Friday, August 2, 2024

Happy Friday! This week was easing into full time mode for me. I had to work 3/5 days and I was trashed at the end of each day! Ha!

I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to make this simple and cheap change. I ordered this kitchen trash can with lid from Walmart + for like $12. We fill our recycling quicker than our trash it seems and we had been using a small trashcan without a lid. Well, Mr. Eddie Otis believes in recycling, too. Each item gets turned into a dog toy before hitting the big recycling can outside. We were having to put the small recycling vessel on top of the trashcan and keep it out of his reach.

What little change can you make today to make an annoyance go away?

I’m really loving this book – warning the intimate scenes are racy – but I like reading about college ice hockey and it’s been really keeping my attention. I noticed her books at Target so I requested one from my library to check it out – no pun intended.

I’m very excited about acorn spice! I don’t like apple cider. No thank you to mum. I like fall leaves, too, I think!

Monday and Tuesday were my 12 hours of PD. I can’t believe how wrecked I was after working two full days. Uh oh.

Eddie Otis is so good for me in the car. It works best to put him in the back of my SUV but I do have a middle seat down if he needs mama. He went to pick up bagels with me, he went to meet someone for a Facebook Marketplace sale with me, and he went to get weighed at the vet. He is a good boy. Oh, also he always rides home with me from the boat. Tom takes him and he lets him swim and get his energy out in the boat ramp and then he rides home with me.

Forgive this next photo cause it’s messy, but I was at the mall and hadn’t tried Chicken Salad Chick yet. And, let’s be honest. I don’t get that excited about chicken salad. It’s like me making a special trip to Buc-cee’s. Nope. It’s a gas station. Sorry.

I loved it! I got Olivia’s Old South and broccoli salad. I loved both. I took it to go and my box got jostled around! I always plate my to go food anyway on a real plate.

This notice I saw on Facebook was kinda depressing:

Even though it was a busy week, I was able to go out once with Mason after he had something he suggested it. We went to Red Hog, not to be confused by Red Lobster, which is one of my faves. It’s a butcher shop and restaurant with really high quality food and cocktails.

The patio with communal table is so pretty!

Mason got a cider and I got a Radler which is a mix of beer and grapefruit juice and is so refreshing. I first tried this in Germany.

Their fries with curry mayo are so good.

We also got a charcuterie board.

We had a nice time.

Big boy took the chair that Ernie always sat in for the first time. He is constantly making us laugh.

That is my clarinet from 5th grade in the background – can you see it? I don’t understand this man (Tom). Tom thinks he can play it and it drives me and EO crazy. My parents gave it back to me years ago and Tom was so excited to have another instrument in the house. My niece Mia borrowed it and then recently gave it back. I get cold chills thinking about how much I hated playing it and Tom is really bad. Mia plays the sax and is really good, though! I played it from 5th-9th grade and I was really bad.

So, those were some favorites and I guess a couple not-so-favorites!

What is a favorite from your week?

If you missed any posts this week, I did have a few!

Hello Monday

Two New Spritzes – maybe you need one for the weekend?

Back to School Tips – I think a must read for anyone with school kids

Wednesday Hodgepodge – always a fun little read

Fashion Files

Simply click on the red font and it will take you there!

Cheers to the weekend,

Amy

Thursday, August 1, 2024

OMG! It’s August! How is this even possible? I am linking up with Kellyann and Jill to talk some fashion or lack thereof this week!

What’s important to you when getting dressed? Have you ever asked that question?

I want to easily find outfits in my closet.

I want to be comfortable.

I want to feel like myself.

I want to look somewhat stylish.

I don’t want too much to choose from.

This has been on my mind as I prepare to get dressed for school again.

Here is what I wore to the mall recently:

I was so uncomfortable in my shoes (as cute as they are) that I decided to sell them on Facebook Marketplace. They have slipped in the heel, may have been the wrong size, and just not been comfortable and I have not worn them as much as I had thought I would.

I am wearing my Old Navy linen shorts and my Target extended shoulder tee.

Here I am wearing my new TJ Maxx chambray knit top with cut offs and my most worn shoe of the summer – the silver rubber Target Birks.

Here I am wearing the Walmart dress with old MIA clog lookalikes from Amazon. This was the book signing party where Tom’s car got broken into (but he didn’t lock it so his car just got opened and ravaged?)

I wore my cut offs again with my blue and white striped button up and my Paris slides for the opening ceremonies.

I guess I was on a cut off kick! I wore my cut offs with my other new TJ Maxx blouse.

I got new Chico’s white pants at my consignment store and tried them on with the blouse, too.

I also picked up a pair of Matilda Jane jeans there. I don’t have a photo yet, but I did have to cut and fray them because they were too long.

And, for school professional development day one I wore my Chico’s white skirt, Old Navy graphic tee, J.Crew sweater and my Target slides.

And, the second day I wore my newest Old Navy linen shorts in green and white stripe and the gauzy button up. I have on my Madewell leather sneaks that are pre-pandemic purchased in 2019, I think.

I had to be comfy because we ended the day with Top Golf!

We had a buffet, too. There was no alcohol because it was part of the PD.

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Today is actually a two post day! I wanted to hurry up and post my Back to School Tips as so many are heading back soon and now I am participating in Joyce’s Wednesday Hodgepodge for fun – because why not?

1. What is a childhood habit or preference you will never outgrow? 

This is a really bad habit, but I love to read while I eat. I think it started with the back of the cereal box as a child. I also had my nose in a book during our many car trips. I had to share the back seat with two sisters and I had to tune them out.

2. Did you know July is beans month? What’s your favorite bean? Your favorite recipe that calls for beans? When it comes to chili are you team beans or team no beans?  

I did not know that! I love green beans and all beans except for lima beans. My Dad loved beans and corn bread. He also made a white bean soup. Beans are great. They are very filling and good for you. I like beans in my chili for sure! Tom makes a 17 bean soup in the winter. He soaks the beans and the whole deal. I think my favorite beans are Great Northern beans.

3. Some historical figures have a tag line after their name, something like ‘the brave’ or ‘the wise’ or ‘the mad’…what would your tag line be? Explain why? 

I don’t know – maybe something about loving to laugh or being silly? My sister’s kids say I bring the fun, which is really sweet and I would love to be remembered like that. Both of my sisters are really funny and my Dad loved to laugh. He told some Dad jokes, of course, but he is where we get our sense of humor, I’m sure.

4. The way to my heart is through small acts of service, kind words, or a little gift that shows someone really listened to me or really knows me.  I love feeling seen.

5.  The calendar rolls into August this week, but before we go give us four adjectives that describe your July. 

July was fun, lazy, emotional (with my mom being in the hospital), stressful (same reason), short, and maybe not as hot as usual. I think I was able to sit outside more comfortably and walk more comfortably and not have to go as early in the morning.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I feel grateful for a summer to re-charge my batteries. I truly feel blessed that I got to be a teacher and have summers off! With that said, I’m always a little nervous about what the school year holds. I put pressure on myself to be the best I can be at both school and home and I still deeply need my alone time and my down time.

What would you add to my hodgepodge today?

Amy

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

I’m pushing this post so that you have it before school starts!

Your attitude matters. Try really hard to not speak negatively of the school or any teachers.

Even the most surly teen probably wants to make a new beginning special. Ask if they want to buy a few supplies and get ice cream. I bet they do!

Back to school is extremely expensive, but I think a few new things really helps. Maybe ask questions like, “what do you think you’ll want to wear this year?”, “was there anything you wore last year that you still want to wear or anything you definitely didn’t like or feel comfortable in?” and maybe don’t go too crazy because they may want to see how others are dressing. Also, sometimes grandparents just need a push or a suggestion. You could ask if they want to take them for their new shoes or something. They might be happy to contribute to back to school!

If your kid is walking, biking, driving for the first time to their school, practice the route before school starts – preferably at the time they would go. If it’s a new driver, sit in the passenger seat and the reward can be donuts. They will make fun of you, but it’s important. Just say that this is better than you riding with them on day one when everyone will see you in the car! Have them literally practice parking in the spot they will use.

I see many parents trying to be their kids’ friends. They need you to parent. Don’t be afraid to say “no”. Seriously. I don’t get it. In our family, we said, “we don’t agree with that” or “we don’t do that” when the kids talked about what a friend could do.

If the school offers an open house or a day to pick up schedules and “walk the schedule” make every effort to go. This really helps with new year jitters. Do not be offended if your kid is older and wants to meet friends to do this. Maybe you can compromise and drive separately and you pay the fees then let them do the rest with friends.

Ask open ended questions like, “what is the class you are most excited to take?” and really try to listen more than you talk. Try not to compare an older sibling’s experience or your own experience. It’s ok to tell funny stories but try not to preach. Get them talking if you can. Be really slow to respond and just let them talk. Teens shut down very easily. All of this is normal. Try not to say things like “that’s stupid!” because to them it isn’t stupid.

For the love of all things, please read the emails or the communications the school sends. If you feel disconnected, it might be on you. I know this is overwhelming. And, if you have multiple kids in multiple schools – whew! Put husband on one or more of the schools or kids. You don’t need to do it all.

It’s ok to write down or snap a picture of your kid’s schedule. Sometimes it’s important to know when they have which class when it comes to making appointments. Yes, some appointments have to be done during school time, but avoid when possible. Also, print out the school year calendar. There are so many days when school is out. I sometimes have a student say they aren’t passing a class and then they laugh and say they HAVE MISSED that class multiple times. Ummm… there is a correlation.

If your kid is middle school or older or maybe even late elementary have them start emailing the teacher instead of you. Maybe there is a health condition you want to make sure the teacher knows about so that might need to come from you. It’s so important to start putting this stuff on the kid so that they are capable by the time they need to be. I have had kids email me before school starts to tell me they prefer a different name than what is on my roster. I never get upset by these emails; I respect and appreciate them being on the ball. Also, don’t assume that just because you told the counselor that the information got to all 7 teachers. Yes, they should be sharing it, but they also have a lot of kids on their plate.

Attendance is so important and that starts with you. Do not act like attendance is a choice. Do not plan vacations during school days. It really hurts your kid. Can you imagine trying to make up even a day’s worth of assignments. That could be 7 things from missing one day on top of a new 7 things assigned. This goes back to printing off that school calendar.

Don’t “rescue” your kid. If they forget lunch, that’s not an emergency. If they forget a paper, they can bring it the next day. The person at the school desk is not running a concierge service. We have even had kids forget their headphones and a parent brings them. Nope. If I were principal, I would have a strict policy about this, but we can’t offend anyone anymore and we walk on eggshells.

Do try to get them to keep a granola bar or something that can be quickly eaten in their backpack. You never know when that might come in handy.

Please talk to kids about cellphones. Many schools are afraid to have strict policies these days – again eggshells. If you can avoid texting during the school day, please do. If they text you, don’t respond unless it’s an emergency. Tough love. They should not be on their phones during class. I know someone whose daughter was constantly texting “come get me” and guess what – mom came and got and the kid learned they can pull this and do. I actually think it’s great when parents are not available. Does everyone work from home these days? I see parents picking up kids in droves these days. Seriously? Whatever happened to coming at the start of the day and staying until the end of the day. I make a big deal about good attendance in my classes.

I know I’ve forgotten some things! Whew!

Lest you think I’m a hypocrite…my children (twins) only missed 3 days of school from kindergarten until senior year. Two were funerals and one was a sick day each at different times. This was a combination of luck, good health, and Tom and I not really giving them an option to not go to school. Also, as a teacher, I couldn’t really plan vacations during the school year, either. They always really loved school, too. The more you go consistently the easier it is. The more you miss, the more you want to miss.

Sound off in the comments!

Amy

Monday, July 29, 2024

It’s Monday and time to link up with Sarah and Holly to tell about our weekends…

How was yours?

Let’s start with Thursday night.

Tom knows the guy that wrote this book (booklet?). It was very short and very, very bad. He was invited to the book signing party at a big event space.

It was super weird but entertaining. But, when we got to Tom’s car (we were only there from 6:00-7:30 – broad daylight), I immediately knew something was off. Tom had basically everything stolen from his car. He had boat radios, boat stereo (we take it out when not on the boat), chargers, sunglasses, and so much more. I’ve always joked with Tom about how much crap he keeps in his car. I had my wallet (I had taken out the credit cards and my license) and my prescription sunglasses stolen. We were both so upset and called the police and made a report. We wished we hadn’t gone to the event. And, it seemed like Tom forgot to lock his car. Oops, Tom. There was no sign of forced entry.

Friday morning I woke up and my oven told me it was Olympics time! Ha! This oven! It changed to different sports and different scenes all weekend. I’m kind of freaked out if you must know. Does my oven need to be this smart?

Friday I picked up my sourdough and bagel order from my former student and I left some goodies for her kids on her porch. She sent me the cutest video of them opening their goodie bags.

We had to take Eddie Otis to get weighed for his next flea and tick dosage and he weighs 46 pounds! Here is a photo that shows the length of him now:

I actually decided to watch the opening ceremonies live and had it on all day. The boats on the Seine cracked me up. I thought it was funny when a small country had a small boat. I wonder how many of the athletes got motion sickness?

I mean, come on – you knew I would be wearing the Paris slides!

I made a French dinner and Mason’s college roommate came for dinner and they went to a movie. Mason had so much fun catching up.

Saturday I made a mess of breakfast sandwiches for anyone that wanted one.

This weekend I finished two books.

I think this was my favorite of the summer so far:

I also really enjoyed this:

Look at the beautiful inside cover:

This mani is going strong a week later and I really love the color.

I started this:

It’s probably for a much younger audience and it’s about ice hockey, so I’m not sure yet…

I am trying to get back on my iced protein coffee and this hit the spot! I like Premier vanilla or cake batter the best with some instant coffee grounds and water all frothed up.

Saturday afternoon, Tom, EO, and I went out on the boat.

Saturday evening Tom and I went to an outdoor concert with food trucks for dinner.

Sunday morning I rose and watched some Olympics! My bestie’s daughter does eventing and she knew an Olympian so I wanted to watch!

Along with his 46 pound weight, EO has had some neck growth, so we changed out his collar to his big brother’s old one. I think the green really brings out his beautiful eyes.

Can you see the tiny stick he has?

EO seems to have a pretty good vocabulary now. He can go get specific toys. He knows the words “sit, hungry, treat, water, tug (his tug toy), ball, stick, duck (his duck toy), lambie (his lamb toy), and margarita (his margarita toy)! He does not know the words, “come” and “no”. So, it’s a work in progress.

As you are reading this, I am preparing for a two day professional development today and tomorrow. I don’t have to do this, but it will knock out all of my hours for the year. I like to think of my “future self” with stuff like this. I will be glad to get it knocked out and it won’t take up mental space. I had to piece meal my hours last year and it was stressful – an hour here, two hours here, etc.

Oh well. I hope it isn’t the worst one I’ve ever done! Ha!

Amy

Friday, July 26, 2024

Well, this is a Friday I have not been wanting to see. I am almost full time as of Monday. I have a two day workshop and one day to set up my room and the other two days are appointments and I’m sure last minute errands. Teachers start August 5th and have three work days and the kids come August 8th. So.freaking.early.

Teachers can love their jobs, but starting a school year is like getting on a roller coaster that you know nothing about!

I am happy to link up with Andrea and Erika for some favorites of the week!

Here we go…

My first favorite is how well my mom is doing! Hello Monday will tell you a little more if you have been gone from the blog world. I am really behind on responding to comments, but please know how much I appreciate you leaving them!

Also, Eating Lately was my post on Tuesday if you missed it.

This and That was just a fun chatty post on Wednesday.

Fashion Files was Thursday but there ain’t much fashion in my files lately.

I am really enjoying my new Nespresso! But, wow are the capsules expensive. I bought some on Amazon that are about $1 a cup of coffee and some at Kroger (Starbucks brand) that come to about $1.30 a cup. I guess it’s a savings if you are a regular drive thru coffee gal, but otherwise.. heck no. I knew this was a luxury purchase. I am still figuring out if I will make a pot (the most cost effective) and save this for weekends or afternoon? I love the nice frothy foam that you get.

By the way, I got the Vertuo Pop and I clicked on used and the one I got came fully packaged so it was not used.

I came home from my mom’s on Sunday and just felt emotionally, physically and mentally drained after a week of uncertainty and more information than I thought my brain could hold. I really wasted my Sunday afternoon to be honest. Mason was with some friends all day but came home and said he wanted to do a coffee shop with me the next morning – I think he wanted to cheer me up and I also didn’t know what the week held so there was a sense of urgency to do some more summer things.

We tried a coffee shop in the ground floor of a building of 6 apartments. It’s called Hotel Marty and was so cute.

It had a cool interior and a huge exterior space. We both loved our drinks – iced coffee for me and tea for Mason. We split a blueberry scone.

My kids made jambalaya for our dinner one night this week!

I made the Dolly Parton cornbread! Yum!

What can’t Dolly do? Wasn’t she great on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader doc?

I purchased a new spirit – St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur and it’s really good!

Two cocktail “recipes” are coming next week!

Oh, funny story… I walked in the liquor store and pronounced this in French to ask if they carried it and the guy didn’t understand “my French”. I guess I said it like, “San Ger mahhhn”. Isn’t that correct? Ha!

My student is doing a bagel pop up again but this time she is also selling sourdough! Guess who placed an order?

Jen made me aware of this IG account! This is me:

I felt so seen!

Eddie Otis and I have a walk every morning and we saw the buses practicing! Remember how we started school last year on August 9th and then didn’t go back until August 21st because of our bus fiasco?

EO and I saw football practice at my school, band camp at my school, and three of my students came over and said “hi” to EO!

EO waiting for Mason to wake up:

EO knew it was Taco Tuesday on Tuesday. He seriously had ignored this taco dog toy for quite some time and then brought this to me this Tuesday! It made me laugh so hard! My child is gifted, no?

If I have time, this is a favorite breakfast right now. I have three Amylu chicken breakfast sausages from Costco (still love this after a long, long time!), scrambled egg, and little potatoes.

Another dinner we had this week was turkey burgers in a lettuce ‘bun”, asparagus, and homemade potato wedges.

Are you going to go to the theater to see It Ends with Us? I think I will buy advance tickets. Why not? I need to refresh my memory on what happened in the Colleen Hoover book. I really like Blake Lively.

This week I also tackled some basement storage junk – decorative pillows I don’t like anymore, decor, stuff like that. I donated two giant trash bags. I had some reading time, too. I am actually reading two really good books! One was somewhere else so I grabbed the next one to start. Now I can’t put that one down! We had really nice temps for sitting outside except for the gosh darn mosquitoes! I spray bug spray on myself and still get bites. We have our yard sprayed and have a little contraption to keep them at bay, too. I just think it must be a really bad year for them with all the rain we have had.

Anyway, I have had a good week mainly because my mom is doing so well!

I hope you had lots of favorites, too!

Amy

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Today is Thursday and that means Fashion Files day with Kellyann and Jill.

First, let’s talk summer clothing shopping!

Have you been buying summer clothes that are on sale? I really have not been in many stores nor have I been online much. I feel like there are so few days that I actually put on an outfit lately that I have plenty! That’s a good feeling to have.

Are you tired of your summer clothing? I am not really tired of mine, but I guess I have several things on repeat. I do have to go to a faculty retreat next week so I will wear something a little more put together but still summer casual. Most teachers still wear shorts or something very casual to these things.

I did not keep the black set from Amazon. I ordered a $20 cropped pant and top set. The top was too small and had no give/stretch and the pants were a bit big. Maybe I will have to “make my own set”. The idea of the set really appeals to me, but it will have to be perfect.

I have hardly gone in any stores this summer like I said. I have been to my consignment shops once, TJ Maxx maybe twice, and a few little boutiques in the upscale shopping center near my house. I walked in Loft once but I feel like I need a break from Loft. So many teachers shop there and I don’t want to have the same stuff as everyone else. I also walked in J.Crew Factory once or twice because it’s next to Trader Joe’s, but I didn’t buy anything. Old Navy and Walmart have been my primary retailer this summer. I have gotten graphic tees, three pairs of linen shorts, and dresses. I don’t want this to be the case, but I have found things I like at these two retailers! Now, I will say that I really only buy Free Assembly from Walmart. I filter for that brand and I feel that the quality rivals the stuff in my little boutiques. I love the boutique brand Umgee. My sister found a boutique in the home town with Umgee stuff.

My sister and I went into TJ Maxx when we were there helping my mom. It was a big deal for her town to get a TJ Maxx! Did I need anything? No! But, I did find a couple of tops that I think will be handy when I start “getting dressed” more.

I loved the blue and white and I like this style of top:

I think a chambray button up is really handy and this can serve like that. I really like this tone with black. I also think it will work with some of my printed bottoms.

The tops were $16.99 and $19.99 so nothing crazy. You can find some really nice blouses at TJ Maxx.

These were on clearance for $13 and I thought they were fun. I don’t have much navy in my wardrobe, but I think I can find some things they will work with.

What’s up with me and the color blue?

I plan to wear dresses and my printed pants and skirts when school starts. I also plan to wear sneakers a lot. How does one look cool and not dowdy? I’m not sure that is possible for me but I also am not sure that I care! Any suggestions on cool girl sneakers with dresses? I have some ideas but I want to hear what you all say.

I do feel a push to wear/buy more neutrals. I am going to think on that some more.

Amy

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Today I have a random post for you!

Let’s talk about Prime Days, first…

First off, I am getting better at returning things that aren’t perfect. In the past I would “make do” or say “it’s only $___”.

I returned the Amazon set – not sure a set will work for me because I need a larger top size. I also returned the sunglasses that go over the glasses.

I did, however, keep the Nespresso and I am still learning how to enjoy it. So far, so good!

Productivity…

I am going to wrap up my 40 Bags/40 Days (it was never really 40 bags and I did it quicker than 40 days, but whatever) soon. I am following some decluttering people on IG and it’s so inspiring. I only want to have things I love and use. It’s making keeping things clean so much easier to have less stuff and that’s my goal.

I honestly don’t think I have ever shopped so little in the summer. I have always shopped for recreation and this summer the decluttering has kept me from it and even left a bad taste in my mouth about adding more instead of subtracting.

I still did a fair amount of shopping, though. Don’t feel too badly for me!

Just below this list I printed off blank calendars for May, June, July, and August. I still have my beloved planner that I carry around, but I also liked having these calendars. I think I will print them for the fall months, too.

Summer Reading…

I read this book this summer – or most of it. I think I gave up at about 75% in, but it made me laugh so hard because…

Someone had crossed out every single “GD” word in the book. They left all the F words and salacious sex scenes alone, but this word got crossed out angrily with a blue ballpoint pen.

Social Media…

For social media, I have Facebook and Instagram. I got Instagram a long time ago (before most people in my peer group) just to use with my students, but now I guess it’s a mixture of friends and students. Students were early adopters of IG and most people my age were only on Facebook at the time.

I tell them they can follow me but I don’t approach them. I do follow back. That is why if you follow me at amscott2 you will see a lot of Spanish stuff and I try to not show alcohol there. I couldn’t keep up with a separate Coffee and Cocktails account.

I love Instagram. I think it has helped me understand my students better and grow closer to them. I keep up with so many former students this way, too. Current students (I often teach kids two years in a row) can message me or say hi, too. Anyway, I am very careful, but it’s been fun.

In the last few years, I have lots of students who freely say “Te quiero” (I love you) in notes to me or in passing. I think it’s super sweet. I have one girl who put a question box and I just said this to her. Look at her sweet reply:

I am definitely not the “best teacher ever” and her class was really hard because it was first period and I seriously had kids arriving anywhere from one minute to thirty minutes late (in a fifty minute period) because of our bus fiasco, so it made it so hard to do class activities and I had to constantly repeat myself. Anyway, teenagers are really sweet and compassionate. But, also, their brains are not fully developed and they do dumb things. Both of my sisters had one of their daughters do a dumb thing this week in the midst of my mom’s situation and I reminded them that they are still good kids.

Eddie Otis has changed so much this summer. I don’t know what he weighs now but it’s probably about 50 pounds. He was wanting to be carried down the steps at the beginning of the summer and now he is an independent boy. He now gets down from the bed (maybe not a good thing!) and he goes down the basement stairs on his own when we don’t have the baby gate up. I hate having baby gates, but it’s a season.

He loves carrying his toys around to show us:

He went downstairs and has the tv remote in his mouth in this photo. I told Tom he was tired of watching the Tour de France with him.

When we walk, he wants to meet every dog we see and I always ask the owner but they always say he can meet them. Then, we approach and he sniffs the dog but then he wants the human attention. He basically gets as close to them as possible for belly rubs and pets. He acts like he doesn’t get any of that from us! He is super social!

He is a really good swimmer – he’s a lab! Tom takes him swimming at least once a week. It gives me a chance to have the house without a puppy to clean but I really need to go with them to enjoy watching him, too. I cannot sweep, mop, or vacuum with him inside. He attacks or thinks it’s a toy. I can’t unload the dishwasher or open the washer (front loader) or dryer (front loader) because he enjoys “helping”.

And, Tom has taught him to go down all the playground slides behind our house.

He is still bitey sometimes, but it’s definitely better. He is 5 months old today, in fact! He was born February 24th!

That was a whole bunch of randomness, but I hope you enjoyed it.

What would you tell me today?

Amy

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Are you in a cooking rut? Eating rut? Are you almost but not quite ready for fall food? I’m there with you! I always enjoy these posts when other people do them, so here we go. I’m going to show you a mix of home food, restaurant food, and even some hospital food – ha! But, the main point is ideas!

Tom and I made a Costco trip and he wanted some “burnt ends”. I guess this is a form of bbq and you had to heat it in the oven or the skillet and we added Baby Ray’s bbq sauce. We also had Dave’s spicy pickles from Costco and a simple baked potato. I was out of sour cream.

We also had salad with our new favorite store bought dressing – Chick Fil A apple cider vinegar. It’s in the refrigerated dressing section.

I brought these Trader Joe’s egg sandwiches for my sister when we stayed with my mom and we had some cherries. I really liked the egg sandwich.

I brought Greek bowls for dinner:

Deconstructed nachos that you could easily do yourself:

Hospital baked potato bar with carrots and broccoli – the vegetables were gross and fresh is always better:

Hospital baked fish:

Zucchini, grape tomatoes, pasta – I just made this up myself. I added some pasta water to the sauce mixture:

Restaurant salmon, asparagus, and grits. Mason couldn’t believe how good this asparagus was. I plan to make my own salmon and asparagus soon.

We’ve been enjoying yogurt like this lately:

My favorite and really only cottage cheese I can stomach on its own:

This easy little lunch is packed full of flavor. You can add peanuts or sesame seeds but you don’t need it in my opinion:

Veggie sandwiches:

And, this little bad boy. If you have been thinking about getting a “snackle box” – do it. I have used it more for salad bar fixings and our family has never eaten more salads. I just keep the whole thing in the fridge. I’ve used it for the boat, I’ve used it for taco fixings, and it’s a great practice to keep chopped up stuff ready because some nights chopping all the stuff for salad seems like too much.

I hope you got at least one idea!

What have you been eating lately?

Amy