Wednesday, September 27, 2023

It’s the last Wednesday of the month – wow, September went by so quickly! – and I am joining Sheaffer and Shay for this fun link up.

What we’re eating…

I tried the viral (I think?) sheet pan lasagna and it has all the great flavor of a lasagna without the tedious layering. You break the noodles, boil them, then mix them with your cooked meat and sauce, dollop with your ricotta and mozz and then bake!

An easy meal was turkey sausage, green beans, taters and onions, and corn!

And, we also had carnitas nachos one night along with traditional tacos that I had made a couple of days before.

We haven’t had these yet, but I bought them because I thought they would make Tom and Jack laugh!

What I’m reminiscing about…

I don’t know? Maybe the elementary school years since I hear the school playground noises behind my house after school.

‘what I’m loving…

I am continuing to start my days outside and I just love these mornings. I know it will soon be too cool to do this, so I am taking advantage of it right now!

I am getting more texts and pictures than I thought I would. Mason sent me this hiking photo from a trail near the campus in England.

You know what else makes my mornings on the patio so special? I almost always get a text from Mason to start my day. I have not usually had to be the first to text. It’s about 10-11 a.m. for him when I first get up, so I guess that’s an optimum time. He is still in orientation and starts class next week so it could change.

I overhead Jack talking to Mason online and they were laughing so hard the other night!

What we’ve been up to…

I’m continuing on the school grind. Tom is continuing on the work grind. Jack is really busy with classes and he is living at home this semester. Unfortunately, when we showed up at the dorm room he thought he was going to have, it was not what he thought he was going to have. So, he is a commuter and hopefully he will be back on campus in the spring.

What I’m dreading…

I think I will be sad to not have Mason at home for Thanksgiving.

What I’m excited about..

Just talking to Mason on Facetime and texting with him!

What I’m watching/reading…

I am really enjoying this. I had said I wouldn’t read another WWII book, but this struck me. I will need a palate cleanser!

What I’m listening to…

Most of my day I am listening to the chatter of teenagers. They seem more like 2019 teens! I listen to podcasts when I clean or cook, usually.

What I’m wearing…

You will find out tomorrow if you come back for Fashion Files! So, it’s been in the 80s again and I think we can expect 80s for a while. I like to have short sleeves in fall colors for this time of year.

What I’m doing this weekend…

I have been under the weather with what I hope is just fall allergies, so I hope to feel better this weekend and get caught up on my rest.

I have no trouble sleeping in the summer, so I guess my job really is the problem!

So, what’s up with you on this Wednesday?

Amy

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

I’ve been trying to get this post to come together for some time, but I hadn’t worn all of the jeans this season (still haven’t worn one).

These are the current jeans I am working with and only one is new this year – from back in the summer.

My advice is to order a big order in a few different styles and sizes from a store that you also have locally – makes returns so much easier.

There are so many choices – low rise, mid rise, high rise, straight leg, wide leg, etc. You just really have to try them on as much as that pains many of us.

The other point I want to make is that some different color washes do not fit the same. Maybe this is just a fast fashion thing, but my Target Universal Thread that I have in black, dark denim, and light denim all fit differently!

And, one more thing – do not be afraid to cut your own hem. We are lucky that the frayed or undone hem is popular now.

I also like when a retailer has varying lengths for varying heights.

Here is the light Universal Thread that I cut and frayed:

Here is the same pair, but darker that I left alone:

Darker ones on me:

Lighter ones on me:

I found these at Old Navy and was really surprised that I liked them. The length is perfect and they are button fly. These are called the O.G. straight leg:

Here they are on me:

I think they are my weekend jeans?

Here is my only new pair this season so far. These are the Dillard’s Westbound jean:

Here they are on me:

These are Kut from the Kloth from my consignment store last year:

I love the detail on the inside of the leg:

Here they are on me:

And, finally, here are my Nordstrom Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Boot Cut jeans with absolution technology:

And, here I am wearing them:

Are you a jeans person?

How many pairs are in your rotation?

Any new styles for this year you are trying?

Favorite jeans retailer?

So much to talk about!

Amy

Monday, September 25, 2023

Well, it’s Monday again…I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday!

Friday was a good, but crazy day at school because we had a pep rally. But, I was happy with my productivity and got things ready for today. I hate leaving school if I don’t have everything ready for the next day/week. I left school at 3:45 and went to a boutique to shop for a gift for my friend. I didn’t find anything and then got stuck in the worst traffic. I made my way finally to other boutiques where I did find a gift. By the time I got home, it was 5:00 and we needed to leave for dinner around 6:15. But, I didn’t have to cook so it was all good.

I had a delightful rosé sangria with so much fruit at the restaurant.

Tom deep in conversation…

We split a really good wedge salad:

I ordered homemade pappardelle but when it came it was not homemade pappardelle…

We were celebrating Heather’s birthday!

I was so tired by 8:30 I could hardly keep my eyes open. We got home around 9 and I watched a little tv but kept falling asleep. I really prefer going out on Saturday, but this time Friday was the night that worked for our friends.

Saturday morning was gorgeous and I ran out of fat free half and half so I have been doing vanilla Premier as my creamer. It froths up really well.

I had a list of errands a mile long! I did Aldi,

the library,

Walmart Neighborhood Market, the UPS store, and then finally Kroger. I was done with everything by about 12 and then didn’t leave the house the rest of the day! Jack wanted to do Kroger with me and that was nice. We decided to get Kroger sushi for lunch.

I read outside most of the day and it was amazing!

For dinner, I made a salad with homemade balsamic, green apples, cucumbers, and goat cheese, and

we ate the rest of Tom’s Thursday work event leftovers.

I started feeling kind of stuffy and run down Saturday night so I did my neti pot and went to bed early. I didn’t sleep great.

Sunday morning I couldn’t tell if I was better, but I put nice cooling eye patches under my eyes where my sinuses ached.

I made two dinners that would also be two lunches – sheet pan lasaga and green beans, potatoes, and sausage.

Tom, Ernie, and I went for a boat ride…

I had an extra pumpkin spice coffee on the boat…

I finished this and it was cute but toward the end it got predictable – well, it was predictable most of the time but cute and enjoyable!

I started this and it is a WWII book, so I will need a light hearted book after!

We got home from the boat around 2 and I read some more on the lower patio and then on the upper patio once the sun had moved away.

I got a cute text from Mason saying he found a little Italian cafe I would like :

He ordered pasta carbonara.

We got to Facetime yesterday morning, too, and it was great!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, September 22, 2023

Happy Friday! This week was a doozy! I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites….

Monday I was just happy that my sweet Mason made it to England safely for his study abroad experience. We were able to text that morning and that made me happy. He is 5 hours of ahead of us with the time difference. I was pretty tired from staying up to track his flight, though!

This book has been a fun way to treat myself this week. I have been getting out on my patio either before or after dinner or both in this beautiful weather we are having. It hasn’t rained in quite awhile and it has been in the 70s and low 80s.

In school news, I treated my kids to a taste of my Spanish breakfast. When I lived in Spain, we would have these cookies with some strawberry jam spread on top with our coffee. You can find these cookies in most grocery stores and they taste like a graham cracker and would actually be great with s’mores!

The kids seem to like when I bring them something to taste. I spend my own money, but I feel like it’s worth it because it gets them excited about the culture. I also had a bonus opportunity where they could make an easy recipe at home last week and send me a pic. I buy candy to give out and for prizes sometimes. I buy special Spanish stickers, too. I can’t buy any of this with my Amazon allowance – it’s not allowed. I still have to spend my Amazon money, but I have been waiting to use it wisely. I just don’t think teachers can get around using their own money for some things. If you’ve found a way, let me know!

It was also spirit week:

You can see most of my outfits in Fashion Files here.

This is my AP doing Mesa Redonda, but I did my first Mesa Redonda in Spanish 3 this week and it was amazing! We have a topic and questions and sit in a circle with no English allowed. It really pushes their speaking abilities, and we have jokes and laugh sometimes, too. We talked about food, favorite restaurants, cooking abilities, etc. in Spanish 3. I don’t correct anyone on the spot but keep a list of praises and things to improve. AP is used to this activity but this year they have to come up with the topic, the questions, and take turns leading it.

Mesa Redonda means “round table” – like a round table discussion.

This meal was so simple, but so good. Erica made us corn and BLTs for one of our school lunches. These slimwich buns are really good!

Tuesday after school we had an hour-long meeting and I didn’t get home until 4:30, Wednesday I had Spanish Club until 4:10 and then had to hurry home to jump on a Zoom professional development from 4:30-5:45 – it went 15 minutes late. I did make it more enjoyable with a homemade skinny margarita:

It’s been a week! I know this time is typical for many people, but I used to get home at 2:45!

I decided to start decorating my upper and lower patios.

I continued to get outside every morning this week!

In Mason news, some cute texts:

We are mostly using What’s app now, but he bought a sim card from a grocery store because that was what we decided would be the smartest. He has an unlocked phone that this will work on.

And, finally , in Tom news…

He came home for lunch and wanted to make a sandwich, but this was all we had. Tom has strong feelings about mayo and prefers light Miracle Whip. He sent me this photo to share his dismay:

I told him to put it on a piece of paper so I would remember to get what he wanted.

I came home to this:

Did you read my Mental Health post on Wednesday? Mine hasn’t been the best this week, to be honest.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, September 21, 2023

It’s time to link up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files and I don’t have much this week!

First up is my favorite outfit. Remember my black Umgee pants? Well, this blouse is also by Umgee. I saw it at a local boutique this summer and gasped. I’ve been waiting for it to get cool enough to wear it. Friday I had happy hour plans after school so I thought I would do it.

These shoes are the Shoe Carnival Vintage 7 Eight that Kristin recommended. I got these for $5 in the store this summer. They stood the test of a full day. Click the red font and it will show you all the offerings in this brand.

My Saturday outfit was an old Costco top, my favorite cut offs, and my sandals of this summer from Target:

Ok, now here’s where things get crazy. It was spirit week for homecoming and Monday was Zoom Day. Dress comfy on the bottom and business-like on top for a Zoom meeting I wore my new Walmart leggings from this summer with my classic New Balances and on top I wore my Chico’s silk blouse, pearls you can’t see, and my Walmart Scoop blazer.

The blazer came off because I was hot!

Erica and I in our spirit attire:

The next day was Soccer Mom/BBQ Dad day. I was cold in the morning and added my new Walmart Free Assembly jacket.

I wore my fall graphic tee, my Lululemon bag, a skort, a hat, and my Hokas.

And, I will leave you with Barbieheimer day. I tried to do both Barbie and Oppenheimer.

So, it was a silly week, but I think the kids really like when the teachers get into it and so many kids participated this year!

What have you been wearing?

Amy

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

All of a sudden we talk about mental health with our students quite a bit, but what about our mental health as moms, wives, daughters, sisters, employees, travel agents, concierges, chief entertainment officers, home decorators, and all the other hats we wear?

The sayings “If Mom ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” and “happy wife, happy life” are usually said in jest, but I really think they are true.

I have done a lot of work on my mental health and attitude in the last few years. I am trying to find my stride this school year with many changes in my teaching schedule, my school schedule, and some changes at home. I am giving myself some time to figure out what works best for me to be my optimum self. When I was younger, I was more rigid and less flexible. I really had a strong opinion about how things should be and if they didn’t work out, I found it hard to re-group. I have improved, but I am still not what I would call a Type B personality!

Here’s what has worked for me:

Quality sleep and a good bedtime are key for me. I do a shower with lavender wash after dinner/before bed (not always washing my hair), I still take one Goli Ashwagandha gummy, I use Laneige lip mask, and I spray my pillow with “It Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray”. I have added a new thing – I now start off in fuzzy socks. I usually take them off when I do my 3:00 a.m. bathroom visit. Come on gals, you know you have one, too!

I do some leg work over the weekend to make my week run smoother. This means a grocery trip (if I didn’t already do it at the end of the week), some meal prep, some blog prep – I try to at least start the blog posts for the week if I can, some looking at my agenda for the week to plan meals, etc. I actually enjoy all of this. It doesn’t feel like work to me. If it feels like work to you, add a favorite tv show in the background, a podcast while you work, etc.

I get outside. This year with my later start I am enjoying about an hour on my patio and it is giving me life! I light a candle, read my devotional, read my blogs, and do a little blog writing.

I stay off the work email and do not work after hours if I can help it. Since I am working until about 4:00 now, I just don’t have more time to give away. I arrive at school an hour early and I stay 30-40 minutes late, unless I have a meeting and that is an hour later. I do not get paid for that extra time so why would I give away more time? With that said, I always bring my best (or try to) to my students during the class period, and I use every spare minute to plan lessons, give good feedback, etc.

Delegate – one example at school…we have a copy center. We have lovely students who work there and make the copies for us. My time is better spent doing other things so I delegate all of my copies to them. I have to be a bit more organized and can’t have last minute copies for this to work. I try to bring the copy center cookies a couple of times a year. At home, I tell Tom if I am struggling with something and he takes it off my plate. He does a lot of the Costco runs for me, for example. He runs errands when he is out for lunch, sometimes, too. He handles most of the bill paying, phone calls that have to be made, and things like that.

I read all year round and not just in the summer. I used to only read in the summer and I realized that made me sad. Tv doesn’t make me feel like reading does so I try to read more than I watch tv.

I plan a happy hour with girlfriends every other week or so.

I walk Ernie with Tom before dinner when I can. I try to have dinner done so I can do this. I know Tom really likes it and we have some good conversation time.

I laugh – seriously! I listen to funny podcasts and watch funny shows. And, you can’t be a high school teacher without laughing – you are either laughing with the students are at them – just kidding about the last part!

Take my days off. I strategically used my days last year so that I could combine a doctor appointment with a me day or just have a me day. It took me a long time to realize that the world would not stop spinning if I took days off when needed.

Please keep in mind that there are seasons in life, and this may not be a season when you can do this much – I have been there. I do see lots of young moms struggling and I urge you to find trusted babysitters for a few hours to yourself or a night out with hub and friends. It’s good for you and for your kids! Just meeting another mom to walk kids in the stroller or play on the playground helped my mental health during certain seasons.

So, how’s your mental health?

What are your tips? How do you take care of your mental health?

Amy

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

I split my weekend post into two this week and if you missed part I, you can click here!

Sunday morning I woke up and had my coffed and then make a spinach frittata that I had been wanting to make. Actually, it was going to be broccoli, but I had already used the broccoli and had a bag of spinach on hand!

With the cool morning, I was in the mood for the pumpkin bread made with spice cake mix – I added in some chocolate chips.

I couldn’t quite fit all the fritatta egg mixture in my pie plate, so I used the rest to make myself a breakfast scramble and I threw in tomatoes and some zucchini that I had. It turned out great!

Mason woke up and picked chocolate chip panckaes because he knew that would also make Jack happy – he is always thinking of Jack and it’s so sweet.

They hung out playing some games and then Mason wanted the ham and swiss sliders before leaving for the airport.

I guess you could say I was doing a lot of stress cooking and cleaning all morning.

Mason saying bye to Ernie had me in my feelings…

The four of us headed to the airport.

We had to say bye pretty quickly for him to get through TSA…

We hung around the airport until we got the text “butt in seat” from Mason…

Tom and Colonel Sanders…

Yes, our airport has a KFC!

We headed home and then I started tracking on FlightAware.com…

He quickly arrived in Atlanta and had a very short layover and almost missed the flight to England because he mistakenly headed to baggage claim even though we told him, the airline told him, and the tag said it was going all the way to England. Yup, it happens. Also, we had to pay $100 extra for 7 pounds over the weight. We just couldn’t figure out what to leave out of a suitcase for 3 months so we had to bite the bullet. We used space bags and they are amazing. We still have the ones we bought 7 years ago.

I finished this – really good!

You know I don’t buy books – I use my library exclusively, but I love Sarah Adams so much that this was my splurge from Amazon:

Her books are set in Nashville, normally, but these two are from her “It Happened in Charleston” series which will go nicely with me watching the new season of Southern Charm!

I had the French meal leftovers, Tom had the slider leftovers. It was so nice out I ate outside while reading.

I actually slept pretty well. I slept from 9-11, checked Flight Aware that I had left open, slept again from 11-1 and saw he was 30 minutes away! He texted me at 1:30 saying he landed:

He told me to go to bed, but you know how that is! I did go back to sleep from 2-5 after texting with him, and I felt ok yesterday morning. He was being picked up at the airport by two university students, so that made us feel better that he didn’t have to figure out transportation.

And, now we wait for photos and details! And, I try not to text him too much!

Amy

Monday, September 18, 2023

I am linking up today with Sarah and Holly for a bit of weekend talk!

Let’s go back to Thursday…

I had an appointment in the morning so I could spend the day with Mason! We went to the bank to get some pounds:

We ate at a French restaurant for lunch – ooh la la! We split a croque monsieur and it was a great idea! We also got some mushrooms and they were heavenly.

We had such a nice day that also included a couple more stores for a couple more necessities. We did all the laundry and made piles of all the clothes and things he was taking.

That night, we made the French meal again – bacon wrapped chicken spread with Boursin cheese, broccoli this time, and au gratin potatoes.

Friday I worked and it was a good day and after I met my friend at Mojito for a pitcher of mojitos and some guac with plantain chips!

I got favorite Mexican take out for Jack and Mason and then I spent some time on the patio…

Mason had told me all the meals he wanted me to make or food he wanted us to get before he left and it was quite daunting! So cute!

Saturday morning was so cold so I broke out an Aldi pumpkin k cup and I approve! Really good!

I was outside to see the beautiful sunrise!

Proof of the cool weather!

I made 8 breakfast burritos using Aldi low card wraps:

Saturday Mason and I had a few more toiletries to get and we also stopped in the Kroger wine shop.

Two thumbs up for this that I tried with dinner:

Jack and Mason spent the afternoon and evening together and Tom had some much needed sports in the big chair time. His weekends have been so busy lately so I knew he needed that. I spent time here reading…

the rest of this:

So cute! Then, I started this…

A student loaned it to me so I didn’t want to keep it too long.

Tom’s friend from the gym brought up some Vermont white cheddar and it made a great little snack…

And, per Mason’s request we had our favorite Mediterranean for dinner. We watched a show as a family, too. Last dinner as a family of four together for awhile…

And, that is it for Part I!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, September 15, 2023

Oh my gosh – this week was so much better than last week! I am happy to link up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Faves!

First of all, let’s talk about the weather – even though I am trapped inside from 7 something until about 4, I have been getting outside in the morning with my coffee and a candle. This is where I do my morning devotional, blog reading, and blog writing.

For some reason, this really sets a positive tone for my day!

Also, let’s talk about what else I have finally managed to do – I made it to the gym twice this week at 5:30 a.m. I was so sore from my fall 3 weeks ago (slipped on water in the kitchen), that this is the first week I have felt ok to start back at the gym. I pulled my hamstring, hurt both knees, and hurt one arm and shoulder. I can still feel that one arm is weaker, and my hamstring still hurts a little.

I found my favorite handsoap at Target last weekend!

Then, I found the matching candle at my Kroger:

My Kroger now has this display up – it was in a kind of odd place, so you might have to hunt for it if you are interested.

I finished this and loved it. I did like Nora Goes Off Script better, but still really loved this story. I am in a good reading stride right now!

I started this – I just really love this author for a fun rom com type book!

Mason has been asking to watch Gilmore Girls with me and I love that someone listed the best fall vibe episodes!

My favorite dinner this week was this:

I just used the Amylu Chicken Gouda Apple sausages I had from Costco and I added red potatoes. It had a very German/Oktoberfest/Fall vibe!

I made a mid-week secondhand shopping trip with Mason and found this H & M crinkly skirt new with tags:

I know it’s not the most flattering, but I was super comfy and I think it will work with some other things in my closet, too, when I have time to experiment!

Also, I am waiting on these to arrive:

I will let you know if they become a favorite or not!

And, finally, my Dad’s birthday was Monday (he passed away in 2018) and my Mom’s birthday was Wednesday. They were the same age with birthdays that close together! I love this photo of them. Do you think I look like either of them?

What were your favorites this week? I hope you had many! Can you believe it is already mid-September? I like to dedicate September to all things apple! I need to get on that. My weekend is all about Mason – we will be washing clothes, packing as efficiently as possible, and taking him to the airport. I am so excited for his adventure, but as expected I am nervous, too. I think I am just ready for him to get there and get settled!

Amy

Thursday, September 14, 2023

How are we halfway through September already? Is anyone else stunned by this knowledge? I am linking up with Kellyann and Jill for their Fashion Files!

I am into pants lately! I think since wearing so many dresses this spring and summer I am ready for some pants. Anyone else?

Also, I continue to wash my hair every other night so if you see my hair down, that means it was a clean hair day. If you see a headband, that means we are working with second day hair. I continue to love my headband collection.

This was last Thursday and even though I had worn my new Umgee pants Tuesday after Labor Day, I wore them again. They are that good. They are light and gauzy and I paired them with this J.Crew white gauzy blouse. Seriously, if you are in the market for a black pant, I cannot recommend them more. I washed them this weekend and hung them to dry. You can’t see the detail in my photo, so click on the Amazon link to see them.

When you don’t feel inspired, wear black and white. My headband is a multicolored scarf print with pink, green and black.

Friday I wore my new Dillard’s Westbound jeans with a white tank and my scarf kimono from a consignment store. It would have looked better with a higher heel, but school, you know. I want to try these jeans with clogs and other footwear. I absolutely love these jeans – they are supposed to be more cropped, but this is the length I am happy with. Jennifer told me about these jeans that don’t have any hardware. Click on my link and you will see that you can’t really tell. I want to order another pair for fall. My pair below were on sale for $28 and I think they are no longer available because they were considered summer jeans.

Saturday for shopping, I wore my Target Universal Thread straight leg from last year. I have these in black (no stretch at all and they are currently too tight!), light that you see below that I cut and frayed myself, and a medium wash that I left alone. These were my jeans of last fall and winter because they weren’t skinny but they also weren’t too voluminous. I am 5’4, by the way, but I feel like I have short legs.

Later that day, I put on this top and sneakers with the same jeans.

Monday for work I am a hot mess with all this stuff under my arm. I wore my new J.Crew Factory pants ($13!) with an old black blouse that I need to donate – it has some little pinholes I didn’t realize, and a consignment J.Crew pink cardigan. What is up with me and J.Crew? It’s either Factory or consignment, because I don’t pay those prices!

What have you been wearing lately? I really shouldn’t wish away the nice weather and opportunities to wear skirts and dresses comfortably, but my legs want pants right now.

Do you have a favorite? This helps me to hear what you think looks best! Thank you!

Amy