5 Favorites on Friday, and One More Thing...

Happy Friday! The rain has temporarily stopped this week in the PNW, and everyone is out and about due to what we call a "Sun break." My list of 5 favorites is quick this week because I have something else on my mind. Here are my favorites this week:

1. Beautiful sunrises
2. Walks on sunny days
3. Reading on a lounge chair in the sun
4. Not having to wear layers since the sun is hot
5. Sipping a cocktail on a deck or patio watching the sunset with my hubby

Do you see a pattern? I love sunshine! I love warm weather! I might not live in the right state...

That mountain, in all it's glory in the photo above, is one of the reasons we put up with some rainy days months. Forecasting the weather in the Seattle area is challenging. Each day normally has many different types of weather; showers, cloudy, rain, wind, sun breaks, and sometimes...sunshine!

Having returned from a get-away to Arizona last week with my hubby, I noticed that people dress according to where their habitat is, so let's talk fashion...

Shorts? Here people wear them pretty much all year 'round, but usually when it's 60 degrees or above. Back where I grew up in Indiana, kids couldn't wear shorts to school unless it was 80 or above.

Down jackets? Yes, in Chicago and Indianapolis (our former hometowns) people normally wear them in the winter. Here? Basically if the sun isn't out and the temp is low 50's or below, many are pulling on a puffy coat. It just feels colder here due to the dampness. Chicago has "Lake-effect" wind chill... we have "Ocean/Puget Sound/clouds~effect" coldness. 

Tank tops? I was one of the few people at the Scottsdale outdoor mall wearing one. It was sunny and low 70's. Most locals had on long sleeves or sweaters. (I was a bit chilly, but by golly I was on vacation and I'd packed "hot weather clothes!) Let it be noted that I often wear sleeveless tops under sweaters in case I have my own mini "Tropical vacation" due to being a certain AGE.

And one more thing... I love weddings and love being married. I do however, think we should have added another vow.

When the bride and groom are saying their vows it's not just "for better, for worse." What about "in sunshine and in rain..." When you get married there is never a promise that the sky will always be blue and that evenings will be cocktails on the deck. Sometimes it's stomping through puddles and mud in the park walking the dog. (There was that one fun Saturday when we participated in our town's "Sip and Stroll.)

I am a MUCH more content person when the climate is sunny and warm. Candles and coffee became popular in the Seattle area for a reason; we need warmth people!! Until my next get-away, or until Mid-summer when our weather here is spectacular, I will do my best to appreciate each day no matter what the weather is doing. I'm praying the Lord will help me have the attitude of your apostle Paul.

 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 NIV

Smiling in the sun...

Smiling in the rain...

No matter the weather, we enjoy being together...

Do you mind the rain? Enjoy your weekend friends!

In His Grip,

Jane

5 Favorites on Friday

Happy Weekend Friends!   I am snuggled on the couch with a fire and my doggie watching a "guilty pleasure" show which shall remain unnamed while my frozen pizza bakes. 

Here are 5 of my favorite things:

Main & Vine: Our town recently got the Kroger flagship store called Main & Vine. It's a health food market. It features a coffee shop that serves beer and wine. It's become quite the popular spot to meet for lunch. I like their fresh displays, $5 Sushi Tuesdays, frozen fast meals to go, samples with recipes, decor, salads, and more! Have you been yet? It's a bit like if Whole Foods and Trader Joe's married and had a baby... Their tag line: "This is Main & Vine…where eating healthy is a way of life."

Scandaleyes gel eyeliner: Although I'll spend a bit more for certain cosmetics, when it comes to eyeliner I like it cheap. I've tried Elf brand and this time I bought the one from Rimmel London. I like using a little brush so much better than a pencil which can hurt and is harder to get smooth and even. I use brown for everyday and black for nighttime. 

My new slip-on sneakers: I've admired the shoes on a blogger I follow ( The Middle Page) and I clicked on a link she had. Yay! Loft had a sale on the Leapard print slip-on sneaks and even though it was a final sale (aka can't be returned) I placed my order and am happy to say they're fit and are comfy! I love great deals that work out!

Good customer service: Thank you Stitch Fix for offering to pay my next styling fee when you discovered how underwhelmed I was with my shipment. Thank you Peace Water Winery for shipping us a special bottle of wine since they accidentally forgot to fill our winter order. As a sales person at Charlie Barnes who always tries to give good customer service, I appreciate companies that give it too!

This song: Francesca Battistelli's song, If We're Honest is one I love listening to. Why do we try to keep our hurts or depression to ourselves instead of just being real? 

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Have a good weekend! I am counting down the minutes until I get to escape the rain and head south for a holiday in Scottsdale, Arizona with my hubby.

In His Grip, 

Jane

I am SO not regular in my blogging...thank you for putting up with me!