Monday, August 5, 2019

Linking up with Heather etc. right here today!  How was your weekend?  Mine was really fun!  

Friday night my work friend E met me at an outdoor concert sponsored by the liquor store in the shopping village near my house.  

I finished this book because I couldn’t put it down!  I do recommend it and thanks to Preppy Empty Nester for recommending it on Instagram!  

And, then I started this – so cute!  I’m almost done with this now, too.  Pick this up right away if you like rom-com movies and books.  

Saturday morning I got my hair cut and colored for the first time since February!  

Before:  

After:  

I’m not mad; just can’t take a selfie very well!  

We had beautiful weather so hub and I and the pup went boating!  Pup likes to be under the steering wheel by his daddy!  

I bought the Truly citrus pack and the lemon is my favorite!  

There were lots of boats out!  

We came home late afternoon and ordered pizza and watched shows with our boys.  

Sunday morning I did a TJ’s run.  

And, we took our friends out on the boat and had brunch/lunch at Captain’s Quarters.  

We came home after lunch and I read a bit and made dinner and we hung with our boys.  Some more progress was made on our addition this week and weekend and I will do an update soon for those interested.

What are you up to today and this week?  We are doing last minute school errands and I’m setting up my classroom this week and a week from today I will be back in the world of full time employment.  My boys start Wednesday.  Where did the summer go?  

Hope you all had a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!  

Amy 

Friday, August 2, 2019

Happy Friday!  Let’s share some favorites from the week!  Please leave me yours in the comments, too!  Linking up with Andrea, etc.  here so this is a fun way to check out other blogs you may not know about. 

But, first, how was your week?  Mine was very relaxed – on purpose.  Next week I set up my classroom and my boys go to registration to get their senior! schedules and get their senior yearbook photos taken.  This week I did another Goodwill trip, did more organization, enjoyed slow mornings, and ran errands.  

If you are in the mood this weekend, try my friend H’s super easy sangria “recipe” that I posted yesterday here along with a new recipe and some meal suggestions.  I’m in a rut and desperately need some new recipes!  My latest recipe is Turkey Sausage Alfredo and it comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant in my opinion – it probably has something to do with the butter and heavy cream.  I guess I evened it out with the use of turkey sausage – ha!  I enjoyed my glass of sangria while cooking it the other night – refreshing!  

Shout out to my cousin and blog reader J for these favorites below.  I had heard of drug store brand Physician’s Formula but had never purchased anything.  She recommended The Healthy Foundation and it’s really good.  It is about $15.  It has a bit of a smell upon application but then goes away.  She described it as “your skin but better” and I think that sums it up.  I had been wanting to try the butter bronzer and I love it!  It has a nice smell and consistency and really makes me look like I’ve been in the sun more than I have. Walgreen’s had a deal and I got the butter lipstick for free in a mauve color.  I love it!  It really does go on like butter and makes your lips feel moist.  

Reporting back on my $25 Steinmart mules.  Love them!  I wore them the other day and they were super comfortable.  I think I will wear these a bunch.  I’ve included the Steinmart link if you are interested.  

My blog friend Kellyann recommended this and I cannot stop at one serving so not sure I should tell you about it!  

I enjoyed a Target run and got an iced doppio in a venti cup (means two shots of espresso) and then I proceeded to go buy new Premier Protein and emptied my half bottle of protein shake in the store – I’m classy like that!  This is 1 WW point.  Most people sing praises of the caramel flavor, but I prefer the vanilla.  It’s so good.  I only use half of a carton at a time which saves money and calories.  It is around $7 for a pack of 4 shakes at my Target.  

I purchased this phone tripod last spring but the holder wasn’t big enough for my phone.  And, I don’t have an oversized phone.  I finally ordered a bigger replacement holder and I’m excited to use this for my outfit pictures so I don’t have to bug people.  That hopefully will mean more outfit photos!  

This stack of library books is quite ambitious with only a few more days left of my summer!  I thought I would show you in case you’re looking for something.  These were either recommended to me or I thought the description looked fun.  

Pottery Barn has products from Friends!  I laughed out loud as I looked at these.  Remember the apothecary table from one episode?  Friends will always be one of my top favorite shows.  It started when I was in college and then after college my friends and I would hold viewing parties.  Or, we would call each other and discuss each episode.  So fun!  

Universal Thread at Target does it again.  I showed you some of my colored and patterned bottoms this week and these charcoal and marigold tops will be a welcome addition and work into fall.  Check them out here.  The shirt is knit and the sleeves are more like a linen/cotton.  I ordered two different sizes from Target.com and I am returning the one at the store that I didn’t choose.  So easy!  

What are you up to this weekend?  I am hoping to boat with some friends, see some progress on our renovation, spend some quality family time, and that’s about it.  

If you missed any posts this week, check out my palazzo pants and more post here, my sunglasses post here, and my weekend recap here and I already mentioned my recipe and meal post here!  

Any topic requests?  Let me know in the comments!  

Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Happy 1st day of August!  This is the month that many of us dread.  It is our hottest month and it’s just plain BUSY.  There’s so much to prepare and it’s time to change routines which is always hard no matter what your age!  

One of the things I’m doing to prepare is making a “back to school meals” list on my computer.  These meals will be super easy for the most part and still pretty much summer meals.  I will add the chili, soups, and more fall type foods later.  Having a list helps me immensely.  When I’m making my grocery list I seem to forget every meal I’ve ever made.  I’m hoping my list will help you, too.   My list is based on what my family will eat and you may have to slightly adjust.  

But, first, how about an easy recipe?  

Turkey Sausage Alfredo

This sausage is precooked so you don’t have to do this step, but I like to brown it in a skillet or you could also do the oven if you want.  Boil your penne while you are doing this.  

Put those two things together and now it’s time for the sauce.  

I used the same pan for my sauce because i thought it would add extra flavor.  You can start with a new skillet if you’d rather.  Just make a simple alfredo sauce.  I melted 3 T. butter and then added about 3/4 cup cream, brought it to a boil, then simmered for maybe 10 minutes.  Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and I also added a bit of cajun seasoning.  I also threw in a bit of mozzarella cheese, but I don’t think I will do that next time.  It really didn’t need it.  

Pour the sauce over the penne and sausage and sprinkle a bit of parmesan and you are done!  You guys, this tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.  It’s really good.  Feel free to use andouille sausage or another type of sausage.  

When I went to my friend’s house last week she bought a bottle of already made sangria, and simply added her own fruit and gingerale and it was some of the best sangria I’ve ever had.  So easy!  

Yum!  

O.k., moving on to other meal ideas…One thing that worked for me last year was to have themes – Monday pasta, Tuesday Mexican, Wednesday chicken, etc.  Another thing that I did last year was to cook two meals on Monday night and Wednesday night and that way on our late nights – 6:30 arrival at home on Tuesday and Thursday and it was simply just heat and eat.  I will have that same schedule this year so I am going to shoot for that again. I will tend to make spaghetti and taco meat at the same time.  I start cooking around 5:30 and dinner is ready at 6:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

Tip:  I run my dishwasher while I’m cooking dinner and the boys unload right after dinner and then reload.  We have been doing this for a few years and the system works well for us.  

The other thing I do is take out on one weeknight a week most weeks and then cook one of the two weekend nights at home when I have more time to make a nice meal.  I am also creating a computer list of our take out options.  And, of course, I will be doing online grocery shopping and pick up!  Game changer in the busy fall!  

Disclaimer:  I don’t own an Instapot nor do I want another gadget right now and I mostly use the crockpot on weekends.  I feel that I’m gone too long during the weekdays and all the crockpot meat ends up being overcooked or all tasting the same.  Maybe it’s me but that’s how I feel.  

Back to School Meals:  (For me, I will sub out rice for cauliflower rice, turn things into a salad, easy swaps like that)

Frozen orange chicken (we like Costco’s the best), rice, broccoli

Frozen fish (panko tilapia from Costco), okra (roasted on sheet pan), little red potatoes(boiled or roasted on sheet pan)

Ham (slices that are fairly thick), mashed potatoes(can be ready made), green beans (canned)

Prepared BBQ, Texas Toast, baked beans, side salad (prepared mix)

Spaghetti

Tacos, rice 

Taco Salad with Doritos

Southwest Bowl (Andrea from Momfessionals) (search my blog and you will find it!)

Mexican Lasagna (search my blog)

Fettucine Alfredo with chicken (use above recipe but sub chicken and fettucine noodles)

Bacon Alfredo (this is from Grace and Love Blog but I have also posted it here!)  

Hot sub sandwiches, frozen potato wedges or fries, green salad

Baked Ziti

Hawaiian ham and swiss sliders, chips, salad

Faux Thanksgiving – thick cut turkey from deli, Stove Top stuffing, green beans

What are you go to back to school meals?  Let’s help each other out!  I’m so happy that we start on a Wednesday this year so I will get to ease into the routine.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Did you notice my Wednesday theme is different today?  I have zero outfit pictures this week!  I will blame it on summer and lack of routine.  

Do you own any palazzo pants – flowy, non wrinkle with no need to iron, feel like you are in your pajamas pants – that are still socially acceptable?  I have a few pairs that are just that and with an elastic waist.  As a teacher, I really hate to deal with fussy clothing during my approximately 1.5 minute bathroom breaks.  Even if you aren’t a teacher, I think these are office appropriate, weekend party appropriate, meeting appropriate and so much more.  The other benefit I have found is that I can wear them in most seasons here in Kentucky.  When I start school the AC can be freezing cold and in the winter our heater is way too intense so I find that I almost have to have a seasonless school wardrobe.  I’m most comfortable in pants and a short sleeve or 3/4 length top with a third layer than can be removed.  

Here is a photo of what I’m talking about.  I really like these – I feel the pattern is seasonless (like I mentioned before) and there is both brown and black which makes them versatile.  

The ones on the left below are definitely more spring and summer.  The other ones on the right can be worn a little bit longer into fall I think.  I always get compliments when I wear these pants.  I think they really make you look “put together”.  

Tip:  I have found it makes life easier to have black in all of these pairs for easy matching to a black top.  

Tip:  I am 5’4 so I have looked in the petite section for these or looked for a cropped version that will be full length on me usually.  

I also repeat this same technique with my skirts.  You may look better in an A line skirt, a midi skirt, or a maxi skirt, so you can use any of those styles, but I think the best for my shape is a simple pencil type skirt.  All of my skirts are pull on just like the pants and they all have black in them!  

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about.  This is the LulaRoe Cassie skirt.  It doesn’t wrinkle and no ironing required.  

The one on the left is the only one new this season – from Steinmart and it’s a linen type material so does slightly wrinkle, the leopard is from Chico’s, and the black and white jaguar is another Cassie.  

So, if all of these pants and skirts have black in them, what do you wear on top?  

I have a small collection of tops that will work with these.  I like to look for interesting details – flutter sleeves, tassels, criss cross – that type of thing.  

So, I think I can safely get away with one of these pants outfits and one of these skirt outfits per week.  

This also makes your footwear easy.  I currently own the Soda wedges on the left (better for school if I’m not standing all day but pretty comfortable), Tieks flats, patent Birks.  The two on the right are possibilities that I may keep.  

They are both from Steinmart.  The first was only $25.

This one was $44.  I like the 70s clog vibe and the almost suede material could work into fall.  

I am still looking for comfortable yet stylish teacher shoes to start school.  I am very picky and I am literally standing on concrete floors for 8 hours a day, so it takes a good shoe!

Tip:  I keep multiple pairs of flip flops, Birkenstocks, etc. in my classroom so that I can switch out during the day.  

I want to hear from you!  What do you think about patterned palazzo pants and skirts with a black top and black shoes?  Could this work for your lifestyle?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

I love my sunglasses collection!  Why wouldn’t I?  It’s another accessory and if you have been reading for awhile you know I love my accessories.  I also wear my sunglasses all year long.  My eyes are very sensitive to the sun.  

Are you an expensive sunglasses person or a cheap sunglasses person?  I have a mixture.  I will say that the more expensive do hold up really well and I tend to treat them more carefully – putting them in their case and not wearing them on my head.  

Here are my current favorites:  

Back left:  Classic Ray Bans in a squarish shape.  I thought this shape looked better on my face at the time but now I kind of wish I had the classic aviators.  These were a Mother’s Day gift that I picked out about 8 years ago.  

Back right:  These are really nice by Guess.  I got them for free because my husband’s work gave them a catalog to pick an item and he didn’t want anything so he let me pick.  They are silver so I only wear them with silver jewelry.
These are two years old, I think.  

Front left:  New this year from TJ Maxx.  These were $12 and I have worn these the most this summer.  The rose gold is just fun and trendy IMO.

Front right:  These are my husband’s black Ray Ban aviators from 1995!  He still had the receipt in the case which is so him – ha!  Last year I told him I wanted some of these and he said he had them.  He hasn’t worn them since we’ve known each other in 1996 (I guess that was a bad purchase on his part!).  So, I have taken them over.  

TJ Maxx rose gold:

Guess:  

Classic Ray Bans:

Black Ray Ban aviators:

What is your sunglass style?  What are your favorite brands?  

Amy 

Monday, July 29, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was really good!  And, let’s go back to last week, too…I had a busy but fun week – and a bit productive.  Linking up with Heather, etc. today so go right here!  On Tuesday, my son and I got to be extras in a movie!  We had to pretend we were moving him into a college dorm room!  Eek – too close to home!  It was a fun experience, though.  I will let you know when this movie comes out and also the one I got to be an extra in last February.  You may remember I had to eat a cookie in a bakery – it was rough! There is a production studio in our city that does a lot of Lifetime and Hallmark type movies so I expect these will also be on those channels!  

Here is son waiting for our scene:

Then, on Wednesday I got 3 more professional development hours for a total of 6 out of 12 needed.  The boys did two ACT tutor sessions on Tuesday and Thursday and then on Thursday for lunch I met the sweet French teacher that teaches next door to me.  There is a 20 year age difference between us but we have a lot to talk about and I just adore her.  I love having friends of varying ages – do you?

So, she is rather new to our city and I suggested this French restaurant that she hadn’t been to yet.  It’s in a strip mall and you wouldn’t think there would be a nice French restaurant there, but when you walk inside it is so cute.  

We had a rose because it’s summer!  

We split a croque madame and it was perfect.  And, I guess I forgot the photo of the creme brulee we split!  Divine!  

Thursday night my boys went to a friend’s house and hub and I ate leftovers at home.  I’m really trying to cut down on food waste around here.  

Friday my friend invited me and our other friend for lunch at her beautiful home.  She made sangria (recipe coming soon)

and pasta salad and ordered us the sandwich of our choice from her nearby sandwich shop.  I thought this was a great idea.  I ordered benedictine and bacon which is a rare treat.  Benedictine is a Kentucky thing – a green cream cheese and cucumber spread. She also made homemade chocolate dipped strawberries and had a lovely table setting.  

Friday night we all stayed in and had hot subs for dinner while watching some t.v. I had kind of wanted to go out, but everyone was tired.  

Saturday morning hub had a bike riding malfunction and I had to pick him up near the river so I brought this boy and let him swim.  I should show you a video of him jumping with perfect form from the dock to retrieve his stick.  

The rest of the day Saturday was laundry, cleaning, and me getting 6 more professional development hours for finishing up listening to 6 podcasts and answering corresponding questions!  I was so excited to get this done.  Now, unless something crazy happens, I have all 12 hours and can check that off of my summer bucket list and reduce my stress this school year.

Then, Saturday night our friends dropped their son at our house to hang with our boys while we went to an outdoor concert.  

The first group was three guys who were excellent.  They played Van Morrison, The Eagles, stuff like that.  

It was a bit hot at first but it was comfortable for the rest of the time.  

The second group was awesome, too, but in a different way.  They played more pop music but every song was one that you knew all the words to – Prince, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Meghan Trainor.  They had so much energy.  This picture doesn’t do it justice – there were tons of people there and several food trucks.  

And, the sunset was a sight to behold.  

Sunday morning we had our friends meet us at the boat and we did a little cruise and brunch.  I kept my phone put away and enjoyed the day!  

Then. we went as a family of four to the Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.  I knew it was going to be long so I bought a coffee!  It kept my attention the whole time and was really good.  All four of us really liked it.  Our boys are into film, cinematography, etc. so they were pumped.  

How was your weekend?  What’s on the agenda for this week?  Soaking up the last of summer?  School supply shopping?  We are pretty set for school clothes and supplies around here – one advantage to kids getting older is that I no longer have to do the super long list of specific items.  And, we did some new clothes shopping in June.  So, I’m planning to just keep enjoying my days and checking a few more things off of my list – more decluttering, a movie by myself, a happy hour or lunch with friends – fun stuff like that.  

Thanks for visiting!

Amy

Friday, July 26, 2019

Time slow down!  Linking up today here for the regular Friday Favorites.  

Here we go…

I’m taking this chart with me to the grocery.  I think it’s cute that the “girl” watermelon is the sweeter!  

I clipped a few flowers from my hydrangea bush and put them in this big mason jar I had.  

I took a few of these on vacay but I think I will use these at home, too.  They are nail polish remover wipes – don’t think the brand matters but this is the Kroger brand.  The polish comes right off with little elbow grease.  

I ran out of my kitchen hand soap and saw this at Target.  I believe many bloggers use the Raw Sugar brand scrubs.  This is amazing and feels like a mini spa treatment each time you wash your hands!  

I got a much needed pedicure this week and choose a bright pinkish red.  But, this place has no little table or cup holder!  

I bought OPI Alpine Snow at Kroger to do my manicure at home.  I’ve been seeing some really pretty white nails lately.  Love it!  

Last week I showed you the peach Simpler Wines in a can from Trader Joe’s and this wek I tried the Rose.  It’s pretty good!  Super classy to drink wine from a can, too!  But, there can be lots of advantages – when you want to take your wine to a picnic, on a boat, to work – just kidding!

What were your favorites this week? Any fun summer weekend plans? I’m hoping to go on a boat ride, see a movie, go to an outdoor concert – gotta keep checking off my summer bucket list from yesterday!  

Make it a great one!

Amy 

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Did you create a summer list or bucket list?  I posted mine back in early June so I thought I would do a brief check – in – because my days are getting numbered!  

Celebrate end of my twin boys’ junior year – we had takeout of their choice but we didn’t celebrate in a big way.  They are so sweet and prefer my cooking to going out.  They rarely ask for anything.  I did make a point to tell them how proud I was of them when their report cards came and when they received their AP exam scores.  One took 4 AP classes and the other took 3.  

Celebrate hub’s bday – He wanted BLTS st home because our boys were recovering from wisdom teeth surgery.  He’s easy to please, too.  

Celebrate Father’s Day – He wanted to see Men in Black so we did.  The boys could finally start eating more normal foods and enjoyed some popcorn.  I didn’t anticipate how hard Father’s Day would be for me as the first one without my Dad.  I had some sweet friends reach out to me.  I need to remember to always do that, too.  

Celebrate completing my 25th year of teaching – not really but isn’t summer a reward?  Ha!  I cannot believe that I have been teaching this long.  I started at the young age of 22 and am now 47.  I only took off one semester with my babies but of course I had all of the summers and breaks.  I also had them at daycare/preschool right next to my school and could pick them up at 2:30 most days.  

Use my salt cave gift card – yes – see post here

Get regular 10 minute neck and shoulder massages at The Relax Place – no!  Why have I not done this?  

Watch Big Brother with my son that likes it – Yes!  We are enjoying this but it’s getting hard to watch.  It reinforces values while we watch and my son talks about how people shouldn’t act that way.  He’s so sweet.  

Go to my first movie alone – not yet – might do Lion King or Yesterday.  There haven’t been any chick flicks that I wanted to see!  

Take a pizza on the boat – not yet!  

Host people on the boat – This has been a bad year for boating.  We’ve only gone out 4 times due to all the rain and high water.  We did take one of our couple friends out and had brunch and that was really fun.  

Read some good books – Yes, but I’m not reading as much as I usually do.  I think it’s because my outdoor space is compromised due to my renovation and because it was either raining or hot most of the time when I did have a chance!  I prefer to read outside in the afternoons with a drink.  

Declutter – Yes, I’m happy to say that I finally got motivated.  I’m still working on this, though.  

Meet friends for coffee, brunch, lunch, happy hour – Yes!  I think I’ve told you before that night is not my most social.  I get tired early and I think I’m more fun in the daytime!  lol!  

Exercise almost every morning – Hanging my head over this one.  I have no excuse.  I have enjoyed leisurely mornings of coffee, blogs, books, t.v.

Get all professional development hours done before school starts – I am on my way.  I think I can make this happen which will lead to less stress when school starts. 

Other things I’ve done:

Outdoor concerts – 2 so far

Saw 3 movies at the theatre – 2 with whole family (MIB and Spiderman) and one with just hub (Stuber)

Tried some new recipes – Southwest bowl

Driving lessons with boys

ACT tutoring with boys

Serious college list making/visit planning with boys  (They started visiting last year)

Helped husband with renovation moving parts and picking out elements

That’s all I can think of so far!  What about you?  Have you accomplished what you wanted?  What do you still want to do? 

Amy 

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

While the rest of the world was shopping for fall and winter clothes on Nordstrom and looking for Amazon Prime deals, this girl was using her Versona gift card.  So, o.k., it wasn’t a gift card – it was a refund card without a receipt, but still I had $25 to spend that didn’t feel like MY money.  

I’m usually one to say don’t rush to the sale racks because I have made many mistakes that way – buying things only because they were cheap without much thought to if I really needed it or if it worked with my wardrobe, you know?  But, the store was starting to fill with fall and it’s 99 degrees here, so I headed to the very, very well stocked sale racks.  

Here is what came home with me:

 I did try everything on.  I hate trying things on but I  hate making returns with a greater passion. 

This blouse – silk in front, knit in back – was originally $29.99 and came home with me for $12.99 

I have been looking for a bright yellow top all summer and while this is not quite the bright shade I wanted, I still thought it could be a layering piece.  Orginal price was 24.99 and I brought it home for $10.99

This was my favorite on the hanger.  It was orginally $29.99 and it only came down to $19.99.  

And, finally, I remember seeing this fun sweater back in the winter or early spring. It was originally $39.99 and I brought it home for $6.99! 

I had been needing more short sleeve summer tops.  So, I’m happy with what I found.  

Total for all 4 items was $54 with tax and after my gift card I paid $28.  

What do you think?  

Did you order from Nordstrom or Amazon?  

I ordered zero from Nordstrom and just a couple things from Amazon that weren’t even Prime Day deals.  

Amy 

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Let’s talk about summer makeup!  I have given my face a much needed break this summer and can count on two hands and maybe one foot the number of times I’ve even bothered putting on my “face” since school let out.  

Disclaimer:  I’m not great at makeup and I’m trying to use up all the little things that I got in almost a year of Ipsy bags (Ipsy is a monthly subscription where you receive a makeup pouch with 5 items – I think it’s a great deal but I had too many pouches and wanted to use up what I had already gotten so I canceled.)

Naked 47 year old face

My current products- I pulled out all of the stops and used everything.  I don’t always do this, but I did it for our purposes today.  I don’t know if would recommend them all, but please ask if you have a specific question.  Like I said, I’m trying to use up products and pare down after my Ipsy subscription accumulation.

I started with Trader Joe’s moisturizer, followed by Pore Professional (Ipsy) which is really great if you have big pores, then I did Dr. Brand’ts undereye (Ipsy), then Cover Girl under eye concealer on the far right (looks like a lipstick), then I did Cover Girl matte (love it), Charlotte Tilbury foundation, Cover Girl pressed powder, Tarte blush (Ipsy), lined brows with Brow Benefit, Cover Girl eyeshadow, liner from Estee Lauder free palette, mascara primer, mascara in the little blue tube (Ipsy), bronzer, highlighter, lipliner, Revlon lipstick, NYX gloss.  

This took me:  

I didn’t rush and I kind of took my sweet time.  

Final product:

Slightly more socially acceptable?  The photo quality isn’t great – maybe the humidity in the bathroom?  

What products can you recommend? Is there something you just wouldn’t want to live without?

Amy