Start Spreading the News....

Sorry I haven't posted in the past few days... I am in New York City!!! I'm on a mother/daughter trip with my darling mother. While I'm here, I spent the night with my BFF who is also the author of 400 Square Feet and one of the TOP designers in New York! She works in the magazine industry and in designing and staging. She can transform a dump into a palace! When I arrived at her chic New York apartment, I was greeted by this:


How does she think of these things? She left me some New York favorites including a New York red apple, some really good chips, gourmet cookies, and a darling note on a stump. LOVE IT! We had the most fabulous dinner at the Standard Hotel. Then we walked around the Meat Packing District and had a drink at Budakan. If you haven't read Frances' blog, then you are missing out and need to stop everything and click NOW.

My other dear buddy lives here too and just happens to be the famous trainer to the stars, Joel Harper. Joel also happens to be pretty easy on the eyes.. He literally works out all day every day while training others. He met us for dinner last night, and the women at our table fought over him. I just love Joel. You will love his website,



So, get moving and visit these 2 sites! You'll be so glad you did! I'm off to see the CITY!

Frances

Don't you just love old pictures? Frances & I have been friends since childhood. We've had the best time seeing each other the past few days. Laughter has filled the air. We have so much to talk about; there is not enough time:) The above picture was in high school when we went on a trip to Alexandria, Virginia.

Here we are at Homecoming our Senior year. I loved my convertible fiat. Frances was on the Homecoming Court.

We were so excited to graduate! Watch out world, here we come!!!

Make new friends, but keep the Old

Today my best friend from childhood is coming for a visit. I am so excited that my tummy is all jittery!! We have not had a few days together in several years. Most of our visits in our adult life have been spent sharing time with her niece and nephews and my 5 children, which is delightful but doesn't allow for a conversation to be finished. We hardly finish our subjects anyway before jumping to the next because we have so much to talk about when we see each other. Frances lives in NY but we grew up together in NC. We think each other is "HA-larious" (I know it's spelled with an "i") and so we laugh and laugh when we're together. I can't wait. This old girl could use some laughs!! Frances' life is full of adventures around the world and mine is full of adventures around the washing machine and toilet. We appreciate our differences and just love to be together. Frances and I have been encouraging each other in our faith for years. Sometimes we don't agree on politics and other things but I always admire her stance on things. Frances doesn't just pick a position and talk loudly about it. She lives her life that way. She has the biggest servant's heart of anyone I know, the kind that serves behind the scenes where no one even knows. I admire that. I struggle with serving but wanting everyone to applaud me and pat me on the back. She's just not that way.
Tonight we'll enjoy dinner out and come back and laugh at the Bachelor or just each other. We'll enjoy long walks on Bayshore, looking at all of Tampa's gorgeous homes, and time by the pool. I am so thankful for ALL of my friends. Time spent with them is a true joy, and I know the next few days will be no exception! I'll try to find a picture to post of us:).

BEST new blog!

I am here to tell you that I have great news!! There is a FABULOUS blog written by the Deputy Style Editor of Country Living Magazine, Frances Bailey. Frances shares the sights and sounds of New York City with decorating tips, festive ways to entertain, and her fantastic sense of humor. You are going to just LOVE this blog!! Hurry on over and be one of the first followers at 400 Square Feet. I can't wait to hear what you think!!