Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!  We are off today and hoping to see the movie “Knives Out” this afternoon.  Hub took off work today, too, and I think this is the first time for that!  He had some days to burn up before the end of the year.  I have all of my food shopping done, so I am excited to just enjoy the day.  

Here are a few outfits from last week:

Simply Southern leggings, Amazon long tee, old TJ Maxx vest, Tieks 

New JCP vest, New Kendra Scott necklace, MJ pants, and Target mules

Simply Southern leggings, Old Navy dress, old vest, Target mules

Tory Burch flats, Chico’s pants, black tee, Simply Southern duster

And, finally, this is a serious contender for Thursday but I maybe would wear my dark green Matilda Janes instead of these Old Navy pull on jeggings. This velvet shirt is from Old Navy last season and the kimono is new from Target – identical to my black one from A New Day Target line. I saw this color and fell in love.

What are you wearing tomorrow?

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

I thought I would share a fun and easy recipe that I just love.  If you are a long time blog reader, you have seen this before!  I plan to make these with only yellow, brown, and orange.  I already have the ingredients.  If you are looking for an easy recipe to take somewhere these would be great! You can even pick up the ingredients at a CVS or convenience store so you don’t have to go back to the grocery!

You need:

square waffle pretzels

Rolos

M and Ms

You will:

Lay the pretzels out on a cookie sheet while the oven is preheating to 350

Place a Rolo on top of each pretzel

Put in oven for about 5 minutes

When they come out, lightly smush M and Ms on top.

Put in fridge to harden for about an hour.  

We don’t host for Thanksgiving, but I bring a few dishes to each home.  We go to Tom’s sister’s house and to my mom’s house.  

What else I am making:

Mashed potatoes (Pioneer Woman’s recipe is the best and can be made ahead!)

Cranberry sauce with real cranberries (super easy and rewarding because it’s homemade! Again, I use Pioneer Woman’s recipe.  She uses orange juice.)

Corn pudding with Jiffy cornbread mix

Pumpkin fluff dip with baby Nilla wafers (just cool whip, instant vanilla pudding and a can of pumpkin)

Monkey bread for my family in the morning

Charcuterie board in lieu of lunch as we eat around 3

What are you making?  

Amy 

Monday, November 25, 2019

Here we go – 2 day week!  How was your weekend?  Mine was kind of lazy, but good!  

Thursday night our son Jack was in a play called “45 Presidents” that went through every single president in our country’s history and had a lot of history and humor.  He played multiple small parts.  It was cute!  Tom and I ran to the little Mexican restaurant to grab a bite before seeing it.  They did it again Friday night and his brother Mason went that night because he had a school project Thursday night.  

Saturday was grey and rainy!  Mason had a quick recall tournament all day and Jack had theatre all day.  I ran some errands alone in the morning and then Tom and I ran some together in the afternoon.  

I love my see through umbrella.  Have you seen these?  They are great because your vision isn’t blocked!  

One of my errands was Thanksgiving foods.  I have to prepare about 5 things between our two sides of the family.  I was really happy because I got all of this for $9!  I used my rewards checks and some coupons I accumulated.  More money for clothes now, right?  

What luck!  I have been on the waiting list for this book and my youngest sister found it at her library and I was jealous.  I walked into my library and there it was on the shelf for me.  My sister and I have read all of these books and they are just fun!  

Jack, Tom, and I went to a tavern to watch a little bit of football while waiting for Mason.  

These were probably the worst nachos I have ever had.  Why am I showing them?  I didn’t take many photos this weekend!  

Saturday night Mason got home and then immediately got a phone call to celebrate a friend’s birthday so he left again.  I am getting a glimpse into what life will be like next year.  

Sunday morning I went to my happy place – Target – just to wander around.  I hadn’t done this in ages.  I bought two things and I will show you if I decide to keep them.  

The rest of the day was laundry, cleaning, school work, and reading my book.  

I decided not to do meal prep with only 2 days of school.  

Tell me what you did this weekend!  There seemed to be a lot of people scurrying about buying food for the holiday and some even doing Christmas shopping, too.  I think people are frantic with less time between the two holidays this year.  

Thanks for visiting me!

Amy

Friday, November 22, 2019

3 more school days until Thanksgiving break!  I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. for one of my favorite link ups – where everyone shares their favorites of the week.  I love the positivity and I often get ideas for my own life!  Go here to check out some other posts!  

As always, thank you for reading and commenting!  It is definitely a highlight of my week every week to engage with my readers.  This is just a hobby for me – but one that has enriched my life so much.  I have made genuine friendships which sounds crazy.  Please pray for a very special blog friend of mine who is going through a tough time.  Also, please know that I realize the holidays are super hard for many.  If you are one of those, please know that you are in my thoughts, too.  

Today my favorites are a little bit different.  I wanted to share with you what I did with the remainder of my birthday money.  I talked about my other purchases here.  Maybe some of these things will serve as gift ideas for you.

O.k. so the flat lay (laying items out for a photo) is harder than it looks.  Do you notice anything different about my background?  I am using my new floors in the new master bedroom!  No, we are not moved in yet, but I am taking advantage of the light from the many windows and doors and the beautiful (to me) wood floors!  

Do not, I repeat, do not pay full price in the store at Old Navy.  They are practically giving things away online.  There is always some sort of extra percent off. I got the first three things for about $40!  That might be less than at a consignment store!  You can see me wearing many of these items here.  

This is the Old Navy loose fit tunic length button down.  I love buffalo plaid and this is the perfect length and perfect material.  I think this will be worn a lot!  I would really like to get another pattern.  Tip:  My work friend is very tall and orders tall versions from Old Navy.  If you are looking for longer length tops, this might be an option for you.  Tip:  I like to buy things with black in them because I know I have black bottoms.  Boring, maybe, but also smart.  

This is perfect for the woman who over heats easily.  You can take a cardigan off if needed and still look seasonal.  I just love black watch plaid.

These jeans/jeggings in petite are the perfect length for me.  I ordered regular size but in the petite/short length.

And, I ordered these two vests from JCPenney for $40 for both.  I avoided shipping costs by having them sent to my local store.  The great thing about these is the sweater material in the back and surprise! – they have pockets.  They are the Liz Claiborne brand which I think is really good quality at JCP.

What do you think?  These items came to about $80 and change.  That is pretty good for 5 items!  I think I used my birthday money wisely and had fun doing so.

So, those are my favorites from the week for the material things.  

For the non-material things, my favorites were my senior boys whose year is flying by (sadly), my hard working husband who is working hard on our renovation on the weekends, my sweet and funny students, a job that I love most days, and so much more!  

What are your weekend plans?  Our son is in a play tonight at school and then has theatre all day Saturday.  Our other son is in a quick recall/academic team match all day Saturday.  And, we will see where else the weekend takes us!

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

Thursday, November 21, 2019

I have been making one soup a week lately!  This may be my favorite thus far and I think it is definitely my husband’s!  This is sweet but has a bit of a spicy kick to it.  I really think the creamed corn makes the soup. 

There is just something comforting about a pot of soup simmering on the stove when the weather turns chilly.  The leftovers are even better.

Over the last few weeks I have made chili, taco soup with ground turkey, zuppa toscana, and now this!  

You will need:

half an onion, diced, and sauteed in the soup pot in EVOO before adding anything else

2 cans creamed corn

1 can chicken broth

1 can Rotel, drained

1 can green chilies

1 can regular corn

8 red potatoes microwaved and softened and then diced and added to mix

a few dashes of cumin, garlic powder, and pepper

a package of diced ham 

1/2 cup of heavy cream (add this about 10 minutes before serving)

This photo was taken before adding the Rotel (last minute idea!) and the heavy cream.

Add all ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for about an hour.  Add cream about 10 minutes before time to eat.  

Serve with cornbread if desired.  I highly recommend this brand and I love all the Krusteaz mixes.  They can’t be beat!  

Where do you stand on soup as a meal?  What is your favorite?  Let me know if you try this!  I got my recipe online but added a subtracted a few things!  

Amy 

Wednesday, November 20, 2109

Another Wednesday and another round of outfits!  I am linking up with The Style Six so go right here!  Also, I promised you some Thanksgiving outfit ideas but I have hardly gotten there yet – How is it this close to Thanksgiving already?  Hoping to still do more of that on the blog!  

Comfy school outfit, but still in need of a longer black top!  

That afternoon I switched to my liquid leggings and to booties to meet my friend for a happy hour meet up.  

I wore this dress for Thanksgiving a few years ago.  I have brown leggings underneath and the Versona vest you have seen every week.  

I got a new Old Navy tunic length button down and I love it!  This is part of my birthday money purchases.  

New black JCP vest and Old Navy jeans that I will tell you about soon – again, part of my birthday money purchases. 

Saturday errands outfit.  I love a vest instead of a coat for running in and out in the cold.  

Saturday night out outfit.  This poncho and these liquid leggings have already paid for themselves and both came from Target.  

And, school outfit with new Old Navy short sleeve plaid (another birthday money purchase).  I love this black watch plaid.  Also, because it is short sleeve it is good for those who run hot.  

And, of course, the first step to planning your Turkey Day outfit – the weather!  This is what ours looks like at this point.  Do you dress up for Thanksgiving or do you dress casually?  I think it is good to be comfortable but to make some effort.  That is sometimes hard to achieve!  

I also love to dress in fall colors because after Thanksgiving, I like to start wearing my reds, greens, blacks, Christmas colors and some sparkle and velvet fabrics.  Are you like that?  

Here is an idea for a jeans look.  Take a cute blouse and pair it with jeans and some jewelry and some booties.  

This could be a contender for this year.  It is comfortable and has fall colors!  

What do you plan to wear?  

What was your favorite outfit this week?  

Thanks for reading!  

Amy 

Tuesday, November 19. 2019

I have a great chili recipe in my opinion.  I always make chili on Halloween but I usually make my first pot when the first sign of fall comes.  This year I think it was the first weekend of October.  My son Mason loves my chili.  My mother in law gave me this recipe which she got from a neighbor which she got from the back of the tomato juice can I have found out!  

What you need:  

One can of Red Gold tomato juice (it’s in the juice aisle and not in the canned goods aisle!)

One pound of browned ground beef

One packet of chili seasoning mix.  I use the Kroger brand. 

One can of crushed tomatoes

One can of petite diced tomatoes

One can of chili hot beans (or kidney depending on your preference)

Half of an onion sauteed (can do at the same time as the beef if desired

One teaspoon sugar (it cuts the acidity of the tomato!)

One teaspoon cinnamon (trust me!)

Let everything come together in the pot for about an hour.

Serve atop cooked macaroni noodles and top with Fritos and shredded sharp cheddar.  That’s the way we like it around here!  

The finished product!  

Don’t dirty another pot – just do the meat and onion first in the same soup pot!  

Are you a fan of chili?  Let me know if you try this!

Amy 

Monday, November 18, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty good!  This is our last 5 day week before Thanksgiving break.  Unfortunately we do have school the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  I think it would be nice to have the whole week off like some districts have.  Oh well!  I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to see more posts!  

Friday after school I started the weekend off right with a margarita!  A co-worker and I headed to a Mexican place close to school.  Then, I went home, the boys got home from activities, and I made a hodge podge of food at home for dinner.  

Our family is watching Schitt’s Creek together now that we have finished That 70s show.  Benefit to having teens – they can watch mature humor with you!  

Saturday was a bunch of errands and running around.  

Tom and I went out to a new to us Mexican place (can one really have too much Mexican?) and I tried a smoked pineapple mezcal drink – yum!  

And, we split some bean dip and queso and a pork dish.  

After dinner, we stopped by our friends’ house because we were only a block away and they had a lovely fire going.  They had just gotten back from St. John and we wanted to see their photos.  We stayed for about an hour but it was a nice visit.  

Sunday, I tried to get organized for a busy week.  I had already done the grocery shopping, but I like to look at my calendar and write everything down.  Jack has a play this week that opens on Thursday and rehearsals every day until then.  

Then, Tom and I saw Ford v. Ferrari – his turn to pick after Last Christmas last weekend.  I really liked it!  

How was your weekend?  Any highlights?  Hope it was a great one!

Thanks for visiting!

Amy 

Friday, November 15, 2019

Happy Friday!  What a week!  I was out every evening except one and I am ready for some down time this weekend.  I am linking up with Andrea, etc. so go right here to see other posts!  

My first favorite was seeing these two laugh and hang out when Mason returned from Europe.  The laughter coming from their game room/study room in the basement warmed my heart.  

Mason brought me a mug to add to my collection!  I just love the size of these mugs and everything about them!  

I cannot remember getting snow this early!  And, it stuck around all week due to the cold.  Ignore the shutter-less windows.  We have new ones ready to be hung – another part of the makeover project going on at Casa Scott!  

I really loved this book and finished it last Sunday.  It was cute and heartwarming.  

I started this.  It seems a bit dry and a little different style than my normal chick lit easy reads.  No one recommended it – just saw it on a library shelf and it sounded interesting.  It is about the family dynamics in the 70s of a upper class family.  

I put my monogram on my beautiful rose gold Bru mate koozie from my sister in law.  It is so pretty and really keeps your drink cold!  

Hub and I saw this Sunday afternoon after I had already done my Hello Monday post.  He said I would not get to pick the next movie.  I liked it but it is probably a wait until it comes out on DVD/streaming service type of movie.  I love the two main characters, though.  Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are soooo cute!  I swear I got my hair cut before I saw this movie.  Her hair is cute!  

Last night I finally tried Narci of Grace and Love blog and Kellyann of This Blondes Shopping Bag blog Zuppa Toscana.  It is good. My kale needed a bit more time to get less crunchy, but I really liked it and it was perfect for the weather.  

I found time for a drink – look at that giant ice cube – of bourbon and gingerale – with my good friend and former co-worker of 17 years.  It always feels nice to do something fun during the work week and this was so nice!  Tell me about your week!  What was your highlight?  

Happy weekend!

Amy 

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Well, I will be honest with you.  I was getting very frustrated until last week when suddenly a lot started happening!  

We had trim carpenters put trim on the doors and windows of new master and new mudroom.

We had flooring laid!  

And, we had asphalt driveway dug up and new concrete driveway and foundation for patio in the back poured.  

Mudroom will have tile instead of wood but trim is done.  

So now, we wait again, but next time I update you I hope I have paint to show you!  

Amy