How was your week? How was your “now normal”? I heard that term and liked it. I hope you and yours are continuing to stay healthy at home as our Kentucky governor keeps saying.
This week went by quickly even though I only left the house in the car a couple of times for pick up of essential items.
I am linking up with Andrea, etc. to share some favorites from the week.
I got out my spring plates from Target a few years ago. I really like using these seasonally. I have a fall set and a Christmas set.
I lit this candle that I have had for at least a year. I don’t like the smell so it will go back to being decor in my pink and white closet.
I was desperate for any hand soap at all and this was a nice surprise from my Kroger pick up. It smells really good in my opinion if you need some, too. I will try to find more of this scent.
I thought this was a small bottle, but it turns out I ordered a 2 liter and I am not mad. I love this for cocktails or for adding to lemonade or a Crystal light stick. I love a little fizz.
Kroger pick up has been awesome. They don’t even come to your window anymore. They simply open the back or you open for them and they even put your receipt back with the groceries. I would say we are at least 6 feet apart.
I learned how to write on photos – above is my process for unloading. I feel like a crazy person!
Ernie continues to be such a good boy. He loves us being home!
I threw my old planner out the window – who can look at all those crossed out events?
I found this from our local bookstore – called and bought it over the phone and did curbside pick up. Guess what is in my new planner? Nothing! Just kidding – it is full of Zoom meeting appointments!
The boys and I love to have a sucker for after meals. I got these from my Kroger online order, too.
What were your favorites this week? I am going to try to post some recipes this weekend if you care to check back here tomorrow!
I keep hearing from friends and family that they are cooking more than ever! Some are doing so out of necessity – they have never been home so much and these people that live with them require three meals a day! And, some are fearful of delivery or carryout right now. I am cooking a lot but I am also allowing myself to order carry out a couple of times a week. I am a member of a Facebook group to support locally owned restaurants. I thought I would order more, but I am trying to use what I have at home. If you are trying to work from home and homeschool kids, there may be more need to meal plan than ever before.
I like the idea of themes and I have talked about this before:
Sunday – leftovers from weekend, soup and sandwich
Monday – pasta
Tuesday – Mexican food
Wednesday – chicken
Thursday – fish
Friday – pizza
Saturday – carry out
Something like this works for many families
Another thing that I think is helpful is to make a list of all the breakfast and lunch possibilities so you don’t have to constantly repeat them and so you don’t have to wrack your brain for ideas on the daily.
Several years ago, I tried Blue Apron and Hello Fresh – one time each I think. I only ordered enough for two and then I thought I would supplement for the boys. It was just too expensive to order the meal for four. Well, I was reading The Frugal Girl blog a few weeks ago and she talked about a meal plan service called Dinnerly that advertised as being half the cost of the others. She also included a $10 coupon code. The earliest I could get a box scheduled was for this coming week but I figured I would be ready for some fresh recipes by then.
Here is what I chose:
Iwill let you know what we think!
I made Bacon Alfredo this week. It is a really easy and yummy dish. Boil angel hair or whatever type of pasta you want and mix with a jar of alfredo sauce, cooked bacon, 1/2 cup of sour cream. Put in a dish and then top with mozzarella and parmesan if desired. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350.
The final product served with Texas Toast (my boys love) and broccoli:
We also had Mexican lasagna this week. Instead of noodles you use flour tortillas and you layer a mixture of cooked chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, and shredded mexican cheese.
I bought a few of these packets and I have been making these for the boys for lunch a coupleof daysif they don’t make their own sandwich or Ramen.
Happy April Fool’s Day! It’s not too late to plan some fun and innocent little pranks! Googlethem or check out my post from yesterday for a few little ideas. I haven’t decided if I will pull any pranks yet; life itself seems like a giant prank right now so I mightnot need to add to it for the other adult and the almost adults in my household.
I thought today I would do a chatty post just telling you what is up. I did not drive my car anywhere on Monday or Tuesday and I guess it’s starting to feel kind of normalish now not to drive much? Today I have a Kroger pick up. Yes, I just did one on Friday and then I went to the store early Sunday morning for a few items. With all four of us eating all of our meals at home, I need to plan better and we simply require more food, I guess.
I told myself I should take my travel coffee mug and just go for a drive one morning. I also love to drive down to the river and just watch it flow. The neighborhoodstreets seem so quiet. I love seeing all the people walking, riding bikes, etc. with just their family units I hope. We’ve had open windows and we cannot believe how loud the birds are! Ha! But, they give us hope and it’s such a welcome sign of spring and new life?
My husband is still going to work like normal but his building is very empty. Most people are still continuing to work from home. I am a little bit worried about him going, but he only interacts with a few people and he isn’t going out for lunch anymore because he can’t – only carry out now. He has been coming home for lunch and that has been nice.
I’m letting the boys sleep later than I normally would because it’s spring break and I think that sleep is good for the immune system. Next week they will need a more normal schedule because our distance learning starts.
My husband has been so busy and productive when he is home on the weekends – and a bit after work or during his lunch break, too. Here is the photographic proof!
He put our new shutters on the house and they look so much better. They are the same color as before but the old ones had multiple slats and these new ones have cleaner lines.
He stained the deck. We bought reclaimed wood for this project and the stain really brings out the beauty of the wood, in my opinion. We need to do another coat and then seal it, I believe. There will also be railings that will make it look smaller. I am anxious to furnish the deck but I don’t know exactly where to look or even what I want. I think we want two chairs and a table. I am wondering if Adirondack chairs with pillows would look good? I want to save room for some potted plants and it’s not a huge space. I have been looking on Wayfair but I am a little nervous about ordering without seeing it in person. We did have great luck with our covered patio sectional, though. Any suggestions for where to look?
Ernie got his first real bath in his new dog wash last weekend. He swam in the river and he needed it. Unfortunately he didn’t have real dog shampoo and he smells like boy Suave.
I cleaned out my linen closet including my makeup collection and that was so needed.
I feel like I spend a crazy amount of time each day dealing with dishes and cooking even though the boys pretty much always empty the dishwasher after dinner. We are running thedishwasher more than usual, too, I guess.
One of my sons made his college decision! I hope my other one makes his soon, but I think he is dragging his feet because of all of the uncertainty in the world right now.
Well, today is the last day of March. Have you seen the meme that March came in like a lion and out like a T-Rex? Isn’t that the truth? Tomorrow is April 1. We heard that we will continue to socially distance ourselves until the end of April.
Again, if all we are is stuck at home then we have a lot to be thankful for.
I think bloggers are in quite the predicament as to what to write about. For many, this is their living and it is already at stake. But, it seems irresponsible to tell people to go spend money right now on luxuries. Cooking and frugality blogs have a good audience right now talking about pantry staples and budget meals at home. Design blogs can talkabout rearranging your nest and making your home an oasis right now.
My strategy right now is to try to find ways to help people who may come across my blog. I like fashion, cooking and creating recipes, drinking coffee, drinking cocktails, reading, watching t.v., being outside in nature, but I am not an expert in anything really.
I am going to try to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, and even one hour at a time. There may come a point when I need to step away from blogging. For now, this is ahealthy outlet for me and if I help even one person, I will be happy.
Tip: Celebrate the obscure holidays that you wouldn’t usually have time for!
April 1: April Fool’s Day!
This is tomorrow and this would be great fun for the kids. Google ideas but think about the people in your household. What are their routines and what could be funny but not harmful? You also ask older kids to google the origins of the day.
I have a great memory from childhood where my mom came up with the idea to switch the sugar in the sugarbowl to salt to trick my Dad when he came down to drink his coffee. My two little sisters and I were involved in the process and we thought it was hilarious.
I have a feeling that when we get through this, your children will remember the happy feelings of being home together and the fun moments and memories that you were able to create.
-Switch out the sugar for salt
-Open a pack of Oreos and change out the filling in the first couple of cookies to toothpaste
-Change out their favorite chip or treat to something else (don’t waste the treat of course – just put elsewhere)
All of these are innocent and wouldn’t result in any harm – or much waste!
Some upcoming obscure holidays:
April 2- Peanut Butter and Jelly Day – Make sandwiches and look up songs about this combo
April 7 – NO housework day
April 10 -National Siblings Day
April 13 – Scrabble Day
April 22 – Jelly Bean Day (get some off clearance from Easter – maybe create art with jelly beans)
April 26 – Pretzel Day (try to make your own soft pretzels?)
April 24 – Arbor Day – plant a new tree
I think you could pick a few of these and have some fun!
Goop Recipe
You may just have these things on hand:
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup water
food coloring (it will stain hands so feel free to leave it out)
You can’t really make anything with this but it has a cool texture and you can squeeze, pull, etc. and it would be fun for kids! I made this with my boys when they were little.
Well, I guess it’s Monday! How are you doing? I will link up with Heather, Tanya, etc. right here.
I don’t have too much to share but here we go!Friday was grocery pick up day. I opened the Kroger app on my phone either Monday or Tuesday of last week and the earliest pick up they had was Friday! I jumped on it and addeda few extra things over the week as needed, but we did a good job of using thingswe had. Again, 2020, I’m listening, it’s a privilege to go to the store on a whim when you just don’t FEEL like eating what is already in your home.
So, this may seem a bit over the top, but I took everything out of the bags and then wiped everything down with a bleach solution I made (I just looked at one of my things of bleach and it expired in 2007 – oops? ) and after I wiped each thing the boys took into the house. I also thought about leaving non-perishables in the garage for 3 days. Is anyone else doing this? I watched a video and I felt like this was worth doing.
All last week hub said he wanted to support our local German restaurant so Friday morning I placed my order and you had to pick it up between 12 and 3, so I went to pick it up and look what they did to their statue.
So, we ate as a family and then hub and I sat on our new furniture on our old patio and listened to music and read magazines. I have a new cocktail recipe I will try to share soon, and some mocktail ideas.
I only left the house in the car three times last week – to pick up groceries, to get take out twice, andto do a curbside bookstore pick up. I treated myself to several magazinesby ordering on the phone at the bookstore.
I read some more Saturday morning with an iced coffee.
Saturday lunch for me on the patio – raspberry lemonade, egg salad, salami, cheese, crackers, and some crackers with garden veggie cream cheese.
My friend texted and asked if I wanted to walk in the park after lunch with our other friend, too. I was a little bit worried about too many people but I went and we managed to walk kind of like this the whole time – about 6 feet apart. There were several people but everyone kept their distance. Our parks are open but the playgrounds have tape and signs around them. Our basketball hoops have been taken down.
I went home after walking and it felt good to have done something normalish like that.
We had burrito bowls for dinner as a family.
Sunday hub worked on sanding the deck so we can stain it. I want to help but I think he is afraid I won’t stain it to his standards. The stain doesn’t come in until Wednesday anyway because we had to order it from the local hardware store. Oh, and hub put our new shutters on the house. I was so excited to have shutters again! I didn’t think to do before and after photos.
This would’ve been our spring break. The boys don’t have much homework and I’m not required to work but I need to plan my distance learning lessons and I want to do a couple of video lessons this week – where I tape myself teaching and/or put my voice over a powerpoint. This old dog has a lot of new tricks to learn – for some perspective, I started teaching in 1994 when we were still using the card catalog, the fax machine, and we didn’t have the internet.
This past year the boys have developed different social circles and they have been busy with different social events and extra curriculars. I have noticed that they have really enjoyed having some extra time together. It makes me happy.
I also feel like life has slowed down so much. I am usually in such a hurry and I just feel like I don’t have to hurry anymore. Do you notice this change of pace, too?
Well, this was really boring! Are you still there? LOL! Thanks for reading!
Stay well,
Amy
P.S. – I posted a bean soup recipe yesterday if you find yourself with a bunch of beans in your stockpile.
Did anyone buy a bunch of beans during a panic grocery shopping trip? I am going to share my Dad’s bean soup recipe. It is written for me in his distinctive handwriting. I think you can read it well enough. You don’t really need many items and you may already have them on hand. I think you could leave the ham out or subsitute bacon.
My Dad liked to talk about how when I was little I requested his bean soup and grilled peanut butter sandwiches! There’s an idea for you – try to grill a peanut butter sandwich andsee what your kids think. My Dad loved peanut butter, too!
This would go well with some cornbread or grilled cheese sandwiches, too.
How are you doing? This week went by pretty quickly and it’s hard to believe it’s already Friday.
-Putting on a real outfit, doing my hair and makeup – I did this 1.5 times. I put on a spring outfit Monday and then on Wednesday I was dressed from the waist up for a faculty meeting on Zoom!
-Dropping what I am doing and going outside when the sun comes out – this is a rule I have made for myself. That Vitamin D really helps!
-Asking how I can serve the people in my house – making favorite foods usually!
-Limiting the news I watch – I watch our governor nightly at 5 but I need to try to limit my morning news.
-Limiting my time on social media -while I enjoy connecting it is also a place of a lot of grim information and sometimes it’s too much. I have reconnected with some former colleagues and some former students lately and that has been so nice.
-Doing something creative – blogging, taking photos, or cooking are my creative outlets.
-Real phone calls – I have enjoyed actually talking and not texting!
-Gratitude – I have to remember to be thankful for what I can do and not dwell on what I can’t do right now.
-I put on some self tanner just for fun.
Here is a dinner from this week – mini penne with turkey sausage and cream sauce.
This quote hit me.
Curbside pick up at bookstores – We ordered from our local bookstore and from Barnes and Noble because they had what my son wanted. I am allowing this splurge right now because our library is closed and I want to support the local bookstore. Our local hardware store also has curbside pick up. The businesses have gotten creative.
Tonight we are getting German food! We are looking forward to this!
My nails are a mess! The dip did a number on my nails so it was really time for a break. They keep breaking off. This is a good time to work on strengthening them.
Our first mowing of the season. Hub hates mowing but he did it after work one day.
A candle, a bourbon, and a new magazine yesterday afternoon.
Walking in the neightborhood.
What helped you this week?
All we are being asked to do is stay home so this is nothing like what many are doing. Thank you to the healthcare workers, the truck drivers delivering supplies, the grocery store employees, and so many more for what you are doing!
I did a post about ideas for younger kids and for adults (and many of the adult ideas can be used for teens, too) last If you have a special teen in your life, please share with them:
Shout out to my dear student Tori for helping me with these ideas!
-Really clean your room and closet. Watch Kon Mari method videos on youtube for inspiration. Have a goal of x number of bags to donate.
-If you are a senior, call college admissions and get your ducks in a row. They are still available for you by phone. Apply for community scholarships. You didn’t have time to do this when in school and now you do.
-Watch a show virtually with a friend using Facetime, Skype, or Zoom
-Have a virtual meal – Order the same food and eat together virtually!
-Have a cooking challenge with a friend
-Make a friend a playlist and they make you one
-Plan a pretend vacation for a friend and vice versa
-Create a fantasy wardrobe for a friend. Money is no object!
-Read a book you always wanted to read
-Get an adult coloring book or print pages online
-Start a journal; this will be important later on in life when you look back on these strange times.
-Explore a new podcast
-Start your own podcast
-Learn to meditate; there are lots of apps for this
-Do a face mask/beauty treatment
-Cook for the family
-Do a Chopped Challenge where you put together a basket of ingredients
-Find an online exercise program
-Learn a TikTok dance and record it
-Write thank you notes to send via snail mail to people who have shaped you
-Start a gratitude journal and write 3 things you are grateful for each day
-Watch old home movies
-Offer to teach grandparents how to use technology – over the phone of course!
I am participating in a fun link up with some ladies right here!
You respond to the prompts they give you so here we go…
What We’re Eating
Last night was Taco Tuesday. I served them with leftover rice and a Trader Joe’s southwestern salad mix that I got a week ago.
Monday night we had a craving for pizza. We did a local carryout and it felt good to get in my car and drive to go get it. I hadn’t gone anywhere since the grocery Saturday morning. This is local Diorio’s Pizza.
What I’m Reminiscing About
The Facebook reminders are bittersweet right now for two reasons – I am nostalgic for the days when my boys were young and because it is a reminder of when life was normal.
All kinds of academic team photos have been popping up. Both of my boys did this from 4th grade – 8th grade, then only Jack did it 9th grade and this year only Mason did it. Quick Recall team will always hold a special place in my heart. Look at those sweet young faces!
What I’m loving
Ahhh… having the washer and dryer off of the kitchen will be a game changer! Before I had to go down to the basement to do laundry. And, moms of young kids, guess what happened yesterday? Mason brought his own hamper to the laundry room and simply did his own laundry. I didn’t say a word, he didn’t ask me anything, and it was a beautiful thing. I was wondering when he would think his hamper was too full.
What we have been up to
We have made use of the time at home and set up our new master bedroom and set up the mudroom. We have watched at least one show a day together. The boys have mostly worn pajamas.
What I am dreading
I am dreading having to do this for too long.
What I’m working on
I am working on a plan for teaching online. We think we will be given autonomy to decide what is best for our classes. We also have to work together with our departments to make some decisions. We start April 6 for teachers and April 7 for students.
What I’m excited about
I am excited to use my bike. I dusted her off and put air in her tires. This was an anniversary gift for maybe our 5th year of marriage? You know, the traditional five year anniversary gift of a Schwinn? I used to ride my bike to school.
What I’m watching
I really haven’t been watching much t.v. I watch our governor at 5 p.m. and I watch some Bravo shows in the evenings. I watch one show as a family. On Bravo, I’m watching Family Karma, Below Deck, and Summer House, and I’m excited for Real Housewives of NY to come back soon!
What I’m reading
I am really sad about no library. I had so many books on hold that I was going to get for spring break! My son and I placed an order from our local Carmichael’s bookstore and we picked up some books for his Women in Lit class and I picked up a cute book called Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane. I can’t remember who recommended it. I need funny right now!
What I’m listening to
I am listening to my podcasts when I walk. I need to listen to more music and less news.
What I’m wearing
Nothing cute! I did get dressed Monday and felt like a human! I have been wearing leggings most days. It has been pretty chilly for much of the day.
What I’m doing this weekend
I have no idea. I would like to do another Zoom game night.
What I’m looking forward to
I am excited about these warmer temps.
What else is new
My husband wants me to research cutting the cable and switching to a streaming service. We have ATT Uverse right now plus we pay for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu and that adds up to a lot. I have to have a DVR – seriously my fave invention! And, we need ESPN, Fox Sports, Bravo, Food Network, Discovery, and HGTV. Anyone been through this process?
Both boys are deciding between two colleges. I am anxious for them to make their decisions but I don’t want to stress them out. They may pick the same but I want them to make that decision independently and they would have different roommates.
Tonight or tomorrow night we are supporting our local German restaurant! We are trying to do local takeout 2-3 times a week.
What’s up with you? Leave me a comment for one of these categories and any advice about cutting cable is much appreciated!
I was feeling uninspired last night so I thought I would bring back a old post. Some of you may be struggling to cook so I thought this could be helpful! What is your go-to recipe? Maybe I haven’t thought of it!
Double decker BLT for hub’s birthday
Sandwiches: (We will often have a sandwich meal on the weekend and I will serve these with soup, frozen fries, salad, broccoli)
BLTS or BLATS (add avocado – yum!)
Grilled cheese
Hot subs
Ham and Swiss on Hawaiian rolls
Bowls: (This is kind of a riff off of the Qdoba naked burrito)
Southwest bowl (go to Momfessionals for the yummy aioli she has but I do shortcuts using rotisserie chicken, frozen corn, frozen rice from Trader Joe’s) and add her aioli with guacamole, beans, cheese, salsa. Your family can make their own, too
Mexican lasagna (use tortillas instead of noodles and do a mixture of beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, chicken and cheese – so good!)
Taco Salad with Doritos
Fish Tacos
Easy penne and turkey sausage – make a cream sauce or simply EVOO , salt, and pepper
Salads:
Spinach, cheddar, green apple, red onion, with oil and vinegar from Polka Dotty Place Blog (shown above – my husband and I love this! – you could add a protein
Taco Salad
Greek Salad
Cobb Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Feta, Avocado, Cucumber, lemon juice salad from Lisa at Coast to Coast Blog
Italian: (garlic bread and ceasar pre made salad is easy)
Penne with turkey sausage and olive oil in photo above
Spaghetti
Baked Ziti
Fettucine Alfredo
Bacon Alfredo bake from Grace and Love Blog
Open Face BBQ tostadas with red onion, pickles and slaw with a side of loaded mashed potatoesLow Country Boil on a sheet panMexican Lasagna with the Avocado, Feta, cucumber salad
Other:
Quiche and side salad
Roasted vegetables on sheet pan – baby carrots, onion, red potatoes and a rotisserie chicken
Chicken and Noodles
Chili
Baked Fish with cajun seasoning and panko bread crumbs
Pioneer Woman Perfect Salmon
Brats, macaroni and cheese and green beans
Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls
Lunch for dinner (something you would typically make for lunch)
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 