Monday, March 13, 2023

Today I am linking up for Hello Monday here and for Not Just a Mom here!

I think I will kind of weave the two topics together if you all are ok with that!

Friday was super cold, but Ernie has gotten so used to our after school walk. He lets me do a couple of things around the house, but then about 30 minutes after I return home, he comes to me with the cutest face and perked up ears like, “Come on, Mom, it’s time”. He rolls in the grass of the front yard at the end of our walk:

Elizabeth wanted to meet up for happy hour at 4, but Erica was busy, so it was just the two of us. We met at Joe’s Older than Dirt and were happy with the reasonable prices.

We talked and talked and I got home around 6:30 – oops. I was full and Tom had a big lunch, so we both just skipped dinner. Tom had some snacks while he waited for me. I was willing to make something for him, but he was fine. Later I had some popcorn while watching tv.

This has pretty much been my routine this year – get up about an hour later than normal on Saturdays and start my day with my quiet time, a lit candle, two cups of coffee, and catching up on any blogs I missed during the week. Sometimes I read my book.

I told Tom my favorite thing about my new oven is the clock and he responded with a “yeah, you haven’t been using it for cooking!” He got me. I have only used it twice so far. He really thought that was funny.

This is the coveted chair in our house. Tom slept in until about 8 and no one else was home so I had no competition for it.

I like to start my weekend with a list:

My list usually has a section for things to do at home, places I need to go, and I flush out the meals for the week.

Can anyone peep the blog I am cathing up on?

Preppy Empty Nester is a great blog follow!

I’ve decided to try to do two weeks’ worth of breakfasts at a time. I did my grocery pick up on Thursday and it included two packs of English muffins. These are 4 WW points, but they are really great tasting – someone recommended them to me, but I forgot who. I put one slice of Canadian bacon, one slice of Sargento very thin cheese, and a square of egg. I put the eggs on my small cookie sheet and baked them.

I wrap them and put them in the freezer.

I also did Ernie’s chicken:

I also made ground beef for two different meals this week – shepard’s pie and spaghetti. Getting the meat part done really helps me and I had a ton of energy for meal prepping Saturday morning. I always do something for my future self during the weekend mornings. I enjoy it and it’s relaxing for me. I play a podcast or have a show on in the background.

I usually run errands around 10. This Saturday I did the library and Clothes Mentor. I had to find something for the bachelorette weekend I’m going to and I found some white NYDJ jeans! Do you know that you often have to go up a size in white jeans? I realized I never did have any white jeans last season and I really missed them, so I have been on a recent quest for a pair that fits well.

So, on a normal Saturday, I usually finish errands by lunchtime, make lunch for me and anyone else around, piddle around the house, read, watch tv, and lately I have been cooking Saturday night dinner at home.

The weekends look quite different than they used to. Much of our time is at home, now.

Then, it was time to go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. My friend Heather came to my house and she rode with me to meet Erica at a club she belongs to.

We hung out there for a bit and had a drink and some Irish soda bread. Then, we walked to the parade.

My sister in law’s boat business was in it – Marine Sales and Service:

And, my niece Morgan walked with them!

We also saw Heather’s brother in law and some really cute dogs:

Then, we got some onion straws and bbq:

I didn’t get home until about 7! Tom had spent most of the day with Mason. They ate Venezuelan food for lunch and hung out. Jack was away at a singing event.

I guess we sprung forward overnight! I slept in until about the new 7:00 and did the same morning rourtine.

Then, I made Jen’s Irish recipe – with a few changes because I can never just follow a recipe:

I bought a very small seasoned brisket and browned it on the stove. I went ahead and added my cabbage at the beginning instead of waiting until the end. I also made her Irish soda bread in the afternoon!

I have the best luck with my crockpot on the weekends when I can watch it. I think I’m gone too long during the week and it just doesn’t turn out great. It all tastes like “crockpot”.

The rest of Sunday included some more errands because I have a busy week ahead.

What did you do this weekend and what does a day in the life look like for you? I am and have always been an early riser and use that energy in the morning to my advantage.

Hope your Monday is tolerable!

Amy

P.S. – My posting schedule might be lighter this week, so just want to let you know!

Friday, March 10, 2023

How was your week? Ours was a bit discombobulated at school! We had Monday off for storm damage/lack of electricity at many of our schools from the Friday storm and Wednesday I had a large majority of my students taking the ACT during most of the school day. So, it’s been an out of sorts week at school and that means lack of motivation for many students. Also, we are limping along towards spring break! We still have 21 calendar days!

It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika for some Friday Favorites!

What have been your favorite things this week? I would like to share some of mine!

I have been loving the early blooms on our trees:

However, I am a bit scared with our cold snap that they will die. Yup, it has turned cold/seasonable cool again. We had almost 80 degrees and sunny on Monday and then 40s since then.

Mason returned from the conference on Sunday afternoon and decided to stay another night because he doesn’t have class until afternoon on Monday. So, I got some added one on one time. because I was off Monday. Jack had to go back Sunday afternoon to sing in the chapel for mass. Mason and I watched some tv together and chatted Sunday evening, Monday morning and at lunchtime Monday. I was so happy to have that extra time.

Also on my day off Monday, I tried my hand at making gnocchi (boiling a package for 3 minutes) with bacon tomato sauce from this recipe.

I think I should have browned the gnocchi in a skillet after boiling, but I really liked it! Jen has been talking about always ordering gnocchi off of a menu when available and I had never tried it.

I bought this package at Fresh Market. Why is the little Italian girl so sad?

I decided to try some shampoo and conditioner from TJ Maxx and I love it! The smell is wonderful. It doesn’t suds up much, but I still feel that my hair was really clean.

And, I bought some hairspray and dry shampoo there, too. This is my favorite dry shampoo – like it really cleans your hair. And, I am happy with this new to me hairspray. I am new to buying hair products at TJ Maxx, but there are some great deals to be found.

I was very sad that Dave’s Thin Sliced Killer Bread was no longer in stock at my Kroger at the time of my pick up. Seriously, why is everything I want out of stock or no longer carried in my store? Does this happen to you, too? They subbed for this and I really like it, too.

I really only use this for my beloved avocado toast. You need a more hearty bread for avocado toast, in my expert opinion. Ha!

My day off on Monday was truly a treat. The weather was to die for. I hate that it came at the expense of a storm, though. I got a polish change (I didn’t want the full monty and didn’t want to sit for it and I also didn’t want my spray tan soaked off of my legs), which means just them trimming, buffing, and polishing your pigs. I went with a highlighter pink color and I am loving it. It’s only $16, too, before tip.

I realized that I can do a smaller grocery pick up if needed. It’s free if you spend $35, I think, and we all know how easy that is to do these days. Some weeks call for two different pick ups if you can’t plan for the entire week, you know?

I also vacuumed out my car on Monday. I keep a very empty, clean car. Tom, on the other hand, could live out of his. He keeps multiple jackets, tools, sporting equipment, hand sanitizer from 2001, bandanas for sweat?, medicine, a first aid kit, multiple protein bars, multiple cups and drink options. No, he does not drive for work. He drives to an office. He drives a Suburban and there is hardly room for me when I ride in his car.

Anyway…my car looked so good!

Sunday late afternoon, I wanted to go look at the high river. We went to Captain’s Quarters and there were actually a lot of people sitting outside. Can you see how high it is? Look at all of the debris from the storm, too.

I got an adult lemonade:

I got fish and could hardly touch the amount they gave me.

Tom got a hot brown. This is a Louisville specialty.

I am anxiously awaiting my Target spring sweater! It should be here this afternoon.

After reading One Italian Summer, I dove back into this. It’s about a female chef opening a new restaurant in Paris. I’m enjoying it. There are predictable elements and it’s a lighter read after my last book.

I got to see a beautiful sunrise in the school parking lot on Wednesday!

I am loving my one pair of button front jeans! Who would have thought? I like to call these my weekend jeans. They are from Old Navy and short length, so they are perfect on me.

I did decide to return the Athleta flare leggings. I just thought I don’t need a pair of $55 leggings, you know? They were too long and I just didn’t think it would be a good purchase. They were incredibly soft, though. I always reach for my leggings with pockets on both sides right now anyway, and those don’t have pockets.

What’s been good in your world this week?

Amy

Thursday, March 9, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means it’s link up day with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

First, it’s been crazy around here so not much fashion has been going on. Friday we didn’t have school because of the threat of storms and very high winds. Well, that was a good call because many trees came down and several homes and schools were left without power. In fact, we also didn’t have school on Monday. We did not lose power and I was so thankful because we did lose it for five days the last time we had such high winds.

Thursday I wore this to school:

This is my Target Deff Leopard t-shirt, my white Target button up, my Matilda Jane flares, and my MIA black clogs. I did change into flats after a bit.

Sunday I wore denim on denim. This is my Old Navy chambray blouse with Old Navy distressed jeans, my new Olukais mules, and a cream sweater. I kept from cropping my face just so you could see the struggle I go through some days trying to take an outfit pic. What am I doing?

Did you read my post yesterday? I shared more about these shoes and other recent fashion purchases.

Monday when I didn’t have school I put on my biker shorts. I have Amazon and J.Crew biker shorts. They both have pockets on either side and are great for everything. I love them. I only left the house for a pedicure and a Kroger pick up.

And, Tuesday I wore this to school – older blouse from a boutique – the brand is Entro and I really like it and consignment Matilda Jane pants. I took my shoes for a test run at school and they stood the test. They were both comfortable and easy to walk in. If you have super narrow feet, though, they may not be for you. They do seem a bit wide for many in the reviews.

And finally, above, I wore my ON blouse like my chambray version, green Matilda Jane flares, and my new Olukais.

So, not a super fashionable week around here.

What have you been wearing?

Oh, I have to break out the sweaters again – winter is back!

Amy

How many parts will there be? I don’t know – maybe 12? Ha! Check out my first post here where I shared my January purchases and probably some early February purchases, too!

Ever since January 1, 2023, I have been looking toward spring with my purchases. I have plenty of winter clothes and I don’t enjoy buying them very much.

At the end of February, I had an appointment at my favorite consignment store and took 6 pairs of shoes, 1 handbag, 1 pair of pants, and 8 tops for re-sale. This forced me to really look at my spring and summer clothing and see what I wasn’t excited to wear. I will be happy if I get a bit of money back to put towards new things – mostly at this shop – Sassy Fox! They don’t take any fast fashion – so no Old Navy or Target for them.

I like to look at spring trends and look at my current clothing and see what I am still excited to wear and what still looks fresh and modern. I try to be very honest with myself. What didn’t fit quite right? What no longer excites me? Just like Marie Kondo says, I think it’s good to thank it for its service and send it along to someone who will be thrilled to have it. I am constantly learning what works for me, what I like to wear, and what I feel good in.

First, let’s recap my Loft purchases of 2023 now that I have photos of me wearing them:

The green and white striped shirt was a hit at school on this day (lots of comments from my students!) and then I wore it unbuttoned with a white tee over the weekend and I loved that look, but didn’t get a photo, unfortunately.

This cream cardigan jacket is super soft and I have been grabbing it for the cool weekend mornings, which has kind of surprised me. It’s a classic and I think it will always be “in style”. I don’t love it with the shirt underneath, but I have lots of options.

And, this green floral blouse is just so pretty and my favorite style of blouse for me:

I really like Loft and they have a nice teacher discount, too. I like to order online and order enough to get the shipping free and then return to my nearby store. I like the size selection online and maybe the deals are better?

I bought this impulse purchase blouse at TJ Maxx. I loved the print!

I am in love! I bought them and I love them! You may remember me telling you about these on my wish list recently?

They are so cushy. Tom has had and loved Olukais for years. Seriously, check them out for your hub. By the way, this is my first shoe purchase of 2023.

This was a bit of an impulse purchase, but I have been wanting a white tank swimsuit. This one appears to be fully and majorly lined, but if it doesn’t work, I will sell it to my consignment store, I guess. I am even willing to pay to get it tailored if needed. I haven’t gotten anything tailored in a long time so I could justify it.

J.Crew white swimsuit $39 final sale:

I have placed a Target.com order for these:

I am in need of a black work pant. So, we will see, but Target just makes returns so easy.

And this sweater – swoon!

And, I placed an Athleta order (my first!) for these:

I think I ordered them in a petite length. Again, this is an easy return to make. So, I will let you know.

It continues to be awkward, but eye opening to take my outfit pics.

What have you been buying lately?

Amy

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Are you intimidated like I was? I went to a spray tan booth once in my 30s and opened my mouth on accident and couldn’t follow directions about turning at correct times so I had been scared to try it again. Yes, I can totally see how Ross messed it up so badly!

Last spring, my co-worker Erica went to Sun Tan City and kind of explained what to do so I gave it a shot and really liked it. I kept going all spring and summer (monthly rate) and stopped from August until November. Then, I got a deal that couldn’t be beat to tan from November until March for a low rate. So, I went maybe a couple of times a month since November.

Another nice thing is that no appointment is required. I have never even had to wait in the lobby.

I think there is a deal now where you can go as a first timer for $20 if you do want to try it.

Last week was my last chance to go with that package and I thought I would walk you through the process. I am hoping to get a please come back deal sent to my inbox because I would like to go a couple times a month in the spring. I still love Tan Luxe The Butter and I plan to use that as maintenance until I go back to Sun Tan City. But, boy is it nice to have your whole body done for you. When I just used self tanning lotion, I only worried about my arms and legs.

There are a couple of different types of spray booths, brands, formulas of tanning agents, and levels of tan – light, medium, and dark. I figured out I liked Versa (brand name of the machine) medium after the first few times I went. The employees will help you decide and explain the different formulas to you, so don’t worry.

You want to wear loose dark clothing and you can’t shower for 4-6 hours after getting sprayed if you want your color to devolop and last.

I usually wear a black knit swing dress. I like to shower and wash my hair before going and then I don’t shower again until the next day. It has never stained my clothes or sheets. There is a bit of a smell but it doesn’t bother me too badly. You do want to wear your hair in a ponytail because you put on this cap:

This is what the booth looks like below. If you are claustrophobic, it does not have a door that closes and it is inside your own private room. You can go in your birthday suit with no worries. It has numbers on the floor and it tells you (the booth talks to you) to start with toes on number one and heels on number four, then you do three other positions always using the numbers as a guide. I put a towel down under my feet because I did have the bottoms of my feet get dirty before.

The booth washes itself immediately after and also an employee cleans each booth, but you don’t touch anything except the floor of the booth.

Before starting you put this barrier cream between your fingers and on your wrists and between your toes so that the tanning solution doesn’t make those areas really dark. I have forgotten this step before and I just washed my hands and feet immediately with wet wipes and it was ok.

There are posters with instructions inside your little room that locks, by the way. They tell you about how to put on the barrier cream (it is provided in the room), how to stand in the booth, how to change positions, etc. Also, there is a phone if you need to call the front desk. There are also paper towels, wipes, your hair net, a clean towel, and a mirror.

The whole booth process only takes about 5 minutes and it blows air on you to dry after, as well. I immediately put my clothes on and leave.

My spray tan lasts for 7-10 days if I just shower normally. Swimming or soaking in a bathtub can affect how long it lasts. Also, you are supposed to just wash with your hands and not use a loofah or a washcloth and then pat dry with your bath towel and not rub. You also want to keep moisturizing and that helps it last. It fades very naturally, though.

I think it looks best about two days after tanning so if you have an event to go to, I would plan ahead and go at least one day before the event, but two might be the best.

I have never done the spray tan where a person sprays you, so I can’t speak about that experience.

Here is what I looked like the day after:

My feet look pretty dark in the photo.

Is it vain? Yes. Is it silly that we like to “be tan” or have a little color? Yes. I don’t let myself get much real sun anymore so this has been a good option for me. Am I a bit worried about the chemicals involved? Yes. There are organic spray tans where the person uses the handheld sprayer on you. I might look into that, but I feel like that would be more expensive and cost prohibitive for me.

I hope I explained the process well enough for those of you curious.

Do you ever get sprayed? Have you been sprayed? Have you been sprayed by a skunk? I hope not!

Amy

Monday, March 6, 2023

My weekend started out weird but wonderful. I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to tell you about it! Thursday night I could not keep my eyes open. I literally had to rewind the show I was watching like 3 times because I fell asleep. I finally gave up and went to bed. Friday morning I was wide awake at 4:30 all bright eyed and bushy tailed because I had gone to sleep so early and came out to start my morning routine. It was raining and storming and I just had this weird premonition. I checked my work email and sure enough we had no school because of the severity of the storms expected. I don’t check work email at home as a regular practice anymore and I had taken all notifications off of my phone a few years ago. I am living in the dark ages and I love it.

I also should tell you something weird happened with Friday’s post. I think it was still sent out via email and I was able to link it to the Friday Favorites link up party, but it has disappeared off the face of my WordPress account. So strange!

So, I was kinda mad that I didn’t sleep in, but I was also ok with it. I drank my two cups of coffee, read blogs, and then decided to watch tv in case the power went out later and then I would read. These are very serious decisions I am making, people. I watched Outer Banks – Tom has abandoned it because of the extreme cheesy teen aspect. Tom left for work and seemed a bit salty that I got to stay home.

I walked Ernie during a lull in the rain and then my new oven was delivered and I was home to receive it! Jack was going to do it for us because he was home for spring break. Mason was still away at his conference. I talked on the phone with two friends and one of them started talking to me about the Murdaugh Murders so I jumped into that on Netflix. Wow.

Jack and I went to Goodwill and to Subway. I had not had a Subway (vegetarian, toasted!) in years and it was really good. Jack found three items at Goodwill and I found something I need for a bachelorette weekend activity coming up.

Then the weather got scary. The winds were so high that my patio furniture and a metal table were moving. I think they made the right call because of having kids leaving school at this time, busses on the roads, etc.

I was supposed to go to a couple of boutiques at a nearby neighborhood with my friends in the late afternoon, but the boutiques closed early or for the whole day. Afterward, we were supposed to go eat Mexican in the same neighborhood with our hubs, which we still did. The wind died down around 6 or 7 but it was pretty crazy. There are lots of trees down and blocked roads. One set of friends had to changed routes two times to get to the restaurant.

We took some arroz con pollo home for Jack and he and I watched Daisy Jones and the Six.

Saturday morning I was on a mission to shop TJ Maxx and Homegoods for shower curtains. Oh – and I also went to Target.

I found a black shower rod, black rings, and a shower curtain liner, but not the kind of pattern curtain I want. My sister told me not to settle and to look at the curtain as art for the bathroom. Also, it will be the first thing you see when you look in the bathroom. So, I ordered the one I really wanted and you will see it in a minute!

I succumbed to an impulse purchase at Target. These mixes are really good, but raisins really don’t belong. I love Raisin Bran, but nope, not here.

The one I really wanted was on Etsy, but also on Amazon for much less! If the fabric looks cheap, I will send it back.

Jack and Tom took out our old oven and put in our new one and it was quite a chore. It doesn’t fit exactly right and we are not ready to demo our kitchen yet. Ugh. Homeownership. But, they got it hooked up and it is working.

I swept, mopped, cleaned, straightened and we also had some yard messes from the storm. Finally, I got to go to my happy place in the sun!

I finished it yesterday morning, by the way. I don’t know what I think. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. Maybe I will go with that?

My oven has to be all smart and I had to download an app and all that jazz.

This was the inaugural item baked in the oven:

For dinner, I made Tom, Jack and I our honey mustard salad with chicken.

I watched another Daisy Jones with Jack and some Bravo shows I was behind on by myself.

Sunday morning I read and drank some coffee and prepped some vegetables for the week.

The next couple of weeks are going to be super busy with some things going on at work and no more days off.

What did you do this weekend? I hope you didn’t get bad storms!

Now, let’s talk Amazon…

I have been trying to be less implusive and really think about my purchases. Thank you to Tanya for providing this link up!

First off, I needed more of my favorite can’t live without popcorn butter spray, then Ernie needed more of his Rachael Ray little burger patties. They are so cute and he loves them. The price on this butter spray just keeps going up. I did not pay the current price you see when you click on the red font. I need to look at Walmart next time I’m there.

I want to read before bed instead of watching tv and I ordered this amber light clip on light and so far I love it, but the charger that came with it doesn’t fit in the spot where it’s supposed to go? I guess I really should send it back or call the company?

Then, I received a $30 gift card for participating in an education survey and went down a jewelry rabbit hole. I love the brand Pavoi and if you need a gift, it comes in really cute little gift boxes. I think the quality is pretty darn good, too.

First, I had wanted these starburst earrings for quite awhile.

Then, I wanted some new layering necklaces so I got this one and this one and extenders to help me do that.

I got this 80s looking ring to wear on my middle finger but it seems to run small so fourth finger it is. And, I lost one of my identical hoops that I wear all the time, so this was a re-order.

I didn’t do too badly, in my opinion!

What have you used Amazon for lately?

I’m feeling a bit melancholy today with my kids’ spring break being over, I guess. I also know how much I have to get done between now and the end of May. Also, we don’t have our spring break until March 31st, and that seems like a long time from now. Don’t worry – I usually don’t stay in these funks for long.

Thanks for reading and let me know about your weekend and your Amazon purchases in the comments!

Amy

Thursday, March 2, 2023

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

Last Wednesday night I wore this to The Melting Pot. They had a step and repeat at the front of the restaurant so we were being silly. I hope these palazzo pants are still in style. I have maybe four or five pairs that I have had for a long time. They are comfortable like pajamas pants, cool (you don’t get too hot), and they still look presentable. I wore a very old TJ Maxx top with buttons along the sleeves.

Note to Self: Do not wear flowy sleeves while cooking your own meat with skewers over a vat of bubbling liquids.

All last week was Sparkle Week! Our librarians came up with this years ago as something fun in mid-February. Really only the teachers did it, but it was fun. One day I wore my silver sequin pants, one day I wore this:

And, the final day I wore sparkle leggings. I slacked on photos last week. We only had 3 days with kids and I had just enough sparkle clothing for 3 days!

On Saturday I wore this for errands. I had just cleaned my closet and it was a bit chilly in the late morning. Do you like cream with white? I’m not sure. I wore my current favorite Target jeans, my tan Danskos, a white soft linen button down, and my new Loft sweater blazer jacket thing.

Saturday night for the comedy show I changed into this:

Meh – at the last minute I changed into black clogs.

Monday for school I tried to turn lemons into lemonade because it was another Monday and we still have 5 – count them – 5 weeks until spring break. It’s so freaking late. We come back and only have 6 more weeks of school remaining. Doesn’t that seem too late?

And, finally I wore my new Loft striped shirt with jeans and the pumps only made it for a few minutes before I changed into flats.

I can’t figure out what to do with my face! Oh well!

What have you been wearing?

If you have been following along, I got all of my money back from Vaugu including the shipping! Still, major lesson learned…until I forget that lesson again. Ha!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

I am linking up with Jennifer a some other lovely ladies today for Currently!

Loving

The sunshine! I was able to get outside both weekend days this past weekend. I am stuck inside from 6:45 until about 3:00 and never go outside at work, so I crave being outside. Also, after I get home from school, my back deck no longer gets full sun because I have missed the window.

Sunday, Tom got out the big dog saw and sawhorses and did our bathroom trim himself. I was so impressed.

Starting

So, with Tom finishing the trim and getting ready to have it painted, I started questioning if I really did want to go with a white shower curtain.

Etsy:

Pottery Barn:

What do you think? Any retailers I should try for shower curtains or bathroom accessories?

Finishing

Carrie Soto. It’s ok. There’s way too much tennis talk. I want more personal life details and I want her to have a personal life! Dang!

Trying

Baby Zucchini from Trader Joe’s! So cute!

I am also eating a lot of arugula salads lately. I really like arugula.

Where We’re Going

To work, back home, to work again, to Kroger, back home, to work again – rinse and repeat. This is a hard stretch of year where I feel like it’s the same day every day. This routine is really all I have energy for. If you are a teacher, you get it!

What are you loving, starting, finishing, trying, and where are you going lately?

Amy

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Since it is the last day of February I thought I would go ahead and wrap with my spending diary.

I did an Uber Frugal January challenge and I decided to keep it up for February. I was not as restrictive in February, but I still did pretty well, and maybe I did even better. Go figure! Want to be a voyeur and see what I spent on gas, groceries, items for the household, meals out, takeout, happy hours, and clothing? I did not include any other household bills or what Tom spends.

Feb 1 – $10 toward a baby gift card at school, $46 Napa dinner with my friend Beth

Feb 2 – $140 Kroger pick up

Feb 3 – $19 happy hour

Feb 4 – hair $85 plus 20 tip, Kroger 56, 1.40 scarf

Feb 5 – Sunday Funday with Tom $38

Feb 6 -$0 No spend day

Feb. 7 – $114 Kroger pick up (had to do it a day or two early because we were out of some things/poor planning on my part – The Lazy Genius does two pick ups per week. There is no fee so I guess I could do that – sometimes it’s hard to plan for a whole week at once )

Feb. 8 – $14 Amazon (two new phone chargers for J and M’s Valentine’s gift bag – already bought fun socks and will add some candy)

Feb. 9- $74 gas, $0 Starbucks, $33 dinner

Feb. 10- $22 happy hour at Brick House with E and E

Feb. 11 – $154 Kroger, $15 wine, $15 donation to flamenco society

Feb 12-$72 including tip Selena’s V day dinner

Feb 13 – $25 Amazon e gift card Nora

Feb 14 – $0 Spend Day

Feb 15- $0 Spend Day

Feb 16-$177 Kroger pick up

Feb 17-$27 Drake’s, $46 Whole Foods

Feb 18 -$0 Library (4 books), $29 Dollar Tree, $17 TJ MAxx, $26 Liquor Barn, $26 Chick Fil A

Feb 19 -$56 Trader Joe’s, $12 Panera, $22 Texas Roadhoaue

Feb 20 $14 Con Huevos for lunch break during conferences, $20 Kroger andouille sausage and shrimp for Tuesday’s Mardi Gras cajun dinner at home

Feb. 21- $48 Driver’s License Renewal

Feb. 22 – $74 fondue restaurant Galentine’s special

Feb 23 – $0 Spend Day

Feb 24 – $114 Kroger pick up (cooked at home and no happy hour)

Feb 25 – $0 Library, $18 Sassy Fox – took my spring and summer and did a little looking around and found a graphic tee

Feb 26 – $38 Target – got some travel toiletries for M for conference, wood glue for Tom, dog treats for Ernie

Feb 27-$0 Spend Day

Feb 28 – $30 Lunch with my kids because I took off for their Spring Break (help M pack and spend a little time). At the time of this posting, I haven’t done this yet, but I am budgeting for it!

Totals:

No Spend Days – Only 5 this time! I think I had 9 in January.

Groceries – $877 – Kroger, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s

Gas – $74 – I think this is the second month in a row that I have only filled up once!

Happy Hours – $114 (one of these was a full dinner with Beth)

Meals Out – $239 (higher than last month)

Take Out – $26 One dinner from Chick Fil A where I bought extra food for the next day

Clothing – $1. 40 consignment scarf, $18 graphic tee. I got my full amount back from the Vaugu order, I am waiting on Athleta flare split hem yoga pants, and two pairs of wide leg cropped yoga pants from Old Navy. We will see if these three things work – If they don’t, these are super easy returns to make in person. I have both stores very close by. I also ordered some pants on Amazon that may go back. So, after a big clothing month in January, look at my February!

Monday, February 27, 2023

Well, we are down to just two more days of February. I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to recap my weekend.

My college kids started their Spring Break! Yes, it is super early, but they get done with second semester at the end of April/very beginning of May. Do you want to know why? Because they want them gone before The Kentucky Derby! One will be home the whole Spring Break, but the other will be leaving in a couple of days for a conference out of town with one of his college organizations.

I finished this:

I don’t think I really recommend it. The author’s writing style is not my favorite. Her sentences are short and simplistic. You don’t really get to know or like any of the characters. And, this is super annoying…many times throughout the book she writes, “I already told you that”. Yes, I know you already told me that. I read it.

But, like a cultural anthropologist (? – Lol!), I was fascinated by the recounting of leaving New York City to flee to Maine at the beginning of the pandemic. I also read Jodi Piccoult’s pandemic centered book called “Wish you Were Here”. The only thing these two books have in common is the pandemic, though.

I guess I am intrigued by the fact that enough time has passed to both write and publish books about this topic. As strange as this sounds, I still have so many emotions surrounding my experience being both a parent with kids affected and a teacher and this book maybe helped me process more emotions and reach more closure. I feel strongly that we did so many things incorrectly but at the same time I have empathy because we didn’t know what we didn’t know.

I started this immediately after and I love a book set in Paris that has food descriptions!

Friday after school I had done a grocery pick up because I was lazy and didn’t do one Wednesday or Thursday. I also didn’t go to a happy hour because I went out to lunch on Monday and out for fondue dinner on Wednesday. I made us Asian bowls and all four of us ate together. We had sadly finished the show Shrinking on Apple TV. All four of us really liked it. Also, I pickled my own red onions and was quite pleased with myself.

All of this was cooked on the stove top or in the air fryer. My oven comes in next week!

Saturday morning I was up bright and early because I had gone to bed at 9:30. I finished catching up on blog reading and blog comments and cleaned up many areas of the house including my closet. I got a library notification that two much anticipated books were in!

Look at the cute green St. Patrick’s Day bookshelf!

Then, I had an appointment at my favorite consignment store, Sassy Fox.

They took most of my items. I didn’t really have that much because I like most of my spring and summer things. But, it forced me to go ahead and take inventory and that is always a great thing. I brought home one new thing – a graphic tee by Prince Peter. It retails for $54 and was brand new. I got it for $18. I had been wanting a graphic tee with pink in it.

For lunch, I used the Asian bowl leftovers and added arugula. I whipped up a bit more of the Asian sauce I had made and this turned out delish!

I made Tom avocado toast and we watched Outer Banks Season 3 Episode 1. I can’t believe Tom got into it last season, but he did.

It warmed up and it was really sunny. I made an old fashioned and lit my candle and did one of my favorite things – I read outside! I started Carrie Soto.

I’m not interested in tennis at all. I couldn’t get into Daisy Jones. I liked Malibu Rising ok. I liked Evelyn Hugo ok. I really liked her earlier books, though. I don’t think I’m going to have such a rave review about this book as others have had, but I am moving quickly through it.

For dinner I made spicy chicken alfredo with bowtie and rotini pasta. I had two boxes to use up and I did. My alfredo sauce is homemade and I indulged, too.

Then, Tom and I went to a comedy show at my school that was a fundraiser put on by the alumni association. I got free tickets, so why not?

I watched some tv with my kids when we got home and Tom watched the rest of his basketball game. We finished Cunk on Earth on Netflix and it was really funny.

I made these bowls for my breakfast both weekend days. I cook mushrooms, onions, and zucchini and top with scrambled eggs and cheese.

I also made some turkey meatballs and cooked some ground beef for dinners this week. My breakfast prep is still going strong for this week in my freezer. I think it’s smarter to do two week’s worth of breakfast burritos at a time!

Anyway, it was a very low key and also a very low spend weekend for me.

What did you do?

Amy