Friday, January 12, 2024
Friday just hits differently when I am in school! Also, a five day week after winter break – Doozy! Ha! I am happy to link up with Andrea and Erika today for everyones’ favorite post of the week!
Here are some faves, though, that brightened my week!
First, fresh flowers! When I took down my minimal Christmas decor a few days after New Year’s Day, I also made a trip to Trader Joe’s for a few things and thought flowers would brighten up the regular home decor. I have really enjoyed seeing this bouquet each day. Fresh flowers are always worth it and this beautiful bouquet was only $10! Don’t discount Kroger or your regular grocery, though, because they also have decent bouquets for this price and sometimes you can find them at a reduced price, too!
I did a fun, snow themed mani for back to school. Well, I think it looks like snow. When I think January, I think blue, silver, and snow for some reason! And, you know that teachers live for snow days! It’s what gets us through January and February – ha! Still loving my Impress press-ons and no nail damage is happening. I keep them on about 7 days, remove them gently with dental floss and wait at least 24 hours before applying a new set. I have found this routine works for me.
Tom wanted to fix a couple of his clothing items and we went to Joann Fabrics on Sunday as our Sunday date, I guess? Tom is way better at sewing than I am, by the way! He buys quality clothing and keeps it forever and then either repairs it himself or takes it to the tailor.
I visited my fave consignment store last week and finally took photos. Everything for winter was 25-75% off. I picked up two handbags/totes:
I thought this looked so nice for spring. I don’t have much navy, but I loved the little stripe detail and the shape of the bag. The brand is Alfani, which I think is a Macy’s brand. This consignment shop doesn’t take any fast fashion like Target or Old Navy. If you are local, I absolutely love Sassy Fox and have gotten so much there over the years. I also take my own cast offs there.
And, this is a great work tote. I don’t take much to work anymore because I have a home laptop and a work laptop, so this is the perfect size for my planner and my normal purse contents. It looks like the Madewell tote and the leather is really soft. I think the brand is Elliot Luca.
A pair of pull on Jag black jeans that were new with tags:
And a black sweater vest with fun side zippers:
I had $20 credit and brought all of this home for just $30. I love shopping consignment!
My friend Elizabeth and her husband were in a new restaurant’s ad and I saw it on Instagram! So cute!
Apparently there is a brown lipgloss trend afoot. I do remember wearing a light brown shade in the mid to late 90s, do you? I think I was influenced by Jennifer Aniston on Friends!
Bethany Frankel likes what she tried and it prompted me to pursue more lip products. I really have a problem and love to buy lip products!
I bought the brown NYX Fat Oil in Status Update and I really like it – over something else, especially. I also picked up a new NYX butter gloss in Applecrisp. It’s a light red. Have you used NYX? I really like their products.
Erica and I are really trying to get back to our healthy eating. Her favorite that I made this week is a lightened up shepherd’s pie. You make a lean ground beef and onion mixture, add tomato sauce, paste, and broth and a bag of frozen vegetables. You make mashed potatoes (I did make homemade and only added a scant amount of butter and skim milk) and then layer the meat mixture and the potato mixture on top and top with some shredded cheese. You don’t need to make rich mashed potatoes since you have the bottom meat layer and the cheese on top.
And, cue the music…
Amy has a new love! Where has farro been all my life? Erica made a meatless meal with farro, arugula, sweet potatoes, pepitas, and parmesan cheese.
Have you tried farro? It has a slightly nutty flavor and a nice little crunch. Guess what is in my Kroger pick up order this week?
Mason has become such a tea drinker and I think he will be home at some point this weekend. He loves the taste of coffee, but he says it affects his stomach negatively. I have suggested trying to find something that he can handle, but he loves English breakfast tea and got used to the kettles in England. I have this ready for him because we were just boiling water on the stove.
I have a former student in Spain for study abroad and I am following along on IG! This is why I do love social media. Also, my best friend’s daughter just arrived in Spain for study abroad and I am hoping she posts a lot of photos, too.
I show these photos to my current students and hopefully it inspires them to pursue study abroad, too!
Sunday night Mason was still home and we tried a new recipe. Ours doesn’t look pretty, but we all really liked it!
Did you hear the news? One final Nantucket novel? Her books are just such good beach or summer reads, no?
I am already looking ahead to my spring clothing wishlist. I saw these Aerosoles and gasped. Love them! They also have another pair that I really want and have wanted to some time. When did Aerosoles get so pricey and on trend?
I think the beautiful tile floor is also influencing me!
I am keeping a wishlist and trying to be smart for now regarding clothing purchases. I am participating again in Frugalwoods January Frugal challenge and one of the prompts this week was:
“Frugality brings you freedom”
I know that when I am frugal about things that I can be frugal about that it frees up money for things I want that are a little more on the splurge/luxury side.
I love buying clothes, shoes, and accessories so that has always been my weakness. I am doing my yearly cycle through all winter clothes thing to help me feel content and realize I have so much stuff already.
In about a month or so, I will go through my spring stuff and take what no longer fits my vibe to the consignment store I mentioned. Can you believe they will start putting out spring stuff at the end of the month?
Especially when I think about the trip I just took – I would much rather save my money for travel! How many clothes do I really need? I am a work in progress, for sure. I would rather have less clothing that I really, truly love than a closet full of mediocre pieces.
My ultimate favorite of the week, though, is below. I share this for you mamas in the trenches out there wondering if things will ever get better. I guess this is why you send your kids to study abroad – ha!
I got a totally unprompted text from Mason asking how my day was (they stop being such little narcissists, mamas – don’t worry!) and then this:
I thought maybe it meant he was having trouble re-acclimating to campus life, but I think he is just so sweet. Jack is sweet to me, too, but he lives at home and sees me more frequently now.
We mess up daily and we say the wrong things, but our work does pay off. My sister is struggling a bit with her teen and I gave her a pep talk this week and said, “Stay strong. Keep it simple. Straight and to the point. Don’t show any weakness. Don’t have verbal diarrhea. You’re the parent.” Ha! Can anyone relate?
Happy, happy Friday to you! What was a fave for you this week?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
Aaah, that text from Mason! How sweet! My kids mostly ask me what’s for dinner. 😀
You really inspire men when you write about winter clothes and spring clothes… I have like given up and will go for very simple outfits until winter is over; a lot of black, a lot of jeans (preferably black), a lot of jumpers and turtlenecks…
I guess a fave this week was to start working again… We do have a fun job! It’s a true blessing to work with kids, it really is!
LikeLike
It made my week! Ha! That’s funny! But, a relationship with a girl and a mom is a bit different.
Simple outfits are good! And, you look so stylish and classy, I’m sure.
Yes, it was so good to see my kids at school again. They really do give me energy!
LikeLike
All your healthy foods look so good! I definitively remember wearing brown lipstick/ gloss in the 90’s along with brown lip liner.
LikeLike
We are working on it! I realized I need a lower point breakfast! I also get a little snacky after school. First week is always hard. Yes – me too! Remember the brown lip liner that was so pronounced?
LikeLike
That text from Mason is the sweetest, I swear our relationships with our kids are everything!
Tom sounds so much like my husband. Brian sews more than me – he has a little sewing kit and has no problem sewing a button on or fixing a hem. On the other hand there’s me who brings things to the tailor. Ha!!
I am eyeing those Aerosoles too, I think they will be perfect for Spring!
Have a great weekend Amy!
xo,
Kellyann
LikeLike
Thank you! They really are. Husbands are so weird, right? I should go to the tailor more but mine has gotten so expensive.
Nice chatting with you yesterday about the Aerosoles and thank you for the mention on IG!
LikeLike
I’m actually crying over that text right now and how precious it is! Amy, you have raised such great young men! That is exactly how I make my shepherds pie. I don’t think I ever wore brown lipstick. I’m wondering if I might like it? I love the purse with the navy and pink stripe! So fun and I’m thinking I’ve got to check out those aerosoles. . I really am not buying much clothing in January either believe it or not really much of anything. We’ve got some trips coming up That I may want to splurge for a couple new things, including those Raffia issues! They’re so amazing! Happy Weekend love. Stay warm, that storms a comin!
LikeLike
Awww, thank you! I hope so. Gosh, it was a lot of work – ha!
Yes – shepherd’s pie is so good, right?
I think brown would look good on you. It doesn’t turn out looking as brown as you might think.
The raffia shoes are sold out in my size and in most sizes! Wow – it’s only January so they did some major influencing.
Yes, to getting new things for your trip. I think it really helps you to be happy with your travel wardrobe.
I know – cold, cold weekend ahead. Come on spring!
LikeLike
Love your teen advise to your sister. They really still want direction and support.
LikeLike
Thank you – yes they sure do!
LikeLike
I have heard of farro, but I can’t remember what it is. I’m off to Google now! Both your and Erika’s meals look scrumptious! I haven’t done great with eating this week with Todd gone. Turns out I don’t cook so much when he’s out of town all week! We’ve been living on easy foods; you know the type! Those Aerosoles are cute! I used to have a pair of raffia looking sandals that I loved; those look very similar. That was a sweet text from Mason! It sounds like his love language is words of affirmation, since he often gives you that. I don’t usually get that in a text, but all of my sons are always so grateful for all that I do for them; and they know that I love doing the mom things. They’re all really sweet about sending me random texts telling me how much they love me. Boys are so sweet at this kind of thing! I hope your Friday goes by quickly and that it’s a great day and weekend for you, my friend! xoxo
LikeLike
It’s an ancient grain so it’s in a lot of grain bowls at restaurants. I may cook it today. I bet that makes it hard for you. Sometimes the easy foods aren’t the best for me when I do that, too. I’m trying to get back on track. I have a lot of cute spring things that are too snug on me. The sandals are already sold out, so I guess the influencing really worked! Mason is totally words of af. like me. They really are both very sweet to me and I know yours are to you, too, because you nutured that in them. Your work pays off!
Same to you! We have a cold weekend ahead and I already did a grocery pick up, but we do have to try Costco today – eek!
LikeLike
I remember the matt brown lipstick trend I picked up from watching ‘Melrose Place’. The shepherd’s pie looks so good as does the salmon pasta. I love salmon and it’s so good for you! I try and make salmon once a week but I usually make teriyaki salmon because it’s everyone’s favourite around here. I should get more creative! I love the text from Mason, how special.
LikeLike
Yes! That’s what I’m talking about! I think it’s back? I loved both of those meals, indeed, and they were good for the cold weather we have. I love teriyaki salmon and need to do that soon.
It touched my heart! Thank you!
LikeLike
Momming is hard but so worth it! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Yes – I always say it’s the hardest job I’ve ever loved. It’s a lot like teaching. It’s so hard but you get so many rewards.
LikeLike
What a precious text! A new with tags score at the consignment shop = the best!
LikeLike
Thank you and yes! I was happy!
LikeLike
That text from Mason is so nice, and you gave good advice for teen parenting. So true to not say words you may later regret…keep it short and sweet and to the point! Have a good weekend.
LikeLike
Thank you! It’s so hard to not let emotions rule your speech, right?
You too! I think you are going to have some cold and I know we are! There is talk of too cold to go to school next week!
LikeLike
That text! 🥹🥹 How sweet! M texts from Noah go like this….”can you order this for me on Amazon, or no?”
😅 he’s getting there- at least he texts me lol!
Bug calls daily from school 🥰
LikeLike
Right? I was so touched. Ha – I get those, too! I bet Bug is very communicative like her mama!
LikeLike
First of all long time reader, but comment not too often. You are one of the bloggers I can relate too with college kids. One graduates in April and I have a freshman. How did you handle the distance with your son abroad. Mine are not studying abroad but my husband got a promotion/transfer and we will be moving in 2 weeks. We just dropped them both off this past weekend and they will not be coming back to this house. We will be in Massachusetts and they will he in Alabama and South Carolina. This breaks my mamas heart.
Now on another note, what do you use for press on nails. I like short ones but all I seem to find seem so long
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Erin! The distance was hard, but he made it easier by being very communicative. I would ask to have a regular Facetime with your kids. You might be surprised that they start the text quite a bit and you don’t have to?
So, you are going through a lot because you are at the end of a chapter and that is sad for you. The kids also might be sad to not have that home to come home, too. So, let yourself feel those feelings. Ask your kids if they are doing ok. Take pictures of the house that you and they might want to have later. Plan your first trips to Alabama and South Carolina so you have something to look forward to and check with them and make sure it works with their schedule.
I have been using Impress brand. I order the short length from Impress’ website. I press them on, wait a bit, cut and file them so they are shorter than short. I think they stay on longer for me when they are shorter. On the website you can filter for short length. But, I have also seen short length in Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, etc.
I will be thinking of you. Please check back in and let me know how it’s going!
LikeLike
I love that your Sunday date was to JoAnne’s Fabrics. So sweet. You scored on the consignment purses/totes! I love watching Bethenney’s videos. She’s a hoot. That text is the best. Thank you for sharing…& I’ve never related more to that last paragraph. Haha thanks!
LikeLike
I did find cocktail glitter for me!
I did – love consignment shopping! There is a Sassy Fox in Lex. and it’s owned by the mom of my Sassy Fox’s owner I think.
I do, too. She really knows her makeup.
Right – you are in the thick of it like my sisters.
LikeLike
That text from Mason is the best. I can’t even imagine what a teen will be like. My kindergartener is pushing limits and the toddler wants us to know she’s in charge.
I’ve completely given up on fast fashion, unless you count my Costco clothes lol
LikeLike
It sure did make my day. Buckle up! But, as a teacher, I feel like you have a good training ground for boundaries and consistency.
I am going to Costco today!
I placed my Carly Jean order – the white long sleeve kimono for $20 and a black and white stripe boyfriend tee. I used to have lots of stripes in my closet but now I have only one thing so I have been thinking of adding more.
LikeLike
Awww, that is the loveliest text. I miss getting those. Mine are all real adults (like all..well at the end of the month…all in their 40s). And, I had heard there was only going to be one last Hilderbrand book. But, I did read she’s going to write a couple with her daughter so there’s that. You might like Nancy Thayer.
When you get those sandals, post it so I remember to get them!! Looks like they’re sold out already! But, I could wear those…back strap and not too tall a heel.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. It’s going to be windy and frigid here!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
LikeLike
Thank you! I bet you get them, too, even though your kids are adult adults! That is cool about her daughter. I can’t read Nancy Thayer or Dorothy something and a few others. There sentences are short and choppy and they repeat details. Elin writes a bit choppy and matter of fact, but for some reason I like hers. Ha! I am a picky reader and a tough critic even though what I read is not what anyone would call high brow literature.
They are sold out! I probably won’t be able to get them.
Same here!
LikeLike
I use to work for the company that designed Jag Jeans. I sure miss them, they always fit so well and have such good fabric.
LikeLike
Wow! I think they are sold at a department store in our city and they were new with tags at this consignment store!
LikeLike
That last paragraph – those are some wise words that I need to remember often! What a sweet text from Mason! You have a great consignment shop! I need to search around for a good one near me. I just got a pair of Aerosoles loafers and they are so comfy! I was a little surprised at their price point though. I found a coupon making them more affordable. Like you I am trying to keep my clothing purchaes to good picks. It’s hard not to get influenced sometimes!
LikeLike
Thank you! Right – when did they become so pricey?
LikeLike
We call that Word Vomit. I am very bad about it and I have tried to become a better mom re: word vomit. I am so blessed that both of my girls have grown into such AMAZING women and love spending time with me. And yes, I have had rocky and tough years. But their 30’s are great. I am trying another clothes buying challenge for 2024. 24 items in 2024. I am making a wish list. I am all about a challenge! Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
No one tells you how to parent adult children and I want to have a good relationship with mine even if they don’t do things the way I would.
Great challenge! I am not holding myself to a number yet, but I have definitely gotten better.
LikeLike