5 on Friday Link-Up!

I'm thrilled that it's Friday, and therefore time for another 5 on Friday Link-Up!

I do hope you'll join Darci, Natasha, Christina and me on this FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!  Here's what I'm loving this Friday.

...1...
Wait -- you mean it wasn't summer already?  But what about that string of days in the mid-to-upper 90s where we were just dying of heat?  Oh.  That was apparently spring!  Now that it's summer, I'm even more excited about weekend plans -- weddings, engagement parties, lake weekends, and hopefully just a few free weekends to lay on the couch at home with the AC blasting.  Speaking of the first day of summer, did you know it's National Wear Your Lilly Day?  I've got one of my favorite shirts ready!

...2...
Yesterday was quite a treat -- after wrapping up a meeting with a client down in Columbia SC (my hometown), I was able to meet Mom out for lunch before heading back to the office!  We met at Lizards Thicket, which any South Carolina girl will know about and vouch wholeheartedly for!  This locally-owned "meat and three" chain is one of the things I miss most about living in Columbia.  Mom and I had an awesome time having lunch together.  Such great chats.  And it goes without saying that my mac & cheese, fried okra, and green beans (oh! and cornbread) were absolutely incredible.  A splurge that was worth it.

...3...

Patio beautification time!  We are having our patio painted today and I couldn't be more excited.  We are changing it from a beige/stone color to a medium gray.  I can't really imagine yet what it will look like, but I'm excited for a change! 

...4...

Tomatoes ... I'm growing them!  Actually growing them! I promised Ian that this would be the "year of the tomato" and so far my plants are doing awesome.  I've got them growing and green, now just time for them to turn red and ripe!  I also have some onions planted at the base of the tomato plants that you can see below.

...5...
This kitchen.... ooh la la!  I truly think this one picture probably sums up my perfect room.  We are not looking to move any time soon, but if and when we do, I think this will be my number one inspiration pic.

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via April on Pinterest

Your turn -- link up your 5 on Friday here!
(and PS - many, many congrats to my fellow 5 on Friday co-host Natasha, who had her beautiful baby girl Carson last Saturday!  Check this post for details!)