Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I used to record my clothing purchases and did so for maybe three years.  It was super enlightening and I think it made me a better shopper.  I would look at my purchases and think – wow I could have used that monthly sum for a staple item instead.  I would cross out what got donated or sold at the end of the year.  I really recommend doing this if you love clothes like I do.  I learned so much! 

I am naturally a bargain hunter.  I would go immediately to the clearance rack without any thought to my color scheme, what I needed, what I already had – I was simply looking for that bargain!  

Now, I do still look on the clearance rank but I am much more careful.  Also, I have developed my seasonal color palette and I try to use those colors to have a cohesive wardrobe.  I am trying to learn that one full price item may be a better bargain in the long run than 5 sale items.  It is a hard lesson to learn!

Also, I am trying not to change my nature and who I am and what I feel comfortable in.  I like tops with black in them because I have lots of black pants.  I prefer neutral shoes in brown, black, and metallics.  These are what I wear the most.

I have not shopped much in 2020 so far.  I really think it is due to a few factors:  

-I have gotten to be a better shopper and was happy with many of my previous winter purchases.  

-My new closet allowed me to see what I had and I took the opportunity to purge and that makes me feel that I can see what I have even more.  Also, life is too short to be uncomfortable in your clothing.  Why have a closet full of 7s when you can have a half full closet of 10s. I hope that makes sense!  

How much have you shopped in 2020?  During the years I journaled my purchases I did see some patterns.  I have more time in the summer to shop so I do so more.  Plus, I love my sandals, flip flops, cover ups and they are fun to buy.  Two other months stood out for me – March and September.  I was always ready to update for the coming seasons.  

I hope you enjoy seeing what I have bought.  

$12 – poncho/sweater thing open on both sides from The Prickly Pear (local boutique owned by a friend)  

I think this will be a classic and I think this was a great purchase!  

$5.99 – Old Navy – I have not worn this yet but it matches many of my kimonos.  Heck, this was the price of a latte so even if it was not a good purchase I feel pretty good!

$5.99 – Old Navy – This is the same top and I have already worn this with a kimono.  Again, I think it is a good purchase!  

I bought this polka dot top at Steinmart for $20 something.  I lost my receipt.  I have worn this three times already and I am not sure how flattering it is but I wanted a polka dot badly.  This is a non-wrinkle polyester ish material. 

And, I bought these palazzo pants for $25 at the same time I bought the polka dot above at Steinmart.  I was drawn to the green for March and St. Patrick’s Day for some reason.  I am anxious to wear them but it has been too cold most days.  

I spent under $100 for almost two months!  I did not include any Christmas money purchases as I did those before 2019 ended.  I am very happy with this amount and I think I made good purchases.

Now, I will continue making my spring wish list based on my current spring clothing.  I feel that I am in a bit of a rut, though.  I am not super excited about ordering from unknown retailers sight unseen.  I much prefer online shopping when I can return to the local store.  Where should I look?  My go tos have been Old Navy(want to get away from ON), American Eagle, Loft, Target (very selectively), and TJ Maxx.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, February 17, 2020

How was your weekend? Mine went by so quickly! I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to see more Monday posts.

First off, my niece turned 12 on Thursday and I sent her scrunchies, a set of beauty treatment face masks, and a clip on reading light. Here is the picture my sister took of her with all the scrunchies on at once! She is a character!

So, our Friday night Valentine’s celebration was really low key! One son went bowling with friends and I made bow tie alfredo for the other. Hub got sloppy joes, brussels sprouts, and potato wedges because the restaurant we had gone to a week ago took sloppy joes off of the menu. He was so happy!

Saturday our son had a long day of academic team competition and they placed 3rd out of 8 teams, I think. Our son made it to state for language arts and humanities.

Saturday after the competition our other son came home from theatre and a friend’s house.
Tom and I had a casual dinner at Crescent Hill Craft House. It was so noisy that we were ready to leave. Are you getting like that? So many places we go to are so loud.

Sunday was a lazy day with some errands including Kroger. Our son had theatre again because he is directing a play next week. I roasted some sweet potato for lunches this week. It turned out so yummy!

I also went to the library to pick up this book on hold. It seems like it will be really cute! I have been in a rut lately and have not had a good book to read.

Tell me about your weekend! I hope it was great!

Amy

Friday, February 14, 2020

Happy Valentines Day to all!  It is a teacher workday for me – no students.  I get to go in a little later and dress more casually.  My boys are enjoying a four day weekend but they are quite busy with theatre and academic team competitions and some last minute scholarships applications.  I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. so go right here!  What are your plans?  I think I will make a charcuterie board and a fun dinner but I hope that I will get to go out tomorrow night.  I need to figure that out or ask my husband to figure it out!  

Here are some favorites to share with you this week!  

My reader J recommended that I read thekitchn.com grocery diaries and I am hooked!  Have you read these?  You can get meal ideas and it is fascinating to read about different budgets and how they eat as they chronicle a week in their grocery life!  Is it weird that this is interesting to me?  

I will need a new nail polish color soon.  I am thinking a light shade of blue like this?  

I am excited to wear these palazzo pants that I bought about a month ago.  I specifically thought they would be good for March and St. Patricks Day.  I have only bought a few things in 2020 and I am quite proud of myself. I am planning a post this week on 2020 clothing purchases. 

I rarely drink soft drinks but I really like this.  I use it with bourbon, too.  It is even better that way – just kidding! 

I want to find this cider this weekend called Grand Mimosa by a brewery in Wisconsin.  I had it at Hop Cat last weekend  and it was so good. 

My sweet boy is allowed on one piece of furniture upstairs and one downstairs.  How can we say no to this face.  He is very dramatic!  Hub is practicing guitar often in the living room so thus his guitars next to the chair. 

I got to have some fun during the week this week.  Wednesday night I had dinner with my friend Beth at Ciao.  

It was a rainy night and I enjoyed the view out of the window next to our table. 

What were your favorites this week?  Hope it was a good one!  

Amy 

Thursday, February 13, 2020

I guess it happens this time every year – I start getting really tired of my winter clothes.  I know it’s smart to get winter clothes on sale right now, but I much prefer my spring and summer wardrobe and I just don’t want to look at any more winter clothes.  Honestly, I wear the warmer weather stuff more of the year anyway – especially with crazy seasons and an overheated school building.  

I thought I would research some trends for Spring 2020 and tell you my thoughts and how I can translate them for a middle aged mom and teacher.  

Highlighter colors – Yes!  I can get on board with this.  I already have a couple of pieces maybe that will work for this trend.

I love this necklace I have had for several years.  It looks great with a plain black top.  

This fun necklace with bright pom poms would work, too. 

These leather tassel earrings bring a fun pop of color to many of my outfits. 

I used to have the best Gap bright highlighter pink cardigan that was light and perfect for spring.  It stretched out in the shoulders and got discolored.  I plan to look for:

-another bright pink cardigan

-a bright yellow cardigan

The Disco Collar/Wide 70s collar – Ummmm… I am not sure!  I personally do not wear a lot of button downs in the spring.  I will have to see this.

Crochet – Maybe?  I think I could pull this off with accessories – maybe a purse or a vest?  I will not be wearing a crochet bikini.

Hot pants or really short tight shorts – I do not think so.

Suit jackets with bermuda shorts – I really do not see myself wearing this.  The bermuda length short is not the best length for my legs.  I do remember in the early 2000s wearing black shorts almost to my knees with wedge sandals.  Maybe I can find a pic!

Other spring wish list items:  

• sporty sneakers – I have seen some Nike and some Tretorns that I love.  I am thinking a little bit of a lift would be good.  I also saw some Golden Goose dupes on Amazon that are gold and really cute but there wouldn’t be much heel.  I had Converse shorelines but they were a half size too small and not comfortable.  
• Wide leg pants – I want to try this.

What are you excited to try?  What is on your wish list?  Any suggestions for me?  

Amy 

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

I decided this week to wear all of my pink and red for Valentine’s Day!  Do you ever do that just to make dressing easier?  I am linking up with The Style Six so go right here!  

Saturday I picked this sweater/poncho thing up at The Prickly Pear, a local boutique owned by a friend of mine.  It was half off making it only $12.  I really liked it and think it is a classic I will be able to wear in the future, too.  I did have a rule about not buying more winter clothes at this point but the deal was too good to pass up.  I swear it is blush colored in person even though this photo makes it look more beige.  

I have had this heart scarf from Old Navy for probably 10 years!  

What have you been wearing?  Are you  wearing all your pink and red this week?  I have a feeling I will repeat the scarf and/or the poncho this weekend!  

Amy

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Did you read my money post here?  Several people commented on their spending habits and many of you are like me – you try to save where you can so you can spend where you get more bang for your buck  Also, I know a lot of us are trying to spend less as the new year starts.  Have you ever read the Refinery 29 money diaries?  I recently read one about a twenty something girl who lives in NYC.  I found it fascinating – especially where she said that she spent $43 on transportation one day.  So, I decided to chronicle my spending last week.  I did not include household bills – with the exception of groceries – or the daily expenses of my husband.  I simply recorded my own personal spending, eating out, stuff like that.  Here we go….

Saturday 2/1:

I had already gone to the grocery store on Thursday, so no groceries needed.  I did not do a whole lot this day – stuck around home and watched t.v. and did laundry and cleaning.

Dinner Out:  $35 at Taco Luchador with husband.  Brought some of the food home for son.  Other son was at a party.  This fed three people and we had leftovers.  I thought this was well worth the money.

Sunday 2/2:

$60 Kroger for the week

$30 Trader Joes for the week – this included re-stocking of two bottles of liquor to have on hand.  

It was a small grocery bill this week because I did another small one on Thursday.  

Monday 2/3:

$0

All I did was go to work this day!

Tuesday 2/4:

$6 Gravely Brewery

A theatre mom asked me to go to a brewery during theatre class that day.  I had one beer.  It was nice and pretty darn cheap!  I only had one beer and tipped.  It was well worth the $6.  

$32 Chick Fil A – Since I was not home to cook dinner hub had to pick this up for us. I was not happy that I hadn’t planned.  

Wednesday 2/5:

$4 Downtown parking garage (son had an audition for a Shakespeare program) – I could have driven around to look for street meter parking but I am intimidated when I go downtown.  

$36 Son and I had dinner at El Mundo (This was a real waste of money because our food was really bad.  I was trying to spend time with my son while the other son had his class – so while we did have quality time I think we could have spent less and had a better meal.)

Thursday 2/6:

$13 Crescent Hill Craft House  – met my friend for a snack and drink after school because we had not seen each other since November.  I was entirely more social than normal this week but I am trying to say YES more this year!  This included one drink, a split appetizer, and tip.  I thought it was well worth it.  

Friday 2/7:

$0 Tom, Mason and I had a dinner to attend for Mason that was paid for.  Jack stayed home and made a grilled cheese.  

Weekly Total:  $216 -I could have cut this down without the Chick Fil A and the El Mundo.  I feel that this is a lot of money on food and fun during the week, which is not typical.  I am planning ahead better for dinners this week.  

I did not buy gas this week but Saturday morning I filled up.  I usually only get gas once every two weeks.  

Thoughts on the Week:

I did zero online shopping.  I did not enter many stores to tempt me because I just didn’t have time and I was quite busy and just not tempted to shop online, either.  I was very social because I went out with two friends, but I only spent $19 combined.  I was very organized this week with my coffee, breakfasts, and lunch prepared at home and brought to work.  I could have done better with a pre-prepared dinner Tuesday night instead of a $30 Chick Fil A trip for dinner.  I also regret spending so much Wednesday night on a bad meal.  Overall, I am happy.  It was interesting to do this exercise!  Hope you enjoyed it!  

Amy 

Monday, February 10, 2020

How is it already 10 days into February and Valentine’s week?  Ay!  I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go here to see more posts.  

Friday started off with this text message!  Teachers get to go in an hour late and then we adjusted our schedule.  It was a good day!

Just so you know, it doesn’t take much to get this in Kentucky!  I did slide on a patch of ice in my neighborhood, though.  And, just less than a week ago I was sitting on my patio in 60 degree weather!

I always wonder how much to tell about my boys’ lives on this ol’ blog.  I feel strongly that their story is theirs to tell and I rarely post anything on social media.  But, it is also my story to some degree.  Does anyone else struggle with this?  My son Mason applied and won a spot to compete for a local college scholarship competition.  Friday night was a Kentucky themed dinner for the scholars and their parents.  They had past winners speak at the dinner. 

He had to go back Saturday at 8:00 a.m. to do an essay, a discussion, and an interview.  It snowed a little bit more overnight so the morning was really pretty. 

I went to Kroger at 9 a.m.

Around 11, I visited my friend’s boutique to see her new stuff.  If you are local, The Prickly Pear is a great little gift and accessory shop. 

The parents had to be back at the competition at 2, so hub and I went to Hop Cat to watch part of the UK game before going back to the college.  I had a cider called Grand Mimosa and it really tasted like a mimosa. 

And, we enjoyed nachos. 

Mason had a great day and he thought he did well.  Then, Jack went to a party and the other three of us had take out Thai and watched a couple of silly shows. 

Sunday as I am writing this I have meal prepped, cleaned, done laundry, and I will be going out to Costco soon.  I hate going there but that is where we get dog food, laundry detergent, and stuff like that.  There are too many temptations and too many people!  

Our students have a four day week and then a four day weekend ahead.  I do not, unfortunately.  Friday is a teacher work day and Monday is parent teacher conferences.  

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  What was your highlight?

Amy 

Friday, February 7, 2020

I am linking up with Andrea, etc. so go right here to see more posts!  

As I am writing this on Thursday, I am hoping for some snow!  That would definitely be a favorite.  

A fresh stack of library books heading into the weekend is always a favorite.  I am trying to finish my current book so I can get into one of these.  Every time I read a book recomendation, I go to my library website and place a request and I am almost always in posession of a library book! 

My 8ish year old Keurig is still going strong.  I have been loving this Kroger hazelnut lately. 

I cannot find a better creamer.  I do not use any sugar or sweetener of any kind.  This is all I need! 

I picked up a couple of mini sizes at Ulta last weekend.  I love a bit of highlighter.  

And, this is a cool product that you can put on lips or cheeks. 

What were your faves this week?  

Amy 

Thursday, February 6, 2020

One of my favorite foods from Spain is their omelette or tortilla as they call it.  In Mexico a tortilla is a flat bread but in Spain it is an omelette.  The class Spanish omelette is very simple.  They only use olive oil, potato, eggs, and sometimes onion.  This is usually a light dinner and it is usually served room temperature.  

I like to use a baked potato or I simply put a potato in the microwave and then I peel the skin off.  Beat 5 eggs and slice your potato into thin slices.  

I use non stick spray and olive oil and place my potatoes on the bottom and then cover with my egg mixture. 

This is where it gets tricky.  You have to find a plate that is bigger than the frying pan and you flip onto plate and slide back into pan.  There is no folding of the Spanish omelette.  Cook the other side and you are done. 

They cut into triangles and often enjoy with pieces of baguette. 

The Spanish eat their big meal of the day between 1-3  p.m. so the dinner is very light.  

Have you ever tried this? 

Amy 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Hi all!  I am happy to link up today with The Style Six so go right here to meet some stylish ladies!  

With these milder temperatures I am all over my closet.  I am not just wearing winter clothing anymore!  By the way, I feel that my “wear everyTHING til spring” challenge may just be over.  I have now either worn everything or gotten rid of everything with very few exceptions.  It was a great exercise and I am glad I did it.  

In related clothing news, I went into Target this past weekend and this dress below was not what I expected.  First of all, it was wrinkled.  I often times feel that if an item is wrinkled in a store then I won’t be able to keep it un-wrinkled at home.  Also, it was a heavy sweatshirt material and I wanted it for spring.  I didn’t even try it on based on the fabric.  It is from their cheaper line Wild Fable so that was another red flag.  I am glad I went to see it in person.  This is why I don’t love online shopping.  I need to feel the fabric and see everything up close.  

For a 60 degree day, I wore my black pants, new mustard top and old kimono.  

Details of the 5.99 Old Navy top below.  It is sleeveless and I also bought it in blush. 

Friday outfit was jeans, navy tee and this old poncho from Old Navy. 

Old Palazzo pants, black blouse, black cardigan.  I have been wearing flats most days lately because they are the most comfortable for teaching. 

What have you been wearing lately?  Any favorites here?  

Thanks for reading today!  

Amy