Monday, June 25, 2018

How was your weekend? Mine went by fast!  

On Thursday I had a dear friend over for lunch and she brought me this adorable owl succulent holder. I love succulents and I don’t think I’ve ever told her! Love it!

This is the only Loft top I ended up keeping.  I also wore this top Saturday night with white jeans.  (Navy blue striped flutter sleeve, you have some competition!)  I ended up returning the olive and raspberry just like this because of the material.  The material was a little bit “sueded” – not sure if that’s the right term- and I thought it would show stains and not wear well.  I wore this to hub’s volleyball game Thursday night.  We ordered nachos and I had a Michelob Ultra which is my beer of the summer.  My friend H came and hung out with us for a bit, too.  

This past week was so busy.  I was up and out early every day and Friday I just could not get motivated.  It was rainy and dreary and I took my Yeti coffee cup outside.  This is the cup I use to drink my coffee from at school.  It keeps your coffee hot for hours.  There is only one problem – it doesn’t fit in my car cup holder so I can’t take it places.  I need to put wine in it but I never think to do that.  Finally I got motivated and did my Loft returns.  I went in a store near Loft called Versona and came home with a $8.99 floral top, too.

Friday afternoon I had a spiked mango lemonade and we stayed home for dinner.  I made homemade quesadillas.  

Saturday morning I used my beloved Kentucky mug.  

Then, I did my self tanning.  You all, I’m pretty tan from 3 applications of this stuff.  It looks really natural.  I found it at Kroger.  

I now have another library book I couldn’t finish.  I switched to this one below and read a little bit on Saturday.  I have read a couple of other books by this author.  I am liking it so far.  Also, I bought a new nail color.  It’s really similar to one I have that’s almost out.  I really wanted to try this Infinite Shine.  Mel of The Larson Lingo only uses this kind and swears by it. 

I have talked about this mix before.  Saturday night we were headed to my SIL’s house for her husband’s birthday party.  She asked me to make Pesto Bowtie Pasta with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and feta.  Actually, she just said I could bring something and this is what I offered!  So, boil your bowtie pasta and toss with this packet mixed with EVOO and water, chopped artichokes, chopped sundried tomatoes and feta.  Done and done!  And, it works served hot or cold.  

The weather was great Saturday for walking and I listened to the latest Big Boo podcast. 

I folded clothes after my walk and watched my cooking shows.  I record Pioneer Woman and The Kitchen.  The Kitchen was talking about bbq.  I always get great weekly meal ideas from these sources.  After that, I made a semi homemade pizza for my boys and hub and I went to see the movie Adrift.  I liked it and he didn’t.  I don’t want to say too much in case you will see it.  It is a true story!  

This is my oldest niece again and her sweet dog at the birthday party for her Dad.  

This is the final product of my pasta.  There were beef tenderloin sandwiches, wings, Mexican layer dip, green chile dip, salad, a beautiful charcuterie spread and more!  The party was really nice and we had a great time.  We stayed until almost 10.  

Sunday we had plans to take our boys’ friend and his parents on the boat.  The weather turned out great and it wasn’t as hot.  We had a great time with them!  I made “Mermaid Juice” but it wasn’t very green so I called it “River Water” but it wasn’t quite brown enough.  The Dad gave me the idea to make a drink called “River Water” using dark rum instead.  Yes!

That’s a wrap on the weekend!  I have a lot to do this week so I need to start going to bed a little bit earlier!  I didn’t sleep great last week and it really affected my days.  

Hope you had a great weekend! 

Amy 

Friday, June 22, 2018

How was your week? I must admit I let the heat derail me from walking a couple of days. Wednesday was much better temperature wise, though.  I’m working on getting back on track.  This week has flown and what started out as a pretty open week got filled up quickly. 

What are your weekend plans? We have storm chances each day but we have a birthday party Saturday night and a boat day scheduled for Sunday so I hope the weather is on our side.  (True sign of adulthood – you talk incessantly about the weather!)  There are also more movies I want to see – so maybe an early Saturday afternoon matinee – especially if it is raining? 

Favorite #1)

I’m the guest co-host again with my friend Dan of the Fortyish podcast.  This time we talked about entertaining in your home. Listen here to episode 89 while you clean or walk or sit outside.  In the podcast, I referenced my post on entertaining that you can find here.  I was so happy that an out of town friend texted me today to tell me she threw a happy hour at her house with 12 girls!  I’m amazed she had 12 girls that could all get together the same night in the summer.  Miracles do happen!

Favorite #2)

I love saving money and/or scoring great deals. My sister pointed out that my blog posts this week have all talked about saving money!  This was not planned.  Tuesday I talked about entertaining kids this summer on a budget. Wednesday I talked about clothing and home decor for the 4th of July on a budget, and yesterday I talked about clothing for kids on a budget. Just click on the red type to go directly to those posts. I hope there will be a helpful nugget somewhere in there for you and leave me a comment or something that you do that works!  

Favorite #3)

Catching up with friends in the summer is always a goal of mine. Yesterday I had a friend over for lunch and I served a new recipe of asparagus and gruyere tart, tomato and mozzarella, salad with goat cheese, craisins, and nuts, garlic french fries, and Trader Joe’s lemon cake.  I made pineapple spritzer (non alchoholic) to drink.   One of my summer bucket list items is to learn new recipes.  I have been wanting to work more with store bought puff pastry.  It was super easy!  

Favorite #4)  

I’m still saving money by doing my own nails 2-3 times a week.  I’m back to OPI Suzi Without a Paddle.  I’m going to treat myself to a new color soon.  Leave me a new color suggestion in the comments if you have one.  I’m really into blues and whites this season.  

Favorite #5)  

This crazy niece of mine texting me from my mom’s phone for about an hour one day this week.  She is going to be in 3rd grade and is a hoot!

Favorite #6) 

My Loft order came in quicker than I thought it would.  Everything was 40% off and I got free shipping.

I think I will keep the top below but I don’t plan to wear it off the shoulder.  It is a great material but it’s a little short.  It doesn’t look like it from the photo, though!

These pants below are going back.  They are voluminous and not flattering in the stomach area.  I maybe could size down two sizes or something, but not sure if I will go to the trouble.

I didn’t realize it, but this shirt is exactly the same as the striped one.  I also ordered this in a pretty raspberry color.  Again, I don’t plan to wear this off the shoulder.  I feel like the olive and raspberry can go into fall.  They fit perfectly but they are a little bit short so I will have to try them on with jeans and different pants before I decide whether to keep them. 

I ordered a red and white striped top also.  It is really thin material and a little too long.  Go figure.  It will be going back.  

So – I will be keeping one – three tops and I’m returning the pants and the red and white stripe top.  My goal in this order was more easy tops to throw on.  It’s really a reminder that you have to try things on and you can’t go by the photos.

Have a wonderful weekend!  I can’t wait to read your Friday Favorites!  

Amy 

Thursday, June 21, 2018

I remember when I started dealing with my twin boys’ clothes.  I didn’t mind the washing, drying, and folding.  I did, however,  mind the putting away of the clothes.  I guess I could still say the same, except I don’t put their clothes away anymore now that they are 15 and perfectly capable!  

Do you know why I hated putting their clothes away?  It was because they had too many clothes for the space they had to store it in!  It was just too fun to buy coordinating or matching outfits so they had way more clothes than they could ever use.  Some of these were gifts and some were my purchases.  

So, my number 1 tip is….

1) Don’t buy too many clothes for your kids!  There are only 7 days in a week and if you are like me, you will be washing clothes more than once a week.  

2)  Now, determine what types of clothes they need and for what occasions they need to dress.  Kids grow so quickly that they may not be able to wear too many items in any one category.  

3)  Ask for hand me downs from family members or offer to pay for them (most family will not accept money).  Most people are so happy to have someone to hand things down to so they can make room for bigger sizes.  My nephew has enjoyed hand me downs from his two older cousins! 

4)  Find someone whose taste you like and ask if you can buy their outgrown clothes.  I was lucky to have a mom who had twin boys two years older than mine.  I bought their school uniforms and didn’t have to buy much more on my own.  I also bought suits that her boys outgrew.  That saved me a ton of money and they only got to wear them once. 

5)  Go to church or community sales.  If you are a consignor or a volunteer, you usually get to shop first.  These are a goldmine and are usually held in more than one season.

6)  Find your local kids consignment shops.  If you live in Louisville, Kentucky or nearby, Slugger Kids is a wonderful shop.  I have gotten like new Keens for $10.  

7)  Check out Goodwill or other thrift shops.  My sister finds a ton of good stuff there.  Last summer I found several men’s button downs for my son that likes to wear those.  

8)  Ask for clothing for gifts for your kids.  One of my sisters is good about planning ahead when her kids have a birthday coming up and have a need for a specific clothing item.  

9)  It’s garage sale season.  Kids’ clothes are often plentiful at these and many times I have seen clothing with tags.  In fact, I bought my niece a Land’s End down vest with tags for $5.  

10)  If you go to a school with uniforms like we did from kindergarten until 8th grade, schools will often have a sale.  Look for these and remember again that there are only 5 school days in a week so you don’t need more than that number of uniforms.  Like I mentioned in tip number 4, seek out a mom to buy from.

11)  This may sound bad, but my boys get new socks and underwear for Christmas and they always have.  This ensures that they get a yearly update of these items.  I also give them a couple of pieces of clothing.  I love the saying, “something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”.  I want them to appreciate the basics in life.  I will usually put a new pair of swim trunks in their Easter basket.  

12)  I don’t have personal knowledge of this, but I know of a mom who loves Matilda Jane so she joined a MJ Facebook group and buys from other members.  

13) If you do buy new clothing try to hit the end of season sales and buy for the next year. My favorite stores for my boys were: Target, Old Navy, Children’s Place (does this still exist?), Boden, and Land’s End.

What did I forget?  What are your best tips?  

Amy 

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Today I’m linking up with The Blended Blog for their Style Perspectives theme of Red, White, and Blue Style!  

Stop! Before you go shopping for your 4th of July cookout, parade, fireworks, or party attire, take inventory of your closet. Pull out anything that is red, white, or blue. Don’t forget your denim skirts and shorts or as we call them in Kentucky – jorts! Grab whatever accessories you may own in those colors, too!  Ok, now try to put some outfits together. I would like to suggest just doing two of the three colors.  Sometimes all three of the colors at once can look overdone.  So after doing this, you may need to go shopping.  Make sure whatever you buy you can wear again.  

Below I have my light denim skirt and my red twist front tee with my white tassel earrings.

Next I have a very old Target skirt and navy top with white leather earrings and my silver garage sale bracelet.

Of course you are going to see my navy and white flutter sleeve with both options – my white skirt or my white denim cut offs depending on how dressed up I want to be, white feather earrings and a white and gold bracelet.

Finally I have my chambray shorts and the same navy top as I had with my striped skirt along with my sparkly red earrings.

What will I actually wear? It will depend on the weather and what we decide to do. I do know that I have plenty of options and don’t need to buy anything! I bet you will find the same!  I talked about my summer colors and I wear a lot of white, navy, yellow, pink, and black.  I don’t have much red in my closet.  

4th of July Home Decor:  

I used the same technique with my house as I used with my clothing to do some minimal 4th of July decorating. I went to my bookshelves to find books that were red or blue and I hunted down items that contained those colors. I also got out my decor purchased last year or in years past from either Hobby Lobby, Target, or Dollar Tree. I have a small chalkboard that I change up seasonally, too.  I gathered everything on my dining room table to see what I was working with.  I spent absolutely nothing this year.  More money for clothes, right?  

Tip:  I change up my mantel monthly and use that as an opportunity to dust really well.  

January – blue and white and snowmen

February – Valentine’s

March – St. Patrick’s Day

April – Easter

May – Derby

June- Summer

July – 4th of July

August – Back to school, Apples

September – Apples and Fall

October – Halloween and Fall

November – Thanksgiving, Turkey Stuff, and Fall 

December – Christmas

I don’t like a lot of clutter and knick knacks but I love decorating my mantel and hall entry table, especially.  

Public Service Announcement: On Monday’s Hello Monday post I mentioned that I placed a 40% off Loft order of mostly tops because I felt like I was lacking in that area of my closet.  Now there is a 50% off tops only at Loft promotion! Boo for me but yay for you! Remember there is free shipping when you spend $125. You could order the same top in multiple sizes and return in person to the store.  

P.S. Lindsay of Lindsay’s Sweet World has some awesome 4th of July decor from her Tuesday post. I’m totally jealous of her cute bar cart, but I really don’t know where I would put one – maybe on my patio?  Check out her post from Tuesday!

What do you normally wear on the 4th?

Do you decorate your home for the 4th?

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

So, sadly I’m past this stage, but I remember the long summer days of trying to keep my kids entertained while not breaking the bank.  I had to be conscious to not go crazy spending money in the summer.  

You really do need to plan/pencil things in at least the week before in my opinion, especially when planning with other families.  I also tried not to run too many errands with my kids.  One of the best investments I made was a weekly babysitter for about 3 hours for me to knock things off of my list.  This made for a much happier Mom and kids!  I would usually alternate an outing day with a day at home.  I like balance and I like giving my kids plenty of time to just be at home.

When mine gave up their naps, we still had quiet reading time.  I also kept a pretty good structure/schedule in the summer.  

-Invite another mom and kids over for water play in the yard.  Sprinkler, baby pool, water guns, sidewalk chalk are all cheap and fun to have around.

-Meet another mom and kids at a splash pad, city park, or a school playground

-Try to visit as many school playgrounds as you can

-Try to visit as many parks as you can

-Library

-Library’s events/activities

-Open gym at gymnastics place.  We never took gymnastics lessons, but you better believe we did their open gym from 2-5 as much as possible.  

-Summer movie clubhouse at your theater.

-Have another mom’s kids over for 2 hours while she runs errands and vice versa

-Join a pool or just pay as you go.  The baby pool was such a social thing for me.  I talked to other moms and the kids played with each other’s toys

-Try to do some local hikes

–zoo – It’s a great idea to ask for a yearly pass for your kids’ birthday gifts

-museums- Maybe they offer a discount day?

-Play car wash and wash all the riding toys that are kept outside.

-Have kids write and act in a play

-Have the kids hold a talent show for the neighbors

-Do Science experiments that you find online

-Have kids plan and make a meal

–Lay out an older forgotten toy for them to see first thing in the morning.  This worked like a charm for me!  

-Make a craft or a t-shirt

Listen to my podcast from last week where I talk about summer with my friend!

What ideas do you have for other moms or dads?  Leave any in the comments that might help someone out!  

Thanks for stopping by today!

Amy 

Monday, June 18, 2018

How is it already June 18?  Slow down, summer!  How was your weekend?  Mine was good and pretty low-key.

Friday night we headed to the mall as a family and did returns for my husband’s birthday gifts.  He didn’t like the Birkencrocs and he wanted to try a smaller size pant.  We also came home with a new Lululemon men’s polo shirt.  I don’t even own any Lululemon!  I think I’ve created a monster!

This is what I wore. It was time to put on some “real” clothes!  This kimono can double as a cover up (from my post on coverups).  I am still on my walking streak except for a break Saturday a.m.  

I was bummed going into the weekend because of this below.  

While at the mall we went to Yan Kee Noodle for dinner.  One son and I split the chicken pad thai.  It was pretty decent.  My hub got chicken teriyaki and my other son got chicken fried rice.  His was the best, in my opinion.

The boys wanted to stay home Saturday and we had plans for a movie later that afternoon so hub, Ernie, and I decided to try the boat for just a bit around 11 am.  I took Shannon’s advice and got Ernie a puppy whip from Starbuck’s when I was getting us sandwiches and a tall skinny vanilla latte for me.  My husband doesn’t drink coffee or cocktails with me.  He mainly drinks his favorite soft drink called Ale 8 One.  

You know what’s better than Starbuck’s?  Starbuck’s on a boat!

We parked the boat and I ate the tomato spinach panini.  It was good.  

Ernie loves his Daddy!  We ended up staying until about 2 and had a really good time.  

When I got home the mail had come!  Why do I love the mail arrival in the summer so much?  These are the $11 American Eagle slides I ordered.  I think I could have gone up a size but I’m hoping the band across the foot stretches a bit.  My husband asked me what in the world I was wearing on my feet.  I don’t think he is a fan!

I also received the cork and como earrings!  The cork has a nice gold shimmer and the camo is really dark and subtle.  I think I will get a lot of use out of these.  See my post from Wednesday for information about this Etsy shop.  

Then it was time for our movie!  This was the birthday gift from one son.  The movie was entertaining, but silly, like we knew it would be.  It was a little bit off color for the boys but we are pretty liberal with movies they see.  

Let me tell you how we have to do the movies…my husband loves the movies and must have popcorn and we buy the refillable bucket and bring our own giant baggies so we can share the bucket between the four of us.  It’s a spectacle, I tell you!  

Sunday morning, I read with my coffee on the patio.  I abandoned my last book without finishing and started this one.  I’m in such a book rut!  I can’t promise you I will finish this one, either.  

It was time for a nail refresh so I redid my nails with this OPI “Po Boys and Rich Girls”.  I do my nails a couple of times a week and I actually enjoy it.  It saves a bunch of money.  I haven’t had dip or gel since April, I think.  

For our Father’s Day, the boys wanted to make their Dad happy by boating!  Oh my gosh, I was such a baby and could hardly handle the heat!  We only lasted a little over an hour.  My husband made a canopy for more shade.  The air felt like you were stuck in someone’s armpit.  It was bad.  

We laughed as we were leaving because this boat was called “Prestige Worldwide” from the movie “Stepbrothers”.  Have you seen it?  There are so many good lines in that movie!

Also, on Sunday, I took advantage of Loft’s 40% off sale and bought a few tops.  I did spend $125 so I could get free shipping, but I’m sure at least half will go back.  I feel like I need some more cute and easy to throw on tops for summer.  Tip:  Never buy from Loft when there isn’t a sale and never pay for shipping if you can help it.  I have a store about 5 miles down the road for easy returns.  I will show you my loot next week or whenever it comes in!

Sunday night’s plans  involved a dark English man named Ross Poldark.  I finished season 3 on Amazon Instant Video and I’m going to watch Season 4 live!  I did miss the first episode of season 4 and can’t figure out where to watch it.  Let me know if you have any tips!  Have you started Poldark yet?  If you were/are a fan of Downton Abbey, I think you would like it.  

Hope you had a great weekend and thanks for reading!  

Amy 

Friday, June 15, 2018

Favorite #1)  Easy Recipes that seem impressive! You don’t have to tell people our little secret – shhhhh!  This is the time of year that you may go to a potluck or a cookout or you may have out of towners staying at your house.  I have an app, a breakfast item, and a frozen pie for you!  Did you see my Tuesday post about Entertaining?  Check it out here for ideas!  Do you need a fun cocktail or mocktail?  Check out yesterday’s drink recipe here!  

Sun dried Tomato Cheeseball

Sun dried tomato cheeseball:

This is my sister’s recipe and I think you’ll like it!  It is a crowd pleaser among my people!

I like this with the water crackers made by Carr’s or my Kroger has their own store brand Private Selection.

Ingredients needed:

about 1/3 jar of sun dried tomatoes (I like Trader Joe’s and one jar can make you 3 cheese balls)

1 package of light cream cheese (I use Kroger’s neufchatel)

garlic powder

finely shredded cheddar

Instructions:

open up cream cheese, put in mixing bowl,  and slightly melt for 30 s. in microwave

pour a little bit of the sundried tomato juice into it

chop up about 1/3 jar of tomatoes and add

sprinkle about 1 tsp. garlic powder in 

pour about 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (or more if you want to)

combine

get out some plastic wrap and sprinkle more cheese

put your mixture onto the cheese and roll using the wrap so that the cheese covers the outside of the ball – add more cheese if needed

Refrigerate for at least an hour.  Serve.  Reap the compliments and pretend you came up with it!  I do give credit to my sister when I serve it.  I hope she’s finally reading my blog now that school isn’t an excuse!  I made this to serve at my patio happy hour/dinner Monday night!

Easy mini cinnamon rolls

Unroll a roll of crescent roll dough but keep all of the triangles together so you will have four rectangles.  On each rectangle spread some melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.  Roll up each rectangle and cut into 5 equal pieces that will be your rolls when you turn them sideways.  Bake at 350 for 8-10 min.  When finished, spread a frosting of melted butter, powdered sugar, a drop of vanilla and a splash of milk. 

I sent these to work with my husband on his birthday to share with his co-workers.  

Lemonade Pie

Into a graham cracker crust, pour a mixture of melted vanilla bean ice cream (I used about 1/3 of a half gallon) and half a can of frozen lemonade concentrate (freezer section by the breakfast foods).  I set both of these on the counter to melt for about 30 min. after doing grocery store run.  Put in freezer to re-freeze for several hours.  I served this on my husband’s birthday Wednesday night.  He loves it.  This is my aunt’s recipe!  

Favorite #2)  Catching up with friends now that it’s summer!  

This was part of my set up for my patio happy hour/dinner Monday night.  I served the cheeseball, an orange bundt cake, mango spiked lemonade, bowtie pasta with artichokes and sundried tomatoes, tomatoes and mozzarella balls with balsamic glaze, and a salad.  

Favorite #3)  Time for coffee on the patio in the mornings.  The rain held out for my dinner on Monday night, but on Tuesday morning I enjoyed my coffeee with my rainchain gutter decor. 

Favorite #4)  Celebrating the ones we love.  My husband requested Mexican for his birthday so I made Mexican chicken, carnitas from Trader’s, chips, salsa, guac, rice, and pie.  He was happy!  I gave him plastic Birkenstocks  in olive green (not sure if he will keep) and Lululemon men’s work pants.  One son gave him tickets to TAG – the movie and one son gave him socks.  

Happy Friday to all!  Can’t wait to read your favorites!

Amy 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Purple Rain. Purple Rain.  I know you just sang that. Who doesn’t love Prince? His songs are part of so many of my good memories. From dancing to “Little Red Corvette” in 6th grade to dancing to “1999” the minute it became midnight on New Year’s Eve 1999.

Let me introduce you to Purple Rain – the drink:  

This is one serving.

Half of a Crystal Light grape. This does have caffeine FYI.  

A shot of vodka

A small splash of grape juice

A small splash of water

Stir or shake

I like to pour between two cups a few times.

Pour into a cup with ice and top with Sprite Zero.

This is very low calorie, too.

If you think it’s too grapey, you can add more water or less of the Crystal Light powder.

Let me know if you try it.

By the way, I make this as a “mocktail” for the kids in my life. One of my cute nieces is obsessed with it. Her mom told me she’s been asking about it lately! Lol. Another one I make is “mermaid juice”. I will keep you waiting on that one!

Purple Rain tastes better on a boat.  

One should wear purple glasses when drinking Purple Rain.

Podcasts – Do you listen to them?  My favorites are Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Big Boo Cast, By the Book, and my friend’s that I will talk about now!

One of my very best friends is a guy that I met in 2nd grade.  We were in almost every class together after that grade and we remain friends today.  In fact, I’m responsible for him meeting his wife!  When we were 26 I took him to a Christmas party and the rest is history.  He worked as a d.j. in high school and now as a side gig, he has a podcast called “Fortyish” where he and his co-host discuss things that people in their forties need to know or want to know.  I was their guest in April when we talked about my “story” and my thoughts on being a teacher.  This past Monday, he asked me to guest host as his regular co-host was unavailable.  We talked about summer as a kid and summer now that we are fortyish parents.  

If you want to listen to Fortyish or any of my other favorites, it’s super easy.  Go to your purple podcast button if you have an iphone and search the titles.  You can either download a specific episode or subscribe to the podcast, which means you will be alerted when there is a new one.  

If you want to listen to my co-hosting gig about summer, click here

http://www.40ishpodcast.com/episode-88-create-a-magical-summer/

What podcasts do you listen to?

Any recommendations for me?

Let me know if you try Purple Rain!

Amy 

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Today is my husband’s birthday!  He opted for dinner at home rather than at a restaurant, so I will be busy today making his favorite foods and wrapping up some gifts for him.  My boys will be helping, too!  

Here are some things I have my eye on:  

From Old Navy:

This dress

I can’t get enough of jungle/tropical floral prints.  I think this swing or shift style dress is really flattering.  You could wear this to a cookout, to a restaurant, or to church.

this graphic tee

You know I love my collection of graphic tees.  This would look cute under a kimono.  

Here are some things I’ve purchased:

From Amazon:

this maxi dress

Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson have been talking about the Verdusa caftan but I thought I needed a little more structure so I took a chance on this – in the dark grey color. I think I like it.  I haven’t put it with my correct undergarments and accessories yet, so I’m not positive.  I love Patricia from Southern Charm and her caftan collection.  I’m not sure I life a caftan-worthy lifestyle!  

From American Eagle and local boutique:

The day after my husband’s birthday is my 17 year old niece’s birthday!  I hope I did well for her.  I went in American Eagle and found this mauve/burgundy peplum tank and this tie-dye tank.  Both were 60% off!  I then went to a cute local boutique and found this white bandeau and little earrings.  

O.k., I will admit, while in American Eagle I found these slides for 40% off, making them only $11 dollars!  My size was not available, but they are on order for me.  

Also, the ones below would be so cute for 4th of July.  They are a true red even though the photo doesn’t look like it and they are the same price.  I left these in the store, because I do have some self control!

While in a local boutique, I tried these Corkys Boutique wedges but they only had my size in camo.  The camo is super cute, but I knew the pewter was what I would wear more.  I have been searching for a wedge like this that didn’t break the bank.  These were $49 and so comfortable.  I did have to order from Amazon because the boutique was out of this color.  I did try to shop locally!

From Etsy:

I love these leather earrings and have used this Etsy shop twice.  Their prices are fair, the shipping is quick, and they come packaged in such a cute way!  I added a cork and a camo pair to my collection.  I’m so excited and seriously wear this type of earring almost everyday!  

What I’ve Worn Recently: 

This is one of my garage sale bracelets from Saturday. 

This is what I wore to brunch with my niece last week. 

This is what I wore to run errands one day.  I think that is sunscreen on my mirror – keeping it real.  I will go clean it now!  

This is another errand running outfit. 

And, finally this is a picture my sister sent me to illustrate why we don’t like the high waist trend.  Why did we think this looked good?  I’m on the left and my sister is on the right.  She was voted best dressed in high school!  

I really hadn’t shopped in several weeks until this week.  It was nice to have the time to wander in a few stores.  How often do you shop?  I go in spurts.  I would say I average once a week if you are talking about going in a clothing store – including my consignment stores.  I don’t always buy something, though.  I don’t buy a lot of stuff online usually.  I really still like to see and touch items before I buy them. I make exceptions for Loft, Old Navy, and Target.com because I know I can easily return the items.  

Happy Wednesday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

It seems like too much work to have people over, but it really shouldn’t be that way. I’m always glad that I entertained afterwards.

Reasons why you might not entertain at home:

Raise your hand if you can’t keep your home as clean as you would like.

Raise your hand if you have husbands, kids, and pets.

Raise your hand if you have renovation projects that you would like to start or have started.

See, we all raised our hands and are all in the same boat!  Your home is never going to be perfect because life isn’t perfect.

I prefer to entertain at home in the spring, summer, or fall because I have a decent patio.  Maybe you don’t have a nice outdoor space, but you have a cozy living room.  Maybe you have a big dining room table.  Whatever space you have, I think you can make it work.

When you host people, you don’t have to do it all.  I think most people prefer to bring something to help you out.  I know I don’t like to show up empty handed and I will usually bring something even if the host tells me not to!

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m getting older, but I don’t enjoy going to restaurants as much as I enjoy going to someone’s home these days.  Restaurants are so noisy and I often feel that the amount I pay is just too much.  A cocktail for $10 when mine is better?  Ha!

When you invite someone into your home, they get to see the true you.  It always makes me feel good when I go to someone else’s home that isn’t perfect either.  Is that wrong of me to say?  We all have our piles of papers we don’t know what to do with and we all have nagging home repairs that need to be done.  

I read a really inspiring book called “Bread and Wine” by Shauna Niequist.  Pick it up and let me know what you think!  If you’re like me, you will want to have people over just like Shauna.  She might only serve soup and bread but it’s the act of gathering people around a table.  I think we have a notion that we have to be “fancy” when we have people over, but you really can just serve a normal meal and it will probably be special to your guests.  

Here are some ideas for you:

Use paper plates, napkins, plastic forks, and cups.  Make things easy for guests to serve themselves.  Set up a drink stand or a cute bar cart.  Make it so you can enjoy yourself and people prefer to help themselves, anyway.  

You could buy the hardest part of a meal and supplement with food you or the guests make. For example you could order pizza, but make a salad and dessert. You can order fried chicken and do sides. You can grab bbq for the main and do homemade sides.

Ask your friend(s) to bring drinks, paper products, dessert, a side, etc.  Most will probably ask what they can bring, anyway!

Please don’t try shopping the day of.  If you can do the shopping part the day before, you will be much more relaxed.  

A taco bar – easy!  You could even get the good chips and salsa from a restaurant.  Make your taco meat and keep it warm in a crockpot.  Have bowls of cheese, lettuce, sour cream, beans, etc.

A baked potato bar – Bake a mess of potatoes and keep warm in a crockpot.  Or, individually wrap in foil and it’s one less thing to wash.  Have bowls of cheese, sour cream, chili, chives, etc.  If you feel that you need something else, you could do my little Hawaiian bun, ham, and swiss sliders or a big salad.

A pasta bar (cook 2-3 types of noodles and marinara and alfredo sauce) – Provide salad and garlic bread, too, or ask people to bring these.

A hot dog bar – cook them standing up in a crockpot and provide the buns and condiments along with beans, mac and cheese.

A low country boil – I’m not sure how to do this, but it sounds like fun!  Go to my favorite Pinterest for recipes!

School cafeteria food – I have actually done this and it was a hoot!  You can buy the cafeteria type divided trays and have things like “buttered corn”, “chicken on bun” ,”side salad”, “jello”.  You could even print out a school menu.

Your favorite Pioneer Woman Recipe party – Mel of The Larson Lingo has done this.  You could exchange this for another popular Food Network star.

Brunch!  I love this.  Have everyone come around 11 and follow it with a hike (or not).  We have hosted a spring brunch on the patio with just one other family followed by a hike at a nearby park.  It was a lot of fun.  I’m more social before 8 p.m. anyway!

Lunch – Foods that we serve for lunch can oftentimes be lower maintenance.  I love this idea.  A lady in my book club had her hubby grill a bunch of chicken and then slice it up.  She had a make your own salad for our entree.  She had bowls of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, croutons, pine nuts, and a few dressings.  It was delicious!  You could also do make your own sandwiches.  

I recently hosted my department for a patio happy hour. I provided Mexican beer with limes and my low cal Jalapeño margaritas, guacamole and chips. Someone brought veggies and hummus and others brought sweet things.  It was perfect!

Have I convinced you?  Go ahead and start simply with just one other couple or one other family.  Get a date on your calendar.  You can always say you’ll call back later with details.

Enjoy!

Amy