40th Birthday & Lisa's Memorial

TGIF, Shopaholics! The past few days have been a whirlwind around here. I've been all over this coast, and have experienced a wide range of emotions.

Thursday I drove over to Ocean Springs, MS for the memorial tribute to my dear friend Lisa, who many of you know as "Bumpkin On A Swing". The setting was beautiful - a huge tent outside at the home she shared with her Captain. The place was packed, it was obvious Lisa was well loved by her family, friends, co-workers, and the local community. You'll be pleased to hear that the Captain was holding up very well. He managed to speak at the service, and it was clear from his words the special relationship they had.

BFF Trish (of Pink Preppy Lilly Lover fame) and her DH were there also, and we sat for a while (in the swing, of course) and talked over Lisa's impact on our lives and what she meant to us. I truly felt blessed to have known Lisa, and to have been there for her life's celebration. Knowing that Trish and I will continue our wonderful friendship, and this hardship has created an even stronger bond, gave me a little comfort. Enjoy this photo of Trish and I - we were soooo hot outside. Unbelievable Gulf coast heat and humidity in August -what else can I say??? (other than yes, I desperately needed my roots touched up!) We love you and miss you, dear Lisa!

On Thursday I woke up and couldn't believe it - this day was finally here. I was the big "oh no, 4-0"! I really thought I'd be sad about it - the end of my 30's. However, my friend Lisa taught me a big lesson - embrace each day and live it to the fullest. She was only 40 when ovarian cancer took her life, so who am I to complain? Nothing in life is guaranteed. So I decided, the hell with a diet today, the hell with working out, and I would enjoy it.

I spent 3.5 hours of my birthday getting my locks highlighted (I couldn't believe I went to Lisa's memorial with my hair looking like that, no self respecting southern girl does that if she has a choice, but I had to pay my respects and my appointment from earlier this week was rescheduled). 

The DH and I went out for dinner at a local restaurant, The Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Bon Secour, AL.  And no, I don't eat oysters but I love all other types of seafood.  If you're ever down this way on vacation, you simply MUST visit them. The owners are friends of ours, and the food is amazing! 

Me and the Mr. after a huge meal and full bottle of red wine...

My hair looks much better, huh!?!?? :-) Disclosure: you are about to get very hungry!

Our Sauteed Crab Claw appetizer:

Naturally, the recipe isn't published but I honestly think the crab claws are steamed, and served in an alfredo sauce with a little "kick". Not pictured- the hot and crusty French bread we dipped into the sauce! :-)

Our entree was a huge Grilled Ribeye Steak, complete with Gouda Cheese Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes, with a side of remoulade sauce. Yes, everything is served with sauce. I told you - you might be hungry now! :-)

Thank you to my DH for making me feel like a princess, to my family and friends for your calls, emails, cards, gifts, blog comments, Facebook wall posts, etc. I truly enjoyed the day, and now that the anticipation of the day is over, life can move on!

Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend! Giveaways WILL continue on Saturday, as you can see, I'm a *wee bit* off course here. :-)

p.s. I plan a post later to show you some of my birthday loot...and special thanks to the DH who was quite annoyed by the food photographs. I believe he said "are you a tourist, or a local?" at least once....