Monday, April 30, 2018

Tomorrow is May!  Oh my gosh!  April had to be the fastest month ever!

First, a recap of the weekend…

Friday after school I desperately needed to go to the grocery.  We had NO food!  We had done take out Wednesday night and Jimmy John’s Thursday night for the boys while I went to book club and had a yummy spread.  We really didn’t need to do take out again and no one wanted to go out to eat after a long day and week.  So, guess what I did… I didn’t go to the grocery!  I was a rebel and enjoyed two Bravo shows after school and then a bit of sun outside with a lo cal Jalapeño Lime Margarita and listening to 90s country on my Amazon music app.  It was in the 70s outside and there’s just something about warm weather and country music – and I’m not really what you would call a country music fan!  The songs that came on were “My Maria” by Brooks and Dunn, “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, and “Cowboy Take Me Away” by Dixie Chicks just to name a few.  How great is that lineup?  I’m going to be repeating that station I can tell.

So, after that music and margarita, I greeted hubby and walked the pooch with him and then I went alone to our favorite take out pizza place.  While I waited I went to a little boutique and bought some earrrings I couldn’t stop thinking about that I had seen there a week ago (white leather feathers!) and some ice cream to take home.

We split a BLT wedge salad and I had an individual mushroom pizza. Yum!

So, kids, three nights in a row of not cooking is the result of poor meal planning this week. I must do better for next week.

Saturday I did get my walk in and while I walked I listened to a new to me podcast – Dax Sheppard’s Armchair Expert.  He was interviewing his wife, Kristen Bell. It was so cute!  Dax was Crosby on Parenthood.  My other favorite podcasts are The Big Boo Cast and Happier with Gretchen Rubin.  

My boys walked to school for their practice test – no, I didn’t offer to drive them and they didn’t ask me to.  I left for Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and the library.  Trader Joe’s was already packed at 8:45!  Look for my post tomorrow about my favorite products and please chime in.  I love shopping there and I love hearing what you all buy!

I stopped at the library to pick up a book that they held for me and I found this magazine in the free bin.  They have a bin where you can leave your magazines and take other ones.  Isn’t that genius?  I was so happy!

Since the sun was shining, I decided to make an iced coffee and sit outside and read before the boys came home.  I might mention that I put all the groceries away and did some laundry, too.  My friend (Hi Victoria!) taught me how to make this.  You put a little bit of instant coffee and a little bit of sugar in your cup.  Boil a little water or microwave it and then mix that together.  Add some milk (I forgot the milk in the photo) and then froth some cream on top.  I bought this little frother on Amazon several years ago.  

I made the boys a nice lunch because I thought they would want a little pampering and then hub and I went to see a new boat that his brother in law received to sell.  We got to go inside and tour it.  It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms!  I volunteered to put some decor in the boat.  I’m excited about this little project.  I am thinking nautical accents that match the blue and white of the boat.  

Lastly, we ended the day with a wonderful time spent with our friends at our 
Spanish tapas restaurant up the road.  The wife and I ordered a Swirl Margarita that has a mixture of Sangria and Margarita.  We shared many different things – patatas bravas, stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, ham and chicken croquets, empanadas, salmon, and bread with tomato.  

Sunday, my boys had to volunteer at an art fair and I had to take them there pretty early. I dropped them off and then went home to clean and finish laundry. A little later hub and I went back to the fair and met some friends to enjoy the art until the boys’ shift ended. I sat outside and read then took my kids to work on a video project. I meal prepped my breakfasts and lunches for the week and heated up leftovers for dinner. It was a nice weekend!

If you lasted this long, you deserve a decent weekly meal plan!  Ha!

Monday – pork tenderloin (pre marinated from TJ), zucchini, little roasted potatoes

Tuesday- fusili pasta with meat sauce with bread and Caesar salad

Wednesday – mojito lime chicken (using the packet I talked about), rice, beans, corn

Thursday – frozen fish, macaroni and cheese, peas, green beans for those who don’t like peas

Hope you survive your Monday!

Amy

Friday, April 27, 2018

It’s Fri-yay!

Raise your hand if you think we should only have four day weeks! Me! Me!

1. A couples date with one of our best couple friends is on the books for this weekend. I don’t think we have eaten out in about 3 weeks. We have gotten take out, but we haven’t eaten in a restaurant! We’ve just been busy. And, we haven’t been out with these friends in forever!

2. Free time to run errands is to be had this weekend. My boys will be occupied for 4 hours Saturday am and I want to knock out a walk, Trader Joe’s run, a library visit, and maybe a coffee stop. I only brave Traders on a weekend if I can get there early. It is crazy town if you go past 9ish on Saturdays! I will do a post soon on my fave products. I love reading other bloggers TJ faves. I have bought some duds there – not gonna lie. I prefer to have recommendations before buying their products. Most of what I have tried is amazing or I wouldn’t keep going back at least once a month, but there are some Kroger brands I prefer. I do Costco and TJ once a month usually and Kroger weekly.

3. I’m taking a break from salon manicures right now. This is the best top coat ever. It’s called Seche Vite. Target carries it. I’m using OPI Funny Bunny below my top coat.

4. I love my Keurig so much. I have had it for years – maybe 7? I have done the full vinegar clean out once and it has kept on brewing since then. I love Costco’s Kirkland breakfast blend. It is perfect. I can’t drink too much caffeine, though, because it makes me feel jumpy. I like to keep some decaf on hand. This Donut Shop is decent. I wish my Costco came in decaf. If anyone from Costco is reading this, please?

5. Are you noticing wrinkles on your neck or your décolletage? This product works! I was pleasantly surprised that I could see a noticeable change after only a few applications.

Bonus: I’m going to try to make Tequila Slushies or Frozeé (frozen rosé) this weekend! Which do you think I should make?

Happy weekend!

Amy

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Do you self tan? Every year in March or April I start my faux glow routine. I find the products keep getting better – easier to use and less smelly. I hated the smell of the first self tanners!

I take my shower at night and apply my self tanner after getting out of the shower. I let it dry and have never had it come off on anything. I try to do it two to three nights in a row and then maintain with the Jergens Natural Glow lotion. If I ever need my legs to look better quickly I combine the Sally Hansen leg makeup and the Bath and Body Maui glow lotion on the left. It looks great and natural!  This is from a couple of seasons ago but I think B and B has a glow lotions every year.  

I don’t mess around with the light shade but I would say if you are extremely pale to go with light. I have bought medium but plan to get dark next time. I only do my arms and legs, by the way. This is just a little color for work and play.  I’m not wearing a bathing suit yet. Read the directions and wash your hands really well after using.

My arsenal – I have had these for at least a year and they last a long time.  I really like the Jergens Instant Sun mousse and the Loreal Sublime Bronze.  I think I will buy the Loreal in dark when this runs out.  By the way, I’m cheap frugal and don’t want to spend a ton. Let me know if you love any products!

Here is an embarrassing picture of  much tanner leg after a couple of nights’ worth of self tanner.  I don’t have before photo so you will have to trust me! 

Let me know if you have a fave faux glow product or trick!

Glow Baby Glow!

Amy 

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

I love to read!  I always have!  I read real books now.  I used to read on my Kindle, but it died after a few years.  I was spending a ton of money on Kindle books because I’m a fast reader, too.   I decided to go back to library books and I’m proud to say that I have read 19 books so far in 2018 for free!  I didn’t spend a dime.  When I get a book recommendation, (usually from my blogger buds) I immediately put it into my library app and request it.  It’s great!  If you aren’t sure how to do this, go to your library in person and they will set you up.  You get an email when the book is ready for you at the library branch you choose.  I have a branch that is pretty close to my house and I probably go once a week. 

When do I have time to read?  Honestly, I would rather read than watch tv or scroll through social media.   I read more in the summer because I’m a teacher.  If you have small kids, it may not be possible to read a lot now, but once the kids are older you can take your book to the playground or the pool and you will have more time to read eventually!

I read the third Jojo Moyes book recently.

Me Before You, After You, and Still Me. I enjoyed all three but the first made me really sad. I haven’t seen the movie yet. Have you?  I enjoy books set in England.  I’m intrigued by their way of life and their manner of speaking.  

I loved The Nightingale. I had heard about it for years and I really like Kristin Hannah.  I finally got my hands on it.  It gave a different perspective to WWII.  I had just read another WWII book for book club called Lilac Girls and this was a different side to the story.  I am tapped out on WWII for awhile now, though.  Give me something lighter to read!

This was pretty good. If you like Grey’s Anatomy, I think you will like this.  It switches from present day to back in med school and there is a lot of medical jargon.  It was about relationships – book friendships and love interests.

I started up a book club in February. I was part of a book club for many years and it dissolved because people moved away and it just kind of ran its course.   I really missed it so I asked all new people and we started off with a bang in February at my house. 8 out of 9 ladies came and all read the book! Most of them were meeting for the first time and we all meshed well. March rolled around and one lady dropped out and only 4 out of 8 came. Spring sports were ramping up and many have traveling husbands so it was on them to do chauffeur duty to practices. 

We are meeting again next week for our April meeting to discuss The Last Mrs. Parrish and another member has dropped due to kids’ activities. So, now we are 7.

Next up for me are:

And

These should be ready for me at the library soon!  

What have you read recently?

Any recommendations?

Happy Reading!

Amy

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Monday – Rainy days and Mondays always get me down!  I like to wear black when it rains but add some bright colors!  Our Mondays are numbered now with only about 5 more to go.  It is supposed to rain much of this week.  Maybe it will be easier to keep the kids on task!

This is a LulaRoe perfect tee which is really a tunic, black capris, a LLR vest, and my tassel earrings.  I wore my black Hunter boots and changed into black slides at school.  I feel like this outfit looks really teacherish.  I needed to be comfortable on Monday.

I’m trying to wear everything I have in my closet for spring and if it looks bad I will donate it.  Or, if I’m not excited to wear it, it will go in the donate pile.  

Tuesday – I wore an outfit from last week that I never got to wear!  I wore the black tassel blouse with a bright yellow sweater and black ankle length pants.

Spring and summer staples: 

Clutches

Would you believe these were around $8 at a consignment store?  I like to take a clutch if I’m going out to eat or to happy hour.  These are my summer clutches.

White Shorts and Denim/Chambray shorts

These are both from Target’s new Universal Threads line.  I’m in love!  I had a hard and fast rule that I couldn’t buy any more clothes at Target – not because I’m a snob, but because I felt that the prices were too much for the quality.  I can get a “mall brand” shirt at my consignment stores for $8 and Target’s shirts seem to be at least $24 lately.  I would wash a Target shirt and it would look horrible after washing.  Also, I would tend to make impulse purchases when grabbing needed cleaning products or toiletries and I wanted to stop that practice.  I’m super happy with the quality and fit of both of these pairs of shorts.

Secret (or not so secret) Tip:  Look at Target.com for a better selection.  Order items to be picked up in store.  I just discovered this.  Genius!

Finally, I want to share some of my favorite warm weather shoes.  The only ones that are this season are the bottom right faux Birkenstocks from Target.  I wanted rose gold and these were recommended by Magnolia Mamas blog.  I love them!  I know they won’t last all season, but they are comfy and cute.  

My favorite flip flop brand of all time is Reef.  Seriously, check them out.  They are high quality and a great price for what you get.  I ordered mine on Amazon but Macy’s and other department stores carry them.  My Macy’s had them next to swimwear and not with the normal shoes, FYI.

Would you believe these Tory Burch leather slides were a consignment store find for $70ish dollars?  These are $200 sandals.  I mean, I don’t think I could pay that, but I will say these are 4 years old and have held up great.  Seriously, check out your local consignment stores.  It’s amazing what you can find!

The black pretty design are Nordstrom’s BP.  I love them and got them last year.

The back left are Hush Puppies from last year from Amazon.  So comfortable!  Yes, they still make Hush Puppies and my favorite flats are by Hush Puppies.  People, I have done the teacher test on them and they are seriously the most comfortable flats.  I have a friend who returned her Tieks and bought these instead.

Back middle are Blowfish and they are linen.  They are cute with dresses and skirts.  I have had these for 3-4 years.

Finally, back right are by Lucky brand.  I love Lucky shoes.  These were also a consignment find for $12 ish dollars a couple of years ago.  

I’m sorry these are mostly old, but it gives you an idea of the styles that I think are staples.  

What are your staples for spring and summer?  What should I add to my wardrobe this season?  

Happy Hump Day!

Amy 

Monday, April 23, 2018

This weekend!  The weather!  Finally!  It was picture perfect Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday.  It was in the 60s most of the weekend in these parts.  I was able to enjoy a cool bonfire with some friends.  

You can’t talk about good weather without talking about grilling.  This little packet was a recommendation from one of my sisters.  It is da bomb!  Also, I like anything with the words “mojito” and “lime” in it!  You do have to mix it with water, EVOO, and apple cider vinegar.  Marinate your chicken for at least an hour.  I use gallon ziplocs to marinate.  If you don’t want to grill, I have also used the “moist method”  of chicken cooking that I learned from Cup of Jo blog.  Sorry for that word, folks!  Take your chicken out of the marinade and sear both sides in pan for a minute each side.  Then cover on medium for 10 minutes.  Then remove from heat and keep under lid for another 10 minutes.  (I will confess that I did flip the chicken after 6 minutes because I was worried.)  Don’t crowd your pan.  I think I had room for 3 breasts.  You can find these packets by the chili mix, mealoaf mix, etc.  Let me know if you try it.  There are other flavors but I didn’t like the other ones nearly as much.

My other meals for this week are:

Monday – Orange Chicken (frozen from Costco), rice, green beans

Tuesday – take out

Wednesday – Asian Chicken Salad from Costco with maybe some roasted zucchini

Thursday – book club night (will talk about book club in tomorrow’s post) so my three boys will be on their own

I’m a dud this week!  This is how you know it’s getting close to summer.  I can’t do all the things anymore!

A couple of weeks ago I placed an Old Navy order for some jeans for my growing teens (32 length!) and the anchor sweatshirt on the right.  I was so impressed by the softness!  Old Navy could definitely go either way on the softness/stiffness factor.  I have worn it almost every evening and a few more times in public.  I love it!  I love nautical themed clothing for some reason.  

I went into ON this past week and saw the t-shirt on the left.  I love graphic tees!  Since I’m a high school Spanish teacher I could not leave it in the store for 11.99.  It is also super soft!  I wore it to school on Friday. It says “Fiesta like there’s no mañana” in case you can’t see the photo well.

Do you like Old Navy?  I think their prices have gone up.  $35 for Old Navy jeans?  I think that’s a lot for the quality and inconsistency of sizing.  Maybe the quality has gotten better, though.  Thoughts?

Ok, to wrap things up, RIP Barbara Bush.  This is a quote of hers and even though it is not anything we don’t know I thought it was a nice reminder as we start our work week.  Yes, we are all doing important work at our jobs whether it is in an office, a school, or from our home, and even if you are a SAHM (you are still doing very important work!).  It’s easy to lose perspective because work is ingrained in us, especially in the US.  I hope you get to spend time with those you love the most this week.  

Cheers!

Amy 

Friday, April 20, 2018

I hope y’all have had a great week!  5 day weeks are rough, no?  Oh well, it’s the little things in life that keep me going.

1.  My favorite brand of pen!
2. Ipsy – I started getting this cute bag of 5 products for $10 a month back in January. It is easily worth $10. I would say one of the five products is worth $10 each time.
3. New Girl – enjoying season 6 on Netflix before I start season 7 on regular tv. Added bonus: one of my sons watches with me!
4. Second color of dip nailsThis is a fun color but I get tired of a color quickly!

5. Kentucky Mule cocktail

My coworker invited me to an event where I tried my first Kentucky Mule. I bought ingredients to make at home and I’m smitten. The recipe calls for bourbon, ginger beer and I plan to add Ale 8 1 soft drink next time to make this very Kentucky cocktail.

Happy weekend to all!

Amy

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

So this is just a typical week with my wardrobe.  I’m a high school teacher and I stand basically all day with the exception of about an hour.  I like to be comfortable, but still look somewhat dressy.  Above is my Monday outfit: black long sleeve swing dress with pockets, grey leggings, black booties, horse scarf. It is almost Derby in Kentucky so I broke out one of my two horse scarves! Also, we were supposed to wear black for education support in Kentucky. Have you all heard what’s going on in our state?  We were supposed to “black out” extremely harsh words from our governor.  (And that’s about the extent of me talking politics on this blog.)

Tuesday’s outfit was a velvet kimono, another swing dress, and leggings. It was still very cold this morning!

Do you like to shop at boutiques, big box stores, department stores, or online for your clothing?  I feel like clothing shopping and putting together outfits is kind of a hobby for me.  I shop or window shop about once a week.  I’m a pretty big bargain hunter and I shop at all of the above, plus a few local boutiques.  I found these three long sleeve swing dresses with pockets at a local boutique this last weekend.  They were $20 each with an extra 30% off.  If you spent $50 you received a $10 gift certificate.  That’s what I call a deal!  I bought black, grey, and a pretty medium blue color that is part of my Tuesday outfit.  It’s hard to see the color in the lighting.  I feel like these dresses are a staple.  It feels like wearing pajamas.  

Wednesday’s outfit: burgundy stripe swing top/tunic, blue ankle pants, and vest.

Thursday or Friday I will wear this sleeveless blouse with tassels and yellow sweater with black ankle length pants.

That’s all I know for now!

Happy hump day! It’s all down hill from here!

Amy

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have heard of LuLaRoe and Lipsense.  Or, if you don’t have a Facebook account, you may not have? Isn’t that the 2018 equivalent of living under a rock?  Anyway, I happen to be a low-key* fan of both of these companies and let me tell you why.

(*My students have taught me that low-key is when you aren’t too terribly obsessive but just a little bit into something.)

I first heard about the LLR leggings on Facebook as winter of 2016 was approaching.  I bought 3 pairs in person at a consultant’s home.  I hated many of the patterns but I found 3 that I liked and they were the softest things I had ever felt.  They are made of puppy licks or something like that.  THOSE 3 PAIRS OF LEGGINGS GOT ME THROUGH THE COLD DARK WINTER OF 2016.

Here are a couple of my leggings in patterns I really like.

The next year I found out they had other items and it became too easy to purchase them because I met a new consultant close to my house.  I can’t wear every style for my body type. I have 2 Carly dresses, 5 Cassie skirts, one maxi, one kimono, one vest, and a few Perfect tees in solid colors, and an unmentionable amount of leggings now.  Some of the patterns they offer are the ugliest things I’ve ever laid eyes on.  The prices are high for what they are IMO.  I have fortunately gotten to take advantage of some discounts and I will say the price per wear on the items now that I’ve had almost everything over a year is good.  (#girlmath)

The items I’ve purchased are comfortable and perfect for a teacher, without looking too teacher-ish.  They have washed well and I have even put most things in the dryer.

This is the feather print of my maxi.

These are my Cassie pencil skirts. They are stretchy and I love my mustard solid and these prints.

Now on to Lipsense.  I hate to waste money on makeup, but I have learned that quality makeup lasts.  I like this stuff.   It doesn’t come off on your coffee cup and the colors are quite beautiful.  It is $25 ish dollars a tube, though.  I have heard talk that one tube is equivalent to 4 tubes of regular lipstick.  I don’t know if this is true.  I don’t find the application to be difficult and I’m no makeup artist.  You have to use three coats and follow with a gloss.  If you get a chance, you should try it.

I have Aussie Rose, Praline Rose, Purple Reign, and Razzberry.

Do you have any LuLaRoe or Lipsense? How do you feel about shopping on Facebook?

I would love your recommendations!

Amy

Monday, April 16, 2018

My teen son told me we needed to branch out with our meals at home, so I’m going to be a little more adventurous this week.

Monday – Pesto Angel hair pasta with shrimp, zucchini on side, bread

This little packet is great.  You can find it in the aisle with the chili seasoning and marinades.

Tuesday- Carnitas from Trader Joe’s (They come in a vacuum sealed package and you just heat them up), cilantro lime rice, corn with chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s

Wednesday- Chicken, baked beans, roasted potatoes

Thursday- Mediterranean style pork (bought it marinated that way), couscous , green beans

Friday – take out

Saturday – go out

This is a little more creative than last week!

This weekend went by so quickly!  We were a little busier than I like to be and the weather still wouldn’t cooperate for me.  I did get to make it to Trader Joe’s and Kroger and I was done before 9:30 with both of those on Saturday.  That was a great accomplishment!  We didn’t have time to go out to eat either night, but we did have take out from our local Thai place Friday night.  That was delish!  

I will do a full post on entertainment soon, but I finished a book that came highly recommended to me –  The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen.  I think I enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish more.  The Wife was slow moving IMO and I kept waiting for more twists and turns.  I finished the book still having lingering questions and I hate that!  So, I don’t know if I would recommend it.  Maybe it was too soon to read it after Mrs. Parrish?  Here is my ultimate review:  meh.  Did I miss something?  Please comment if you have read it!

Alright, let’s kick Monday’s butt!

Amy