Tuesday, February 4, 2020

I really like t.v.!  There, I said it.  I also love to read so I feel that it balances out.  I probably watch an hour – two hours a day depending on what’s going on.  I often am multitasking while watching, too.  What about you?  Do you enjoy t.v.?  What are you watching?  

Currently watching…

On Live TV:

(We have ATT Uverse.  I know it’s probably too much money but we have cell phones, internet, and t.v. all bundled through this service and I don’t want to have to endure the pain of switching.  Yes, it is very painful.  The calling, the appointment, the waiting during the 6 hour window for your appointment while you feel like you are on house arrest.  I don’t think my husband can give up his sports channels so we haven’t pulled the plug nor do I think we will any time soon.  By the way, I set everything to tape and watch at my convenience.  I love my DVR.  It is maybe my favorite invention ever! )

The Bachelor – It is sooooo boring.  Am I too old for this?  I enjoy it much more when it’s down to the last few girls.  I really liked Peter but now I find him so utterly boring… Anyone else?  I really miss Sheaffer Told Me To’s Wednesday recaps, by the way.  She is doing an abbreviated version on Fridays.   

Bravo Shows – well not all of them, but the ones that are on right now that I enjoy are…

Real Housewives of New Jersey – Not my favorite group by any means, but it is like a train wreck and hard to look away.  I am intrigued by their fashion sense or lack thereof and their lifestyles and their lack of self awareness!  

Below Deck – I just love this show.  I guess I am intrigued by the yachting lifestyle.  I really like Captain Lee and Kate.  

Very Cavallari on E! – If you watched Laguna Beach and The Hills then you knew who Kristin was.  I find this show interesting.  She is married to Jay Cutler formerly of the Chicago Bears and they now live in Nashville on a beautiful property.  She gets on my nerves a bit but I like seeing her style and I really like her jewelry line Uncommon James.  

I cannot wait for Below Deck – Sailing and Summer House to start on Bravo.  Also, if you are a Bravo fan like me, you must listen to the Watch What Crappens podcast.  I have gotten to the point where I cannot wait to hear the hosts make fun of a particular moment!

Netflix:

Always The Office.  I go to bed after one episode a night.  I rarely make it through the episode.  I know it is a bad habit but I love it.  

Just finished You Season 2.  I liked it way more than Season 1.  It is a dark series for me and not what I typically watch, but I highly recommend it if you aren’t too sensitive.  It also makes you think about the technology we live with today.  

Just finished Cheer.  It was heartwarming.  It wasn’t just about the cheerleading.  It is about what an impact a mentor can have.  It shows you the way coaches should be and what being a part of a team can do for a kid.  

That’s about it.  I also have Amazon Prime but I am not currently watching anything.  Do you have any recommendations for me?  Do you watch any of “my” shows?  

Happy viewing!

Amy

Monday, February 3, 2020

Linking up with Heather, Lindsday, Tanya, and many others so go here to see more Hello Monday posts!

How was your first weekend of February?  Mine was low key and really just what I needed.  

Friday afternoon one of my boys wanted help with a birthday gift for a friend who is a girl’s party on Saturday so both boys and I went to the outdoor mall and found socks and earrings at Versona.  I was very impressed with the fact that he wanted to give her earrings and then he went straight for this pair that I would love.  That’s my boy!  I should’ve taken a photo.  Then, the boys got Blaze pizza to take home and I got Five Guys for my husband and I because we didn’t want pizza.  We rarely eat cheeseburgers but these are probably the best I have ever had.  We both get the junior cheeseburger which is plenty big.  

While at the outdoor mall, we also went in the bookstore and the boys each found something they needed for school.  I thought this book looked good so I requested it at my library.  

I went to bed pretty early Friday night and Saturday morning I was up bright and early for coffee and blog catching up. 

No one had to be anywhere and I did grocery shopping on Thursday so I made cinnamon rolls for the boys for breakfast and chocolate chip cookies because I had all the ingredients and wanted to try the milk chocolate chips I had bought instead of semi-sweet.  My opinion is to stick with the classic – semi-sweet.  Don’t fix what isn’t broken, you know what I mean? 

Hub and I went to visit his sister’s boat shop and I took a Valentine’s arrangement for their counter. 

I finished You Season Two Friday after school and then started Cheer and finished it this weekend.  Have you watched these on Netflix?  I recommend both. I have a t.v. post coming your way this week! 

Son went to his party and hub and I went to our favorite taco joint.  I tried the mango margarita.  It was good, but again, I will say stick with the classic.  I could’ve title this “Hello Monday – Stick with the Classics Edition” I think. 

Chicken and Fish Tacos.  We miss our place that went out of business that had the best grilled fish tacos.  This place only has fried.  The tortilla encrusted tilapia at Costco makes for great fish tacos at home, by the way.  

Hub got an elote (corn on cob) and their queso is really good. 

We took food home for our other son and he and I watched an episode of Jane the Virgin. 

Sunday the weather turned out to be beautiful.  Everyone did homework, laundry, meal prepped, and things like that.  I managed an hour outside on the patio in the afternoon.  

I am trying to read this in the 7 day limit.  I like it so far but I don’t know if I will love it.  I have never read this author before. 

Then, it was time to make a Superbowl dinner and get ready for the half- time show!  Ha!  

As nice as it was to get some warm weather and sun, it just doesn’t feel right.  We need one decent snow.  I don’t know if we will get it.  I remember several big snows at the beginning of March so we will see.  Talk to any teacher – a year without a snow day just doesn’t feel right – ha!  It is what we live for!  

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  

Amy 

P.S. – What would you like me to talk about on the blog?  Any blog post ideas or requests?  

Friday, January 31, 2020

We made it you all!  It is the last day of January!  It has been a busy but rewarding month for my family!  My son performed Pride and Prejudice 8 times and he was a joy to watch!  My other son had some excellent wins this month with his Quick Recall Team and his Written Assessments for our school.  He came in first place in language arts and fourth in humanities and advances to the next level.  Last year he made it to state so he has the goal of doing that again. 

Here are a few favorites from the week…

I cannot resist the siren song of Target.  Look at this dress!  I would like to try it on in store this weekend.  I am giddy with anticipation for all the spring styles coming out in the stores and online. I just love tie dye!  

One of the fun things in my class this month has been telling fortunes with the future tense.  These boys were really getting into it! 

I had a mid-week treat when I got to see my friend Beth at a local brewery/restaurant. 

Fries with toppings

Do you watch the Superbowl?  I wish it was not on a Sunday night!  I love the halftime show and the commercials!  This year is exciting – J. Lo and Shakira!  In preparation we have listened to songs of theirs in Spanish in my classes.  

My dear reader and commenter Theresa recommended this.  I knew I needed a heat protectant but hadn’t gotten around to it until now. Love the smell!  Thanks, Theresa!  

And that is it for me!

What were your faves?  I would love to know!!!

Amy 

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Want to talk about money?  This is a topic I have not really broached here – except when talking about my shopping habits and purchases maybe.  Why do people shy away from talking about money?  I currently read a couple of blogs about frugality and I love a good personal finance book from – where else?  – the library!  I love to hear money saving tips and I’m curious/nosy and like to hear how other people manage their money, too.   I guess this is a pretty personal topic.  I respect that different people will choose to spend their money in different ways.  

January seems to be a good month to become more frugal.  I know many people make financial resolutions, plus, after the excess of the holidays, I just feel yucky money wise; it’s time to reign in the spending, right?  

I would call myself selectively frugal.  I try to save money where I can so I can splurge on things that matter most to me.  

I have always loved working and making my own money.  I babysat from the time I was able, I was a lifeguard, a pool manager, a language lab instructor in college, a college reporter and photographer for the newspaper, a waitress at Pizza Hut, a waitress on a floating barge restaurant on the river, a law office receptionist, a stock room person at a clothing store – Talbots Surplus store, and a Spanish teacher!  I worked every summer as a beginning teacher and even worked the summer I was pregnant with twins.  I love to work and want to use my money wisely.  

Here are some ways I have enjoyed a fabulously frugal (in my opinion) lifestyle getting to enjoy the things I enjoy in life without spending too much money…

I love clothes, shoes, and accessories. I love searching at consignment stores for treasures and have found amazing finds – not so many lately, though. Also, for 3 years I tracked my clothing spending. I learned so much from doing this. I would re-evaluate purchases at the end of the year and see the good purchases and shopping mistakes I made.  

I love reading – but I don’t need to own the books because I won’t read them again. The library is my best money saving tip ever!

I love being outside in nature – sometimes hiking or walking and sometimes just sitting. Parks are free and I must live somewhere with an outdoor space – I have a wonderful patio and will have an additional deck soon.  Even better if I have people to join me and a coffee or a cocktail!

I love being with people and talking over a meal with them at a home or a restaurant. (This is what I save my money for during the week – I take my breakfast, lunch, and coffee to work with me and rarely spend any money during the week from Monday-Thursday on ANYTHING – except for gas, maybe.  I try to do all the grocery shopping on the weekend so I don’t have to go back to the store during the week.  

I love cooking and trying new recipes.  This is a pretty cheap hobby because I am not buying filet mignon or lobster and you can argue that it is a money saving hobby because you spend less cooking.

Splurges:

Gifts -I love to give gifts and love finding the perfect gift for people.

Nails– I love having nice looking nails. I am spending about $10 a week on these dip treatments right now ($35 every 3-4 weeks). I have cut down on Starbucks to justify this. I used to treat myself once or twice week to the tune of $5 a coffee and now it is rare when I get one. So, this has been worth it to me. The dip nail treatment has made me happy and been worth the money.

Hair – I space it out as much as possible and only go to the salon about 5-6 times a year.

Travel – We have taken some amazing trips on a budget. I did lots of research to find good deals on lodging and we camped on one of these trips (along with other camping weekend trips). We also drove rather than flew on all the trips except Germany. I packed food for snacks and some meals. There are lots of ways to save on travel. From the time our boys were 2-14 we traveled most spring breaks and summers. It has gotten more difficult in high school with homework, camps, activities schedules, etc. We did Myrtle Beach, Okaloosa Island, Assateague and Chincoteague, Colonial Williamsburg, Washington DC, Disney, Universal, The Keys, The Everglades, Asheville, Nashville, Panama City Beach, Destin, Michigan multiple times, Hilton Head, Chicago, Dauphin Island, and Germany. Fun fact: On every vacation my boys got a t-shirt and I am making them into a quilt for them soon.  I am so excited to do this!  

Education and Books for my kids – We spent money on opportunities to learn – extra classes, camps, lessons and books our boys wanted. They loved the library, too, but wanted to own books that they loved. We felt this was a good use of our money.

Museums and Experiences for my kids – I guess I could lump this in with the above category.  I never skimped on things like this and would always pay full price if I had to, but I have always been good about finding free things to do in my city.  I have researched free days or ways to get in for reduced fees.  We have gone to festivals and done some really unique things.

Boating – Boating is a big splurge but we had dreamed of being able to boat since before we were married.  We also live near a body of water and have family members with a boat business.  We took the plunge and bought a used boat 5 years ago and it has brought us so much fun.  We used to belong to a pool in the summers so I guess you could say this has replaced that – in a much more expensive way!  

So, that’s all I can think of for now!  If you lasted that long and are still reading, what are your saves and splurges?  What type of spender are you?  Remember I’m very curious about this topic!  Lol!  

Amy 

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Are you tired of your winter clothes yet?  I am still doing o.k. and maybe it is because of my challenge here!  I am linking up with The Style Six today so go hereand visit some wonderful ladies!  

I think I have more hits than misses now that I have pared down winter clothes that were not serving me well.  

This is what I wore to watch the UK game – blue top (for the team colors), black vest, black pants and clogs.  

Dinner out at at Mexican restaurant – Hue jeggings, Sanitas clog booties, black top, leopard sweater/kimono

School outfit – leggings, black top, pink ¨burberry plaid” sweater

School outfit – velvet matilda janes, velvet top, velvet kimono – too much velvet maybe? 

School outfit – leggings, swing dress, faux fur vest

School outfit – new polka dot top from Steinmart, black pants, black vest 

These all feel like my true style.  They were all comfortable and did you notice what they all had in common?  They all employ the rule of three.  I had three pieces in each outfit.  The third piece, the topper, or the completer piece ties the outfits together in my opinion.  

All of these pieces are KEEP!  I probably am close to the point where I can repeat and say that my winter closet is set.  I plan to only buy things that will work for spring unless I see a crazy good deal!

What about you?  What have you worn?  Any favorites in the outfits above?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

I always appreciate it when a blogger follows up on a product recommendation so today I thought I would share my honest thoughts on my Rothys flats that I purchased exactly a year ago – well, February 2019.  First, a disclaimer.  Everyone has different feet.  Everyone has different opinions.  I can only speak about the rounded toe flat as that is the only one I have purchased and worn.

I thought I would model for you on my mudroom tile.  I bought the mink color which I would call a purplish brown hue.  I found this color to really work with so much of my clothing.  You can see a little foot powder inside.  

I love the flattering v shape inside the shoe.  I love the material.  It is really a cool weave – made from recycled water bottles. 

I love the little blue stripe on the back of the shoe. 

They are the most comfortable flats I have ever put on my feet.  I also have Tieks and Tory Burchs and I have also worn a lot of flats over the years as a teacher.  

I think they are in great shape a year later and I have put them in the washer once.  

The only negatives for me are that I think they shrunk very slightly in the washer – I should have only washed the inner liners – and that they make my feet stink and sweat a bit.  I have not tried to find many solutions to this and really it is not a big deterrant for me. 

So, final thoughts – yes, it is a heck of a lot of money to spend but if you love flats and wear them often I think they are more than worth the money.  Maybe it would be a good use of Christmas or birthday money or you could request these if someone asks you for an idea. 

They have new styles and prints that are to die for.  I cannot justify another pair right now but I wish I could!  

Thoughts?  Anyone else own them?  

Amy  

Monday, January 27, 2020

Hello last week of January!  I am always relieved to be finished with January, which I know sounds bad.  It is a hard month for me.  Do you agree?  I am linking up with Heather, etc. so go here for other Monday posts.  I guess January hasn’t been too bad this year.  We have had mild temperatures and lots of sunshine.  

This weekend I was under the weather a bit.  I had the sore throat and a cough but nothing else really.  I bought a Starbuck’s medicine ball tea once and made them myself many other times.  I really think it works.  My homemade one needs a bit of peppermint oil but other than that it is really close!  

Fuzzy socks and medicine ball!

Friday night I met hub on his way home from work and our friends Dan and Kara for Mexican.  We had a nice time catching up with them. 

We didn’t share this time and we should have.  We brought home lots of leftovers. 

Jack had two last shows of Pride and Prejudice and was gone from 11 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday!  They had a cast sleepover (well – 6 cast members) and then he went back to the theatre for another audition.  Mason was gone all day for an academic competition. 

I made myself go get a pedicure and a manicure.  I had a hard time sitting for both at the same time!  I chose dark blue for both. 

I finally started You Season 2 on Netflix.  Beware – once you start you can’t stop. 

I haven’t had any good library books lately so I think I binged more because of that.  

I took the pink and sea green baskets back because I just didn’t like the look.  Thank you for all of your suggestions.  I could’ve lived with pink and white but decided to just keep the white I have.  I am done talking about my baskets now – I promise!  

Saturday night Mason was tired and wanted to stay home and work on homework so Tom and I went to watch the UK game at a pub with our friends Heather and Scott and Heather and Eric. 

This was before it filled up.  It got very rowdy and the speaker for the t.v. was right by me and we had to shout to talk.  It was not pleasant.  I can’t do the shouting over loud noise that I did in my twenties! 

Sunday I did meal prep (took a week off from it last week) and tried to do some shopping at Aldi.  Are all Aldis not created equally?  I see many bloggers get amazing things.  I don’t even think it’s that much less expensive than my Kroger prices.  I spent $34 on two bags of groceries.  That’s not that great in my opinion.  

Mason had to go to the library to work on a project but Jack was back in the nest.  When Mason got home, Tom and I left to see a matinee of The Gentlemen.  I see everything with Matthew McConaughey.  It was good but it is a Guy Ritchie film so they are a little bit different if that makes sense.  There were lots of famous people in it – Henry Golding and Hugh Grant were also in it.  

We didn’t go to our regular theater and we were not happy with the chairs not being as comfortable.  We are spoiled!  

We got home and finally had dinner with the four of us again!  It will be a busy week but then it will be February!  Maybe winter will come?  

How was your weekend?  I hope it was relaxing, productive, fun, and much more!  Stay healthy!  

Amy 

Thursday, January 23, 2020

These pretzels are really good but they are quite pricey!  $5 for a small bag was what I paid.  I think they are even more on Amazon.  Do you need an easy Superbowl recipe?  Read on!  

My aunt and cousin have been making these for years and then I put two and two together – they are very similar!  They were basically making Dots pretzels!  By the way, my aunt has lots of recipes that I use!  

What you Need:

3 bags Butter Twist pretzels (I went to three stores and could not find so I used thicker rods/sticks and I only used two bags but I used less oil and less ranch)

canola oil (1 cup)

1 and 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 and 1/2 tsp. dill weed

1 and 1/2 packet Ranch dressing powder 

Mix all together

Mix together.  Over the next few hours stir and then put in a baggie. 

Yum!  

Let me know if you try it!  Thanks Aunt Judy and cousin April!  

Amy 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Happy Hump Day, dear readers!  As much as I love a Monday off, it really throws off the whole week, you know?  It is already Wednesday!  

So I am continuing my Wear EveryTHING Til Spring challenge by wearing each piece that is seasonal until I repeat a piece.  As I do so, I am purging items as need be.  But, I have a problem.  My classroom is so hot – like I need short sleeves hot – and the weather outside is frigid.  I feel like a crazy person pulling items from my spring and fall section to add to my winter clothes.  I guess you could say this is forcing me to be creative and forcing me to wear more clothing?  I have been told there is no way to adjust my heating system in my room.  The only thing I can do is open a window and that does not go over well with the students sitting by the window!  

Matilda Jane olive long pants, camo top, light spring cream cotton cardigan(had to take cardigan off most of day!) – KEEP all!  

Black Chicos capris, black short sleeve, leopard duster.  The duster came off for most of the day.  KEEP all! 

I tried this outfit on and the vest just did not do it for me.

SELL vest! 

I changed to this sweaterish material leopard poncho.

KEEP! 

I wore this to eat Mexican.  I bought some Hollywood tape to help keep the buttons from slightly gaping open.  Old Navy button down, JCPenney fur vest, black Hue jeggins.  KEEP all! 

I am on the fence about this top.  I wore it to run Saturday a.m. errands. 

UNDECIDED! 

I had an opportunity to hit some stores over the long weekend.  I was still shopping for my closet so I went to Hobby Lobby, Target, and then also got to go to Kohls, Old Navy, and I wandered around the mall.  

I picked up two blouses at ON for 5.99 each.  They had blush and mustard.  I like the high yoke and I think they will work under my kimonos and cardigans – even now and not just in the spring!  

What do you think?  Good purchases? 

Closet Update:

Mom was right.  I waited a week and the additional white baskets were gone.  I feel like this looks too baby room.  I can still return them.  Thoughts? 

The floors have been really cold while getting ready and I knew I wanted a rug.  I was thrilled to find this at Marshalls for $29.  

Are you doing the challenge?  What have you been wearing lately?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

If you have been around blog-land, you have heard lots of talk about this hair tool.  These are available at Target or on Amazon and I’m sure other places as well.  I bought mine about a year ago and as I am writing this post it looks like I paid double the current Amazon price of $35.

First a little bit about my hair routine: I wash my hair at night and go to bed with slightly damp hair.  I wake up to dry hair but I have some bed head going on.  I spritz my hair with water mainly in the sections with bed head and then use my Revlon tool to fully dry those sections and to smooth my hair all over a bit.  If you wear your hair straight, you are done.  You look like you have a salon blow out – no joke.  

These are the tools I use to style my hair:

I prefer my hair curled.  I use a very old one inch barrel regular curling iron.  I learned the importance of clipping the top sections up and doing the bottom first.  I curl away from my face, then I let the clips out and curl the top. 

The finished product.  I think the curls look better after using my dryer tool first.  I have learned not to comb out the curls I just created.  I spray lightly with my hairspray and let them cool and then I use my fingers to style and…

use this comb to gently tease the top of my head a bit.  Then I do a final spray. 

My favorite hairspray.  It is only 5.99 and I now have it on autoship from Amazon because I can’t find it in my stores regularly.  It is really good for my hair.  My hair is fine and stick straight but I have a lot of it.  The smell of this hairspray is not offensive at all and I am very, very picky about smells. 

The finished product.  This only takes me about 10 minutes because my hair is virtually dry when I start. 

Word of advice:  If you start with really wet hair and you have a lot of hair, I would use a traditional blow dryer first and start with the Revlon tool when your hair is only damp.  I am the least coordinated person you will ever meet and I can use this tool successfully.  It won’t tangle in your hair.  I should have shown you a picture with straight hair, but I didn’t think of it.  

Do you own one?  If you have been on the fence, I do think it is well worth the $35.  

Amy