Today's edition of Quick Takes is going to be entirely devoted to things that have been making me happy this week. Because it's a sunny Friday, because I like sharing recommendations, because why not?

1. Restyle Resale. This is a new women's consignment store in the North Albany shopping center. I like buying things second-hand, because I am cheap. But a lot of thrift stores are smelly and crowded and you have to sort through racks and racks of denim jumpers and polyester pants to find anything decent. This place, however, is devoted to fashionable women's clothing in like-new condition. The prices aren't Goodwill-cheap, but for the quality of the clothes they carry, they're very reasonable. Also, the shop is new and bright and clean and gorgeous. It's a lot like Second Glance in Corvallis. If you're a local, definitely check it out.

2. I saw this chicken sandwich recipe on PW Cooks this week, and knew immediately that I must try it. Chicken. Good bread. Dijon/apricot sauce. Spinach leaves. Yum. I made this on a day when my husband was out of town. And I fed my kids hot dogs, because they wouldn't have liked or appreciated it anyway. And I relished every bit of the sandwich and didn't have to share a bit with anybody. And it was so good I wished I'd made two.

The only changes I made were using whole wheat artisan bread instead of sourdough, and melting a slice of Romano cheese over the chicken breast. Because I like cheese. Oh, and I didn't have apricot preserves so I used marmalade. Still--delicious. Definitely a keeper.

3. This apron from Buy Olympia, a site I like that sells quirky little gifts and art and stuff.


How cute is that? I love it.

4. Oh, and this shirt too!



It cracks me up. (Question: Would I look totally ego-centric if I wore a shirt with "Hotness" across the front?)

5. Talent show! Beth made it in with her comedy act. Seriously, this kid is funny. If you want to hear a fabulous selection of knock-knock jokes and cheesy riddles, she's your girl.

6. Wings of Wonder. OK, slightly corny name, but cool place. It's a butterfly museum/garden place that I went to on a field trip with Beth's kindergarten class. You get to walk around in a big beautiful greenhouse with gorgeous butterflies swooping all around you. It's really cool.



7. Hmmmm....apparently I only have six good things to share with you. Time to pull out the cheater's way of coming up with a number seven: asking for reader response! Readers--what fun things have you stumbled upon this week? Recipes, funny videos, good books, whatever. Please share. YOU can be a part of making this post even more awesome than it already is.

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