My Favorite Finds Friday

It's Friday, y'all!  This week has been a total blur, and I think I may have lost a few days in the middle there.  I'm not even entirely sure how that happened,; because I really wasn't all that busy.  But no matter... with the exception of some grocery shopping tomorrow, my big plans for the weekend consist of sitting for too long, watching too much Netflix, lots of crochet, and painting my toe nails a bright Spring-ish color.

But first... Here are a few of my favorite discoveries from the past week:

Fashionable Romance at Biltmore

This new exhibition at the Biltmore Estate appeals to me on so many levels by combining history, romance, costume design, and Biltmore.  Featuring wedding dresses and attire from popular films throughout the house as well as a special display with a recreation of Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil's wedding gown and the actual wedding veil worn by Jackie Kennedy and her cousin Mary Lee Ryan (Who married the grandson of George Vanderbilt).  The exhibition runs through July 4.

Photo credit:  Indulgy.com

Speaking of historical fashions: When I saw this exquisite Edwardian Era "bumblebee gown" on Pinterest, I became a teeny tiny bit obsessed.  Edwardian fashion AND bumblebees?  Yes, Please!!

And while we're sorta, kinda on the subject...  if you're wondering what to do with yourself now that Downton Abbey is over, I recommend the above series from the Smithsonian Channel to scratch your Anglophile itch.  I didn't exactly discover it this week, but it seems to fit pretty well with the theme I've got going here. It showcases some of the real life American heiresses married to land-rich,money-poor English aristocracy in the late 1800's  and early 1800's.  Aka - the inspiration for Downton's Lady Grantham.  I have been watching full episodes on the Smithsonian Channel website and quite enjoying it!

And while you're at it... You might as well read the book behind the show (because: the book is always better, right?)

To Marry An English Lord

And there you have it.  If you enjoy history, costume design, romance, Downton Abbey, Anglomania, uber-wealthy Americans, or reading - I've got you covered!  You're welcome.

Have a wonderful weekend.

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And Then It Was Friday ...

I can't quite remember the last time I was this happy to see a weekend beginning.  I mean, I always look forward to the weekend because it means I have the Man of the House at home for two whole days.  And this time of year, it means lazy Sunday afternoons in front of the television watching football.  But this past week was a real doozy  and I am especially glad to be leaving it in the rear view mirror.  Here are a few of the highlights and lowlights:

Lack of Sleep: 
Which I feel I covered rather thoroughly here. Leaving the only thing left to say to be how despite two good night's sleep I still find myself fighting the urge to nod off.  An afternoon nap this weekend will do me a world of good.

Downton Abbey:
Yes, I am several years behind trend on this one.  But when I pulled my all night work-fest I finally got around to watching most all of the first season.  And I find myself quite smitten with that family of snobby Brits and their servant type peoples.

A Mother's Worries:
Nothing quite sets a mother's heart racing like receiving a message from the local Sheriff's department that her child's school, as well as the middle school next door, is on lock down with one suspect in custody.  Can you say "freaking out"?  Fortunately I was able to text with the male offspring and get his assurance that all was well.  They weren't even sure what was going on except that they were on "hard lockdown" and it was not a drill.  Apparently an emergency call was made to the authorities because of a woman on campus with a gun.  The lockdown was initiated and school resource officers apprehended her in the parking lot.  The lockdown could not be lifted until they did a full safety sweep of the schools and both parking lots. By noon the male offspring sent me a text to let me know it had been lifted.

All's Well That Ends Well:
I have to give credit to the school staff, the resource officers, and the local Sheriff's office who responded quickly and kept our children safe.

Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup:
Since I discovered this recipe on the Pinterest last year and made it for my family it has been one of our favorites.  In fact, several family members have declared it to be the best soup they have ever eaten. ( one of those members might be me) It is creamy, flavorful and de-li-cious!  Best of all, it's made in the Crockpot with minimal fuss.  A perfect meal for a cool, rainy autumn evening!

And that about covers it.  Another week in the record books (or something like that).

Right now, I believe I will take advantage of this rainy afternoon by making a cup of tea and seeing what the Dowager Countess has to say about her family's latest shenanigans.

Have a great weekend y'all!

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