Please Send Prayers

I've been MIA the last few days because my mom is very sick in the hospital. She's now in the ICU and it's touch and go. I'm worried and scared, yet trying to remain hopeful and optimistic.

I went into full Scarlett O'Hara-mode when this all started, trying to press forward and not think about the worst case scenario. But when I saw my dad break down today, I completely lost it.

So, all of you dear blogger friends, please say a prayer for my mom and my family. I'm hoping things will improve greatly over the next 24 hours.

Thanks,
Jen

OlovesM Bags

Just had to share this very cool line of purses that are not only fun and stylish, but eco-friendly…

OlovesM is a company based in Aspen, Colorado that makes purses out of reused materials: leftover scraps from the production of yoga mats. I found out about them while browsing Title Nine’s website, where they offer the Three Rs and Three Rs Mini bags from OlovesM. Go directly to OlovesM’s site for a look at their entire line of bags and other accessories. They also have a blog, information about how they give back to the community and great feedback from customers. And guess what? In addition to the company being based in Colorado, the purses are made there, too. Yay, USA!

So, if you’re into yoga, looking for a sporty and durable bag, or just seeking out another way to support the reuse-reduce-recycle movement, check out OlovesM.
Images courtesy of OlovesM

Summer Gear

Not sure about where you live, but it feels like spring took a quick exit and summer has arrived and settled in. It’s been in the high 80s, close to 90 degrees this week. Luckily, the pools open this weekend and our vacation is only 3 ½ weeks away – woo hoo!

So, with the warm weather I’ve been thinking about flip flops, sundresses, cute summery tote bags and other accessories that scream “It’s summer, baby!”

I love Eliza B flip flops. Stylish and comfy, you can customize your flips for a look that suits you to a “T.” Eliza B also carries items for that special guy in your life, such as needlepoint and hoof pick belts, among other items.

I’m old-school when it comes to the perfect summer tote for the pool and beach: L.L. Bean canvas Boat and Tote bag. The boat & tote withstands the test of time. I have a large navy and white one that we fill with towels, sunscreen, snacks, diapers, you name it. Although, I now wish I had ordered the extra long straps so that I could sling it over my shoulder.

As far as summer clothes, I love what Title Nine is featuring right now. I’ve been wearing my Title Nine yoga shorts a lot lately. I wish I had a job that allowed me to wear these types of clothes all of the time, or the fitness level and amazing life where I could actually be featured in one of their catalogs. You know what I’m talking about: “Julie is sporting our Hybrid Tunic. She is a brain surgeon, champion surfer, has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and in her spare time, volunteers at orphanages in third world countries.”

So, dear readers, what are you must-have accessories or clothing items for the start of the summer season?
Images courtesy of Eliza B, L.L. Bean and Title 9

Lost No More

I'm emotionally spent after last night's series finale of "Lost." Beautiful, poetic, elegiac. I'll miss it terribly. I know this may sound odd that I'm feeling this way about a television show, but I think it was like no other program in the history of television and nothing will ever come close again. Thought provoking, yet very entertaining, it was great escapism each week. I think we all need that now and then.

Cheers to the cast and producers. Thanks and I'll miss you.
Photo from ABC.com

The Best Barbecue - Who has it?

Okay, dear readers, I’m charging into controversial territory here…which part of the country has the best barbecue?

With Memorial Day coming up, friends and family will gather in backyards around grills and patios across the country to partake in good conversation, outdoor fun and plenty of food. Often, barbecue is on the menu. Many areas claim to have the best barbecue: Texas, Tennessee (Memphis specifically), eastern and western North Carolina, western Kentucky, just to name a few.

Personally, I like a vinegar-based barbecue, more North Carolina-style. There’s a little place in Duck, N.C., on the Outer Banks that has delicious barbecue. Hubby puts coleslaw on top of his barbecue sandwich, in traditional N.C. style.

In Kentucky, the city of Owensboro claims to be the barbecue capital of the Commonwealth, although, in my mind, the best barbecue can be found in the Paducah and Mayfield regions, my dad’s birthplace. It’s been many years since I had barbecue from that area, but I will never forget how good it was!

In Louisville, one of my favorite barbecue joints was Pepperwood, but it went out of business a few years ago. Fortunately, one of the co-owners took his smoker and is now selling his delicious food at the Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot. It’s a total dive and I won’t go in there by myself, but Hubby is brave enough to enter and order barbecue for take-out. The first time he went in there for take-out at 5 p.m., one man was calling a taxi because he was already too drunk to drive home; another man at the bar was talking about all of the pets he had accidentally killed. Umm, yeah. But, the barbecue is great!

So, I want to hear from you – where can you find the best barbecue?
Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Living and Garden & Gun

Happy Doors

I have some amazing news...we have a contract on our house!! The potential buyers came back with a great offer, more than we had hoped. And, they're willing to give us the time we need to move, given that the sellers of the house we are purchasing won't be out until the end of July. Thank you, God! Also, thanks to all of you who said prayers as well. All things happen for a reason and we are truly blessed to have received such an incredible outcome.

On a related note, the house we are buying features double front doors that are painted yellow. At first I wasn't sure that I liked them, but they've really grown on me. They remind me of the many colorful doors we saw while in Dublin. I call them the "happy doors," because they are such a cheerful color. I'm looking forward to welcoming people into our new home through those happy doors.

Have a great Thursday, everyone!
Photos courtesy of Dan Heller

Special Offer from Vera

Attention Vera Bradley fans: free shipping on purchases of $75 or more until May 23. Get on it!