Friday Favorites - February 23rd 2018
Friday is here and it's the last Friday of the month! What-what? February is a short month, but it actually felt long to me with so much packed into these four weeks. I'll chat more about that next week though. For now, let's bask in the delight that the weekend is here again!
I'm linking up with Andrea to share my favorite things from the past week(s). In no particular order...
Favorite #1
Nordstrom's sale.
It ends February 25th. I tried really hard not to order these things over the last month or two and then BOOM. They went on sale. I ordered them all before my sizes could sell out, thinking I could always return them. WRONG. I love them all. Soft, comfortable, perfect for work or leisure, and a great price. UGH. I can just feel my dad shaking his head at my spending right now from several states away. ;) But, at this discount I simply had to buy them. And, I don't regret it. Neither will you.
I mentioned this BP Gathered Waist Midi dress before and how incredible it is. I now own it in four colors. It can be worn with sandals, heels, boots, and possibly some Chucks. It's on sale for $23.40 from $39. Snatch it up while you can!
I actually needed a new black cardigan as mine have been through the ringer and worn out and shrinking from washing so many times. I finally bit the bullet on this BP Ribbed Knit Cardigan when it went on sale and it is so soft and perfect for work or play. It's on sale for $23.40 from $39 as well!
Some other favorites on Nordstrom's sale:
Lush Knit Maxi Dress - 25% off and because when would you not use this from March through November with or without a jacket or cardigan?
This Leith Easy Circle Cardigan just looks so cozy. It makes me want/miss/need cold weather and a fireplace. It's almost completely sold out, but you may can catch it in your size or keep an eye out for it. 40% off!
This BP pendant necklace is just so pretty and easy to wear. Great for you or for a gift, on sale and less than $12.
These are 25% off and less than $9. Need I say more about these BP Medallion Tassel Earrings? Comes in four colors.
And for good measure but from DSW, these Lucky Brand Kaelyia boots are fabulous and comfortable. I sized up 1/2 size. The gray looks more like a taupe, and the black are gorgeous.
Favorite #2
This past weekend.
It was a long weekend for me (hooray!) because of President's Day which is always a fave, but what made it exceptional was that it was jam packed full of time with some of my girlfriends. I had them over for a wine night so they could see where I'm living now and they surprised me with a mini shower because I had declined my family and their offers to throw me a bridal shower with all of the wonderful ladies in my life (I don't like the attention of a giant shower). It was so sweet of them all to find a way to celebrate me, despite my insistence not to!
Part of the decor they sprung upon me was a bunch of wooden signs with bible verses about love and marriage. I had to share at least one of them with you. I stood in shock and they whipped into the house with boxes of food, flowers, and these signs. I took one look at it and cried. God is so good. I can't wait to figure out places to put each of them.
I also got to go wedding dress shopping for one of my newly engaged friends, and spent Sunday catching up with another all day in front of the fireplace, over lunch, and getting our nails done. My heart is full.
Favorite #3
This past week/weekend marks the 3rd anniversary of my trip to Europe with one of my besties and we try to celebrate it every year with a meal from one of the countries we visited on that trip. Well, now that she's moved out of state and I'm not as centrally located, we opted to visit at the casa instead of meeting at an Irish, English, or Scottish (do they exist?) Pub like we have before.
February 2016
So, I opted to use the quintessential Irish Country Cooking cookbook she gifted me a while back to make us Cottage Pie and butternut squash soup from the recipes in the book - because she basically flagged 80 recipes with YUM! and MUST MAKE!! when she gave it to me. ;) I failed to take pictures of the meal itself, but I did take one photo of the before content.
This time I followed the recipes precisely by the cookbook. Next time, I'll make them Whole 30 or Paleo friendly. Meanwhile...#kerrygoldforlife
Favorite #4
On Monday, I jetted out the door for a couple of errands and to meet some of my ladies for lunch (before heading home to cook the above meal). I paused long enough to snap a photo because I love my new jeans from Old Navy I wanted to share. They're so soft and comfy, yet feel slimming at the same time. I'm so glad I randomly gave them a try and I love the "distressed" knees.
Jeans: Old Navy mid-rise raw-edge Rockstar jeans
Similar blouse: option 1 / option 2 / option 3
Similar grey cardigan: option 1 / option 2 / option 3 (cashmere) / option 4 (duster) / option 5 (faux fur) / option 6
Similar sandals: Jack Rogers (on sale) / Francesca's / Bernardo
Favorite #5
Rachel.
I have so many amazing women in my life doing wonderful things that are making an impact in this world. One person at a time. One day at a time. We can all make a difference somehow that will have a lasting affect on the world, glorifying the Lord's kingdom. I am becoming more aware of this every day, watching my friends blossom, my female family members blossom, and even the women I don't know very well but interact with on social media or other blogs. It is inspiring!
Well, my Rachel is doing some pretty incredible things to raise awareness and fight human trafficking and sex trafficking in our (large) city. Her church, Bayou City Fellowship, created this snippet of Rachel to share during their service last weekend. It brought me to tears. To say I am proud is an understatement of my emotions. She is courageous and walking in faith. I LOVE this video.
I've visited her church in the past a dozen times as well, and if you're looking for a great podcast to add into your listening feed or a church to try out - you might find a home at Bayou City Fellowship. I enjoy the podcasts from their services.
Favorite #6 **Bonus**
This song. Every word.
"Reckless Love"
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
How was your week? What were the best things that happened to you or that you discovered this week? I have a list of things I could keep talking about, but know this is long so will let you know officially enjoy your weekend. I hope it's amazing and relaxing! For those of you headed out to enjoy the last two nights of the rodeo cook-off I hope you have fun and stay safe!
XOXO
