Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Happy Hump Day all! I am linking up today with The Style Six right here.

One day last week I put on my colorful Loft knit pants (old) and an Old Navy black peasant blouse to teach in and to do a curbside grocery pick up.

I was thrilled to bring new life to an old purse. This purse was a Sak brand consignment store find a long, long time ago. This purse holds a surprising amount of stuff and it is great for travel (ha!) or hands free errands. I had started seeing these cool guitar straps on blogs and I really liked the one Kellyann found but it was out of stock and about double the price of the one I found on Amazon here. I got tons of compliments when I took it shopping Saturday and then at the pumpkin even Sunday. I love the feeling of making something old new with a very little change.

Saturday night I wore my Lucky booties that I told you about last week. I wore my Aerie crackle leggings, a black tank and my Target A New Day poncho – the version this year has 3/4 length sleeves that make it more like a sweater. It is One Size Fits Most and I went ahead and got the burgundy and the tan after loving the black so much. You can find the poncho here. I really think it will be the most worn piece(s) for me this year. I wish I had caught the 20% off sale, but I still think $25 is a great deal for this piece. It will work with leggings, jeans, skirts, and if you throw on a long necklace you are good to go in my opinion.

My two friends dressed alike without planning it! We got a good laugh about that, but black and camel are such a classic combo. I love them together. I usually do the camel on top and black on the bottom but I like it both ways.

I love the look of the bare legs and booties on my friend on the left.

Here is a close up of the strap for my purse before I go.

What have you been wearing lately? I am doing self-tanner right now so that I can try to wear some of my fall skirts with short and long boots. It really helps!

My closet still has a hodge podge of summer and fall all mixed together because of our fickle weather. I need to organize and try some combos.

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

I have posted about this many times, but it is just that good that I need to keep reminding you about it! Ha!

No leaves were moved for this photo. They were already there. I promise!

You will need:

Bourbon of your choice – I really like Trader Joes for this recipe but this time I went with this reasonably priced brand. I toured this a couple of years ago and it was a great tour on Main Street in Louisville as part of the urban bourbon trail.

Fireball, baby!

Real apple cider

Ginger Ale – I like diet. I think it has enough sweetness from the cider.

Do one shot of bourbon, half shot of Fireball (more if you are feeling crazy or you really like spice), 1/2 cup of cider.

Stir.

Add ice.

Fill to top with your ginger ale.

You can also make a batch of this but leave the ginger ale out until ready to serve and then add to individual glasses for maximum fizz factor.

You can also soak apple chunks in your bourbon and Fireball mixture ahead of time.

Let me know if you try it!

Amy

Monday, October 26, 2020

Hello all! I am linking up today with Lindsay, Tanya and others right here.

First of, all, you need to read this book! It was really good and one of the best of 2020 for me.

Friday after work was really good because I got to see both of my boys! One was brief because he was going to a friend’s house nearby to hang out for the night. And, the other ate pizza with Tom and I at home because it was pouring rain. That was o.k. His favorite pizza Boombozz has been under renovation for almost a year and it has re-opened so I think it was a treat for him. He also ate ramen! And, he and I made indoor s’mores – in the microwave. He was in a great mood and it was a really nice treat.

Saturday morning I had told Tom it was going to be Amy Day. It was much needed hair day and I just decided to take myself out. I started with a local coffee shop bourbon caramel latte. It was just a flavoring, people. I was not drinking at 9 a.m. I always take the first hair appointment of the day.

Is there life on other planets? Hello?

New hair.

I then took myself to this cute little holiday pop up shoppe at a shopping village. It was really cute. I really want to shop locally as much as I can.

This was my hair outfit. I get hot under the cape so I did not wear the vest. All black. I will talk about my new camo purse strap on Wednesday.

I did my nails this grey/lavender Essie color that I featured in my fall nails post.

I also went in one more store at the village, Target, and then I got myself a veggie sandwich for lunch. I went home and watched a movie and it was nice.

Saturday night was our celebration for the girl on the left. It was her birthday!

We went to the country and ate in a barn. It is a farm to table concept at a farm. The owners are also big into art collecting/curating. After we ate (the food was not that good so I am not even showing you, but it was an experience), we got glow bracelets to go on an “art walk”. We didn’t really know what to expect.

They had built wooden walkways in the woods and had a light installation set to sound effects and music. You were free to take a drink with you but we didn’t and we wished we had because we could’ve stayed there for a lot longer.

At the end there was a light show and a place to sit to view it. These pictures don’t do it justice. I would like to go again.

Sunday I was super lazy but I did make my breakfast for the week and I had already made my soup for the week – lentil bacon. I piddled around, cleaned, read, drank coffee and then around 1 Tom and I went to the restaurant on the river for the annual charity pumpkin chuckin’ where they launch pumpkins into the river trying to hit a target.

Tom’s sister, brother in law, our niece, and some other people were there so that was nice. I had a mimosa and we had some food.

Then, we went home to some yard work and my new Woodwick candles from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It crackles when it burns! I think it’s best for outside, but people do use them inside.

And, that is about it. How is it the last week of October? It is crazy! I can’t believe Halloween is in less than a week. We are not going back to school any time soon. Our numbers are horrible here. We are in the red. Everywhere I go people are wearing masks so I don’t really know why it is so bad. The sports that are in the playoffs are allowed to continue but if a sport is not, they are pumping the brakes on those. I feel so bad for the kids. I know some desperately want to go back. On the other hand, some want to remain virtual and some are doing very well with our online curriculum. This is hard – there is no doubt about that.

How was your weekend? Any highlights? How are things in your neck of the woods?

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Happy Friday to all! I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here!

How was your week? Mine was o.k. I am in a good routine but at the same time I am starting to get tired of that routine.

Here are some favorites…

I continued to either sit outside in the evening some nights or to

have my coffee outside some mornings.

I guess I feel like my outside days are numbered and that is forcing me to take advantage when I can, which is a good thing, I think!

Monday Ernie and I had a wet walk but that is what Hunter boots are for! These are now 8 years old!

I showed my students these Day of the Dead tortilla chips that I found at Kroger.

You all – this popcorn is so good! The maple is not too strong. I need to go get more! Maple is the new pumpkin – you heard it here.

I had one weekday outing with a friend. I went back to the patio at Gravely Brewing Co.

When I am on the lower patio, Ernie is usually right here, guarding the back door.

Something very exciting happened Monday! This is our Master Bath frame. Between the green wall and the frame is our hall. The old tiny bathroom door will be a solid wall and our new Master Bed is beyond the opening you see on the right. And, our his and hers walk-in closets are first before the bedroom.

Hallway – the door on the left will be gone, too –

This is where the double vanity will be – used to be the Master closets.

So, it is exciting that after a 7 month hiatus, we are getting something going again!

The leaves really starting turning yellow in my yard this week.

During my lunch break one day I got my second pedicure since February. Everyone has to wear a mask and I brought my own Essie Wrapped in Rubies polish. I think it is safer and I can do touch ups when needed.

I am almost done with this book and you must go get it! So good!

If you are a Keurig user like me, this hot apple cider is yummy! It is 80 calories a cup.

So, those are some things I enjoyed this week.

What did you enjoy? Any highlights?

Any fun weekend plans?

Thanks for visiting me,

Amy

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Another strange blog post title coming at ya this week! Stay with me, though – you will like this!

Have you ever had really good restaurant corn bread? Want to hear a weird secret? Some places use this trick I found many years ago on Pinterest.

Take a Jiffy cornbread mix and mix according to package directions.

Take a Jiffy yellow cake mix and mix according to package directions. (I could not find the Jiffy cake mix because my Kroger and Covid and 2020 – so you can use Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Butter Golden – I read it has to be this mix because you do not want a mix with pudding in it.)

Combine batters and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and you can stick a toothpick in and have it come out clean.

Now, because I had a full size cake mix I only incorporated half of the cake mix which left me with the other half.

I bake the corn bread then put the other half of the cake in after it was done because I did not want to mess up baking times.

This is a sweeter corn bread but it is really good! Put butter or honey on top if you like.

And, above you see the cake – sorry I was not planning on posting about the cake but a reader requested the recipe. I think cake mixes are great. A tip – you can add an extra egg to make it more homemade tasting! I do this regularly! Also, I love a bundt pan and there are some really pretty cake pans out there now.

Here is the deal: Make your own frosting and the entire cake will taste homemade. This is one of my favorite icing recipes that I found in a church cook book. Those are really the best. Everyone gives their best recipes. I like to buy these at garage sales sometimes! Ha!

Easy Caramel Icing:

1/2 cup butter (one stick)

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 and 3/4 cups sifted powdered sugar (I did not sift mine and nothing bad happened!)

Melt butter in saucepan.

Stir in brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring over medium heat for 2 minutes.

Stir in milk.

Bring to a boil again, stirring constantly. (I decided to also add some bourbon and vanilla because why not?)

Cool to lukewarm.

Gradually add in the powdered sugar.

Beat until thick enough to spread. (I just used a wooden spoon)

Add a little hot water if icing is too hard.

It is so good! You could put this on top of a spice cake, a chocolate cake, on top of apple bars or apple pie.

Let me know if you plan to make cornbread or caramel cake!

Amy

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

No, my title is not a typo! Did anyone used to read the blog of the same name? Did you know Cara now has a direct sales company? (I think direct sales sometimes gets a bad rap but if it is a quality product it is the small business of its representatives. )

So, a few weeks ago my college friend Jennie was hosting a party for this company – an online party via Facebook. I joined in – what the heck? I like makeup! I like spending money on the internet! I am a little bored! Just kidding – but I listened and read and watched some of the videos that were being posted.

Basically it is a contouring for dummies system of makeup. I had never really been that into contouring and I always envisioned a Kardashian when I thought of this. But, if you are a faithful reader of mine (thank you!), you know how I feel about my recent discovery of cream blush, cream eyeshadow, cream everything. Who wants powder settling in their fine lines?

This is what the system looks like.

First you take a photo of your face in natural light and then your artist comes up with a palette for you. The colors look weird and the dark one you may freak out over.

They come in these cute little tins and if you buy four you get the compact for free. Below you see that this works for both cheek and lip! I have not used it for lips. I am only using this for my foundation/instead of foundation and blush.

Naked face:

First you start with your darkest color – you put it at your hairline, right under your cheekbone and right along your jawline. It kind of resembles the number 3. You also do either side of your nose.

Then you use your lighter color (the first one in my palette) and do a stripe under the dark hairline, under the cheekbone stripe, under eye, and on chin.

Then you do blush. By the way, I hope none of my neighbors were concerned. I kept going in and out of the house taking selfies.

Then you blend with their brush or I just used my Beauty Blender egg shaped sponge.

Below is the final result. I also added my own eye stuff and lip stuff and brow gel.

The tins are really reasonably priced. My entire palette of 4 tins came to under $50.

This is an artist who did half of her face.

And here is Jennie:

If you are interested in learning more, Jennie became an artist after having her party! That is how much she fell in love with it. They do also have eye products and skin care products and more, but I only know about the face contour system.

https://jennielamothe.maskcarabeauty.com/en/shop/party-138957/shop-all

or email her at jennielamothe@yahoo.com

Jennie did not ask me to write this – in fact she knew nothing of my blog. But, when I told her I was writing about it (and that I had a blog!), she offered to open up a hostess rewards party for me, so if you do order from her I may receive some free or discounted items. I just wanted to fully disclose that.

Have you heard of this? I hope you liked hearing about it. I am really enjoying doing my face this way. I hope to get the brush and the setting spray next.

Amy

Friday, October 16, 2020

How was your week?

I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here!

My favorites this week are not in chronological order, but here we go – I have a little of everything today that made me happy this week. What made you happy this week?

This Wednesday I did not have to teach live classes. It may not seem like it but teaching live virtually is hard, you all! You are ON the whole time and you are trying to bring the energy to the screen and it just takes it out of you. You have multiple tabs open on your computer and you share your screen and go back to see your students and it is a lot. I feel like the Wizard of Oz or something. So, Wednesday we had a mandatory mental health professional development… I will let that sit there a moment while you absorb the irony. I took my workspace outside and it was a good call.

I cleaned up a bunch but left the leaves because I like them.

A different day I did my nails on the patio while listening to a podcast.

I bought the OPI Shine formula and I thought this was kind of fun for fall.

More leaf changing photos on my walks.

Anyone listen to Even the Rich? I am not interested in all of their topics, but I started the one on JFK Jr.

One afternoon I volunteered to bring my easy skinny margarita to a patio with two teacher friends. I started teaching at my current school 21 years ago with these two girls – now we are all at three different schools in my city. I am so glad we have stayed in touch. One teaches French and the other teaches Latin so we have a lot in common! My easy skinny margarita – one shot white tequila, half a stick of Crystal Light lemonade – stir, and add ice and fill to top with Fresca. Add a lime. Yum!

It is now getting dark at 7:00! The upside is that I am still awake and can go on the patio and light a candle some evenings!

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to have lunch at Joellas Hot Chicken with just one of my sons. It was so nice and the first time we have gotten to do this since August 14. I just realized this is a weird photo. This is his drink but he had gone to the restroom.

And, later that night all four of us were reunited for the first time since September 5 (their birthday). One son wanted to go to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot (instead of in the park) to see Macbeth where one of his drama teachers was a part. You stayed in your car and tuned to a certain radio station. It was unique. I brought popcorn and candy and we all kept masks on except when eating so maybe that did not matter anymore. We also had the sunroof and windows open for some air flow. Our boys have been very, very serious about the mask mandate on their campus. They had to sign a pledge.

So, this is out of order, but on Wednesday when we did the mental health in the morning I also had to have a meeting with this sweet colleague. We decided to meet in person instead of virtually and she brought us lunch. We both thought this did way more for our mental health!

She brought breakfast tacos for me and tres leches pancakes for her from a place called Con Huevos.

This is a bit creepy but I have enjoyed having a nightlight for my nightly bathroom trips. Do you wake at the same time every night? I usually wake at 3:35 (weird, right? and also TMI) and this nightlight has been so nice so because I am no longer turning on a big light. I think I have a Christmas one and I will be looking for a rest of the year one! But, I cannot wait to destroy this bathroom soon I hope!

My very favorite trees in the fall are these red/pink ones. Look at that blue sky. We have seriously had the best fall weather. Or, maybe I am finally noticing it because of WFH (work from home)?

I am super excited about this. It is a Christmas tree made from bourbon barrel slats. My former student was advertising that her Grandpa was making them and selling for a very reasonable price.

I should probably keep this for What I Wore Wednesday but I am too excited. I really want to be a hat person but I am not sure I am. I took a chance on this one – it does have some Smokey the Bear or Curious George Man in the Hat vibes but it is a great price. And, this is why…

Look how cute my little sister looks! I think I need to ask her about that jacket, too.

This is our old bedroom and I was thrilled to hear something might be happening soon… Hub ripped up the carpet solo and dismantled the closet systems and doors to save some time and money. Look at this beautiful floor that was hiding! Well, it is dirty, but still…

That was quite a hodge podge this week. I hope you also had lots that made you happy!

Thanks for reading and tell me what your highlights were in the comments.

Amy

P.S. – Sorry no Thursday post this week. I had a bit of writer’s block. So, leave me anything you would like me to write about and I will see what I can do!

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Just want to let you know there will be no Thursday post this week! See you back here Friday for Favorites, though!

I am linking up today with the ladies of The Style Six here.

Saturday was balmy but I still wanted to wear my pumpkin spice t-shirt (old!). I wore my new short sleeve Umgee from Amazon sweater and consigned Matilda Jane pants.

This is what I wore for meeting my friend for happy hour.

I tried the all black under this kimono and I still am not sure. I think I like the white t-shirt under it the best.

Below are my Wild Fable from Target liquid leggings from last year. They were $10 ish dollars and I wore them a bunch! Everytime I went out for the evening I wanted to wear them. I thought they worked with black booties and ponchos. I never did wear them casually because it felt kinda weird to me – maybe it was a shoe issue. I would 100 % recommend these and I believe they still carry them.

So, last year told me that I would wear them a lot.

I decided to order the Aerie crackle leggings for about $30. I think I can maybe try these with white sneakers for a casual look.

Here is a closeup of the crackle. It is not a great photo, but you get the idea – it has a bit of a textured look. I could not spend the $$$ on the Spanx leggings that everyone loves. I am sure they are worth it, but these will be fine for me.

I also want to show you the Target Goodfellow pullover again. My son liked it and wanted one so I ordered him one, too. I have already washed this twice and worn it maybe 4 times. I really think I am going to like having this.

And, even better is my Aerie pullover. I am not sure it is better, really, but I like the print. I have also washed this twice and worn it probably 5 times. So, I am embarrassed and ashamed that I am just now experiencing the joy of the pullover.

If you are starting to think about gift ideas, I think these would be fabulous! I know I would like to receive them!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, October 13,2020

This is not Tom and I but that drink sure looks good!

It is time for another round of Entertainment Tuesday!

What are you watching lately? I love my DVR and my ATT Uverse and I really want to keep it. Tom is still weighing options about pulling the plug on it. I have talked about this before and no, we have not done anything yet.

Regular Cable T.V.: (This is what you will find on my DVR!)

The Bradshaw Bunch – this is a new show about Terry Bradshaw and his family on E! channel

Sweet Home Sextuplets – sweet family of 11 on TLC

Below Deck Mediterranean – I love most Bravo shows and I am fascinated by the yachty lifestyle.

Netflix:

Gilmore Girls – it just feels like fall. I will play an episode sometimes to listen to in the background.

Master of None- I just started this and I think I like it. Aziz Ansari of Parks and Rec is the main character.

Emily in Paris – I watched this too quickly. It was a little cheesy but we all need cheesy and I loved the Parisian scenes.

Looking forward to:

Southern Charm – Bravo

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City – Bravo

I have not decided if I will attempt The Bachelorette which starts tonight. Anyone?

What are you watching lately? Any recommendations for me?

Amy

Monday, October 12, 2020

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty good! I am linking up with Lindsay, Tanya and more here.

Starting with Thursday, I got to meet up with a friend that I hadn’t seen since July. We met at Grassa Gramma, an Italian restaurant that has come up with a patio for the current situation.

We had some awesome cocktails and they bring you complimentary focacia to start. We split three little dishes and it was so nice to get caught up.

Friday finally arrived. During lunch, I participated in my co-worker’s Friday cooking lesson. I was so excited to learn to make tostones. I had never tried to cook with plantains. You slice them, fry them, smash them, and then fry again and add salt. They turned out so great! I have always been intimidated by frying things. Thanks to my co-worker for coming up with this creative virtual cooking class. I have attended three of them so far. She does it during lunch and it is open to all Spanish students.

Tom took off Friday to work on our boat. When I finished my faculty meeting at 3:30, I met him and we went out for a bit.

We had dinner at Captain’s Quarters and headed back in.

I was so tired but I managed to stay up for a bit of t.v. and fire time and then I went to bed at 9:30.

Saturday morning I had my coffee outside.

I piddled around and enjoyed not getting on a screen at 7:30! I did get to go to Target to get my prescription sunglasses that had come in but I did not buy anything!

Tom and I walked around on one of my favorite streets and went in a few boutiques.

The new prescription sunglasses – game changer! Why did I wait so long?

We headed home and I made a fall charcuterie board. I bought frozen pretzels and used mustard for dipping – yum!

My nail color is really holding up! I did two super thin layers and then followed with a different top coat – Sally Hansen Shine. I blame my top coat for my previous problems.

I made an afternoon mocha joe – a package of hot chocolate in the mug before you brew your coffee.

That evening we went to dinner at a place with open garage doors for air circulation.

I got the best fall sangria.

They only had 3 things on their entree menu because of Covid. We all thought that was odd. There was fried chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, or cheeseburgers. I got the grilled cheese and it was gourmet with fig jam and arugula.

Then, we went to a nearby dessert place. It was nice to walk a bit after dinner and I got this ice cream pie.

I stayed up kind of late Saturday night trying to watch Saturday Night Live – I couldn’t keep my eyes open but I taped it. The political parodies are pretty funny.

I started Sunday on the patio again. We didn’t get the rain we expected! Instead, it was much warmer this weekend than it has been.

For Soup Sunday, I decided to make the soup in the morning! I did spicy vegetable soup with turkey sausage.

I used spicy V8 and it turned out great! I also added chicken broth, can of tomatoes, carrots, onion, spinach (all fresh), frozen corn, sauteed zucchini, and diced up potato. I have become much more of a soup person in the last few years. Next week I plan to make lentil bacon soup. I am really wanting to cook more with lentils. I fell in love with them in Spain.

And, I did a little bit of school work to try to have a smoother week!

Tom was busy, busy, busy yesterday. He ripped up carpet, cleaned out his stuff in our old Master closet for good, dismantled our old bedroom closet system, and took out the closet doors. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I think work on our Master bath is going to start this week. The plan is to get that done, then to renovate the hall bath so that we are not without an upstairs bathroom. Then, we have the kitchen to do and all new wood flooring on the main floor to match our bedroom and all new paint on our main floor. It still seems like a lot but that’s ok. I also made a trip to Goodwill which is open on Sundays so that felt good to get some stuff off of our hands.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Thanks for reading!

Amy