Monday, February 24, 2020

How was your weekend? I am linking up with Heather, etc. so go here to find some great new blogs to follow.

Last week took it out of me. I somehow found the energy to do the Kroger grocery shopping after school Friday with Mason (reluctantly). We mostly got breakfast and snack foods but we used our reward checks and only spent $2.09! Wow!

I made myself a cup of coffee at 5:00 p.m. after the grocery run and found out that nope, coffee at that late hour does not affect my 9:00 bedtime. Good to know! I could not keep my eyes open.

For dinner, we ordered Dominos. It is our go to for ordering pizza these days. Tom and I like the thin crust.

I was so glad I had shopped on Friday because Saturday a.m I was able to do a Goodwill drop off and then change out my dip manicure. I went crazy with this bright blue because I thought the light blue was too spring like for now.

Jack had an audition that afternoon and we accompanied him. Then, Saturday night the boys went together to the play that Jack directed. The play was written by a teen in his program and he wanted to try his hand at directing. Tom and I went to a pub to watch the UK game. I thought of my friend Kellyann because we played Florida. Go see her at http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com!

I finished this book this weekend and I liked it but I didn’t love it.

Sunday I treated myself to a local Hazelnut to enjoy while I did Trader Joe’s. I needed meal stuff for the week now!

I got some yellow daffodils and it was a nice trip.

I am switching up breakfast prep this week to homemade Egg McMuffins without meat. You could add ham or turkey bacon if you wanted but I am fine with just English muffin, egg, and cheese.

Sunday was a truly relaxing day. Jack had choir practice and Mason went to a friend’s house to play games. Tom worked on the back deck and I read and watched him work while also doing a million loads of laundry and some more meal prepping.

This week will be a busy one; I feel like I say that every week!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Friday, February 21, 2020

Happy Friday! Oh my gosh – I am exhausted! Our students had a four day weekend last weekend but Friday was a teacher work day (which can be more exhausting) and Monday was Parent Teacher Conference day. We hit the ground running Tuesday and it is a long stretch until Spring Break. I know that all sounds whiney, but this is a tough time of year to keep students engaged. Luckily I have saved two personal days for sometime this spring when I need them and I have some fun things planned in my classes. I am still holding out for ONE glorious snow day. Please?

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

First off, I really like this new hand wash. It was recommended by my friend Kristin of Stuff, Things, Etc. I love the smell and I think it is free of all those nasty chemicals we do not want. I found it at Target.

Where have roasted sweet potatoes been all my life? I peeled two then put in the microwave for 2 minutes and then after they cooled I was able to easily slice into cubes. I put a bit of EVOO and salt and pepper and roasted in the oven at 400 for about 30 minutes. So delicious! I have used these in a few meals this week. I love meal prep and this was great this week!

I was so happy last Saturday to find this at Total Wine thanks to my reader Nikki. It is so yummy!

I was having Mexican last week and wanted a margarita and brought out my favorite recipe. This is low cal and so good – recipe coming next week but you can see the ingredients below. I am spoiled now and cannot handle the super sweet artificial restaurant versions anymore.

Last weekend I treated myself to a chai latte from local Heine Brothers. They really make the best. Do you like chai lattes? They are so good!

How was your week? Any favorites to share with me? Any recommendations? I am happy to not have much on the calendar for this weekend. I plan to start spring cleaning, decluttering more, and organizing some things. I will have a renovation up date for you soon I hope. Spoiler… not much has happened since the last one!

Happy weekend!

Amy

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Do not get dressed when it rains; stay home in your pjs! But, if you must get dressed, let’s discuss.

First of all, do not wear white when it rains! Do not wear suede shoes – especially lighter colored suede. I pretty much always wear black pants when it rains.

I have black Hunter rain boots that I have had for 8 years? I highly recommend getting a pair of tall or short rain boots. I often wear these to work and bring another pair of “normal” shoes to change into. Since I have tall boots, I often wear black leggings or skinny pant to tuck in to the boots. So much to think about, right?

I had heard of these clear umbrellas, but I finally took the plunge and bought one at Target and I love it! My handle broke unfortunately so another one from Amazon is currently in my cart. What makes this so great? You can put the umbrella down as close to your head as you want and still have total visibility. I love it!

I also have little rainproof loafers from Costco – not pictured. They are kind of like if some one cut off a duck boot and made it a flat. These are great for summer rain.

Also, I noticed Target started carrying a great brand called Okabashi. I used to see this brand at a local boutique; beware, these may be a lesser quality made especially for Target. However, I think these blush and black flats would be great for wet sidewalks.

Once you have the right gear, you may not mind the rain as much! My tall black Hunters in a fall outfit and my short yellows for the Kentucky Derby. I wear my black so much more! I am considering another short pair in black. One reason why I don’t wear the yellow as much is because they are more work to slip on and off. That is silly, but true! And, of course, you need some sort of rain jacket. Would you believe I got my black Columbia for only $10 at Kohl’s? I can’t remember how I worked that deal but it was a good one!

What kind of rain gear do you have? What do you recommend? It has been raining a ton here lately, by the way. I think Mother Nature confused snow for rain.

It’s almost Friday! Thanks for reading!

Amy

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Happy Hump Day! I am linking up today with The Style Six so go here to see more posts.

So, last week I tried to wear pink or red every day. I don’t own that much pink or red to be honest! I showed you most of these last week in my What I Wore post here.

On this day, I wore my newish polka dot with red sequin earrings. I need my rule of three third piece like a black vest.

And, forgive the closed eyes as WordPress (the site I use for my blog) has changed everything on me on both the app and the website and I am trying to figure out how to edit! Ugh! Why must people change things that are working for me? Do these people not know that I am already hanging on by a thread technologically speaking?

You have seen this combo before but I was trying something with the booties and I do not like!

I did some spring browsing this weekend and I like this Target cover up. I love to buy at least one new cover up each season. The last few years my favorites have come from Target – but usually from Target.com. I sometimes forget that they offer more online and the returns are super easy. I love a black tank suit or tankini with fun colorful coverups.

Well, that is about all I have for today! Once again, I leave you with I am tired of my winter clothing! What have you worn lately? Thoughts on my outfits or the cover up? Anyone know anything about the new WordPress?

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I used to record my clothing purchases and did so for maybe three years.  It was super enlightening and I think it made me a better shopper.  I would look at my purchases and think – wow I could have used that monthly sum for a staple item instead.  I would cross out what got donated or sold at the end of the year.  I really recommend doing this if you love clothes like I do.  I learned so much! 

I am naturally a bargain hunter.  I would go immediately to the clearance rack without any thought to my color scheme, what I needed, what I already had – I was simply looking for that bargain!  

Now, I do still look on the clearance rank but I am much more careful.  Also, I have developed my seasonal color palette and I try to use those colors to have a cohesive wardrobe.  I am trying to learn that one full price item may be a better bargain in the long run than 5 sale items.  It is a hard lesson to learn!

Also, I am trying not to change my nature and who I am and what I feel comfortable in.  I like tops with black in them because I have lots of black pants.  I prefer neutral shoes in brown, black, and metallics.  These are what I wear the most.

I have not shopped much in 2020 so far.  I really think it is due to a few factors:  

-I have gotten to be a better shopper and was happy with many of my previous winter purchases.  

-My new closet allowed me to see what I had and I took the opportunity to purge and that makes me feel that I can see what I have even more.  Also, life is too short to be uncomfortable in your clothing.  Why have a closet full of 7s when you can have a half full closet of 10s. I hope that makes sense!  

How much have you shopped in 2020?  During the years I journaled my purchases I did see some patterns.  I have more time in the summer to shop so I do so more.  Plus, I love my sandals, flip flops, cover ups and they are fun to buy.  Two other months stood out for me – March and September.  I was always ready to update for the coming seasons.  

I hope you enjoy seeing what I have bought.  

$12 – poncho/sweater thing open on both sides from The Prickly Pear (local boutique owned by a friend)  

I think this will be a classic and I think this was a great purchase!  

$5.99 – Old Navy – I have not worn this yet but it matches many of my kimonos.  Heck, this was the price of a latte so even if it was not a good purchase I feel pretty good!

$5.99 – Old Navy – This is the same top and I have already worn this with a kimono.  Again, I think it is a good purchase!  

I bought this polka dot top at Steinmart for $20 something.  I lost my receipt.  I have worn this three times already and I am not sure how flattering it is but I wanted a polka dot badly.  This is a non-wrinkle polyester ish material. 

And, I bought these palazzo pants for $25 at the same time I bought the polka dot above at Steinmart.  I was drawn to the green for March and St. Patrick’s Day for some reason.  I am anxious to wear them but it has been too cold most days.  

I spent under $100 for almost two months!  I did not include any Christmas money purchases as I did those before 2019 ended.  I am very happy with this amount and I think I made good purchases.

Now, I will continue making my spring wish list based on my current spring clothing.  I feel that I am in a bit of a rut, though.  I am not super excited about ordering from unknown retailers sight unseen.  I much prefer online shopping when I can return to the local store.  Where should I look?  My go tos have been Old Navy(want to get away from ON), American Eagle, Loft, Target (very selectively), and TJ Maxx.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, February 17, 2020

How was your weekend? Mine went by so quickly! I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to see more Monday posts.

First off, my niece turned 12 on Thursday and I sent her scrunchies, a set of beauty treatment face masks, and a clip on reading light. Here is the picture my sister took of her with all the scrunchies on at once! She is a character!

So, our Friday night Valentine’s celebration was really low key! One son went bowling with friends and I made bow tie alfredo for the other. Hub got sloppy joes, brussels sprouts, and potato wedges because the restaurant we had gone to a week ago took sloppy joes off of the menu. He was so happy!

Saturday our son had a long day of academic team competition and they placed 3rd out of 8 teams, I think. Our son made it to state for language arts and humanities.

Saturday after the competition our other son came home from theatre and a friend’s house.
Tom and I had a casual dinner at Crescent Hill Craft House. It was so noisy that we were ready to leave. Are you getting like that? So many places we go to are so loud.

Sunday was a lazy day with some errands including Kroger. Our son had theatre again because he is directing a play next week. I roasted some sweet potato for lunches this week. It turned out so yummy!

I also went to the library to pick up this book on hold. It seems like it will be really cute! I have been in a rut lately and have not had a good book to read.

Tell me about your weekend! I hope it was great!

Amy

Friday, February 14, 2020

Happy Valentines Day to all!  It is a teacher workday for me – no students.  I get to go in a little later and dress more casually.  My boys are enjoying a four day weekend but they are quite busy with theatre and academic team competitions and some last minute scholarships applications.  I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. so go right here!  What are your plans?  I think I will make a charcuterie board and a fun dinner but I hope that I will get to go out tomorrow night.  I need to figure that out or ask my husband to figure it out!  

Here are some favorites to share with you this week!  

My reader J recommended that I read thekitchn.com grocery diaries and I am hooked!  Have you read these?  You can get meal ideas and it is fascinating to read about different budgets and how they eat as they chronicle a week in their grocery life!  Is it weird that this is interesting to me?  

I will need a new nail polish color soon.  I am thinking a light shade of blue like this?  

I am excited to wear these palazzo pants that I bought about a month ago.  I specifically thought they would be good for March and St. Patricks Day.  I have only bought a few things in 2020 and I am quite proud of myself. I am planning a post this week on 2020 clothing purchases. 

I rarely drink soft drinks but I really like this.  I use it with bourbon, too.  It is even better that way – just kidding! 

I want to find this cider this weekend called Grand Mimosa by a brewery in Wisconsin.  I had it at Hop Cat last weekend  and it was so good. 

My sweet boy is allowed on one piece of furniture upstairs and one downstairs.  How can we say no to this face.  He is very dramatic!  Hub is practicing guitar often in the living room so thus his guitars next to the chair. 

I got to have some fun during the week this week.  Wednesday night I had dinner with my friend Beth at Ciao.  

It was a rainy night and I enjoyed the view out of the window next to our table. 

What were your favorites this week?  Hope it was a good one!  

Amy 

Thursday, February 13, 2020

I guess it happens this time every year – I start getting really tired of my winter clothes.  I know it’s smart to get winter clothes on sale right now, but I much prefer my spring and summer wardrobe and I just don’t want to look at any more winter clothes.  Honestly, I wear the warmer weather stuff more of the year anyway – especially with crazy seasons and an overheated school building.  

I thought I would research some trends for Spring 2020 and tell you my thoughts and how I can translate them for a middle aged mom and teacher.  

Highlighter colors – Yes!  I can get on board with this.  I already have a couple of pieces maybe that will work for this trend.

I love this necklace I have had for several years.  It looks great with a plain black top.  

This fun necklace with bright pom poms would work, too. 

These leather tassel earrings bring a fun pop of color to many of my outfits. 

I used to have the best Gap bright highlighter pink cardigan that was light and perfect for spring.  It stretched out in the shoulders and got discolored.  I plan to look for:

-another bright pink cardigan

-a bright yellow cardigan

The Disco Collar/Wide 70s collar – Ummmm… I am not sure!  I personally do not wear a lot of button downs in the spring.  I will have to see this.

Crochet – Maybe?  I think I could pull this off with accessories – maybe a purse or a vest?  I will not be wearing a crochet bikini.

Hot pants or really short tight shorts – I do not think so.

Suit jackets with bermuda shorts – I really do not see myself wearing this.  The bermuda length short is not the best length for my legs.  I do remember in the early 2000s wearing black shorts almost to my knees with wedge sandals.  Maybe I can find a pic!

Other spring wish list items:  

• sporty sneakers – I have seen some Nike and some Tretorns that I love.  I am thinking a little bit of a lift would be good.  I also saw some Golden Goose dupes on Amazon that are gold and really cute but there wouldn’t be much heel.  I had Converse shorelines but they were a half size too small and not comfortable.  
• Wide leg pants – I want to try this.

What are you excited to try?  What is on your wish list?  Any suggestions for me?  

Amy 

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

I decided this week to wear all of my pink and red for Valentine’s Day!  Do you ever do that just to make dressing easier?  I am linking up with The Style Six so go right here!  

Saturday I picked this sweater/poncho thing up at The Prickly Pear, a local boutique owned by a friend of mine.  It was half off making it only $12.  I really liked it and think it is a classic I will be able to wear in the future, too.  I did have a rule about not buying more winter clothes at this point but the deal was too good to pass up.  I swear it is blush colored in person even though this photo makes it look more beige.  

I have had this heart scarf from Old Navy for probably 10 years!  

What have you been wearing?  Are you  wearing all your pink and red this week?  I have a feeling I will repeat the scarf and/or the poncho this weekend!  

Amy

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Did you read my money post here?  Several people commented on their spending habits and many of you are like me – you try to save where you can so you can spend where you get more bang for your buck  Also, I know a lot of us are trying to spend less as the new year starts.  Have you ever read the Refinery 29 money diaries?  I recently read one about a twenty something girl who lives in NYC.  I found it fascinating – especially where she said that she spent $43 on transportation one day.  So, I decided to chronicle my spending last week.  I did not include household bills – with the exception of groceries – or the daily expenses of my husband.  I simply recorded my own personal spending, eating out, stuff like that.  Here we go….

Saturday 2/1:

I had already gone to the grocery store on Thursday, so no groceries needed.  I did not do a whole lot this day – stuck around home and watched t.v. and did laundry and cleaning.

Dinner Out:  $35 at Taco Luchador with husband.  Brought some of the food home for son.  Other son was at a party.  This fed three people and we had leftovers.  I thought this was well worth the money.

Sunday 2/2:

$60 Kroger for the week

$30 Trader Joes for the week – this included re-stocking of two bottles of liquor to have on hand.  

It was a small grocery bill this week because I did another small one on Thursday.  

Monday 2/3:

$0

All I did was go to work this day!

Tuesday 2/4:

$6 Gravely Brewery

A theatre mom asked me to go to a brewery during theatre class that day.  I had one beer.  It was nice and pretty darn cheap!  I only had one beer and tipped.  It was well worth the $6.  

$32 Chick Fil A – Since I was not home to cook dinner hub had to pick this up for us. I was not happy that I hadn’t planned.  

Wednesday 2/5:

$4 Downtown parking garage (son had an audition for a Shakespeare program) – I could have driven around to look for street meter parking but I am intimidated when I go downtown.  

$36 Son and I had dinner at El Mundo (This was a real waste of money because our food was really bad.  I was trying to spend time with my son while the other son had his class – so while we did have quality time I think we could have spent less and had a better meal.)

Thursday 2/6:

$13 Crescent Hill Craft House  – met my friend for a snack and drink after school because we had not seen each other since November.  I was entirely more social than normal this week but I am trying to say YES more this year!  This included one drink, a split appetizer, and tip.  I thought it was well worth it.  

Friday 2/7:

$0 Tom, Mason and I had a dinner to attend for Mason that was paid for.  Jack stayed home and made a grilled cheese.  

Weekly Total:  $216 -I could have cut this down without the Chick Fil A and the El Mundo.  I feel that this is a lot of money on food and fun during the week, which is not typical.  I am planning ahead better for dinners this week.  

I did not buy gas this week but Saturday morning I filled up.  I usually only get gas once every two weeks.  

Thoughts on the Week:

I did zero online shopping.  I did not enter many stores to tempt me because I just didn’t have time and I was quite busy and just not tempted to shop online, either.  I was very social because I went out with two friends, but I only spent $19 combined.  I was very organized this week with my coffee, breakfasts, and lunch prepared at home and brought to work.  I could have done better with a pre-prepared dinner Tuesday night instead of a $30 Chick Fil A trip for dinner.  I also regret spending so much Wednesday night on a bad meal.  Overall, I am happy.  It was interesting to do this exercise!  Hope you enjoyed it!  

Amy