Tuesday, November 19. 2024

Ok, let’s talk turkey. Lol.

What to Wear:

First check temps and then think about what you will be doing. Do you stay in the kitchen? Do you hang outside? How formal is your family or the group you will be with?

You can’t go wrong with a blouse that keeps you cool. You can pair it with a skirt and boots, nicer jeans, or pants. You can bring a wrap for going outside.

Or you can do a blouse in dress form which is just a dress.

These are some contenders for me.

Just remember you need to be comfortable because nothing will put you in a worse mood than if you are hot and itchy.

What to Bring:

Bring whatever the host has assigned you. Sometimes the host will get ‘mad’ if you bring more or vary from the assignment. I have gotten in trouble before for bringing too much. Seriously.

Most hosts would be touched by a ‘thank you for hosting” gift that can be opened later, but don’t go overboard.

I have given my sister in law a candle, seasonal hand soap or something to get ready for Christmas, and this year I gave her the turkey leg spoon rest!

It is a lot of work to host and I want them to know I appreciate them. Even if it’s a family member, I think it’s worth treating them as well as you would anyone not in your family.

If you are the host, be gracious about any gifts brought and just say thank you to the extras. It’s really no big deal.

What to Say:

Maybe call or text and ask if there is any last minute item they need. A bag of ice? Some hosts fear running out of ice.

If your host is prickly or if there is tension always start with a compliment. It’s hard to stay prickly when someone gives you a genuine compliment.

If you are the host, don’t run yourself ragged. Delegate. You don’t want to be in a bad mood when people show up.

Say positive things. Don’t be a Negative Nancy. Do not bring up politics or anything controversial. Don’t ask young marrieds when they will have a baby. Do not ask the 20 somethings when they will get a boyfriend, fiance, etc.

“What’s good with you lately?” is a nice way to ask someone about their life while keeping a positive spin on things.

Keep in mind that many teens today will say or think; “why are we celebrating colonization and cultural appropriation of native Americans with a dry bird?”

What to Do:

Come at the assigned time. Don’t outstay your welcome. Ask what you can do to help. Offer to collect plates, load dishwasher, put leftovers into containers, things like that.

Give people a chance to act better this year and don’t just assume they are a lost cause. We all have things that bother us but try to let those things roll off this year.

Or, as my sister suggested, try a secret drinking game. Everyone drinks whenever certain buzz words are said.

What would you add to this list? Just remember that no family is perfect and that we all have our stuff. The pressure is great to be perfect on a holiday and it’s just not reality.

Amy

Friday, November 15, 2024

Limping across the finish line to the weekend here. Who decided we should have a five day work week? We need to talk. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for some favorites of the week!

This black Impress mani went 11 days and that was good for me. I then went bare for two days.

And, Wednesday night I did the Kate Spade set. I am having a bit of trouble typing!

I have worn my new Kendra Scott Yellow Rose every day and I love them!

These were another Big Boo rec and I find myself wearing them almost every day lately.

I haven’t done it much this year, but I treat myself sometimes on Fridays to an egg mcmuffin.

I am also trying to ‘take myself out’ to do a little fun shopping during the week. This is challenging with most closing at 5:00 but I am trying to add a little fun in my week.

I don’t remember where I saw this recommended, but I love this new shampoo and conditioner both for the smell and how my hair feels. Coupled with my new Trader Joe’s leave in conditioner and my Unite detangler – yes!

A couple of weeks ago I was in Target and grabbed these fun socks for my kids. They will laugh but they love wearing goofy socks.

And, look at this cute spoon rest!

I am so happy I ordered this pack of to go cups. We have enjoyed having them for coffee or tea on the go.

We have had a lot of rain this week and this picture I sent to Tom made me laugh and I thought I would share.

I put this post it note in Tom’s food bag (he takes yogurt and fruit) and he added the ‘2’ and sent me the photo. Such a Tom thing to do.

I know. I know. There are better choices but I love my pumpkin spice so much all frothed up. I also was able to find the brown butter chocolate chip again!

Combating the early darkness with my lights…

And burn your candles! Don’t ‘save’ them!

Enjoying this…

Thank goodness for Kroger pick up on a rainy day and a kid to carry all the stuff in! You all had lots of thoughts on my grocery post – love to talk about it! The carnitas bowls were a big hit Tuesday night and then on Wednesday we had breakfast for dinner.

Starting to do some fall screen savers at school!

Funny story if I can tell it in writing…

We have a friend who rented a small airplane hangar for a small plane to teach the son to fly. Well, he sold the plane and needed to vacate the rented hangar.

He texted Tom Friday night after dark and asked if Tom was available to help him move something from an airplane hangar. Tom asked if he would need a disguise. It just sounded very James Bond. And, when Mason asked where Tom was and I told him he also laughed at how crazy it sounded.

Anyway, it was good for a chuckle. I hope I made my students chuckle a bit this week. I really feel like I’m a not so successful stand up comic many days!

Any favorites this week? Please share!

Amy

Thursday, November 14, 2024

It’s time for Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

Last Thursday a local boutique was having a holiday open house so I took myself. It was way too crowded so I went to another boutique in the same shopping center. If you are local, I am talking about Darling State of Mind and Tunie’s. Well, I also went to the Tunie’s Outlet where I picked up this magenta dress for $20! I see the need to have more solid colors in my closet and I loved the style of the dress, too. I think it will work in multiple seasons and I will show you a picture of me wearing it as soon as I can make that happen!

This is the only thing I came home with besides Qdoba for our dinner! Win!

Thursday for school and for the shopping I did I wore this:

This is my Target black slip skirt, my consignment rock and roll tee and my consignment magenta blazer.

I forgot to take a photo of my Friday school outfit, but I wore jeans and one of my fall blouses. I think it was a repeat of a couple of weeks ago.

Saturday I decided to wear black jeans and a black top with this poncho over it for brunch and JingleFest.

And, this is out of order, but I wore this to school one day last week. Meh. I have this velvet burn out poncho in both this color and black that I got years ago from Target.

This Monday I wore this fun skirt that is super old from Target with one of my favorite fall blouses. I am returning the vest because it didn’t look quite right. I ordered it on Amazon as a third piece but I’m not keeping anything that isn’t perfect from now on!

And, this Tuesday I wore my deer blouse with a fuzzy and warm vest and my brown Matilda Jane flares. I was so comfy!

And lastly, I feel like a 50s male college cheerleader…Matilda flares with my Target sweater from last year and my Sambas – lol.

Let’s talk underpinnings, ok? Dan, you can sign off now. I had Soma ones for years and they were great, but they have since retired. I was struggling to find something I liked and probably should have just gone back to Soma. The Big Boo Cast recommended these and I love them. I have thrown everything else out and ordered more. Here is the link if you are interested and there are different styles so read the descriptions.

So, that’s it for this week’s fashion!

What about you? What has been your workhorse this week?

Amy

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Could any post scream “middle aged” more than this?

So, I kept track of grocery spending for the month of October and I actually got some of my groove back for cooking after Spain. Sometimes that is all it takes to re-energize you, no? A trip where you get a break from cooking, right?

We currently have four people living at home. Tom eats lunch out every week day and I share lunches with Erica at school so she does half the week and I do half the week. We cook at home 4-5 nights a week and go out or order take out the other nights or have leftovers. Sometimes kids are working or out at dinner time but I still save a portion for them for late at night or the next day.

I am proud of two things:

• I have let go of everyone having to eat the same food some nights. Sometimes some people get leftovers or a combo.
• I have really worked on food waste – my new fridge is smaller than my old fridge and actually buying less at a time helps. Hmmm…that seems to be the same in my closet – Less feels like more and less goes to waste! Deep Thoughts!

We returned home from Spain on October 5th so this is October 6th-31st grocery spending;

10/6 – $118 Kroger

10/9 – $120 Walmart Plus Delivery

10/10 – $42 Trader Joe’s

10/12 – $150 Kroger

10/19 – $177 Kroger

10/19 – $89 Trader Joe’s

10/24- $107 Kroger

10/29- $114 Kroger

Total – $917

I need to cancel my Walmart Plus membership. My family has said they don’t like their products and they much prefer Kroger’s. They are also willing to pick up the orders so I am ok with that. Also, this is really stupid, but Jen gets me because she said this, too. I don’t like getting the groceries from the front porch. I like pulling in to the garage, closing the gate, and bringing the groceries (or someone else) up the back steps where the kitchen is. I did not see much of a savings from Walmart, anyway, and if the food is wasted it’s definitely not a savings. I know this goes against what many say about Walmart prices but I think it depends on how big your family is and what they eat.

Soup Sundays!

Sorry for the unappetizing photo of tomato bisque – lol. Erica assured me it was delicious. Tom says it’s still not the same as his fave restaurant’s. Lol.

I am enjoying starting a pot of soup in the morning and then we can have for lunch or dinner. I have done chili, chicken Enchilada, tomato bisque twice, and I have plans for lasagna soup, and broccoli cheddar.

We have been on a salmon kick. I do salmon rub, olive oil, and then hit it with a little lemon juice when it’s done. We usually have it with a green veg and a tater of some sort.

We have also been on an Asian kick more than Mexican lately. I really think I overdid the burrito bowls! I found an amazing teriyaki sauce and can just cook some chicken and broccoli (and whatever other vegetables) and serve it over rice.

What have you been cooking? I feel another rut coming on!

This week I did:

Sunday – tomato soup and grilled cheese

Monday – salmon, asparagus, and Yukon gold mashed potatoes (left skin on so it was easy)

Tuesday – carnitas bowls (bought pre-made carnitas), rice, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream

Wednesday – ?

Thursday – ?

Now, for Hodgepodge with Joyce…

1. What’s something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  

Good attendance. I really appreciate the student that never misses and never has excuses. It seems we give all of our attention to the squeaky wheels but I really appreciate the student that leads by quiet example.

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? 

It’s not possible to not be productive when you have to get up early and go to work and be productive at work. I feel like I’m more organized during the school year because I have to be.

3. What’s a popular food you don’t like? 

Nuts!

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. 

Both! I have much more appreciation for both now that I am older.

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? 

Save your money. Don’t fritter it on clothes and accessories. Use the money to travel! Learn to cook because it will save you money and be healthier.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I feel the stress of the holidays starting with some people I have talked to. Family drama. Fear of politics being brought up after a pretty crazy Election Year. Overplanning that makes everyone stressed out. Are you also sensing this and feeling this? I also have some people for whom it won’t look the same this year. Someone will be missing from their table. The pressure of the holidays is a lot so be kind to yourself. Maybe a post will be coming on this topic!

Amy

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

This list starts now-ish! I meant for it to start immediately after Thanksgiving but holiday things seem to be starting early this year.

I did a Fall List this year and then a Fall Bucket List Check-In. I did these for ME to be intentional and to eek the goodness and fun out of the season. It’s easy for me to get in ruts and to get too invested in my routine. This year I plan to do one specifically for January! I want to embrace that month.

I also plan to take myself out on Wednesday afternoon so that I don’t get too work,home,work,home,work,home on a five day week. Sounds silly but doing one thing besides my work at work and my work at home really helps me.

Go to all the holiday open houses because they are fun and festive. These are streets, neighborhoods, shops I am talking about I went to one last week! It was just for a little favorite boutique of mine.

Put away the fall and decorate for Christmas

Get a new evergreen/fir scented candle and burn it as much as possible.

Use the Youtube tv screen savers and play Spotify playlists.

Miracle on Market Pop Up Bar – Open November 19-this is an overpriced but fun and kitschy pop up bar on one of my favorite streets.

Coffee Shop Reading on a Saturday or Sunday hopefully with Mason – we have done this the last two years as much as we can.

Find cozy interior places for a date night or happy hour. The Black Rabbit Speakeasy is one I already discovered. Drake’s has a big fireplace that is super cozy.

Sit at bars. Just like in the warm months how I love to sit on a patio, there is something about sitting at a bar (if it is a cool vibe) in the colder months.

I’ve been wearing all the fall colors so now it will be time to pull out the jewel tones and what I consider to be winter colored plaids.

Wear all the velvet and sparkly pieces I have because I can and they make me happy!

Do festive nails!

Wear red lipstick and get a red pedi.

Keep doing my own self tan mousse or get a spray tan to fake the Vitamin D.

Turn on as many lights as I can – the patio lights and get some twinkle lights set up in the living room.

Hear some live music at an indoor venue. We have tickets for the first week in December already to see a guy we like.

Watch The Holiday (but I only like the England part!) and other cozy movies.

Develop a holiday cocktail.

Talk family into playing games.

Bake.

Make a list and enjoy my shopping.

Enjoy my wrapping with a movie in the background.

I know I’ve forgotten some things, but what’s on your list?

Amy

Monday, November 11, 2024

Happy Veteran’s Day and Happy-ish Monday? I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share a few happies from the weekend.

We are in school today. Are you? I hope we will talk about Veteran’s Day!

Friday after school I needed to be on Eddie Otis duty so instead of going out for happy hour with Erica (current co-worker) and Elizabeth (former French teacher and c-worker), they came to me. This table is the evidence of a nice time together! I’m so glad we have managed to stay close to Elizabeth despite her not being our work buddy anymore. I pulled out a “Spanish happy hour” with crackers, Spanish cheese and meat, olive oil, and bread. We did apple cider sangria, though, instead of Spanish wine!

Elizabeth brought us flowers in a Derby glass! So pretty! Erica gave me my birthday gift and it included the Capri pink glitter apple cider candle and I have been burning it all weekend – love!

Tom and I ordered Thai food after the girls left and it was just the two of us at home.

Saturday morning Tom got EO out of the house so I could clean. Ahhhhh – look at that mopped mudroom floor. I added a bit of Diva laundry to my mopping solution and it smelled so good!

I cleaned for as long as I could and then I had to get ready for brunch! Is there anything better than a girls’ brunch? Heather and I and her high school friend Faye who also became my friend met up at a new hotel called Tempo by Hilton and we went to their rooftop restaurant called High Stakes. Rooftops are all the rage, no?

It was already 1:00 so we had an espresso martini!

Rooftop view of a distillery…

After we ate a lovely brunch, we walked to NULU (an area of downtown) Jingle Fest…

We had a nice time people watching and it was crowded! It feels weird to be doing Christmas things before Thanksgiving…

I spent the afternoon reading on the patio and Tom had just finished mowing and doing all the leaves when I got home.

Mason was feeling under the weather and stayed home all day. He did want to go pick up dinner with me and we got Shiraz Mediterranean. We are watching Veronica Mars with Kristen Bell and enjoying it so we watched a couple of episodes. I also had a late Kroger pickup between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Who am I?

It turns out I am smart because I woke up Sunday morning to lots and lots of rain. I was so glad I had that chore done.

Second attempt at tomato bisque for Tom. Why is it soooo orange? I left out the carrot this time, too.

Speaking of orange, I am so glad the library is open for 4 hours on Sundays. And, this is their fall book display…

Wet leaves…

I’m happy I bought replacement short black rain boots from Costco when I saw them. These are great to have!

I also went to Dollar Tree to get some prizes for school.

Rain, rain, rain all day pretty much!

I received some very thoughtful birthday gifts and I thought I would share…

This candle is beautiful and is in my smell profile of apple cider!

Erica also gave me Thanksgiving cocktail napkins, a bottle of pink prosecco, and a cocktail recipe book!

One of my Heathers gave me this gorgeous eyeshadow palette. Nordstrom Rack is where she got it and they have great beauty gifts if you have one near you!

And, the other Heather gave me this Capri Blue Volcano candle and it matches my bathroom, too!

The Heathers also gave me a pair of earrings each!

My sister sent me this polish. I am going to do a pedicure with it.

My friend Jessica gave me this Nickel and Suede earrings – so cute and colorful!

I also got an Amazon gift card, a TJ Maxx gift card, and a boutique gift card. Those will be fun to spend!

So, I felt very lucky and blessed…

I was happy to do two social things this weekend, but I spent the majority of my time at home getting caught up on life and resting. After the last two weekends which were extremely busy, this felt right.

Our boat is still able to be used/not winterized yet so we are going to try to go out this coming weekend. We have never used it this late!

I have 12 school days until Thanksgiving break. Look for me to wear all my oranges, mustards, olives, and browns! After Thanksgiving break, we have 15 school days until Winter Break. This time last year Mason was in England and our UK trip was approaching. This year feels so different!

Sorry I got reflective there on you! What was a highlight of your weekend? I hope you had a good one!

Amy

Friday, November 8, 2024

It’s been a weird week, which I knew would be the case. We had a teacher workday Monday which was fine – we had a lot of time to watch video trainings and get some work done – then we were off totally on Tuesday, and then came back with kids the rest of the week from Wednesday through today. I need to not pack in this weekend and do some prep to have a smooth week next week.

I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites today!

In addition to voting, I made a Trader Joe’s run on Election Day. It was nice to have fewer people there when I shopped!

Have you heard of all of Trader Joe’s beauty dupes? I am sure I have mentioned hearing about them before on the blog.

I bought this leave in conditioner and it is amazing! It smells great, leaves my hair so soft, and I think helps with my tangles.

This will be a re-purchase. I also love their lip mask that I have in vanilla and the facial moisturizer.

While I was at work Wednesday, I got this photo from Mason. He had made himself lunch for the patio:

See his cup of tea?

I have neglected some cleaning lately in favor of getting outside in our very warm for fall weather.

The sunlight and the leaves just look so pretty.

And, I am turning my porch lights on in both the mornings and evenings to help me not feel so bad about it getting dark early.

We have moments of Eddie Otis acting like a big boy and being my calm companion.

Then, we have other moments of…

mom dropped her computer mouse; let’s play chase.

mom dropped the entire bottle of red pepper flakes; it belongs in my mouth.

mom opened the baggie drawer; I also have food storage needs.

mom opened the towel drawer; the towels shall be mine.

mom moved slightly; this means I must get up.

mom opened the fridge; the bottle of sauvignon blanc looks mighty appealing and it’s on the bottom shelf.

I’m tired!

I have only read a bit so far so I don’t have an epic small life yet, but I’m working on it! Some people might scoff at her books, but I always feel inspired or validated in some things I already do. I mean, look at me.. middle aged Spanish teacher in a suburban area. Can you get more basic than that? That doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But, I really love my life most of the time.

Mason continues to be the biggest help with EO. We walked him to the polls and were going to take turns, but the lines were really long so Mason took him back home. He still got his walk in.

Remember how much I complained about my new schedule last year? Now I can’t imagine having to go to work at such a crazy hour like I did for 23 years! I left my house at 6:45! Now on top of the fact that I don’t have to be there until 8:30 I also have first period planning so I am the most chill I’ve ever been. I get up between 5:45 and 6:00 and then I do Eddie Otis and kitchen stuff while making coffee and then have until 7:30 or 7:45 until I have to think about getting ready. My morning time feels like a luxury and a necessity.

On Tanya’s rec, I ordered the same color phone case and it’s gorgeous! I don’t think to get new phone cases that often. I’ve only had pop sockets, but this loopy thing does the same – always me to hold it or prop it.

And, let’s leave with another Eddie Otis photo because he is always with me when I am blogging. We think he is about 75 pounds now. He loves catching falling leaves and he loves eating leaves, too.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, November 7, 2024

It’s time for another Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill! It’s been really warm here – like 70s warm. What about where you are? I hate to wish it away because once the cold comes it will be here to stay!

I wanted to try a graphic tee and sweater combo – nothing earth-shattering, I realize…

I wore this for a happy hour after school last week. I am wearing my Matilda Jane jeans, Deff Leopard tee, and a very old burgundy/black cocoon type sweater. I don’t even remember where I got it.

On Saturday for brunch out I was ready to take my new-to-me consignment blazer out. It is by the boutique brand Skies Are Blue and I paired it with a summery tee and my Target black silk slip skirt, my Stan Smiths with the gold back, and my gold Lily Pulitzer purse.

Saturday late afternoon I decided to wear this dress. I got it off the Loft sale rack several years ago for either $5.99 or $9.99 and I think there was only one and it was an online return or something! I really love it! I decided to wear my Jack Rogers booties that I found a long time ago at TJ Maxx.

This was a contender, but I felt like it was too springy.

Monday for our teacher work day, I threw this on – nothing to write home about…

My Kendra Scott 50% off birthday purchase arrived! It’s the Quinn bracelet from the Yellow Rose collection and it’s actually three separate bracelets. I have always loved mixed metals and my wedding rings are platinum so I like this. My sister in law has the most gorgeous mixed metal wedding and engagement ring set.

So, I was maybe going to buy the Birkenstock Boston clog and I still might, but I ordered these to try on the recommendation of Wardrobe Oxygen’s blog post. You should read this if you are trying to figure out your cold weather shoe wardrobe! Her style is not my style, but I appreciate her research and writing on topics that some of us are interested in at this age.

I got mine for $89 and can return to my local Macy’s. I had never heard of SoftWalk, but it’s worth checking out. They have some really cute styles and they look to be comfortable, too.

I treated myself to this book and there is a section on fashion. This and the motivation to help hurricane victims had me doing a ruthless closet clean out on my day off on election day. Tom’s work is doing a clothing and blanket drive and I found three bags of stuff that are in great shape but were never closet 10s for me – didn’t fit right, I bought because on sale, etc.

I want to have an epic small life! Ha!

So, I am continuing to enjoy a smaller selection of fall clothes that feel like me.

I am shopping very little and making sure that anything I keep is perfect, not just okay.

What have you been wearing this week? As always, I would love to hear your brand recommendations, store recommendations, shoe recommendations – anything you have to share!

Amy

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

It’s time for Currently with Jennifer!

Loving

That our boat is still out and not winterized yet!

We had an opportunity to take the boat out for leaf peeping on Sunday and used our extra hour!

The colors aren’t as vibrant this year due to the dry weather, I think?

Our friends were able to come and brought us Waldo’s chicken and we floated and enjoyed eating lunch on the boat. We were so relaxed and mellow and the weather could not have been more picture perfect.

Some new slippers!

I went in Target to do an online return and I couldn’t remember the last time I had gone in. I really think it might have been before school started?

Anyway, I walked around and these slippers caught my eye. They are like a Birkenstock Boston Clog and have nice support on the bottom.

Looking Forward To

I did enjoy seeing the holiday stuff out! I still don’t think I will do Christmas decor until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but it made me excited. It will be very minimal with Eddie Otis.

I’m also looking forward to all the holiday open houses, too. I feel like they started early!

I went to this on Saturday:

And I hope to attend more!

Smelling

Heather gave me a Capri Volcano candle for my birthday and it matches my bathroom perfectly!

Preparing For

My sister sent me this beautiful polish so I am going to get a pedicure with it.

Thankful For

Tom and friends who celebrated me. All three guys were wearing vests (didn’t get a photo – shoot!) and I thanked them for being “invested’ in my birthday.

Did you know Tom actually does have the muscles required to smile?

Now for this week’s Hodgepodge with Joyce!

1. What is one good thing you often take for granted? 

I am usually ready to get up in the morning and start my day. I love mornings. I’m excited about my coffee, for sure, but I love my morning routine, too. I think I take this time for granted and know so many people who get up at the last minute and rush out the door. That is not the life for me.

2. What’s the boldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

I’m not afraid of color, but I would say my silver sequin pants that I found at TJ Maxx. Maybe now it’s my new magenta velvet blazer, too?

3. Do you think common interests or common values are the key to people getting along? Elaborate. 

Yes, that can bring people together but then a shared history might keep them together. I guess the common values are the most important.

4. November 6 is National Nacho Day…do you like nachos? How do you like yours? Do you make them at home or only order out? 

I don’t like nachos – I love them! Tom and I love to order them at restaurants. I have also learned to make some good ones at home. We like them with pork or chicken and one restaurant has bbq sauce on theirs. But, don’t make them with the cheap round tortilla chips like I’m at a high school sporting event. I want the good chips. I want them to be built on a nice horizontal foundation, ok? We also have a place near our house that has them with homemade potato chips. They are next level!

5. Have you spent any time in Washington D.C.?  If so what did you think? If not, is that a place you’d like to visit? What do you think about politics as a career choice? 

My parents took us there several times as kids because (I think if I remember correctly) my dad had to be there around spring break for his military position. Then, when our kids were in 2nd grade, Tom and I took our kids for spring break. Tom was worried about safety and the big city, but we had an amazing time and ended up feeling quite safe. We loved using the metro and our kids loved it! The museums are amazing. We loved it so much and our kids were at a fun age to experience it. We also went to Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright home) on the drive home. While we were there we went to Mount Vernon, Monticello, and one other historic home, too, I think. I really should do some trip posts from our younger years.

I minored in political science and now I really dislike politics. I cannot stand the opportunists and users that I am now aware of at the local, state, and federal level. The greed and corruption makes me sick. I am sure there are still some public servants in it for the right reasons, but that seems to be a rarity now. Is the problem our system or the people attracted to politics? Maybe both.

I also don’t like when acquaintances are just interested in what people can do for them or when they are attracted to people because of their wealth and connections. I don’t have wealth or connections and I am just fine with that. Tom is also like me in this regard and it might even bother him more.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I’m still not used to it getting dark so early, but I am enjoying the lighter mornings. How about you?

Amy

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Well, it’s Election Day and many are biting their nails, so why not do a press on nail post? This is a reader request and I kind of failed on the photo department but I will do my best to explain.

A recent order:

Not sure I can handle this oval because they will be a tad longer but I thought they were so pretty.

I cannot honestly say much about other brands. I love Impress brand and I stuck with them. I order from their website and they have amazing deals and promotions where a pack of 30 nails can be as low as $3 and without the sales they are around $7 or $8. You can generally get two manis out of one box. I guess you can say I’m “impressed”.

I always order short length and still need to trim with nail clippers and file down a bit. They are a bit rough on the edges if you don’t at least file. I type a lot and I need “active length”.

There is no glue involved. They have the glue already on the back of the nail and it works like a sticker.

There is a learning curve. I have gotten better over time. The learning curve really just involves picking the right size.

Plan to do this when you will not have your hands in water for several hours.

My best bet is to do it after my shower in the evening.

Sit at a table. The hardest part is picking the correct size nail for each of your fingers. Lay them out in order. I like to have cut my natural nails down pretty short, by the way.

You want to go with as close to your natural nail size without going over. If some of the nail is on your skin, they won’t last and it will be very uncomfortable.

Use the alcohol pad that comes with the set. When I do a second mani from the box, I just use my own alcohol on a paper towel.

Each nail has a sticker on the back. I do both pinky fingers, both ring, both middle, etc. That is the easiest for peeling the stickers off as you go. Peel off the sticker and place the nail as close to the cuticle and hold it down to stick.

I do all the nails and wait about 10-15 minutes to trim and file. Sometimes I even wait until morning to trim and file.

Before trimming:

After:

The shorter they are, the longer they stay on for me. I am getting up to 10 days or so with each time. After 10 days, they really just come off easily, but you can take a piece of dental floss and wiggle it off from the cuticle. Honestly, I usually don’t have to use the floss trick because they are ready to come off when I am ready to be done with a color.

There is glue residue left on your nails but it comes off after a few hand washings or a shower. I try to leave my nails natural for a couple of days in between press on manis, but I have not had any nail damage.

Why I love these?

They seriously look like dip or gel.

I hate my natural nails. Some people have pretty ones. Mine are not those.

These do not bother me at all. Sometimes I get my hair stuck in a nail and that’s annoying, but it’s not that big of a deal.

I don’t have to go to a salon. For me it’s more about the time and the commitment. No can do.

I’m not very artsy, but this is my art. lol.

It’s super affordable.

I do a lot of dishes and I shower twice a day and they last through that.

Impress has great colors and I like looking/shopping for new sets.

If you have not tried press ons for years I would say try them again. These new modern technology press on nails are really, really good. There is even a petite size for a shorter nail than short. I have used that size, too, and I really like them.

They are great for travel. Replacement nails or a new set take up very little room.

Let me know if you have any tips, recommendations, or questions that I didn’t answer!

Press on,

Amy