Tuesday, October 5, 2021

I get so many good ideas from this link up! Thank you, Tanya, and I hope no one minds if I add my Target.com recent purchases. I just love it so much! Amazon, you better watch out!

Let’s start with Target…

O.k., all I want to wear right now is jeans and dresses. It feels so good to have jeans that fit and are comfortable. This time last year, my jeans size was leggings and I am glad I didn’t buy the next size up. But, I should say that everyone should buy clothes that fit and that make them feel good. I just didn’t feel good. I am not in the size I would like to be in but I know I will be here for awhile.

I feel dumb; I didn’t know these came in short! I am 5’4 on a good day and these are the perfect length. I don’t regret the regular length that I cut and frayed (actually, I think that is a way to make skinny jeans more modern looking) but it’s nice to have a non frayed option for work or other ocassions.

Here they are!

And, I wanted a lighter pair. I think darker is probably more slimming, but I like the on trend look of the lighter.

Now I have 4 pairs of jeans that combined cost under $100. I think the quality is pretty darn good, too! Let me now if you have tried these.

So, I mentioned I want to wear dresses or jeans. Well, one must wear a shirt with the jeans and I love the look of the feminine blouse contrasted with jeans. I chose to try these two and I am pretty happy. I am kind of between shirt sizes so I sized up.

This gives me Little House on the Prairie in blouse form vibes. It is pretty high-necked but I think I like it. It is a rather stiff material but I didn’t find it uncomfortable. I think it might soften up with a few washes. I will say that this blouse and another Target blouse I have seem very short, making it hard to tuck in, but not impossible.

And, this is the most wonderful material! It would be perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s a bit silky and super soft. It has a bit of a cooling feel to it for those menopausal persons out there. Or, just those who run hot like I do.

And, we love a graphic tee to wear with a jean jacket, kimono or cardigan. As a Spanish teacher, I had to get this Frida Kahlo t-shirt and this Selena t-shirt.

I wore the Selena shirt yesterday and got tons of compliments and yes, all of my students know who she is!

So, Target has really been source lately. I love the drive up and the shipping orders are pretty fast, too. They make returns super easy. Target, I will always love you.

Now, let’s talk about Amazon. I love you, too. You have seen most of these things if you are a regular reader, but I will talk about why I think they were good purchases or why I plan to buy them again.

Let’s start with fashion. I love the brand Umgee. It is high quality and it is available on Amazon. It is the boho vibe I like and feels age appropriate. I don’t know if I will wear this without something under it as I have worn leggings under it the two times I have worn it.

And, this dress is everything! My sister in law also bought it and she also sent me a Facebook picture of a friend of a friend wearing it. Oooops, is it too popular?

I will say that I ordered it in another cute print and the fabric was different and it didn’t lay right so I sent it back. I think that happens sometimes with Amazon stuff.

I have been enjoying having a good old fashioned watch and have gotten lots of compliments on this $20 time piece.

And, now to get a bit personal and to my one male reader, Dan – my apologies. I went down a bra size and ordered the same wonderful bra. Pro tip: If you don’t have a preference for color, some are cheaper. I went with rosewater because it was the cheapest.

I am loving this two pack of belts and would buy it again.

I need to order more of my favorite hairspray. It’s the only thing I have ever had on autoship, but during the pandemic I didn’t need much so I took it off.

If you don’t have a shower cap, you need one! And, this is the best one out there. I got this as part of my mom’s birthday gift. This will totally protect your hairstyle when you don’t want to wash your hair. I wash my hair at night – almost every night – can’t help it. In the morning, I just do a quick body shower wearing this.

I love this so much and more than I ever thought I could love a laundry detergent. It is worth every penny because your whole house will smell amazing – unless you live in a really big mansion and the scent doesn’t travel into all of your nooks and crannies. Those of us that live in 2,000 square foot homes are the lucky ones here.

And, I cannot live without this anymore. If you love popcorn, this is for you! I managed to totally avoid the movie theater popcorn when I brought my own with this on it. Yes, I did. My family still bought the real stuff.

And, finally I will buy this again. I only use the noodles as they are a great pasta option for me. You can also buy this at Costco, but sometimes Amazon is more convenient for me.

Ok, I’m tired.

Have you tried any of my picks?

Any recommendations for me? I love a shopping enabler, you know!

Thanks for stopping by,

Amy

Monday, October 4, 2021

Well, this Monday came too quickly. I guess they all do, right? I am linking up with Heather, etc. right here.

If you read my Friday Favorites, you know that I had my first Fall Break ever! My goals were fall decor, read, watch t.v., be social, go shopping, buy some new fall clothes and clean some clothes out of my closet, and continue to eat healthy while on break and walk as much as possible.

I think I accomplished all of that! On Friday I told you that I had a happy hour for my department on Tuesday, had a friend for lunch on Wednesday, met my niece for happy hour Wednesday afternoon, and then Thursday I made a major errand day.

I will say that I started getting a bit of a sore throat Wednesday evening and I gargled with warm salt water. I woke up with it again on Thursday morning and gargled again. I was kicking myself for not washing my hair on Wednesday before bed because the fall allergens love me. I started making sure I went to bed with clean hair and it made a big difference. I also use my saline solution morning and night year round.

The sore throat went away but then I had some congestion and painful sinuses. I tried to remember the last time I had this and I really think it was 2019.

Anyway, I went on with my day even though I didn’t feel 100%. I met Beth at the St. James Art Fair and wore my mask even outside because of the large number of people and just in case I could give something to someone. It was way too crowded for my comfort zone – pandemic or no. I don’t like being around that many people.

I bought one thing – this Ale 8 candle for Tom. He is not a candle person so It’s really for me. The scent is apple cider donut!

I only stayed at the art fair for about an hour because I had an appointment to design t-shirt quilts for Jack and Mason. I have been planning this for 17 years. I have saved all of their t-shirt souvenirs from our family trips.

This is kind of what they will look like.

I am so excited! I think I will like them more than they will, but I hope it will be something they treasure in the future.

I am on a good reading streak. I finished Maggie Finds her Muse and In Five Years in the last week and then I had a library pickup and got this. It’s super cute and very rom-com if you like that. It was just what I needed for break.

I think this is kinda funny – sitting outside with a pumpkin candle and bug spray.

I will show you my minimal fall decor soon but I am enjoying my Day of the Dead glasses. I finally found Casamigos tequila which is the lowest in WW points. I made a skinny margarita Friday afternoon.

Then, Friday night Tom and I went to Ramsi’s which is kind of a mediterranean vibe restaurant.

Tom is not a bread person but he couldn’t stop eating their garlic and goat cheese appetizer.

We split a brussel sprouts salad and I forgot to take a photo of the entree we split – grouper and crab cakes. We had so much food leftover.

Then, we went to Costco after dinner – very romantic!

Saturday morning we went to parents’ weekend at J and M’s college. We ate brunch in the cafeteria and toured classrooms. There were lots of activities like Bingo and a scavenger hunt but we only did a couple of things. You could also attend games and Churchill Downs if you wanted.

So pretty – this is the area between J and M’s dorms.

Then, the kids came home! We watched a couple of Gilmore Girls and I cooked my heart out. I made chili for dinner and their favorite honey mustard salad. We watched Ted Lasso with them, too. We went back to the beginning for them.

I went to bed between 9-10 the whole break. I was just tired and knew I needed sleep.

Sunday morning I woke to my favorite light rain.

I read and had my coffee on the patio.

I also did some meal prep for the week but I had already done a bunch Saturday morning, too. It was nice to take a break from my prepping, but I was also glad to start it up again.

Then, Sunday afternoon, the whole fam went to see Shang-Chi finally.

Mason also wanted to do some fall clothes shopping with me, so we did that.

I hope you had a wonderful first weekend of October!

Amy

Thursday, September 30, 2021

I love an outfit formula! We really don’t need much in our closets, but we need to have a go-to formula and we need a few things that we feel confident in, right?

I was thinking about what I have been using/wearing the most in the last few months and it wasn’t hard at all for me to see…

I really think my crossbody purse is a “style maker”! Plus, you are hands free for festivals, shopping, errands, and more!

So, take a basic black top, denim shorts, and a metallic shoe and pick your strap. Very little effort, but it looks put together.

Take the above and translate it for a bit cooler weather – jeans, black long sleeved or 3/4 sleeve top, and a closed toe shoe. Add your crossbody with fun printed guitar strap.

I love the idea of the metallic so here is another “fit” below using the formula.

I just think this purse is genius! You can fit so much! Is this the wooden handled purse of the 80s where you buttoned on a different cloth purse body? Remember those?

You can find these in any little local boutique or of course on Amazon. Here is a link to mine again. I do not earn any commission; I just really love this purse!

Everyone has denim and a black top! Pick your shoe and put it all together.

Do you love outfit formulas? Do you have one you use?

Amy

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

The theme for this week’s outfits….jeans. My two pairs of Target Universal Thread $15 jeans to be exact!

I find myself wanting to wear blouses, jeans, and my new belts. Did you see my post from yesterday where I shared recent fashion purchases? I bought a two pack of belts from Amazon.

First up is my TJ Maxx little green leaf print blouse, the lighter colored jeans, and the brown belt.

Next I have the darker jeans, a black boho top from Old Navy (very old), and my black Target clogs.

The lighter jeans, gold clogs, and my trusty short sleeved TJ Maxx blouse were my Saturday outfit.

For my Sunday boat ride, I wore my drawstring denim shorts and this TJ Maxx 3/4 sleeve blouse.

And, last I wore my darker jeans, brown belt, very old consignment Target blouse, and gold Tieks.

Um, yeah, so these jeans have paid for themselves already!

Do you have a favorite outfit of mine this week?

What have you been gravitating toward?

Amy

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Have you bought any fall clothing for 2021? I feel like I didn’t really need much last year. Maybe it is because life was totally different! And, it is still different, but I am amongst people. So, I need clothes.

I purchased this adorable dress from Target. I am really happy with the quality. I can see this looking nice with a jean jacket or a vest.

And, I purchased this dress which is not that flattering on me. I need to try it with a long vest maybe. The material is clingy and maybe I should have sized up.

I bought my first belts since maybe the 90s? I am really pleased with this two pack.

I have been wondering about a backpack purse and I am still debating. I ordered this one.

And, I have a few Target finds on the way…. we will see if they work out.

I am still really liking the blouse vibe – with jeans or pants for work.

And, because we all love the graphic tee/cardigan or tee/kimono combo and because I’m a Spanish teacher, I ordered a Selena and a Frida tee.

What have you been buying or eyeing? Wait, that is an excellent blog post title…

Amy

Monday, September 27, 2021

Monday, you came too quickly! I am linking up today with Heather, etc. right here.

Friday after school, Erica and I walked and then went to my patio for about an hour before heading back to school for an alumni night, stadium dedication, and food trucks. We also socialized with this cute group of seniors.

Photo opp!

I was very tired by 7:00 so I didn’t make it for the game. I went home and put on my pjs!

Saturday morning it was rainy but I headed to TJ’s for a fall shopping trip.

I got mums, apple cider hand soap, and a couple of other goodies.

Saturday afternoon it had cleared up and Tom and I went to a couple of outdoor festivals. We ended up on this patio at a pizza place and ordered a drink. We were going to get pizza but they told us they were out of dough. Then, they told us they “found” a couple of balls. It all sounded very odd, so we opted out of the “found dough balls”. It was Saturday at 4:00 p.m., too. We bought sushi and soup at The Fresh Market and went home and watched Ted Lasso.

Sunday morning we did an hour and a half boat excursion to my hometown for an arts festival.

Our friends Dan and Kara joined us and Dan is also from the same hometown. We got German food, looked at some art, checked out a new hotel overlooking the river, and then headed back.

It was a beautiful 75 degree day!

Whew! It was a full weekend!

What was the highlight for you?

Amy

Friday, September 24, 2021

Time to link up again with Andrea, etc. right here!

I don’t have a whole lot to share this week. I didn’t really buy any new products and the week went by really fast!

I needed my boots this week for a dog walk – a few times. My Hunters are now 10 years old! I will tell you that I tried them on in Von Maur and ended up with the wide calf version. I would not say I have crazy wide calves or that I have any other boots in the wide calf, but I really loved where theses hit below my knees (#shortpeopleproblems). So, if you have ever considered them, the quality is incredible. I cannot speak to the normal tall ones, but I also bet it’s a bit more snug to tuck a pant leg in? I also love my short yellow ones and now that I have a shoe horn (Man, I am old!), that helps a lot with getting them off. I have no trouble getting the tall ones off.

I had a mid-week treat. Over the weekend, Mason had asked when we were gonna do a restaurant together like we did from time to time last year. Mason appreciates good food and is quite adventurous. His favorite food for many years as a child was broccoli and he wanted to bring it for his birthday in first grade instead of cupcakes. (That would have made him a pariah, so I didn’t let that happen – lol!)

I picked him up and we went to Agave and Rye and had some chips and queso and split three different giant tacos. One was Greek with falafel, one was called Yoda with an asian chicken and sticky rice, and the other was a ranchero breakfast type thing.

Their tacos are amazing and so creative. We were not able to eat much because they are so big. Mason eats a little amount often. He has always been a grazer. So, we had lots of leftovers and we both took stuff to Tom and Jack. Mason took Jack chips and queso and I ordered more tacos for Tom. If you get a chance, try Agave and Rye.

My seniors started doing something silly a few weeks ago and I thought they would get bored with it, but it’s only grown in intensity.

Someone started an Instagram account called “The Daily Scott” where they post photos of me or photo shop me in different things I have talked about.

Here I am running with the bulls with my favorite Spanish singer:

Here I am playing polo with my favorite Argentinian polo player (yes, of course I have a favorite Argentinian polo player. He is also the Ralph Lauren Polo model.)

Apparently I am “The Rock” or “La Roca”:

Here I am with my angelic students and my polo player at The Last Supper.

Anyway, this is what teaching high school is like…

What was your favorite from the week? It feels like fall around here! I think it may be safe to buy mums now!

Amy

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Do you take off work on your birthday?

It may seem kind of silly, but I tell everyone who will listen to take off on their birthday. I think it’s a great day to do what you want when you want. You may even take stock of your life and create some new goals for your next year of life. We only get one birthday a year. Life is hard. Life is short. We have all now had at least one pandemic birthday.

I do not believe in doing any chores on your birthday, either. I will intentionally make sure all of the dishes are unloaded the night before and there is no laundry hanging around in purgatory.

Kellyann likes to go collect her birthday freebies from her favorite retailers and I think that is so smart!

I love to go to breakfast or lunch and do dinner or or get takeout. I love to do some shopping. I love hearing from family and friends through calls, texts, or Facebook messages.

What is your ideal birthday?

Do you think it is weird when adults still get excited?

Tell me what you think!

Amy

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Happy first day of fall!

Last week I wore this (you saw this yesterday) to compare to when I wore the skirt back in May. Thank you for all of your sweet compliments. I did not/do not post to go “fishing” for them, but rather to help if anyone else is struggling.

I felt too summery in this outfit.

Saturday night for dinner out I wore my Little House on the Prairie dress from Target.

Monday I wore a dress that I ordered from Target. Tom asked where my pants were.

And, yesterday I wore my trusty Chico’s consignment pants and my Savanna Jane blouse. I made an impulse purchase and bought these Target Universal Thread clogs.

They are faux leather, of course, but they were comfy and the perfect height.

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

It’s time for another update! I am doing WW Purple if you are new around here. I started cleaning up my diet on April 8 on my own and officially joined WW on May 1st. I am officially down 35 pounds as of last Friday! These last 4 pounds have come off slowly. I was at 31 as of our last update.

Here is me mid-May:

Here is me last week. I was trying to wear an outfit that I wore when I began and this is what I found…

So, I don’t see that big of a difference in these photos. I had already lost about 10 pounds in the above and then below that would be about 25 more.

Here is the soup that Erica made last week! I am excited to check out more Food Babe recipes. Here are screen shots for you to see if you want to click. It was delicious and zero points.

I get 16 points a day and I am encouraged to eat lots of zero point foods. I love the app!

Recently I have had a veggie burger wrap with some hash browns

and zoodles with mushrooms, artichokes, tomatoes, and chicken.

I love this buffalo chicken dip recipe and no one would know it is light.

I make a different breakfast on the weekends than what I eat during the week.

I mix up my normal egg casserole, veggies, Jimmy Dean turkey sausage breakfast for these sandwiches sometimes.

An easy dinner is AmyLu chicken gouda apple sausage and vegetables.

I want to try these Greek bowls. I stopped following decadent food accounts and now follow snackin_n_trackin and other healthy accounts on Instagram. You can search “WW” or “low carb” in the Instagram search feature. Then, when you follow one, you will find others.

Meal prepping is a must:

I tried a new recipe with these noodles, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and “birdballs”. Thanks to Kim for the recipe that can be found here.

Erica made whole wheat pasta last week for one of our meals.

I think this Brownberry Keto bread is pretty good! I’m not doing Keto obviously but this bread is only one point per slice.

Cocktails really add up, so I like to look for alternatives. This makes a really good sub for a cocktail. I use half a stick of lemonade and pineapple coconut seltzer.

I really like Bubly.

I try not to have much in the way of processed foods or artificial sweeteners.

I am getting probably 8-10 servings of vegetables and fruits a day (combined), eating lean proteins, drinking two cups of coffee, and a half of a Premier protein, and then a sweet treat once or twice a day that might be a more artificial or processed food. I have popcorn, apples, string cheese, celery with a laughing cow of buffalo dip for a snack.

I drink as much water as I can.

I gave myself grace to not worry about walking for the first 3 weeks of school. I get 10,000 steps as a teacher no problem, anyway.

On the fourth week I started walking at least three times a week. Last week I walked four times.

I really like my On Cloud shoes. I love that you don’t have to tie them.

I am still drinking cocktails and eating out and I am LIVING life.

I can eat whatever I want when I eat out, but I have been choosing:

Mexican: fajitas

Nice Restaurants: salmon or fish and veggies

Chick Fil A: grilled nuggets and no fries but I will make a substitute type of some type of potato.

Thanks for visiting me! Share a food or recipe if you have any suggestions!

Amy