Monday, December 17, 2018

One more week until break!  We are getting out so late this year.  What about you?  

This weekend was long and emotional.  My Dad seemed to deteriorate a lot from Friday to Sunday but at the end of the day Sunday we got him transferred by ambulance to a rehab center in my parents’ town and my hometown.  One sister and her family visited Saturday.  I shed many tears this weekend and had the puffy eyes to prove it.  We know my Dad probably doesn’t have long left with us here but we don’t want him to suffer.  He went from a 76 year old daily runner on Nov. 1 to a stage four cancer diagnosis found from a hernia on Nov. 5.  

There’s really no way to segue from that last sentence, so please excuse my quick turn.  On Friday night we stayed in and I made “bar food”.  When I asked my boys if it sounded good they looked at me funny and one of them said, “Mom, we’ve never been to a bar.” Touche!

pork nachos, chicken nachos, orange chicken, twice baked potatoes, puff pastry pizza.  Not too healthy, but it was Friday.

I finished this.  It was cute but predictable like a Hallmark movie.  That’s all I’ve had energy for.  

On Saturday I found this little garden on the fourth floor of the hospital.  What a pretty little space.  

Then, I showed this crazy crew of nieces and nephews.  

On one of my hospital breaks I made the real chex mix in the oven.  Oven at 250 and I found the little seasoning packets for 10 cents at Kroger with all the spices ready to go.  6 tbs. butter and 3 cups each of the cereals.  Use one cup peanuts and one cup pretzels and add anything else you like.  

We ate dinner at McAllister’s and my hub, their uncle, is quite popular!

I forgot about these great little studs for wearing scarves.  A dear friend gave these to me last year and they are so cute.  

My Matilda Jane fin pants came in and now I’m set for awhile, I promise.  

I started this – another Hallmark-esque little romance novel.  

I got 100 photo cards at Costco for $25 ish dollars.  Merry Everything to all of my blog friends out there since I can’t send one to all of you!  Do you still send cards?  I skipped last year and was just so sad.  I really enjoy this tradition.  

I worked on the cards for a bit on Sunday afternoon when on a hospital break.  It may seem weird that I am sending them this year but I have so many blessings and as I address each one I am thinking about what those people have meant to me.  

I hope you had a good weekend!  Love on your friends that have recently experienced a loss or that have a sick loved one.  It’s especially hard during the holidays because they probably just don’t feel like seeing decorations everywhere.  We had carolers come to our door and when they sang the words “comfort and joy”  I cried again!  Lol! If you have experienced a loss or have a sick loved one, I am thinking of you, too.  

I’m linking up with My Glittery Heart, Lindsay’s Sweet World, and The Sirois Family today.  Check out the posts here!

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Friday, December 14, 2018

If you don’t want to pay Bath and Body prices, Kroger has seasonal soaps again!

The photo above is our first Christmas with Ernie. When your kids get too old, take your dogs to sit on Santa’s lap!

I did my nails Thursday afternoon for hub’s holiday work party.

This is what I wore. Excuse bathroom selfie photo!

Look at the desserts!

Bourbon and ginger ale was my cocktail of choice.

It’s been a long week! Hope you have something fun planned!

I’m linking up with Andrea, etc.

Amy

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Do you buy teacher gifts?  When my boys were in elementary school, I tried to get parents to pool together for a nice gift card or I would do gifts that were pretty substantial.  When they hit middle school and had as many as 12 teachers between the two of them we switched to a card and a bag of homemade cookies or maybe a special gift for one or two teachers that really made an impact.  

It really can add up, but I also think it’s the perfect time to say a thank you for essentially helping you parent while your kids are at school.  There is no person outside of the family that has a bigger impact on a child than a teacher.  

So, I’m coming from the perspective of a high school teacher.  My very favorite gifts to get at the holidays (or the end of the year) are handwritten notes.  It’s very special if my student writes it himself.  But, I also appreciate it when a parent writes one.  Is there a certain instance where the teacher went above and beyond for your child?  I would mention that instance.  Most teachers do not enter the profession for the money.  That would be dumb, right?  Lol!  I have saved every.single.letter/card that I have received over the years.  I have also tried to print out many of the emails I have received.  I cannot tell you how much I treasure these notes.  

So, hands down my favorite gift is just simply a handwritten note or card.

I also love even a $5 gift card for Starbuck’s or a local coffee shop.  Most teachers love coffee.  Don’t feel that $5 is too little.  We really do appreciate any amount.  Please do check your school’s policy about gift giving.  My school does not have a policy against it, but I have heard that some do.  

I have gotten gift cards for Target and various restaurants.  We have a locally owned ice cream shop that has gift cards and I was the recipient of one last year.  

Ask your child if their teachers mention a particular restaurant that they love. Does their teacher always have a particular drink?  I have a friend who gave a 6 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper 12 oz. bottles along with a sweet handwritten note.  

Now, I’m not saying don’t do this because the thought is always appreciated, but teachers get a ton of mugs and ornaments.  I do not need any more ornaments.  I would like the mug if it was personalized or had a special meaning.  But, as a high school teacher I do not want anything with apples or the alphabet on it.  But, again, I always appreciate when anyone gives me a token.  

I would love a personalized notepad.  It may be too late to order this for Christmas, but that would make a great end of year gift.  Teachers are constantly writing notes and this would be a great gift.  

I would love a personalized water cup or bottle.  We usually have to keep a lot of water on our desk because we can’t leave our rooms often.  

I love good pens.  I love dry erase markers.  I love regular markers.  We go through a lot of these items and buy most with our own money.  An office supply store gift card would be really appreciated.  

Any teachers out there want to chime in?  I hope I have given you a few ideas!

Amy 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Happy Hump Day!  I’m going to try to make more of an effort to do weekend wear along with my school outfits, o.k.?  Unfortunately, my weekend hair and makeup are not as camera ready, if you know what I mean, thus the cut off head.  This was Saturday hospital and errand attire:  Hue black jeggings – just picked these up, half of a blanket scarf, new Nordstrom Bobeau butter tee, Old Navy vest, and consignment Tieks.

The Kate Spade glitter studs are on sale for $20 on Nordstrom’s website.  You must wear studs with scarves in my opinion.  I have had these for several years and have worn them a bunch.

This outfit was from last week.  I wore my four pairs of Matilda Jane pants one each day from Monday through Thursday just for fun!  These are the $17 consignment pair.  The shirt is from Versona and the sweater is from Walmart.  

Here is my green consignment pair that were $29.  

Friday’s attire was super casual and I’ve decided to donate these jeans.  They just don’t fit correctly.  They are baggie in the legs and just awkward.  

I think I needed a looser shirt with this.  This is my kimono from fall with my Hue black jeggings.  

This is the same butter tee from the first photo with an old sweater and the black MJ pants.  

This is my art teacher sister – second blog appearance!  She has a cute and funky style.  She purchased this dress/tunic from Amazon.  

What have you been reaching for lately?  What are your biggest closet work horses?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, December 10, 2018

O.k. – 10 more days until break!  I actually got a lot accomplished this weekend. I’m linking up today with My Glittery Heart, Lindsay’s Sweet World, and The Sirois Family.  Check out the other posts here.

I scheduled my Kroger pick up for Friday right after school and it was a semi-disaster.  I had to go back three times before I could get my groceries – long and boring story.  I squeezed in a quick drink at Mojito with a co-worker, and also visited my new Matilda Jane trunk keeper.  If you are local to Louisville and need one, let me know in the comments.  I ordered a black pair of fin pants.  

In keeping with my trying to squeeze in some husband time in the midst of my current situation with my mom living with me and my dad in the hospital, hub and I stopped at this place on our way to visit at the hospital and bring my mom home.  It is on Bardstown Road and has a nice atmosphere.  We should have ordered the fried chicken which they are most known for, but we ordered sloppy joe, spoon bread, and greens to split.  

In Germany, I discovered this refreshing grapefruit beer.  It sounds weird, but it is really good.  

Look at this cozy private nook.  Joanne, you might like this!  Check out her blog at Europafox.com if you want to fall in love with England!  

Saturday morning I practiced a little hygge with my coffee and candle.  I love mornings when the dog and I are the only ones moving.  

O.k., you have got to buy this and add your own bourbon.  It is so good.  My friend K and I love this.  I need to make time to see her this break!  

I bought this champagne flavored cotton candy and I’m going to put it in my champagne!  It’s a thing!  How fancy, right?  Maybe I will do this on Christmas Eve. 

It was early Saturday morning and my mom and I went to Target and Dollar Tree before the crowds hit.  It was bliss.  

This is my favorite Christmas decoration.  I have all of our cards framed from over the years.  

Looks at these guys!  

We finally put the tree up!  

Egg nog!  

This boy is allowed to sleep with us.  

Sunday morning was the first coffee with the tree up.  I did some meal prep for the week, my mom and I went to Costco, we went to the hospital.  I left my mom there while I did lunch for my boys, they had a friend over, I went back to the hospital with treats for my parents, took friend home, then made dinner.  Whew!  

How was your weekend?  I can’t wait to read about it if you blog.  If you don’t leave me a comment!

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Friday, December 7, 2018

We made it to Friday, y’all! I’m getting a little nervous when I see the date on the calendar already says December 7th and I have so much left to do!  I did start putting a dent in my Christmas gift list last night – thank goodness for online shopping.  This weekend I’m going to hit the local stores – wish me luck!  How about you?  What do you have on tap?  

I’m linking up today with Andrea, Erika, Shay, etc. so check out the other posts here!

Here are my faves from the week!

Bravo does it again!  Unanchored is a show about a group of friends who rent a Catamaran sailboat for three weeks in The Bahamas.  I haven’t finished the first episode yet but it’s going to be typical juicy Bravo content!  Anyone else watching it?  

I taped this Hallmark movie because I have this book checked out from the library!  I’m trying to read the book before I watch the movie.  It’s cute so far!  

When my boys saw the cover, they laughed and laughed and made fun of the books I read!  At least I read, right?  

I love my Target plastic plates.  I have fall ones that I showed you awhile back and I have spring flowery ones.  I also have these for Christmas.  I keep them in a stack on my table.  I think I purchased 10.  I purchased three different designs.  I can’t remember if they had more than that, but these were the three that I liked best.  

I have been perusing Nordstrom’s website for gift ideas – and for myself, too, I must admit.  I have these Kate Spade glitter studs – I bought them on sale several years ago and wear them all of the time!  I wear them in the summer with my swimsuit and coverup or a baseball cap and in the winter with my scarves.  These would make a great and affordable gift.  Use the filters on Nordstrom’s website and you will find lots of good stuff.  Don’t think it’s out of your budget because they have great gifts for less than you might pay at Target. 

Costco’s Christmas cards are already a great deal, but if you are a member and have not ordered cards yet like me, they are 20% off until Sunday.  Sometimes being late like me pays off!

How has your week been?  Any favorites?  I’m going to try to not stress out this weekend and just go about my holiday chores with a good attitude, some good Christmas music, and maybe a Starbuck’s seasonal drink or a Chick Fil A peppermint mocha milkshake!  I think we have a chance for a bit of snow, too!  

Check out this week’s posts if you missed anything…

December Bucket list here

Gift ideas here

What I wore here

Thanks for reading and hope to see you back here on Monday!

Amy 

Thursday, December 6, 2018

1. Start shopping!  Shop locally first.  This wonderful leather goods company was started by my former student.  I would love this leather clutch!

This is a great local boutique with great unique gifts!

2.  Drink my one annual Chick Fil A peppermint mocha shake  – maybe while shopping!

3.  Wrap presents while watching Hallmark movies.

4.  Play Christmas songs on the piano.

5.  Attend Christmas Eve service.

6.  Celebrate with both sides of the family even if my side isn’t the way we always do it this year.

7.  Listen to Christmas music – branch out with Spotify channels, maybe.

8.  Plan quality time with family and friends that I haven’t seen much of lately.

9.  Wear festive Christmas clothes.

10.  Do a family charity project.

What is on your list?

Amy

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

I truly enjoy shopping for gifts. I love wrapping them, too! But, my favorite is watching people open my gifts. I can hardly wait and always want people to open mine first! I love Christmas, but I realize that it can be too much. My husband and I made the decision to give our kids something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. We give them more than 4 gifts, but we use that as a guideline. My husband and I like to give each other gifts and some years I will say we need to do a joint gift to each other or I will say let’s only spend x on each other. My husband usually can’t stick to it. He is a great gift giver and manages to surprise me most years.

As for extended family, we buy for the four grandparents but no other adults. I have 6 adults we could buy for, but we decided several years ago that it was for the kids and we draw names on my side because there are 9 kids. On hub’s side we only have 4 kids so we do gifts for my two nieces.

My favorite gifts that I have received:

Keurig coffeemaker, breadmaker, Kindle, Ugg slippers, Sam Eddleman riding boots, Clarisonic, Apple Watch

My favorite gifts I have given:

Simple human trashcan, pajamas, slippers, Amazon firestick, breadmaker, canvas family photos, iPad, blankets

Many years I like to follow a theme:

Cozy blankets

Pajamas

Makeup cases

Slippers

Vests

Jackets

I will tend to do the same things for the grandmothers or grandfathers some years.

I don’t really get too stressed about shopping and get it all done between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I like it to feel like Christmas when I’m shopping and if I finish too early I tend to go buy more stuff that I don’t need.

Fortunately we don’t have to mail anything. Some years we do one side of the family after Christmas.

My Favorite Places to Shop:  

Online:

Amazon, Target.com, Nordstrom.com

In Person:  

Costco, Trader Joe’s (check out their personal hygiene products and seasonal products), Target, Kohl’s (usually just for my boys’ pajamas, socks, underwear), Macy’s, Barnes and Noble

What is your shopping style? What are your favorite gifts to give and to receive? What are your favorite online and in person retailers?  

Amy