Dealing with stress, visiting a friend...

This week I've been so stress about everything!
You know money, work, classwork, crazy drivers and thinking about what lays ahead for my family and even for the planet!

My high stress level only lasted a few days; I chose to move on and don't let it get any further down the path of listening to R.E.M. "Everybody Hurts" or Radiohead "Paranoid Android" over and over.

I was also thinking about my lovely and strong friend Shefali's ordeal and the difficult situation that she is dealing with. You see, about a month and a half ago her house burned down and she lost almost everything. Thank god she and her daughter were out of the townhouse when the fire occurred.
Shefali wrote an amazing post on this matter to express her sadness on the lost of part of hers and her daughter's history. Items that are irreplaceable because of their emotional connection or because they were made for her by her love ones.

Shefali is staying at Judith's house (whom is also a good friend of mine) while her townhouse is getting repair. We went to visit her about 3 weeks ago to chat a bit, let the girls swim in the lake and have a bite to eat.

Judith's house is an adorable style cottage in one of the best neighborhoods in Ft Lauderdale.
This is part of her very large backyard.

A plant with yellow leaves have to be included to add to the sunny elements of the post.
At least this is what I told myself!

The backyard has a variety of palm trees and even banana trees; right by the lake.

This was the view to the left of us as we sat at the house pier and checked on the girls while the swam in the lake.

Here they are; out two fresh water mermaids!!!

It was a gorgeous and breezy South Florida day and we felt very lucky to be outside enjoying it even if my sunglasses were not helping keep the sun out of my eyes at all.

This is at Panera Bread; by now you know of my light fixture obsession!
I love the modernity, simplicity and hues of yellow in this one.

Panera Bread is within a few minutes of drive from the house and Shefali was so generous to takes us there for lunch.

To visit and chat with my Indian friend I wore:
A made in India XOXO long skirt wore as a dress, thrifted the same week at my favorite Salvation Army Store.
Mossimo, made in Vietnam jacket, thrifted from the same store about 6 months ago.

The Rocket Dog sandals were a present from my mom.
The belt belongs to youngest daughter.
The green purse has no name tag and I think I got it at Marshalls or JCPennys long time ago.
Bracelets from Steinmart and thrift stores.

All necklaces are from  thrift stores and consignment shops and were all purchased on their half price day.

Today my coworkers are celebrating my birthday with a abundant festive lunch (its a late celebration because we were all so broke).  Later on tonight we are also having our work holiday party.
Saturday I'm going to my niece's game, my daughter thespian competition, my oldest daughter is coming home and I was invited to a Broward Symphony concert at 8:00 p.m.


I hope that you all have a great weekend and even greater week,