Are blanket scarves still in style? Do we care? The goal this winter is staying warm so that you can get outside! Through many years of error, I have learned that the goal is not to have skin showing or exposed to the elements. It amazes me how much warmer a blanket scarf can make you!
Here is my collection and I am going to show you how to wear them yourself, a weird thing I do with mine, how to share them with your holiday decor, and how to store them.
I own 5:
None of them are new this season, by the way.
I love this fall colored one. I am still going to wear it during the winter, though!
This was from the Target Dollar Spot for $5. I really like it and I think it might be my favorite right now. It is a bit wrinkled because I had just worn it.
This one was a gift from my Mother in law a few years ago. I like the navy and red and the touch of mustard.
This one with pink in it is currently the tree skirt for my white bedroom tree! If I decide to wear it, my tree can handle being naked for a few hours.
My classic Christmas scarf is dressing the green pencil tree in the family room. Again, we can share!
I was thinking a blanket scarf could also make a great table runner or a base for a tablescape (someone has been watching Below Deck!).
Did you notice anything about my scarves? They are all cut in half. I simply cannot handle my neck being strangled by too much scarf. I fold them in half and then cut into two triangles. My sister and sister in law have my other halves. I would like to buy another Christmas looking one to wear as a shawl this year. Let me know if you see any good ones!
I learned how to store them like a donut or a cinnamon roll.
Take the end and put it in your palm and start wrapping around your hand.
It will look like this:
Take the end sticking up and …
Pull it through the center of the hole securing it. Less calories than a real donut or cinnamon roll, too, right?
Here is really the only way I wear them. Hold your triangle in front of you with the point down. Put it on your chest like a bib and pull the ends behind your head to the opposite sides and you are done. You may have to arrange in the mirror a bit. Instant outfit. This takes the place of your necklace. Also, do not try to wear long or big earrings. Studs are made for blanket scarf wearing.
Wow! It is the last day of November. How was your Thanksgiving and your (hopefully) long weekend? Ours went by too quickly as they always do! I am linking up with Heather, Tanya, etc. right here.
I had school Monday and Tuesday and my kids were home from college so they did their thing while I taught in the basement.
Wednesday they had orthodontist appointments – still needing to wear the old retainer at night to keep the work their braces did. They got braces at the end of 8th grade and had them off before junior year I think.
I kept the Thanksgiving mantel and fall decor up until Thanksgiving day but I was chomping at the bit to switch it out. I started putting it away Thanksgiving night.
Wednesday was a nasty rainy day and I just enjoyed no school and hanging with the boys. We got Mexican takeout for dinner and watched t.v. together.
Thanksgiving morning I went to the patio and watched some of the virtual Macy’s parade on the ipad.
I went to the little bbq place to pick up our meal. Tom took a long bike ride and then did lots of chores with our renovation and the leaves this weekend. He also chopped some wood for the fire.
Then, I started drinking my apple cider mimosa when I got home. So good – I think I like it better than a normal mimosa.
More parade while I made french toast. Our plan was to eat around 4 so big breakfast and Thanksgiving meal. If you don’t have an electric griddle, I really recommend it. It is great for pancakes, french toast, grilled cheese, etc.
Throughout the day I just read and piddled and cooked a few things to go with our meal.
I made deviled eggs – only 6 because it was just the four of us and Mason doesn’t like them. Jack loves them.
And I made homemade cranberry sauce but I think I’m the only one who had any! I was also thinking I could strain it and use for a cocktail? Or I can try to make a cranberry simple syrup with the leftover cranberries I didn’t use.
I also made corn.
And, I heated up Sister Schubert’s yeast rolls which we all love.
So, we had mashed potatoes, green beans, turkey from the bbq place. Their stuffing was bad so I made Stove Top brand which I had on hand and…
I also made macaroni and cheese.
We had a nice meal at the table and our kids were appreciative of it just being the four of us and doing the “right thing”. They are very conscientious of the rules for Covid set by the governor and by their college. Their college has asked them to be responsible over break so that they can come back on campus for the second semester.
I had Costco pumpkin pie in the freezer – I sliced and wrapped individually and put in a container – but I am really the only one who likes it. So, I did something different and made a S’mores platter for dessert.
It was nice. Tom and I stayed out the longest and watched a show by the fire. One of the best things we did back in the spring is buy a WIFI extender so that we have strong WIFI on the patio and can enjoy streaming shows there. After the fire, I got a second wind and put up all of the Christmas. I decided to do just the skinny pencil tree in the family room this year so we don’t have to move furniture (except our side table) and I haven’t done ornaments yet, but I like the lights the most.
Black Friday morning I got to enjoy the lights with my coffee.
Over the weekend I have been watching this cute show.
Friday around noon, Mason, Tom, and I went to this little Christmas market at a nearby shopping center. Jack didn’t want to go.
We bought a charcuterie box to snack on later.
The rest of the day we just did some chores and hung out. The kids are enjoying spending time together playing video games and watching YouTube videos I think. They also have some papers and assignments due before their finals.
Around 5:30, we headed to the country for the art walk/light show you may remember me talking about in October. I thought the kids would like it, too. Before we ate at the restaurant and then did it after eating, but you can also just go without eating in their restaurant.
The farm where the restaurant and art walk are located:
Masked up and ready – We were the only ones for most of the walk and took our masks off. Mason found this old ski jacket at a vintage store and is loving it.
Your “ticket” is a glow bracelet.
It was fun and I think they enjoyed it! They had lots of inside jokes and it was good to get out in the crisp air. There just isn’t much to do right now! I think it will take lots of creativity this holiday season.
We stopped at Dairy Queen and got ice cream for after dinner and went home and had leftovers.
And, we watched some shows as a family and then everyone did their own thing. I have been so tired and going to bed around 9:30 most nights. I have been sleeping in until 7, too! It’s been really good for me to be off my wake up, log on, stare at computer all day routine.
Saturday morning I couldn’t wait to get back to my book I started Friday. Are you a Nicholas Sparks fan? Dude can write a story, in my opinion. I sadly finished it Saturday afternoon. I recommend it. I am going back to Louisiana Lucky but it is moving slowly for me.
Saturday was super lazy. It was nice and sunny out so I got some vitamin D and I finally captured a photo of the squirrel eating our pumpkin. So cute!
Late Saturday afternoon I went to Target for a return and to just look around.
Saturday night Tom and I met our friends on a patio. Our boys were happy to eat orange chicken and salad at home and have some time without us.
I tried a cocktail called a Ginger Snap. It was lemony and very gingery and kind of tasted like a Hall’s honey lemon cough drop. It was nice to see our friends and hear about everyone’s Thanksgiving.
And, now it is Sunday morning and it is time to pay the piper. I have so much work to do to get ready for the week. I have also had recommendations to write for students and I did two of them Friday morning. I have one more to write today, along with making handouts for classes and making Google Slide presentations for classes. These next 3 weeks before winter break will be intense. In some ways, it feels like it should already be winter break!
If you are still there, thanks for reading! I hope you had a wonderful holiday despite the limitations this year.
Happy Black Friday! Is anyone going out shopping? I think we are embracing Cyber Monday or Cyber Week around here – along with shopping locally when we can.
I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. I will do a full recap in my Hello Monday I think, but for now here are some things that made me happy this week.
Remember when I wrote 3 snail mail letters? I got two letters back! How fun! I am going to try to continue doing this.
Every year I get one peppermint mocha shake from Chick Fil A and I am ready for this year’s soon! Do you like them? I may get one this weekend.
Tom isn’t big on posed pictures or smiling in them. He smiles a lot in real life, though, I promise. My high school bestie who is also a talented photographer captured this one and it came up in my Facebook memories.
Do you like egg nog? I tried this and it is good!
It is static season! I like to keep a small can of this around and it really helps.
I am continuing to enjoy the patio as long as I can. One day this week I had a hot chocolate and read the mail.
I love chai lattes and this local place has the best! Jack got a smoothie.
This is promising news and I have heard that teachers would be in phase two to get vaccinated. Will you get the vaccine as soon as you can?
This was on sale on Amazon for only $18 so I jumped on it.
The results? An 80s mug shot. I need some practice.
We had two ferns that did really well from May-November. Tom planted them in front of our arborvitaes. I hope they stay alive.
I switched out the o.j. for the cider yesterday and it was so good!
And, I said good-bye to the Thanksgiving decor. I will show you my Christmas decor when I finish.
A nearby shopping center is having a European style market that I am going to try to go to today. It is time for me to get my gifts!
What were your favorites this week? I hope you had many!
I am linking up with The Style Six here if they are having their link up today!
Here are some not so great photos just to show you what I have been putting on lately. I do my hair every day to be camera ready for virtual teaching but I have given my skin a break from the makeup most days, except when I go out to do something other than a curbside pickup that is!
This is what I wore to meet my friend Beth last week for a happy hour cocktail. Basic black leggings, black Lucky boots, and one of my three Target A New Day ponchos. I love these and have worn the burgundy and the tan the most lately. I am also wearing my 50% off Kendra Scott necklace from my birthday. It can be one, two, or three strands and I love it.
For teaching the next day I wore this “You had me at pumpkin spice” old tank top, a Target cardigan, comfy grey Matilda Jane consignment pants, and new Amazon rainbow earrings that have sadly since come apart. I may be able to fix.
My Costco star sweater that was $12.99 and is super soft.
Guess what! They are now $9.99 and I am a little bit mad. If that $3 was holding you back, go now! Did you know you can shop there without a membership if you have a gift card? I think that is correct.
Old Free People top (my only Free People item), navy capri leggings, white Madewell sneakers to teach in.
Detail of the sleeves.
Dinner out in the bubble Saturday night – last year Target Wild Fable faux leather leggings(seriously so good – size up one), the tan Target poncho, and last year’s Kendra Scott half price birthday necklace. I guess the legging and poncho look is a bit boring but I love it.
Teaching outfit – new Amazon sweater that is soft and wonderful with my Aerie crackle leggings (size up one IMO), and I decided to put on my grey Tieks.
I am trying to wear everything in my closet or donate right now. I have some stuff that needs to go.
Sunday when I spent some time on the patio I wore my only tobaggon/cap for winter. I looked at my camera to see if it looked weird and yes, Amy, it does. Why do most look so cute in theirs when I…
look just like Harry from Home Alone? I did have to Google and see if it was Harry or Marv, FYI.
Anyway, it kept me warm but this is my cross to bear.
What have you been wearing lately? I shower and get dressed everyday and I also put on perfume (and deoderant, of course!). Who do we dress for, anyway? I dress for myself I have decided.
I have no idea what I will put on tomorrow. I usually like to wear something in Thanksgiving colors – brown, orange, mustard, olive.
It may be too late to help you out with Thanksgiving side dishes, but maybe you have these ingredients on hand?
Saturday once our kids were home we made the decision to stay at home with just the four of us for Thanksgiving. Tom’s sister lives in town but with our Covid numbers climbing we decided it was the smart thing to do. Plus, our governor has asked us to have no more than two families and no more than 8 people together for indoors.
I ordered a meal for 10 from a bbq place called Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot. The meal ($89) was a better deal than just a smoked turkey breast ($64) so I just did that. We can eat the leftovers. It comes with 5 lbs of sliced smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, stuffing, and rolls. We are picking it up at 10 a.m. on Thursday so it will also get us out and about. I may suggest a walk with Ernie before picking it up. I plan to make a few extras to go with it.
Our plan is to have breakfast, charcuterie around 12, then eat around 3 or 4.
Here are a few of my recipes from the past. I have the ingredients to make these and will make them at some point over the next few weeks if not on Thanksgiving day.
My Favorite Mashed Potato Recipe (Pioneer Woman):
5 lbs. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
3/4 cups butter softened
1 package cream cheese softened
1/2 cup half and half (I have left this out and it is just fine)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Lawrys seasoning salt
Boil potatoes, drain and then I use a manual masher and not an electric mixer. I keep the pot on the warm burner and it helps things along. I am o.k. with a few lumps. Add other ingredients and combine with a wooden spoon. Can be made ahead and put in a Pyrex or a crockpot for re-heating.
Tastes Like Homemade Mashed Potato Casserole
This is surprisingly delicious and you cannot tell these are instant.
3 packages instant mashed potatoes
1 package ranch powder dressing mix (I only use 1/4 – 1/2 packet because I think a whole packet is too much)
1 16oz container sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 package of bacon cooked and crumbled (I have left this out for my vegetarian niece)
Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a 9 x 13 dish a set aside.
Prepare bacon and mashed potatoes according to package directions. Combine potatoes, ranch, sour cream, cheese, and bacon in a mixing bowl. Spread into pan and bake for about 20 minutes.
Easy Roasted Carrots:
Preheat oven to 400.
Toss a bag or two of baby carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add Tony Cacheres cajun if you are Amy. Roast on a cookie sheet for about 45 minutes. I am kind of obsessed with these right now. So good!
April’s Mac and Cheese
April is my cousin and this is a nice recipe! My students seem to all say mac and cheese is their favorite Thanksgiving food. This has become a traditional food in modern times I guess but I did not think of this as a typical Thanksgiving food!
I like to do fun pasta shapes for this or the giant 99 cents macaroni noodles from Trader Joe’s.
2 cups of pasta cooked (I like to undercook a bit because it will still cook in the oven)
one stick butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 and 1/2 cups milk (we only buy skim and it works)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
cajun Tony Cachere’s if you are Amy
1 cup shredded cheese – I like a variety of cheeses in mine
Melt butter over low heat.
Stir in flour and keep stirring until it reaches a smooth paste consistency.
Slowly pour in milk, stirring consistently.
Add seasonings and cook until thick.
Mix noodles and put in baking dish. Top with cheese or mix it in.
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350.
Cranberry Sauce:
I save a few to freeze for cocktails, by the way!
I bag of fresh cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
cinnamon – maybe 1 tsp.
Cook over medium heat stirring frequently. After about 15 minutes they should all have popped – opened up.
Remove pan from heat and let cool. I always make it ahead and it is served cold.
We should already be on break but we have today and tomorrow. These two days are always awkward and I always wish we had the whole week off like many schools do.
I am linking up with Heather, Tanya and many more!
Friday I worked and my friend came over for a quick patio happy hour at my house from 3:15-4:15. I left at 4:30 and my husband and I met to help move Jack out.
His dorm. It took a sweet forever. We weren’t allowed to go in and it seemed like he was packing as he went. They didn’t have to take everything home but he had lots of musical equipment that he wanted and needed.
Happy Friday! This has been a much anticipated date for me (well, I guess for Tom, too, and for our boys!) Today starts move out day from semester one of college. Jack ends his last in person class at 5:00 p.m. so we are moving him out then and Mason has play practice that ends at 9 p.m. so he is moving out Saturday morning. At least, that is the plan as I am writing this Thursday morning. So, that is my ultimate favorite. I do realize it will be an adjustment and we will have to find our footing.
My second favorite has to be sweet Jeremy from Spectrum that gave me WIFI late Wednesday afternoon! We have made the switch to Youtube tv, too. I am trying to figure it out! Let me know if you have it!
Now here are some random photos from the week…
Holy close up, Batman! I read to use blue eyeliner to wake up those eyes for Zoom calls and virtual classes. I happened to have a palette with a metallic blue so I used a tiny brush to tightline. I thought about cropping this photo but it is making me laugh so maybe it will make you laugh, too!
The boys’ college had a virtual happy hour Monday evening to help us support our kids as they come home and finish their semester/take their finals online. They think of everything. Have I told you how much I love this college? They had us hold up our drinks and virtually toast. It was college staff and parents. Email me for specifics if you are interested. I am trying not to put too much about my boys’ lives on the old interwebs.
I enjoyed a chilly patio happy hour one afternoon with my friend Beth. We tried a spiced pear old fashioned and it was amazing. Meeting up with a friend once a week has really helped me. I highly recommend.
I have a couple of library books to enjoy. This was recommended by Jen.
Then, I guess it will be time for Christmas books!
Wednesday during lunch I went to Costco for dog food and a few other things. I bought toilet paper and they are back to a one pack limit. They were totally out of all brands of paper towels. Here we go again. There were so many people in the store and they seemed frantic. Ay!
I also spotted these thin but super cozy sweaters for $12.99.
There was also camo print and red with a heart on it. I went with stars and leopard. I think I will be living in these.
I love this idea! I hope Kristin does not mind! She does a post like this every now and again and I really enjoy reading it. I first became friends with Kristin when she was selling her Madewell tote (gasp!) and I bought it from her and still love and use it. It is an older model and very heavy. She just was not reaching for it so she sent it on and made me very happy!
Anywho, it is o.k. to disagree! If you disagree with me I will still be your friend. I value your opinions and enjoy hearing other perspectives. When did it become that we cannot have differing opinions? Amy, get off of your soap box!
My first unpopular opinion is about bum bum cream. It does smell good but I am not sure how much better it smells than a cheaper lotion. Many bloggers rave and rave and rave and I thought it might make me into a Brazilian goddess. This is very expensive and for me it is not worth buying again. If you disagree that is totally o.k.! Have you tried it?
I am sorry Tom and Sheri but your natural product does not work. If you have gotten this wrinkle spray to work, please let me know how and on what fabrics. I have tried Tom and Sheri Iron in a Bottle on multiple fabrics and nothing. I am loyal to my chemicals, I guess. I love Downy Wrinkle Release and it even smells better to me. This stuff works! I have noticed they use it on Below Deck to get wrinkles out of the sheets, too! I would have never thought about using it on bed linens. Have you tried either?
My next unpopular opinion is about the golden arches. My boys refused to get food from there from about age 8 and up. They were against all fast food. When they got a little older they started requesting other places. But, I really like McDs. I love their egg mcmuffin and sometimes I love a basic cheeseburger or fish sandwich. I only go about 6 times a year and I do always try to get one Shamrock shake in March! What about you – do you secretly or not so secretly like the golden arches?
Happy Hump Day! Today is the day! I have a Spectrum internet truck scheduled to be at my house between 2 and 3 p.m. Remember how they used to give you such long windows like anywhere from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. I guess they have stopped that practice. Remember the Seinfeld episode? Ha! You know – this was not all bad. I broke up with using my phone so much, I went to my classroom which has honestly been nice, and I have had more time for my books.
I will link up with The Style Six here today, too.
I am in love. I ordered a kind of expensive to me sweater from Amazon here recommended by Simply Small Town blog. It is super soft and runs true to size. It is long enough for leggings. I wore this to work on Monday.
I got out one of my Old Navy plaids for work on Tuesday.
Now, what should you wear for Thanksgiving – a mask! Done! You are welcome!
I love the look of a graphic tee with a cardigan or kimono. I have a feeling Thanksgiving is going to be really casual for many this year. Or, many will need to really bundle up to be outside. Layers are always a good idea!
And, I love this combo. I have a similar scarf and I think the rust sweater would look just as nice as mustard. I do not have a mustard sweater but I love this color.
Pinterest gives me so many good ideas for shopping my own closet! Try it! Search Thanksgiving outfit and see what Pinterest gives you! I think it is really fun!
What have you been wearing and what do you plan to wear for Thanksgiving?
I thought we would talk gift ideas today. I normally start my shopping the day after Thanksgiving or two days after for Small Business Saturday. I am pretty chill about it and it all comes together. This year everything is different. Your UPS deadline is December 15. Your USPS date is December 18. You can send directly from Amazon, of course, to the recipient. You can also have gifts sent directly from many retailers. I really am not sure what our plans will be at this point. I will go ahead and buy gifts and hope to see everyone in person in some fashion.
I would love to shop locally, too. I love the convenience of Amazon and online shopping, but I just feel like our local stores need us now more than ever!
Step One: Make a list of all the people you buy for and write potential ideas down next to their names.
Step Two: Is there a theme you can use for gifts – food gifts, pjs, slippers, blankets, restaurant gift cards. I love the idea of supporting local businesses with gift cards. They get the money now to help them through these hard times. Your loved one gets a special take out later.
Here are my ideas in no particular organized fashion! Please share your ideas in the comments!
I kind of have gifts for the home on my brain. What does the recipient do every day? What would make their home life easier, better, more fun?
Museum gift stores – some may even have an online site. There are really unique gifts to be found!
10 foot phone charger cord – my boys laughed at this but they have found it to be super useful.
Wireless charging pad – I am thinking about these for my boys.
We will be at home streaming shows this winter – a Disney Plus subscription, a projector for a big wall inside that can be used outside come spring, too. Echo Show might be fun, too.
Little makeup fridge or 6 soft drink can fridge – These are so cute and can be run from a USB or outlet.
Notepad set – order monogram or personalization. You could put a fun saying, meaningful word, too.
Think non-traditional places – there are some cool gifts to be had at the boat business of our SIL/BIL. Tom got a float for my sister last year and she loved it! He drew her name. They also carry Maui Jim sunglasses. There is also a little Mom and Pop hardware store with candles and other gifts.
Etsy – so many cute and unique gifts and you are helping someone with their small business!
Pins – my son has a thrifted jean jacket and is starting to put some metal pins on it and it looks so cool and so 80s!
For small kids, I like the idea of bubble bath, bath toys, bath crayons
Plants – there are certain plants that purify the air and we are spending so much time at home! I have noticed teens love plants, too. There are faux and real plants in their rooms. I stare at teenage rooms all day now. That sounded weird – I am a virtual teacher, not a creeper!
Funky lights for teens are great, too! I also like the clothesline photo holders.
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 