TGIF, for real.

I am happy to report that when you read this I will be in Miami canoodling with my four precious nieces. Get.me.outta.here. I know what you're thinking...weren't you just on vacation? ;) Short answer to that is obviously yes. However, I like to travel any chance I get and am constantly looking for flight deals. Then factor in my four little beauties and I am GONE. I have a suspicion that after some insight I was unexpectedly provided earlier this week that I would have planned a last minute getaway anyway so Miami with my family will be the perfect fix. Plus, I get to see one of my dear friends, Anne! Hooray!

Now, on to the fun stuff...

Favorite #1

I recently switched nail polish brands for no reason other than for the orange-y shade of red that I wanted for my beach vacation. I was very impressed by how well it stayed on! I tend to paint my own nails and I keep them pretty short which helps the polish not to chip anyway, except when I do a lot of cooking and washing the pots/pans then my polish doesn't last as long as one would hope. But, in that conditional circumstance I would expect that. So the reason I am raving about this Sally Hansen polish is because I painted my nails on a Thursday morning, went to Mexico ( read sunscreen, etc.), cooked for my friends Cyndi & Zack on Wednesday when I got back (read washing pots and pans), and then painted my nails on Thursday, one week later. This is what my nails looked like after seven days and this was the worse of my two hands:

That's pretty darn good for what my nails can look like after 4-5 days much less 7 days!

This is the nail polish and top coat I used:

And here's the new fresh polish!

Favorite #2

This outfit because I love these hats I bought from Nordstrom. They no longer have the exact style in stock (SHAME!) but they have similar ones that's just different materials and colors. My hats are black, camel, and light grey. It's love. They're perfect because they fit great but also because they're just a solid, no label hat. Perfect. They also sell them in beige and light blue faux suede, as well as a faux leather in ivory.

Yes, I was on a plane.  Yes, I was drinking wine.  Yes, I wear my sunglasses at night. — Yes, I was on a plane. Yes, I was drinking wine. Yes, I wear my sunglasses at night.

You can shop this look by clicking here or on the pictures above, or by copy and pasting the following link to your browser: http://www.shopstyle.com/collective/everypiecefits/42722821

You can also peruse this look and others I've shared by clicking on an image below to expand the contents within each look.

Favorite #3

These shoes. THESE SHOES. I know I shared them last week, but I wore the black ones this week and I sort of feel like they need a standing ovation. I don't know how I will get to wear them more often as they won't go with everything, but goodness do I love them. I wore them to a charity event and even got compliments there from a sweet elderly lady who I suspect no longer attempts heels. Anyway, Mossimo Irene Ghille Lace Up Pumps are where it's at. Black and red. You won't regret it.

PS - you can click on the links above for these shoes or click on any of the three pics below to be taken to them. =)))

I do my best at these photos, but it's not a talent I truly have.

Favorite #4

Coconut flour bread because it is healthy using Whole 30 and Paleo approved ingredients, it holds up if you want to slather something on it like almond butter, and because you can add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the top of it if you want to mix up the flavor. I've shared this recipe multiple times before but made it again recently (it's been a while) and I am always thrilled by it.

You can print the recipe here.

You can view all of the Paleo (and some Whole 30 friendly) breads I've shared here.

Favorite #5

I spent some time over the past week trying to get caught up in my daily Bible reading that fell behind while on vacation and am still behind! Argh. I will get caught up this week. I love reading it every day, seriously. Right now each day provides part of Leviticus, Mark, Psalms, and Proverbs. Two of the (many, endless) verses that really hit home for me these past two weeks were Psalms 34 and Psalms 37. I'm tempted to copy and past them into here but I will let you look them up and read them yourself. I encourage you to. Psalm 34 really touched me last week. Psalm 37 really touches me this week. I've read all of Psalms before, but as I've noted previously it is amazing how the same scripture can affect you differently at different moments in your life even days, weeks, months apart. God is so good. He is my rock and my redeemer. I am ever amazed at how He works wonders, miracles, and blessings in my life. He is unfolding truths to me that I certainly didn't want to know nor seek to know, answering my prayers in ways I didn't know I needed, and lifting me from darkness. Praise God!

One last note as an addition to #5 is this quote I heard at my church, Ecclesia, last weekend when we had a guest pastor speak that ties in to my recurring sentiments on being patient in affliction, processing what life brings you thoroughly, and reflecting on the lessons it teaches you about yourself and others.

"Powerlessness is our greatest treasure. Don't try to get rid it. Everything in us wants to get rid of it. Grace is sufficient for you, but not something you can understand. To be in too big a hurry to get over our difficulties is a mistake because you don't know how valuable they are from God's perspective, for without them you might never be transformed as deeply and as thoroughly." - Thomas Keating, from his article in the June issue of The Contemplative Outreach news.

Food for thought.

I hope you enjoyed this Friday Favorites post. What was some of your favorites this past week? Any great shopping find, interaction, or moment stand out to you? I am wrapping this up early to rush out the door for my trip. I'm wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!!!

XOXO

Every Piece Fits

For fun: