby switch over to come fall because of the richness in color … oooh that sounded so fancy of me …lol

9. Sharpie - who isn’t always looking for a sharpie??!! Well look no further! I always have one on hand.  That is also an item I get asked if I have a lot - so it’s a keeper for me.

You have to know how badly I wanted to end with the number 10 but it just wasn’t working out so there you have it.  Funny story about that purse in particular - a client came in the salon with that exact purse and I drooled all over it - it was in my color palette, it matched up with my style analysis - I mean it just hit all the things and I asked the client if I could try it on she was so kind and obliged.  I fell in like with that purse and promptly went home and ordered it online.  Thanks to the sweet client at the salon for catering to my whim of needing to try on a purse! 

That’s all for today folks! See ya when I see ya! And as my favorite podcaster Annie says go out and do something fun! 

~leighann 

Labor Day Thoughts

 Today is not the last day of summer - period - and there is nothing more to say about this - except that there is.  You must know I have more things to say about this - SHOCKER! 

Traditionally Labor Day marks the end of the summer era especially for those in the Northern part of the United States where normal school systems don't start back to school until this holdiay has passed.  (For us here in the south you know we start back as soon as the calendar hits August.  This could be a whole post in itself but not the point of todays)  Most people are marking the Labor Day holiday as summers last hurrah etc etc.  BUT summer does not acutally officially end until September 22 when the Fall seaons legitimately commences on the calendar thats like 3 more weeks to have all the summer hurrahs you want to! 

I recently shared with my closest friends that this year I really wanted to live out the summer until the summer officially ended.  I told them because I wanted them to keep me accountable.  And of course we have had several run ins with fake fall over here in the south making me second guess my savoring of summer days! I confess it is usally my MO to pull out all the Fall things in late August and enjoy all the pumpkin goodies as soon as they are available because lets face it they don't last that long because society is over here trying to rush us in and out of all the seasons before we are even in the said season or for that matter before its over! BUT NOT THIS YEAR - at least not for me anyway.  I want to enjoy every minute of this season that we are living in and be present for it - savor it and right now the calendar says we are in the summer until September 22. After all the summer season is my very favorite and also my wardrobe color pallete according House of Colour. 

Now can these last few weeks of summer also be a transition into the fall season of course they can (said in my best Steel Magnolias voices) Remember life is full of the both ands. I actually recently listened to a very good podcast episode about this very thing - you can listen to it right here - its one of my very favorites That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs.  

So, as for me, for now  I am going to be over here sitting out by my pool, leaving that fall decor in the attic until the season officially changes AND maybe sipping/eating a pumpking goodie now and then while they are still available ... you know savoring summer AND slowly moving into fall .. 

And one more thing on my mind - I learned how to play Mahjong this weekend! If you know me you know I LOVE a good game and friends - I LOVE this game.  I also want to note I loved the idea of it before it ever hit the trend station. One of my very favorite things when people watching in China was seeing the mahjong games happening on the street, in the park, etc - and the first time I went to China was a long time ago. 

Return to blogging ???

 I wasn’t even sure this blog would pull up, much less that I might be able to actually type a post!! I was wondering if I would have to go to substack and somewhat reinvent the wheel - but what a treat - no reinventing or starting over here at least not on the blog.  It’s kind of funny starting over or restarting something is actually what led me here today and I promise to get to that in this post. If you have ever read my blog or anything I have ever posted you must know I am full of run on sentences, random thoughts in the middle and messy writing - so welcome (to my mind ha ha) or welcome back and buckle up and I’m sorry - you don’t have to keep reading.  LOL I really am doing this just for me - but if you want to read along the invitation is open.  I have been wanting to write for some time, maybe get in a habit of writing on a somewhat routine basis.  I even considered bringing Friday Faves back to the gram - but for who and really for what purpose- I am only speaking to myself here and the inner struggle I feel over social media.   I even had the thought - I think it was last week to just write up my Friday faves in my notes app on my phone and just have it for myself.  I like being able to go back and look at what I was loving.  Yesterday I remembered I have a blog - albeit one that I have not written on since December of 2019 now that I am on here and see… and I don’t know if people even read these things anymore - but here it is a platform that still exists maybe just waiting for me to show back up to restart….

I haven’t the slightest idea what to title this post but if you are reading this far I will have either come up with something while I am writing or it will remain unnamed.  So besides Friday faves being a reason I wanted to pop back in, I also wanted to write about a sewing machine and my grandmothers - but in particular my Mimi.  And then when I thought about wanting to journal all those thoughts - I thought hey .. what if  you just tried to write for 30 minutes on whatever day that works best on that blog you once had  - who knows maybe it will take that long to write up some Friday faves - but I LOVE a good goal and even more than a goal I LOVE to check the box when that goal has been met.  So starting today I want to write one day a week at least through the month of September.  I am chuckling inside because I have recently been on a kick telling myself - just concentrate on today - the present - what can you do today - stop worrying about doing it for the week, the month, etc.  And here’s the thing, I do think that is totally valid - biblical even - but I also think its a both and - I can concentrate on some things just being in the today and I can set other goals for the week or the month etc.  I do love a good BOTH AND. I feel like my epitaph should say she loved a good both and except when it came to Jesus - she just loved Jesus. I digress.. see random thoughts.

Okay - back to the sewing machine and grandmothers.  At this moment it’s taking some full on restraint not to pause this at least 30 minute writing session and scroll this blog because I am feeling pretty confident that there are pictures on here of my OG sewing machine and probably my little crafty creations! Once I am done writing I will investigate and if I find I will possibly attach photos. My original sewing machine came from my Nana (my maternal grandmother).  It was a beast in all the ways good and bad lol. I only say bad because it was insanely heavy and housed in a desk so to speak. So it was not portable at all. The brand was Kenmore and boy did love that thing after my friend Angie taught me how to use it - I was a lean mean sewing machine of a human - I made all kinds of things including my kids Christmas pajamas - which could be another whole post in itself with an ode to my old neighbors. I have so much to say not that that is a surprise to anyone! But back to the story at hand - it was a fabulous machine.  I mean in reality they just don’t even make them like that anymore - she was pure metal none of that plastic business going on that we have today.  That machine along with my grandmothers probably gave me the love I have for crafting which is still going strong today as I LOVE a good craft. So fast forward a bit to where I decide I not only do I want to sew but I want to learn embroidery - enter my Mimi (my paternal grandmother) she helped me buy my first very own brand new embroidery/sewing machine - a Singer Futura. I mainly used it to machine embroider until my sturdy Kenmore bit the dust and then it became my two for one. And boy did I embroider and sew - I mean after all I am a southern girl - you know everything had to have a monogram LOL.  I did birthday shirts for the kids, gifts for friends, beach towels - I embroidered and sewed my little heart out until one day I didn’t.  For whatever reason I hit a very long season where I didn’t embroider much less sew a thing unless it was a button and even then I was doing it by hand. Looking back I can’t say there was one thing that just threw me off the sewing wagon - because it was probably just life in general. 

 But here we are today and I am back in my crafting era (and not just with sewing)! As for the sewing part I got here in part thanks to my friend Calla’s daughter Virginia - she was offering a class on hand stitching and well my interest was piqued. So of course I took it and of course I loved it and well I am climbing back up on the sewing wagon.  I have hand stitched a plethora of things and just recently my sweet friend Pam sent me a needlepoint kit so I can try my hand at that type of stitching. I think I should note that I have tried the cross stitching route - this was actually one of my mom’s favorite past times but I just could not get into it - sorry mom.  Well all this hand stitching got me itching to pull out my singer sewing/embroidery machine.  My embroidery days are over for now but I was wanting to sew a few projects so up to the attic I went.  I dusted off the Singer Futura to see if maybe I could get her going again (she had previously had to have some repair work many moons ago - but I was hopeful). Unfortunately hopeful wasn’t cutting it this time.  I found myself wanting to pick up the phone to call my Mimi and ask if I could borrow her machine and what kind was it because I don’t want an embroidery machine anymore - just something to do some basic sewing projects. What brand should I get? I just wanted her to tell me all the things. I think deep down I probably just really wanted to talk to her.  I will say for any inquiring minds the kind store associate at Micheals told me I should get a Brother sewing machine. Apparently Singer just isn’t what it used to be - too much plastic.  It just so happens that on a recent trip to Walmart I had been looking at sewing machines and they happened to have a very affordable basic Brother sewing machine.  So yesterday I marched myself right to that Walmart and bought a new basic brother sewing machine complete with a cute little heart on it.  I added a pack of Yoo-Hoo to my cart remembered my Mimi fondly and called it a day. Yoo-Hoo is one of those things that makes me think of my Mimi along with the sewing and a good game of Yahtzee or Uno ☺️. Who knows maybe now I will go back to that attic and get all those Holly Hobby quilting squares she had given me from my Gramma (my Mimi’s mother) and finish that quilt. My kids will really think I have hit the olden age phase - they can’t get over that I hand stitch and they are horrified I bought a sewing machine LOL never mind that I actually used to sew them clothes!! Anyway that quilt project honestly sounds like a next year project goal - but hey at least all of this reminiscing reminded me that I have them! 

thank you Mimi!

I don’t really know how to neatly tie this post up - or that I even need to - or do I have to?? I just wanted to write all this down just because it was all in my head. I love thinking that each of my grandmothers and my great grandmother passed something down to me that has stood the test of time. Hand curated gifts can’t be beat in my opinion that is. I hope my friends will  look at a tea towel I stitched for them and think of how much I love them or prayed over them as I worked on it. In a lot of ways I think stitching (by hand or machine) is a gift  - first it’s a gift from the Lord - because all things just are! Second it’s a gift my grandmothers passed down to me whether they knew it or not. It requires time, thought, focus, and slowing down and in the world we live in today those are definitely gifts! And lets face it I LOVE a good gift 😉

Speaking of loving things I feel like its entirely appropriate with it being Friday and all that I share a few things I am loving right now! 

• Diet Coke - i know this bad sugar is not good for me but it tastes so good right now 
• Proverbs: Wisdom That Works by Raymond Ortlund - put this book on your TBR! The chapters are short and you could read one a day and be finished in no time.  
• KIND Frozen Bars: Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate - y’all just take my word for it these are delicious.

Well I totally spent 30 minutes plus writing so mission for this week accomplished! I’ll see ya when I see ya! Happy Weekending! 

~leighann 

The last Friday of the decade....

Hey hey hey y'all!!! It is crazy to me that this is the last Friday of not just the year but the decade!! In just a few short days we are entering into a whole new decade!! As Linnea would say what in the world!!??  I always love the tons of reflecting that goes on at the end of a year.  Lots of time for introspection.  I also cannot believe I have done a whole year of Friday favorites.... as I was thinking back on some of my favorites this year I thought I would use this last Friday of 2019 to highlight those.  Now be sure there are far more than three favorite things from this whole year but these have left their mark in some way or another.  So without further ado here are this weeks Friday faves representing 2019 a little later in the day than usual 😉

🌟 My 40th Birthday Surprise ~ oh my land!! January 2019 really should be the headline.  My 40th birthday month was one for the books!! Soo soo many surprises!  A party, a visit from my sister who lives in Cali!, a getaway with my dear dear adoptive mama friend to the mountains, kind words from many and a book of sweet notes from friends like you that I will treasure as long as I am here on earth.  I recently told DP I just want to turn 40 all over again!! This really has been such a sweet sweet year.

🌟 Away Luggage ~ I actually got this luggage for my 40th bday in the carry on size and for Christmas I got the checked bag size.  I have actually done a good bit of traveling this year and it looks like I will be doing the same in 2020 so I felt like this really was a true favorite of mine.  It really is the best luggage I've had like ever.  If you travel more than once or twice a year you should totally look into what I call the bestest suitcase ever.   You can check out all the goodness of this luggage here at away.com 

🌟Palmers ~ this local to me restaurant has been my go to all year long!! I am not sure if I have ever featured it on a Friday faves but if I have not - that is totally my bad!! Their website states this "We are a group of people who are passionate about creating good food and good vibes.  When you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like you belong here.  Come to relax, to laugh, and enjoy the people you are with."  This is SPOT ON!! I love this little local quaint spot!!! I go here with my man, with my friends, we've taken our kids.  I just love it and it really is my go to place to eat out.  BONUS they are closed on Sundays which is a rare find these days.  Oh and also now that I have moved it is super close to my house!! So if you find yourself in my neck of the woods and have never eaten here then you must give it a try!  You can see their menu here and I like all of it!

Well friends that's all for Friday Favorites of 2019!! I hope you all have enjoyed time with one another during this holiday season.  I can't believe its almost over!  May the end of your 2019 be fabulous and your 2020 be grandiose!!  Happy New Year peeps!

❤️
~ LA

Friday Faves from the city that never sleeps ~ NYC

Happy Friday friends!!! 

EEEK - its the Friday before Christmas!!! What in the world??!! Have you finished all your Christmas shopping?  I have a few things left to pick up.  This has been quite the week including a house closing and a super quick 36 hour trip to the big apple.  SO in honor of my visit to my favorite city on the planet todays Friday faves are all NYC related. It's like so super hard to narrow down my favorites from the city that never sleeps but here are a few ... 

🎄🍎 The Tina Turner Broadway musical ~ hands down in my top three musicals I’ve ever seen and thats saying something!! This musical is obviously based on the life of Tina Turner and the adversities she overcame to become the star that she was and is today.  Did y'all know she is 80 years old now and she has suffered a stroke and cancer.  Y'all if you look her up she does NOT look 80 years old.  I told DP the girl who portrays Tina needs to win a Tony  - y'all her voice was simply amazing.  I would see this again and again - the music was fantastic.  It was just really really good.  We may or may not have some video of the encore .. It just opened up in November so it was super exciting to see what will be come the "original" broadway cast.  As Tina sings - it was "simply the best" 

🎄🍎 The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree ~ I mean is there any other … y'all that tree just gives me ALL THE FEELS.  DP says my face smiles so wide like grinning from ear to ear.  This years tree was one of the most beautiful ones I have seen over there at 30 Rock.  I am not the biggest fan of colored lights but on this tree its just simply magical.  I have no words.  You just must go see it yourself!! 

🎄🍎 EATERIES ~ I’ve got your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks covered. Some of these places include Ess-a-Bagel, Clinton Street Bakery, Los Tacos, Patzeria, Butter, and of course Molly’s cupcakes.  We LOVE to eat in the city!! From Bagels to Tacos, Pizza and cupcakes it's all good!!  These are just a few of my fave go to places and some new ones we tried for the first time.  I will elaborate a bit on each.  

• Ess-a-bagel ~ I go to this bagel shop every single time I am in NYC.  Its located between 51st and 3rd ave.  I get the same thing every time.  I told DP I need in the city so I can try some of the other deliciousness this place offers.  I always get the same thing a Bagel Sandwich - thats a whole wheat bagel with apple cinnamon cream cheese toasted.  There is just simply not anything else like it.  
• Clinton Street Bakery ~ this is another place we like to eat breakfast at.  Its located kind of on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and I always get the same thing from here too - the Blueberry Pancakes.  I can't believe I didn't take a picture of these - but I ate almost every single bite - poor David didn't stand a chance of getting some.  I told him he should have ordered them LOL 
• Los Tacos No. 1  ~ there are a few locations in the city but this time we ate at the one in Chelsea Market.  It never disappoints.  Probably some of the best street tacos I will ever eat in the US.  I like the Carne Asada (steak) and Pollo Asado (chicken) the best! 
• Patzeria ~ this pizza ... oh just thinking about it makes my mouth water... best sliced pizza ever.  The pepperoni and margherita were simply yummy.  This was such a fun place-no tables only a counter that was long enough for six people to stand at so DP and I actually ate outside on a bench outside of our hotel bc we were heading straight to a show.  It was just a super fun experience! 
• Butter ~ we have our friends Van and Christ to thank for this recommendation.  It was our first visit to this yumilicious place. This restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Alex Guarnachelli.  Y'all there was so much goodness.  There was some risotto special with truffle goodness.  It was soo good.  We also got this smoked pork chop and barbeque boneless beef short ribs with rosemary sea salt potatoes.  DP keeps saying that was the most flavorful meat he has ever tasted. It was soo good.  I mean even the bread was delicious.  Y'all it was just out of this world.  
• Molly's Cupcakes ~ y'all know I LOVE a good cupcake and these are out of this world.  A winner of cupcake wars these are seriously some of the BEST cupcakes I have ever eaten.  Located on Bleeker Street near West Village you might never know about this place if you a) don't look up good cupcakes or b) I didn't tell you about it.  This place is worth the cab ride if you are staying in the heart of Manhattan.  My absolute favorite is the Cream Brulee.  I sooo wished they shipped because I would seriously consider shipping some home.  This time I just brought a few home.  They may or may not be gone now.  Delicious - you'll just have to trust me or try them out yourself.  

Well y'all I could talk about this magical city for hours but this just a Friday Faves so I will stop for now ... LOL

Truly thankful for the time spent with that sweet man of man!! 

Friends ~ I wish you the Merriest Christmas as we celebrate the BEST NEWS in all of time ~ the birth of our long awaited KING.  

Much Love, 

❤️LA 

Happy Friday!!

Happy Friday friends!!!  Its Friday the 13th... ooooh 😂😂 just kidding.  In all seriousness we only have two Fridays left in this decade and one Friday before Christmas!!  Do you ever wonder what this decade will be called later on in the history books - I mean I'm not exactly hearing roaring teens LOL.  I digress its time to share my Friday faves with you for this week!

🌟 Orange Theory Fitness ~ so y'all I did a thing and tried an OTF class.  Orange Theory is like a mix of Cardio and Crossfit put together.  You wear a heart rate monitor and work to get these things called splat points and aim for a certain calorie burn.  This kind of workout is great for me because I am sort of competitive ... ok ok a lot competitive.  I think thats why these kind of workouts speak to me.  It's hard core and I have run out of gas a few times I have been there.  This compliments my spinning on the Peleton and running so for now its a great fit.  Thanks so much to my dear gal pals Colie and Ashy 😂 😂 for roping me into this. IF you are looking for something to change up your workout routine give it a try.  Your first class is free and there is no contract you have to commit to.

🌟 Candlefish Co. ~ so if you are looking for a fun experience for you and your friends or even a fun date night/day you have to try this out!  Candlefish is as you would expect a candle and gift shop with a library of over 100 fragrances AND they have candle making classes.  I did a class last Saturday with a group of my gal pals and we LOVED it.  It doesn't hurt that its located at Ponce City Market which is also another favorite of mine.  Seriously this was such a fun thing to do - we could bring drinks and snacks.  I really learned so much.  So check them out - even if you don't do a class they have great gifts!

🌟 Pampered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender ~ y'all I have used this blender EVERY. DAY!! I even cooked soup in it last night.  I make my smoothie in it everyday and when I add my spinach you cannot taste it at all - it blends it up so nicely.  I had a NINJA and it just does not compare.  BUT you want to know the BEST thing about this blender - it cleans itself!! YEP you read that right - it has its own cleaning feature.  SOOO SUPER NICE.  Now I will admit the price tag on this is a whole lot to swallow which is why I had a PC party several months ago so I could earn this bad boy.  Bottom line if you are in the market for a new does it all blender - this is for you!  My friend Colie can help you figure out how to earn if you want.  Just let me know and I can put you in touch with her.

Well friends - that's all I got for this edition of Friday favorites.  Its cold and rainy where I am so if you're local to me I hope you are nice and warm and cosy overdosey ~ I am ... nestled right by my fire with some good ole Bing Crosby Christmas music playing the background.  AND if you're not local I still hope you are warm and cozy too!!! Y'all have a most terrific Friday and Merry Christmas!!

🎄❤️,
~LA

The Friday Faves lowdown

Hey hey hey friends! Y'all this has been a slap crazy busy week BUT...... it's FriYAY!!! You know what that means!  It's time for Friday favorites!! So without further ado ...

😍 Confessions of a Fit Foodie ~ y'all I don't really know how I stumbled across this blogsite but I have used it everyday this week!! I have not made one recipe of hers that I did not like.  I used her weekly meal plan and LOVED it.  I did a few substitutions on lunches but her dinner recipes were out of this world and they were all made in my quick cooker aka instant pot.  So if you are looking for some recipes or an already written out meal plan plus grocery list - BAM! Can I also add how I loved having the grocery list for Kroger click list :-) Here's the link to her site

😍 Vegetable Dicer ~ so friends I don't actually have a technical name for this kitchen gadget all I know is that I LOVE it.  My friend Saundra gave it to me when she was teaching me how to make homemade pico.  Ummmm this device is a game changer to dicing onions, tomatoes, squash, potatoes... all the things.  It has two different cube sizes.  It is just the best.  I am usually a hardcore pampered chef girl but this thing well its a keeper.  You can find it here.

😍 Peleton ~ I feel like the poor old Peleton has been getting some bad press due to a recent holiday commercial  (ha there is actually a commercial on right now LOL) which I think is absolutely ridiculous but that's another post for another time.  My sweet hubby gifted me this indoor spin bike and its truly one of my favorite things. Peleton is like taking a spin class right in your own home!! Maybe that is not your jam then just ride along to some scenery.  I love the class options - I just took one today with Christmas music.  It was totally my jam!! So if you are ever in the market for a spin bike I highly recommend this one!

Well friends that's all I've got for this Friday.  This month is blowing by!! EEK!! Y'all have a great weekend and GO Dawgs!!!

~  ❤️LeighAnn

Friday Faves!!

And just like that friends we are in our last Friday of November!! What in the world!  I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and if you are a Black Friday shopper I hope all your shopping dreams came true! 

Here are this weeks Friday Faves :-) 

🌟Kroger Click list ~ oh my land!! Why have I not used this before??!!!  Y’all on Sunday night I put all the things in my Kroger Cart and picked a time for Monday morning to pick them all up.  I left my house at 8 am and was back home by 8:27 am AND I got gas.  This sweet little deal was absolutely AMAZING.  I would say I might never go back in the grocery store again but I know that is a farce LOL.  BUT when my big and tiny humans are on break I will for sure be utilizing this lovely feature Kroger offers.  BONUS points its free during the holidays!!  Winner winner chicken dinner!! If you haven’t given this a try - do it while its free!! 

🌟Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson ~ friends I have several Advent books and I really do love them all BUT this one is my for realz favorite ever.  I think thats because its one of those books though while its completely relevant for Advent its not exclusively a Christmas book.  This book unfolds the Christmas story in a way that resonates as deeply in June as it does in December.  Its always on my book shelf and I have decided to pick it up and read it (again) along with my SRT Advent.  BONUS ~ there’s a CD with some fantastic music that goes along with it.  Whether you buy this book now in time for Advent or you buy it in March just get it.  We need the gospel ALL the time.  

🌟ELF ~ y’all does any other movie actually exist? I think not! This is probably just my favorite movie of all time. I think I can quote it pretty well.  And truth be told I have already watched it a few times this season.  I feel pretty confident most of you have seen this movie BUT if you have not I’ll keep calm and insist you come over so I can properly indoctrinate you in the code of Elf 😉

This is the last week for our Friday Faves Friend Feature and I of course saved my bestest friend for last … my sweet hubby ~ DP : my prince charming. Here’s what he had to say 

“How about that Dyson thing..” yep that’s exactly what he said ..”I LOVE that thing - it picks up great quick messes.”  So I’ll elaborate for this man of few words over a favorite thing.  First of all its actually called a Shark Wandvac He picked up this little hand held vac from Target and it really does wonders especially when you have messy boys!! We’ve had several friends ask about it - so it really is worth your investment.  Its like the dustbuster of the future.  You can I’m sure find one at your local Target.  And I can testify that he truly does love this little wandvac! 

Well friends I cannot seriously believe that we are ushering in the last month of not just the year but the decade ~ can we say CRAY CRAY!! December is upon us and I hope you take some time to reflect upon this most precious time of year and the GIFT that it is.   

~ ❤️ LeighAnn 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING 🦃

Friends!! Its my most favorite day of the year ever ~ and it goes by so quick ~ ya blink and its over!! I am so incredibly grateful for these people God gave me to do life with - thanks Aunt Melanie for this quick Thanksgiving day pic! This morning we held true to our annual traditions of sausage balls and breakfast casserole while we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - a favorite of mine!! Went through the AJC our local paper to check out all the Black Friday deals.  Had framily stop in for a few and I chatted with my family far away by phone. Then we hosted family who lives nearby for dinner this evening.  What a sweet first Thanksgiving in this new home of ours.  Truly so much to be thankful for ... here's my list of 10 for today

🧡 1. The gift of Jesus and the salvation He's extended to me. 

🧡 2. cool weather 

🧡 3. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 😉

🧡 4. my slippers 

🧡 5. comfy pjs 

🧡 6. my dog
🧡 7. snuggles with my littles
🧡 8. double ovens
🧡 9. memories
🧡 10. the gift of time

On that note ~ please take a minute to watch this short clip from Chick-fil-A about the gift of time.

It is my sincere hope that you and yours had a fabulous Thanksgiving Day!! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!!

~LeighAnn 

Thanksgiving Eve

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!! Its been a busy day putting up some Christmas decor, prepping in the kitchen and watching a few Christmas movies.  Here are the things I am thankful for today ...


🧡 1. cozy blankets
🧡 2. modern medicine
🧡 3. rain
🧡 4. work
🧡 5. christmas movies
🧡 6. memories
🧡 7. catching up with my sister
🧡 8. the dishwasher
🧡 9. my moms recipes
🧡 10. my apron that my sweet friend Carrie made for me

Happy Thanksgiving eve y'all!
~LeighAnn

Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is actually a word and here is how it it defined in Websters Dictionary 👇🏼

"Friendsgiving is a mashup of the word “friend” and “thanksgiving” that refers to a large meal among friends eaten during the Thanksgiving season. The level of formality is dependent on the participants, but the word first appeared around 2007 as an informal replacement for the holiday typically spent with family."

For the past few years I have heard about groups of friends hosting a thanksgiving feasts with one another and celebrating my most favorite holiday together.  I think this idea is absolutely precious and I have longed to be able to have my own "friendsgiving" with the people I call my framily.  And for those of you who don't know what framily is those are the friends who become family..  you know the super duper close kind ~ the ones you do life with.

Tonight was FRIENDSGIVING!!! Whoop Whoop 🙌🏼🙌🏼!! My heart is so full of joy and I have much to be thankful for today.  So here's todays ten things I am thankful for....

🧡 1. Friendsgiving
🧡 2. Framily
🧡 3. My house
🧡 4. Holiday decor
🧡 5. vaccum cleaners
🧡 6. taste buds
🧡 7. my workout room
🧡 8. the ability to text
🧡 9. coffee
🧡 10. the ability to feel joy

Y'all I am just not kidding when I say my heart is just overwhelmed.  It is Gods sweet kindness to bing alongside people we get to do life with and I just love the ones HE sent my way.  Happy Friendsgiving y'all!