Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

It’s Wednesday and that means it’s time to link up with Joyce for the Hodgepodge. It is Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of the Lenten season. Yesterday was Mardi Gras which means “Fat Tuesday” as it’s the last day of Carnaval in many countries. The time to party is over as they move into the six weeks leading up to Easter.

You didn’t miss my post yesterday; I had a rare case of writer’s block and a really busy day on Monday.

Louisville is a big Catholic city and when Tom first moved here from Eastern Kentucky, he thought someone had a dirty forehead on Ash Wednesday and told him he needed to wipe it off.

The Catholics eat fish on Fridays and churches hold big fish fry events. Many restaurants do fish specials. My old teacher next door neighbor made frozen truffle mac and cheese every Friday, and it smelled horrible all down the hallway!

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

I did not grow up in a church that asked us to give something up or add something to our life for Lent. I have done the “40 Bags in 40 Days” challenge as an adult – you list forty spaces in your home to declutter and gather a “bag” to donate or throwaway in each of the spaces.

I made my first gumbo yesterday for Mardi Gras. Tom loves gumbo and misses his favorite Cajun restaurant that closed.

2. Pancakes…are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

I am a savory breakfast person, but my best friend always suggests ordering a “dessert pancake with chocolate chips” for the table. I do like a sweet bite after eating! If I did order them, I would do plain or chocolate chips most likely.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt ‘spread too thin’. 

Teaching last year! There is just so much to do as a teacher. I visited my school for the first time since June 4th on Monday. It was a teacher day so I got to see my old department and some office staff. I didn’t wander the whole building.

4. What’s your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

I love bright pink as you can see above. Other than that, you see lots of black and white and patterns.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

I’m not sure if I am interpreting this question correctly but managing people is really hard. I do think I have an authoritative tone, and I have a voice that projects to get attention when needed. But, after that, I don’t think people respond well to yelling. I like clear concise directions without repetition. People respond better when they feel free to make choices and not like they are stuck, if that makes sense.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was not “allowed” to go to my school until after October 1st (3 months after official retirement date in the state of KY).

I was waiting for a teacher workday to go visit and Monday was my first opportunity. I was worried about how I would feel, but I felt great. I felt like that chapter was closed and I was not sad at all to not be a part of it anymore. I wasn’t able to go in my classroom as the teacher who now uses it was absent and I didn’t ask to have it unlocked or anything. Now, it may have felt different with students there, but it didn’t on a teacher workday!

A few people asked me about subbing, but I just don’t want to do an 8-hour day right now and it might be too soon to do that anyway. One of the reasons I retired was because I didn’t want to be out of the house for so long anymore so my next gig would have to be shorter and much more flexible.

What would you say to any of these questions?

Amy

Monday, February 16, 2026

And, just like that, Valentine’s Day is behind us! Let’s link up with Holly and Sarah to share!

Last Wednesday I had my second dose of the Shingles vaccine, so I didn’t plan much for Thursday until well over 24 overs after the dose. I had no problems with the first dose other than a very sore arm. I am happy to report the second one was fine, too. I drank tons of water, electrolytes, and a probiotic soda. I again had/have a very sore arm and a big bruise, too. My sister got actual Shingles this summer and she was miserable. She had only just turned 50 and had not gotten the vaccine yet.

Do you remember my pink consignment pants I got this winter? I put this outfit together for a Thursday night Galentine’s event.

All the stores in the shopping center where the event was held were open late and there was some free swag at many of the stores.

There was so much spring stuff out!

Puppies up for adoption:

And, a random lady with two baby goats?

I went with my friend Jessica and we ended the evening at Steak and Bourbon at the bar and I got a delicious lemon drop martini:

The famous butter candle has experienced “shrinkflation”. Now it’s only 3 rolls instead of 4.

We had some spinach and artichoke dip, too. We called this girl dinner. That’s the only thing I bought while out!

Friday morning the clouds were so fluffy and pretty. Eddie Otis and I walk every morning before I get ready for the day. I listen to podcasts or talk on the phone.

We had 40s and 50s and a lot of sun but there were still so many patches where the sun hadn’t hit.

I had a Kroger pick up for my Valentine’s meal. Look at that blue sky!

And, I had a Target pick up and did a drive-up return for the first time. I ordered a “set” that I didn’t love on me that I returned, and I picked up a darling sweater. I still want a set, but the pants were too long, and the sweatshirt was too cropped. It was a very nice scuba material but $70 for a Target set seems like too much. The sweater is so cute! I hope it softens up a bit after the first wash. I still want a set and might try Aerie.

Friday I had no other plans other than a friend stopping by to drop something off for Tom. Tom had helped their daughter with her internship application in architecture. I also had to start my Valentine’s red cabbage.

I decided to put on my cherries shaped like hearts with bows tee.

My probiotic soda in my lobster glass:

When my friend arrived she wanted to sit on the porch and I made us the best drink if I do say so and even better in the heart glasses, no?

She is a dog whisperer and when EO barked she did a trick on him and it worked!

We chatted for quite a while and it was really nice. I miss having my patio hangs!

For dinner, I decided to do my Trader Joe’s blooming onion from the frozen section – meh, I won’t buy it again.

I even made the sauce.

veg, twice baked potatoes, and fake chicken minis (idea from Jen) with Bare nugs and Sister Schubert’s:

Valentine’s coffee in my Love mug:

I tried to make Tom heart toast. You press your fingers to form a heart and then toast it. MIne does not look like the example!

I finished this – very cute and fans of The Bachelor would enjoy!

I decided to start this, and I was even able to read outside a bit!

I went to Haymarket to see what they had for Valentine’s Day:

Then, Tom and I ran a couple of errands together. It started raining late afternoon and I had to get serious about my meal!

I had marinated the red cabbage for 30 hours at this point and then it had to cook for 1.5 hours.

This is the Ziguener schnitzel sauce:

Pork schnitzel:

Tom’s favorite German meal! I did it!

Our other Valentine had a face-off with Tom because he wasn’t getting enough attention!

Sunday Tom took Eddie Otis to Home Depot after his walk:

I went to Trader Joe’s for a few things and brought home white hydrangeas for my mantel:

I put my V Day away and put up my St. Patrick’s Day, but I swear I have more! I can’t find it. I do usually find green books to add.

It rained but some snow is still holding on. The big piles of dirty snow are still in the parking lots and still taking up parking spots.

It was so nice to see my rain chain going like crazy:

Yup, I managed to read a bit:

I told Tom I was reading the sequel to “The Last Thing He Told Me” and asked if he watched the show with me. By the way, season two starts on February 20 which might be this book? He wanted to know if the sequel was called “The Next to the Last Thing He Told Me”.

After all of my cooking Saturday and heating things up on Friday, I was done. We had mediterranean for dinner last night!

How was your weekend?

Amy

Friday, February 12, 2026

Let’s link up with Andrea and Erika to share the week’s faves.

Tomorrow is V Day, of course. I am making dinner at home for Tom. I asked if he wanted to know what the menu was or be surprised and he said “surprise” and I asked if he wanted to cook with me and he said “yes, like in the movie Ghost” and so I turned him down because I couldn’t imagine him behind me holding the wooden spoon with me. I am making his favorite German dish that translates to “gypsy schnitzel” and red cabbage that has to be started 24-48 hours before serving. What have I gotten myself into?

Sunday, I took myself through a psychedelic car wash. This is the only time I wish I took drugs.

I thought it would be safe to get the nasty snow/ice gunk off my car since the weather would be turning – which would be my fave of the week! How dependent is my mood on the weather and sun – turns out, quite a bit.

Trigger warning…

Do you remember me doing the foot booties “baby foot” thing?

I know – why would you? Well, you wait 7-10 business days and then you start to molt. I know some of you want to see this. If you don’t, I want you to scroll quickly to a photo of my friend Katie and I, ok?

I warned you…

I feel like now is the time to do this before sandal season.

I had a fun day on Tuesday with my friend Katie who is my high school friend Jim’s wife. We consignment shopped, ate salad, and chatted for several hours! Read yesterday’s post for more details.

I loved my salad!

I made bourbon chicken Monday night and it turned out great but I need to always double or triple the sauce part of Asian recipes.

I made lemon spinach orzo with chicken Tuesday night and I loved it. Why don’t I made more orzo? I linked the recipe I kind of used. I only did about 1/2 c. heavy cream and I didn’t have any parm and I added lemon (freshly squeezed) so I did change it up quite a bit. It was lighter the way I did it.

I bought the Trader Joe’s ready made lemon chicken and this made it super easy!

My hyper-fixation brunch as the kids would say. I roasted my sweet potato cubes on Monday and then added Amylu chicken sausage, did my Pyrex egg mixture and added avocado.

By Tuesday afternoon this is what it looked like. It had been over 2 weeks since we had seen any green or an almost clear back deck:

I needed some new products and tried this – love, love, love the smell. It might be a men’s product but I like it for me.

The new thing in shampoo is “bond repair” and I like these pretty well. I have decided to stop decanting into my bottles because they just don’t fit the shelves very well. I felt I was wasting some product, too.

I just think he looks so cute like this:

He seems to know which is his newest toy – Octo:

I guess I do one of these a day now. I love these!

This neck light is what has helped me to read more this winter. I love it. Tom loves getting blinded by it nightly.

Currently reading this and I’m laughing out loud at some of the parts!

I tried to read outside for a minute this week but EO was barking at who knows what.

I hope I’m not stepping on any toes here – no pun intended – but what in the Steve Madden is he thinking giving a woman literal “camel toes”. I have so many questions. I can’t look away. Which toes go where?

What if you walk through a room full of confetti and the pieces get stuck between the camel toes?

Happy Friday to you!

Amy

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Welcome to the most fashionable day on the blog!

Did you ever wear a “dickey” in the 80s or 90s?

They are now calling them “fake collars” but I enjoy the word “dickey”. Look at the Amazon dickey offerings! My teaching colleague when I was 28 and I always talked about dickeys but I can’t remember why. Here me out – the dickey could be the perfect thing for the menopausal woman. The menopausal woman can’t handle a full on shirt situation!

Also, do you ever put a button down/up on under a sweater and feel that it is too bulky? Do you have issues with the cuffs? Step right up and buy yourself a dickey!

Did I sound like an infomercial? That is what I was going for. Because I am the most dedicated amateur blogger out there, I have ordered a three pack of dickeys just for the cause.

I chose this “scalloped” three pack for $23 ish dollars. I think the scallop/granny look is in and I confirmed it with this ad for spring clothing:

The dickeys I bought have an elastic that goes under the armpits to keep the dickey in place. It is adjustable.

It was very hard to get a photo. I was bothered by the elastic that went under the arms and I decided that with it being toward the end of winter (hopefully) to return them. I did take one for the team and try them out. Another brand might work better for me but I’m not sure I’m going to pursue it again this season.

I also started thinking I might need more crewnecks to wear with the dickeys and then I was like, “Amy, that’s crazy” but I still ordered this. It’s going back as well because I didn’t like the fabric.

I also tried to wear silk scarves this week…

With it being so cold I had some difficulty. I wouldn’t say I loved either outfit. I think spring might bring more opportunities to wear them.

Marsha in the Middle sent me her scarf ‘fits! I really like the pattern mixing.

Some more inspo:

I really like the way she tied hers! I have one very similar to hers, too.

This week I had a fun shopportunity. My high school friend’s wife Katie (and blog reader) had to be in town and asked that I take her to my consignment shops. She was specifically looking for some things for an upcoming cruise.

Here are the questions I like to ask when helping someone:

What is the look you are going for? She didn’t really have to answer because I got to see her photos. She was going for comfortable but put together if I had to name her look.

What are you already working with in your closet (take photos)? She did her homework and even took photos of her planned shoes and cover ups!

What color palette will you use? She was using blues, whites, creams, and a touch of black. I recommended she take an athletic/sneaker shoe, a black sandal (she already had chosen), and a nude sandal that could be dressed up. I gave her two pairs of sandals I didn’t want anymore!

What types of things do you feel most comfortable in – shorts, skirts, dresses, etc.? We thought dresses that could work as a dress or a coverup would be great. She had a few knit dresses after our day. She had a linen pair of pants and a few tops. This is a cruise with only excursions where you wear a swimsuit off the ship so that makes it pretty easy.

I was anxious to share with her the Sudoku method of packing that I had heard about. It’s probably more for a different kind of trip, but it’s pretty cool! I don’t play Sudoku so I might not be able to figure it out myself.

I also wanted to emphasize the need for coverups and lounge clothing. Sometimes we forget about the comfortable clothing for your cabin that also look good for a breakfast run, etc. I was thinking sets here maybe. We didn’t find any but I told her to look at Old Navy’s athletic stuff, Aerie, and Loft. What is already in your closet that can be like a set?

Always shop your closet first, then make a list, hit up consignment shops, then go new. I also wanted to tell her to be sure to pack a foldable “day bag” or beach tote. You can never have too many extra little bags.

Here is what I wore to go on our shopping day:

It was going to be 60 by end of day so I wore a long sleeve lightweight blouse, my vest, Halaras, and my Adidas. Shopping is my cardio!

Katie and I spent about an hour in Clothes Mentor. It’s a big store and everything is organized by both size and color. Remember that consignment clothing has been washed so you may need to look at a size larger. I actually like this because you can see how things held up.

I encouraged her to try things on that maybe at first she didn’t like on the hanger. This is Katie behind the door:

Here is her one non-cruise item. She loved this sweater. It was a boutique brand and I told her how much use she would get from it in the time between winter and spring, now, spring, fall and we talked about all the places she could wear it. I think it was $10.99.

I think she ended up with 5 items for $60.

She was very happy with her finds! I should have taken photos of everything she ended up with but I started getting hungry.

We went to Green District for lunch where you build your own salad.

We went to Target to see what their swim coverup offerings were and it seems like the days of the colorful printed coverup are gone. We saw plain white, black, blue gauzy button ups. We saw pants. We saw some sweatery crochet type things. She has two button ups that she will take as swim coverups or as sun protection. It was good to see what was out, though.

We went to one more consignment store and they just didn’t have a lot of spring stuff yet. All of their winter stuff was on major sale.

I told her to give it a couple more weeks and then to look at TJ Maxx and other stores for spring/summer offerings.

I think she is set right now, though, if she needed to be.

I did look for myself but didn’t find anything and that’s ok. I am getting more and more picky about what comes home to my closet. I said this both to her and myself, “If it’s not a ‘heck yes’, it’s a NO!”

Amy

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Linking up with Joyce for Hodgepodge!

1. What’s something recent that had you ‘tickled pink’? 

This isn’t recent but it came up in my Facebook memories this week. I was a teacher who liked colored paper and would even do colored paper for my quizzes. I asked him if I could take a photo and captioned it, “that awkward moment when your quiz matches your shoes”. I knew him really well and he was tickled, too.

I was tickled pink by the sun on Monday when I got out to go to the library and Trader Joe’s. We still had ice on the ground along with the snow, but the sun was powerful and it felt so good!

I was shocked to see hydrangeas – not that I know their season but it felt early. I saw several sweet treats, too, but only snapped pictures of most and resisted buying.

Look how pretty in pink my library stack turned out, too!

My sister Molly had flowers from my mom’s funeral pressed for Kate and I and herself. How beautiful did they turn out?

I am very easily “tickled pink” and I love the color pink!

2. A bed of roses, everything’s coming up roses, every rose has it’s thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns…which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way? 

I guess I have rose-colored glasses on this week because I am uplifted by the weather forecast. I am so ready to have this stuff melt and see some green. I know that we still have more winter but a brief February reprieve would be nice. March can still be really cold but I love March!

I am going through all the months as a new retiree so it’s giving me education and information on how each month looks. I am trying to stop and smell the roses instead of rushing through all of my tasks like I have done for 31 years!

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated? 

Acts of service – taking down the recycling and bringing it up, taking out the trash and recycling, shoveling off the steps. Anything I don’t have to ask for, really! And, then I am sure to say thank you.

I love Tom turning on the outdoor lights in the morning or the evening from his phone.

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what’s your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine’s Day? 

Tom’s first Valentine’s gift to me was ski pants! We learned to ski together at 26 and 30 years old. Tom learned to snowboard and I learned to ski.

I like practical gifts or gifts that show someone listened to me or really thought about me. I just got some surprise new Apple Airpods from Tom so I don’t expect anything this year.

These are dangerous:

I bought them for a gift and sampled.

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love. 

“Love is a battlefield” – Pat Benatar

Haha – that is kind of a joke, but I do think you have to pick your battles and not think the grass is greener. Love is hard and love is a choice.

Tom came home from work looking like a Yellowstone extra this week.

“Cause all of me loves all of you – all your perfect imperfections.” – John Legend

I really like this because you have to take the whole package and even the imperfections can be endearing and beautiful.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I’m not a big Bad Bunny fan but my students really liked him – especially my students with Hispanic heritage. His song said “I should have taken more photos” referring to when he had the chance before things changed and he lost family or familiar places. I have very few photos of myself with my kids because I was the photographer! I don’t regret a single professional photo or a single Christmas card photo or all the photos I took and printed out.

In going through my mom’s things, she was just like me if not more extreme. We have so many photos! I gave her this professional and it just captures the joy of my twins when they were three. I love it!

So, take the photos! Get in the photos! I think that is one thing that blogging does help with. We have to take the photos! Take photos for other people at special events when you know they are busy and send them to them.

Amy

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

I saw this prompt and thought it would be so fun to do with Marsha. I just went with the first 10 things I could think of. I can’t wait to hear what other people say.

1.McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish sandwich – I would say I only have one a year but “it slaps” as the kids say. My Dad loved this, too. As a kid we only got McDonald’s on road trips, and we took a lot of road trips. It was always our go-to. My Dad was annoyed with Kate for having to wait on her “plain cheeseburger”. Lol.

2.Fun glassware – I have two hearts, one bows, and one lobster so far. I also love my hobnail glasses and my wineglasses that are more square looking. Drinks taste better in a pretty glass.

3.Scrolling on my phone – Sometimes it’s what I want to do. I do have a timer set on my phone and that helps. I love the funny Instagram reels especially. People are so creative. I like to share funny things with Tom, my sisters, and my friends.

4.Getting packages – It’s just so fun to get something, isn’t it? It’s like Christmas! I hate returns with a passion, though, so this is what helps me to not go overboard.

5.Tea/Gossip (as in “spill the tea”) – I like to think I am just interested in people. I am a student of human nature. I just really like to hear crazy stories. When anyone asks if I want to hear something I’m like – do you even know me? Of course I want to hear something! Now, with that said, I am a vault. If someone tells me to keep a secret, you better believe I will – unless it’s something that is unethical, of course.

6.Classic potato chips – No flavoring, no dip to dip it in, just a small bowl of regular potato chips. My Dad loved potato chips so much. I do this maybe once a month. My Dad was a big runner and ran from age 30 until he passed at 76. He didn’t eat red meat or drink hard liquor, but he did love his sweets and his chips.

7.Brunch – I love brunch food and a brunch mimosa. I usually am good for nothing the rest of the day – ha!

8. New shoes – I immediately put them on and stare at them. This goes back to childhood.

9. Creamer – I add it to my stand up frother and it’s just divine.

10. Reality TV – Again, I’m a student of human nature.

Can you relate to any of these? Tell me one thing you hate that you love!

Amy

Monday, February 9, 2026

First, I must correct myself – Bad Bunny is Puerto Rican/Boricuo and not Cuban. I knew that but had a glitch. A Cuban American student of mine was obsessed with him so that is how I made that mistake. I was going to make Cuban sliders for the Superbowl, but I made ham and swiss sliders. I’m sure you were quite worried about that! As a high school teacher, I had to know all the happenings that kids cared about but now I don’t have to!

Let’s link up with Sarah and Holly to share the weekend full of sporting events. Isn’t it fun to sit on the couch and eat chips while we watch our best athletes?

Friday morning walk…

This is snow with ice on top or ice with snow with more ice with more snow with more ice. All I know is that is it so difficult to walk in. I can walk on fresh ice snow or walk where Tom and I have made footprints. I feel like Tom, EO, and I are the only ones who have left footprints in a long time.

No wonder we are tired of it! I bet some of you live in areas with similar statistics.

I finished this and really enjoyed it. I have read two chick lit books from the Valentine’s shelf at the library, but they have both been deeper and had a message of moving forward. That is my favorite kind of read – chick lit romance that is well written but also leaves you with a message.

I started this next – the premise sounded fun to me. A woman realizes her high school ex is the next contestant on a Bachelor like show, and she reaches out to producers to try to get on the show.

Friday afternoon I had a happy hour with some of my former colleagues. One was unable to make it at the last minute but I enjoyed catching up with the other two. I just feel so far removed already! They have had some drama that makes me thankful not to be in the mix. We went to Mojito Tapas.

Anyway, it was nice catching up!

I had already made pasta sauce and boiled pasta for dinner. I thought this looked like Olympic rings.

And I made cacio e pepe with bucatini. It’s a very simple pasta and bucatini is like spaghetti with a hole in the middle.

I found both of the pastas at World Market and this Italian cola, too. It was good! See the parmesan on the bucatini? Guess who stole the remainder of my wedge of parmesan. It wasn’t Tom or Mason if you guessed one of them. It was Eddie Otis!

The opening ceremony highlighted elements of Italian culture and here you go – a chic Italian lady in a silk scarf!

I was happy to receive my new prescription sunglasses in the mail from Zenni Optical. I am pleased with both my regular glasses and these! If you are a glasses wearer and you don’t have prescription sunglasses, you need them. I wear mine in the winter, too.

I did it, y’all! I finished my book about the widow behind Veuve Clicquot (Widow Clicquot) and I was on the hunt to actually try the product. I have lived a sheltered life of little champagne, you see. I went in our Kroger Wine & Spirits (in Kentucky they can’t be in the grocery; they have to have their own store front) and they had a mini bottle on sale for $49 and this normal bottle on sale for $54 so what was a girl to do? I performed some “girl math” to justify buying the…

BIG BOTTLE! I tried it Saturday and it is good! I have a little thingy to keep it carbonated so I will savor it.

FYI – it was on the menu at the happy hour place I went to Wednesday for $140 a bottle – not sold by the glass.

Here are the recipes from Friday night:

Cacio e pepe – this is such a good pasta to me. It’s so simple and it’s just delicious.

Homemade mild italian sausage pasta sauce that went with the Olympic rings – I didn’t love the flavor of this pasta sauce that used a base of crushed tomatoes. It needed something else, I think. I did add tomato paste.

I made French fries this weekend with Yukon Gold potatoes. Here me out – they taste like McDonald’s with this type of potato. I just air fry and use Pam, a bit of olive oil, and Lawry’s. I made them a little too salty.

We had salmon and zucchini.

I also plan to use this recipe this week – probably tonight:

Bourbon chicken with broccoli and brown rice – yum!

Another meal idea that I used this week was – a bag of ceasar salad mix with the Bare Nuggets or cut up Bare filets on top.

I made a care package for some friends that had a family member pass and took it to them – Valentine’s candy, flowers, the Hawaiian ham and Swiss sliders, Chex Mix, plantain chips and guac, regular chips, and kale salad from a local market. I also made plenty of sliders for us for lunch on Sunday or whenever. It’s been a while since I made them.

They wanted me to come in so I did, and we chatted for a bit, and I think I made them laugh. My sister Kate recently delivered food to a sick husband of a co-worker. It was like a meal train from her work. She said she was invited in and she said yes. We talked about how important it is to take the food, not overthink the food, and go in if you are invited.

We didn’t go out to eat Saturday as has been our winter routine. We tried a couple of new Netflix shows and ate at home.

Now, to link up with the Share Our Lives gals here…

Since I’m old I did not grow up on tv bingeing and streaming services. I will say that there was nothing better than coming home to an empty house with TBS Saved by the Bell on at 3:35 and 4:05 and opening our weird snack drawer where I could find Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies and Little Debbie Starcrunch.

The most bingeworthy show is Gilmore Girls! My twins also love it and they love good acting, witty banter, and all the elements of filming and production that I don’t see. They both started high school on the video production track and then dropped it for other pursuits. They both have dabbled in acting so they appreciate these things. We watched all the other Amy Sherman Palladino shows, too. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is one of hers.

New Girl is another that just makes me happy. I love so many of the characters. If you need a laugh and feel-good show, it’s good for that.

How I Met Your Mother – I was late to the game but it’s really good.

I guess you could say I sort of binged House Hunters. It used to be my “going to bed show”. I would end the day with at least one episode, but I usually only saw house number one. I had to re-watch the same episode night after night to find out which one the couple chose.

The Office, Friends, Seinfeld, and Parks and Rec would all be bingeable. I think they are only 22 minutes long without commercials.

Sex and the City was one that I had DVDs for! I didn’t have HBO, but I was given the DVDs when they came out and I remember watching those a lot.

Currently, I am re-watching Younger. It’s another going to bed show for me – it’s just soothing and I know the story already.

Yes, I know I shouldn’t watch tv before bed. I should read. Oh well.

I can’t wait to hear what others say and maybe I can discover a new to me show!

What did you do this weekend? I’m just having a hard time even leaving the house when it’s this cold. My weekend was mostly tv and reading, cleaning, and cooking.

Amy

Friday, February 6, 2026

This week just flew by for me! We still have snow and ice on the ground, but the temps got higher into the 30s and it helped everything. We got another snow on Tuesday afternoon, by the way. We had enough to keep the kids at home on Wednesday. I see 50s in the forecast for next week and I am giddy! I might wear shorts and lay in my recliner outside.

Thank you for linking up with Currently this week! Go back and read those if you have time on your hands this weekend. Also, I posted my January books, my February goals, and a silk scarf challenge for you!

I’d like to share the most random assortment of things today like I normally do!

Monday I was back to tutoring my Spanish student at Starbuck’s. I didn’t want to spend a ton or consume a ton of calories so I ordered the cutest little…

Solo espresso macchiato, single shot of espresso, extra hot with one sugar and a dash of cinnamon. I heard about this on IG. I get there early and order, so I am ready for my student. It’s going well. He wants to chat about his new car, his summer job, and things like that. I feel like we have connected. It’s hard because I don’t love the methodology his teacher uses but I am trying to keep the old boca shut. I brought him colorful index cards from Dollar Tree for him to make his flashcards. Old school, baby. It works.

Kristin said this is a good (her favorite?) brand of ice cream and I had never heard of it. Kroger carried it! It is delish! It’s very creamy but the calories really aren’t bad.

Ok, you guys… it has taken me a long time to actually listen to Jenn, but if you mix this and the Loreal Lumi glotion in your hand and put it on your face, it makes a nice light “foundation”. You also are getting a 30 spf.

The Lumi:

I am super picky about texture and things like that when it comes to makeup. This is a winning combination if you don’t want a heavy foundation.

You might know I have a lip product problem. I have a new favorite. If you are more of a lip balm person, this formula is so nice. It smells nice and it glides right on and isn’t too thick. I ordered mine but it’s at Sephora. It’s French. I ordered Mon Cheri. I want to order another color!

In the kitchen this week, I am trying to use up snow storm food and I ordered a small Kroger order on Monday to supplement. I had avocado toast for lunch – I use Dave’s killer bread. Yum! The key to mine is putting Everything But the Bagel seasoning atop your avocado.

I had to use up the last of the Chex Mix ingredients:

I made taco salad for dinner one night:

I made cod, zucchini, and potatoes mediterranean style one night – with baked feta.

In the reading department, I finished:

Loved it! It was deeper than the cover looks. This was such a fun premise of adult artists working at a arts summer camp!

Started this – it’s also deeper than it looks. It is set in Aruba – or part of it is set in Aruba – where I had my honeymoon!

I had a happy hour with a new-ish friend. It’s Tom’s boss’ wife (she and the boss are younger than Tom and I) and we are always friendly, but we have never done anything just us before. We ordered the goat cheese with strawberry jam – so good!

It was lovely! When I saw her at Tom’s work party she was saying since she works from home she never gets out and as a new empty nester she would like to. I said I’m up for happy hour and she said that would be great and to text her. I did and we made a plan. I often have to do the asking is what I’m saying. You can tell who enjoys your company and who doesn’t. If you are struggling with this, I want to encourage you to try. It’s really hard to make new friends as an adult.

Also, I sold my Hunter boots that I wasn’t wearing to a woman about my age on Facebook Marketplace. I met up with her in the Kroger parking lot this week and we chatted and she said we should get a coffee sometime. How funny is that?

Here is another story – I ran into a lady who lives in my neighborhood, was in my book club that went for about 3 years and then fizzled out, and who shares our same hair stylist. I said hello and we shared pleasantries and I said to let me know if she wanted to get coffee and she replied, “No thanks, I’m good”. Haha! This has been maybe 10 years ago now. So, there will be rejection! I think this is such a funny story because one could simply say, “Ok” and then always be busy. I kind of appreciate her honesty. You won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and they won’t be yours.

I did something new this week! I got my brows waxed and tinted. I needed a wax because they were just not shaped well and I was tired of trying to pluck. When I saw the place also offered tinting I asked if I could get a consult about it. The wax was $32 and the wax with tint was $54. I decided to do it and I’m so happy! I will not have to use as much brow product. It only took about 10 minutes and it should last for a couple of months and then I will see if I want/need it again. If you are local, I went to Clique Beauty. I saw Tricia who was wonderful. I used to get my brows waxed but hadn’t done it in years. Hair and pedicures are the only other beauty treatments I get – I used to get dip and gel nails, though. I have never had a facial(and it shows!).

Very bad photo:

Have you seen everyone making an AI photo? I don’t know how they did it, but I do have the ChatGPT app so I used that.

I asked it to make me a photo with things I love – cooking, reading, prosecco, and chocolate labs. Look at my scarf! I am trying to wear all of my scarves over the next week for my challenge! I am mad that AI didn’t polish my nails. How much does that look like Eddie Otis? I didn’t even give a photo of him. I only gave a headshot of myself.

Tell me a favorite of yours from the week!

Don’t forget that tonight is the Olympics opening ceremony. I am making pasta much like in my AI photo! I will probably make a sports bar type meal for Sunday’s Superbowl, but we are just staying at home. Or I could make Cuban food for Bad Bunny or as I called him in class “Conejo Malo”. Cuban slider sandwiches isn’t a bad idea, now, is it?

Cheers to the weekend,

Amy

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Hello! There is no more Fashion Files link up but alas I still want to talk about fashion one day a week and why not on a Thursday!

I got a text from a friend saying she would be in town with her son while he does a day of interviews and would I like to take her to my consignment shops? Um, heck yes! I plan to share that here next week. I will be looking to see what kind of silk scarves are available!

Let’s talk about silk scarves today. I have been seeing them everywhere! I am not talking about the wintery blanket scarves or anything knitted. Those are more for outerwear, in my opinion. It’s been funny seeing all the 2016 flashback photos with the giant blanket scarves, quilted vest, skinny jeans tucked into boots looks. Boy, did I love that look, but I don’t want to do it again – yet.

A silk scarf still can keep you warm, though. I’ve been surprised to find that out. The name of the game is covering all your skin. If you have any neck out, you can be quite cold. So, the silk scarf is chic and warm.

I got a new scarf last week:

I was going for birds and color and I think I got it! But, I do not understand size and dimensions so it is quite large. I decided to wear it like this on Saturday for some errands:

That evening, I changed into brown heeled boots and wore it to dinner.

Here is where I found that scarf. It’s from Amazon and it is very nice quality. It came beautifully packaged, too, and would make a nice gift.

Now, I am going to be challenging you to try a scarf over the next week at the end of my post, fyi, so get ready! If you don’t currently have one, you can get one for under $10 easily.

I have also purchased this scarf from Amazon about three years ago:

I couldn’t find the link but I bet you could find something similar.

A super easy way to incorporate a small silk scarf it to merely tie it to your handbag for some European chic. I bought this one mainly for that reason. I love the design and the blue and white.

Here are my other ones:

I bought this back in the fall:

I bought this at a Christmas fair. It has horses. It could go around a ponytail, be worn like a tie, or be put on a handbag.

This last one is really special. In March of 2000, Tom and I went to Germany for his first time back since he moved at age two! We took his mom, his sister, his niece, and his aunt, too. All the ladies received this scarf as a gift from the Germans (not all the Germans – just Tom’s family of Germans). The scarf says Tom’s mom’s hometown “Bremermaven” at the bottom and it depicts the sailing ships of the town since it’s a port on the North Sea.

Click here to see Amazon’s offerings. I wouldn’t overthink the pattern or what it’s going to match. I would just pick something that you find beautiful – like a work of art.

The easiest things to pair them with are a button up shirt or a crew neck sweater or tee in my opinion. You can top it with a cardigan or blazer if you want.

I think they can be great for the in-between seasons, too. When the calendar says spring but it feels like winter, a springy scarf can help make you feel more seasonally appropriate.

The silk feels great next to your skin, too. You can also spray a bit of perfume near your scarf and it will hold the scent for you.

I love the look of a scarf with a classic tan trench coat!

Those are both easy ties to achieve, but do play around in front of a mirror.

Love this – I like the pattern mixing:

Some other inspo:

Now, here’s your homework. I want you to notice if you see anyone wearing a scarf over the next week. See if you have any scarves you could try. Wear one over the next week. If you want me to share how you wore it, email me your photo or DM me your photo. amywscott0@gmail.com (THAT IS A ZERO AFTER MY NAME) or amscott2. If you send me a photo, I will assume I can use it on my blog. This is kind of the blind leading the blind as I am not an expert. I will be challenging myself to wear all my scarves! Do you think I can do it? Gotta go put on my scarf for the day!

Amy

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Thank you for joining me for Currently and I am also joining Joyce for Hodgepodge!

I know I will sound like a broken record in some of my responses, so sorry in advance!

Loving…

Fires, my pup, coffee, and more!

We are almost out of firewood! We are loving this opportunity for a cozy setting. We are only having a fire on Saturday or Sunday. Winter mood – activated.

Little Eddie Otis. He turns 2 this month! I had a Kroger pick up with him. I keep him in the back and have my Kroger guy put the groceries in front with me. EO tries to protect me from danger by barking.

We went in Feeder’s Supply after and got new treats and EO headed to the sale rack (just like mama) to pick out a new stuffie. He picked an octopus with Play-doh on his belly? I don’t get it, but we didn’t have an octopus.

Happy boy!

I tutor at Starbuck’s on Mondays but don’t want to spend a ton of money or calories. I tried this little baby coffee and it was great!

Baking/Cooking…

I am still obsessed with my sweet potato cubes. I actual like to peel and chop but you can buy them peeled and chopped already. Here you see my Pyrex egg mixture (microwave one egg, liquid egg whites, cottage cheese in a Pyrex dish with some Pam sprayed first) and some avocado. I ran out of Amylu chicken sausage.

I made (no baking involved) Rice Krispies for Tom to take to the office. Pro tip: Save your takeout containers that are the nicer ones for stuff like this.

I baked my Crescent Roll cinnamon rolls.

I am obsessed with this little recipe – no baking involved, either. Here is the recipe for no bake chocolate peanut butter bars. The graham cracker adds a really nice element. I keep these in the freezer.

Watching/Reading…

Tom and I finished:

Whoa!

I am reading a fun chick lit book and loving it! I am not sure why it’s been filling my cup but I really like the premise. Here are my January books. I wanted light-hearted next and I got it.

Planning…

for a time without all this snow? This is what my driveway looks like 9 days after the snow.

and what the yard looks like.

This is such a good dinner, if I do say so myself. I am already planning to make it again. I bought a bag of just lettuce and I made taco meat. I bought the little baby Doritos and Taco Bell taco sauce. It’s just a really good taco salad. I added sour cream, shredded cheddar, salsa, and avocado. You could add beans and corn.

I’m planning when to achieve my February goals that I posted yesterday.

Savoring…

the snow is pretty and it can be fun to walk in. I know it won’t last forever so I am trying to enjoy it.

I’m also trying to savor this time of relative quiet and coziness.

I’m savoring still having Mason live here. Man, I think it’s really going to hit me. He is a joy and a pleasure most of the time.

1. The Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6th…on a scale of 1-10 how excited are you? (1= eh and 10=watching every event all day every day). What’s your favorite Winter Olympic sporting event? 

I am excited! I am especially excited to have it on during the day since I’m not working. I would have to say ice skating. My mom loved watching ice skating and we watched it with her growing up. We only had one tv in the house and my mom ruled it. Yes, I said my mom ruled it. My Dad did not sit around watching sports. He was not that kind of Dad. He was always doing something around the house and if he was sitting, he had a newspaper or a book.

2. In other sporting news, the Superbowl (American football’s championship game) will be played on Sunday, February 8th. So tell us…what’s your superpower?

My superpower is guessing what time it is and coming really close. I also think I’m very observant and can pick up on things about people. I think I’m attuned to who can be trusted and who is a bad egg.

3. Are you a romantic? 

Yes and no. I’m pretty practical and a realist. I don’t know if this is relevant here, but I didn’t care that much about the details of my wedding. I was not a bridezilla. I couldn’t wait to be married and do the little daily things together.

I do think I romanticize the little thing in life a la Jenn. Go back and read her post yesterday if you missed it.

4. Blue cheese-yay or nay? How about feta? If you said yes to one or both, what’s a dish you like that calls for one of these? 

I am kind of new to loving a small amount of blue cheese. I like a bit with wings with the celery and the hot sauce. I like that combo a lot. I also love a Cobb salad. I love feta and all things mediterranean. I tried to go get this whipped feta with honey from a local place but there was no parking so I am going to try that again soon.

5. What’s more important-doing what you love or loving what you do? 

This is a tough one, Joyce! I think doing what you love is more important than just doing something that earns the big bucks because if you are miserable, what’s the point? You spend so much of your life at work. You need to find a way to love or at least like what you do. Attitude and perspective is so important. I have seen people do jobs that I don’t think are appealing with a great attitude. Act the way you want to feel sometimes and it works, you know?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whew – I might be out of random thoughts! I’ve shared a lot here today!

I will share this. Did you know that in some parts of the country, people serve chili and cinnamon rolls at the same meal? I had that combo Sunday and it was so good! I ate my chili and then had a leftover cinnamon roll from breakfast for my dessert.

Do you do this? Would you?

What would you say to any of the prompts today?

Amy

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