Favorite Things Friday

It's Friday again already?  Wow.  As always, linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk Blog!

1. The sky outside my new apartment's balcony during a storm is wicked. Seriously. Every single time it storms I wish I were a real photographer so I could capture the moment accurately.

2. Living downtown and walking to work means no more "I'll just stop at the store for x, y, and z" on the way home from work. At least, not in the car. I've eaten at Shorty's, Lexington's downtown grocery store, but I've never shopped there until yesterday. It's so convenient, they have everything I could ever need, and the prices are surprisingly comparable to the chain stores, especially when figuring in the time and gas savings.

I had also never been to their wine shop before yesterday and I will definitely be back. Excellent prices (most bottles under $20!), helpful staff, and wine tastings every Thursday. I think they just created a repeat customer!

3. The walk to and from work every day is a "favorite thing" unto itself. Even though it's hot, it is so nice to start my morning and end my day with a walk. I'm walking at least 1.5 miles every day (for people who actually work out, I am aware this isn't much, but I'm not one of those people) through the greatest neighborhoods. The old part of downtown, complete with a park, then into the entertainment district, passed the courthouse, and finally to my building.

For anyone not in Lexington, keep in mind that's only about a 6 block walk. It's just that downtown has some distinct areas and I'm lucky to go through all of them!

4. The blog redesign is a huge favorite. I think most of the glitches are worked out - at least the biggest ones - and I am loving the clean design that my friend Lindsay created. It's obvious that she knows me well because the blog is very "me" now. It matches my every day design style and I love that! What do you think? Do you like the redesign?

5. Five is still a secret to all but my real life, close friends. Could I just come up with something else to make a favorite instead of holding a place for this one? Yes. But when the secret is the absolute favorite thing going on in my life right now, it's worth leaving you all hanging.