It has been a long week and I have missed this blogging thing.  If I could just have someone come over and finish my basement once and for all, I’d be a happier person.  Our basement and the unending cleaning…it’s just like those extra five pounds from college…they just. won’t. go. away.  (I hope you laughed at my humor…five pounds.  I wish that was all.)

Anyway.  I’m optimistic.  I WILL have our basement organized soon.  The junk stuff will get thrown away.  That BIG dumpster in our driveway will leave soon.  As in a few days.  Or maybe four more.  (Because Hubby is wondering.  Our neighbors are wondering.  I get asked often the question, “So, when are you getting rid of your dumpster?”)

So, with all of my work this week, I haven’t been able to be carefree and window shop or internet browse like I would have liked to.  But I’ve still come up with some Fun Friday Favorites…

1.  Nora Fleming serving dishes – When shopping in Oskaloosa a few weeks ago with my mom, this is what we bought her for her birthday.  It’s the Nora Fleming Pearl Rim Garnish Dish.  Just darling for entertaining because my favorite…you get to switch out the little accessory that sticks down on the edge of the dish!  The serving dish was $36.00 and each little topper/mini is $12.  (Von Maur carries these, in case you don’t get to Hunter’s Gifts in Oskaloosa often.)  She got the carrot for when she will serve veggies.  And, they have MANY toppers!  (A strawberry for when you serve fruit and dip, a cactus for when you serve taco toppings, Uncle Sam’s hat for the 4th of July, and so many more festive holiday toppers!!)

Great for serving veggies, fruit, or what have you!

Look at some of these other choices for toppers…

More accessory minis…

2.  You know how I love Bath & Body Works soaps.  Well, this body cream/lotion is my summer fav!  I love the smell of Maui Hibiscus Beach!  And right now, it’s 50% online…what a deal!  I tried the Oahu Coconut Sunset, but the Maui is my favorite.

A perfect summer scent

3.  My favorite lip gloss EVER is this…MAC lip glass.  It’s $15.00.  And I love the color Oyster Girl.  I order online because the only place in Iowa to get MAC makeup (that I’ve found) is in Des Moines.  And shipping is easy (and free).  (I also love the colors Snob and Oh Baby.)

My all-time favorite lip gloss!

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4.  Well, as you know…I sell Thirty-One totes and bags.  I am thinking that maybe this is what I should get for my flip flop organization.  I like this Hang-Up Space Saver and it fits 14 pairs of flip flops!  You can check it out on my site at http://www.mythirtyone.com/AngelaPatterson

Get organized!

5.  This spring, my friends and I started this Bible study…Stuck by Jennie Allen.  Wow.  It has been so great.  Each time after we meet, I’m just awed by the things I’m learning and what God is showing me.  It’s full of wisdom and the author, Jennie Allen, is very easy to relate to.  I highly encourage it for any group of gals!  I may start this exact study up for those interested because she is just that good.  Let me know if this is something you’d be willing to do with me!

An encouraging Bible study for women

6.  The Blind Side –

What a movie!

Ok.  I realize that this movie was released more than four years ago.  But we just got around to watching it this week.  Oh, my.  I was loving it and so were the boys!  At one point in the movie, we were all so moved and Nate asked if we could adopt someone.  (Love his tender heart.)  People like Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy make you want to be a better person and make a difference in someone’s life.  And we all can.  (This next part goes hand in hand with what my friends and I talked about Wednesday night at our Bible study…)  In our OWN homes, we can make a difference.  Show our own family members how much we care.  I tend to want to look outside of my four walls, but I’ve got two little guys and a hubby right within my own home that I need to show quality love and affection to.  Too often, I get crabby, distracted with my “to do lists”, and pressured to be busy, busy, busy.  And then.  I’m not loving and patient.  So, a goal for myself is to slow down more.  Be intentional and compassionate with my family.  Then, after I’ve been able to do this within our four walls, I can reach out to others and spread kindness and love to them, also.  But I’ve gotta start with my boys and hubby.  Because they don’t deserve the leftovers.  They deserve all of my love and affection and joy.

7.  On Tuesday, Hubby and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary.  It’s hard to believe that when you add the years we dated, we’ve been together for 21 and a half years!  Wow.  This man is definitely my favorite!  Patrick is such a hard working, loving, and compassionate hubby.  He is an amazing daddy to our two boys who think he is just the best.

14 years ago we said, “I do!”

Have a wonderful weekend!!