Thursday, November 5, 2020

On Monday I turned 49! Wow – that sure happened quickly. And, I feel like I have had so many changes lately that have added to my perspective on my age.

Last August I started mourning the end of an era. My twin boys had been at my high school and I loved it. They never abused that and it was just a lovely time of knowing who they spent their days with and sometimes catching a glimpse of them in the halls. It was the last of everything – last time they rode to school with me, last time they had a school play, quick recall match, school event to attend.

Then, we all know what happened in March and it cut short our experiences even more. I had to learn how to do my job in a total different way in March and then again in August I had to learn even more how to do my job virtually and with so many technological features that had been unknown to me. Then, I became an empty nester. Tom and I had to learn a new normal. I feel really young to be an empty nester. I am glad I have my job and my hobbies. I am glad that I have this blog and you all to read it – ha! I am thankful and grateful that I kept up with friendships even in seasons of life when we rarely had time to see each other.

On Sunday, I had requested that the boys carve out some time to do the art museum which had an Andy Warhol exhibit ending soon. Growing up we did so much as a family and took them to museums, on educational trips, did activities around town, went hiking and camping, and so much more. I feel like these things brought out/bring out our best as a family of four. I love that Mason is lost in conversation with Jack as the three went up the stairs in the museum. After the museum, we went to a fun area of town and ate Nashville style hot chicken at a place called Royals. The boys both love it and it made me happy. Then, we went in a funky boutique next door called Revelry.

On Monday, it was so nice to wake up leisurely and not be in a hurry to log on. I had saved a gift from my sister Molly to open and it was this Universal Thread Target necklace. She knows I love that brand.

I did my nails while listening to a podcast.

I treated myself to a Starbucks which really has become a treat since March. I think I have only gotten 4 since then? I used to get one weekly!

One of my sweet friends dropped off this candle from World Market. It smells divine – is exactly my scent profile and I love the color and look of the candle, too.

O.k. – I debated posting this because I know I will receive judgment from my mom and maybe from others, too. I had mentioned that I wanted a flask the last time I was around my sister in law. Look at my beautiful rose gold flask! I thought this would be nice to take on the boat or to liven up certain events. Also, there is a restaurant I like that lets you BYOB because they do not have a liquor license.

After Starbucks I went to Target and wandered a bit. It has always been my happy place!

Then, I went to my favorite mall and wandered a bit but stopped into Kendra Scott to pick up my new half price necklace.

Tom got me the Target Stars Above robe.

I was lazy and read or watched t.v. after lunch and then for dinner Tom took me out and I had shrimp and grits that were just meh. I ordered a cool sounding cocktail but sadly, it never came. The waiter forgot. Oh well. I got a Heath blizzard on the way home instead.

My mom and my inlaws sent me money and I did it – I ordered the green pre-lit pencil tree for the family room and …

the white one for my bedroom.

I have been wanting a pre-lit tree for years and I always wanted one in my bedroom when I had the space. These are on their way to me! I am so happy!

I received so many sweet texts, Facebook messages, and phone calls and definitely felt very blessed.

Do you have any birthday traditions? It is odd to celebrate in a pandemic I will say. But, I think we need to celebrate in any way we can right now.

Thanks for reading,

Amy

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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

Hello everyone! I am still having trouble uploading some photos as I was on Monday. I am trying to do the iphone update to see if that helps. I load all of my photos through my WordPress app (WordPress is my blog publishing site). Anyway, we will try to make do! I also have not been taking photos like I should!

I have been wanting to wear my white Madewell sneakers all the time lately. I bought them last February and really only wore them a couple of times before the world shut down and shoes were no longer required. With them, I wore black leggings, black top, off white vest and my new camo purse strap. This outfit was all based on the sneaks and the purse strap – you got me. And, my eyes are closed.

Going back to last Wednesday for my French restaurant patio lunch – I had wanted to test run a skirt and booties outfit. New Umgee kimono from Amazon, old black top, old LulaRoe skirt.

I did my The Butter self tanning lotion a few days before in preparation.

On my birthday Monday I did my nails this blue denim color. I had a few goofs.

My sister sent me this Universal Thread Target necklace and I had already decided to wear the burgundy leggings and taupe poncho. These booties are old and not that comfy. I want to replace them with taupe Lucky Baley booties like my black ones. I used to always buy things in multiple colors and then I stopped. Now that I know myself better I am a fan of this practice again. If you know something works for your lifestyle and is comfy – and you will get wear out of it – it makes sense. Target A New Day poncho – case in point – I now have it in black, burgundy and taupe and have already worn all three colors. By the way, on my birthday I got a Starbuck’s and the barista at the drive through told me I looked aesthetically pleasing. She went on and on and was so sweet.

Meet my Kendra Scott half price birthday piece! I splurged this year. It was originally $128. It can make three separate strands, two strands, or all three, the pendant comes off. It is a really unique and versatile piece and I am not sure you can tell, but it is a more antique looking dark gold which is a trend. I think we will continue to see more of this gold shade. This is not a great photo so I will be sure to show you with an outfit soon. And, do not sleep on (as my students would say) this deal. KS is so generous.

I finally moved my fall and winter shoes to the easier to access side of my closet. I have so many more summer shoes than fall and winter. Not pictured are the Lucky Baley booties in black. They were in my car to do a quick change from my tennies after the museum.

Top Row: old black pumps, black suede poiny toe booties for dress up (the toes are getting worn as happens with pointy toes), rust Target mules from last season (I wore out the black version), black Costco booties with zipper that are just meh

Second Row: Jack Rogers booties, taupe booties, last season clog booties

Third Row: black clogs, black Mary Jane MIA clogs, tan MIA Sofia clogs, yellow suede BOC clogs from this year(copied off my sister)

Flats Row:

jelly flats, taupe Rothy’s (washed and they are not as comfortable because they shrank a bit in the toe area), black Tory Burch, tan Tory Burch, grey snakeskin Tieks, black, Tieks, gold Tieks. The three pairs of Tieks are my best consignment find of my life. They were brand new and priced at $30 a pair. These retail for $200 and are one of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Of all of the flats, they are my favorites. I think the Rothys were in number one until I washed them. If you are a flats person (which I was when I went to work in a building) I very much think one pair of Rothy’s or one pair of Tieks is worth the money.

Last Row:

Madewell white sneakers. I cannot recommend these enough. I love them so much. I wear the little no show socks with them.

I am not showing my tall boots right now but the fact is that I have not been reaching for them much in the last few years. To me, the bootie is so much user friendly.

I feel that there are major holes in my fall/winter shoe wardrobe but I am up for the challenge of shopping! I will also tell you that I do not care for many of the current shoe/bootie trends out for fall/winter 2020. I would love to hear your recommendations, though!

What have you been wearing lately? What shoes are you reaching for?

Amy

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

It is Election Day and it is also time to link up with Tanya right here! I am off again today because by state law we have to be out; many of our schools are used as polling places. I guess that does not apply to my district this year because we are virtual, but I will take it. Thank you for my birthday wishes yesterday!

Here is what I ordered recently. This is apropos as I just turned another year older. Where does all the facial hair come from? These Tinkle (hehe) facial shaving razors for women are really good. Word on the street is that it helps your face creams sink in better and it is kind of like dermaplaning?

I love my new ranger hat here!

I found these on Amazon and I like having so many replacements at the ready. Adulting, amiright?

You have heard that I love my new Maskcara makeup? I heard from a Maskcara artist on Instagram that this primer works well. I like it!

And, my favorite is this new purse strap! I put it on a different purse this weekend and I will show you tomorrow. Now I really like the metallic with the camo!

I have 10 things sitting in my Amazon cart right now and a bit of birthday money to spend. I am also anxious to see what you all purchased recently. I need to start my Christmas shopping too!

Amy

Monday, November 2, 2020

Today is my birthday and I have a personal day! I am linking up with Heather, Lindsay, Tanya and many more here.

Thursday and Friday the electrician got most of the wiring done for our Master bath.

Friday after school I read more of The Last Flight by Julie Clark and I finished it Saturday! So good and I highly recommend! I started To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters. It was recommended by Lala Life Book Club on Instagram – Leslie Ann – I started following her this summer and boy does she read a lot! She gives great recs.

Saturday I made chili and our friends came over for a bit to share our fire on the patio. I just left candy on a little table out front for the trick or treaters.

Sunday we celebrated my birthday with the boys with a trip to the art museum and lunch.

We went to Royals Hot Chicken and Mason and I split the kale salad. Yum!

My photos were not cooperating yesterday so that is why this post is light on the pictures!

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween – despite the virus!

Amy

Thursday, October 29. 2020

I am so excited that I learned to make this! Guess how I learned? Students at my school just created a video with cooking demos that they shared with the student body – virtually, of course. I watched the video and was so excited for this recipe, especially. I have since made it a few times. The only ingredient that I did not have on hand was oyster sauce and the bag of frozen peas and carrots – so you may have most of the ingredients, too.

It looks professional, right? Sorry, that sounded braggadocious; I am just that excited. I like it better than the restaurant version! You can control the butter and soy sauce amounts and I used low sodium soy sauce!

I made this for dinner again Monday night and added chicken that I had cooked myself and brushed some soy sauce on while cooking. Quote from Tom: “This is way better than anything we have ever bought from a restaurant.”

You will need:

rice – already cooked and chilled- I used the Trader Joes frozen Jasmine rice. You microwave it, empty into a bowl, and pop in fridge to chill

butter

frozen peas and carrots mixture

2 eggs

soy sauce

oyster sauce (found in the grocery next to the soy sauce)

You could add shrimp or chicken or another protein if desired.

First, put about 1 tbsp. butter in a skillet.

Crack the eggs and mix them up with a fork in a bowl and then cook them in the skillet until they are browned. Chop them into smallish pieces and set aside.

Now put another pat of butter in the skillet and add frozen veg and saute about 2 – 3 minutes until warmed up. Just add the amount you desire.

Next add in the rice. Add a little more butter. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. I added about 2 T. soy and 1 T. oyster but you can taste and add more. Start with a little and add more to taste. It can get to be too much and/or be too salty.

Stir around until the sauces are incorporated. Cook for a couple of minutes and then add in the egg and cook for a minute or so.

That is it! So good!

Let me know if you try it!

Amy

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