Wednesday, November 29. 2023

Well, you guys, it’s the last Wednesday of the month and we only have one more day of November – “30 days have September, April, June, and November” – I chant this to my students. Can you believe they don’t know this?

It’s time for the fun monthly link up with Sheaffer Told Me To and Mix and Match Mama.

What I’m Wearing…

I have started wearing sweaters and trying to wear sweaters to school. I wore this on Monday:

I didn’t pass out. This is my new Christmas sweater from Target.com. Here it is! I can’t remember where I saw it, but I fell in love with it. I got mine on sale for $20 and it appears the price has gone up.

I also tried out my new Nordstrom chelsea boots:

They are very comfortable and supportive, but my feet got hot and I did change shoes halfway through the day.

I also wore this on Saturday to watch a basketball game:

This is another Target sweater I got a couple of months ago from the special collab with Rowing Blazers.

For Thanksgiving, I wore this wine color of Impress press ons:

Not sure what I did differently, but this set would not stay put:

I let my nails breathe for a few days and now I am wearing this color:

What I’m loving…

I went in Target on Sunday to make a return and saw…

this cute display and goodies:

Tom put up my Michael’s pencil trees. This one in the bedroom and…

this one in the living room. I am happy I decided to decorate minimally to enjoy it now and when we get back from our trip.

I can’t find my strands of white lights for the mantel and the banister! I think I put them in my January decor stash and I can’t find that either. I like to keep blue and white up in January with snowmen because teachers love snow and snow days! I guess I will look again this weekend. I hate being disorganized and I hate not being able to find things.

What I’m reading…

Still this. Ha!

This collection made me happy! I placed a Target order for the sweater, Mrs. Meyer’s peppermint hand soap and kitchen counter cleaner spray, these peppermint crunch Junior Mints, and then the other sweater that I didn’t keep. It was too cropped. Here it is if you want to try it. It’s very cute!

What We’re Eating…

I spent time Sunday getting 9 breakfasts ready to put in the freezer. I made 6 Amy McMuffins and 3 breakfast burritos.

My sister-in-law gave me a bit of turkey and this is my fave – the cold turkey mayo sandwich on white bread!

I did Soup Sunday and made my friend’s soup again but this time I added corn, bacon, diced potatoes and onions to make it more like a chicken, potato, corn chowder. I also used less cheese and less cream of chicken soup. I added chicken broth. It turned out great!

I am loving my new sugar free peppermint mocha, and I also used it to make an iced protein coffee – instant coffee grounds, a splash of this, ice, and a half of a premier chocolate protein.

And, we are enjoying eating off of my old Target plates!

What I’ve been up to…

At school, I am trying to be super organized and plan everything out until break and for the week after we come back.

At home, I am working on meal prepping and eating healthy. I am ordering things we need for travel.

What I’m dreading…

I am dreading the stress of travel and hoping for the best! Honestly, I’m not great at things not going according to plan, but I am working on it and I am better than I used to be.

What I’m excited about…

You know, this is going to make me sound like The Grinch, but I am excited to not be involved in the mad rush of the holiday season. At the end of Christmas last year, I just felt empty and depleted. It just hit me that the holiday didn’t have to be that way. It was not a deliberate plan at that time to be gone over Christmas, but then it just worked out that meeting Mason at the tail end of his semester made the most sense.

This year, I am not shopping, wrapping, stressing, buying food, hosting, cooking and it feels very freeing. Now, remember that I have done all of this and been in charge of making the season magical for many, many years. My kids are 21 so I’ve been through it all while also teaching full time.

Jack suggested we shop for each other on the trip, so we have something to open on Christmas Day, and I plan on bring back gifts for the grandparents. I also plan to surprise my kids with some stocking gifts, I think, and many of you said I should try to pack their stockings. Mason wants us to cook in the Airbnb on Christmas Day, so that should be interesting! It’s also high on my list to attend a church service in a beautiful old cathedral. I have asked our Airbnb host for suggestions.

I’m also fully aware that I may realize I don’t want to be gone for Christmas in the future.

So, that’s a little bit of What’s Up with me this Wednesday!

What about you?

Amy

Tuesday, November 28. 2023

Last fall my face became drier than I have ever experienced. It was painful! I would say I have always had combination skin where my cheeks were just normal but my t-zone was oily, so I have never really struggled with dry skin on my face. I think it might have been a bit of wind burn from a boat ride, but nevertheless, I struggled with painful dry skin last year until I could get it under control.

Confession – I am really lazy about lotion and a skin care routine. I get so tired that if i don’t do something before I get too tired in the evening, it probably isn’t happening.

So, here is my routine:

I eat dinner, clean up dinner, and then immediately jump in the shower where I wash my face. I wash my hair every other night, so this is a really quick shower on the off night. This is how I make sure that my makeup gets washed off thoroughly. But, I am also not wearing much makeup to school these days.

Here’s my dry skin prevention routine:

This is a must buy product for me in the winter. You turn off the shower, apply this lotion and then towel off. I also use my regular lotion – Cerave at night and Bath and Body Into the Night in the morning. Yes, I do take a quick body shower in the morning, too. I just feel weird going to school if I haven’t. This Jergens Wet Skin is great for the person who is lazy about lotion.

For my face, this has been a game changer. This makes your makeup “melt” off almost. I put a small spoonful in my hands and then rub on my face. If I have extra, I put it on my elbows. I try to keep it on my face for a bit before getting in the shower and rinsing it off and then using my facial cleanser – Cetaphil. Thank you to Jennifer for helping me to start this!

I can’t find a lotion I like better than this Trader Joe’s. It’s lightweight and doesn’t bother me. I just added Isle of Paradise face tanning drops to my routine. I started with 3 drops and now I am maintaining with just one drop.

I need to add a thicker nighttime face lotion and just use this for the morning. Any recs? I won’t spend a lot, so don’t give me any $100 recommendations! Ha!

Amy

Monday, November 27, 2023

Well, how was your holiday? I enjoyed 5 days off from work and I had a little bit of productivity and a little bit of fun!

I am linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday!

I was off on Wednesday – we have had this day off for several years. I do remember when we didn’t. It’s so nice to have Wednesday off! I ran a couple of errands, but I mostly just enjoyed my day off. One of the highlights was this walk with Ernie.

We walked by the middle school football field and saw a group of college boys – half in black and half in white – getting ready to play a game. They all turned toward the flag and put their hands on their hearts and sang the national anthem all the way through and then cheered and clapped. I found this heartwarming and had to sneak a photo.

I went to a little boutique and I went to Trader Joe’s. I call these fun errands and things I enjoy!

It was warm enough to sit outside before dinner and read – and for the first time I was trying Elin Hildebrand’s much mentioned wine – Sancerre. It was recommended as a good wine to go with Thanksgiving foods. Ok – new favorite! It’s so good!

I’m still working my way through this – I just haven’t sat down to read much.

Wednesday evening we got mediterranean takeout – I don’t think you should cook the night before!

Thanksgiving morning I made egg casserole and cinnamon rolls.

I also did my minimal Christmas decor! I have since added a few more touches but I’m happy.

I cooked for my sister in law’s while Tom went to pick up his parents.

I made traditional mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole.

I made pumpkin pies on Wednesday and they turned out great!

I also made this salad for my sister in law’s and I enjoyed having a salad as part of the meal.

Her dining room table looks lovely!

We had a really nice day and the food was so good.

Friday morning we left for my mom’s house and we all arrived around the same time – 11:15 and had really good bagels and Chick Fil a with a couple of snacky type foods.

My Aldi in KY can’t sell wine in the store, so my sisters and I and Jack checked out my hometown’s Aldi and I bought one bottle of their store brand. I haven’t tried it yet.

Then, Jack and Tom went to a guitar store and my sisters and I and some of the nieces sat on the porch and chatted.

Then, for dinner, we had the pasta bar and it was even better than last time. We had bread, salad, bowtie alfredo, cavatappi mac and cheese, spaghetti, and lasagna.

My mom got a pretty bakery cake for dessert.

We had a really nice day Friday, too.

Saturday was the big UK and U of L game (in-state rivals) so we met our friends at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer.

We left after the first half and went back to their lovely home to watch the rest of the game. It was a really close game so it was fun to watch.

And, their cat may have gotten into the spirit of the holidays:

We left late afternoon and then ordered pizza for dinner because Jack wanted that. Jack and I watched an Outlander – we are really into it.

Sunday was a day of getting my act together. I have 17 school days until we leave and get to see Mason!

I did take advantage of some of the Black Friday deals on Amazon for stuff we need for the trip. Did you do any shopping? Are you planning to do any Cyber Monday shopping today?

How was your holiday? I hope it was good!

Amy

Friday, November 24, 2023

How was your holiday yesterday? Are you still full?

I’m not sure if the weekly link up is happening, but I still have some favorites!

Happy Black Friday if you celebrate – ha!

Here are some favorites from my week!

Sometimes a simple, perfectly cooked baked potato is all you need for dinner:

I microwaved this after poking holes, rubbing some olive oil and kosher salt on top. I put a bit of butter, bacon bits, cheese, and green onion on top.

I found the protein snacks at Aldi that Jen mentioned!

I also grabbed this, but the pretzels were stale and the cream cheese was a bit runny, so this probably won’t be a re-purchase for me. But, I will definitely get the protein packs again!

Last Saturday, Beth and I went downtown for a bourbon anniversary at Evan Wiliams and we were seriously like tourists in our own city. Beth was born and raised here, and this was always my closest big city to my hometown, so it feels comfortable to me. We walked several blocks of downtown and noticed so many new and revitalized spaces. We were super impressed with this new boutique hotel. How pretty! Those are pennies behind the signage.

Speaking of pennies, I laid out all of the things I needed to put in my small purse when attending my best friend’s dad’s funeral. I was careful to place them on a space on the table where nothing else was. I brought my small purse from my closet to the table and look what was there:

My dad has been leaving me pennies (I like to believe!) and he knew it would be hard that day. How cool is that? I shared the story with Heather and told her to also look for pennies.

My makeup situation is just sad. I have been trying to be frugal and use up what I have since last spring. I finally got rid of anything old or anything I was no longer using. Tom saw it in the trash/recycling and asked who threw away $500 worth of makeup. I seriously have had many of these lipsticks for 5-10 years. This is what I was left with below.

Also, I am debating whether to re-order Seint or try Merit. I want solids/creams and an easy 5-minute face. Can anyone speak about Merit? I also thought maybe I could find dupes for the 4 Merit products I want. I also want some of the new formula Lipsense lipstick.

I am at the point where I need new everything!

I went out Sunday early afternoon to Aldi and the traffic was crazy! I had all the Target toiletries I needed in my Target cart on the app – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and the Mrs. Meyer’s peppermint hand soap and kitchen cleaner. I was going to go in and shop, but after seeing the traffic I was like – nope! I placed that order as quick as my little finger could perform. Yes, I will be relying on online ordering as much as possible, because people are everywhere!

On the way to Aldi, a car did something really stupid to me and went around me while I was patiently waiting for the car in front of me to turn. Then, I saw him do something even more dangerous to another car. The car was turning left but it wasn’t quick enough for him, so he went around and turned left in front of the car! He could have caused two accidents – one with me and one with the other car. And, guess where this car ended up turning – TJ Maxx! What did you save, idiot? Did you save one minute so you could get the maxx for the minimum? Are drivers also acting crazy in your neck of the woods? It really upsets me that people are so impatient and putting others at risk. Did I tell you that I confronted a guy at the gym who did a similar thing to me a couple of months ago? He passed me on a road going to the gym as I was getting into the left lane to turn. He could have caused a wreck. I pulled into my spot and watched him sit in his car (not in a hurry anymore?) then I went in. When he finally entered the gym, I said to him, “are you ok? I’m the car that you passed so I want to make sure you are ok and that you didn’t have an emergency”. He was stunned. Can you believe I did that?

So, I guess the favorite here would be staying in and ordering online to avoid people? Ha!

This is the view from my classroom window. I feel so lucky to have two windows. I have been in the same room for 20 years.

Tom got my umbrella out and had it ready like this for me to go to work in the rain on Tuesday:

I showed you Wednesday what I’ve been wearing but left out Tuesday and this is what I wore:

Some more Aldi favorites. This sliced cheese is like $1.89 a package.

A few teachers had kids write thank you notes and I was touched:

Another great Aldi find. These storage bags would be good for food gifts, too.

This is my first attempt at sharing a video on ye ol’ blog. I will leave you with this – Tom and I were walking Ernie and then he got excited at the end of our walk!

So thankful for him!

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

I’m off today! I thought since I am only posting today and Friday that I would do my own “What’s Up Wednesday” without the link up.

So what’ s up around here in regards to Thanksgiving tomorrow?

I finally put up my few Thanksgiving touches this past weekend. I will probably do my minimal Christmas decor today or Sunday or I might also have time in the morning tomorrow. It would be nice to come home from Thanksgiving dinner and feel like Christmas!

I found these cute plates napkins and I was assigned to bring dessert plates to my sister in law’s house tomorrow. I really agree with eating dessert off of a paper plate, but I really hate eating the main meal on paper. My sister-in-law uses her nice plates, so I like that. I appreciate that she hosts every year, too! She has a newly renovated kitchen and has the space.

I splurged and bought these cups last year from Cups on Cochran and still have some left. These bring me an insane amount of joy! Ha!

What I’ve been wearing…

Saturday I wore my fall/woodland blouse, dark straight Old Navy jeans, a very old Target sweater, and my Reeboks. It just looks frumpy. I missed the mark here. Also, how do the cool girls wear fashion sneakers and look cool?

I finally wore the dress I bought on my birthday. I wore it Friday to the funeral. I was super comfortable in it, so that made me happy that I think I made a good purchase. I came home and saw Jack and he questioned the appropriate-ness of it for a funeral. He said I was supposed to wear solid black. I said that there were black stripes, black plaids, and all types of patterns. Did I go too wild?

I hesitated showing this photo, because I ended up un-tucking and this looks bad. These are really old Umgee pants that I feel in love with. I never wear them because they are too long. Should I pay the money to get them hemmed? I wore this to the Thursday night funeral visitation.

I also wore the woodland shirt to school Friday.

And, here it is with my Walmart Free Assembly jacket over it.

This past Monday I wore this:

The boots stayed on until 6th period when my legs and feet got hot. I was pretty happy with that, though! The boots are pretty comfortable.

I have also been testing out my new carry on tote.

What I’m reading…

This had a really slow start, but now that I am about halfway through, I am having the classic Sophie Kinsella laugh out loud moments. After I finish this, I will start my two holiday themed library books waiting for me!

What I’m watching…

Bravo! I am watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Miami, Below Deck, and Southern Charm. I really don’t like the Salt Lake City cast, so I wouldn’t say I’m watching that one. And, of course, the Watch What Crappens podcast continues to make my day. They are so funny!

I also watched The Golden Bachelor when he was in Costa Rica with the final two. So cute and sweet, in my opinion.

In school news…

I have a kid who has started recording what he says are my “funny quotes”. You might remember that a kid gifted me a typed list at the end of last school year. It is seriously one of the best gifts I have ever gotten as a teacher. The quotes are so out of context that it makes it even funnier, I think.

Here’s what my Monday looked like. I offered to do the two meals required this week and I brought it all on Monday.

Tom and I walking Ernie after Tom gets home from work…

I am also walking him when I get home from school. We just let him meander and sniff and do what he wants. He absolutely loves this cool weather!

So that’s what’s up with me this Wednesday! Are you stressed out? Hosting? Traveling? I hope you all are good!

I am so thankful for you and you brighten my day!

I will see you back here on Friday!

Amy

Monday, November 20, 2023

This week my plan is to blog on Wednesday and Friday only, but you never know!

I am happy to link up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday and I want to thank them for providing this link up!

How was your weekend?

Thursday night, Tom and I and Heather and Eric went to our other friend Heather’s Dad’s visitation. It was across the river in Indiana so the four of us rode together and afterwards, we went to Torchy’s for the first time. We don’t have one in Louisville, and we were impressed. It was late, we were hungry, and it was fast, too.

Friday, I took off work for the funeral. I will only show this photo of the fire trucks in front of the church. Heather’s dad was a career firefighter and had been retired for a number of years. After the funeral, there was a processional past the fire station with a truck parked outside and a line of firefighters saluting. The roads were blocked all through the Indiana town, across the bridge, and on the Kentucky side until we arrived at the cemetery for the burial service and burial.

It was a hard day. I was so sad for her and of course, I was remembering my own father’s funeral.

Friday night Jack played a role in Hansel and Gretel the opera at his college so Tom and I ate a quick dinner at home and then went to see him.

Dark green is still going strong 7 days later as I type this post. I used my 40% off coupon to order some holiday designs.

I chose not to do Saturday errands and had a plan with my friend Beth. The day was cool and crisp but very sunny and it was just what I needed.

We went to the 10th year anniversary of Evan Williams Bourbon in a repurposed space downtown. They had music, tastings, a free cocktail, and some food booths.

We also checked out some downtown urban bourbon trail distilleries/outlets. Bardstown Bourbon Company has a new and amazing space.

We left downtown and ended our day in this lovely little biergarten between two restaurants – Holy Grale and Gralehaus.

Beth insisted upon taking my photo for ye old blog!

We shared a salad and a pretzel, too!

After our fun day out, I did a Kroger pick up, an Aerie return, a Dollar Tree run, and put away groceries and made BLTS for dinner.

I enjoyed texting with Mason, too, and we talked on Facetime for quite awhile while I was cooking.

I think you all can tell how much enjoyment and amusement I get from his photos and texts. Jack is also super sweet but doesn’t share as much.

I know I will really miss Mason this weekend. Tom and I watched some tv and then I went to bed but couldn’t sleep so got up and then watched some Gilmore Girls which puts me to sleep because I’ve watched it so much and it’s comforting to me. That was such a run on sentence, and I don’t think I even care to fix it. Jack and Mason have a running joke with me because the Gilmore Girls ending music always wakes me up! It’s super aggressive and loud! So, I woke up and went to bed.

Sunday morning, I slept in until 7:00 which is super rare for me. I worked on some trip details. I am debating whether to pre-book the short regional train trips, but knowing me I will feel better having them booked.

I know some of you lucky folks are already out for Thanksgiving break and even some college kids are home! Jack has two days of class left, as do I. It’s kind of weird, but it’s ok, too.

I am motivated today to get stuff done at school for the week after break. I am freaking out mildly that I will have only a bit more than 3 weeks before we leave on our trip to the UK! I am so excited, but my brain has started the usual – Why am I doing this again? Would it have been better just to have Mason come home? Do I have everything planned? Did I schedule enough and leave enough time for spontaneous activity? What if the weather is bad on our flight days? What if we have flight delays? Will Ernie be ok? What if we lose our passports? Where are our passports? (Just kidding on that last one!)

Do you also do this? I hate this about myself, but it is the way I am built.

I bought a new carry-on tote for my personal item. We are going to use our carry-on wheeling bags that we bought in 2016 for Germany. I “auditioned” the new carry-on tote and continue to use it as my school bag to make sure I like it. I am also auditioning outfits – ha! I am also using the “teacher test” on the shoe choices I am making. You might as well use your job for something, right? Joking! My colors (I think) are black, camel, and some bright Christmas colors. I may do an entire post on it.

So, let’s talk about the upcoming weekend. I tried to get most everything done Saturday and yesterday so I could have Wednesday to have fun or do those last-minute things that sneak up – or to decorate for Christmas – minimally.

In other news, I pulled a “baller” move, I think. Thursday we go to Tom’s sister’s house in town for a traditional Thanksgiving meal in late afternoon. I am in charge of pie, potatoes, and a green salad. Friday, we go to my hometown an hour away and because everyone has already had the traditional with their in-laws (we have always done Thursday with in-laws and Friday with my side), we are having a pasta bar for an early dinner but needed a meal upon arrival around 11 – my sister is bringing good bagels and cream cheese, so we are having a brunch type meal around 11. I ordered a Chick Fil A nugget tray and a chicken mini tray to bring. The young kids say “baller” as a compliment and one meaning of the term can be someone who makes things happen by making smart decisions. Moms, we are all ballers! Right?

Pasta bar details:

Salad

Bread with olive oil to dip

Lasagna

Baked spaghetti

Alfredo sauce with a cool shape or two shapes of pasta

Thanksgiving decorated sheet cake

I pretty much took charge and bossed everyone around because my mom wanted to know the plan and Kate and Molly said they didn’t care and needed direction. I AM the oldest, so it’s only right.

Whew, you all are cheaper than therapy! Do you ever feel that I am using you for that?

If you are still here, thank you for that!

Amy

Friday, November 17, 2023

What a week! I say that every week, but for different reasons. This week was long and sad because of my best friend’s dad passing away. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.

My first favorite is you all…

I didn’t post on Tuesday and then I think you could tell by my Wednesday post Coffee Talk that I have been feeling down and letting self-doubt creep in. Am I doing enough at home? I’m having trouble meal planning, prepping, cooking, cleaning, and just keeping up. Am I good enough at school? I am so frustrated by some decisions and lack thereof at work. I have people who make my job harder than it needs to be. Am I bringing anything new to the blogging world? Sometimes I feel so boring and redundant. Anyway, I didn’t put all of this into words on Wednesday, but your comments (I swear I wasn’t fishing!) made me feel better. Thank you.

Another favorite was how happy I think I made my friend and her husband when I brought some things…

I made mini muffins, french toast casserole, and fruit salad, and was able to pick up their sweet pup from the groomers. It’s fun having a dog in your passenger seat!

And now some some Aldi finds…

Also, check out Jen’s post on her Aldi finds here! It’s kind of like a Trader Joe’s haul post because she bought all things I have never bought and some I didn’t even know about! I am starting there for my Thanksgiving shopping this weekend. I am in charge of pie (Costco), potatoes, and a green salad for Tom’s side and then for my side Friday we are having a pasta bar.

I was using flavored K cups and doing my fat free half and half frothing routine, but the pumpkin coffee was no longer available, and the holiday creamers started coming out, so now I am frothing up a bit of this or another holiday creamer…

and it’s really good!

I also bought some of this to put on top of a regular coffee. I bet this would also be good on pumpkin pie!

Tom and I both liked this, but I only used half of the cheese packet. It seemed like it would have been way too cheesy with all of it.

I placed an Impress press on nail order that arrived on my birthday – so fun –

After letting my nails stay naked for about 3 days this time to give them a break, I applied “Pine for You” and it’s a really dark green. I love it! As I am writing this post, I am on day 5. So, since I started my press on journey again, I have had grey that lasted 7 days, black that lasted 8 days, and aqua green that only lasted 4 days. I still don’t know why the aqua started popping off, but my theory is that the sticky was old because I applied them the same way. I think you have better outcomes with trimming them and keeping them shorter, too. I didn’t notice that the set on the right was wider fit, and I don’t really need that, so I gave those to Erica because she has a wider nail bed.

The dark green “pine for you”:

Sunday Funday this week was a trip to Costco with Tom (he goes through protein shakes like you wouldn’t believe) and after we went to a new location of one of Tom’s favorites, Diorio’s Pizza.

I like that you can get one slice of pizza and I could only eat about half of it!

We also got salads and Tom got lasagna.

We also visited the Mexican grocery because I needed to get some prizes for school.

It’s always interesting to go there!

Sometimes running errands with your spouse is a “date” these days!

I am so happy to have a freezer!

One night I made this, and I loved it!

I added some of these mushrooms, but I think I like the mushrooms better on their own. I think it was the mix of the gorgonzola and the mushroom seasoning that I didn’t like. I have also used the mushroom medley for an omelette!

Each year, I try to get one peppermint mocha milkshake from Chick Fil A. Have you had one? They are so good!

They are out now, but I usually wait until mid-December!

Ernie seems to love the leaves! He always gets to roll around at the end of the walk!

A couple of organizations at school treated us to a Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday..

It was so good, but I needed a turkey nap and still had 3 classes to teach!

Whew – my faves were crazy and all over the place this week!

What were your favorites this week? I hope you had many!

Amy

Thursday, November 16, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

The weather is the major determining factor for what I wear. Unfortunately, the outdoor weather doesn’t matter much because my classroom is subtropical! I am serious! I have had three days where I thought I was going to pass out. One teacher in my hallway asks them to totally turn off the heat in her room and they warn her that “it can never be turned on again this year”. Okayyyyyyy……

So, one day I wore this very light Target Knox Rose dress in fallish colors. Yes, the sweater came off right away never to be put back on. I wore this on Thanksgiving last year, too!

Friday I wore jeans and this light blouse and the sweater came off.

Friday night I wore my Hush Puppies pumps, my Wit and Wisdom jeans, and my hot pink blouse (sorry you saw this in Hello Monday already!) and loved the outfit and was very comfortable.

Sunday Tom and I went to Costco and saw this fridge with a mirror on the front. What is this? A diet fridge? You must look at yourself before opening it to feed your face? My outfit for Sunday Funday was my ON distressed jeans, a fall blouse, and a fuzzy vest while it was still chilly out.

Monday for school I wore my black Wit and Wisdom dress pants and a new top from TJ Maxx from Saturday. I will show you this in more detail.

And, in my quest to wear fall colors, I wore this fall colored blouse with dark green Matilda Janes the next day.

And, finally I wore this and Tom got in my pic!

Here is some inspo…

I love the light jeans with black…

and the light jeans with black and white stripes and camel…

I would really like some camel and black cap toe flats. Rothy’s has some that are so cute. I’m not on board with the chunky loafer yet.

I love this look below, but with different shoes. I like Converse, but not with this. I think they ruin the outfit here.

Sorry I haven’t done a Thanksgiving fashion post yet! I will probably wear one of my fall blouses with jeans to be honest. I am not feeling a dress this year and don’t really have one that I haven’t worn to death.

And, just like I planned, I am really tired of my fall-colored clothing and ready to start wearing black, camel, wine, jewel tones, and plaid. I would like to get a jewel toned silk button up because I wore my black one so much last year and plan to do the same this year.

What have you been wearing lately?

Buying lately?

What are the looks you want to try?

Amy

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

No, I didn’t post yesterday. I had writer’s block. I sat down to write about Thanksgiving and looked up my old Thanksgiving posts and I just didn’t have anything new to say! I rarely experience a lack of ideas for a blog post because I guess I am wordy, but it happened!

Literal coffee talk…I love my coffee mug warmer. I think it would make a great gift, too! Here is mine on Amazon! You could include a new mug or some gourmet coffee for your coffee lover.

School…

My school had metal detectors installed last week. Students can’t start going through them until 8:00 (we start at 8:40) so I try to arrive right at 7:59 to beat the students. It’s taken me a while to get used to my new schedule, but I think I have landed on leaving the house at 7:50 and then most days I am able to be home by 3:45. Last year it was leave at 6:45 and arrive home at 2:45. It seems like such a minor change, but it really threw me.

Even though it’s getting dark around 5:30, I get to go to work when it’s light out now, so that is nice. I’m also trying to do some of my chores in the morning so that I don’t have as much to do after school.

Friends…

I’ve been sad and this might have contributed to writer’s block. My best friend’s dad passed Sunday morning. I understand all too well how it feels so I want to be a support to her. That night I brought her a bag of goodies from our fabulous Paul’s Fruit Market. I brought bakery buns, deli meats and cheese, gourmet popcorn, homemade cinnamon rolls, and a few sweet treats. I also stopped at CVS and got her lavender body wash and eye patches and a card. I dropped it off when she wasn’t home yet.

I plan to make fruit salad and a French toast casserole and drop it off the night before the visitation that starts at 11. Hopefully that will be helpful?

I think most people think of dinner, so I like to think of daytime food. Any other ideas or things you like to do?

Mason…

I think he is a little bit homesick, but he hasn’t said it. He is worried that Jack misses him. He is also really starting to realize he has exactly a month left and needs to do some more day trips and experience some things on his list. It also seems that his courses are pretty hard and time consuming, so he does spend a lot of time reading and working on school work in England.

So, that’s about it for my coffee talk today!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Amy

Monday, November 13, 2023

Whew! We have 7 school days until Thanksgiving break! I can hardly believe it. Then, we we return, we have exactly 20 school days until Winter break.

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend.

Let’s go back to Friday. I had been so hot in my classroom all week because the district had turned on the heat and the temps outside were in the upper 70s. I wore my very lightweight blouse but added a sweater for the morning.

I decided to return the silver sparkly A New Day long sleeve tee because I think it’s going to be too itchy and I won’t wear it. It is very different material than the black, wine, brown, and camel that I purchased.

Friday was good and after school, my friend Elizabeth came over for my now “signature French happy hour”. A bottle of white sauvignon blanc, truffle popcorn, truffle fries, and garlic aioli is all it takes and I can whip this up very quickly.

After Elizabeth left, I was being picked up by a friend for a girl dinner out. I wore my Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut, my hot pink cougar blouse, and my tan Hush Puppies.

Wow – I was blown away by this new to me place!

The star of our dinner was the crispy cauliflower with a yummy dipping sauce.

I had a really nice evening, but got home kind of late for me and then fell asleep on the couch and didn’t make it to my bed until about 1:30 a.m.

I was feeling it on Saturday morning!

I love this! It’s great with just crackers but on Saturday morning after I got some coffee in me, I used it for…

A mushroom, red onion, bacon omelette. I just use the bacon bits that are real bacon and come in the pouch.

It turned out delish!

My Saturday mornings are now usually errand mornings. I went to TJ Maxx and the line was super long, but I was patient.

I went to Aldi. I have missed the grocery savings that I was getting there, so I’m back, baby!

I finished Hello Stranger by Katherine Center – loved it! I started The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella.

I worked on our trip details and my Google Doc for quite a while in the afternoon, then I made my Target return. The sky was lovely!

For dinner, we had salad, chicken and totchos (tater tot nachos):

I went to bed at 8:45 after Tom and I watched part of the movie Downhill with Will Ferrell! I was so tired!

I felt great Sunday morning and did morning things plus watched a bit of:

I got to Facetime with Mason for about 30 minutes! We had a great conversation, even though I know I’m annoying and ask for too many details. He was in a great mood and very patient with me – lol!

I also did some meal prepping for the week and listened to some podcasts while cleaning the house and just the usual get ready for the week ahead things.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy