Monday, November 25, 2024

Ok, it’s a two day week! I am happy to link up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend. How was yours? Were you frantically running around doing holiday stuff? I was not. I placed most of my stuff in a grocery order for pick up last Thursday.

Friday at school was cold! I had this roaring fire on my panel and some kids came up and warmed their hands and it made me chuckle. I still have my laptop hooked to a projector and use that daily in addition to this panel. I’m an old dog and I can learn new tricks but this set up is working for me.

No happy hour after school. I came home and spent time with Eddie Otis and then cooked a frozen pizza for Tom and I. We were the only ones home.

I took Fiona Ferris’ tips and got dressed for the grocery Saturday morning. I had a few little odds and ends to get that weren’t on my order Thursday and I thought I would browse any seasonal offerings. I hadn’t been in the grocery in I don’t know how long. I saw zero people I knew because I looked decent. Usually I see at least five people I know!

I picked this up!

And, I saw this cute mug and grabbed it for myself, too.

I went home and unloaded groceries and then just piddled around until 3:00. I did some laundry, some cleaning, and some straightening. I vacuumed, too. But, I had already gotten ready for the 3:00 activity, so it was nice to have that done.

Tom and I went to the German American Club’s Christkindlmrkt!

Yes, we saw some lederhosen! I had some gluhwein (warmed red wine)!

It was pretty cool outside but it added to the atmosphere.

They had booths of people selling things – not necessarily all German things -some could just be used for holiday gifts – but we did see a person from our beloved German restaurant that closed – the daughter of the owners was selling t-shirts and said she is writing a cookbook of the restaurant’s recipes. She also said she does some special orders. Guess who ordered a Thanksgiving apple strudel? Tom! We were excited.

A young girl had a pop up clothing and accessory booth and we talked and she told me about her website.

This cute sweatshirt came home with me! It says “The North Pole Cocktail Club”.

Our friends were supposed to go to the German market with us but something came up – they still met us for dinner after at Monnik Beer Company which has some German food. One of the owners is Dutch so some of the food is Dutch, too. The food is really good and the vibe is great, too.

Yesterday morning I started with my new devotional book…

And, I studied more about how to have a “soft, calm life”. Eddie Otis wanted to have a “hard, excited life”. We compromised.

And, those are the highlights of my weekend. I was glad not to be too busy.

I feel like both holidays are really melding together so instead of trying to fight it, I am also joining in!

I plan to post all or most days this week, by the way.

I am making a bundt cake for our school friendsgiving this week. The school is providing the meats and each department has certain things to bring, including breakfast items. We will have both breakfast and lunch available. My bundt cake will be a box spice cake mix (with my tricks – extra egg, sub butter for the oil) with a homemade cream cheese frosting.

Thursday we go to Tom’s sister’s house and I am in charge of a pumpkin pie, a pecan or Derby pie, and mashed potatoes. I bought a bag of Yukon Gold because they are already so creamy and ain’t nobody got time to peel. I don’t mind peeling because I have an amazing peeler (not a flex), but thought I would try this from TelloandRose on IG:

Friday we go to my mom’s and I am in charge of Jiffy corn casserole and a green salad. Here is the salad:

How are you feeling?

Don’t forget to go back and read my post whether you are a host or a guest – What To Wear, Say, Bring, Do for Thanksgiving!

Amy

Friday, November 22, 2024

Ahhh…Friday. We do have school Monday and Tuesday, but that seems do-able at this point. Maybe?

I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some faves from the week. Just like my brain, they will be all over the place.

I had this breakfast bowl a couple of times this week. I am low key obsessed with sweet potatoes. I didn’t think much of them for the first 51 years of my life – lol. This includes Amylu chicken breakfast sausage – love, two eggs, and a tiny bit of shredded swiss/gruyere cheese from Trader Joe’s. “Low key” is teen speak for “kind of”. You’re welcome!

For some reason, my Amazon is set to Spanish. I honestly think it happened in Spain. Isn’t that funny?

This Spanish teacher is “grading” the message and they even have all the accents right.

A couple of patio mornings really energized me this week. Also, I made sure my coffee pot was set and ready and the kitchen was very clean before bed this week. It makes such a difference to “ready” your mornings, no? On another note, last week I went to bed at 10 each night and I was dragging all week. This week I have put myself to bed at 9:30 and even though it’s only 30 minutes, I feel so much better! Are you like that, too?

Eddie Otis has been “eating” our outside doormats.

My solution is to not have doormats. Tom says he has to learn right from wrong. Um, when, Tom? I was telling him no and bad dog and not to do it and I swear this dog was moving his lips and mouth and mocking me.

We had a fire one night this week and need to do this more! We have a gas starter and just used a fake log, but we do have real wood. I guess we were just testing it out.

I did a dark green press on mani this week – way better than the long oval shape.

I started using my candy cane Chapstick again. Love it!

I wanted to buy these in Spain and looked at them in one store. Well, guess who placed an order from Spain? Me!

My Wednesday night outing this week was special! I have been wanting Mason to try this Venezuelan restaurant since i went with Tom. They have very limited days and hours and we finally made it happen!

We ordered choripan (bread with cheese and chorizo) and fried yuca along with some broccolini.

It was a treat!

With the holidays approaching, I liked mirabellecreations’ recent Instagram post:

And, this by Mel Robbins:

If you want to be outside more and it’s just too cold for you, designate an outside blanket that can easily be washed. This is mine:

And, yes I do look like the Home Alone burglars, but your Dad was right, hats really do keep in the heat.

So, what made you smile this week? Any faves?

Amy

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Well, we are one week away from turkey day. I am happy to link up with Kellyann and Jill to share the ‘fits I put together over the last week.

Here is what I wore to school last Thursday. It was rainy and I was dragging. I have on my Matilda Jane jeans which got saggy throughout the day, my Old navy striped button up, my 32 Degrees vest, and my new SoftWalk Arvana clogs.

Friday I wore..my new Umgee blouse, a shorter pair of jeans, the same new shoes, and my new Sherpa that I got for free with a $30 purchase.

I will tell you that the SoftWalk Arvana passed the on my feet 8 hours as a teacher on hard cement floors test. They were comfy right out of the box. I personally do not think that Birkenstocks or Danskos (the traditional clog that nurses wear) are that comfortable. Maybe I have had the wrong size or the wrong style. I am probably between a 38 and 39 in Euro sizes. So, this clog is like the look of the two if they were to have a baby, but much, much more comfortable. Macy’s online had a better price than the SoftWalk website.

Saturday I put on my pumpkin spice Walmart sweater with Matilda Janes, and the new shoes again. I got this sweater from Walmart on clearance at the end of last winter and also have a green one with pink lettering that says “Sweater Weather”. Lol.

Dinner out Saturday night…I put the new blouse on with my Chico’s buttery soft faux leather pantalones. These pants are lined and they feel so good on. I bought them in both the brown and black and they are perfect. The length is perfect, the fit and feel are perfect. Don’t you love it when you make a good purchase. I find that Chico’s is great for solid basics. Their prints can be too aging art teacher for me. And, I love any opportunity to wear my Hush Puppy pumps. Say that five times fast! Some of you have written to tell me you love Hush Puppies driving loafers. I have cow print! They are so comfy! And, their leopard print is calling my name. The prices are so reasonable for the quality.

I added my old consignment wrap for warmth en route. I found this new with tags several years ago.

This is my $20 final sale Tunie’s Outlet dress I told you about. I wore it to school on Monday. I was so comfortable and got a lot of compliments on the color.

And, Tuesday I thought why not wear my Thanksgiving wallpaper dress. But, Stan Smiths were the footwear of choice. Can we talk about these? I have determined these to be my most comfortable sneaker currently. I chose the gold backed but the green and navy are great choices depending on your wardrobe.

And that’s a wrap for the week. Do you have a favorite? What have you been wearing?

Amy

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

I am linking up with Joyce and many more for Wednesday Hodgepodge! It’s such a fun link up and I don’t know how Joyce comes up with all the questions. I want to ask some of them of my students. Some would really get into them and others would be having cell phone withdrawals and the shakes.

Today should be fun! After school all of the language clubs (Spanish, Japanese, French) and the Latin Student Union, Jewish Student Union, South Asian Student Union are joining forces for a Friendsgiving. They can bring a dish from a country where their language is spoken or their family’s country of origin. How cool is it that kids want to do this?

Also, I never told you what happened with the Thriller flashmob on Halloween. The teachers went out to the courtyard and a huge crowd was gathered like everyone had let it slip and not kept it a secret. We couldn’t hear the Thriller song so it didn’t happen. Womp. Womp. I stayed after school twice to learn the dance routine and practiced in front of my mirror.

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? 

My hometown is super cute with a vibrant downtown and several events that take place. Madison, Indiana is where I lived from age 5 until age 18, and then in the summers until I was 22. My mom and dad enjoyed being a part of the community and now my mom still lives there.

It’s on the Ohio River and we can actually boat there from my current home of Louisville, Kentucky.

I grew up in a neighborhood around a lake and it was a great childhood. We swam, boated, and ice skated. I had lots of friends to hang with. There are lots of stories that all take place on Hereford Lake!

2. Do you prefer ‘material’ gifts or ‘experience’ gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you’ve received and truly enjoyed. 

I don’t think I have gotten many experience gifts but I could be forgetting. I love both and really appreciate any gift when I feel “seen” – like the giver really gets me.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What’s a favorite brown thing you own? Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed… brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread?

We have a brown leather couch and a fabric oversized chair with brown in it. I also have lots of brown in my wardrobe. I love a cognac and a deep chocolate brown the most.

I also love to decorate with chocolate lab fur!

Shades of brown:

Coffee would have to be my favorite brown food!

4. Which ‘Charlie Brown’ character do you relate to most? If you’re not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. 

I am Snoopy according to one of the quizzes above! “You are loyal, funny, imaginative, good-natured, and always so happy. You keep people entertained and there’s nothing you love more than making people laugh”. I would say some of that is true, but it’s highly dependent on if I have gotten enough sleep and how early it is. I am the life of the party at brunch. After 8 pm, not so much! Also, I am not always so happy! Maybe I am geriatric Snoopy.

5. What’s a favorite item you’ve purchased this year? 

Definitely my Barcelona purse. It makes me so happy every time I look at it. I have used it every day since I came home I think. It stays tucked in my school backpack during the week. I’m really glad I got it for myself. Joyce, do I get extra credit for my favorite thing also being a brown thing?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am typing this from my slightly rainy/drizzling 60 degree patio on Tuesday morning. I am pretty sure this is the last morning I will be able to start my day outside. I was able to do this every single day since August with maybe one or two exceptions. That’s pretty sweet. It’s such a gift to be able to have an hour or a bit more to myself before I have to get all people-y. It’s also so nice to see Eddie Otis lay down and be calm with me.

You know, I do think Fiona Ferris would say I am living an “epic small life” for me.

We are going to be in the 30s and 40s soon. I will have to create my wintertime morning spot again complete with a candle and twinkle lights and teach Eddie Otis the new plan. Wish me luck!

Amy

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