Jack Rogers or Bonannos?

I’ve always loved the look of Navajo sandals made famous by Jack Rogers of Palm Beach. But, then there is the Bonanno sandal, pretty much identical to JRs, which are very popular as well. So my fashionista friends, if you have these sandals or are in-the-know, is there a difference between Jack Rogers and Bonannos?

They’re pretty close in price, although Bonannos are about $10 to $15 more than the basic Jack Rogers sandal.

Here's Jacqueline Kennedy sporting Jack Rogers on a Grecian holiday. Hey, if they were good enough for Jackie...

Perfect shoes to sport around a beach-side town. My birthday is coming up - may need to send a gentle reminder to Hubby. Not that he needs a reminder because we have the same birthday. But, more like a suggestion, such as "Hey, these are the shoes I want for my birthday. How 'bout it?"  Too subtle?

Happy Thursday, friends. The weekend will soon be here!
Images from the Associated Press

Summer State of Mind

Happiness is the beach.

In the not-too-distant future, we shall make our annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks. I've been dreaming about lazy days by the water, sand between my toes, the smell of sun tan lotion, the sound of the waves crashing, cocktails at dusk and daily naps.

Thanks to those of you who provided feedback on the Scout bags. I ended up going to a local boutique and walked away with the largest-of-the-large, the Scout Four Boys. The young woman at the store said it's very popular for the beach and the pool. But, as I put it on my shoulder again last night, full of towels, it just dwarfs me (I'm only 5'2 as it is). I can see where it got it's name - I think you could fit four actual boys in it. So, maybe I'll head back today and exchange it for the next size down.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, friends. Our pool opens tomorrow, so I hope to put my feet up, soak in the sun and slip into a summer state of mind. (And, yes, I'll be reading book two of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series by the pool. Don't judge me!)

Images from tumble.neimanmarcus.com and designismine.blogspot

'Scouting' for Summer Totes

Has anyone ever purchased a Scout bag? Are you pleased with it?

I'm looking for a new beach/pool bag that will carry our many towels, sunscreen, toys, etc. I like the look of them, but I wonder about their durability, since they're not canvas. Also, what size would you recommend? The Original Deano? Is it big enough? Rather than ordering online, perhaps I need to visit a local shop that carries them. Thanks in advance for any consumer info you can provide!

Can you believe Memorial Day is almost upon us and that the pools will soon be open?? My daughter's last day of school was yesterday - where did her first grade year go? It all goes by crazy-fast.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Image from bungalowco.com

Loss

Last week, I told you of our friend, Jim, who has been battling cancer. Jim passed away yesterday afternoon, surrounded by his family. We can take comfort in knowing he went peacefully and is no longer suffering.

Thank you again for your prayers. We'll continue to pray for his wife, son, mother and sister, as well as his extended family and friends. I don't know how to make heads or tales of why this happens. All we can do now is pray for the ones left behind.

Image from urbantimes.com

Fifty Shades of Grey

So, I finally finished "The Hunger Games" trilogy. Even though it's young-adult fiction, I couldn't put it down. Great series of books. Now, I have to find time to see the movie (and, yes, I'm still Team Peeta).

My book club's next read?

Oh. My. God.

Have you read it? Thoughts? Probably difficult to share in a blog forum such as this. I'm about half-way through. Again, OMG.

Universal Pictures has acquired the film rights to the trilogy and now the buzz is about who will play Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Ever since I saw a number of the suggestions on various media sites, I've concluded that these two need to play Christian and Ana:

Henry Cavill

Elizabeth Olsen

There you go.

Images from Amazon, Vanity Fair and screenrant

Thoughts and Prayers for Jim

Dear friends, please keep a friend of ours and his loving family in your prayers. I've known Jim for several years, having worked with him at a television station and then when he started his own graphic design business.

His valiant battle with cancer is about to come to an end. He's in the ICU now, experiencing renal and heart failure. The priest is there and aunts and uncles have been called in from near and far. Jim is only 42.

He is such a fun guy and I enjoyed getting to know him and his wife over the years. She and I were pregnant with our first children at the same time, after both struggling to start families. Miss E and Mr. J. are our miracle babies. To see her go through this is heartbreaking, as is the thought of a 7-year old losing his daddy. But, Jen has come to terms with this, as has Jim's mom. They don't want for him to be in any more pain and are preparing to let him go with God.

I know you are a supportive community of bloggers and readers, so I thank you in advance for thoughts and prayers you send to this family. God bless, Jim.

Image property of the Montgomery Family, via Facebook.

The Big 5

Happy 5th birthday, Little Man. We love you!

Image property of A Place to Dwell blog