Friday, November 17, 2023
What a week! I say that every week, but for different reasons. This week was long and sad because of my best friend’s dad passing away. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.
My first favorite is you all…
I didn’t post on Tuesday and then I think you could tell by my Wednesday post Coffee Talk that I have been feeling down and letting self-doubt creep in. Am I doing enough at home? I’m having trouble meal planning, prepping, cooking, cleaning, and just keeping up. Am I good enough at school? I am so frustrated by some decisions and lack thereof at work. I have people who make my job harder than it needs to be. Am I bringing anything new to the blogging world? Sometimes I feel so boring and redundant. Anyway, I didn’t put all of this into words on Wednesday, but your comments (I swear I wasn’t fishing!) made me feel better. Thank you.
Another favorite was how happy I think I made my friend and her husband when I brought some things…
I made mini muffins, french toast casserole, and fruit salad, and was able to pick up their sweet pup from the groomers. It’s fun having a dog in your passenger seat!
And now some some Aldi finds…
Also, check out Jen’s post on her Aldi finds here! It’s kind of like a Trader Joe’s haul post because she bought all things I have never bought and some I didn’t even know about! I am starting there for my Thanksgiving shopping this weekend. I am in charge of pie (Costco), potatoes, and a green salad for Tom’s side and then for my side Friday we are having a pasta bar.
I was using flavored K cups and doing my fat free half and half frothing routine, but the pumpkin coffee was no longer available, and the holiday creamers started coming out, so now I am frothing up a bit of this or another holiday creamer…
and it’s really good!
I also bought some of this to put on top of a regular coffee. I bet this would also be good on pumpkin pie!
Tom and I both liked this, but I only used half of the cheese packet. It seemed like it would have been way too cheesy with all of it.
I placed an Impress press on nail order that arrived on my birthday – so fun –
After letting my nails stay naked for about 3 days this time to give them a break, I applied “Pine for You” and it’s a really dark green. I love it! As I am writing this post, I am on day 5. So, since I started my press on journey again, I have had grey that lasted 7 days, black that lasted 8 days, and aqua green that only lasted 4 days. I still don’t know why the aqua started popping off, but my theory is that the sticky was old because I applied them the same way. I think you have better outcomes with trimming them and keeping them shorter, too. I didn’t notice that the set on the right was wider fit, and I don’t really need that, so I gave those to Erica because she has a wider nail bed.
The dark green “pine for you”:
Sunday Funday this week was a trip to Costco with Tom (he goes through protein shakes like you wouldn’t believe) and after we went to a new location of one of Tom’s favorites, Diorio’s Pizza.
I like that you can get one slice of pizza and I could only eat about half of it!
We also got salads and Tom got lasagna.
We also visited the Mexican grocery because I needed to get some prizes for school.
It’s always interesting to go there!
Sometimes running errands with your spouse is a “date” these days!
I am so happy to have a freezer!
One night I made this, and I loved it!
I added some of these mushrooms, but I think I like the mushrooms better on their own. I think it was the mix of the gorgonzola and the mushroom seasoning that I didn’t like. I have also used the mushroom medley for an omelette!
Each year, I try to get one peppermint mocha milkshake from Chick Fil A. Have you had one? They are so good!
They are out now, but I usually wait until mid-December!
Ernie seems to love the leaves! He always gets to roll around at the end of the walk!
A couple of organizations at school treated us to a Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday..
It was so good, but I needed a turkey nap and still had 3 classes to teach!
Whew – my faves were crazy and all over the place this week!
What were your favorites this week? I hope you had many!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
Oh you better believe I got my peppermint chip shake this week. So yummy. I look forward to it every year. Did you know I’ve been doing my own press on nails for over 13 years? I’ve got it down to a science and they last 2-3 weeks. Saves so much money. I was just thinking about making French toast casserole. Have a great weekend.
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Nice! I do, too. I did not know that – do you have a post on it? I would like to hear your tips. The French toast casserole would be great for the holidays!
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I will go back and read your Wednesday post! Amy, I love your blog as you are always so relatable and down to earth (funny too!) But I totally get what you mean about how you feel as I feel like that a lot! I also get frustrated with myself because I run out of time to read and comment on my favourite blogs like yours. There are never enough hours in a day and during this time of the year, I feel like I’m playing catch up and never catching up! Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend and I love your nails! xxx
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Oh, you might be bored! Yes – you put into words how I feel. I just want a little more work/life balance and more time at home. Thank you so much. I am at a point where I can retire but I am not sure that’s what I want. I wish I could go part time but that’s not really a thing. It’s very rare to get to do that as a high school teacher in the US.
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I enjoy your blog and it is the first blog I read of the day. Everything is so relatable. I am currently keeping a Nov spending diary and thinking of consigning my clothes. All because of you!
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Awww, you are too kind to say this and thank you for taking the time to say this! How are you finding the spending diary? It’s quite eye opening, no? Yes to consigning and having breathing room in your closet. I am loving having less – I feel like I have more!
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The spending diary has definitely been an eye opener. We are not big spenders on unnecessary items but the amount we spend weekly on essentials has been shocking. It adds up quickly.
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I don’t feel like we are either, but the little things add up.
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So sorry about Heather’s dad- she is lucky to have you as a friend!
My fave this week was Trader Joe’s greens kale and Brussel sprouts mix that I cooked up with some smoked sausage- it was so yummy!
Happy Friday!
PS Love the nails!
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Thank you! I’m sorry I had to cancel on you.
Oh – that sounds good and I will look for it. I need more green veggies in my life!
Thank you – your natural nails are so nice, but mine are not!
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Can you believe I have NEVER had a CFA milkshake of any flavor let alone peppermint? I swear I am going to try one sometime.
Your nails are going to be so festive, I love the colors you chose. I was thinking of getting dip nails before my trip but I doubt I will – since I leave tomorrow – ha! I need to try these but I have had such bad luck with any kind of press on/glue on.
I bet your friend not only appreciated the food but also the help with her dog. It’s those kinds of things that are really so helpful!
Have the best weekend!
xo,
Kellyann
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Do it this year! Ha! Their shakes are really good, but I probably have only had them a handful of times. I just don’t think about it except for the holiday one.
I would recommend you cut and file your nails short and leave them natural for Greece. I don’t even want to bring clippers, file, etc. Worst case scenario, you could always buy some if you need them.
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You are NEVER boring and always bring such great content to the blogging world- don’t doubt yourself! You manage a lot- follow the joy XO
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Aww shucks! Thank you for the boost. I am definitely feeling better!
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I didn’t realize that CFA has more peppermint drinks than just the milkshake! I like to get one peppermint milkshake as well, and like you, will wait until mid-December. In the meantime, I’m enjoying all the peppermint cream at home! That Aldi creamer looks amazing! I may need to try to find that. I’m so glad you’re feeling better, and that you were able to be such a helping hand to your friend. Doing things for others always boosts the spirit, right? I know that’s not why we do things, but it’s always a double blessing, for sure. My favorite from this week was Monday. I stayed home all day and watched Hallmark Christmas movies!
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I didn’t either! I’m a bit intrigued. I don’t go there often. I am really enjoying these seasonal creamers with my decaf k cup or with my regular Costco breakfast blend k cup.
I do find that I feel better when I help someone, so why don’t I feel amazing every second of my job because I am always helping! Ha!
What a treat to give yourself. I really love that!
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The food you made for your friend looked delicious and I’m sure very appreciated. Love seeing Ernie out and enjoying himself! I think we all have weeks where we feel out of sorts and doubting everything. Mine is this week! Anyway, I enjoy reading your blog! It seems the most real and relatable and I look forward to your posts each week. Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you! We do. I am feeling better and I hope you are, too. You are so kind to say that. Same to you!
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My girls love a brand of nails called DIOSA. They say they last longer than other brand they have tried. Right now they have found them at our HEB grocery stores. I’m hoping to find them somewhere else and I’ll let you know if I do! Have a great weekend!
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That means goddess in Spanish and that I am! Ha! I don’t have access to an HEB, but I would look into that brand! Thanks! Let me know if you find them elsewhere, too!
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I am so sorry to hear about your friends loss. Your nails look fabulous.
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Thank you and thank you. It was a hard day yesterday.
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I need to try those nails again. When I tried them before I somehow left a small gap between the nail and nail bed in one and it caused me to snag my hair whenever I was applying product or washing my hair. Oh man, I wish someone delivered lunch to us like you had! One less day to figure out lunch is a huge win! Work/life balance–always the struggle. I feel like on the weekends I do the same chores to keep the house clean week after week and I never get any projects tackled (like a dog chasing it’s tail) siggghhhhh
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Yes! You really do need to take the time to size each nail for each finger and then try to stick it as close to the cuticle without going over. I am not gonna lie, after I have had them on for 5-6 days, I do start to grab my hair a bit, but it’s not that bad and I am learning how to not run my fingers through so they do that. Right? It’s the little things like one day without a lunch worry!
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I’m so sorry you were feeling a little down. Keep on blogging the same way…your blogs is one of my faves and a must read! I love seeing all the little daily details. You are talking me into trying the Impress nails again. It would be fun for the holidays!
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PS. I tried the sweet potato gnochi and it was delish.
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I am really into sweet potatoes right now and will have to look for that! Yum!
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Thank you – I am feeling better. You are so kind to say that. I feel that same about yours and you. I feel like I have gotten to know you. If you do want to try the nails, go to their website rather than the store or Amazon. I filter for short length. Also, a blog reader said her daughters like Diosa brand at HEB? I don’t have an HEB, but I am going to look at Diosa.
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Love reading about your life and being real with us. I may have to put these nails on my Christmas list! A favorite of mine was having my daughter home. Enjoy your weekend!
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Thank you so much Marilyn. You should! I bet your daughters would like them, too. You too!
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I am so glad I found your blog, Amy, because it’s just like talking with a friend over a drink or two. That gnocchi looks yummy…Trader Joe’s? My nails are so frail…I wonder if these would be good for them.
Have a wonderful weekend!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Well aren’t you sweet to say that! Yes, it is Trader Joe’s. I went a little crazy with the frozen foods there – they do them so well! The nails might just work for you!
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I love the dark green. Your day date / errands with Tom looks fun. I can’t wait to get a peppermint milkshake. That’s a favorite this time of the year.
The pup looks so sweet. I’m sure your friends appreciates you so much. Have a great weekend.
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I’m really digging it and not sick of it yet. Thank you! I could have gotten one yesterday, but I wanted to wait until I felt a bit more Christmasy!
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The gorgonzola gnocchi is my favorite thing at Trader Joe’s. I prepare it then add edamame and prosciutto and it is the perfect meal. The rest of my family doesn’t like it so when I cook it, I have 3 meals normally and am very happy.
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OH good tips! I love the little pack of pancetta from Trader Joe’s and I wonder if that would be good, too? I am just discovering gnoochi, but I think this one is really good!
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After some online research I can only find them at HEB however some people are selling them on Mercari for around $4. I think you need some to keep up your goddess image 🤣
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I also looked and couldn’t find them!
I did use my 40% off coupon to order some holiday ones from the Impress website. I’m either an empress or a goddess either way!
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I don’t know. I would rather feel redundant than like every day is an insurmountable challenge LOL.
I think I’m going to make a trip to Aldi this week. Those finds look promising! Mostly because I want to go to Hobby Lobby and it’s right there. Maybe I’ll get crazy and go to Costco 🙂
*I* like your posts!
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Well thank you for that!
I hear so many teacher stories lately – my two sisters are drowning in elementary. Our system is so broken! I feel that I have it better in high school – maybe because Spanish is less micromanaged and tested?
Give yourself time with Aldi. The produce is hit or miss for me. They have an Italian loaf of bread (sliced) that makes excellent grilled cheese. Their havarti slices are great! All their cheeses are great. I hate going to multiple stores but I’ve seen the savings really pay off. You will find what you like, too. It takes time. I love the small size and the almost all self checkout, too. I like organizing my own bags.
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Back when grocery shopping wasn’t just a weekend checklist (pre-Sutton), I used to go to Aldi but it’s so hit or miss! And I always forget to take bags. The produce used to go bad really quickly at the one in PA.
Drowning is a good way to describe it! I hate to say I’m glad it’s just not us in my building who feel it. And it makes me feel better that every teacher I work with feels it too so I know I’m not making it up.
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