Monday, October 12, 2020

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty good! I am linking up with Lindsay, Tanya and more here.

Starting with Thursday, I got to meet up with a friend that I hadn’t seen since July. We met at Grassa Gramma, an Italian restaurant that has come up with a patio for the current situation.

We had some awesome cocktails and they bring you complimentary focacia to start. We split three little dishes and it was so nice to get caught up.

Friday finally arrived. During lunch, I participated in my co-worker’s Friday cooking lesson. I was so excited to learn to make tostones. I had never tried to cook with plantains. You slice them, fry them, smash them, and then fry again and add salt. They turned out so great! I have always been intimidated by frying things. Thanks to my co-worker for coming up with this creative virtual cooking class. I have attended three of them so far. She does it during lunch and it is open to all Spanish students.

Tom took off Friday to work on our boat. When I finished my faculty meeting at 3:30, I met him and we went out for a bit.

We had dinner at Captain’s Quarters and headed back in.

I was so tired but I managed to stay up for a bit of t.v. and fire time and then I went to bed at 9:30.

Saturday morning I had my coffee outside.

I piddled around and enjoyed not getting on a screen at 7:30! I did get to go to Target to get my prescription sunglasses that had come in but I did not buy anything!

Tom and I walked around on one of my favorite streets and went in a few boutiques.

The new prescription sunglasses – game changer! Why did I wait so long?

We headed home and I made a fall charcuterie board. I bought frozen pretzels and used mustard for dipping – yum!

My nail color is really holding up! I did two super thin layers and then followed with a different top coat – Sally Hansen Shine. I blame my top coat for my previous problems.

I made an afternoon mocha joe – a package of hot chocolate in the mug before you brew your coffee.

That evening we went to dinner at a place with open garage doors for air circulation.

I got the best fall sangria.

They only had 3 things on their entree menu because of Covid. We all thought that was odd. There was fried chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, or cheeseburgers. I got the grilled cheese and it was gourmet with fig jam and arugula.

Then, we went to a nearby dessert place. It was nice to walk a bit after dinner and I got this ice cream pie.

I stayed up kind of late Saturday night trying to watch Saturday Night Live – I couldn’t keep my eyes open but I taped it. The political parodies are pretty funny.

I started Sunday on the patio again. We didn’t get the rain we expected! Instead, it was much warmer this weekend than it has been.

For Soup Sunday, I decided to make the soup in the morning! I did spicy vegetable soup with turkey sausage.

I used spicy V8 and it turned out great! I also added chicken broth, can of tomatoes, carrots, onion, spinach (all fresh), frozen corn, sauteed zucchini, and diced up potato. I have become much more of a soup person in the last few years. Next week I plan to make lentil bacon soup. I am really wanting to cook more with lentils. I fell in love with them in Spain.

And, I did a little bit of school work to try to have a smoother week!

Tom was busy, busy, busy yesterday. He ripped up carpet, cleaned out his stuff in our old Master closet for good, dismantled our old bedroom closet system, and took out the closet doors. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I think work on our Master bath is going to start this week. The plan is to get that done, then to renovate the hall bath so that we are not without an upstairs bathroom. Then, we have the kitchen to do and all new wood flooring on the main floor to match our bedroom and all new paint on our main floor. It still seems like a lot but that’s ok. I also made a trip to Goodwill which is open on Sundays so that felt good to get some stuff off of our hands.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Friday, October 9, 2020

How was your week? Mine was pretty good! I think my attitude helped me have a good week. I felt pretty calm and chill this week for some reason.

I am happy to link up with Andrea and others here.

I love the mature trees in my neighborhood. I took a moment to appreciate where I live this week and snapped this photo.

I have a free Spotify account and I was thrilled with the time capsule feature! They put together a playlist for you and it is magic! I was so happy to hear what they picked for me. I am also a little creeped out by how they knew I liked most of these songs?

Sometimes I forget everything that my Costco membership offers me. I saved almost $100 on my contact lens (compared to the vision center and Target Optical).

I try to respect my boys and remember this is my blog and not theirs – I stopped posting stuff about them on Facebook when they turned 13 – unless they said it was o.k. They are private and deserve that privacy. But I decided to share this text from Mason. He has a pretty hard Spanish class and sent me a photo of his verb charts and his message in Spanish means he is ready for his big exam. Love this!

If you have young kids, you should follow Polka Dotty Place blog. Look how cute! You simply take the canister of cinnamon rolls and create these!

When I went out for my college girls dinner I had the brussel sprouts salad. I like to try to re-create restaurant items so I might try to do this at home!

An afternoon coffee has been a nice treat lately. This is when I do my special whip and pumpkin spice on top!

I had a fun afternoon at a new pizza place with patio. My work friend and I met and split some breadsticks and had a cocktail.

I got my new glasses! I used Target Optical and got two pairs of Ray Bans. I had not gotten glasses in four years.

I have talked about my Solo Stove and I know many of you are also enjoying fire pits. I love these little brick starters. I use just a chunk and not a whole one and it really helps me to start my fire. I am always overly proud of myself when I can do something like start a fire. Cave girl!

I picked this mix up at Costco. It just looks like fall!

And, Tom requested these. He loves dark chocolate. I do, too, but he really loves it!

What were your favorites this week? I would love to know!

As always, thank you for reading and commenting!

My weekend plans are up in the air because we have some rain coming in apparently. We want to take the boat out because our days are numbered. I would like at least one fire and hopefully someone to share it!

Amy

Thursday, October 8, 2020

I have a short and sweet post for you today about what we have been eating in the empty nest. I love a meal ideas post, personally!

I made a fall salad with spring mix, craisins, cornbread crips from Trader Joes, feta and a homemade olive oil dressing.

and we also had some tomato soup and grilled cheese to go with it.

I made the pumpkin pasta from Jen from Show Me and Sweet Tea. This was my first time using whole wheat pasta and I really liked it!

I bought a bag of pumpkin bagels to keep in the freezer and I had one for my lunch one day. I just used regular cream cheese but Jen from above says that Trader Joes has a great pumpkin cream cheese you can pair it with.

And, I make these southwest burrito bowls from Andrea of Momfessionals at least every other week. Mason told me he misses these for dinner so that was sweet! I cannot wait to have a list of meals to cool for my boys when they come home.

And just your standard spaghetti. Tom likes angel hair and Prego Chunky Garden and I add a small amount of lean ground beef.

We have been eating out or getting take out too much, but I guess we are still in that empty nester honeymoon phase where we are mixing it up a bit. We go out Friday, Saturday and get takeout one or two other nights right now.

I am trying to start Soup Sundays but I have gone out the last two Sundays! I have yet to make my first batch of chili but that will be soon.

What have you been eating?

Amy

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

You guys! I finally got my rump in gear and learned to use my newer tripod. I am setting it on my trashcan (so classy, right? and a little bit trashy – get it?) so that I can do better outfit photos for you. I am linking up today with The Style Six right here at my friend Kellyann’s blog.

I am showering at night and fixing my hair in the mornings during the week. Sometimes on the weekend I am changing that up. Also, during the week, sometimes I am working with second day hair. I sometimes just do minimal makeup during the week, too. But, I want to say that getting dressed in some sort of way each day is really helping me.

You have seen my fall kimono at my friend’s birthday dinner where I paired it with a black tank dress and open toe clog sandals. Here I paired it with black pants, long sleeve black t-shirt and my open toe shooties (shoe-booties).

I wore this Sunday evening to have dinner with college friends. We had a nice time catching up and only were this close for the photo.

Now, I am having a bit of trouble with lighting – I had to move the tripod to the top of Tom’s truck for my Saturday outfit. I am liking the look of black leggings with white sneakers and trying it out. I wore my new Aerie animal print pullover.

Awkward photo of the print again.

On Friday afternoon, I put on my new Target Goodfellows pullover with burgundy Aerie leggings from last year.

Last week to go to the brewery with the rooftop seating with my friend I wore jeans, new yellowish suede BOC clogs that my sister had first, a navy tee, and a LulaRoe kimono. I also took my olive military jacket in case I needed it.

Friday for the eye doctor I wore mismatched shades of green. It looks bad. I was looking for a different color to wear under my new Umgee kimono.

This Monday for Parent Teacher Conference day I wore my fun top and a pair of my earrings from my set. My pants and shoes looked bad so I am not showing them.

And, I will leave you with this…I had to go to the “young people’s mall” to pick up my Aerie order (I usually go to the “old people’s mall) and in the window was this fashion ensemble. It is a mask on a chain. Oh, 2020, why?

What have you been wearing lately? It is super cool here in the mornings but by the afternoons it has been around 70. Layers are great for right now.

Thanks for reading and being patient as my photos will hopefully improve with practice!

Amy

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Thank you to Tanya for this fun link up today right here! What a great idea – we share our recent Amazon finds. This is seriously where I get many of my ideas for gifts and for things I might need/want!

I bought a few boring things recently so I decided to only show you the fun and fashion type of purchases.

First, I purchased these as a gift for my sister and she wears them almost daily as an in-person second grade teacher. Sheaffer recommends them so I knew Molly would love them.

Next, I had the idea to look for favorite boutique brands on Amazon. Do you also like Umgee? I found two winners that I am really enjoying wearing right now!

This colorful kimono; it reminds me of my Pioneer Woman plates! I think it looks great over my new A New Day white tee but I also think it will work with a black tee.

And, this short sleeve sweater. I have worn it with a short sleeve black tee but I also think it will look good with a long sleeve black tee? I will say that I think Umgee runs large and I could have gone down a size in each of these but I absolutely love both! I spent a little more than usual and I think it makes a difference!

And, this earring set I am reaching for each and every day! I love them. I cannot believe the quality you guys. I love Nickel and Suede, too, but it is just too much to pay in my opinion. This may be no longer available because when I made the link it took me to another set of earrings. Maybe you can just do a search.

These were not fun to buy, but they were needed. I am trying to wear my white Madewell sneakers this fall.

And, finally I ordered these jelly flats! I think they are so unique and they look great with leggings. They will also be great for the rain.

Ok, not talking Amazon anymore. I have a recommendation for you. Go to the men’s section at Target and look for the Goodfellows brand and pick up one of these quilted pullovers. I got the cream and I love it! It has pockets! I might get a monogram put on it but I am not sure how that would work with the quilting. I believe it was $30 and I used my $5 off coupon from my flu shot.

I also got an Aerie pullover when they were on sale. My closet was seriously lacking anything like this for fall and winter.

Here is an awkward up close of the cute pattern.

What have you primed lately?

Amy

Monday, October 5, 2020

I am linking up today with Heather, Tanya, and others here. This is going to be short and sweet because I am writing this at 6:30 Sunday before my college girls dinner!

I had the day off Friday and today is Parent Teacher Conference – virtually – so I get a bit of a break today. I will be using all of my down time for planning for the upcoming week, though!

Friday I checked a big thing off of my list and did the eye doctor. I ordered glasses and prescription sunglasses and I will show you everything when it comes in.

Hub asked if I wanted to meet him at a Cuban restaurant on the patio for lunch. It was a bit chilly but in the sun we were fine.

I had salad and hub had a sampler plate. Yum!

And, honestly, I went home around 12:30 and did not go out again! I read on the patio, watched Emily in Paris on the patio, and just relaxed and it was much needed!

I had a pumpkin spice (homemade) in the afternoon.

Saturday the highlight was seeing one of my sons. He was doing a monologue in the park for his community theatre. I took some photos of the beautiful structures.

Son ordered chicken and waffles at a little cafe and hub had a sandwich. I had already eaten because it was 3:00 so I just had a

peach beer! Yum!

and then we got Graeters ice cream. A kid scoop is enough for me – chocolate toffee chip.

Saturday evening Tom and I had a fire and watched some shows on the patio.

And, Sunday I gave up on Lucky Dog and started Bringing Down the Duke and I read most of the day Sunday except for picking up groceries and cleaning. The book is rated R but I am loving it!

I took your advice and did really thin coats and then I used Sally Hansen Shine topcoat and it worked! Thank you!

I also made a daytime fire – all by myself because it was perfect weather for it! I need to do this more!

By the way, we really love our Solo Stove!

What was your highlight?

I would love to know!

Amy

Friday, October 2, 2020

Linking up with Andrea, etc. here!

My first favorite is that I am off today! I am going to try to not even look at my computer! I am off because this was on our original calendar as a flexible professional development day – teachers can work it ahead of time. So, I did that. It is a flex day because it is the weekend of the huge St. James Art Fair here in Louisville that is not happening this year because of 2020 and nothing happening anymore! The students have off today and Monday so it is like a mini fall break. Monday is our virtual parent teacher conference day. That should be interesting…

My next favorite is my first PSL of this year! I had to go out in the rain around 3:00 (unplanned) and I thought I would treat myself. I just got a tall and it was perfect!

Here is the reason I had to go out in the rain – hub locked his keys in his truck at work. Does anyone want to know how many times he has done this? No, o.k.! Anyway, I got a PSL out of it and it was my almost daily trip out of the house in the car for the day.

Ernie enjoyed a rainy 11:00 am walk one day this week. Our walks are so good for me to break up the work day.

Not just a favorite, but the highlight of my week was this:

My friend met me at Gravely Brewing Co. for happy hour. We sat on the rooftop deck and had a nice visit. I had been before but did not realize they had this space. They were super strict about masks on until you got to your table. They had really good safety protocols in place. They not only have beer and cocktails, but also have a permanent Mexican food truck.

We split some guacamole. Later we ordered tacos for her and burrito for me. It sprinkled a few times but the sun came out and it felt amazing. I love this weather!

And, on the way home I was treated to this!

And, here are some more random favorites from the week:

I have been sitting on my patio in the evenings during the week and not just on weekends.

And, even though it has gotten chilly in the mornings, I am still trying to have my coffee there most days, too.

I have been looking for the plain flavor of these for forever – like a year. I did not want to try apple cinnamon. I finally found these in my Kroger. 50 calories for one roller and it tastes like Sugar Smacks cereal! I am obsessed!

I got my flu shot this week at Target and it was free with my insurance card plus I got a $5 coupon! Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

I made the pumpkin pasta dish from Jen from Show Me and Sweet Tea blog here! I wish I had had the good parmesan. I thought I had a block of it but I did not – so I used some of the bag stuff. It was like something you would have at a restaurant! It was also my first time using whole wheat pasta and I really dug it!

What were your favorites this week? I hope you will read my Fall Goals post from yesterday if you missed it here! I also talked about fall nails here! And, Wednesday WordPress failed me but you can still see my outfits and a couple of new purchases here.

I hope you had a great week and I hope you have a great first weekend of fall! I really appreciate you visiting my little space!

Amy

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Do you make a seasonal list? I really like to do this. It keeps me accountable and helps me to be intentional about my free time. I miss having little kids and getting to do kid stuff! Most of the things on my list are for my husband and I to do together or with friends. I am really trying to focus on what I can still do during the pandemic, instead of what I cannot do. I think it helps my mindset.

Fall evening boat ride with charcuterie and another couple?

Have people over for chili on patio

Treat myself to a couple of pumpkin spice lattes! (Had my first one on Monday!)

Attempt to wear my black felt hat somewhere!

Watch my high school’s home football games – three coming up in October and November.

Go somewhere to watch a UK football game – outside on a patio at a restaurant or a home of a friend. Anyone want to invite me?

Make a German Oktoberfest meal – maybe with friends?

Do something for Halloween? It does fall on a Saturday this year? Maybe I can just do something on my patio?

Sit by the river at The River House (a seafood restaurant on the river) with their fire pit.

Go to new charcuterie restaurant that I just heard about with a huge outdoor area

Go to outdoor flea market

Make apple and pumpkin recipes

Make apple sangria

Start Soup Sundays

Celebrate my birthday as much as I can – but definitely one day with my hub and boys and hopefully with a dinner out with my two besties and their hubs. We made a pact to go out three times – this past weekend for one, October 16 for one, and then early November for mine.

Get my half off Kendra Scott piece during my birthday month of November. Below is what I am considering!

Start Christmas shopping

Figure out how to safely celebrate Thanksgiving

Any other ideas for me?

What is on your fall list?

Amy

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

If you read this post before 7:00, you got to read it! If you are visiting later than 7:00, my WordPress app lost all the text for me! Ahhhhh! So sorry!

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

I love darker nail colors! And, it is about that time!

I did not purchase anything new for this post, but rather, I got out my old faves. I have been loving Essie for fingers lately. The brush is tiny but it helps you to not make too big of a mess.

Left to right:

I love burgundy/wines, greys, green-greys, and navy! I also have included a metallic.

OPI We the Female (a burgundy with a bit more of a brick red tone)

Essie Wrapped in Rubies (a nice gold glitter mixed in with the burgundy)

Essie Wicked (a super dark burgundy)

Essie Exposed (this is the one I saw on my friend and had to have – a grey/green)

Essie Smokin’Hot (a grey-lavender in the bottle but looks darker on with two coats. This is what I will show you below)

Essie Penny Talk (a nice metallic gold)

Essie Dressed to the Nineties (currently have this on my toes)

Now, you do not have to go out and buy these brands. You may prefer a different brand and can simply use these colors for inspiration.

Tip: Put a tiny drop of remover in a polish bottle and shake, shake, shake for best results. The polish will come out smoother instead of clumpy.

Help! I hope you can see from the photo below. I am waking up with hair marks? in my manicure. I follow with a shiny top coat and I wake up to a dull and scratched up mani. I polished at 3 p.m. Saturday and did not go to bed until 11. That would give me 8 hours of drying time. What am I doing wrong?

What are your favorite fall nail colors and favorite brands? Are you a polish girl or a natural girl?

Amy