Friday, December 4, 2020

Happy Friday! How was your week? Mine was pretty good and it was kind of nice to be back to the routine, surprisingly. I will say that I feel less hurried and frantic this holiday season. Usually the time between Thanksgiving and Winter break is so crazy for teachers and moms. I am still working 8 hour days but at home and I just feel a little more calm. I guess that lack of afternoon and evening activities contribute to my more tranquil persona. Do you feel the same?

My college kids and I are sharing our spaces just fine. Tom goes to work at 7:30 and comes home at 5:30. His life has remained almost the same during 2020. They started finals yesterday and have one or more each day until December 9. I am trying to not helicopter too much, but just asking what they have each day and giving them tips for organization.

I am happy to link up with Andrea, etc. right here where we share things from our week that were favorites.

Here we go!

This is a practice I have had since way before Corona. I have always kept a pump bottle of hand sanitizer in my car. Every time I get back in the car from an errand I sanitize. I found this seasonal scent at Target – they have 3 other scents, but I picked peppermint. I thought this would add a bit of happy to my very few errands these days!

I also found this mercury glass votive holder for $3 at Target. I had been looking for something to hold my…

Capri Blue votives that smell amazing! I believe I ordered these off of Amazon last season and only used one. Target also had gold, red, and green votive holders I believe. I wanted to buy more but I thought just one in my favorite shade of mercury glass would be enough.

This is yummy! I ordered it in my last Kroger pick up.

It is peppermint mocha season! The amount of money I have saved since March in NOT going through the Starbuck’s drive through could probably buy me a really nice item of clothing or a handbag. I have found that having good creamer at home really helps. I also picked up some whip cream for a fancier afternoon coffee.

Sunday afternoon I ran into Trader Joe’s to get a few items and I was marveling at how many items there would make great gifts and/or stocking stuffers. A wooden charcuterie board, wooden bowls, wooden spoons, hand cream, set of lip balms. Plus, all of their candy and treats would be great gifts that you know would be used. Why not create a basket? Also, this is a good reminder to look for gifts at your local grocery store.

We got our first snow Monday late afternoon and evening! If you are wondering why we have doormats line up on the back deck, it is because Tom re-stained the deck and it took 3 weeks to dry. Crazy! He finally put the mats down so we could use the back door and we can take them up now.

My view Tuesday morning! Some of you cold weather dwellers are probably laughing at the little amount we call snow around here. My kids and I were just talking about wanting a white Christmas this year. Wouldn’t that be pretty?

Mason was my happy hour companion this week! Jack had a theatre thing to attend in person – woohoo! So, while he had that I asked Mason if he wanted to hang out with his ol’ mom. Our restaurants are closed to in-person dining for two more weeks at least but we really want to support them. I can honestly say I have never gone to a patio in 30 degree weather. Each table got their own heater.

We went to a place called Agave and Rye and I had a margarita and we split some chips and queso and each had a taco. We took tacos, chips and queso home for Tom and Jack.

We had a lovely time with good conversation. It is amazing to start to have an adult relationship with your child.

And, then I get this on Facebook… this was one of our favorite family restaurants that has now gone out of business. I loved their hot chocolate t-shirts and loved matching or coordinating their outfits. Look at those cute faces. I was telling Tom I long for those days sometimes.

I found this to be a really cute movie with decent acting. I just cannot handle the horrible acting on some of the Hallmark movies! I like Emma Roberts and this was a cute flick that was just what I needed Sunday afternoon.

What were your favorites this week? Any fun weekend plans? I need to shop! I also need to buy wrapping supplies. I am planning to make a pot of chili one day, but that is about it right now.

Happy Weekend!

Amy

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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

I have decided a bad photo is better than no photo. Kristin talked about not letting perfection be the enemy of good with outfit photos and I agree. That is so true in so many aspects of life. As women, I think we sometimes fall into that trap – wanting the perfect house, the perfect holiday, etc. You just cannot have it all or do it all. Sometimes good is enough. Does everyone feel better now? Ha!

So, here are some quick snapshots of what I have been putting on. It has been between 30-50 degrees lately here in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thanksgiving Day I decided to be comfortable and wore my Madewell sneaks, black leggings and my Aerie pullover that has already paid for itself. It is not flattering, but it is so easy to throw on. I kind of wished I had changed and dressed up more later in the day but we were just the four of us at home.

Friday night when we went to the outdoor artwalk I wore my turtle neck Aerie pullover that my sister got me last year. I wore leggings and my New Balance tennies.

Saturday night dinner and I wore my Aerie crackle leggings, really old black heels from a consignment store, a festive blouse, and my Kendra Scott birthday necklace with only the one strand.

I added this old Target black shawl/poncho. We sat on a heated patio at a restaurant and I did not need it. Those heated patios can be intense. Kentucky is closed to indoor dining until December 13.

Monday for teaching I wanted to be cozy and comfortable because it was cold and rainy. It is a total coincidence that I put my hand on my heart in my Costco star sweater. I am not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ernie and I had a cold walk and I dressed for it.

What have you been wearing lately?

Gift Ideas: You cannot go wrong with anything from Aerie for a girl/woman from ages 12- infinity. I love my Madewell sneakers and again, anything from Madewell is awesome. Kendra Scott is another favorite brand and anyone would be thrilled to receive something of hers!

Amy

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

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.

Tell me all your thoughts on blanket scarves!

Amy

Monday, November 30, 2020

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.

Amy

Friday, November 27, 2020

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!

Amy

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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.

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

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.

Hope this helps someone out there!

Amy

Monday, November 23, 2020

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.

Friday, November 20, 2020

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.

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

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.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy